Roma Numismatics Auction IV by Roma Numismatics Ltd

Celtic, Greek, Roman and Byzantine coins. Celtic and Greek coins. Roman and Byzantine coins; multiple lots.

iii

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 mail, fax, post using the form provided, or online at www.RomaNumismatics.com. You may also participate live online during the sale at www.coretech.cc or www.thesaleroom.com.

The customer is responsible for submitting these in good time and confirming that the bids have been received.

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

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.coretech.cc, www.thesaleroom.com, and www.deamoneta.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 at www.coretech.cc, www.thesaleroom.com, or www.deamoneta.com. Roma Numismatics is not responsible for any missed lots or bids due to network speed or down-time. It is advisable to register at least 2-3 days in advance for this service.

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

MAIL BID FORM

First Name:

Surname:

Preferred Payment Method please indicate:

Company Name (if applicable): Address:

Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard): Bank Transfer:

Post/Zip Code:

Cheque:

Country:

Paypal: Telephone #:

Email Address: BIDS UNDER 80% OF THE ESTIMATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Lot # Max Bid Lot # Max Bid Lot #

Max Bid Lot #

Max Bid

POST, FAX OR EMAIL THIS FORM TO THE CONTACT DETAILS ON PAGE i.

I. II. III. IV. V.

VI.

VII. VIII.

IX. X. XI. XII.

XIII.

All estimates are in Pounds Sterling. The opening bids will be 80% of the estimate unless there are existing higher bids. There will be a 15% Buyer’s Fee added to the hammer price. VAT at 20% is due on the Buyer’s Fee only, not the hammer price. The auctioneer guarantees the absolute authenticity of any and all coins sold. There is no expiration to this guarantee. Any coins subsequently found to be not authentic will be exchanged for a full refund of the purchase price. Absentee bids must be submitted and received by 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. 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. The auctioneer will have absolute discretion to accept or decline any bid, withdraw lots from sale at any time until such point as the purchaser takes physical possession, re-open any lot, even after the hammer has fallen, in which a bidding error has occurred, and to determine in the event of a dispute, the final winner of a lot or to rescind the sale and put the lot up for sale again. For the protection of mail or absentee bidders, no ‘unlimited’ or ‘buy’ bids will be accepted. When identical bids are received for the same lot, preference will be given to the bid received first. A mail bid will take preference over a floor bid. Some lots may carry a reserve. The auctioneer reserves the right not to sell an item below the confidential price, or will repurchase the item on behalf of the consignor or for the account of Roma Numismatics Ltd. If a reserve exists the auctioneer reserves the right to bid on any lot on behalf of the consignor up to the amount of the reserve against any floor or mail bidders. The auctioneer also reserves the right to bid on any lot on behalf of Roma Numismatics Ltd. Title remains with the owner until such time as the customer has paid in full. 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. A 3.5% surcharge will be applied to credit card payments or payments made via PayPal. The customer is responsible for paying all bank charges and shipping and insurance costs. A 3% surcharge will be applied to lots won through www.coretech.cc or www.thesaleroom.com. Roma Numismatics is not responsible for any missed lots or bids due to network speed or down-time. The customer is responsible for paying all bank charges and shipping and insurance costs. By making a bid the customer agrees to the above terms and conditions and accepts to be bound by them. These conditions shall take effect and be construed in accordance with the provisions of English Law.

Any coins in this sale that fall under US import restrictions but may still be legally imported into the US are accompanied by documentation proving that they were outside of the source country prior to the effective date, or are accompanied by a valid export certificate issued by the country of origin. Any coins subject to US import restrictions that may not lawfully be imported into the United States of America will be clearly indicated as such with the note: ‘not suitable for US market’. Roma Numismatics will make every effort to ensure that US import restrictions affect our clients as little as possible, and will carry out all necessary importations and procedures as required on behalf of the client.

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: Please make payable to Roma Numismatics Limited Paypal (add 3.5%): sales@romanumismatics.com Credit Card (add 3.0%): contact us directly on +44 (0)20 3178 2874

vii

viii

COINS OF THE CELTS

BRITANNIA

Superb Issue of Tincomarus

1. Britannia, Atrebates. Tincomarus AV 1/4 Stater. Calleva, circa 25 BC-7 AD. TINC on rectangular tablet, C-A above and below / Winged head of Medusa facing, a pair of snakes knotted below the chin, two large snakes descending on either side of the face. ABC 1076; BMC 811ff; Van Asdell 378-1; SCBC 77; Spink 77. 1.18g, 11mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Among the finest known specimens, most of which are in museum collections.

5,000

These coins were long thought to have been issued by one ‘Tincommius’, an error resulting from the combination of the two separate abbreviated legends TINC and the patronymic COM. The Medusa head is suggested by Van Arsdell to have been inspired by that on the extremely rare aurei of L. Aquillius Florus (RIC 302), which was itself a later incarnation of the design used on the denarii of L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus (Crawford 445/1), that others have also cited as possible inspiration. However, there is no reason why the type should have been copied from another coin at all, since the winged medusa was a common motif on various artifices since the late seventh century BC, and Roman pottery and other imports had been appearing at Tincomarus’ capital of Calleva for some years before the start of his reign. The son and heir of Commius, Tincomarus succeeded his father around 25-20 BC. Based on coin distribution it is possible that Tincomarus ruled in collaboration with his father for the last few years of Commius’s life. Little is known of his reign although the numismatic evidence does suggest that he was sympathetic to Rome.

2. Britannia, Atrebates. Verica AR Fraction. Calleva, circa AD 15-42. VERIC, laureate head right / C.F within torc. ABC 1310; BMC 1526; Van Asdell 551; SCBC 150. 0.23g, 7mm, 1h. Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex A. Clarke Collection; ex Cotswold Collection.

200

GAUL 3. Central Gaul, Segusiavi / Aedui. Arus AR Quinarius. Circa 100-50 BC. Helmeted head right, sceptre over shoulder, SEGVSIA before / Hercules standing right, lion skin over left arm, [right arm leaning on club]; to right, mantled figure standing facing, ARVS to left. BMC 545-547; DT 32733274; BN 4622-4627. 1.84g, 16mm, 3h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare. A highly sought after coin for collectors of Gallic issues.

300

COINS OF THE GREEKS An Exceptional Drachm of Massalia

4. Gaul, Massalia AR Drachm. Circa 150-130 BC. Draped bust of Artemis right, wearing stephane, bow and quiver over shoulder; ligate HE to right / Lion standing right; MAΣΣAΛIHTΩN above and below, ligate HE to right. Depeyrot, Marseille 38/3; SNG Milano 19. 2.48g, 16mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Exceptionally good style and condition for a coin of Massalia, and one of the finest surviving coins of that city.

4,000

Ex Parsy, 15 April 2008, lot 191. Founded in around 600 BC by Greek colonists from Phokaia, Massalia was one of the first Greek ports in Western Europe. The city prospered greatly on account of its favourable position between Gaul and the Roman Republic; as an important trading link between the two, the city maintained its independence under Roman protection until 49 BC when it joined the losing side in the war between Caesar and Pompey. While all the coins of Massalia show a distinct Celtic flavour in the style of their engraving, and consequently vary in aesthetic merit from crude to the sublime, the present specimen represents a perfect blend of Celtic and Hellenistic influences that has resulted in dies of truly remarkable beauty. More impressive still is the condition in which this piece has survived, having been nearly perfectly preserved - despite the scale of production of the coins of Massalia, they are seldom found in such high grade.

CAMPANIA Very Rare and Among The Finest Known

Campania, Suessa Aurunca AR Didrachm. Circa 265-240 BC. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath, hair long and flowing, bow behind / Dioskouros, wearing a pilos and holding a palm-branch tied with a fillet, riding to left with a second horse beside him; SVESANO in exergue. SNG ANS 594-7 var.; Sambon -; SNG France -; HN Italy 447. 7.12g, 23mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

10,000

One of the finest known coins of Suessa, and struck from an obverse die that is superior in both style and technical accomplishment to any other produced at this city. Aurunca, the ancient capital of the Aurunci, was originally located on the edge of the extinct crater of Roccamonfina, and dated back to at least the 8th century BC. On that site today there remain ruined walls of cyclopean masonry, which may have formed the fortified core of the city, or a defensive fort for the protection of the population. The Aurunci came into conflict with Rome as early as 503 BC, but following their defeat in the Latin War, were subject to Roman dominion. An apparently unmotivated attack by the Sidinici in 337 caused the Aurunci to abandon their towns in Campania in favour of the new site of Suessa, which they renamed Aurunca. In 313 the Romans made a colony of the city, renaming it to Suessa Aurunca. On account of its favourable position between the Via Appia and the Via Latina, it became a centre of industry and commerce, retaining the right of coinage.

6. Campania, Neapolis AR Didrachm. Circa 320-300 BC. Diademed head of Parthenope right; behind, eagle standing right, ΔI below, wreath before / Man-headed bull, head facing, walking to right, crowned by Nike flying above to right; below, dolphin right. HN Italy 571; Sambon 448; SNG Milan 94 (same dies). 7.38g, 20mm, 2h. Good Very Fine.

1,500

7. Campania, Neapolis AR Didrachm. Circa 300-275 BC. Diademed head of Parthenope right, wearing pendant earring and pearl necklace; behind neck, Artemis standing facing, holding two torches; ARTEMI below truncation / Man-headed bull, head facing, walking to right, crowned by Nike flying above to right; NEAPOLITWN below. HN Italy 579; Sambon 460; SNG ANS 340; SNG France 778. 7.32g, 21mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Sharply struck on a large flan. Well centred.

3,000

Originally founded as Parthenope in the seventh or sixth century BC by Euboians from the nearby settlement of Kyme (Cumae), the city was named after the siren said to have washed ashore at Megaride after throwing herself into the sea when she failed to bewitch Odysseus with her song. Etruscan aggression in the centuries following the founding of Parthenope stymied its economic development to the extent that by the mid 5th century, the settlement had virtually ceased to exist. As Etruscan influence waned however, the area was occupied by settlers from Kyme who refounded the city somewhat further inland as Neapolis (new city). The original Parthenope came to be known as Palaipolis (old city), though the two quickly merged into a single entity.

8. Campania, Neapolis AR Didrachm. Circa 300-275 BC. Diademed head of Parthenope right, wearing pendant earring and pearl necklace; behind neck, Artemis standing facing, holding two torches; ARTEMI below truncation / Man-headed bull, head facing, walking to right, crowned by Nike flying above to right; NEAPOLITWN below. HN Italy 579; Sambon 460; SNG ANS 340; SNG France 778. 7.42g, 22mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

9. Campania, Neapolis AR Didrachm. Circa 300-275 BC. Diademed head of Parthenope right, wearing pendant earring and pearl necklace; kantharos behind; XA-PI below / Man-headed bull, head facing, walking to right, crowned by Nike flying above to right; NEAPOLITWN below. HN Italy 579; Sambon 467b. 6.92g, 21mm, 2h. Numerous marks on obverse, but otherwise Extremely Fine.

500

LUCANIA

10. Lucania, Poseidonia AR Stater. Circa 470-445 BC. ΠΟΜΕΣ, Poseidon standing right, wearing chlamys around shoulders, brandishing trident / Bull standing to left, ΠΟΜΕΣ (retrograde) above. SNG ANS 661. 8.10g, 20mm, 4h. Very Fine. Ex Rockefeller University, Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection.

500

11. Lucania, Velia AR Didrachm. Circa 305-290 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with griffin, A behind neck-guard, F before chin / Lion standing right, dolphin swimming to right above, I and F on either side, UELHTWN in ex. HN Italy 1307; SNG ANS 1375. 7.39g, 22mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. Attractively toned, lustrous metal.

1,000

Superb Didrachm of Velia

12. Lucania, Velia AR Didrachm. Circa 293-280 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing a crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin, Φ on the neck-guard, monogram behind / Lion advancing to right, a caduceus with a fillet above; YEΛHTΩN below. HN Italy 1316; SNG ANS 1395; Williams 528 (O266/R370); SNG Ashmolean 1388 (these dies); Boston MFA 160. 7.63g, 22mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Well centred on a very broad flan; beautiful old cabinet tone.

6,500

Ex Spink 20, 6 October 1986, lot 37; Ex Monnaies et Médailles 52, 19 & 20 June 1975, lot 39. According to Herodotus, in 545 BC Ionian Greeks fled Phokaia in modern Turkey, which was besieged by the Persians. Settling at Alalia in Corsica, the Phokaians were soon attacked by a combined force of Etruscans and Carthaginians, who dispatched a fleet of 120 warships to root out the Phokaians. Despite prevailing at the Battle of Alalia against a force twice their size, the Greek victory came at such a cost that they were left unable to defend themselves further, and the 6000 or so surviving citizens took to the sea, briefly stopping in Rhegion, before moving north along the coast to found the town of Hyele, later to be renamed Ele, and then, eventually, Elea. The location is nearly at the same latitude as Phokaia. Elea began minting coins on the Phokaian standard soon after its foundation, and continued to do so until it joined Rome in 273 BC, having successfully maintained its independence against the aggressive Lucani.

13. Lucania, Velia AR Didrachm. Circa 290-275 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin, A above, [F before]; IE on outlined tablet behind neck guard / Lion attacking stag left. HN Italy 1317; William 575; SNG ANS 1403. 7.47g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Beautiful tone and lustre.

1,500

14. Lucania, Thourioi AR Diobol. Circa 400-350 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with Skylla hurling stone; K on flap of helmet / Bull charging right, EY above, QOURIWN around. SNG Copenhagen 1488. 1.08g, 13mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

400

An Outstanding Image of Athena

15. Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla; ΣΑΝ behind neck guard / Bull charging right, ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ ΕΥΦΑ above; two fish swimming to right in exergue. HN Italy 1823; Noe, Thurian J6-J8 (these dies). 15.17g, 27mm, 3h. Minor flatness on obverse, but otherwise Mint State.

10,000

A head of Athena engraved in the finest classical style, superbly detailed throughout, with facial features that convey a femininity rarely seen on the coins of this series. Golden toning around the devices. The types presented on this coin allude to the origins of the city in the mid-fifth century BC: the foundation of Thourioi was the outcome of an appeal made by the refugees of Sybaris, recently destroyed by Kroton, to Sparta and Athens for assistance and reinforcement in their attempt to reestablish their city in the face of Krotoniate opposition. Athens answered their plea, dispatching ten ships manned by Athenians and Peloponnesians. Thus Sybaris was refounded, though dissensions between the Sybarites and the new colonists ended in a civil conflict, on account of the former laying claim not only to honorary distinctions, but to the exclusive possession of important political privileges. At length many of the Sybarites were expelled, and Thourioi’s population was swelled by fresh colonists from all parts of Greece. Though the Athenians by now formed a relatively small proportion of the population, Thourioi continued to be regarded as an Athenian colony, maintaining close ties with Athens, and indeed providing assistance to Athens’ ill-fated campaign against Syracuse. It is therefore unsurprising that Athena should feature as the patron deity of the city, prominently displayed on its coinage, while the reverse is an adaptation of the emblem of Sybaris, upon which Thourioi was built.

Pedigreed Stater of Metapontum

16. Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 530-500 BC. Ear of barley, META to right, all within border of pearls between double concentric circles / Incuse of obverse, incuse border radiating outward. Noe I, 86, 125 (this coin); SNG ANS 215 (these dies). 8.16g, 30mm. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

6,000

Ex Naville & Cie, 18 June 1923, lot 432.

17. Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 350 BC. Head of Demeter right, wearing drop earring, hair bound up with diadem / Ear of barley with leaf to left, MET to right. HN Italy 1528; SNG ANS 377; Noe 501. 7.90g, 23mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

Fifth and Finest Known

18.

Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 333-330 BC. Head of young Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Ear of barley with a leaf on left; META to right, Π-PO to left. Johnston, Class A6.1, pl. 2; de Luynes 471 (these dies); HN Italy 1560. 7.82g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, one of only five known specimens, and the finest by far.

30,000

Ex Bank Leu 48, 10 May 1989, lot 19. Metapontum was among the first cities of Magna Graecia to issue coinage, and indeed long preceded its later rival Tarentum in this respect. The choice of the barley ear as the civic emblem is unusual in that the other cities all struck coinage displaying types relating to their foundation myths or principal cults. Metapontum’s choice may well reflect a significant economic reliance on its major export, a hypothesis supported by the preponderance of Demeter portraits on its later coinage, a convention seemingly broken only in exceptional circumstances, such as the occasional Hygeia issue that was probably elicited by concern over pestilence, flooding or drought. The city’s reliance on its agricultural exports made it particularly vulnerable to the increasing barbarian attacks in the fourth century that eventually caused Tarentum to request the assistance of the Epirote king Alexander in driving the aggressive Lucani and other tribes back into the interior. It was this period of strife that caused the only significant variation in the coinage of Metapontum - the new demands placed on the city by the war aginst the Lucani and its support for Alexander of Epeiros’ campaign are undoubtedly the cause of the sudden rise in output of the mint, as well as the hasty overstriking of Pegasi. It was at this time that militaristic types were introduced, engraved in double relief, depicting the helmeted portraits of the heroes Tharragoras and the city’s founder Leukippos, along with the deities Zeus, Athena, Apollo and Herakles - a fitting series of coinage for a Hellenic city threated by barbaric aggressors. Indeed it is probably not coincidental that the contemporary issues at Tarentum similarly allude to war, depicting Taras armed, the horseman armed, and sometimes accompanied by Nike. It is also probable that the appearance of the same signatures, notably KAL and API, represent a coordination of defence efforts at a federal level, rather than an artist’s signature as is often suggested. The young head of Herakles shown here is remarkably similar in style, and in all probability intended to mirror that which featured on the coinage of Alexander the Great, to whom Alexander of Epeiros was uncle through his sister Olympias. It is not hard to imagine that the notion of Greek civilisation waging a just war against a barbarian foe should have been readily espoused by the cities of Magna Graecia; as Alexander campaigned in the East, so thus did Alexander in the West. In a famous passage, Livy reports that as Alexander of Epeiros lay mortally wounded upon the field of battle at Pandosia, he compared his fortunes to that of his illustrious nephew and said that the latter “waged war against women”.

19. Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 330-290 BC. Head of Demeter right wearing grain wreath, triple-drop earring and necklace; EY under chin / Ear of barley with leaf right, star above, META to left, ΛY below. HN Italy 1592; SNG ANS 500-501; Johnston Class C: 8.1 (same dies). 7.83g, 20mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

20. Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 330-290 BC. Head of Demeter right wearing grain wreath, triple-drop earring and necklace; EY under chin / Ear of barley with leaf right, star above, META to left, ΛY below. HN Italy 1592; SNG ANS 500-501; Johnston Class C: 8.1 (same dies). 7.90g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

750

21. Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 290-280 BC. Head of Demeter right wearing grain wreath, triple-drop earring and necklace / Ear of barley with leaf to right, two amphorae to right with star above, ΦΙ in lower right field, META to left. HN Italy 1625; SNG ANS 517; Johnston Class D: 4.16 (same dies). 7.76g, 22mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

750

22. Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 290-280 BC. Head of Demeter right wearing grain wreath, triple-drop earring and necklace; ΔI to left / Ear of barley with seven grains and leaf to right, META and ant to left, cornucopiae surmounted by two ears of barley to right, ΦI below leaf. HN Italy 1577; SNG ANS 516; Johnston Class D: 4.8 (same dies). 7.54g, 21mm, 2h. Good Very Fine.

750

23. Lucania, Metapontum Æ15. Circa 225-200 BC. Athena Alkidemos walking left, brandishing thunderbolt / Owl standing left on ear of barley, META to right. Johnston Bronze 68; HN Italy 1704; SNG ANS 566. 3.18g, 15mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

24. Lucania, Herakleia AR Stater. Circa 330 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing a rock; EY in left field / HRAKLHIWN, Herakles wrestling the Nemean lion: Herakles stands facing, head and upper body turned to left, right hand holding club behind body, left hand grasping lion’s throat; fluted jug beneath. [Club and APOL to left]. HN Italy 1378; SNG ANS 65; Van Keuren 51. 7.76g, 21mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine – an excellent example of this type.

8,000

The flourishing of an artistic culture in Herakleia is attested to by the beauty and variety of its coinage, and that they survive in relative profusion is demonstrative of the wealth and commercial importance of the city. Despite this, it is not often that one encounters them in as good a state of preservation as is the case with the present coin. The depiction of Herakles on the reverse of this coin places the hero in a typical fighting stance of the Greek martial discipline Pankration, or Pammachon (total combat) as it was earlier known. Indeed, this fighting style was said to have been the invention of Herakles and Theseus as a result of their using both wresting and boxing in their encounters with opponents. The stance portrayed on this coin is paralleled on an Attic black-figure vase in the BM depicting two competitors, one in a choke hold similar to that of the lion here. The composition of this deisgn is very deliberate - as the lion leaps forwards, Herakles who had been facing the lion, turns his body sideways. The myths tell us that Herakles had first stunned the beast with his club, and now he dodges the lion’s bite and reaches his right arm around its head to place it in a choke hold. Impressively careful attention has been paid to the detail on this die, including realistic rendering of the hero’s musculature, which has been engraved in fine style.

25. Lucania, Herakleia AR Didrachm. Circa 281-278 BC. Phi- and Sosi-, magistrates. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with wreath; FI behind neck / Herakles standing left, holding oinochoe in right hand, cradling club in left arm, lion skin draped over left arm; to upper left, Nike flying right, crowning him with wreath; SOSI to left, |-HPAKLEIWN to right. HN Italy 1393; Van Keuren 95; SNG ANS 83 var.; SNG Lloyd 277 (same dies); SNG Ashmolean -. 7.79g, 21mm, 3h. A few minor flan flaws, but otherwise Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,500

APULIA

26. Apulia, Teate Ă&#x2020; Quadrunx. Circa 225-200 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / TIATI, lion standing right, club above, star below, four pellets in ex. HN Italy 704 var. (no star); SNG ANS 5 (Apulia appendix) 1230; SNG Copenhagen 700. 12.83g, 25mm, 2h. Good Very Fine; rare this well preserved. Scarce.

1,000

CALABRIA

27. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 480-470 BC. Taras seated on dolphin to right, shell below, TAPAÎŁ (retrograde) behind / Wheel with four spokes. Vlasto 73; HN Italy 833; SNG ANS 827. 8.06g, 20mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

28. Calabria, Tarentum AR Diobol. Circa 380-325 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla / Herakles kneeling right, strangling lion with one hand and holding club lowered, K between legs, TA above. Vlasto 1299. 1.06g, 13mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

29. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 350-345 BC. Warrior dismounting from horse left, holding spear and shield / Taras astride dolphin right, holding short spear in right hand and trident in left; FI below. HN Italy 870; Fischer-Bossert Group 44, 639f (this coin) = Vlasto 394 (this coin). 7.60g, 22mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

Ex M.P. Vlasto Collection; Ex CNG 81, 20 May 2009, lot 92; Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CXII, August 2004, no. GK1304; Ex Leu 91, 10 May 2004, lot 8.

New ‘Lysippan’ Style

30. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 333-332 BC. Warrior, preparing to cast spear held in right hand, holding two spears and shield in left, on horse rearing right, eight-rayed star on hind leg; ΣA below / Taras, holding kantharos in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm, astride dolphin left; AP to left, TAPAΣ to right; below, small dolphin left. HN Italy 937; SNG ANS 996 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 314; Fischer-Bossert 847k (V336/R658) = Vlasto 600 (this coin). 7.79g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

4,000

Ex Deyo Collection; Ex A. D. Moretti Collection; Ex M.P. Vlasto Collection; Ex CNG 40 (with NAC), 4 December 1990, lot 587; Ex Sotheby’s, Wilkinson & Hodge, 15 June 1896, lot 99. A superb coin with a distinguished pedigree that displays a wonderful old cabinet tone. Struck from dies of excellent style that radiate elegance. Traditionally this type has been attributed to a time span between 330 BC to 300 BC. However, we may correct the dating of this type, since the presence of the Epirote eight-rayed star on the hind leg of the horse indicates that this was a die produced during the intervention of King Alexander Molossus of Epeiros, who accepted an appeal by the Tarentines to campaign against their belligerent Italic neighbours the Brutii, Samnites and Lucani. This issue is linked by magistrates’ names and control symbols of marine significance to other issues of Alexander at Tarentum. Stylistically it must also be contemporaneous with the issues signed ‘KAL’, due to the undeniable similitude of the obverse die engraving which is in all probability the work of the same master who is often celebrated as the ‘KAL’ engraver. Though it is unlikely that was his name (see A. Johnston, The Coinage of Metapontum, Pt. 3), it remains possible and indeed probable that the same talented individual was responsible for the creation of dies at Tarentum, Metapontum and Herakleia.

31. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 333-332 BC. Warrior, preparing to cast spear held in right hand, holding two spears and shield in left, on horse rearing right, eight-rayed star on hind leg; ΣA below / Taras, holding kantharos in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm, astride dolphin left; AP to left, TAPAΣ to right; below, small dolphin left. Vlasto 602 (this obverse die); SNG ANS 995 (this obverse die); HN Italy 937. 7.85g, 22mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive lustre.

3,000

A Masterful Tarentum Nomos

32.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 333-330 BC. Nude youth on horse standing to left, looking up at figure standing right as he unbridles horse with both hands; |- to left, D to right; KAL and X below horse / Taras, nude, riding dolphin to right, preparing to dismount; right leg stretched downwards, left raised up, holding bow and arrows in his left hand and an arrow in his right; TAPAS behind, ΦI below. Basel 94 (this coin); Fischer-Bossert 725f (this coin, illustrated on pl. 41); G. Giacosa, Uomo e Cavallo, pl. 56 (this coin); HN Italy 900; SNG ANS 975; Vlasto 563 (this coin). 7.85g, 22mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

10,000

Ex Star Collection; Ex A. Moretti Collection; Ex M. P. Vlasto Collection; Ex LHS 102, 29 April 2008, lot 10; Ex NAC 13, 8 October 1998, lot 94. This, one of the most beautiful of all the Tarentine coins, displays an elegance and refinement of design that is quite unlike any other. The fluidity of movement implied in the stills portrayed on this coin is quite remarkable, showing the young rider clinging firmly and apprehensively onto the restless horse’s mane as the figure on the left, perhaps the youth’s father, gracefully removes the bridle. While a jockey-owner relationship between the figures on the obverse has been suggested, this cataloguer considers it more likely that the disparity in size between the two figures and the deliberately upturned gaze of the rider, paying careful attention to the figure on the left, denotes a father-son scene wherein the skills of horsemanship which may later be applied in battle, are taught and practised in youth. Upon the reverse, Taras appears to be in mid dismount, his right leg already pointed down as his upper body turns, and his left leg is brought up ready to be swung over the dolphin’s head. Taras’ gaze is directed upwards, as is his bow arm, suggesting that the one arrow he holds in his right hand is intended for the object upon which he has fixed his sight. The singular attention to detail that has been paid to the engraving of this coin demonstrates an advanced understanding of anatomy and behavioural motion that necessarily indicates a keen student of natural observation. The resulting dies convey at once a superb elegance and startling level of realism that set this apart as a masterwork of high classical art.

33. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 332-302 BC. Warrior on horseback right, preparing to cast spear downward with right hand, holding shield and two spears in left hand, HRAKL below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding shield and spears in left hand and extending right hand upon which Nike flies right to crown him; ΦΙ below, TAPAS behind. HN Italy 936; Vlasto 599 (these dies); SNG ANS 994 (these dies). 7.87g, 22mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

34. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 280-272 BC. Nude youth on horse standing to left, looking up at figure standing right as he unbridles horse with both hands; ΓY to right, API-ΣTI-Π in three lines below / Taras, holding bow and arrow, astride dolphin right, elephant to right below, TAPAS behind. Vlasto 736; HN Italy 1000. 6.47g, 22mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

1,500

35. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 280-272 BC. Nude youth on horseback right, crowning horse that raises left foreleg; EY above, ΑΠΟΛΛΩ and two amphorae below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding kantharos and cradling long trident; B in right field, TAPAS below. Vlasto 764; SNG ANS 1118. 6.59g, 23mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

36. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 280-272 BC. Nude youth on horseback right, crowning horse that raises left foreleg; EY above, ΑΠΟΛΛΩ and two amphorae below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding kantharos and cradling long trident; ΘI behind, TAPAΣ below. HN Italy 1010; Vlasto 763; SNG ANS 1119. 6.51g, 22mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

37. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 275-235 BC. Lykinos, magistrate. Nude rider crowning horse left, SU to right, LUKI-NOS in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin left, brandishing trident, wearing chlamys around shoulders and left arm, owl standing left, TARAS below. Vlasto 836; HN Italy 1025; SNG ANS 1165. 6.53g, 20mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old toning. Ex Norman Davis Collection.

2,000

38. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 275-235 BC. Lykinos, magistrate. Nude rider crowning horse left, SY to right, LUKI-NOS in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin left, brandishing trident, wearing chlamys around shoulders and left arm, owl standing left, TARAS below. Vlasto 836; HN Italy 1025; SNG ANS 1165. 6.33g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

500

Rare Hanniballic Issue

39. Calabria, Tarentum AR Reduced Nomos. Occupation of Hannibal. Circa 212-209 BC. Nude youth on horseback right, placing wreath on horse’s head; KLH above, SHPAM-BOS below / Taras astride dolphin left, holding trident in right hand, aphlaston in left; monogram behind, TAPAS below. HN Italy 1078; Vlasto 971; SNG France 2062; SNG ANS 1263; SNG Copenhagen 948. 3.72g, 20mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

3,000

Ex Ronald Cohen Collection, Triton VIII, 11 January 2005, lot 28; Ex Tkalec, 24 October 2003, lot 12. Hannibal used the region around Tarentum and Metapontum as winter quarters during his occupation of southern Italy. He installed his own magistrates and struck coinage based on the Punic half shekel standard.

BRUTTIUM

40. Bruttium, Rhegion AR Tetradrachm. Circa 415-387 BC. Lion’s head facing / Laureate head of Apollo right, RHGINON before, laurel sprig behind. HN Italy 2496; Herzfelder 90. 17.07g, 23mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. Struck in high relief; old cabinet tone.

7,500

Ex CNG MBS 47, September 1998, lot 78.

41. Bruttium, Terina AR Stater. Circa 445-425 BC. Head of the nymph Terina left, wearing ampyx and earring, her hair tied up; all within olive wreath / Nike seated to left, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and resting left on stool, [TEPI]NAIΩN above. McClean pl. 62, 3 (same dies); Holloway-Jenkins 18; HN Italy 2576; Regling 18. 7.74g, 22mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

4,000

Ex NAC Auction Q, 6 April 2006, lot 1149. Little is known of the history of Terina. The city was probably founded by Kroton around the time of the Krotoniate defeat of Sybaris circa 510 BC. A war with Thourioi is attested a few years after 444/3 BC. In 356 the city was besieged and taken by the Brettians, and it became a Brettian community, surviving the conquest of Alexander the Molossian in 325. Ultimately, Terina was razed by Hannibal in 203 and never rebuilt.

42. Bruttium, Terina AR Stater. Circa 420-400 BC. Head of the nymph Terina right, hair in sphendone; [TEPINA]IWN around / Nike seated to left on a cippus, the base shown in perspective, a small bird resting on outstretched right hand, small Π in right field. Holloway & Jenkins 64 (these dies); SNG ANS 843; SNG Lloyd 753 (these dies); HN Italy 2617. 7.61g, 22mm, 5h. Near Very Fine. Beautiful style.

1,500

43. Bruttium, Terina AR 1/3 Stater. Circa 325-300 BC. Head of the nymph Terina to right, TEPI behind / Nike seated to left on a cippus, the base shown in perspective, a small bird resting on outstretched right hand. SNG München 1741; cf. SNG ANS 858. 2.33g, 15mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful old tone. Very Rare.

1,000

44. Bruttium, Terina AR Tetrobol. Circa 300 BC. Head of the nymph Terina left, TEPINAIΩN in front, triskeles behind / Nike seated to left on a cippus, the base shown in perspective, a small bird resting on outstretched right hand, monogram before. Holloway-Jenkins, Terina 112; SNG Copenhagen 2028; SNG ANS 861. 2.42g, 17mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Attractive golden toning.

2,000

Ex Peus 410, 3 Nov 2010, lot 35.

45. Bruttium, Lokroi Epizephyrioi Æ26. Time of Pyrrhos of Epeiros, circa 281-272 BC. Head of Athena left wearing Corinthian helmet / LOKRWN, Pegasos flying left, thunderbolt below. SNG ANS 575-6; HN Italy 2384; SNG Copenhagen 1891. 11.24g, 26mm, 9h. Very Fine. Rare.

200

Very Rare 1/10 Stater of Lokroi Epizephyrioi

46. Bruttium, Lokroi Epizephyrioi AV 1/10 Stater. Time of Pyrrhos of Epeiros. Circa 280 BC. Attic standard. Head of eagle left with serpent in its beak, OL above / Winged thunderbolt. HN Italy 2346; SNG ANS 498; SNG Lloyd -; SNG Ashmolean -; SNG Copenhagen 1857; Jameson 447; Pozzi 795. 0.85g, 10mm, 2h. Very Fine. Usual area of flat strike. Very Rare.

2,000

Like most of the gold issues of Magna Graecia, this coin can be associated with a time of emergency that required the striking of extraordinary currency. This type most likely hails from the time of Pyrrhos of Epeiros’ campaign in Italy, as the weight standard adheres more closely to that present during the third century, and has a parallel in an issue struck at Tarentum that has been definitively dated to this time.

Hera Lakinia

47.

Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 390-380 BC. Head of Hera Lakinia three-quarters facing, turned slightly to right, wearing low polos ornamented with palmettes / Youthful Herakles seated left on a rock draped with his lion skin, holding a one-handled cup in his right hand and resting his left on his club; bow below, ΚΡΟΤΩΝΙΑΤΑΝ around. HN Italy 2167; SNG ANS 371 (same obverse die); SNG Ashmolean 1522 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 793 (same obverse die); Dewing Coll. 511 (same obverse die); SNG Lloyd 616 (same obverse die); AMB 198. 7.90g, 22mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Stunning toning. Rare.

30,000

Ex Nomos 1, 6 May 2009, lot 8; Ex Barry Feirstein Collection, NAC 39, 16 May 2007, lot 7; Ex Triton II, 1-2 December 1998, lot 125. This issue is nearly always found in terrible condition, the coins being plagued by poor striking, heavy die wear, excessive circulation and corrosion. This magnificent example is a fortuitous exception, being soundly struck on good metal, well centred and beautifully toned. The depiction of Hera on the reverse is that of a local aspect of the deity, whose sanctuary the Heraion Lakinion was situated 10 kilometres away from Kroton at Lakinion, now Cape Colonna. The site takes its name from the sole surviving column of the temple built upon that spot in around 470 BC, which was largely intact until the sixteenth century when it was extensively quarried. Theocritos’ Korydon sings the praises of the ‘Lakinian shrine that faces the dawn’, and Livy 24.3.3-7 tells us that it was ‘a building more famous even than the city itself and held in reverence by all the peoples there around’ and that within was a column of solid gold dedicated to the goddess. By the time of Livy’s writings however, the temple had long been plundered. This is one of the very few representations of Hera on Greek coins, despite the importance of her cult to the early Greeks. The portrait was inspired by Kimon’s famous facing Arethusa tetradrachm, that was widely admired and imitated throughout the ancient world. Hera’s headdress, a low crown known as a polos, was no longer worn in classical times but was common in Mycenaean art. Many of the terracotta figurines from late Helladic IIIA Mycenaean period circa 1400–1300 BC seem to wear poloi, and its use can thus be seen as a deliberate archaism for representing a Mother Goddess. The figure of Herakles on the reverse is probably taken from a fifth century statue that was erected in his honour as the mythical founder of the city.

The Second Punic War

SICILY

48. Sicily, Carthaginian military mint AR 1/2 Shekel. Second Punic War issue, circa 213-210 BC. Head of Hannibal-Melkart left / African elephant advancing right, Punic aleph in exergue. SNG Copenhagen 383; A. Burnett, “The Enna hoard and the silver coinage of the Syracusan democracy,” SNR 62 (1983), 116-31. 3.38g, 18mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasantly toned. Rare.

5,000

Initially attributed to a Spanish mint by Robinson (Num. Chron. 1964), the discovery of examples in the Enna hoard and other Sicilian hoards (Burnett, pg. 11) makes it more likely that this coin was either struck in Carthage or a military mint of unknown location in Sicily for the campaign of 213-210 BC. Though the obverse is still debated by scholars, it is very likely that it incorporates the features of the prominent general Hannibal into the image of the deity Melkart in much the same way that Alexander The Great’s features were amalgamated with the image of Herakles.

49. Sicily, Lilybaion (as ‘Cape of Melkart’) AR Tetradrachm. Circa 330-305 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga right, Nike flying left above, crowning charioteer with wreath held in both hands; RŠMLQRT in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace; four dolphins around. Jenkins, Punic 47 (O16/R36); SNG ANS 731; SNG Lloyd 1600; Jameson 598; de Luynes 919 (all from the same dies). 17.18g, 24mm, 12h. Near Mint State. A virtually perfect example of the type.

7,500

Ex Deyo Collection; Ex Superior, 10 December 1993, lot 1641.

50. Sicily, Lilybaion (as ‘Cape of Melkart’) AR Tetradrachm. Circa 330-305 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in both hands; [RŠMLQRT in exergue] / Head of Arethusa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace; three dolphins around. Jenkins, Punic 55; BMC 16 (same dies); SNG Lockett 742 (same dies). 16.86g, 23mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Fine Style.

2,000

51. Sicily, Selinos AR Didrachm. Circa 480-460 BC. Selinon leaf / Dekapartite incuse punch. SNG ANS 672; SNG Copenhagen 591. 8.92g, 21mm. Extremely Fine.

3,000

Fine Style

52. Sicily, Entella AR Tetradrachm. Circa 320-300 BC. Head of Tanit right, wearing wreath of grain leaves, triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; four dolphins around / Horse’s head left, palm tree with date clusters behind; S’MMHNT = “People of the Camp” in Punic script below. Jenkins, Punic, 176 (dies O51/R 156). 17.15g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. A superb example of the type.

12,500

Privately purchased from Tradart, circa 1978. The Siculo-Punic series of tetradrachms were from the outset intended for the financing of Carthaginian military campaigns in Sicily. Commencing in the late fifth century BC, the coins often combined traditional Carthaginian symbols with types inspired by the designs of Greek Sicilian citystates. The styles of these coins varied considerably from those bearing a distinctly ‘Punic’ appearance, to those that were very fair emulations of the work of Syracusan masters.

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

2,500

A Beautiful Panormos Tetradrachm Inspired by Kimon

54.

Sicily, Panormos (as Ziz) AR Tetradrachm. Circa 405-380 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in left hand, reins in both, driving fast quadriga right; Nike flying left above, crowning charioteer with wreath she holds with both hands; hippocamp swimming to right in exergue, Punic ṢYṢ before / Head of nymph left, wearing ampyx, triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; three dolphins around. Jenkins, Punic 30 (O7/R26); SNG ANS 538 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1583 (same dies); Rizzo pl. LXIV, 27. 17.19g, 27mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

35,000

Ex Pierre Arnaud Collection, Hess-Divo 307, 8 June 2007, lot 1064; Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG 79, 28 February 1994, lot 147. The influence of Greek designs on the Punic coinage of Sicily is particularly evident on this coin. Jenkins (Coins of Punic Sicily, SNR 50, 1971) identifies the reverse portrait as being a ‘free adaptation’ of the portrait of Arethusa on Kimon’s dekadrachm. While the portrait lacks the hair net of Kimon’s Arethusa, the triple-drop earring and characteristic curls on the top of the head are emphasised in the design. While Jenkins admits that the result is ‘remote’ from Kimon’s original, the second generation of Kimonian copies (reverse dies 28-29) are much closer reproductions, such that the inspiration for the type is indisputable. The erudite cataloguer of Triton XIII noted that the obverse is a copy of the work of ‘Euth...’, who produced a radical, energetic die (Tudeer obv. die 15) at Syracuse, a work whose key elements are reproduced here. As the reverse is a relatively free interpretation of Kimon, so too is the obverse an adaptation of ‘Euth...’; gone are the wings of the charioteer and the Skylla; instead of this symbol of Syracuse we see a hippocamp, perhaps taken from the coinage of either Himera or Messana, and in the place of the artist’s signature on the original is the Punic ethnikon ‘Ziz’. Inspired by these types, the artist or artists responsible for this coin have produced immensely beautiful dies that are amongst the very finest in the whole Siculo-Punic series.

A Beautiful Series of Akragantine Coinage Akragas was founded by colonists from Gela circa 582-580 BC in a highly favourable location on a plateau overlooking the sea, and was supplied with water by two nearby rivers. The city’s position benefitted it greatly, and it quickly became one of the wealthiest Greek colonies in Sicily.

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

3,500

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

6,000

Ex NAC 52, 7 October 2009, lot 56.

57. Sicily, Akragas AR Didrachm. Circa 495-478 BC. Sea eagle standing left with folded wings; AKRACAΣ around / Crab within incuse circle; ΕΧΑ (retrograde) below. SNG ANS 919 var.; Jenkins, Gela 6 var.; Traité 2328 = de Luÿnes 848 (same dies). 8.79g, 20mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

4,000

Ex Triton XIII, 5 January 2010, lot 28; Ex A. D. Moretti Collection, NAC Auction P, 12 May 2005, lot 1135. The didrachm issues of Akragas with either symbols or letters (as here) on the reverse are very rare, and must have been issued toward the end of the didrachm series.

58. Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-420 BC. Sea eagle standing left with folded wings, AKRACANTOS around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. SNG ANS 979; SNG Lloyd 810 (this obverse die). 17.09g, 24mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Well struck for the type; beautifully toned. Ex Tkalec Auction, 7 May 2009, lot 10.

12,500

Rizzo Plate Coin

59. Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 440 BC. Sea eagle standing left with folded wings, AKRACANTOS around / Crab seen from above, scrolled vine tendril below ending in flower buds. Rizzo, pl. 1, 6 (this coin); SNG ANS 982 (these dies); Kraay-Hirmer 172. 17.26g, 24mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the issue. Rare.

20,000

Ex Leu 28, 5 May 1981, lot 21.

Extremely Rare Didrachm

60. Sicily, Akragas AR Didrachm. Circa 413-406 BC. Eagle standing left, with its wings spread, attacking a coiled serpent held in its talons, [AKPAΓANTINON before, ΣTPATΩN behind] / Crab, vine-leaf above, fish (Polyprium Cernium) below to left. K. Schefold, Meisterwerke Griechische Kunst, Basel (1960), 467; SNG ANS 1001; Rizzo, pl. III, 2; Gulbenkian 165 = Jameson 2416. 8.42g, 22mm, 4h. Good Fine - Near Very Fine. Horn silver deposits; surface somewhat smoothed. Extremely Rare.

3,000

61. Sicily, Akragas Æ28. Circa 400 BC. Head of youthful river-god right, caduceus before, crab behind / Blank worn surface. SNG Copenhagen 89 var. (no caduceus); SNG Ashmolean 1685; SNG ANS 1081. 16.29g, 28mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

An interesting example of the Akragas countermark series. 62. Sicily, Akragas Æ Hemilitron. Circa 400-380 BC. Diademed head of river-god left, AKRAGAS before / Eagle standing left on Ionic column, head right; crab to left, six pellets (mark of value) to right. CNS 89; SNG ANS 1097-1101. 17.84g, 26mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. A very attractive example of the type. Rare.

3,000

63. Sicily, Akragas AR Drachm or 1/2 Shekel. Circa 213-211 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Sea eagle standing right with spread wings; DG monogram to right. SNG ANS 1135. 3.33g, 20mm, 11h. Pleasantly toned. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Akragas suffered badly during the Second Punic War, during which both Rome and Carthage fought to control it. This coin dates from the time of the Punic occupation. The Romans eventually captured Akragas in 210 BC and renamed it Agrigentum.

64. Sicily, Solous Æ19. Circa 400-350 BC. Male head left, wearing Attic helmet, punic letter below / Horse galloping right, caduceus behind. CNS I, 9; SNG ANS -; SNG Copenhagen-; BMC -. 7.82g, 19mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine, and among the finest known. Extremely Rare.

2,000

Solous was one of the three primary Phoenician colonies in Sicily, and was one of the few settlements they retained as they conceded ground in the face of Greek colonisation, retreating to the northwest corner of the island. The city became a dependency of Carthage and remained so until after the fall of Panormos in the Second Punic War, when it opened its gates to the Romans.

Superb Himera Tetradrachm Signed by ‘Mai...’

65. Sicily, Himera AR Tetradrachm. Circa 409-408 BC. Signed by the artist MAI(...). The nymph Himera driving a galloping quadriga right, Nike flying left above, holding wreath and tablet inscribed MAI; hippocamp left in exergue / The nymph Himera, wearing a long chiton and peplos, standing left, holding a phiale in her right hand and raising her left; to left, horned altar; to right, satyr standing right, showering in a fountain with a lion’s head spout. Basel 306; Guttmann & Schwabacher 20; Kraay-Hirmer 71; Arnold-Biucchi 22. 17.51g, 27mm, 11h. Mint State. Bold iridescent toning.

10,000

Ex European Collection, purchased circa 1980. The reverse of this coin shows the nymph Himera at the city’s principle altar, which was likely to have been that of Asklepios. The satyr to right bathes in the warm waters of the spring at Himera. The tablet on the obverse of this coin is the only known die signed by the artist ‘MAI...’; it is very possible that the career of this evidently talented artist was cut short by the complete destruction of Himera at the hands of the Carthaginian general Hannibal Mago.

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

7,500

67. Sicily, Gela Æ Tetras. Circa 420-405 BC. Head of young river-god right, GELAS behind / Bull standing left, olive-branch above, three pellets in ex. SNG ANS 121; Jenkins 523,3; CNS III, p. 20, 42; SNG Copenhagen -. 3.17g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the type, with a handsome dark patina.

500

68. Sicily, Gela Æ Uncia. Circa 420-405 BC. Head of young river god right, barley-grain behind / GELAS, Bull standing left, olive-branch above, pellet in ex. Jenkins, Gela 500; cf. SNG ANS 108. 1.19g, 11mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

100

Very Rare and Exceptional Sikeliote 8 Litrai

69. Sicily, Morgantina AR 8 Litrai. The Sikeliotes. Circa 214-212 BC. Head of Persephone left, veiled and wearing wreath of grain ears; leaf to right / Nike, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving fast quadriga right; monogram above, ΣIKEΛIΩTAN in exergue. Erim & Jaunzems II; BAR Issue 3; Campana 12; SNG ANS 1168 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1578 (same obv. die); Gulbenkian 362 = Bement 557 (same obv. die); Jameson 885. 6.98g, 23mm, 10h. Fleur De Coin. Very Rare.

5,000

Ex Sternberg XXIV, 19-20 November 1990, lot 16. As part of the Syracusan kingdom of Hieron II, Morgantina was implicitly allied to Rome. After the death of Hieron however, Morgantina in 214 BC switched its allegiance to Carthage. Morgantina remained autonomous and acted as a centre of pro-Carthaginian operations in Sicily until it was conquered in 211 by Roman forces - the last Sicilian city to fall.

70. Sicily, Leontinoi AR Didrachm. Circa 470 BC. Nude rider on horseback right / Lion’s head left, LEONTINO (retrograde) and four grains of barley around. SNG ANS 209 (these dies); SNG Lloyd 1044. 8.38g, 20mm, 7h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

600

Ex Kunker 124, 16 March 2007, lot 7855.

71. Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 430-413 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Lion’s head left, with open jaws and tongue protruding; three barley grains around; leaf behind. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 55 (same dies); SNG ANS 257 (same dies); cf. SNG Copenhagen 349; Rizzo pl. XXIV, 4 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1063 (same obverse die); Basel 353 (same dies). 17.36g, 23mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned, lustrous metal.

2,500

72. Sicily, Leontinoi Æ Tetras. Circa 405-402 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, LEON before, olive-branch behind / Tripod, kithara behind legs, barley-grain on either side, three pellets in ex. SNG ANS 270; Calciati III, 77, 3. 2.19g, 15mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

150

A High Grade Example of A Classic Rarity

73.

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull swimming to right; above, a nude horse-tailed Silenos kneeling to right on left knee, stretching left hand over the god’s head; Ketos to right in exergue / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand; KATANAION around. Rizzo pl. 9, 14 (these dies); Giesecke, Sicilia pl. 4, 1 (these dies); Mirone 31 no. 19 (these dies). 16.89g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

30,000

Truly exceptional for the issue. An extremely rare variety of an already very rare and spectacular series of coinage. Ex A. Moretti Collection, NAC 13, 8 October 1998, lot 382. 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 Hellenized, but the Naxian founders kept the autochthonal name for their new home on the banks of the river Amenanos. This outstanding coin hails from the very first emission of the city in its own name, issued in celebration of the return of the Chalkidic inhabitants of Katane to their homeland following the Aitna episode. Hieron, Tyrant of Syracuse, had forcibly transferred the populations of Katane and Naxos, Katane’s parent city, to Leontinoi, renamed Katane as Aitna and settled it with 5000 colonists from Syracuse and 5000 Dorians from the Pelopponese. However, after the death of Hieron in 466 and the overthrow of his brother Thrasybulos less than a year later, relations between the newly democratic Syracuse and its former colony soured, leading to war in 461. Allied with the Sikels under Douketios, Syracuse through several battles compelled the newly settled inhabitants to retire to the fortress of Inessa (to which they gave the name of Aitna), while the old Chalkidic citizens were reinstated in the possession of the city. The obverse depicts clear civic types referencing both the life-giving river by which Katane was sited, and the wine-grapes that must have been key to the city’s prosperity. The Taenia borne by Nike on the reverse here almost certainly alludes to the fall of the Deinomenid tyranny that, with the aid of Syracuse and the native Sikels, allowed the displaced people to return to their ancestral home. These coins were clearly minted in great haste following the re-occupation of the city, and over what apears to have been a relatively short space of time, a conclusion supported by the die-linkages present in the Randazzo hoard. These tetradrachms are today nearly without exception seen in poor condition, being corroded, poorly struck, off centre, double struck and over struck, from dies that were used to destruction. While displaying some limited evidence of corrosion, this example is remarkable for the precision of its striking and preservation that make it one of the finest examples not in a public collection.

74.

Sicily, Katane AR Litra. Circa 440-425 BC. Head of Silenos left / KATANAIΩN, upright winged thunderbolt flanked by shields at both sides. SNG Copenhagen 182. 0.77g, 12mm 11h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

The Finest Facing Portrait of Silenos

75.

Sicily, Katane AR Drachm. Circa 410-403 BC. Facing head of Silenos / Youthful head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath, ΚΑΤΑΝΑΙΩΝ around. SNG ANS -; SNG Lloyd -; Salinas pl. 19, 16; Mirone 94, 101; AMB 333 (these dies); BMC 44; SNG Fitzwilliam 960; Rizzo -; Basel 333; Jameson 555 (same dies). 2.07g, 14mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, and among the finest of the few known.

25,000

From a private English collection. During the ill-fated Athenian expedition to Sicily of 415-413 BC, Diodoros reports that Katane was at first in favour of Syracuse, though upon hearing the case of the Athenian strategoi Thucydides relates that the Katanaians were compelled to espouse the alliance of the invaders. Katane thus became the headquarters for the Athenian force, and remained its principal base of operations throughout the campaign. It was to this city that the survivors of Nicias’ massacred army escaped, finding refuge there until they could return to Athens. Despite the utter destruction of their ally’s forces, Katane appears to have emerged from the war largely unscathed, and may indeed have gained some economic benefit from the 300 talents of silver that the Athenian reinforcements brought with them in 414 to hire Sicilian cavalry, as well as the money the Athenians spent within the city. In any case, Katane remained free from Syracusan rule until 403, when a force under Dionysios I was able to capture the city by surprise thanks to the treachery of the strategos Arkesilaos. Dionysios then sold its people into slavery and granted the city itself to his Campanian mercenaries. It is to this late classical period, beginning with the Athenian alliance, that this drachm belongs. This brief span saw a second flourishing of the die engraver’s art at Katane, with such masters as Herakleidas producing magnificent dies of remarkable skill and beauty (see the following lot). Though the present coin is not signed, the level of technical ability required to engrave such a high relief facing portrait is indicative of it being the work of a master of the first order. Indeed, the style of Apollo’s portrait on the reverse is remarkably similar to those produced and signed by the ‘Maestro della foglia’, cf. Rizzo pl. XII, 1-10; pl. XIII, 4; pl. XV 1-2. It is conceivable therefore that this could be an unsigned work by the same individual. The depiction of Silenos is an unexpected departure from the typical Apollo/chariot issues of the main period (those issued prior to circa 450); though Silenos features prominently on the coinage of Katane as a reference to its chief export, he had never been depicted by the Katanaians as the principal subject on a denomination greater than a litra. However, Silenos’ treatment here brings him back to the forefront of Katanaian motifs, and the quality of his rendering leaves us in no doubt about the effort and lengths the engraver went to in order to do justice to his chosen design. It is probable that the artist took some inspiration from an earlier electrum issue of Phokaia (Bodenstedt 43), struck c.521-478 that also featured a facing portrait of Silenos, and which has been described as a masterpiece of the Archaic period. This type is to the Classical period as the Phokaia coin was to the Archaic, displaying what is indisputably the finest facing portrait of Silenos to have ever graced a coin. Of the known surviving examples, this is one of the best preserved. The obverse retains its original find patina; the reverse bears an attractive old cabinet tone framed by a high rim that retains its original mineral encrustations. It is comparable in quality to the Basel and Herman collection specimens, the latter of which recently sold for 75,000 CHF (NAC 64, lot 678), and does not display either the disfiguring pits on Apollo’s face of the Basel example, or the pronounced double striking seen on the Herman piece.

A Masterwork by Herakleidas

76.

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 405-403 BC. Signed by Herakleidas. Head of Apollo three-quarter facing, turned slightly to left, his hair falling in disordered tendrils about his neck and face and encircled with a heavy laurel wreath; HPAKΛEIΔAΣ to right downwards / Victorious quadriga galloping to left at full pelt, with one horse looking back; the charioteer holds reins in both hands and is about to be crowned by Nike, who flies to right over the galloping horses with an open wreath; in exergue, KATANAIΩN, below which, fish swimming left. Mirone 62; Rizzo pl. 14, 10; KraayHirmer, 43 and colour plate 3; Gulbenkian 190; AMB 337 (all these dies). 17.26g, 27mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned, lustrous metal. Very Rare.

30,000

From a private English collection, purchased in London in the late 1990s. Facing portraits represented for the master engravers of the late 5th century the greatest challenge of their art; these portraits were undertaken and produced as proof of their prowess and virtuosity, as a result of which nearly all such dies are proudly signed by the engraver. The works of Herakleidas mark the apex of numismatic art at Katane, standing apart as the most technically remarkable and aesthetically pleasing coins ever produced at that city. This accomplished artist of the high classical period, who produced signed dies only at Katane, confronts the viewer with a portrait of Apollo that is utterly enthralling, the contrast inherent in the design intriguing. Apollo appears divinely serene and benevolent, apparently half smiling yet with a gaze of almost frightening intensity that radiates raw power and authority. This severity is relieved by the youthful, naturalistic manner of his hair that, perhaps caught in a breeze, appears wild and suggestive of an existence free from temporal concerns. Yet for all the ingenuity of the portrait’s composition, it is the smooth moulding of forms suggesting flesh rather than metal that is the true aesthetic triumph of this series. In this respect, Herakleidas has succeeded where so many others tried and failed, in bringing life to the face of the depicted deity. Although the victorious quadriga is from now on relegated to the reverse side of the coin, the type is no less full of life and vigour. This scene from the city’s favourite sport presents us with a moment of high action, in which the charioteer urges on his team of horses with both reins and rod; though to the viewer the outcome is a certain victory as Nike flies overhead, the charioteer’s posture suggests he is tense and concentrated.

A Late Archaic Masterpiece

77.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Struck under Gelon I, circa 485-480 BC. Bearded charioteer driving slow quadriga left; above, Nike flying left to crown the horses / Diademed head of Arethusa right, her hair tied in a krobylos; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins with wave-form decorations swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 76; Dewing 696; Jameson 747; Randazzo 246; SNG ANS 19 (all same dies). 17.11g, 27mm, 7h. Extremely Fine and among the finest known examples. Beautiful cabinet tone over lustrous metal. Rare.

15,000

Gelon came to power in his native city of Gela around 491 BC at a time of revolution; the old tyrant Hippocrates had died, leaving the throne to his sons, but the people rose in revolt. Gelon, an accomplished soldier and commander of the cavalry, suppressed the revolt, but rather than return power to the sons of Hippocrates raised himself to the position of tyrant with the assistance of the army. In 485 Gelon responded to a plea for aid from the exiled aristocracy of Syracuse, who had been expelled from the city by the common people. The formidable military resources at Gelon’s disposal swiftly overcame what defences there were at Syracuse with little to no resistance. Thus, Gelon reinstated the Syracusan aristocracy at the price of their liberty. Making himself tyrant of Syracuse, Gelon moved his court to that city along with, according to Herodotos, half the population of Gela. Under his rule however, the city soon became immensely prosperous, and was elevated to the highest rank among the cities of Sicily. This stunning masterwork of late archaic art was produced in the time immediately following Gelon’s capture of Syracuse, and displays a remarkable portrait of Arethusa that, while retaining some of the archaic elements of its predecessors, marks a distinct shift away from those severe portraits and towards more aesthetically refined depictions. The dolphins are graceful and thin, each with a fine ‘S’ shaped wave-form on their heads; this curious design also appears on dolphins engraved at the same time in Tarentum and Karpathos - it most likely represents the dolphin breaking the surface of the water upon re-entry after a leap. It is interesting that this device should appear only on coins of this period, which may suggest that it was copied from an artwork famous in antiquitiy that is now unknown to us. The deep set nature of the portrait with its prominent rim around is a feature common to many of the Gelon reverse dies. It is the result of the coin having been struck from a small diameter hammer die, which it is reasonable to infer was a deliberate device of the engraver to produce just such a rim for the purpose of framing his work, and perhaps also to protect it from wear. When one considers Gelon’s extensive patronage of the arts that extended from archictectural beautification of the city to the employment of such noted lyric poets as Pindar, it becomes evident that this die was the work of an engraver commissioned with the specific mandate of creating a coin that would glorify Syracuse and its ruler in the eyes of all that beheld it.

78. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Struck under Gelon I, circa 480-478 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, hair in pearl band, wearing loop earring with single pendant and pearl necklace; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 187 (V84/R125); SNG Lloyd 1291 (these dies); SNG ANS 56 (this obverse die). 17.37g, 25mm, 4h. Very Fine. Old collection tone. An archaic portrait of fine style – one of the most pleasing in the series; beautifully centred reverse.

5,000

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

79. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Struck under Hieron I, circa 474-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, hair in pearl band, wearing loop earring with single pendant and pearl necklace; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 307; SNG ANS 96-113. 17.26g, 24mm, 8h. Very Fine. Pleasant dark cabinet tone.

3,000

Fall of the Deinomenid Tyranny

80. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Struck under Hieron I or Thrasybulos, circa 467- 465 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying to right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, hair in pearl band, wearing loop earring with single pendant and pearl necklace; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 408 (V211/R288); SNG ANS 128; Hunterian 20; Bement 1050 (all from the same dies). 17.36g, 27mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Superbly lustrous metal with gold and purple toning. Rare.

12,500

It is very likely that this issue represents one of the last under the Deinomenid tyranny; the distinct stylistic shift observed on the coinage of the early Second Democracy (see the following lot) which is preceded by a brief issue of crudely styled tetradrachms whose dies were evidently engraved in haste by an inexperienced individual, render it improbable that this coin was produced after the fall of Thrasybulos in 465 BC. The last of the Deinomenid tyrants, Thrasybulos seized power upon the death of his brother Hieron, who despite the autocratic nature of his government had been a liberal patron of culture and the arts. Thrasybulos however was violent and murderous, and executed or exiled many wealthy or prominent citizens in order to gain their property while using his ill-gotten money to pay for a mercenary army to keep him in power. Soon however the citizens rebelled, and were furnished with assistance by the newly free cities of Akragas, Gela and Himera (which had recently seen their own tyrannies overthrown) as well as from Selinos and the native Sikels. Defeated twice, once on the sea and once on land, Thrasybulos renounced his claim to power and retired to Lokroi. In his place the citizens refounded a democratic government that would endure for sixty years.

Superb Early Second Democracy Tetradrachm

81. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton and holding the reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying left to crown the charioteer; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem, pearl necklace, and drop earring, hair tied in a krobylos; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 442; Jameson 758. 17.19g, 26mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. A superb example of this simple but elegant type. Beautifully toned. Rare.

15,000

82. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton and holding the reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying left to crown the charioteer; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem, earring and necklace, her hair rolled in a bun at the back, ΣYRAKOΣION and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 498 (V263/R353); Rizzo pl. XXXVII, 4 (these dies); BMC 87 (these dies). 17.30g, 26mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent cabinet tone.

8,000

Ex Lanz Auction 46, 28 November 1988, lot 67.

83. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton and holding the reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right to crown the charioteer; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem, earring and necklace, her hair rolled in a bun at the back, ΣYRAKOΣION and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 509 (V268/R365); SNG ANS 162 (same dies). 17.28g, 25mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Pleasing old cabinet tone. Very Rare.

7,500

84. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton and holding the reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right to crown the charioteer; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem, earring and necklace, her hair rolled in a bun at the back, ΣYRAKOΣION and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 511; SNG Copenhagen -; Rizzo -. 17.29g, 24mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Fine style. Lightly toned.

7,500

85. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 450-440 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton and holding reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying left to crown the charioteer; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, hair in bunch, wearing earrings and necklace, ΣYRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 538; SNG ANS 175; BMC 88 pl. 20. 17.39g, 26mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

5,000

Ex Lanz 86, 18 May 1998, lot 50.

86. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 450-439 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow biga right, Nike flying above right, crowning horses; olive branch in exergue / Head of Arethusa right wearing sakkos and ampyx, earring and necklace, SURAKOSIWN and four dophins around. Boehringer 656 (same dies); Pozzi 594. 17.03g, 21mm, 10h. Very Fine. Attractive toning.

2,500

Ex Schulten, November 1982, lot 8.

First Signed Die at Syracuse

87. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 420 BC. Signed by unknown master ‘A’. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, wearing double-hook earrings and necklace with lion-head pendant, ampyx decorated with olive branch, hair enveloped in sakkos drawn together at top and decorated with a meander pattern above chevrons, signed A at top; SURAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 697. 17.36g, 26mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

4,000

The unknown individual who signed this reverse simply ‘A’ was the very first master engraver to sign his dies at Syracuse, around 15 years before other masters such as Eumenos, Kimon and Euainetos began signing theirs.

Excellent Gold Issue of Dionysios I

88. Sicily, Syracuse AV 50 Litrai. Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Youthful bare head of the river-god Anapos left / Horse galloping right, SURAKOSIWN on exergual band. SNG Lloyd 1425; SNG ANS 341; SNG Copenhagen 688; Dewing 927-8; BMC 170 (all from the same dies). 2.90g, 12mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Engraved in beautiful style. NGC graded (2767719-014) Choice Almost Uncirculated, surface 5/5, strike 5/5. Rare.

5,000

Anapos was the partner of the nymph Cyane, who both witnessed Hades’ abduction of Persephone and tried to prevent it; Hades turned Cyane into a spring on the site of Syracuse, and Anapos into a river (the river Anapo in southern Sicily).

Unsigned Work by Parmenides

89. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Dionysios I, circa 410-395 BC. Unsigned dies by Parmenides. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving fast quadriga left, about to turn left, Nike flying above right, crowning charioteer; ear of grain beneath double exergual line, on which a broken chariot wheel / Head of Arethusa left, hair in ampyx and sphendone ornamented with stars, wearing triple-pendant earrings and necklace; SURAKOSIWN and four dolphins around, one emerging from bust truncation. Tudeer 74 (these dies); Jameson 838 (these dies); SNG ANS 284 (these dies). 17.21g, 26mm, 2h. Very Fine. Flan somewhat splayed. Very Rare.

2,000

The obverse of this coinage stands in stark contrast to the static, two dimensional designs of the previous century. Gone is the slow pacing quadriga, replaced by a revolutionary new style that is fluid and dynamic. We are presented with a scene from a chariot race, as the charioteer is in the process of effecting a turn; the broken chariot wheel of a competitor lies underneath, evidence of the sometimes dangerous nature of these races.

90. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemilitron. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405 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.

500

91. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Litra. Time of Dionysios I, circa 390 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with wreath, SYPA before; dolphin before and behind / Bridled hippocamp left. CNS II, p. 88, 44; SNG ANS 447. 8.70g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Very well preserved for the issue.

750

An Excellent Third Democracy Pegasos

92. Sicily, Syracuse AR Stater. Third Democracy. Time of Timoleon, circa 341-317 BC. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around. Calciati 1; SNG ANS 504. 8.58g, 21mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin.

3,000

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

93. Sicily, Syracuse AR Stater. Third Democracy. Time of Timoleon, circa 341-317 BC. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around. Calciati 2; SNG ANS 496-510. 8.63g, 23mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal. Struck on a very broad flan.

1,500

94. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemidrachm. Time of Timoleon, circa 344-338 BC. Laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios right, ZEUS ELEQUEPIOS around / Upright thunderbolt; barley grain in left field; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around. CNS II, p. 167, 71; SNG ANS 474–6. 15.77g, 26mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

500

95. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemidrachm. Time of Timoleon, circa 344-338 BC. Laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios right, ZEUS ELEQUEPIOS around / Upright thunderbolt; eagle in right field; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around. CNS II, p. 167, 72; SNG ANS 477-88. 15.64g, 25mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Excellent detail. Attractive dark green patina.

1,000

96. Sicily, Syracuse EL 50 Litrai. Agathokles, circa 317-289 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left, star behind / Tripod, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around. SNG ANS 623. 3.54g, 16mm, 7h. Some surface marks, otherwise Good Extremely Fine.

4,000

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

5,000

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

98. Sicily, Syracuse Æ24. Time of Pyrrhos, circa 278-276 BC. SURAKOSIWN, head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin headdress / Athena Promachos advancing right, wielding thunderbolt and holding shield; in left field, vertical trident head. CNS II, p. 325, 177; SNG ANS 852-7. 11.12g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

400

100

99. Sicily, Syracuse AR 4 Litrai. Hieron II, circa 274-216 BC. Diademed head of Gelon left / ΣYPAKOΣIOI ΓEΛΩNOΣ, eagle with closed wings standing right on thunderbolt, E to left, BA to right. SNG ANS 898; Grose 1704; Caccamo, Carroccio, Oteri, 285 (these dies). 3.31g, 16mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

Ex Christian Pepper Collection; Privately purchased from Burdett Johnson, St. Louis, late 1940s. 100. Sicily, Syracuse AR Litra. Hieron II, circa 274-216 BC. Head of Artemis right, quiver behind / ΣYPAKOΣIOI, Owl right, Φ to left. Caccamo, Carroccio, Oteri, 311 (these dies); SNG Lockett 1025; SNG München 1441; SNG Ashmolean 2126. 1.02g, 12mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

101

500

102

101. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemilitron. Hieron II, circa 274-216 BC. Diademed head of Hieron left, wing behind / Horseman galloping right holding spear, N below, IERWNOS in ex. SNG ANS 910; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -. 16.91g, 28mm, 4h. Details lightly strengthened, otherwise Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

102. Sicily, Syracuse Æ15. Hieron II, circa 274-216 BC. Female head left, bucranium behind / Pegasos flying left, IERWNOS behind. SNG ANS 1020. 2.96g, 15mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

250

Perfectly Centred on a Broad Flan

103. Sicily, Syracuse AR 10 Litrai. Hieronymos, circa 216-215 BC. Diademed head of Hieronymos left / Winged thunderbolt, BASILEOS and monogram above, IERWNUMOU below. Holloway 26 (these dies). SNG ANS 1027 (same obv. die). 8.52g, 23mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

4,000

Ex New York Sale I, 3 December 1998, lot 68. Hieronymos ascended to the throne of Syracuse at a time of crisis, for a Roman Consular army of eight legions and allied troops had been annihilated at Cannae only the year before, and Roman power had been dealt a considerable shock. The repercussions of that defeat had been profoundly felt in Sicily; the aged Hieron II had remained steadfast in his loyalty and support to Rome, though a significant party in the city favoured abandoning the Roman alliance and joining the cause of Carthage despite their traditional enmity to that people. After his death 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 and raising an army against Rome.

The Fifth Democracy The following issues belong to the series of silver coins that continued to be minted while Syracuse was under siege by the Roman general Marcus Claudius Marcellus. Though the defenders held out for three years, in part thanks to the engineering genius of Archimedes, the Romans finally stormed the city under cover of darkness. Much of the population retreated to the citadel, but this too fell after eight months. As retribution for the city having changed its allegiance to Carthage at the height of the Second Punic War, and for having forced the Romans into a lengthy and costly siege while Italy and Rome herself remained in peril, the city was thoroughly sacked and the inhabitants put to the sword or enslaved. This extensive series of siege coinage reflects the last flourishing of Syracusan numismatic art; the diversity of the coinage is all the more impressive given that the city was being subjected to protracted warfare during this period. The series is remarkable for its depiction of so many deities, whose divine assistance the people clamoured for to deliver them from disaster.

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

2,500

Ex George Fekula Collection; Ex Empire Coins Auction 10, May 1989, lot 18.

Excellent 8 Litrai Signed by Lysid...

105. Sicily, Syracuse AR 8 Litrai. Fifth Democracy. Circa 214-212 BC. Signed by the engraver Ly(sid...). Head of Demeter to left, wearing wreath of grain leaves, triple pendant earring and pearl necklace; behind, owl standing left / Nike, holding goad in her right hand and reins in her left, driving quadriga galloping to right; above, monogram of ΑΡΚ; on ground line, in tiny letters, ΛΥ; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ in exergue. Burnett, Enna D 36, 6 (same dies); Jameson 894. 6.77g, 26mm, 5h. Extremely Fine and excellent for the type. Beautifully toned. Very Rare.

15,000

Ex NAC 33, 5 April 2006, lot 105; Ex Monnaies et Médailles 61, 7 October 1982, lot 73.

106. Sicily, Syracuse AR 8 Litrai. Fifth Democracy. Circa 214-212 BC. Signed by the engraver Ly(sid...). Head of Demeter to left, wearing wreath of grain leaves, triple pendant earring and pearl necklace; behind, owl standing left / Nike, holding goad in her right hand and reins in her left, driving quadriga galloping to right; above, monogram of ΑΡΚ; on ground line, in tiny letters, ΛΥ; [ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ in exergue]. Burnett D 53 = De Luynes 1395; Jameson 894 (this obverse die). 6.76g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

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

7,500

108. Sicily, Syracuse AR 8 Litrai. Fifth Democracy. Circa 214-212 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet / Thunderbolt, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN above, ΞA below. SNG ANS 1045; SNG Copenhagen -. 6.64g, 21mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

Rare Gold Coin of Tauromenion

109. Sicily, Tauromenion AV 15 Litrai. Circa 214-212 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Tripod, AI to left, TAUROME-NITAN around. SNG ANS 1115; Campana 17 var. 1.21g, 12mm, 4h. Very Fine. Rare.

1,500

110. Sicily, Zankle-Messana AR Litra. Circa 500-493 BC. ΔΑΝΚLΕ, dolphin swimming left within crescent harbor, dotted border within plain double border / Nine-part incuse square with cockle shell at centre. Gielow 72-78; SNG Lloyd 1078; SNG Ashmolean 1819. 0.79g, 11mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,250

111. Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. Circa 412-408 BC. The nymph Messana, wearing chiton and holding reins with both hands, driving biga of mules walking to left; above, Nike flying right to crown Messana; in exergue, two opposed dolphins / Hare springing to right, head of youthful Pan below to right, with curly hair and with a tiny horn over his forehead; ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΝ around. Caltabiano 604; SNG ANS 369. 16.95g, 25mm, 11h. Obverse die somewhat rusted, otherwise Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

8,000

EPEIROS

112.

THE EPIROTE REPUBLIC

Epeiros, Epirote Republic AR Didrachm. Circa 233-168 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. 10.06g, 26mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

25,000

Ex NAC 33, 6 April 2006, lot 142. 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 Macedonia. 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.

113. Epeiros, Epirote Republic AR Drachm. Circa 198-168 BC. Head of Zeus Dodonaeus right, wearing oak wreath, monogram behind / ΑΠΕΙΡΩΤΑΝ, eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt, oak wreath around. BMC -; GC -; SNG Copenhagen -; Delepierre -; Dewing -; Franke -. 4.89g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. This variety with Zeus right and eagle left is apparently unpublished.

1,000

Privately purchased from Maison Platt, October 1987.

114. Epeiros, Elea Æ16. Before 342 BC. Head of Demeter facing / Kerberos right, ELE in ex. SNG Copenhagen 50 (same dies); BMC 6; Traité 320. 4.60g, 16mm, 4h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

350

AKARNANIA

115. Akarnania, Leukas AR Trihemiobol. Circa 430-400 BC. Pegasos flying left, L below / Gorgoneion, S to right. SNG Copenhagen 366 var. (no S). 0.62g, 10mm, 9h. Very Fine. Rare.

500

116. Akarnania, Leukas AR Drachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Pegasos flying right, L below / Head of Aphrodite right, wearing necklace and drop earring, hair bound in sakkos and ornamented with flowers, L before. Sear 2278 var. 0.62g, 10mm, 9h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

117. Akarnania, Anaktorion AR Hemidrachm. Circa 330-300 BC. Forepart of Pegasos flying left / Laureate head of Apollo left. BCD Akarnania 100; SNG Copenhagen 302. 1.28g, 15mm, 9h. Extremely Fine, and exceptional for the issue. Very Rare.

250

118. Akarnania, Anaktorion AR Drachm. Circa 330-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, monogram below / Head of Apollo facing, wearing laurel-wreath. Imhoof-Blumer, 9 var. 2.75g, 15mm, 9h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

119

120

119. Akarnania, Thyrrheion AR Stater. Circa 320-280 BC. Pegasos flying left; P below / Helmeted head of Athena left; behind, Y and earring with pendants; Θ below chin, ΛY below neck. Pegasi 6 corr. (placement of Θ and Y); BCD Akarnania 373.3 var. (letter below Pegasos). 8.21g, 21mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

350

From the D.V. Collection. 120. Akarnania, Alyzeia AR Stater. Circa 330-280 BC. Pegasos flying right; A below / Helmeted head of Athena right; strigil behind. Pegasi 2 (same dies); BCD Akarnania 68 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen -. 8.53g, 25mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. Better than the BCD specimen. Rare.

500

121. Akarnania, Argos Amphilochikon AR Stater. Circa 350-270 BC. Pegasos flying right, AP and dog below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet, ARGEIWN before, grain of barley behind. SNG Copenhagen -; Pegasi -; BMC 5 var. (head right); Imhoof-Blumer 8a, pl. III, 2; Kraay, Timoleon 101, pl. 8, 7 (these dies). 8.38g, 21mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

An Extreme Rarity

122. Akarnania, Stratos Æ13. Circa 380-350 BC. Head of river-god Achelous right / Tripod, STRATIWN to left, E to right. Traité -; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 2.51g, 13mm, 9h. Near Very Fine. Of the highest rarity.

1,000

The extensive collection of BCD included only three bronze coins from this mint (none of this type, and none with such a clear ethnikon), before which none had been offered at auction since before World War II.

123. Akarnania, Akarnanian League Æ23. Circa 300-167 BC. Helmeted head of Athena left / Head of the river-god Archelous left, trident above. SNG Copenhagen 423-424. 5.42g, 23mm, 3h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

250

THESSALY

124. Thessaly, Pharkadon AR Obol. Circa 425-375 BC. Horse pacing right within border of dots / Herakles, naked but for lion skin wrapped over his left arm, standing facing, head right, holding bow in his left hand and club in his right, Φ-A above, [K-P below retrograde]; all within a shallow incuse square with rounded edges. Cf. Triton XV, 608 (same dies). 0.63g, 12mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare. The Triton XV example sold for US$1200, despite the head of Herakles being off-flan.

500

125. Thessaly, Atrax Æ Trichalkon. Circa 3rd-2nd century BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Unbridled horse standing right on ground line, ΑΤΡΑ above, ΓΙΩΝ below. Pozzi (Boutin) 2724; cf. Helios 6, 9 March 2011, lot 483 (same dies). 8.86g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine, and exceptional for a bronze of Atrax. Beautiful emerald green patina. Rare.

1,000

This type was reattributed in BCD Thessaly part 1 from the 4th century to the 3rd-2nd Centuries on account of the flan properties, and re-identified as being a head of Apollo rather than that of the nymph Bura due to the presence of the wreath and lack of any feminine jewellery. A comparable coin there fetched CHF 6,000.

Taurokathapsia

126. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Thessalos to left, naked but for chlamys and petasos flying behind him, holding a band with both hands around the forehead of a bull leaping left that lifts him from the ground / Bridled horse galloping right, its rein trailing below; ΛΑΡΙ above, ΣΑΙΑ below, (Σ reversed), all within incuse square. SNG Ashmolean 3860 var. [Σ not reversed]. 6.07g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine, beautiful old cabinet tone. Very Rare.

3,000

Ex Hirsch 156, 25 November 1987, lot 115; Ex Robert Ball FPL 39, 1937, lot 339. The obverse of this coin depicts the taurokathapsia, a contest in which the athlete passes a band around the bull’s head and pulls it tight in an attempt to bring the animal under control. This would have been not only a feat of great strength, but also of dexterity and agility to avoid being trampled or gored by the bull. Here, Thessalos, son of Haemon (who according to myth was one of the first kings in Thessaly, to which he gave his name) is lifted clear off the ground as the bull leaps forward, struggling to free itself. The figure of Thessalos appears unperturbed as he gracefully balances himself against the bull’s flank.

127

128

129

127. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Thessalos left, petasos flying out behind him, restraining charging bull / Bridled horse galloping right, LARI above, SAIA below; all within incuse square. Herrmann group III, series H, 18; SNG Copenhagen 108. 5.93g, 20mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. Pleasantly toned.

500

Ex BVH Collection. 128. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Thessalos right, petasos flying out behind him, restraining charging bull / Bridled horse galloping right, reins trailing, [Λ]ΑΡΙ above, ΣΑΙΑ below; all within incuse square. De Luynes 1836 (same obv. die); cf. Naville - Ars Classica XVI, 3 July 1933, lot 1109 (same dies). 6.10g, 19.5mm, 9h. Very Fine.

500

Privately purchased from Bowers and Ruddy (J. Spier), December 1980. 129. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Thessalos right, petasos flying out behind him, restraining charging bull; countermark K in a small rectangle / Bridled horse galloping right, ΛΑΡ above, ΙΣΑΙ below, all within incuse square. Cf. Triton XIV, 4 January 2011, lot 104 (same dies). 6.04g, 18mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

500

Privately purchased from Brian Kritt, November 1984; Ex Stacks, 10 June 1970, lot 221. The K countermark on the edge of the obverse was applied by an ancient magistral office or money changer to indicate the authenticity of the coin, the K meaning kalon, literally good, or genuine. Given the number of forgeries from this time that have survived to this day it appears that the scale of the counterfeiting problem was sufficient to warrant such examination and authentication of the currency.

Very Rare and Impeccably Provenanced Drachm

130. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa left, wearing drop earring, her hair raised and bound in a sakkos / Bridled horse, its rein trailing, galloping right, ΛΑΡΙ above, ΣΑΙΑ below; all within shallow incuse square. Traité IV 693, pl. CCXCVIII, 2 (same dies). 6.05g, 19mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone. Very Rare. Ex H. C. Hoskier Collection; Ex Maxime Collignon Collection; Ex Vinchon, 13 April 1985, lot 262, hammer FF 17000; Ex Bourgey, 5 December 1932, lot 158; Ex Feuardent Frères, 17 December 1919 (Collignon), lot 220; Ex J. Hirsch XX, 13 November 1907, Hoskier 268.

3,000

131. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 365-356 BC. Bull running to right, ΛAPIΣAION above / Thessalos, wearing a petasos, cloak and tunic, galloping on horseback to right. F. Hermann ‘Die Silbermünzen von Larissa in Thessalien’ ZfN XXXV, 1925, pl. IV, 17; C. Lorber, ‘Thessalian Hoards and the Coinage of Larissa’, AJN 20, 2008, pl. 46, 101; SNG Copenhagen 118; BCD 1136. 6.03g, 20mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

Privately purchased from Spink & Son Ltd., London, June 1989.

Prototype Issue Signed by the Master ‘Simo...’

132. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Signed by the artist ‘Simo...’ Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarter facing, turned slightly to right, wearing hair band and plain necklace; ΣΙΜΟ above / Horse with straight legs grazing right on ground line; ΛΑΡΙ above, the Ρ retrograde. Lorber, Early, 1.1. 6.17g, 17mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

4,000

Ex Peus 332, 23 October 1991, lot 122. The prototype issue for the whole Larissan facing head series, this die by the artist ΣΙΜΟ presents a fresh and simple, somewhat sombre, but nonetheless elegant visage of the nymph Larissa modelled on the Kimonian facing Arethusa; the artist’s signature is proudly engraved above the nymph’s head. This prototype die was supplemented by other unsigned dies created in imitation of it. It appears that ΣΙΜΟ was however soon displaced as the mint’s chief engraver by another artist who signed himself ‘AI’.

Elegant ‘Severe’ Style

133. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarters facing, turned slightly to right, wearing plain necklace / Horse grazing right on ground line on which grow plants; ΛΑΡΙΣAI above. Lorber, Early, 35.1a (these dies). 6.11g, 19mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

A supremely elegant and unusually severe portrait of the nymph Larissa that is stylistically distinct from all other issues before or after. This is undoubtedly one of the great highlights of the Larissan facing portrait series.

134. Thessaly, Larissa Æ Dichalkon. Circa 400-350 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa right / ΛΑΡΙ below, ΣΑΙΩΝ above, horse crouching left, about to roll. Rogers 294, fig. 143; cf. CNG Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 277. 3.99g, 18mm, 2h. About Very Fine. Attractive dark patina.

250

135. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 350 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarters facing, turned slightly to left, wearing pendant earring and plain necklace / Horse crouching left, preparing to roll on solid ground line; ΛΑΡΙ in exergue, ΣΑΙΩΝ above. Cf. Peus 372, 30 October 2002, 171 (same obv. die). 6.12g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Fine style; sharp strike on a broad flan.

4,000

136. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 350 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarters facing, turned slightly to left, grain ears in her hair, wearing pendant earring and plain necklace with a central drop / Mare standing right with foal in the background, ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙΩΝ below exergual line. Cf. Glendining’s, 21 June 1972, lot 162 (same dies). 6.10g, 20mm, 3h. About Extremely Fine. Fine style.

4,000

137. Thessaly, Larissa AR Didrachm. Circa 350 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarters facing, turned slightly to left, wearing ampyx, earring and necklace / LARISAIWN, bridled horse advancing right, right foreleg raised. SNG Copenhagen 119; Jameson 1092; Hermann pl. V, 2. 11.98g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

9,000

Ex NAC 48, 21 October 2008, lot 74; Ex LHS Sale 100, 23 April 2007, lot 223.

Superb Style on a Large Flan

138. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarters facing, turned slightly to left, wearing pendant earring and plain necklace, her hair combed back behind the ampyx / Horse crouching right. Cf. J. Schulman 231, 6 March 1958, lot 3656 (same dies); cf. Auctiones 15, 18 September 1985, lot 88 (same obv. die). 6.13g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

3,000

Well struck on a large flan, this beautiful obverse die engraved in fine style diverges from the other late heads on account of the unusual combing of the nymph’s hair.

139. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarters facing, turned slightly to left, wearing ampyx and necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; ΛAPIΣ above, AIΩN below. Lorber, Hoard 43 (same obv. die); BCD Thessaly 1155-7; SNG Copenhagen 120. 6.12g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

LAKONIA Spartan Hemidrachm of Outstanding Quality

140. Lakonia, Lakedaimon (Sparta) AR Hemidrachm. Circa 125-75 BC. Laureate head of Herakles right / Amphora between the pilei of the Dioskouroi, monograms above and below; all within olive wreath. SNG Copenhagen 557; BCD Collection 853ff. 2.34g, 15mm, 9h. Fleur De Coin. Rare. Ex Hirsch 195, 5-7 May 1997, lot 208.

2,500

ELIS

141.

The Liberation of Olympia

Elis, Olympia AR Stater. 105th Olympiad. 360 BC. Head of Zeus left, wearing laurel wreath; [FAΛEION to left] / Head of the nymph Olympia right, hair in sphendone, wearing single-pendant earring; OΛYMΠIA to right; all within incuse circle. Seltman, Temple 175 (dies CA/δλ); BCD Olympia 118; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 71–2; SNG Delepierre 2144; Gulbenkian 544 = Jameson 1235; ACGC 334 (all from the same dies). 12.17g, 27mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

25,000

The seventh known example, this is one of only two not in a museum collection, the other having been offered in the sale of the BCD Collection of The Coinage of Olympia (Leu 90, 10 May 2004, lot 118), and which was of decidedly poor preservation, being heavily worn. This is therefore the finest example in private hands. After the withdrawal of the Arkadians in 363 BC, the Eleans reclaimed their control of the sanctuary of Olympia and resolved to strike an impressive series of coins for the 105th Olympiad in commemoration of the sanctuary’s liberation. From the number of dies that have been recorded for the issues following the re-establishment of Elean control of Olympia, it appears that the issue was far more extensive than Seltman had supposed. The engravers who were commissioned to produce the dies were among the most accomplished in the Greek world, and to effect this extraordinary series it was necessary to reopen the Zeus mint, closed since 388. Both it and the Hera mint were put to work, each with their own team of master engravers. This fascinating coin displays a portrait of Zeus that stands in stark contrast to every other such image on the coinage of Olympia. This particular issue shows us a god unencumbered by the robust, severe and authoritative features that normally characterise his appearance. In their place is a god with a serene expression, noble and imposing, yet with an apparent benevolence that is surprising. Paired with this remarkably refined image of Zeus is the first appearance of the eponymous nymph of the sanctuary, Olympia. She appears too on the obverse of the first contemporary issue of the Hera mint in a more mature form, but here she is rendered in a youthful style reminiscent of Arethusa on the high classical coinage of Syracuse. One of the most pleasing aspects of this important coin is the way in which Olympia betrays a hint of a smile - no doubt contentedness at the return of the sacred site to the Eleians, as borne out in the legend FALEION OLYMPIA: ‘Olympia belongs to the Eleans’.

ARKADIA

142.

Zeus Brontaios

Arkadia, Arkadian League AR Stater. Circa 363-362 BC. Bearded, laureate head of Zeus Lykaios left / Young Pan reclining upon a rocky outcrop, his mantle spread beneath him, Pan’s head three-quarters facing, in his right hand a lagobolon (a throwing club for the hunting of hares), a syrinx propped against the rocks below; in the left field, the monogram of the Arkadian League; OΛVM in small letters upon the rocks. Gerin 3–12 variant (dies 1/– [unlisted reverse die]); BCD Peloponnesos (Megalopolis) 1511 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 49; SNG Fitzwilliam 3851 (same obverse die); Gulbenkian 532 (same obv. die); Seltman, Masterpieces of Greek Coinage 48b = Weber 4259 (same obv. die); Traité pl. CCXXIV, 2 = Mionnet II pg. 244, 7 (same obv. die). 12.21g, 25mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

60,000

Ex Nomos 2, 18 May 2010, lot 97 [incorrectly listing rev. die c]; Ex Triton VIII, 11 January 2005, lot 329. One of the great rarities of the late Classical coinage of Greece, and a true masterpiece of Greek numismatic art. One of only twelve staters of the Arkadian League known to exist outside public collections. After the Boeotian victory over the Spartans at Leuktra in 371 BC, an anti-Spartan democratic movement arose in Arkadia in the central Peloponnesos. By 369 BC a confederacy of most of the Arkadian city-states was established, and, under the auspices of the Boeotian leader Epaminondas, a city was founded by combining five pre-existing neighbouring villages. This new urban centre, Megalopolis, became the capital of the short-lived Arkadian League and, like Messene, a fortified buffer against Spartan power in the Peloponnesos. Though it experienced difficulties with its constituent communities, Megalopolis developed into the largest city in Arkadia and exerted a strong influence in the Peloponnesos. This brief series, struck at Megalopolis from just 3 sets of dies, were produced by one of the great engravers of the mid 4th century; he almost certainly undertook work for the sacred mint of Zeus at Olympia, and surely also inspired the engravers of Philip II of Macedon. The head of Zeus has been thought to have been taken from Leochares’ statue of Zeus Brontaios (the Thunderer) in Olympia, a city the League had conquered in 365 BC. As they had no experience of organizing the games themselves, the Olympics of 364 BC were organized by the Arkadians’ allies the Pisatans. To pay their troops the Arkadians melted down gold dedications from the sanctuary in order to produce an emergency series of gold coins, of which only a few genuine examples survive (as BMC p. 76, 1 and pl. XVI, 8). During the Olympic festival of 364 the Eleans mounted an assault on the sanctuary of Olympia, as a result of which both the Arkadians and Eleans were forced to withdraw. A treaty was signed with the Eleans, under which the Arkadians would return Olympia, but retain the territories of Lepreo and Lasion. Zeus figures on this coin no doubt as a reminder of the Arkadian claim to the sanctuary, as well as representing the Arkadian Zeus Lykaios (wolf-Zeus) whose sanctuary was on Mount Lykaion and who had a major temple in Megalopolis as well. According to the accepted dating, these staters comprised a short series struck from Spring 363 until July 362. Thereafter the League dissolved into two factions, respectively centred on Megalopolis and Mantinea, who fought on opposing sides at the Battle of Mantineia for Thebes and Sparta. The result was a victory for Thebes, though their brilliant leader Epaminondas was mortally wounded while fighting in the front line of his army. With his loss and the utter defeat of Sparta, the stage was set for the Macedonian conquest of all Greece under Philip II.

143. Arkadia, Arkadian League AR Triobol. Megalopolis, circa 175-168 BC. Laureate head of Zeus left / Pan seated left on rock, eagle to left, monogram and ΔΛ downwards across fields. BCD Peloponnesos (Megalopolis) 1545. 2.43g, 16mm, 3h. Some areas of flat striking, otherwise Mint State.

500

Ex Reeve Collection.

CORINTHIA

144. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 480-400 BC. Pegasos flying left; Q below / Helmeted head of Athena right within incuse square. Pegasi 63 (same dies); Ravel 172; BCD Corinth –; SNG Copenhagen 13; Pozzi 1647. 8.54g, 21mm, 7h. Reverse lightly double struck. Very Fine. Attractively toned. Rare with this form of koppa.

1,000

From the D.V. Collection.

145. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 400-375 BC. Pegasos flying right; Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; aphlaston behind. Ravel 642-4 var., (P300/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Pegasi 246/2; BCD Corinth –; SNG Copenhagen –; McClean 6171 (same obv. die). 8.61g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractive style. Very Rare.

3,000

Ex Deyo Collection; Ex CNG 36, 5 December 1995, lot 1951.

146

147

146. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; dolphin in left field, Σ in right field. Pegasi 343; BMC 386; Ravel 909. 8.48g, 22mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Pleasant cabinet tone.

750

Ex DNW, 28 September 2010, lot 525. 147. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; E and race torch behind. Ravel 995; Pegasi 372; BCD Corinth 95; SNG Copenhagen -. 8.36g, 20mm, 7h. Very Fine. From the D.V. Collection.

500

148. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left; Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; E and rose behind. Pegasi 374; Ravel 997; BCD Corinth 97; SNG Copenhagen 102. 8.42g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

750

149. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; behind, N within wreath of grain ears. Pegasi 386; BCD 128; Ravel 1069; SNG Copenhagen 119; BMC 372. 8.58g, 22mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. From the D.V. Collection.

750

150. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; behind, N within wreath of grain ears. Pegasi 386; BCD 128; Ravel 1069; SNG Copenhagen 119; BMC 372. 8.60g, 22mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Pleasant lustre.

750

151. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; Δ and krater behind. Ravel 1001; Pegasi 388/1 corr.; BCD Corinth 98. 8.55g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. By far the best example offered in the past decade. Very Rare.

1,500

From the D.V. Collection.

152. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; Δ and head of Helios behind. Pegasi 392-3 var. (Δ below bust); BCD Corinth 100 var. (same). 8.62g, 21mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

750

153. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; A below chin, astragalos behind. Pegasi 400; Ravel 1039. 8.59g, 21mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

500

154. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; head of Silenos behind, A below chin, A below neck truncation. Pegasi 408; Ravel 1046. 8.44g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

750

156

155

155. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left; Î&#x201C; below chin, dove in wreath to right. Pegasi 419; Ravel 1029; BCD Corinth 110; SNG Copenhagen -. 8.21g, 22mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the D.V. Collection.

156. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left, I below chin, Nike flying left behind. Pegasi 420; Ravel 1030. 8.61g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the D.V. Collection.

157. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left, Î&#x2122; below, cockerel on club behind. Pegasi 423; Ravel 1032; SNG Lockett 2092; SNG Fitzwilliam 3410. 8.62g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. From the D.V. Collection.

1,000

158. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left, helmet decorated with laurel wreath; A-P below, eagle standing left behind. Pegasi 426; Ravel 1008; BCD Corinth 101; SNG Copenhagen 73-4. 8.59g, 21mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the D.V. Collection.

159. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left, helmet decorated with laurel wreath; A-P below, aegis behind. Pegasi 427; Ravel 1009; SNG Copenhagen 71. 8.56g, 24mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the D.V. Collection.

160. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left, helmet decorated with laurel wreath; A-P below, Chimera to left behind. Pegasi 428; Ravel 1010. 8.44g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

From the D.V. Collection.

161. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left, helmet decorated with laurel wreath; [A-P below], aegis behind. Ravel 1009; Pegasi 427; BCD Corinth -. 8.60g, 22mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

162. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Helmeted head of Athena left, Î&#x201D;- I across; behind, Artemis advancing left, holding long torch in both hands. Ravel 1076; Pegasi 451; BCD Corinth -. 8.54g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. From the D.V. Collection.

500

163. Corinthia, Corinth AR Drachm. Circa 330-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Aphrodite left, wearing sakkos, pendant earrings and necklace, D to left, I to right. BMC 322. 2.76g, 15mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

ATTICA

164

165

164. Attica, Athens AR Obol. Circa 500-480 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig behind, AQE to right. Svoronos pl. 7, 50; SNG Copenhagen 25. 0.53g, 8mm, 6h. Very Fine.

250

165. Attica, Athens AR Obol. Circa 480-460 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig behind, AQE to right. Kroll 13; Svoronos pl. 8, 42. 0.68g, 8mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

500

166. Attica, Athens AR Hemiobol. Circa 449-420 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig behind, AQE to right. Kroll 14; SNG Copenhagen 59; Svoronos pl. 13, 43-45. 0.35g, 8mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

167. Attica, Athens AR Hemiobol. Circa 449-420 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig behind, AQE to right. Kroll 14; SNG Copenhagen 59; Svoronos pl. 13, 43-45. 0.34g, 7mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

An Extremely Rare Variety

168. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. New Style coinage. Circa 135/4 BC. Mened(emos), Epigen(es), and Ophelos, magistrates. Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing necklace, pendant earring, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the protomes of four horses above the visor, a Pegasos in flight to right above the raised earpiece, and a curvilinear ornament on the shell / Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; A-ӨE above ME-NEΔ/EΠI/ΓENO/OΦEΛOY (magistrates’ names) in five lines across field; to left, Asklepios standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; Δ on amphora, HP below; all within wreath. Thompson 348m. 16.87g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare – a variety of which only two examples have appeared at auction in the last decade. Ex Reeve Collection.

2,000

An Exceedingly Rare Example of the Aeginetan Class II b Coinage

169. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Obol. Circa 480 BC. Turtle with smooth shell, ridge down middle / Dolphin swimming right within incuse square, floral ornament in upper left corner. Traité 1046 = BMC 145 var. (floral ornament right). 1.08g, 10mm, 7h. Very Fine. Of the Highest Rarity.

500

The incredibly rare Class II b series of coinage struck at Aegina comprises just two known types - a remarkable stater displaying the normal turtle obverse paired with a triskeles inside an incuse square on the reverse, and this companion obol issue with a dolphin inside incuse square on the reverse. This brief deviation away from the otherwise invariable ‘skew pattern’ reverse type may be attributed to the Athenian-inspired populist uprising that flared in Aegina around this time under the aristocratic exile Nikodromos. After brutal suppression of the revolt, the fugitives became Athenians, later assisting that city against their former home. Of the just 30 obols of Aegina offered at auction in a little over twelve years, all have been of the skew pattern reverse. This coin probably represents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire an example of this series.

170. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Hemiobol. Circa 350-338 BC. Land tortoise with segmented shell / Incuse square of skew pattern. SNG Copenhagen 512. 0.46g, 8mm. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

BOIOTIA

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

2,000

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

MACEDON

172. Macedon, Bottiaiai (Spartolos) Æ17. Circa 400-348 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / BOTTIAIWN, kithara. SNG Copenhagen 140-144; SNG ANS 926. 3.90g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

173. Macedon, Bottiaiai (Spartolos) Æ16. Circa 400-348 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / BOTTIAIWN, kithara. SNG Copenhagen 140-144; SNG ANS 926. 4.36g, 16mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

300

Dionysos and The Wine of Mende

174.

Macedon, Mende AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-423 BC. Dionysos, bearded and wearing ivy wreath and himation, holding a kantharos in his right hand, reclining left on the back of a donkey walking right, and resting left elbow on its head; below donkey, sprig of ivy / ΜΕΝΔΑΙΟΝ around linear square containing a vine with leaves, tendrils and four bunches of grapes. Jameson 1963 (this coin); Noe, Mende 65. 17.06g, 28mm, 8h. Reverse die slightly worn, but otherwise Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

40,000

Ex Jameson Collection; From the Kaliandra (Mende) Hoard of 1913 (IGCH 358). This, the most decadent depiction of Dionysos on ancient coinage, shows us a scene wherein the god reclines luxuriously upon the back of a donkey that carries him along. As Dionysos is borne forwards in procession by the donkey, the viewer is invited to imagine his thiasos, the ecstatic retinue of Dionysos made up of maenads, satyrs and Silenoi as it plays and dances around him. Dionysos props himself up, perhaps giddy with inebriation, with his left arm which he rests on the head of the unfortunate donkey, while with his other he holds his wine cup aloft in encouragement to his followers. Dionysos himself seems oblivious to the struggle of the animal beneath him that appears too small to bear his weight, and indeed its tensed muscles, strained legs and pained expression are suggestive of an animal that is altogether uncomfortable with the burdensome deity upon its back. One could hardly conceive of a more appropriate type for this city’s coinage: Mende was a leading exporter of wine, rivalling such other cities as Naxos and Maroneia, and the quality and fame of its wine is well attested in the ancient sources. Thus it is only natural that Mende should have adopted Dionysos as a patron deity; notorious for his wild indulgences and frequent state of inebriation on account of his love of wine, this tantalising scene is at once wholly apt for a city exporting merriment and inebriety, and also a proud statement of the quality of their produce. The implication inherent in the link between the wine Dionysos holds and the vines laden with grapes on the reverse is clear: Mende’s wine is good enough for a god. The execution of the scene itself could not be more intriguing: juxtaposed we have the epicurean figure of Dionysos given over to indulgence and excess, and that of the humble donkey whose labour makes the god’s comfort possible. The image is a sobering reminder to the viewer of the effort involved in viticulture and wine production, and that for one man’s enjoyment others must work.

175

176

175. Macedon, Mende AR Tetrobol. Circa 480 BC. Ithyphallic mule advancing left / Irregular quadripartite square divided diagonally. SNG Copenhagen 200; SNG ANS 300 var.; Rosen 96. 2.89g, 14mm. Very Fine.

500

Ex Hirsch 142, 1984, lot 224; Ex Auctiones 5, 1975, lot 5 (realized 1050 CHF). 176. Macedon, Mende AR Tritartermorion. Circa 460-423 BC. Mule standing right / Crow standing right. SNG ANS 354. 0.51g, 8mm, 7h. Very Fine.

177

178

250

179

177. Macedon, Potidaia AR Tritemorion. Circa 500-480 BC. Horse standing right, sunburst below / Female head right. Traité 1648. 0.43g, 8mm, 2h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

250

178. Macedon, Potidaia AR Tritemorion. Circa 500-480 BC. Horse standing right / Female head left. Traité 1649. 0.41g, 8mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

250

179. Macedon, Tragilos AR Hemiobol. Circa 450-400 BC. Bunch of grapes / TPAI within quadripartite incuse square. BMC 5 (Traelium); cf. Traité pl. 3325, 7; AMNG III, pl. 24, 33; SNG Copenhagen 447 var. (rev. letters’ positions). 0.23g, 7mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

180

250

181

180. Macedon, Argilos AR Hemiobol. Circa 495-477 BC. Forepart of Pegasos right within border of dots / Quadripartite incuse square. Liampi, Argilos period IV, 101-116; SNG ANS 763; Rosen 116. 0.39g, 8mm. Lightly toned, Extremely Fine.

250

181. Macedon, Argilos AR Hemiobol. Circa 470-460 BC. Forepart of Pegasos right within border of dots / Quadripartite incuse square. Liampi, Argilos period VI, 122-127; SNG ANS 763; Rosen 116. 0.39g, 8mm. Extremely Fine.

182

250

183

182. Macedon, Argilos AR Hemiobol. Circa 470-460 BC. Forepart of Pegasos left within border of dots / Quadripartite incuse square. Liampi, Argilos, period IV 94-99; Traité 1820. 0.37g, 8mm. Extremely Fine.

250

183. Macedon, Argilos AR Hemiobol. Circa 470-460 BC. Forepart of Pegasos right within border of dots / Quadripartite incuse square. Liampi, Argilos period VI, 122-127; SNG ANS 763; Rosen 116. 0.30g, 8mm. Extremely Fine.

250

184. Macedon, Akanthos AR 3/4 Obol. Circa 480 BC. Head and neck of lioness seen from above / Quadripartite incuse square. AMNG III/2, 16; SNG ANS 27-29; Rosen 87; Klein 29. 0.55g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

250

185

186

185. Macedon, Terone AR Tetrobol. Circa 490-480 BC. Oinochoe, handle to right, with grape cluster draped around / Quadripartite incuse square. Hardwick group II, 6; SNG ANS 746. 2.31g, 17mm. Extremely Fine. An exceptional example, with the decorative grape intact.

300

Ex Coin Galleries MBS, 13 February 1991, lot 68. 186. Macedon, Terone AR Tetartemorion. Circa 480 BC. Crane right, standing left, resting foot on and putting beak in oinochoe / Quadripartite square, TEPO around, all within incuse square. Hardwick pl. 29, 16; cf. Helios 6, 9 March 2011, lot 401 (these dies). 0.24gm 7mm. Very Fine. Rare.

250

187. Macedon, Neapolis AR Obol. Circa 500-480 BC. Gorgoneion with protruding tongue / Quadripartite incuse square. Traite II 1, 1742, pl. 55, 17. BMC p. 84, 13; SNG ANS 423. 0.69g, 9mm. Extremely Fine. Fine late archaic style.

250

188. Macedon, Neapolis AR Hemidrachm. Circa 450-400 BC. Gorgoneion with protuding tongue / Head of Artemis Parthenos right, hair rolled up and tied in taenia, NEΩΠ around. SNG ANS 425; SNG Copenhagen 226. 1.77g, 14mm, 11h. Light granularity. Extremely Fine.

250

189. Macedon, Neapolis AR Hemidrachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Gorgoneion with protruding tongue / Head of Artemis Parthenos right, hair rolled up and tied in taenia, NEOP around. SNG ANS 429, Jameson 954. 1.91g, 14mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. A very attractive example of the type with a deep old cabinet tone.

500

Ex DNW 73, 20 June 2007, lot 138.

190. Macedon, Pangeion region. Siris AR Trihemiobol or 1/8 Stater. Circa 500-490 BC. Satyr crouching right between two pellets / Diagonally divided quadripartite incuse square. A.C. Smith, The Archaic Coinage of ‘Lete’ in Proceedings of the 12th International Numismatic Congress, Berlin 2000, group 7; SNG ANS 971-973; (all catalogued as ‘Lete’). 1.20g, 10mm. Excellent archaic style, well struck with good metal. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

191. Macedon, Pangeion region. ‘The Neapolites’ AR Hemiobol. 480-470 BC. Goose standing right, head left; N above / Quadripartite incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, cf. CNG 87, 18 May 2011, lot 295 (this coin). 0.29g, 9mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, possibly only the second known example. Ex CNG sale 87, 18 May 2011, lot 295 (realized $1000) The N in the obverse may indicate a Neapolitan settlement in the Pangeion region.

250

192. Macedon, Pangeion region. Methone AR Trihemiobol. Circa 480 BC. Goat kneeling right, head left, between two pellets / Quadripartite incuse square. C. Lorber, The Goats of ‘Aigai’, in pour Denyse, 2000, issue 15; Svoronos pl. 3, 14; Traité pl. 49, 3; SNG ANS 60-4 (Aigai); Rosen 90 (Aigai). 0.98g, 11mm. Extremely Fine.

193

250

194

193. Macedon, Pangeion region. The Trieres AR Hemiobol. Olynthos(?), circa 400 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Laurel branch in linear square, Τ-P-Η-I around; all within incuse square. Robinson-Clement, p. 337 a-c, pl. 34, 1-3; BMC Thrace p. 181, 3-5; Weber coll. 2399; Pozzi 758; Klein KM 99. 0.44g, 9mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

250

Strabo, Theopompus and Stephanus Byzantinus all attest the existence of a Thracian tribe called Trieres, whose original locality was the region of Lake Bistonis, between Abdera and Maroneia. Pliny does not mention the Trieres as a Thracian people, but in his description of Macedonia (iv. 10. s. 17), says that they, with the Dardani and Pieres, dwelt on its borders; it is not clear, however, which borders are meant. The observation by Robinson and Clement on the style of the head of Apollo and find spots for this issue in and around Olynthos convincingly indicates this as the mint responsible. The attribution by BMC and Head, HN pp. 256-7 to the nonexistent city of Trie.. or Trie[us] was only tentative, but has been followed by numismatists ever since. 194. Macedon, Pangeion region. The Trieres AR Hemiobol, Olynthos(?), circa 400 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Laurel branch, Τ-P-Η-I around; all within incuse square. Robinson-Clement, p. 337 a-c, pl. 34, 1-3; BMC Thrace p. 181, 3-5; Weber coll. 2399; Pozzi 758; Klein KM 99; SNG Fitzwilliam 1792. 0.44g, 9mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

195

196

250

197

195. Macedon, Pangeion region. Uncertain mint AR Trihemiobol. Circa 5th century BC. Monkey squatting right / Round shield within incuse square. Svoronos pl. 7, 13, also cf. Leu 45, 1988, 100; Gemini 2, 2006, lot 46 and CNG 81, 2009, lot 265. 0.26g, 7mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

This enigmatic series showing a monkey squatting either right or left with a round shield on the reverse, is the only Greek coinage of the classical period to depict such an animal. Monkeys are known to have been kept as house pets in antiquity, but its significance in this context is unknown. 196. Macedon, Pangeion region. Uncertain mint AR Trihemiobol. Circa 5th century BC. Monkey squatting left / Round shield within incuse square. A. Tzamalis, NK 17, 1998, lot 67. 0.23g, 7mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

197. Macedon, Pangeion region. Uncertain mint AR Hemitartemorion. Circa 5th century BC. Horse’s head and neck right / Diagonally divided incuse square. Tzamalis, NK 18, 1999, lot 89. 0.09g, 5mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

250

199

198

198. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander I AR Tetrobol. Circa 476-460 BC. Horse galloping right; H below / Crested helmet with nose piece right within linear border within incuse square. Raymond 105 (LP21/A32); Svoronos pl. 9, 26. 2.27g, 15mm, 4h. Very Fine. Lightly toned. Rare variety.

250

Ex CNG 233, 26 May 2010, lot 29. 199. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander II Æ15. Circa 370-367 BC. Male head right, wearing taenia / Horse galloping right, AΛEΞANΔPO around. SNG ANS 110-111; SNG Alpha Bank 236. Cf. Westermark, U., “Remarks on the Regal Macedonian Coinage ca. 413-359 BC”, Kraay-Mørkholm Essays, Louvain-la-Neuve 1989. 3.35g, 15mm, 1h. Very Fine. Rare.

200

In Commemoration of Philip II’s First Olympic Victory

200. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Lifetime issue. Pella, circa 356–348 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Philip on horseback left, diademed and wearing kausia, raising right hand; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around, Δ under horse’s raised foreleg, star under belly. Le Rider 125 (D73/R99). 14.43g, 25mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. An exceptional example of the early coinage of Philip.

7,500

W.B. and R.E. Montgomery Collection; ex CNG 66, 19 May 2004, lot 176; ex Lanz 54, 12 November 1990, lot 121. Philip, depsite Athenian opposition to his participation in the Olympics on the grounds that he was a non-Greek, went on to become an Olympic victor three times in 356, 352 and 348 BC. On the first occasion, Plutarch reports that upon having conquered Potidaia Philip was informed that his horse had won its race, and that this day he also learned of the victory of his general Parmenion against the Illyrians, and that his wife Myrtale had given birth to a son, Alexander. In commemoration of his Olympic victory, Philip decreed that his wife should henceforth be known as Olympias, and he caused these coins to be struck, proudly displaying both he and his horse in victorious stance upon the reverse.

A Rare and Attractive Left-Facing Zeus

201. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Lifetime issue. Pella, circa 342-336 BC. Laureate head of Zeus facing left / Youth on horseback right, nude, holding palm; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above, Θ below foreleg. Le Rider 439; SNG ANS 430. 14.37g, 25mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Fine style and attractively toned. Very Rare.

4,000

Ex Triton VI, 14 January 2003, lot 147.

202. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 336-326 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, nude, holding palm; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above, bee below, janiform-head vase to right. SNG ANS 510-20. 14.43g, 25mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Golden toning around the devices.

203

204

1,000

205

203. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AV Stater. Lampsakos, circa 323-315 BC. Struck under Philip III. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving biga right; FIΛIΠΠOY below. Le Rider pl.93, 54. 8.56g, 19mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustrous surfaces. Slight double-striking on reverse.

5,000

204. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Kolophon, circa 323-316 BC. Struck under Philip III. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving biga right; FIΛIΠΠOY, caduceus and spear-head below. Le Rider p. 265, 14; SNG ANS 307. 8.52g, 18mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre.

3,000

205. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Pella, 323-317 BC. Struck under Philip III. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving biga right; FIΛIΠΠOY and kantharos below. Le Rider 451. 8.62g, 18mm, 5h. Mint State.

4,000

206

207

206. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AV Stater. Lifetime issue. Tarsos, circa 332-327 BC. Struck under Balakros or Menes. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with griffin, and necklace / Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; AΛEΞANΔPOY to left, kerykeion below right wing. Newell, Sidon 2, obv. die H; Price 3458 (this obverse die); SNG München –; SNG Alpha Bank –; SNG Saroglos –. 8.56g, 17mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare. A beautiful example from the earliest series of staters issued by Alexander.

2,000

For the reattribution of the early undated Alexander staters of Sidon to the mint of Tarsos, see G. Le Rider, Alexander the Great: Coinage, Finances, and Policy. Balakros and Menes were the first and second satraps, respectively, who oversaw Cilicia under Alexander. 207. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AV Stater. Lifetime issue. Tarsos, circa 332-327 BC. Struck under Balakros or Menes. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with griffin, and necklace / Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; AΛEΞANΔPOY to left, kerykeion below right wing. Newell, Sidon 2; Price 3458. 8.53g, 17mm, 8h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

Extremely Rare Signed Drachm of Alexander

208. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Drachm. Lifetime issue. Miletos, circa 325-323 BC. Signed by the artist ‘K’. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress, K on skin behind ear / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre and eagle; monogram in left field. Price 2090A; ADM I 80 (same dies). 4.20g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. Only two specimens noted in ADM I (both in the ANS collection).

500

This, and an equally rare contemporary issue at Magnesia ad Maeandrum are the only two instances of signed dies struck for Alexander.

209

210

209. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 317-305 BC. Struck under Kassander, as regent. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; aplustre in left field, Π with pellet below throne, AΛEΞANΔPOY on right. Price 129. 17.30g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

210. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 317-305 BC. Struck under Kassander, as regent. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; dolphin in left field, AΛEΞANΔPOY on right. Price 134 var. (direction of dolphin). 17.28g, 25mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

211. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AV Stater. Amphipolis, circa 311-305 BC. Struck under Kassander, as regent. Helmeted head of Athena right / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis, ant to left, star below left wing. Price 831. 8.61g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive lustre and toning.

4,000

212. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ Æ17. Circa 325-310 BC. Macedonian shield, thunderbolt on boss / Macedonian helmet, star below, B-A across fields. Price 408; SNG Copenhagen 1119-21. 4.31g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

200

213. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Miletos, circa 295-270 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left, holding eagle in right hand and sceptre in left; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, MI monogram in left field. Price 2150. 17.19g, 31mm, 1h. Fleur De Coin.

214

5,000

215

214. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Drachm. Civic issue of Miletos, circa 295-275 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, monogram in left field, double-axe below throne. Price 2148; Newell 49. 4.34g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

215. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ Æ19. Uncertain Western Asia Minor mint, circa 323-310 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / BAΣIΛEΩΣ between club and bow in bowcase, race torch in below. Price 2800. 6.08g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

200

216. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Kaunos, circa 300-280 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left, drapery about legs and waist, holding sceptre and eagle; double headed axe before, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ behind. Price 2074; Müller 1128. For the reattribution to Kaunos, see R.H.J. Ashton, “Kaunos, not Miletos or Mylasa,” NC 2004, pp. 33–46. 17.05g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent tone. Purchased from Spink & Son Ltd., London, February 1989. When one compares these dies to the contemporary issues of the type from this mint, which are uniformly of poor style and execution, it is not perhaps implausible to conceive of this having been a special issue intended for some specific purpose or occasion, such is its medallic quality.

6,000

217. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Temnos, circa 188-170 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monograms above knee, oinochoe beneath vine tendril at feet. Price 1680. 16.71g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

300

219

218

218. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Temnos, circa 188-170 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monograms above knee, oinochoe beneath vine tendril at feet. Price 1676. 16.91g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; light graffito on rev.

300

219. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Temnos, circa 188-170 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monograms above knee, oinochoe beneath vine tendril at feet. Price 1678. 16.50g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

220

300

221

220. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Temnos, circa 188-170 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monograms above knee, oinochoe beneath vine tendril at feet. Price 1678. 16.52g, 35mm, 12h. Near Very Fine.

200

221. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Temnos, circa 188-170 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monograms above knee, oinochoe beneath vine tendril at feet. Price 1689. 16.01g, 36mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

222

200

223

222. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Mytilene, circa 188-170 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monogram and lyre to left, oinochoe beneath vine tendril at feet. Price 1708. 16.08g, 36mm, 12h. Near Very Fine.

200

223. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Phaselis, circa 188-170 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress (anchor countermark) / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monograms to left. Price 2865. 16.76g, 35mm, 12h. Good Fine.

150

Fourth and Finest Known

224.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AV Stater. Babylon, circa 315-311 BC. Struck under Peithon, for Antigonos I Monophthalmos. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet, loop earring and double-banded necklace / Nike standing left, wings spread, holding laurel wreath and stylis; monogram in wreath below left wing; BASILEWS to left, ALEXANDROU to right. Price -; Waggoner, Babylon 258a-b var. (helmet type); SNG Copenhagen 637 var. (same). 8.58g, 19mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

7,500

This stater variety bearing the monogram within wreath and no secondary symbol is not included in Price’s vast work on the coinage of Alexander. Two examples were however noted by Waggoner, with one residing in the BM and the other in Copenhagen. A further example was offered for sale by CNG (MBS 84, 5 May 2010, lot 294); this is undoubtedly the finest of the four examples known to exist. This type is remarkable not only for its rarity, but also for the innovative and fresh nature of the obverse die, which presents us with an abstemious but elegant Athena. The goddess’ helmet, which usually displays a coiled serpent, flying griffin or seated sphinx is here completely unadorned. What the CNG cataloguer identified as a ‘pellet ornament’ is in fact better defined on this example, and can be seen to be two loops - part of the metalwork that attaches the right hand crest to the outside of the helmet. Athena herself, who on these staters is almost exclusively depicted with an intricate drop-pendant earring and pearl necklace, now wears a simple loop earring and a plain double-banded necklace. The engraver has combined these features with a skilled portrait of Athena in a high classical feminine style. The result is an intriguingly demure Olympian; a vision of understated beauty.

225. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AV Stater. Babylon, circa 315-311 BC. Struck under Peithon, for Antigonos I Monophthalmos. Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet adorned with serpent on the bowl, pendant earring and pearl necklace / BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY, Nike standing left, wings spread, holding laurel wreath and stylis; monogram in left field, monogram within wreath in right field. Price 3724. 8.60g, 19mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a remarkably large, lustrous flan. Rare.

4,000

The son of a Macedonian nobleman, we learn from Arrian in his ‘Anabasis’ that Peithon was a successful commander in Alexander’s army, and following the campaign against the Mallians was appointed Satrap of the Indus in 325 BC (Anabasis VI, 15, 1), a position confirmed to him after the death of Alexander at the Partition of Babylon. Left to command the rearguard of the army after Alexander moved on, Peithon was dispatched to quell an uprising led by King Musicanos at the head of the Indus: he captured the rebel king and sent him to Alexander. After the death of Alexander the sources are unclear as to what happened in the Indus, but there is the suggestion that Peithon also became Satrap of Punjab. Leaving to travel west in 316, Peithon was appointed satrap of Babylon by Antigonos, joining his forces in the fight against Kassander and Ptolemy in 314. He was killed at the Battle of Gaza in 312, when the forces of Antigonos under Demetrios were defeated by Ptolemy.

226. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘The Great’ AV Stater. Babylon, circa 311-305 BC. Struck under Seleukos. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with serpent, pendant earring and pearl necklace / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, Nike standing left, wings spread, holding laurel-wreath in her right hand and stylis in her left, MI in left field, monogram within wreath in right field. Price 3748. 8.63g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

3,500

227. Kingdom of Macedon, Kassander Æ18. Uncertain mint, circa 305-298 BC. Helmet with cheekguards left / BASILEWS KASSANDROU, spearhead right. SNG München 1035; SNG Alpha Bank -; SNG Copenhagen -. 4.14g, 18mm, 2h. Good Very Fine, with a pleasant green patina. Rare.

300

228. Kingdom of Macedon. Demetrios I Poliorketes AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 291-290 BC. Diademed and horned head of Demetrios right / Poseidon Pelagaios seated left on rock, holding aplustre and trident; monograms to inner left and right, BASILEWS to right, DHMHTRIOU to left. Cf. M&M 72, 1987, lot 577 (these dies); Newell p. 110ff (obverse die XCIX), this monogram not listed. 17.19g, 29mm, 2h. Extremely Fine, two edge knocks. Attractive old tone. Rare.

4,000

Ex Sotheby’s Auction, 26 October 1993, lot 39. Around 292-1 BC Demetrios replaced the Alexandrine coin types in use in the Kingdom of Macedon with personal designs. It is his portrait that appears on the obverse of this coin, wearing the royal diadem and adorned with bull’s horns. The bull was sacred to his divine patron Poseidon, and the horned portrait symbolizes the apotheosis of the king. We know that Demetrios received divine honours in his lifetime, and his coinage clearly illustrates the first example of the deification of a reigning Hellenistic king.

229

230

229. Kings of Macedon. Philip V Æ17. Uncertain Macedonian Mint, circa 221-179 BC. Head of Perseus right, wearing winged Phrygian helmet / Harpa, BA above, F below, oak-wreath around. Mamroth 28; SNG Alpha Bank 1129. 3.31g, 17mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Dark patina. Very Rare.

500

230. Kingdom of Macedon. Perseus AR Drachm. Third Macedonian War issue. Uncertain mint in Thessaly, circa 171-170 BC. Hermias, magistrate. Head of Helios three quarters facing / Rose with bud to right; EPMIAΣ above, Σ-Ω across field. Price, Larissa, pl. LV, 247; SNG Keckman 793. 2.54g, 15mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

231

300

232

231. Roman Protectorate of Macedonia Æ23. Circa 168-167 BC. Time of Aemilius Paullus. Gaius Publilius, Quaestor. Helmeted head of Roma right / MAKEDONWN TAMIOU GAIOU POPLILIOU in three lines; all within oak wreath. MacKay pl. III, 1; SNG Copenhagen 1318. 11.12g, 23mm, 9h. Very Fine. Attractive dark green patina.

300

232. Roman Protectorate of Macedonia Æ20. Circa 167-165 BC. Facing mask of Silenos, wearing ivy wreath / MAKE-ΔONΩN in two lines, Δ above; all within oak wreath. MacKay pl. III, 10; Touratsoglou, Macedonia 25; SNG Copenhagen 1324-6 (D. Junius Silanus, praetor). 10.17g, 20mm, 12h. Very Fine.

500

THRACE

233

234

233. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Diobol. Circa 510-480 BC. Satyr running right / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 4; HGC 6, 333; Rosen 144. 1.15g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Good metal.

250

234. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Obol. Circa 510-480 BC. Satyr running right / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Le Rider, Thasiennes group I; HGC 6, –; Rosen 145. 0.65g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

235

236

250

237

235. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Hemiobol. Circa 411-404 BC. Head of satyr right, with full head of hair / Two dolphins swimming in opposite direction, QASI around; all within shallow incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 12. 0.43g, 9mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

250

236. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Hemiobol. Circa 411-404 BC. Head of satyr right, balding at front / Two dolphins swimming in opposite direction, QASI around; all within shallow incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 12. 0.46g, 9mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

250

237. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Hemiobol. Circa 411-404 BC. Bald head of satyr right / Two dolphins swimming in opposite direction, QAS around; all within shallow incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes –; SNG Copenhagen 1033-4; HGC 6, 340. 0.46g, 9mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

250

238. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Hemiobol. Circa 411-404 BC. Head of nymph left, hair bound with taenia / Dolphin leaping left, ΘΑΣ around. Le Rider, Thasiennes 13; SNG Copenhagen 1035; HGC 6, 341. 0.26g, 9mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

250

239. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Hemiobol. Circa 411-404 BC. Female head left, wearing diadem and necklace / Dolphin leaping left, ΘΑΣ below. 0.28g, 9mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references.

500

240. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Trihemiobol. Circa 404-355 BC. Silenos kneeling left, holding kylix / Amphora within incuse square, QASEWN around. Le Rider, Thasiennes 27; SNG Copenhagen 1029-30; HGC 6, 351. 0.94g, 12mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

241. Thrace, Abdera AR Tetradrachm. Circa 415-395 BC. Polyaretos, magistrate. Griffin prancing left from base / Bunch of grapes hanging from vinestalk within linear frame, ΠΟΛYΑPΠΗΤΟΣ around; all within incuse square. May period V, 233; cf. Chryssanthaki-Nagle pp. 117-119. 13.87g, 21mm, 8h. Very Fine. Very Rare, only two example cited by May.

2,000

Unique Tetradrachm of Abdera Depicting Europa

242. Thrace, Abdera AR Tetradrachm. Circa 395-360 BC. Pethas, magistrate. Griffin prancing left from base / Europa on bull rearing left; above, PEΘAΣ; all within shallow incuse square. May -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -. 13.94g, 23mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Unique and unpublished.

4,000

This unique coin of Abdera is most unusual in two respects: the reverse type is completely unknown for this mint as is the short magistrate’s name Pethas. Stylistically it would seem to fit in May’s period VI of c. 411-385, down dated to c. 395-360 by K. Chryssanthaki-Nagle in L’histoire monetaire d’Abdere en Thrace (VIe s. av. J.-C. – IIe s. ap. J.-C.), Melethmata 51, Athens 2007, pp. 119-126.

243

244

245

243. Thrace, Abdera AR Tetrobol. Circa 411-385 BC. Nymphagores, magistrate. Griffin pouncing left, ΑΒΔΗ above / Dolphin in dotted square, EPI ΝΥΜΦΑΓΟΡΗΣ around. May 377; SNG Copenhagen 335; Jameson 1038. 2.84g, 14mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

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

400

245. Thrace, Abdera AR Tetrobol. Circa 360-350 BC. Philaios, magistrate. Griffin springing left / Hermes standing right, astragalos to right, EPI FILAIO to left; all within shallow incuse square. May, Abdera 424-38; SNG Copenhagen 337. 2.85g, 15mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

400

246. Thrace, Dikaia AR Stater. Circa 490-475 BC. Bearded head of Herakles facing right, wearing lion skin headdress; dotted border around / Head of bull to left, around, Δ-Ι-Κ; all within incuse square. Schönert-Geiss 23/5; May, NC 1965, 30; Jameson 1055 (same dies). 7.27g, 20mm, 7h. Very Fine. Rare.

2,000

247

248

247. Thrace, Dikaia AR Obol. Circa 420 BC. Female head left, with rolled up hair / Bull’s head facing; around, ΔΙΚ. BMC 4a; Schönert-Geiss, Bisanthe pl.6, 19; Traité pl. 340, 4. 0.57g, 19mm, 7h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

250

248. Thrace, Maroneia AR Drachm. Circa 510-490 BC. Forepart of horse left, MAR above / Sunburst within incuse square. Schönert-Geiss 12 (V4/R5); BMC 5. 3.18g, 17mm. Some scratches. About Very Fine. Struck in high relief. Rare.

500

Ex CNG 82, 16 September 2009, lot 330.

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

3,000

Ex Q. David Bowers Collection; Ex C. P. A. Collection, CNG 78, 14 May 2008, lot 280.

250. Thrace, Ainos Æ19. Circa 2nd century BC. Bare headed and draped bust of Hermes right, kerykeion over left shoulder / Asklepios standing left, holding serpent-staff, AIN-IΩN around. AMNG Thrakien, p. 199, 405a; Weber, NC 1892, p. 188, 5 and pl. 15, 4. 2.61g, 19mm, 7h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

251

250

252

251. Thrace, Mesembria Æ22. Circa 300-250 BC. Crested Thracian helmet left / MESAM-BRIANWN around shield. SNG BMC Black Sea Area 276; SNG Copenhagen 658 var. (helmet right); SNG Stancomb -. 5.64g, 22mm, 1h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

300

252. Kings of Thrace, Ketriporis Æ15. Circa 356-251 BC. Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath / Kantharos, thyrsos to left, crescent above, KETRIPORIOS around. Peter p. 144; SNG Stancomb 289. 5.08g, 15mm, 8h. Very Fine. Rare.

253

250

254

253. Kings of Thrace. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lampsakos, circa 297-282 BC. Head of the deified Alexander right / Athena seated left, holding Nike, with shield and spear; torch in inner left field, crescent below throne. Thompson 171; SNG Ashmolean 3724. 16.86g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare variant with cresent below seat of throne rather than in exergue.

1,000

254. Kings of Thrace. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria Troas, circa 297-282 BC. Head of deified Alexander right / Athena seated left, holding Nike, with shield and spear; horse’s head in inner left field, star on throne. Thompson 149. 16.92, 26mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

255. Thracian Dynasts. Koson AV Stater. Circa 44-42 BC. Roman consul (L. Junius Brutus?) walking left, accompanied by two lictors, monogram before, KOΣΩN in exergue / Eagle with spread wings standing left on sceptre, clutching laurel wreath in right talon. RPC 1701; BMC Thrace p. 208, 2. 8.41g, 21mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

1,250

First and Only Known Coin of Paktye

256. Thrace, Thracian Chersonesos. Paktye Æ11. Circa 375-325 BC. Head of roaring lion left / Wheat grain, scallop shell below, ethnik PAK-TU around. See IACP p. 909, 671 for information on this polis. 0.91g, 11mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Unique and unpublished.

500

It is rare now to encounter a real novum in Greek numismatics. This coin bears the ethnik of Paktye, attested as a polis in ancient sources, that was founded by Athenians under Miltiades in the sixth century BC. Situated on the Propontic coast of the isthmus of the Chersonesos near the site of Helle’s tomb, at the eastern end of the fortification wall constructed by Miltiades, Paktye appears to have been a settlement of limited size, and was never included in the Athenian tribute lists. Before the discovery of this coin it was believed that the city had never issued its own coinage. This wonderfully preserved specimen proves that not to be the case. A lion of distinctly Chersonesean style occupies the obverse, and this animal representation of the sun is paired with the wheat grain, for whose germination and growth it was responsible; on the reverse we see also the scallop shell, a noted symbol of fertility. The Thracian Chersonesos was renowned for its production of wheat, and as the foundation of their economy this grain has appropriately been taken for a civic emblem much as it was at Metapontum.

CRETE

Rare Stater of Phalasarna Depicting Britomartis

257. Crete, Phalasarna AR Stater. Circa 300-270 BC. Head of Artemis Diktynna right, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Ornate trident head; Φ-A between prongs. Svoronos 2; SNG Copenhagen 522; BMC 1-2; Le Rider pl. X, 12-13; SNG Lockett 2596. 11.23g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

4,000

Ex NFA 33, 1984, lot 205. 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.

258

259

258. Crete, Knossos Æ20. Circa 220 BC. Knossos-Gortyna alliance coinage. Europa on bull left / Labyrinth. Svoronos, Numismatique 122; SNG Copenhagen 378. 6.94g, 20mm, 1h. Good Fine. Rare.

200

TROAS 259. Troas, Ilion Æ18. Circa 300-350 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Athenian helmet / Archaic Athena Ilias standing left, wearing polos, veil and long chiton, holding distaff and spear; olive branch in left field. BMC 7; cf. SNG Copenhagen 49-52 var. (symbol in left field). 5.92g, 18mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

200

Hector, Tamer of Horses

260. Troas, Ophrynion Æ13. Circa 350-300 BC. Bearded, three-quarter facing head of Hector, turned slightly right, wearing triple crested helmet / OFRU, the infant Dionysos kneeling right, holding grape cluster in right hand. SNG Copenhagen 456ff; BMC Troas pg. 75, 4-7; SNG von Aulock 1559; Laffaille 457. 1.72g, 13mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Exceptional for this issue, that is nearly uniformly found corroded or worn. Very Rare.

500

Ophrynion was the reputed burial place of the Trojan hero Hector. Strabo reports that the grove of Hector occupied a prominent place, and it is possible that a lost play of Sophocles referred to this tradition, which is also alluded to on an early 6th century vase by Onesimos that depicts the sack of Troy. The final lines of the Iliad are devoted to the funeral of Hector: “Nine days long did they bring in great heaps of wood, and on the morning of the tenth day, with many tears they took brave Hector forth, laid his dead body upon the summit of the pile, and set the fire thereto. Then when the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared on the eleventh day, the people again assembled, round the pyre of mighty Hector. When they were got together, they first quenched the fire with wine wherever it was burning, and then his brothers and comrades with many a bitter tear gathered his white bones, wrapped them in soft robes of purple, and laid them in a golden urn, which they placed in a grave and covered over with large stones set close together. Then they built a barrow hurriedly over it keeping guard on every side lest the Achaeans should attack them before they had finished. When they had heaped up the barrow they went back again into the city, and being well assembled they held high feast in the house of Priam their king. Thus, then, did they celebrate the funeral of Hector, tamer of horses.”

261

262

261. Troas, Neandria AR Obol. Circa 4th century BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / NEAN, Ram standing right in shallow incuse square. SNG München 293; SNG Copenhagen 446; cf. BMC 2 var. (Ram left). 0.59g, 9mm, 11h. Very Fine. Rare.

200

262. Troas, Neandria AR Hemiobol. Circa 4th century BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Oinochoe, NEAN around. SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; Klein -; BMC -; SNG München -; SNG Kayhan -; cf. Gorny & Mosch 186, 8 March 2010, lot 1351. 0.24g, 7mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

263. Troas, Lamponeia Æ12. Circa 4th century BC. Wreathed head of Dionysos right / Facing bull’s head; kantharos above, LA-M across fields. SNG Copenhagen 445. 2.11g, 12mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the issue. Extremely Rare.

264

300

265

264. Troas, Kebren AR Obol. Circa 5th century BC. Ram’s head left / Irregular square incuse punch. Klein 312. 0.53g, 8mm. Extremely Fine. Rare.

200

265. Troas, Kebren AR Obol. Circa 387-310 BC. Ram’s head right / Youthful male head right. SNG Copenhagen -; Klein 313. 0.49g, 8mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

200

AEOLIS

266

267

266. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Orynios standing right, holding branch and phiale; omphalos and amphora at his feet, MURINAIWN behind, monogram in left field. BMC 2; Ward 637. 16.45g, 33mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

500

267. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Orynios standing right, holding branch and phiale; omphalos and amphora at his feet, MURINAIWN behind, monograms in left field. BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -; Sacks issue 42. 16.73g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

268

500

269

268. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Orynios standing right, holding branch and phiale; omphalos and amphora at his feet, MURINAIWN behind, monogram in left field. SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 3. 16.37g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractive lustre.

500

269. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Orynios standing right, holding branch and phiale; omphalos and amphora at his feet, MURINAIWN behind, monogram in left field. SNG Copenhagen 221; BMC 11. 14.50g, 33mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine. Pleasant lustre around the devices.

270

500

271

270. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Orynios standing right, holding branch and phiale; omphalos and amphora at his feet, MURINAIWN behind, monogram in left field. SNG Copenhagen 222; BMC 7. 14.83g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre.

500

271. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Orynios standing right, holding branch and phiale; omphalos and amphora at his feet, MURINAIWN behind, monograms in left field. SNG Copenhagen 223; BMC -. 15.98g, 31mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

IONIA

272. Ionia, Uncertain mint. EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 650-600 BC. Milesian standard. Striated surface / Incuse square punch. Weidauer -; TraitĂŠ I 14-15; SNG Kayhan 682. 0.63g, 5mm. Extremely Fine. Exceptional condition for the type.

300

Pre-Coinage Electrum Ingot

273. Ionia, Uncertain mint. EL Hemistater (Milesian standard). Circa 7th-6th century BC. Oblong ingot with rounded ends and flat sides. Apparently unique and unpublished. This curious ingot may, judging from the flat sides, have been hammered or cut down to the required weight. A very interesting example of pre-coin currency. 6.70g, 15mm. 500

Unpublished Early Silver Coin

274. Ionia, Uncertain mint. AR 1/3 Stater. Circa 575-560 BC. Raised square, roughly divided into a swastika pattern / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard literature, for type cf. electrum issues ATEC 181-185. 3.71g, 15mm. Porous, but otherwise Very Fine.

500

This previously unknown issue must rank with the earliest of silver coins generally considered to have been issued by Kroisos in Lydia around 558-546 BC on the Persian silver weight standard. Similar raised square electrum issues are dated to about 575-560. The evidence from the Asyut hoard (Price-Waggoner 1975 p. 76) indicates that even the earliest silver of Aegina, traditionally the first silver coinage introduced by King Pheidon of Argos in the 7th century BC (Brown, NC 1950, 177ff), was in fact also issued from the 550s, on a slightly heavier standard which we now call Aeginetan (ACGC p. 313).

275. Ionia, Uncertain mint. EL Hemihekte (1/12 Stater). Circa 575-560 BC. Milesian standard. Bridled horse head left / Incuse square punch. Weidauer 142; TraitĂŠ I 346 (Chios); SNG Kayhan 715. 0.97g, 7mm. Good Very Fine.

300

Apparently Unique and Unpublished 1/6 Stater

276. Ionia, Uncertain mint. EL Hekte (1/6 Stater). Circa 530-520 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Unbridled horse galloping left / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. BMC pl. I, 26 (stater) for similar type. 2.24g, 11mm. Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

1,000

277. Ionia, Erythrai EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG von Aulock 1942; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG MĂźnchen -; Boston MFA 1806-7. 2.58g, 11mm. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful style.

278

2,000

279

278. Ionia, Erythrai AR Hemiobol. Circa 480-450 BC. Rosette/sunburst with central boss / Eight-rayed star within incuse square. Klein 387; Kraay, Colophon 96, 102. 0.29g, 7mm. Extremely Fine. Rare.

200

279. Ionia, Erythrai AR Obol. Circa 480-450 BC. Nude youth standing beside prancing horse left / Rosette/sunburst within incuse square. SNG Copenhagen 560. 0.78g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

300

The Klazomenian Victory at Leukai

280.

Ionia, Klazomenai AR Drachm. Circa 386-301 BC. Mandronax, magistrate. Head of Apollo facing slightly left, wearing laurel wreath / KL-A, swan standing left, wings spread; MANDRWNA[X] to left. SNG Copenhagen -; SNG München -; cf. BMC 26 (hemidrachm); SNG Lockett 2792 (same dies); Traité II 1998. 4.04g, 16mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Exceptional metal for issue. Rare.

15,000

Ex David Herman Collection, Triton X, 9 January 2007, lot 295. Settled by colonists from Phlios and Kleonai, Klazomenai was a member of the Ionian League, and originally stood on the isthmus connecting the mainland with the peninsula on which Erythrai stood; but the inhabitants, alarmed by the encroachments of the Persians, removed themselves to one of the small islands of the bay, and there established their city. In the King’s Peace of 386 Klazomenai is explicitly mentioned as belonging to Persia, though the city continued to mint coinage in its own name. There was a Klazomenian treasury at Delphi, and Klazomenai consulted the oracle there in 383 about their dispute with Kyme over the city of Leukai. Both cities wished to gain control of Leukai and its cult centre of Apollo, and thus the oracle responded that the city that first managed to make a sacrifice at Leukai on a specified date should be the winner of the dispute. Since it was stipulated that representatives from the two cities should depart at dawn on the day specified for the sacrifice, the Klazomenians founded a colony close to Leukai and thus won the contest. This event was celebrated by a festival called Prophthaseia, and a beautiful series of coinage, to which this type belongs, was caused to be struck in commemoration of the city’s victory. Apollo is proudly displayed on the obverse, and the reverse bears a majestic image of a swan, a bird sacred to the god. According to myth, swans would draw the chariot in which Apollo every year flew south from his winter home in the land of the Hyperboreans. The reverse is also a punning allusion to the name of the city itself, as Klazomenai was also home to large numbers of swans, and κλaζειν meant ‘to scream’, and was used to describe the call of the swan. Leukai’s striking of similar coinage in this period (see lot 297) attests to Klazomenai’s control over that city. This beautiful coin is believed to be an unsigned work by the famous artist Theodotus of Klazomenai, who was responsible for engraving the dies for the outstanding Klazomenian tetradrachm in the British Museum. That coin, which bears Theodotus’ signature, is of a sufficiently proximate style as to make this a very distinct probability.

281

282

281. Islands off Ionia, Chios Æ10. Circa 310-190 BC. Sphinx seated left, bunch of grapes before / HRIDANOS to left, XIOS to right, amphora. SNG Copenhagen -; HGC 6, 1150. 0.96g, 10mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

282. Islands off Ionia, Chios Æ15. Circa 190-84 BC. Menogenes, magistrate. Sphinx seated right holding bunch of grapes / Amphora, MHNOGHNH to right, XIOS to left; all within wreath. SNG Copenhagen 1610-1617 var. (magistrate). 2.89g, 15mm, 10h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

150

283. Ionia, Phokaia EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 625-522 BC. Head of seal left / Incuse square punch. Bodenstedt Em. 2.2 (unlisted dies); Boston MFA –; BMC 9. 0.65g, 6mm. As Struck. Rare.

300

Second and Finest Known

284. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 625-522 BC. Forepart of seal right; behind, small seal right; Θ below / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Triton XIII, 186. 2.59g, 10mm. Good Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references. The second and finest known example.

285

5,000

286

285. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 600-522 BC. Head of bull left, dotted truncation; small seal above the forehead / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 21. 2.58g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. Bodenstedt lists only two examples, and only two others have been offered at auction in recent years.

2,000

286. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 625-522 BC. Head of roaring lion left; to right, small seal behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 38; Gulbenkian 743 (same dies); Triton XV, lot 1224; CNG 84, lot 634; Freeman & Sear 13, lot 186; Gorny & Mosch 195, lot 234. 2.60g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. Four examples are cited by Bodestedt, three of which are in public collections.

2,000

287. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Facing head of bearded satyr / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 43. 2.62g, 10mm. Very Fine.

288

300

289

288. Ionia, Phokaia AR Diobol. Circa 521-478 BC. Archaic female head left / Quadripartite incuse square. Klein 452-3. 0.82g, 9mm. Extremely Fine.

300

289. Ionia, Phokaia AR Obol. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of griffin left / Incuse square, SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 2118. 1.35g, 9mm. Extremely Fine.

300

290. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 450-400 BC. Head of a lion facing, mane standing proud behind; seal to left, swimming downwards / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 53; Traité II, 2 pl. CLVIII, 8. 2.57g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Rare. A sharp, well centred and very attractive specimen.

3,000

The design of this type has been borrowed from the Bruttian city of Rhegion, which used this facing lion’s head seen from above as their civic type. The manner of its depiction is however stylistically distinct from that of Rhegion, and shows the lion as a much leaner aminal, with a less pronounced head of hair, but a very prominent mane that is seen standing up behind the lion’s head. This is probably the finest and most complete example offered at auction in over a decade.

291

292

291. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 450-400 BC. Head of Hermes left, wearing winged petasos, seal swimming downward behind neck / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 82. 2.53g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

1,500

292. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 450-400 BC. Head of Hermes left, wearing winged petasos, seal swimming downward behind neck / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 82. 2.55g, 10mm. Very Fine.

300

293. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 450-400 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin; seal below / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 91. 2.55g, 10mm. Very Fine.

294

300

295

294. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 400 BC. Head of nymph left, her curly hair bound in an ampyx with a net behind, wearing pendant earring / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 94. 2.51g, 11mm. Good Very Fine.

1,000

295. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 400 BC. Head of nymph left, her curly hair bound in an ampyx with a net behind, wearing pendant earring / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 94. 2.57g, 10mm. Very Fine.

750

296. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 387-326 BC. Head of Omphale left, wearing lion skin headdress; club over shoulder, seal below / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 107; SNG Copenhagen 1029. 2.50g, 10mm. Good Very Fine.

1,000

For his murder of Iphitus, the great hero Herakles was commanded by the Delphic Oracle Xenoclea to remand himself as a slave to Queen Omphale of Lydia for the period of a year, during which time he was made to perform women’s tasks, wear women’s clothing and hold a basket of wool while Omphale and her maidens did their spinning. Ovid (Fasti) tells us that Omphale even wore the skin of the Nemean Lion and carried Herakles’ olivewood club.

297. Ionia, Leukai Æ17. Circa 350-300 BC. Myrmias, magistrate. Laureate head of Apollo left / Swan standing left with open wings, head right; MURMIAS below. SNG Copenhagen 801 var. (magistrate); BMC 5 var. (same). 2.97g, 17mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

298

500

299

298. Ionia, Phygela Æ14. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of Artemis Munychia, three-quarters facing to left, wearing stephane / Bull butting left; in front, palm tree; above, ΦΥΓ; in exergue, magistrate’s name ΣΩΚΡΑΤΗΣ. SNG Copenhagen 1074; BMC 5-8. 2.49g, 14mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

299. Ionia, Smyrna Æ16. Circa 209-211 AD. Draped bust of Serapis right wearing polos, CT-PA around / Prow right, shrimp below, ZMURNAIWN around. SNG Copenhagen 1312. 2.55g, 16mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

The Earliest Coinage of Ephesos

300. Ionia, Ephesos EL 1/3 Stater. Circa 530 BC. Archaic bee seen from above / Two oblong incuse punches. Karwiese series II; BMC 3; ATEC 418-419; SNG Kayhan 112; Weidauer 34; Head, Ephesus, pl.1, 1-2. 4.36g, 12mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

A splendid example of the first civic issue at Ephesos that is remarkable for the small percentage of gold that it contains, which from its specific gravity appears to be roughly 5%.

301. Ionia, Ephesos AR Diobol. Circa 500 BC. Bee / Incuse punch. Head -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen. -; cf. Elsen 94, 2007, 293. 1.28g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

302. Ionia, Miletos AR Didrachm. Circa 259-246 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Lion standing left, its head turned back to face to right, MI monogram to left, below second monogram, a star above, in exergue ...YΩNIΔHΣ. Deppert-Lippitz, Period IV, vgl. 500-502 (magistrate’s name not listed). 10.59g, 27mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

One of Only Two in Private Hands

303.

Ionia, Kolophon AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Clarius standing right holding filleted branch, right hand placed on lyre, ΚΟΛΟΦΩΝΙΩΝ to left, all within laurel wreath. SNG von Aulock 7916; Waddington 1489; Milne Colophon 164. 16.31g, 34mm, 11h. Light porosity, otherwise Extremely Fine. Exceedingly Rare.

20,000

Four examples of this coinage are known to exist, only two of which are in private hands. Of the two, this specimen is arguably the finer, having suffered less wear and damage. Kolophon was a city of great antiquity, and one of the oldest of the twelve cities of the Ionian League. It was the strongest of these cities, and was renowned for its cavalry as well as the luxurious lifestyle of its inhabitants, until it was conquered by Gyges of Lydia in the 7th century BC. Kolophon then went into decline and was rapidly eclipsed by Ephesos. In 430 Kolophon was conquered by the Persians in consequence of a stasis between the citizens. Many Kolophonians living in the city fled and settled in Notion, which would later come to be known also as New Kolophon, Kolophon-on-Sea, or simply as Kolophon. The old city was destroyed by Lysimachos around the same time as he destroyed and forcibly depopulated nearby Lebedos, and unlike the latter, Kolophon did not recover. Indeed, it appears that Ephesos made efforts to ensure that this was the case. The obvious similarities in style and fabric between this coin and those of Myrina suggest that not only were the dies most likely produced by an artist responsible for engraving dies for Myrina, but also that they were struck at the same mint facility. While a cooperation between Myrina and Kolophon is unattested in the ancient sources, such an arrangement would not have been unprecedented or unusual. The reverse of this coin depicts Apollo Clarius, who had a temple at Clarus, near the site of Notion. Clarus was famed throughout the Greek world for its oracle, which appears to have existed there far back into Greek history, being mentioned in the Homeric Hymns to Artemis. This oracle delivered her prophesies in a dark, crypt-like adyton under the Temple of Apollo, much of which remains to the present day. The narrow, vaulted labyrinthine corridors under the temple remain, as does the base and fragments of a colossal sculpture of Apollo with his lyre. This statue, partially restored, appears to have measured over seven metres in height. The monumental entrance to the sanctuary was discovered in 1905 and between 1950 and 1961 a further series of important dedicated monuments were excavated, along with the famous Doric Temple itself.

304. Ionia, Kolophon Æ Chalkous. Dionysodorus as magistrate. Circa 330-285 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Forepart of horse right, DIONUSODWROS on left, KO below. SNG Copenhagen 150; Milne 105. 2.25g, 15mm, 12h. Very Fine. Pleasant dark tone and patina. Scarce.

100

305. Ionia, Herakleia ad Latmon AR Tetradrachm. Circa 190 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with volute, Pegasos and five foreparts of horse / Club of Herakles right, HPAKΔEΩTΩN above, Nike below between two monograms, all within oak wreath. SNG Copenhagen 781; SNG Lockett 2823. 17.24g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful style.

2,500

LESBOS

306. Lesbos, Unattributed early mint. Billon 1/6 Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Heads of two confronted boars, KIOI above / Quadripartite incuse square. BMC Troas, 173, 1; SNG Copenhagen -; Traité pl. XIV, 9. 1.90g, 13mm. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare denomination.

307

308

300

309

307. Lesbos, Unattributed early mint. Billon 1/12 Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Heads of two confronted boars, pellet above / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG Copenhagen 287; Klein 348. 0.95g, 10mm. Good Extremely Fine.

200

308. Lesbos, Unattributed early mint. Billon 1/24 Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Heads of two confronted boars / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG Copenhagen 289. 0.54g, 7mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

200

309. Lesbos, Unattributed early mint. Billon 1/36 Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Heads of two confronted boars / Quadripartite incuse square. Traité pl. XIV, 12. Rosen Coll. 542. Klein, 348. 0.28g, 6mm. Extremely Fine. Rare.

100

310. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Forepart of winged lion left / Incuse head of cockerel left; small rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 9.1. 2.58g, 10mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

311

312

311. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of ram right; below, cockerel standing left / Incuse head of lion left; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 11; SNG von Aulock 7718; SNG Copenhagen 300. 2.54g, 11mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

312. 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. 2.58g, 10mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

313

1,000

314

313. 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, 11h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

314. 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, 11h. Good Very Fine.

750

316

315

315. 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. 2.59g, 11mm, 3h. Very Fine.

500

316. 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 -. 2.57g, 10mm, 11h. Very Fine.

317

750

318

317. 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. Very Fine.

300

318. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of ram right; [below, cockerel standing left] / Incuse head of lion right; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 16; SNG von Aulock 7719. 2.09g, 11mm, 12h. Very Fine.

319

500

320

319. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Ramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head right / Incuse head of Herakles right. Bodenstedt 18; Boston MFA 1671; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 1689. 2.47g, 10mm, 12h. Very Fine. Well centred.

300

320. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 440-400 BC. Head of an aged satyr facing right, wearing a taenia / Two confronted heads of rams, palmette above, all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 37. 2.51g, 10mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

500

321

322

321. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 440-400 BC. Head of an aged satyr facing right, wearing a taenia / Two confronted heads of rams, palmette above, all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 37. 2.48g, 11mm, 12h. Very Fine.

300

322. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 440-400 BC. Head of an aged satyr facing right, wearing a taenia / Two confronted heads of rams, palmette above, all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 37. 2.50g, 10mm, 3h. Very Fine.

323

300

324

323. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 440-400 BC. Head of an aged satyr facing right, wearing a taenia / Two confronted heads of rams, palmette above, all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 37. 2.48g, 10mm, 4h. Very Fine.

300

324. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 440-400 BC. Forepart of boar running right / Head of roaring lion right within linear square frame. Bodenstedt 41. 2.49g, 10mm, 6h. Very Fine.

325

300

326

325. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 440-400 BC. Forepart of boar running right / Head of roaring lion right within linear square frame. Bodenstedt 41. 2.58g, 10mm, 6h. Very Fine.

200

326. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 454-427 BC. Head of Aktaeon right, wearing stagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horn / Gorgoneion in linear square within incuse square. Bodenstedt 54; SNG Copenhagen 308. 2.50g, 10mm, 12h. Very Fine.

500

The goddess Artemis was bathing in the woods when the hunter Aktaeon stumbled across her grove and espied her naked form; so entranced was he at her beauty that he lingered and stared. Once spotted Artemis forbade him the power of speech as punishment, and cursed him so that if he tried to speak he would be transformed into a stag. Upon hearing the call of his hunting party however, Aktaeon tried to cry out, and was immediately changed into a stag. His hunting dogs, not recognising their master, tore him to pieces. The myth has provided fertile inspiration for generations of artists since.

327

328

327. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 400 BC. Forepart of winged lion left / Sphinx seated right within incuse square. Bodenstedt 63; SNG Copenhagen 303. 2.49g, 11mm, 9h. Very Fine.

500

328. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 400 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet / Bearded head of Pharnabazos right, wearing Persian tiara, within linear frame; all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 71. 2.51g, 11mm, 3h. Very Fine. Pharnabazos was the hereditary Persian satrap of Phrygia, and played a significant role in the Peloponnesian War, offering Persian military and financial support to Sparta. When Sparta in 399 turned on its former ally and invaded Persian territory, Pharnabazos, with the assistance of the Athenian Conon and Evagoras of Salamis, organised the Persian fleet and fought a decisive sea-battle at Knidos in August 394 under his and Cononâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s command. The battle resulted in the complete destruction of the Spartan fleet. The grateful Pharnabazos then helped to finance the reconstruction of the walls of the Peiraeus. On land however the war dragged on due to the disorganisation of the Persian Empire; when at last in 387, the Persian Great King concluded peace with Sparta, Pharnabazos was recalled from his command in high honour to marry Apame, the daughter of the king. Their granddaughter was destined to marry Seleukos, and thus become the founding Queen of the Seleukid Empire.

500

329

330

329. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 412-378 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Head of Artemis-Kybele right, wearing stephane, within linear incuse square. Bodenstedt 73. 2.53g, 10mm, 9h. Very Fine.

500

330. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 412-378 BC. Head of Artemis-Kybele right, wearing stephane decorated with palmettes / Head of an African right, wearing stephane, within linear square. Bodenstedt 74; SNG Copenhagen -; Boston MFA 1708. 2.55g, 11mm, 12h. Very Fine.

331

500

332

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

500

332. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos / Lion standing right in linear square within shallow incuse square. Bodenstedt 83. 2.53g, 10mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

333

300

334

333. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Wreathed head of Dionysos right / Facing satyrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head within linear square, all within shallow incuse square. Bodenstedt 90; SNG Copenhagen 323. 2.57g, 10mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Die break on reverse.

750

334. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Same as previous lot. Bodenstedt 90; SNG Copenhagen 323. 2.53g, 10mm, 12h. Very Fine.

335

300

336

335. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 337-326 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, small coiled serpent behind / Head of Artemis right, hair up, within linear frame. Bodenstedt 95. 2.57g, 10mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

750

336. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 337-326 BC. Same as previous lot. Bodenstedt 95. 2.58g, 10mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

337

338

750

339

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

750

338. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, [serpent to left] / Head of Artemis right within linear square. Bodenstedt 100b; SNG Copenhagen 317. 2.55g, 9mm, 11h. Very Fine.

500

339. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-325 BC. Laureate head of Zeus Meilichios right, [forepart of small serpent before chin] / Draped bust of Nike right, two stars flanking above, all within linear frame. Bodenstedt 101. 2.55g, 10mm, 1h. Very Fine.

750

MYSIA

340.

Attractive Stater of Lampsakos

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. 15.22g, 21mm. Extremely Fine. Excellent style.

20,000

Lampsakos was founded in around 654/3 BC by Phokaian colonists, and in the sixth century became a dependency of Lydia; when the Lampsakenes had captured Miltiades, the Athenian tyrant of the Chersonesos, they were forced by Kroisos to set him free. After the fall of the Lydian kingdom in 547, the city then fell under the dominion of Persia. Lampsakos joined the Ionian cities in revolt in 499, but was conquered by Daurises in 498 or 497, and thereafter remained under Persian control until it was given by Artaxerxes to the exiled Athenian general Themistocles as part of the governorship of the Magnesian district. Themistocles’ district also included the cities of Myos, and Magnesia itself, who along with Lampsakos paid him revenue of 50 talents per year, for ‘meat’, ‘bread’ and ‘wine’ respectively. At an uncertain date after the death of Themistocles in 459 BC, Lampsakos joined the Delian League, and is recorded in the tribute lists from 453/2, paying a phoros of fifteen talents. The dating of this issue has long proven to be difficult, with earlier scholars having attributed it to as far back as 525-500, though this has been shown to be unlikely, not least on account of the style being of a more dynamic and baroque nature than the rather static designs of the Archaic period. While it is tempting to perceive the Pegasos motif as one symbolising freedom, and thus try to place this as a product of the Ionian revolt, the general modern consensus is that the issue should belong to the period of 480-450. This being the case, it should reasonably be viewed within the context of Themistocles’ control of the city and subsequently, its position as a member of the Delian League. Under both regimes Lamksakos was required to pay tribute, for which purpose a substantial issue of coinage was necessary.

341. Mysia, Astyra Æ12. Struck under Tissaphernes, circa 400-395 BC. TISSA, bearded head right / ASTURH, cult statue of Artemis Astyrene, club to right. SNG France 124A; Klein 253. 1.63g, 12mm, 12h. Very Fine.

100

342. Mysia, Pitane Æ10. Circa 4th-3rd century BC. Head of Zeus Ammon right / Pentagram, PITAN around. SNG France 2349; SNG von Aulock -. 1.20g, 10mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

200

343. Mysia, Parion AR Hemidrachm. Circa 400-300 BC. Gorgoneion with protruding tongue, serpents around / Bull standing left, head reverted; ΠA above, PI below. BMC 14-16; SNG France 1356-1357. 2.43g, 14mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Excellent style.

344

345

500

346

344. Mysia, Priapos Æ19. Circa 300-200 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / ΠPIAΠHNΩN, shrimp right, bee below. BMC 3-5; SNG France 2401-2; cf. Gorny & Mosch 142, 10 October 2005, lot 1493. 4.86g, 18mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

200

345. Mysia, Priapos Æ11. Circa 300-200 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Crab, strung harpa below, A above. SNG von Aulock 7526; Klein 290. 1.05g, 11mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

200

346. Mysia, Pergamon Æ17. Circa 2nd century AD. Head of Asklepios right, PERGAMOC before / Serpent entwined around staff of Asklepios, bunch of grapes to left; EPI CTRA KL KEFALIWNOC around. SNG France 1959-60 = RPC II, 924.4, 924.5. 3.60g, 17mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. Exceptional condition, and superior to the two published in SNG France and RPC.

200

347. Mysia, 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 FILETAIROU 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 1612. 17.16g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

348

349

348. Mysia, Kingdom of Pergamon. Same as previous lot. SNG France 1612. 16.93g, 31mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

2,500

349. Mysia, Kingdom of Pergamon. Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 263-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos right / Athena seated left, resting elbow on small sphinx, holding shield and transverse spear; monogram on throne, ivy leaf to inner left, FILETAIROU and bow to right. SNG France 1606–9. 16.95g, 30mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

2,500

351

350 350. Mysia, Kingdom of Pergamon. Same as previous lot. SNG France 1606–9. 17.09g, 30mm, 1h.

Extremely Fine.

2,500

351. Mysia, Kingdom of Pergamon. Same as previous lot. SNG France 1606–9. 16.99g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

352

2,500

353

352. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Forepart of griffin with curved wing left, paw raised, tunny fish before / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze -; SNG von Aulock 1181. 2.66g, 11mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

353. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte (1/12 Stater). Circa 550-500 BC. Forepart of a lion left, devouring prey; tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 41; SNG France 181. 2.49g, 10mm. Very Fine. Rare.

500

354. 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. 16.04g, 20mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

7,500

355. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Winged prow of ornate galley to left, terminating in wolf’s head; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square.Von Fritze 80; BMC -; Boston MFA -. 16.07g, 20mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

12,500

356. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-460 BC. Bull walking left on tunny fish left / Mill sail incuse. Von Fritze 88; SNG France 222-223; Boston MFA 1466. 15.64g, 21mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

It appears that the mint masters at Kyzikos, recognizing that the design of this die was particularly broad, determined to strike the coins of this issue on deliberately elongated modules.

357. Mysia, Kyzikos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Veiled head of Kore Soteira facing left, wearing earring and necklace, hair wreathed in grain; ΣΩTEIPA behind / Lion’s head left, tunny fish below. BMC 125; H. Von Fritze, Die Silberprägung von Kyzikos, Nomisma IX (1914) pl. V 33. 15.26g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

5,000

Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 76, 22 April 1996, lot 167.

358. Mysia, Kyzikos Æ12. Circa 3rd century BC. Head of Kore Soteira right, hair bound in sakkos / Tripod; above, crown; below, tunny fish; monogram in right field. SNG France 430; BMC 141-3. 1.38g, 12mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

200

359. Mysia, Miletopolis Æ22. Circa 2nd-1st century BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / MILHTOPOLITWN, double-bodied owl standing facing with one head. SNG France 1302. 5.07g, 22mm, 1h. Very Fine. Struck on a broad flan. Very Rare.

200

LYDIA

360. Kingdom of Lydia. Alyattes EL Trite. Sardes, circa 610-546 BC. Head of roaring lion right, sun with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse square punches. Weidauer 86-89; Linzalone Coll. 1090, SNG von Aulock 2868-2870, SNG Kayhan 1013. 4.71g, 13mm. Very Fine.

1,000

361. Kingdom of Lydia. Kroisos AR Stater. Sardes, circa 550-546. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left, both with extended foreleg / Double incuse square punches. ATEC 46-51; Berk 20; SNG Kayhan 1018; SNG Copenhagen 455. 10.38g, 21mm. Very Fine. Dark patina, as originally found.

1,000

362. Kings of Lydia. Kroisos AV 1/24 Stater. Sardes, circa 550-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Incuse square punch. SNG von Aulock -; SNG M端nchen 9. 0.44g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine. Rare.

Sharp and Lustrous Kroiseid

363.

Kingdom of Lydia AV Stater. Time of Cyrus to Darios I. Sardes, circa 547-520 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion, with extended right foreleg, and bull / Two incuse square punches of unequal size. Carradice 8; Boston MFA 2073; SNG von Aulock 2875. 8.05g, 16mm. Extremely Fine. Well centred on a broad flan. A superior example.

15,000

Kroisos is credited with issuing the first true gold coins with a standardised purity for general circulation. His kingdom represented the last bastion against Persian expansion westwards into Greek lands; encouraged by a prediction of the Delphic Oracle that if he attacked Persia he would destroy a great empire, Kroisos made his preparations for war with Cyrus the Great. The war resulted in defeat for Kroisos; his numerically superior army was smashed, and the capital Sardes was captured along with Kroisos and his family, who were immolated on the orders of Cyrus. Lydia became a satrapy of the Persian Empire, though it continued to mint coins in the traditional types, and indeed the legendary wealth of Kroisos was used by Cyrus to form the basis of a new Persian gold standard currency.

3,500

364. Kingdom of Lydia AR Siglos. Time of Cyrus to Darios I. Sardes, circa 547-520 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse square punches of unequal size. SNG Copenhagen 456; SNG von Aulock 2877-79; SNG Kayhan 1025; Rosen 663. 5.29g, 15mm. Very Fine.

400

365. Lydia, Gordos-Julia Æ17. Circa 161-192. GORDOS IOULIA, draped and turreted bust of Tyche / IOUL GORDHNWN, cult statue of Artermis Ephesia facing. SNG Copenhagen 157; BMC 10. 3.16g, 17mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

150

A Statue of Aphrodite After Praxiteles

366. Lydia, Philadelphia Æ26. Circa AD 161-180. Draped bust of the Senate right / Twin spiral columns surmounted by an arch, within which stands Aphrodite, nude, covering herself with her hands. SNG Copenhagen 354; Imhoof-Blumer 124, 37 and pl. V, 14. 8.39g, 26mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

The reverse of this extremely rare and superbly preserved coin depicts a Hellenistic or Roman statue of Aphrodite of the ‘Venus Pudica’ type, a style born from the masterwork of the sculptor Praxiteles - the renowned Aphrodite of Knidos, which was the first life sized representation of the nude female form. Such was its beauty and fame in antiquity that it was extensively copied; though the positions of Venus’ hands sometimes changed (in this case the left hand) the basic form remained unchanged. Praxiteles’ original did not survive; it may have been removed to Constantinople and destroyed during the Nika riots.

367

368

367. Lydia, Tabala Æ18. Autonomous issue, circa AD 193-211. DHMOC, bearded head (Demos?) right / Cult statue of Artemis Ephesia, TABALEWN around. SNG Copenhagen 563; BMC 2. 4.05g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

200

368. Lydia, Sala Æ20. Circa AD 193-211. CAΛHNΩN, bust of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis / Kybele seated left, turreted, holding patera and resting arm on tympanum; EΠI MOΛOXOV around. SNG Copenhagen 431; BMC 22. 4.60g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

200

370

369

369. Lydia, Maeonia Æ20. Circa AD 161-180. Bearded head of Herakles left, MAIONΩN / Omphale walking right, wearing lion skin and holding club over right shoulder, AΠΠA-CTPTOΓ around. BMC 20. 5.17g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine. Rare.

200

370. Lydia, Maeonia Æ18. Circa AD 161-180. Draped bust of the Senate right, ISPA CYNKΛHTOC around / MAIONΩN, cult statue of Artemis Ephesia standing facing. SNG Copenhagen 219; cf. BMC 13-14. 3.10g, 18mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Edge at obv. 2 o’clock somewhat rough.

200

KARIA A Magnificent Knidian Aphrodite

371. Karia, Knidos AR Drachm. Circa 465-449 BC. Lion’s protome with open jaws to right / Head of Aphrodite to right, wearing decorated tainia and necklace, her hair falling down the back of her neck, tied at the end; all within incuse square. Cahn 74; SNG Copenhagen 234. 6.21g, 16mm, 3h. Extremely fine. Beautifully toned.

3,000

Knidos was a city of high antiquity, probably of Lakedaemonian or Megaran colonization. The cult of Aphrodite was well established there, with no fewer than three temples for the goddess within the city walls - one for Aphrodite Doritis (the oldest), one for Aphrodite Akraia, and one for the Aphrodite called Knidia, which housed the renowned statue of Aphrodite by Praxiteles (see lot 366). This portrait of Aphrodite is of exquisite style. The goddess’ features are gentle and refined, her neck slender, her ear delicate and her lips slightly parted. The tainia is, unusually, highly detailed and bears a reversed wreath pattern - an interesting contrast with the simple necklace of modest design that Aphrodite wears; her hair is similarly demure, tied behind her head. The engraver’s art is neatly framed within the rim created by the narrow die, and is now accentuated by the coloured flashes that play upon the metal’s surface.

373

374

372

372. Karia, Satraps. Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, 340-334 BC. Laureate head of Apollo, three quarters facing, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe (labrys) and sceptre; ΠIΞΩΔAPOY to right. Pixodaros 12ff (unlisted dies); Traité pl. XC, 20; BMC 5; SNG Copenhagen 597; SNG von Aulock 2375; SNG Kayhan 280. 7.04g, 19mm, 12h. Very Fine.

1,500

373. Karia, Stratonikeia AR Hemidrachm. Circa 167-133 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Eagle, with wings half open, standing right; Σ T across fields, IKISIOS (magistrate) above, uncertain object in lower right field; all within incuse square. BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Keckman -; SNG Tübingen -; SNG München -; SNG Kayhan -. 1.37g, 13mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references.

500

374. Karia, Kaunos Æ12. Circa 350-300 BC. Bull charging right / Sphinx seated right, AY before. Konuk pl. 50, B; SNG Copenhagen 182. 1.23g, 11mm, 12h. Very Fine.

100

Three Extremely Rare Coins From Rhodos

375. Islands off Karia, Rhodos. Kamiros EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 500-460 BC. Fig leaf / Irregular incuse punch. BMC 1; SNG Copenhagen 710; SNG Tubingen -. 0.66g, 7mm. Extremely Fine, truly exceptional condition for the issue. Extremely Rare.

4,000

The early electrum fractions of Kamiros are in themselves very difficult to find, and are hardly ever seen in such superb state of preservation. This example, struck in unusually high gold-content electrum, possesses both beautiful colour and lustre.

376. Islands off Karia, Rhodos. Kamiros AR Trihemiobol. Circa 500-460 BC. Fig leaf / Square incuse punch. Cf. SNG Copenhagen 714-5 (hemiobol); SNG Keckman 320-1. 1.48g, 12mm. Extremely Fine. Struck on a very broad flan for the type and unusually well preserved. Extremely Rare.

500

377. Rhodos, Ialysos AR Diobol. Circa 540-530 BC. Palmette / Rough incuse. A-P. Weiss and S. Hurter, ‘The silver staters of Ialysos’ in SNR 77, 1998, 5-23, pl. 4, P3; SNG Copenhagen, 337; HGC 9, 1368. 1.02g, 9mm. Very Fine. Lustrous metal. Extremely Rare, possibly only the second known example.

500

378. Islands off Karia, Rhodos. Rhodos AR Didrachm. Circa 340-316 BC. Head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose with bud right, ΡOΔION above, bunch of grapes in field left, E below. SNG Keckmann 439 var.; Ashton, RN 30 (1988); Series 1 A, p. 88, pl. XV 21 var. 6.93g, 20mm, 12h. Slightly rusted dies, but otherwise Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

A very attractive didrachm of Rhodos that bears a fine style portrait.

379. Islands off Karia, Rhodos. Rhodos Æ11. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of the nymph Rhodos to right, wearing sphendone, earring and necklace / Rose with bud to right, bunch of grapes to left, P-O across fields. SNG Keckman 386ff; BMC 74ff; cf. Gorny & Mosch 169, 12 October 2008, lot 733. 1.39g, 12mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

200

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

1,500

Ex Erich Karl Collection; Ex Lanz 131, 27 November 2006, lot 471.

Final Issue of Tetradrachm at Rhoodos

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

5,000

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

382. Islands off Karia, Rhodos. Rhodos AR Didrachm. Circa 40 BC-25 AD. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to left / Rose seen from above, monogram to left, grain below. Ashton-White, NC 1997 57 (this coin). 3.96g, 20mm. Good Very Fine. Attractively toned. Ex Gorny & Mosch 169, 12 October 2008, lot 636; ex NFA 24, 1990, lot 803.

500

Unique Stater of Karpathos

383.

Islands off Karia, Karpathos. ‘Poseidion’ AR Stater. Circa 500-490 BC. Two dolphins, the upper leaping to left and the lower leaping to right, wave-form decoration on head; a third small dolphin to right below, floral symbols in the upper corners, all within a dotted square border within two linear frames / Incuse square, with irregular surface, divided by a broad horizontal band of three lines. H.A. Cahn, NC 1957 -; HGC -; Traité -; SNG von Aulock -; Jameson -; Asyut -; cf. BMC pl. XXIX, 14. 13.66g, 22mm. Struck from fresh dies. Good Extremely Fine.

10,000

Unique and unpublished - an apparently hitherto unrecorded variety of this extremely rare series. This apparently unrecorded variety displays defining features of the series which, while individually reflected in other known specimens, have until now never been found together on a single coin. The dolphins on this coin are depicted in a highly stylised fashion, with dorsal spines and vertical caudal fins more akin to those of swordfish. Most obverse dies of this coinage are clearly dolphins with a single fin, but several have multiple dorsal spines like the present example which suggest an initially poor understanding of dolphin anatomy that was later corrected on subsequent dies. That the creatures are in fact dolphins despite their pisciform features is borne out by the distinctive shape of the head and rostrum; furthermore the dolphin being emblematic of this mint (with no other marine animals featuring on its coins) would render any other identification illogical. Interestingly, the lower dolphin bears a waveform design not paralleled on any other issues, but which is later found on dolphins engraved at Syracuse (see lot 77) and Tarent (Kraay-Hirmer 298). The linear floral designs in the corners of the frame are primitive, probably only later being embellished upon. The reverse bears a far more intricate pattern than is usually seen on the staters of Karpathos, and while other examples occasionally bear traces of the three lines comprising the horizontal band on the reverse (though not all originally possessed this feature), none are known so well preserved, with clear definition of all details. The dating of the issue is confirmed to be no earlier than 500-480 by the presence of four clearly unworn dolphin types in the Asyut find, 689-692. In a well considered article, ‘Poseidion on Karpathos’ NC 1957 pp. 11-12, H. Cahn put seriously in doubt the traditional attribution of these coins by Imhoof-Blumer (ZfN I, pl 3, 20) to Poseidion on the island of Karpathos that was based on the presence of the Ionic legend ΠΟΣ on some of the coins. Karpathos was of Dorian foundation from Argos, and the well attested name for the town was Potidaion, which would have been abbreviated as ΠΟΤ. Potidaion only later came to be known as Poseidion under Roman rule. Thus, this ‘Pos’ legend is irreconcilable with the city’s ethnikon. Since the legend ‘Pos’ is a later addition engraved on earlier anepigraphic dies there is no reason to suppose that it must be the ethnic of a polis, and it may simply be that of an issuing authority. The ‘Poseidion’ coins, struck to a Milesian weight standard, were suggested by Cahn to be from an unidentified mint on the Karian coast, or on an island somewhere between Rhodos and Samos. However, the significant similarities in both design elements and fabric to the early coinage of the Rhodian cities Lindos and Kamiros cannot be ignored, and indeed Karparthos’ proximity to the island of Rhodos means that it cannot be dismissed as the production site for these coins.

Unique and Unpublished

384. Islands off Karia, Karpathos. ‘Poseidion’ AR 1/3 Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Two dolphins leaping right within linear frame / Irregular incuse square punch. HGC -; Traité -. 4.92g, 16mm. Good Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

3,000

This coin represents a new type for the mint. A stater with two dolphins swimming together to right within a linear frame is known (von Aulock 2744), and similarly irregular incuse reverses on this denomination are known at Kamiros, from which city (and Lindos) ‘Poseidion’ takes the style of its reverses.

385. Islands off Karia, Karpathos. ‘Poseidion’ AR 1/6 Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Winged dolphin leaping right within square frame, floral ornaments in two upper corners and one below dolphin / Two incuse rectangles divided by a broad band. HGC 6, 1355 = Traité 731. 2.16g, 12mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

LYKIA

2,000

Extremely Rare

386. Dynasts of Lykia, Erbbina AR Obol. Telmessos (?), circa 400 BC. Head of Athena wearing crested Attic helmet right / Head of bearded Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress, club before, dotted border around; all within shallow incuse circle. Cf. Gorny & Mosch 147, 7 March 2006, lot 1503 (these dies). 0.62g, 11mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, unpublished in the standard references.

300

387. Lykia, Termessos Minor Æ12. Circa 1st century BC. Draped bust of Hermes wearing petasos right, bee in left field / TERMHSSEWN, eagle standing right on caduceus. SNG Copenhagen 143; SNG Munich 4281; SNG von Aulock 4456. 1.38g, 12mm, 12h. Very Fine.

150

PAMPHYLIA

388. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 375-325 BC. Two wrestlers grappling; between, BΛ; all within dotted border / EΣTFEΔIIYΣ, slinger in throwing stance right; in right field, triskeles; all within square dotted border. Tekin ser. 4; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -. 10.80g, 27mm, 12h. Slightly double struck on the reverse; otherwise, Good Very Fine. Ex Spink America, 7 December 1995, lot 2130.

750

389. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 375-325 BC. Two naked wrestlers grappling, LF between them / Slinger advancing right about to discharge his shot, triskeles on right, ESTFEDIIUS on left. SNG Copenhagen 227; SNG von Aulock 4565. 10.76g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

750

390. Pamphylia, Side AR Tetradrachm. Circa 183-175 BC. Kleu-, magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing left, holding wreath; pomegranate to left, KΛ-EY across lower field. SNG France -; SNG von Aulock 4795. 16.54g, 30mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

500

391. Pamphylia, Side AR Drachm. Circa 205-100 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing left, holding wreath; pomegranate and CT to left. SNG France 724; SNG von Aulock -. 3.73g, 19mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

300

CILICIA

392. Cilicia, Uncertain mint. AR Obol. Circa 4th century BC. Facing head of Herakles, wearing lion skin / Eagle standing left on stag’s head; all within rectangular beaded border. Göktürk 42; SNG France 472; SNG Levante 229. 0.45g, 10mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

150

393. Cilicia, Satraps. Pharnabazos AR Stater. Tarsos, circa 380-379 BC. Head of Arethusa facing slightly left; dolphin to lower left / Helmeted and bearded male head left. Casabonne series 3; Moysey Issue 3, 4a = McClean 5917 (same obv. die); SNG France –; SNG Levante 70 = SNG von Aulock 5917. 10.53g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Mint lustre. Minor die break on reverse.

1,000

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.

394

395

394. Cilicia, Satraps. Pharnabazos AR Stater. Tarsos, circa 380-379 BC. Head of Arethusa facing slightly left / Helmeted and bearded male head left. Casabonne series 3; Moysey Issue 3, 27a-c (same obv. die); SNG France –; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock 5920-1. 10.72g, 23mm, 10h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

395. Cilicia, Satraps. Pharnabazos AR Stater. Tarsos, circa 380-379 BC. Head of Arethusa facing slightly left / Helmeted and bearded male head right. Casabonne series 3; Moysey Issue 3, 33a = SNG von Aulock 5922 (same dies); SNG France –; SNG Levante –. 10.60g, 22mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

750

396. Cilicia, Satraps. Pharnabazos AR Obol. Tarsos, circa 380-379 BC. Head of Arethusa facing, wearing earrings and pearl necklace / Bearded head left wearing crested helmet, Aramaic ‘HLK’ before . SNG France 306; BMC 23. 0.69g, 10mm, 9h. About Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

397

300

398

397. Cilicia, Satraps. Mazaios AR Stater. 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 2, 335; SNG Levante 100ff. 11.02g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Well detailed and struck on a broad flan.

1,000

398. Cilicia, Satraps. Balakros AR Stater. Tarsos, circa 333-323 BC. Facing bust of Athena, draped, wearing triple-crested helmet and necklace / Baaltars seated left, holding lotus-tipped sceptre, grain ear and grape bunch to left, B above ivy leaf to right, T under throne. SNG Levante Supp. 21; SNG France 368; SNG von Aulock 5964. 10.63g, 25mm, 11h. About Extremely Fine.

1,500

399. Cilicia, Nagidos AR Obol. Circa 420-400 BC. Facing head of Aphrodite looking right, N in left field / Laureate head of Dionysos facing and looking left, N in left field. SNG Levante 6. 0.69g, 10mm, 3h. Very Fine. Outstanding obverse portait of delicate composition.

300

400. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 400 BC. Nude ephebe right, holding whip and dismounting from horse at the gallop / Goat crouching right, head to left; KELEN above, T below. SNG France 71 var.; SNG Levante 26 var. 10.35g, 22mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine.

4,000

401. Cilicia, Soli AR Obol. Circa 350-330 BC. Head of Athena right in crested Corinthian helmet; dotted border / ΣOΛEΩN, bunch of grapes, with tendril and leaf, monogram in left field. Cf. BMC 33; cf. SNG France 184. 0.67g, 10mm, 3h. Very Fine.

402

403

100

404

402. Cilicia, Tarsos Æ21. Circa 164-27 BC. Turreted, veiled, and draped bust of Tyche right / Sandan standing right on horned, winged animal, within a pyramidal monument surmounted by an eagle; small statue of Nike to left, two monograms in left field. SNG France 1321. 6.32g, 21mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. A very rare variety.

200

403. Cilicia, Tarsos Æ18. Circa 164-27 BC. TAPΣEΩN, Zeus Nikephoros seated left / Club tied with fillets, within oak wreath. SNG France 1355 var. (contol mark); BMC -. 3.90g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

100

404. Cilicia, Tarsos Æ18. Circa 164-27 BC. TAPΣEΩN, Zeus Nikephoros seated left, star and crescent in left field / Club tied with fillets, monograms flanking; all within oak wreath. SNG France 1362ff; SNG Levante 976; BMC 136. 4.51g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

100

PHRYGIA

405. Phrygia, Hyrgaleis Æ20. Circa AD 188-235. Bust of Serapis right, hair bound with taenia and surmounted by modius, shoulders draped; border of dots / VPΓAΛ ΛƐΩN, Isis standing left, in long chiton and with crescent behind shoulders, holding sistrum in raised right hand and situla in lowered left. BMC 6; SNG Copenhagen -. 3.98g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

PONTOS

500

Superb and Rare Undated Tetradrachm of Mithradates

406. Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI AR Tetradrachm. Circa 115-105 BC. Diademed head of Mithradates right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent to left, monogram to right, BASILEWS above, MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS below; all within ivy wreath. De Callataÿ D5/R–. 16.75g, 32mm, 12h. A few hairs weakly struck, but otherwise Mint State. Extremely Rare.

2,000

The earliest issues of Mithradates VI are undated, his dated issues beginning only in 96/5 BC. These early coins are all extremely rare, and indeed this is the first such example to appear at auction since online records began. The present specimen bears a remarkably realistic portrait of Mithradates in fine Hellenistic style that recalls the earlier Pontic numismatic traditions.

PHOENICIA

407. Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. 107-106 BC. Laureate bust of Melkart right / KAI ASULOU TUROU IERAS, Eagle standing left on prow, LK above club to left, monogram to right, aleph between legs. BMC 95; HGC 10, 357. 14.22g, 28mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive toning.

1,000

408. Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. 40-39 BC. Laureate bust of Melkart right / KAI ASULOU TUROU IERAS, Eagle standing left on prow, PZ above club to left, BN to right, aleph between legs. BMC 174. 13.87g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

Very Rare ‘Millenium’ Shekel

409. Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. 1 BC - AD 1. Laureate bust of Melkart right / KAI ASULOU TUROU IERAS, Eagle standing left on prow, palm behind, PKς above club to left, KP above monogram to right, aleph between legs. Rouvier 2093 var. (monogram and letter between legs); RPC 4650; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -. 14.08g, 25mm, 1h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

410. Phoenicia, Arados Æ14. Circa 400-375 BC. Figure of beared marine deity left, human to waist, lower body fish-like with bifid tail, holding wreath in right hand (countermark in right field) / Galley right abover two lines of waves. BMC 30-31. 2.55g, 13mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare. 1,000

JUDAEA

411

412

411. Judaea, First Jewish War AR Shekel. Dated year 2 (AD 67/8). Hebrew script (SHKL YSHRAL) “Shekel of Israel”, and date above Omer cup with beaded rim / Hebrew script (YROSHLM H GDSHEH) “Jerusalem the Holy”, sprig of three pomegranates. Hendin 1358; Meshorer AJC II p. 260, 8. 13.59g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous surfaces.

2,000

412. Judaea, First Jewish War AR Shekel. Dated year 3 (68/9 BC). Hebrew script (SHKL YSHRAL) “Shekel of Israel”, and date above Omer cup with beaded rim / Hebrew script (YROSHLM H GDSHEH) “Jerusalem the Holy”, sprig of three pomegranates. Hendin 1361; Meshorer AJC II pg. 261, 18; Kadman 20; Bromberg 68-70. 14.20g, 22mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

100

2,000

EGYPT A Perfect Stater of Ptolemy I

413. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Ptolemy I Soter AV Stater. In the names and types of Alexander III. Sidon, circa 316-315 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a snake / Nike standing left, holding laurel wreath and stylis; S to left, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right. Price 3503; Muller 1321. 8.60g, 18mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Engraved in fine style; stunning, lustrous metal.

5,000

414. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Ptolemy I Soter AR Tetradrachm. In the name of Alexander III. Alexandria, circa 310-305 BC. Head of Alexander right, wearing horn of Zeus Ammon and elephant’s skin headdress / ALEXANDROU, Athena Alkidemos advancing right, DI, helmet and eagle to right. SNG Copenhagen 30. 15.65g, 28mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. A superbly detailed example with a particularly fine style Athena Alkidemos, ‘defender of the people’.

3,000

415. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Ptolemy I Soter AR Tetradrachm. In the name of Alexander III. Alexandria, circa 310-305 BC. Head of Alexander right wearing elephant’s skin, horn of Zeus Ammon and aegis / ALEXANDROU, Athena Alkidemos advancing right, carrying shield, monograms in each inner left and inner right field, eagle on thunderbolt right in outer right field. BMC 46; Svoronos 176; SNG Copenhagen -. 15.66g, 28mm, 12h. Countermark on obv. and X graffito on rev., but otherwise Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

2,000

416. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Ptolemy II Philadelphos AV Pentadrachm (Trichryson). Alexandria, circa 285-246 BC. Diademed head of the deified Ptolemy I right, with aegis around neck / PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS, eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt, monogram in left field. Svoronos 547; SNG Copenhagen 106; BMC 1 (Cyprus). 17.89g, 23mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal. Ex Gemini IV, 8 January 2008, lot 269.

101

7,500

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

7,000

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

1,000

KYRENAICA

419. Kyrenaica, Kyrene AR Didrachm. Circa 332-313 BC. Head of Apollo Karneios right / Silphium plant, monogram in left field, crab in right field, KU-RA across. SNG Copenhagen 1243; BMC 257. 7.70g, 21mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

1,000

PERSIA

420. Great Kings of Persia. Artaxerxes II or Artaxerxes III AV Daric. Circa 400-350 BC. Great King of Persia running to right, wearing kidaris, holding bow in his left hand and spear with his right / Rectangular incuse punch. BMC 78ff; Carradice, The ‘Regal’ Coinage of the Persian Empire, CAAPE, Pl. XIII, 50-51. 8.33g, 16mm. Very Fine.

1,000

SYRIA

421. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III. Susa, circa 311-305 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, wreath above horned horse’s head (Bucephalos?) left; ΔI above strut of throne, I below. SC 164.3; Price 3863. 17.15g, 26mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

102

500

422

423

422. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Seleukos I Nikator Æ14. Antioch, 312-281 BC. Winged head of Medusa right, dotted border / BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, ΣEΛEYKOY below, bull butting right, ΣI between hind legs, dotted border. SC 6.1. 2.58g, 14mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

100

423. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos I Soter Æ14. Smyrna or Sardes mint, circa 281-261 BC. Helmeted head of Athena facing / Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm; monogram to outer left. SC 315a; HGC 9, 167. 2.42g, 14mm, 12h. Very Fine.

100

424. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos II Theos AR Tetradrachm, in the name and types of Seleukos I. Laodicea ad Mare, 261-246 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / ΣEΛEYKOY to right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ in exergue; Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, dolphin left above monogram; monogram below throne. SC 576 var. (unpublished controls). 17.02g, 28mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Unpublished with these control marks.

1,000

425. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Seleukos II Æ12. Sardis, circa 246-225 BC. Head of Athena right wearing crested Attic helmet / BASILEWS SELEUKOU, elephant head right, control marks above, in outer left field and right field; KO below. SC 662. 2.50g, 12mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

200

426. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Alexander I Balas AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, dated SE 165 (148-147 BC). Diademed head right / Zeus Nikephoros seated left; monogram to inner left, EΞP (date) and monogram in exergue. SC 1784. 16.26g, 29mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

427. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Alexander I Æ15. Antioch, circa 150-146 BC. Laureate head of Dionysos right / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, elephant walking left, monogram in right field. SC 1791.1; SNG Spaer 1477-9. 2.76g, 15mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

103

200

428. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Demetrios II AR Tetradrachm. First reign. Antioch mint, dated SE 168 (145-144 BC). Diademed head right / Nude Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand, left hand resting on bow; palm to outer left, monograms to inner left, K between legs, ΗΞΡ (date) in exergue. SNG Spaer 1601 var. (monogram between legs); SMA 207; Houghton -. 16.46g, 29mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

500

429. Seleukid Kings of Syria, Antiochos VII AR Tetradrachm. Tyre, circa 135-134 BC. Diademed, draped bust right / BASILEWS ANTIOXOY, eagle standing left on prow, TUR monogram on club to left, ARE monogram above club, monogram in right field above HOP, control mark between legs. SC 2109/6. 14.11g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Pleasantly toned. Rare.

750

430. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos VII Euergetes AR Tetradrachm. Tyre, circa 132-131 BC. Diademed and draped bust right / Eagle standing left on prow; palm over shoulder; BASILEWS ANTIOXOY around; monogram above club surmounted by Tyre monogram to left; monogram above date to right; control mark between legs. SNG Spaer 2076-2077; Newell, Tyre 136. 14.10g, 30mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

1,250

Kleopatra Thea and Antiochos Grypos

431. Seleukid Kings of Syria. Kleopatra Thea and Antiochos VIII AR Tetradrachm. Sidon, circa 122-121 BC. Jugate heads of Kleopatra Thea, draped and wearing diadem and stephane, and Antiochos VIII wearing diadem, right / Eagle standing left on prow, palm branch over left wing, monogram between legs; ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕWΣ ΑΝΤΙΟXΟY around, ΑRΡ to left over aphlaston, ΣΙΔW/ΙΕΡΑ to right above monogram. Houghton 721; SNG Israel -. 13.89g, 29mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Unobtrusive flan crack at 2 o’clock (rev). Extremely Rare.

104

1,500

BAKTRIA An Exceptional Tetradrachm of Diodotos II

432. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos II AR Tetradrachm. Mint A (near Aï Khanoum), circa 235-225 BC. Diademed head right / BASILEWS DIODOTOU, Zeus Bremetes advancing, wreath above eagle standing left in inner left field, B in inner right field. Holt Series D, Group 6, 1 = Punjab 2; Bopearachchi 6C; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; SNG ANS -; MIG -. 16.67g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Ex CNG 85, 15 September 2010, lot 552.

10,000

Diodotos II succeeded to the throne after the death of his father Diodotos I, the founder of the independent kingdom of Baktria. Upon the death of the Seleukid king Antiochos II, Diodotos I had taken the opportunity presented by the weakness of the Seleukids to secede from Seleukid dominion. Diodotos defeated the nomad Arsakes, who fled into Parthia, there defeating the satrap Andragoras and establishing an independent Parthian kingdom. Soon after the death of Diodotos I, Seleukos II marched east with an army to reconquer these territories. This endeavour was thwarted by an alliance between the new Batrian king Diodotos II and Arsakes, who found common cause in resisting their attempted subjugation by Seleukos. Together they met and defeated Seleukos in battle, with some sources suggesting that Seleukos was taken prisoner by Arsakes. Diodotos II was subsequently killed by the usurper Euthydemos I, who founded the Greco-Baktrian Euthydemid dynasty.

An Extremely Rare and Medallic Coin of Eukratides

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

15,000

Ex Roma Numismatics II, 2 October 2011, lot 373. Only two examples of this extremely rare variety with a horizontal legend have been seen on the market in the last decade, and the present specimen is remarkably preserved, whereas the other was in relatively poor condition. The type is known from perhaps as few as half a dozen examples, if that. Struck from dies of a fine and elegant style on a remarkably large flan, this coin has a truly medallic appearance, and is preserved in excellent condition. One of the great rarities of Eukratides’ coinage.

105

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

750

435. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Strato I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 125-100 BC. BASILEWS EPIFANOUS SWTNROS STRATWNOS, bust of king wearing crested helmet / Athena Alkidemos standing left, holding shield and hurling thunderbolt, monogram to left. SNG ANS 1010. 9.54g, 26mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

436. Hunnic Tribes, Alchon Huns. Mihirakula AR Drachm. Circa AD 515-540. Crowned bust right; filleted parasol behind, filleted trident before / Fire altar with ribbon, attendants flanking. Alram, Alchon -; Göbl, Dokumente Em. 135 var. 2.42g, 26mm. Very Fine.

100

INDIA

437. Kushan, Vasu Deva AV Stater. Circa AD 260-300. King standing left, making offerings to small altar left, holding garlanded standard right, trident above altar, Brahmi letter by feet in left field, another under right arm, and “Vasu” in right field / Goddess Ardoksho enthroned facing, holding cornucopiae, tamgha top left. Göbl 578/1. 7.89g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

106

500

107

THE ROMAN REPUBLIC An Attractive Early Didrachm

438. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 265-242 BC. Head of Roma right, wearing Phrygian helmet, cornucopiae behind / ROMANO, Victory standing right, attaching wreath to long palm, T in right field. Crawford 22/1; Sydenham 21; RSC 7; HN Italy 295. 6.62g, 19mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

5,000

Following the victory over the Samnites, the Senate instated a new, standardised, monetary system. For the first two decades, bronze bars were the predominant issues, after which point Roman silver coinage began to appear. Crawford dates this type to the First Punic War following the Roman intervention of behalf of the Mamertini. The legend ROMANO as appears on this type was later shortened to ROMA, although the significance of this change is unclear. Cf. Mattingly, H., The First Ages of Roman Coinage, Journal of Roman Studies 35, Parts 1 and 2 (1945), pp 65-77.

439. Anonymous Ă&#x2020; Semilitra. Rome, circa 234-231 BC. Head of Roma right wearing Phyrgian helmet / Dog standing right, ROMA in ex. Crawford 26/4; Sydenham 22. 1.90g, 12mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

440. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 225-212 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter, holding sceptre and thunderbolt, in quadriga right, driven by Victory; ROMA incuse on a tablet in relief in linear frame. Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 64; RSC 23. 6.60g, 25mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Struck on a broad flan and lightly toned.

1,000

441. Anonymous AR Drachm or Half-Quadrigatus. Rome, circa 225-212 BC. Laureate youthful head of Janus / Jupiter, holding sceptre and thunderbolt, standing in quadriga driven by Victory, galloping to left, ROMA in incuse letters on tablet. Crawford 28/4; Sydenham 67. 2.98g, 19mm, 8h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

500

442. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, after 211 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, V behind / The Dioscuri riding right, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 45/2; Sydenham -. 2.25g, 16mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

500

443. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, after 211 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, V behind / The Dioscuri riding right; ROMA in ex. Crawford 48/1; BMC 210. 1.99g, 17mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned. Small flan crack. Ex Tkalec, 29 February 2000, lot 212.

108

400

444. Anonymous Ă&#x2020; As. Luceria, 211-208 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Prow of galley right, ROMA below. Crawford 97/22a; BMC Italy 168. 27.67g, 37mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

A superb example of this rare issue, in very good condition for the type, and displaying an attractive, evenly toned patina. Struck on a broad flan with nearly all fine detail surviving.

445. Anonymous AR Victoriatus. Rome, 211-208 BC. Laureate bust of Jupiter right / Victory standing right, crowning trophy, VB in field, ROMA in ex. Crawford 95/1b; Sydenham 113. 3.26g, 17mm, 8h. Fleur De Coin. Lustrous metal.

750

446. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Apulia, circa 211-210 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, V behind / The Dioscuri riding right, MT ligate below horse on right, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 103/2a; Sydenham 183. 1.88g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

400

447. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 209-208 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, anchor below, ROMA in ex. Crawford 50/2; Sydenham 144; BMC 21. 4.71g, 20mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

400

Ex CNG 43, 24 September 1997, lot 1261; Ex Peus 342, 8 November 1994, lot 649.

448. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 206-195 BC. Helmeted head of Roma, X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, trident right below horses, ROMA in relief on tablet in ex. Crawford 115/1; Sydenham 268-268a; BMC Rome 442-5 and Italy 302-3; Kestner 1310-5; RSC (Anonymous) 20ii. 3.99g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Ex Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 4 December 1986, lot 35.

109

750

A Superb Denarius of C. Scribonius

449. C. Scribonius AR Denarius. Rome, 154 BC. Helmeted head of Roma, X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, C. SCR below; ROMA in linear frame. Crawford 201/1; Sydenham 380; Kestner 1927, 1930; BMC Rome 730-2; Scribonia 1. 3.89g, 18mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Stunningly vivid flame-like iridescence. A fitting aura for these divinities.

1,000

450. L. Saufeius AR Denarius. Rome, 152 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / Victory in biga right, holding whip, L SAVF below, ROMA in ex. Crawford 204/1; Sydenham 384. 4.11g, 18mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

200

451. Pinarius Natta AR Denarius. Rome, 149 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / Victory driving biga right, NAT below, ROMA in linear frame. Crawford 200/1; Sydenham 382; BMC 756. 3.95g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Old cabinet tone; especially beautiful reverse toning with blue and golden hues.

500

452. L. Cupienus AR Denarius. Rome, 147 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, cornucopiae behind, X before / The Dioscuri riding right, L CVP below; ROMA in linear frame. Crawford 218/1; Sydenham 404. 3.70g, 20mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

200

453. C. Antestius AR Denarius. Rome, 146 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X before, puppy walking upwards behind / The Dioscuri riding right, C ANTESTI ligate below; ROMA in linear frame. Crawford 219/1a; Sydenham 406. 4.08g, 20mm, 8h. Good Very Fine. Scarce.

110

200

454. Sextus Pompeius Faustulus AR Denarius. Rome, 137 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, jug behind, X below chin / SEX PO FOSTLVS, she-wolf standing right, suckling Romulus and Remus; the shepherd Faustulus to left, fig tree in the background on which a woodpecker is seated. Crawford 235/1; Sydenham 461; Pompeia 1. 3.98g, 19mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

300

455. M. Marcius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 134 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram below chin, modius behind / Victory in biga right, M MARC ROMA in two lines below horses, divided by two ears of corn. Marcia 8; Crawford 245/1; Sydenham 500. 3.96g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

This moneyer was the son of Mn. Marcius, who during his aedileship in 154 BC was the first to distribute corn to the people at one As per modius.

456. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 128 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram behind / Goddess driving biga right, holding sceptre and branch, elephantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head with bell attached below, ROMA in ex. Crawford 261/1; Sydenham 496. 3.95g, 18mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

200

457. Q. Fabius Maximus AR Denarius. Rome, 127 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram below chin, ROMA behind and Q MAX before / Cornucopiae superimposed on thunderbolt, all within wreath. Crawford 265/1; Fabia 5; Sydenham 478; Catalli 358. 3.85g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

300

458. Q. Fabius Maximus AR Denarius. Rome, 127 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram below chin, ROMA behind and Q MAX before / Cornucopiae superimposed on thunderbolt, all within wreath. Crawford 265/1; Fabia 5; Sydenham 478; Catalli 358. 3.97g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

111

300

459. C. Cassius AR Denarius. Rome, 126 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram above voting-urn behind / C CASSI, Libertas driving galloping quadriga right, holding reins, vindicta, and pileus, ROMA in ex. Crawford 266/1; Sydenham 502; Cassia 1. 3.99g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine, with iridescent toning.

200

460. C. Plutius AR Denarius. Rome, 121 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / Dioscuri riding right, C PLVTI below, ROMA in ex. Crawford 278/1; Sydenham 414. 3.90g, 18mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Scarce.

200

461. M. Furius L. f. Philus AR Denarius. Rome, 120 BC. M FOVRI L F, laureate head of Janus / Roma standing left, holding spear and crowning trophy of Gallic arms with wreath; star above, ROMA to right, PHLI in ex. Crawford 281/1; Sydenham 529; Furia 18. 3.91g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

500

An Exceptional Example

462. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 115-114 BC. Head of Roma right, wearing winged and crested helmet, hair falling in two locks down neck, X behind, ROMA below / Roma, helmeted, seated right on two shields, holding spear before her; wolf standing right at her feet, head turned back, suckling Romulus and Remus, in left and right fields, two birds flying towards her. Crawford 287/1; Sydenham 530; Kestner 2478-81; BMC Italy 562-5; RSC (Anonymous) 176. 3.77g, 21mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

A notoriously difficult issue to find in good condition, this iconic reverse design portrays the Roman foundation myth in a new manner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; showing the goddess Roma watching over the twins Romulus and Remus as they are suckled by the she-wolf, waiting for the day that Rome will be built. The contemporary popularity of the type is evidenced by its subsequent reproduction on the later coinage of Titus (see lot 536). Pleasantly toned; an exceptional coin.

463. C. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 114-113 BC. Laureate head of Janus, S below to left, XVI monogram below to right / Galley travelling left, C FONT ligate below, ROMA in ex. Crawford 291/1; Sydenham 555. 3.67g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

112

200

464. L. Manlius Torquatus AR Denarius. Rome, 113-112 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, ROMA behind, X below chin, torque as border / Horseman charging left, L TOQVA below, Q above, EX S C in ex. Crawford 295/1; Sydenham 545. 3.92g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive toning around the devices. Rare.

400

This moneyer honours the actions of his ancestor T. Manlius Imperiosus Torquatus who, in single combat, killed a Gaulish warrior and upon so doing took the torque his victim was wearing and wore it around his own neck as a spoil of war. It was due to this event that he received the name Torquatus.

465. M. Tullius AR Denarius. Rome, 108-100 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, ROMA behind / Victory in quadriga right, holding reins and palmbranch; X below horses, wreath above, M TVLLI in ex. Crawford 280/1; Tullia 1; Sydenham 531. 3.92g, 21mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

466. L. Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 106 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter left, N below pellet below chin / Jupiter driving fast quadriga right, holding sceptre and reins and hurling thunderbolt; L SCIP ASIAG in ex. Cornelia 24c; Crawford 311/1b; Sydenham 576. 3.80g, 20mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine. Pleasant hints of toning. Lustrous metal.

200

467. L. Thorius Balbus AR Denarius. Rome, 105 BC. Head of Juno Sospita right wearing goatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin, I. S. M. R. behind / Bull charging right, P above, L. THORIVS below, BALBVS in ex. Thoria 1; Crawford 316/1; Sydenham 598. 4.00g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Iridescent toning.

400

This moneyer was from Lanuvium, where there was a cult of Juno Sospita. Cicero describes him as a man who lived in such a manner that there was no pleasure, no matter how rare, that he did not enjoy. The charging bull is a punning allusion to the moneyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, an archaic spelling of taurus.

468. L. Aurelius Cotta AR Denarius. Rome, 105 BC. Draped bust of Vulcan right wearing cap bound with laurel-wreath, tongs over shoulder, XVI monogram behind, all within laurel-wreath / Eagle standing on thunderbolt right, L. COT below, R to right, all within laurel-wreath. Crawford 314/1c; Sydenham 577a. 3.78g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

113

200

469. L. Julius L. f. Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, 103 BC. Helmeted head of Mars left, C above, CAESAR behind / Venus Genetrix, holding sceptre, driving biga of Cupids left, lyre below, C above, L IVLI L F in ex. Crawford 320/1; Sydenham 593; Julia 4. 3.92g, 18mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

500

470. C. Fundanius AR Denarius. Rome, 101 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, N below pellet behind / Triumphator in quadriga right, holding laurelbranch and staff, on near horse sits a rider, holding laurel-branch, Q above, C FVNDAN in ex. Crawford 326/1; Sydenham 583. 3.96g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

300

471. P. Cornelius Lentulus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 100 BC. Bust of Hercules right, seen from behind, holding club, shield in left field, K below pellet in right field, ROMA below / Roma standing facing, holding spear and wearing triple-crested helmet, Genius of the Roman People right crowning her and holding cornucopiae, pellet below K in left field, LENT MAR F in ex., all within laurel-wreath. Crawford 329/1b; Sydenham 604a; Cornelia 25a. 3.78g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Exceptional condition for the type. Lightly toned.

2,000

472. C. Allius Bala AR Denarius. Rome, 92 BC. Diademed head of Diana right, BALA behind, F below chin / Diana, holding torch and sceptre, driving biga of stags right, griffin seated to right below, C. ALLI in ex., all within wreath. Crawford 336/1c; Sydenham 595; Aelia 4. 3.88g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

Ex New York Sale III, 7 December 2000, lot 333.

473. Q. Titius AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Head of Mutinus Titius right, hair bound with winged diadem / Pegasus springing right from linear tablet inscribed Q. TITI. Crawford 341/1; Sydenham 691; Titia 1. 3.81g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent toning.

114

400

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

500

Ex BVH Collection. Crawford states that the reverse type depicts Victoria Virgo, whose shrine was built by Cato Censorius (Livy XXXV, 9.6), an ancestor of the moneyer. He goes on to hypothesise that ST below the throne may be an abbreviation of the epithet stabilis, which Livy applies to Victory (Livy, XXII, 37).

Very Rare Social War Issue

475. The Social War. Marsic Confederation AR Denarius. Corfinium or Aesernia, circa 88-87 BC. Bust of Italia left, in crested helmet and aegis, being crowned by Victory / Soldier standing facing, head right, holding spear pointing downwards and sword, his left foot placed on upper portion of a Roman standard; on right, forepart of bull, on left, a tree to which are attached four shields, IIV in ex. Campana series 14, 168 (same dies); Sydenham 630; HN Italy 418. 3.89g, 19mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare; Campana lists only 4 examples.

5,000

Marcus Livius Drusus, who was Tribune of the Plebeians in 91 BC, attempted to bring Roman citizenship to the Italian allies. This, along with his land reform proposals, proved unpopular with the Senate and Roman landowners and he was assassinated before his plans were actioned. With the promise of citizenship rights removed, a rebellion of the Italian allies began, known as the Social War (cf. Livy, Periochae 71). During this war, the allies struck coins which were often inspired by the types found on Roman denarii. The obverse of this type takes its inspiration from the denarii of P. Servilius Rullus (Crawford 328/1), though the reverse design is original.

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

200

477. C. Norbanus AR Denarius. Rome, 83 BC. Diademed head of Venus right, C. NORBANVS below, LVII behind / Ear of barley, fasces, and caduceus. Crawford 357/1b; Sydenham 739. 3.92g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Ex Harlan J Berk 166, 15 October 2009, lot 241.

115

500

478. C. Norbanus AR Denarius. Rome, 83 BC. Diademed head of Venus right, C. NORBANVS below, CXXXXV behind / Ear of barley, fasces, and caduceus. Crawford 357/1b; Sydenham 739. 3.90g, 20mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

479. C. Mamilius Limetanus AR Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Bust of Mercury right, draped and wearing winged petasos, caduceus and M behind / Ulysses standing right, holding staff in left hand and extending right hand to Argus, C. MAMIL LIMETAN around. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 471. 3.86g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

300

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

500

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

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

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

500

482. A. Postumius A. f. Sp. n. Albinus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Draped bust of Diana right, with bow and quiver over shoulder, bucranium above / Togate figure standing left on rock, holding aspergillum over bull, between them, lighted altar, A POST A F S N ALBIN around. Postumia 7; Sydenham 745; Crawford 372/1. 4.06g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

116

500

483. L. Cornelius Sulla Felix, as Dictator, AR Denarius. Italy, 81 BC. Diademed head of Venus right, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Filleted double cornucopiae; Q below. Crawford 375/2; Sydenham 755; Cornelia 33. 3.53g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

800

While Sullaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enemy Marius claimed Apollo as his divine patron, Sulla himself invoked the goddess Venus, and consequently she appears on the obverse of his coinage. The double cornucopiae is an attribute of Fortuna and may allude to Sullaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cognomen, Felix, but it likely also suggests that this issue was intended to defray the expenses of some special largesse of grain - the inhabitants of Rome must have badly needed some such assistance after the recent struggle.

484. C. Naevius Balbus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 79 BC. Diademed head of Venus right, SC behind, C below chin / Victory in triga right, C NAE BALB in ex. Crawford 382/1a; Sydenham 769. 3.75g, 18mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

300

485. C. Naevius Balbus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 79 BC. Diademed head of Venus right, SC behind / Victory in triga right, CXXXIII above, C NAE BALB in ex. Crawford 382/1b; Sydenham 769b. 3.90g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

486. 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 right; MN F MN N left; SICIL in ex. Crawford 401/1; Sydenham 798. 3.96g, 20mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Good metal; lightly toned.

300

The moneyer was probably son of Manius Aquillius, who shared the consulship with Gaius Marius in 101 BC. Following the consulship, Aquillius was sent to crush the slave revolt in Sicily. He completely subdued the insurgents, and earned a triumph in Rome in 100 BC. In 98 BC, Lucius Fufius accused Aquillius of corruption during his governance of Sicily. In the trial he was defended by Marcus Antonius Orator (the grandfather of Marc Antony), and despite overwhelming evidence against him, he was acquitted as a result of his military achievements. Cf. Plutarch, The Life of Marius.

487. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Draped bust right with attributes of Isis, Minerva, Apollo, Diana and Victory, cornucopiae below chin, S C before, CESTIANVS before / Eagle standing on thunderbolt right, M PLAETORIVS M F AED CVR around. Crawford 409/1; Sydenham 809. 3.84g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

117

300

488. C. Piso L. f. Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 61 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, simpulum behind / Horseman galloping right, holding whip, V above, C. PISO L F FRVG. Crawford 408/1; Sydenham 865a; Calpurnia 24h. 3.74g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Very high relief and attractively toned.

400

489. C. Memmius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. C MEMMI C F, head of Ceres right, wreathed with grain-ears / C MEMMIVS IMPERATOR, captive kneeling to right below trophy. Crawford 427/1; Sydenham 920; Memmia 10. 3.91g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

750

Ex Stack’s Sale, 7-8 December 1994, lot 2139.

490. M. Junius Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Bare head of L. Junius Brutus right, BRVTVS behind / Bare head of C. Servilius Ahala right, AHALA behind. Crawford 433/2; Sydenham 907; Junia 30. 3.37g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Lightly toned.

400

Ex CNG 157, 31 January 2007, lot 206. Despite being struck long before he played his part in Caesar’s assassination, this type alludes to Brutus’ pro-Republican ancestry. L. Junius Brutus, depicted on the obverse, expelled the Tarquins and held Rome’s first consulship along with L. Tarquinius Collatinus. C. Servilius Ahala, an ancestor to Brutus through his mother, when he was Master of the Horse in 439 BC, slew Spurius Maelius because he was plotting against the state. Cf. Livy IV, 12-14.

491. Servius Sulpicius AR Denarius. Rome, 51 BC. Laureate male head right, SER behind, SVLP before / Naval trophy, naked and bound captive on right, draped figure looking on to left. Crawford 438/1; Sydenham 931; Sulpicia 8. 3.56g, 20mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

Ex Freeman & Sear 14, 21 June 2007, lot 376. The reverse type may celebrate the achievements of P. Sulpicius Galba Maximus who was proconsul in Greece during the war against Philip of Macedon in 209-8 BC. He was responsible for leading the Roman fleet into the Aegean sea and capturing Aegina; hence the naval trophy would refer to the destruction of the enemy fleet, and the prisoner to those captured during the battle. Cf. Livy XXVII, 5-6.

118

492. P. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus AR Denarius. Rome, 50 BC. Bare head of M. Claudius Marcellus left, MARCELLINVS before, triskeles behind / M. Claudius Marcellus carrying trophy into temple, MARCELLVS on right, COS QVINQ on left. Crawford 439/1; Sydenham 1147. 3.88g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

500

This type celebrates the achievements of the moneyer’s ancestor, M. Claudius Marcellus. He was a general during the Gallic War of 225 BC and the Second Punic War and was elected as consul five times. The triskeles on the obverse alludes to his conquest of Syracuse in 211 BC, and the reverse depicts the consul dedicating his spolia opima, earned for his slaying of the Gallic king Viridomarus. (Cf. Plutarch, ‘The Life of Marcellus’). Ex Peus 400, 22 April 2010, lot 246.

493. Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Pompey, 49 BC. Diademed head of Apollo right, III VIR behind, XVI monogram below, Q SICINIVS before / Club of Hercules, arrow and bow, C COPONIVS PR S C around. Crawford 444/1a; Sydenham 939. 4.02g, 21mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

300

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

494. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Female head right wearing oak wreath / L HOSTILIVS SASERNA, Victory walking right, holding trophy over left shoulder, and caduceus in right hand. Crawford 4481/1a; Sydenham 951; Hostilia 5. 3.99g, 19mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

500

495. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Female head right wearing oak wreath / L HOSTILIVS SASERNA, Victory walking right, holding trophy over left shoulder, and caduceus in right hand. Crawford 448/1a; Sydenham 951; Hostilia 5. 3.86g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

500

Rare Denarius of M. Cato Uticensis

496. M. Cato Uticensis AR Denarius. Utica, 47-6 BC. Draped female bust right, M CATO PRO PR before / Victory seated right, holding patera, VICTRIX in ex. Crawford 462/1c; Sydenham 1052; Porcia 9. 3.64g, 17mm, 11h. Very Fine. Rare.

500

Following Caesar’s victory at the battle of Thapsus, Cato fled to Utica along with the remaining Pompeians, where this type was struck. Having been pursued by Caesar, Cato refused an offer of clemency and committed suicide. The reverse design recalls those of an ancestor, another M. Cato, who struck coins at Rome in 89 BC (see lot 474).

119

497. Petillius Capitolinus AR Denarius. Rome, 43 BC. Eagle on thunderbolt right, PETILLIVS above, CAPITOLINVS below / Hexastyle temple with decorated roof and hanging decorations between columns, S-F across fields. Crawford 487/2b; Sydenham 1151; Petillia 3. 3.78g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

300

Ex Monnaies dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Antan 7, 21 May 2010, lot 162.

The Shrine of Venus Cloacina The Shrine of Venus Cloacina was dedicated to the goddess of the great sewer that served Rome. Pliny (Historia Naturalis XV.199) relates that the shrine is on the site at which the Romans and Sabines, fighting over the carrying off of the Sabine women, having laid down their arms, purified themselves with leaves from the myrtle plant, which was sacred to Venus. It is unclear why or when Venus was assimilated with the Etruscan goddess Cloacina, but the latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s association with the sewage system no doubt relates to the latin verb cluere - to cleanse. The statues depicted on the reverse type below stood on a platform on the north side of the Forum; the platform still exists today.

498. L. Mussidius Longus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Veiled head of Concordia right, XVI monogram below chin, CONCORDIA behind / Shrine of Venus Cloacina, inscribed CLOACIN, L MVSSIDIVS LONGVS above. Crawford 494/42b; BMC 4244; Sydenham 1093a. 4.02g, 17mm, 3h. Fleur De Coin. Struck on a very broad flan.

2,000

499. L. Mussidius Longus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Veiled head of Concordia right, CONCORDIA behind / Shrine of Venus Cloacina, inscribed CLOACIN, L MVSSIDIVS LONGVS above. Crawford 494/42a; Sydenham 1093. 3.78g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Pleasant old cabinet tone.

750

500. P. Clodius M. f. Turrinus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind / Diana standing facing, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand, P CLODIVS on right, M F on left. Sydenham 1117; Crawford 494/23; Claudia 15. 3.89g, 18mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

120

300

121

COINS OF THE IMPERATORS

501. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint traveling with Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent, CAESAR in ex. / Simpulum, aspergillum, axe surmounted by wolf’s head, and apex. Sear 9; Crawford 443/1; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49. 4.03g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

500

502. Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Pompey, 49 BC. CN PISO PRO Q, Head of Numa Pompilius right wearing diadem inscribed NVMA / Prow of galley right, MAGN above, PRO COS below. Sear 7; BMC 62; Crawford 446/1; Calpurnia 30. 3.89g, 18mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

Sear observes that Pompey uses his name MAGN on this series along with the title PRO COS to lend a degree of legitimacy to his striking of coinage. In addition the names of his supporting Proqaestors also feature. This is in stark contrast to Caesar who was using his own cognomen without that of a subordinate.

503. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 47 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right / Aeneas advancing left, carring palladium in right hand and Anchises on left shoulder, CAESAR to right. Julia 10; Crawford 458/1; Sydenham 1013; Sear 55. 3.89g, 17mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

With this type, Caesar makes reference to the ancestry of his family. The gens Julia claimed descent from Venus through Aeneas, who was the product of a union between his father Anchises and the goddess. Venus, Caesar’s divine ancestor, is displayed on the obverse; Aeneas, progenitor of the gens Julia through his son Iulus, is depicted on the reverse carrying his father Anchises from the burning ruins of Troy.

504. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Massilia, 44-43 BC. Bare head of Pompey Magnus right, NEPTVNI behind, trident before, dolphin swimming to right below / Galley with billowing sail and bank of rowers moving to right, star in left field, Q NASIDIVS below. Sear 235; Crawford 483/2; Sydenham 1350; RSC 20. 3.80g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Some areas of flat striking. Rare.

1,500

Following the death of his father, Sextus Pompey fled to Sicily. With the Triumvirs distracted by the Brutus and Cassius faction he raised an army, and more notably, a formidable naval force. According to Dio Cassius, following success in naval battles against Octavian, Sextus Pompey came to be known as ‘Son of Neptune’ as reflected in the obverse legend NEPTVNI and the trident symbol. The reverse legend names Quintus Nasidius, an admiral under Pompey Magnus and then Sextus. Realising the futility of the Pompeian cause, Nasidius eventually defected to the camp of Marc Antony, and fought under him at the Battle of Actium, after which point he disappears from the historical record.

122

505. Divus Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Struck under C. Cossutius Maridianus. Rome, 44 BC. CAESAR DICT IN PERPETVO, veiled head of Julius Caesar right / C MARIDIANVS, Venus standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and resting left arm on shield on globe. Crawford 480/15; Sydenham 1068; Sear 111a. 3.80g, 19mm, 4h. Very Fine.

1,500

506. M. Junius Brutus and L. Sestius AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus (Smyrna?), 43-42 BC. L. SESTI PRO Q, head of Libertas, draped and wearing veil / Q CAEPIO BRVTVS PRO COS, tripod, axe on left, simpulum on right. Crawford 502/2; Sydenham 1290; Sear 201. 3.66g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

1,500

507. Cassius Longinus and P. Cornelius Lenutulus Spinther AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus (Smyrna?), 43-42 BC. C. CASSI IMP, tripod with cauldron, decorated with two laurel-branches / LENTVLVS SPINT, jug and lituus. Crawford 500/1; Sydenham 1308; Sear 201. 3.86g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

508. Divus Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Struck under L. Mussidius Longus. Rome, 42 BC. Wreathed head of Julius Caesar right / L. MVSSIDIVS LONGVS, cornucopiae on globe, between rudder on left, and caduceus and apex on right. Sear 116; Crawford 494/39b; Sydenham 1096c. 3.97g, 19mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

1,500

509. Marc Antony, Octavian, and M. Barbatius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M ANT IMP AVG III VIR R P C M BARBAT Q P, bare head of Marc Antony right / CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR R P C, bare head of Octavian, with slight beard, right. Sear 243; Crawford 517/2; Sydenham 1181. 3.77g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

2,000

This type was struck by M. Barbatius, a general serving under Marc Antony in the East, and commemorates the founding of the Second Triumvirate in 43 BC. It was in 41 BC that Antony summoned Cleopatra to Tarsus, there making an alliance with her and subsequently returning with her to Alexandria. Cleopatra secured her position by inducing Antony to have her sister and rival Arsinoe killed.

123

Anapias and Amphinomus

510. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily, (Catania?), 37-36 BC. MAG PIVS IMP ITER, bare head of Pompey Magnus right; capis behind, lituus before / Neptune standing left, holding aplustre in right hand, resting right foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers, Anapias and Amphinomus, carrying their parents on their shoulders, PRÆF above, CLAS ET ORÆ MARIT EX S C in two lines in ex. Crawford 511/3a; Sydenham 1344; Sear 334. 3.96g, 20mm, 11h. About Extremely Fine.

4,000

This coin of Sextus Pompey is rich with symbolism. The reverse alludes not only to Sextus’ command of the seas and the probable location of the mint through the legend of Amphinomus and Anapias, but is also a reference to the piety of Sextus Pompey in upholding the Republican ideals of his late father, who is depicted on the obverse. In the ancient version of the legend there was but one pious hero, though by later times this had evolved into the tale that would have been familiar to the Pompeians, and which provided the inspiration for the final verses of the pseudo-Virgilian poem ‘Aetna’. Though the reverse of this coin clearly references the later retelling of the story, Sextus may well have identified more closely with the original form as related by Lycurgus: “A

stream of fire burst forth from Etna. This stream, so the story goes, flowing over the countryside, drew near a certain city of the Sicilians. Most men, thinking of their own safety, took to flight; but one of the youths, seeing that his father, now advanced in years, could not escape and was being overtaken by the fire, lifted him up and carried him. Hindered no doubt by the additional weight of his burden, he too was overtaken. And now let us observe the mercy shown by the Gods towards good men. For we are told that the fire spread round that spot in a ring and only those two men were saved, so that the place is still called the Place of the Pious, while those who had fled in haste, leaving their parents to their fate, were all consumed.”

End of the Republic

511. Octavian AV Aureus. Brundisium or Rome, 32-29 BC. Bare head of Octavian right / Triumphal quadriga left, the panels ornamented, surmounted by four miniature galloping horses, CAESAR DIVI F in ex. RIC 258; BMC 591; Calicό 189. 7.81g, 22mm, 4h. Good Very Fine; struck on a broad flan. Very Rare.

15,000

With the defeat of Brutus and Cassius Longinus at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC and Lepidus’ expulsion from the Triumvirate in 36, Octavian and Marc Antony had become the two most powerful men in the Roman world. Whilst Antony oversaw matters in the East, he embarked on a love affair with the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, despite his marriage to Octavian’s sister Octavia. Octavian used this to fuel a propaganda campaign against Antony, and seized his will from the Temple of Vesta which revealed the latter’s intentions to distribute lands conquered by Rome amongst Cleopatra’s offspring, and that he wished to be buried in Egypt with Cleopatra rather than in Rome. The result of Octavian’s political manoeuvres was that the Senate declared war on Egypt, and thus Antony, who was enthralled to the Egyptian queen. In the aftermath of Octavian’s decisive victory at Actium, both Marc Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide. The ancient sources have it that Cleopatra remained alive for some time following Antony’s death, and that she attempted to bargain for the life of Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar, with promise of her lifelong imprisonment at Rome. Suetonius relates that Octavian desired to keep Cleopatra alive so that she would be the crowning glory of his triumph upon his return to Rome, and was bitterly disappointed when he learned she had ended her life with a snake bite. The reverse type no doubt alludes to Octavian’s triumph following his victory over Cleopatra and Antony, and is part of a series of coinage struck to pay his soldiers at a time which marks the transition from Republic to Empire.

124

COINS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

512. Augustus AR Cistophorus of Ephesus. Circa 25 BC. IMP CAESAR, bare head right, lituus before / AVGVSTVS, Capricorn right, head left, with cornucopiae on its back, all within wreath. RIC 480; RPC 2213. 11.91g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

1,500

513. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Tarraco?), circa 20-16 BC. Laureate head right / Two laurel trees, CAESAR above, AVGVSTVS below. RIC 51; RSC 47. 3.87g, 20mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful toning around the devices.

2,000

On 16 January 27 BC, Octavian formally handed back all power to the Roman Senate, who in return conferred upon him the titles of Augustus and Princeps and according to Dio Cassius, “in addition to numerous honours already conferred on Augustus, it was ordained by the Senate and people

that laurel trees should be planted in front of his palace, and oaken crowns suspended on them, as though he were the perpetual conqueror of the enemies, and saviour of the citizens of the Republic.”

514. Augustus AR Denarius. Struck by Q. Rustius. Rome, circa 19 BC. Q RVSTIVS FORTVNAE, jugate busts of Fortuna Vitrix wearing round helmet and Fortuna Felix, diademed, ANTIAT in ex. / CAESAR AVGVSTO, ornamented rectangular altar inscribed FOR RE, EX SC in ex. RIC 322. 3.79g, 19mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,250

515. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head left / Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand, leaning on sceptre in left, within a hexastyle temple, IOV-TON across fields. RIC 64; RSC 179; RCV 1613. 3.80g, 20mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Attractive golden highlights. Very Rare.

125

2,000

516. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head of Augustus right / Apollo Citharoedus standing left in long drapery, holding lyre and plectrum, IMP-X across fields, ACT in ex. RIC 171a; BMC 461. 3.94g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

517. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head right / Bull butting right, IMP•X in ex. RIC 167a; BMC 451. 3.69g, 18mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

1,000

518. Augustus AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. Circa 4-3 BC. KAISAROS SEBASTOU, laureate head right / ETOUS HK NIKHS, Tyche, holding palm branch in right hand, seated right, river-god Orontes at her feet swimming right , UPA monogram and IB above ‘ANT’ monogram in right field. Prier 52; RPC 4153. 15.02g, 26mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

519. Divus Augustus Æ As. Rome, AD 22-30. DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER, radiate head left / Altar enclosure with double-panelled door, S-C across fields, PROVIDENT in ex. RIC 81. 11.39g, 27mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

126

300

520. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 36-37 AD. 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 29; Calicó 305a; BMC 46. 7.83g, 20mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck from an obverse die of fine style on a remarkably broad flan.

10,000

521. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 36-37 AD. 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 29; Calicó 305a; BMC 46. 7.66g, 20mm, 4h. Good Very Fine.

3,000

522. Germanicus Æ15 of Apameia, Phyrigia. Circa AD 40. GERMANIKOS KAISAR, bare head right / ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ ΚΑΛΛΙΚΗΣ ΑΠΑΜΕΩΝ, deer standing right on maeander pattern. RPC 3134. 3.73g, 15mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

200

523. Germanicus Æ As. Rome, AD 40-1. GERMANICVS CAESAR, Germanicus standing in ornamented slow quadriga right, holding sceptre / SIGNIS RECEPT DEVICTIS GERM in two lines, S-C across fields, Germanicus, bare-headed and cuirassed with tunic, standing left, right arm raised and holding aquila. RIC 57. 14.70g, 29mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

500

524. Claudius AR Cistophorus. Ephesus, AD 41-2. TI CLAVD CAES AVG, bare head left / Temple of Roma and Augustus, containing figure of Claudius, standing facing on left, holding spear in right hand, being crowned by female figure (Fortuna?) to left holding cornucopiae. RIC 120; BMC 228. 10.43g, 26mm, 5h. Very Fine. Rare.

127

500

525. Nero Æ17 of Ionia, Smyrna. Circa AD 50-54, Draped bust right, ZMUR below / ΕΠΙ ΦΙΛΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΕΙΚΑΔΙΟ Σ, Nike advancing right, carrying trophy over shoulder. BMC 284; RPC 2476. 4.47g, 17mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

300

This type has been reassigned by RPC to Nero under Claudius; it was previously attributed to Britannicus.

526. Nero AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria, AD 59-66. NERWN KAISAR SEBASTOS, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / ETOUS BIR.I, eagle standing facing on thunderbolt, head right, wings spread, palm in right field. Prieur 89; RPC 4188; McAlee 265. 13.88g, 27mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. An obverse die of excellent style.

3,000

527. Nero AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 59-66. NERWN KAISAR SEBASTOS, laureate bust right wearing aegis / ETOUS AIR.Q, Eagle standing facing on thunderbolt, head right, palm and pellet in right field. Prieur 84. 14.72g, 28mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; the finest example offered for sale in recent years. Very Rare.

1,500

528. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 60-61. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, bare head right / PONTIF MAX TR P VII COS IIII PP, EX-SC across fields, Virtus standing left in military attire, foot on helmet, holding parazonium on knee and spear resting on ground. RIC 25; Calicó 429; McAlee 260. 7.65g, 18mm, 7h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

529. Galba Æ As. Rome, AD 68-9. SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG TR P, laureate head right / Aquila on facing prow between two standards on prows, all three ornamented with wreaths, S-C across fields. RIC 304; BMC 156. 11.47g, 27mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; pleasant green patina. Scarce.

128

300

Choice Denarius of Otho

530. Otho AR Denarius. Rome, 15 January - 8 March AD 69. IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVRITAS P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling sceptre in left arm. RIC 10; RSC 15. 3.20g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; a bold portrait with clearly visible legend. Very Rare.

4,000

531. Vespasian Æ26 of Apameia, Phrygia. AD 69-79. ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΟΡ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝOΣ, laureate head right / ΕΠΙ ΠΛΑΝΚΙΟΥ ΟΑΥΡΟΥ ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΦΡΥΓΙΑΣ ΑΠΑΜΕΙΣ, sheaf of five ears of corn. BMC 150; RPC 1389. 11.29g, 26mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

300

532. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / COS ITER FORT RED, Fortuna standing left, resting right hand on prow and holding cornucopiae in left. RIC 19. 3.33g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; well-centred on the flan.

200

533. Vespasian AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTI, Nemesis advancing right, holding caduceus over snake. RIC 1130; Calicó 655; BMC 401. 7.17g, 20mm, 7h. Very Fine.

3,000

534. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 77-8. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head left / COS VIII, prow facing right, with eight pointed star above. RIC 942. 3.36g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

500

Decidedly antiquarian in nature, this reverse design is borrowed from the coinage of L. Domitius Ahenobarbus, which was struck for Marc Antony circa 40 BC. Vespasian was keen to recall the coinage of the late Republic, and his Flavian successors, Titus and Domitan, also favoured such imagery. The star above the prow is a type used to denote success in naval matters or the success of an admiral, and is here being applied to Vespasian as a part of the continued propaganda campaign that was promoted throughout his reign. Much of the coinage struck during Vespasian’s reign celebrated a military triumph or newly-brokered peace. According to B. W. Jones, over a quarter of the coinage of Vespasian listed in Cohen had a reverse type alluding to Mars, Victoria or Pax (cf. Jones, B. W, “Some Thoughts on the Propaganda of Vespasian and Domitian”, Classical Journal 66 no. 3, March 1971, p 251).

129

The Temple of Vesta

535.

Titus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 73. T CAES IMP VESP CEN, laureate bust right / VESTA, tetrastyle circular Temple of Vesta, a statue of Vesta standing within, holding sceptre, two statues flanking outside. RIC 557; Calicό 794. 7.28g, 20mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

20,000

Ex Sotheby’s London, 7 August 1996, lot 101; Ex Leu 36, 7 May 1985, lot 247; Ex M & M Basel 13, 1954, lot 666; From the Boscoreale hoard of 1895. The original Temple of Vesta is believed to have been built by Numa Pompilius along with the original Regia and House of the Vestal Virgins, though the site had already been the centre of the cult’s activity since the 7th century. One of the earliest structures located in the Roman Forum, it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt several times. The present depiction is that of Nero’s restoration after the Great Fire. The temple was the storehouse for the legal wills and documents of Roman Senators and relics such as the Palladium. Popular superstition held that the sacred fire of Vesta contained within was closely tied to the fortunes of the city, and its extinction was viewed as a portent of disaster. By edict of Theodosius I, the fire was extinguished and the temple closed in AD 394. The famous Boscoreale hoard, recovered in 1895, consisted of 109 pieces of gold and silver plate, along with over 1000 gold aurei. The hoard had belonged to the owners of a wine-producing villa rustica on the south-eastern slopes of Vesuvius near the modern-day village of Boscoreale, hence its name. The hoard was placed in an empty cistern in the wine cellar of the villa when its owners fled before the eruption of AD 79, and while the villa began to be excavated in 1876 the coins remained undisturbed until 1895.

130

131

Recalling The Republic

536.

Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 77-8. T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, laureate bust 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 ex. RIC 954; BMC 223; CalicĎ&#x152; 738a. 7.33g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

20,000

The reverse type of this coin copies the earlier Republican denarius of 115-114 BC (see lot 462) and depicts a new slant on the Roman foundation myth with the goddess Roma watching over the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. The Flavian dynasty came after a series of turbulent reigns during the Year of the Four Emperors and it sought to restore peaceful succession as well as confidence in the eternity of Rome, following the uncertainty of the Civil War. Titus, along with his father Vespasian and brother Domitian, struck a series of coinage which recalled types of the Republican and Augustan periods, evoking the stability before the Civil War that was instated during the reign of Augustus in the early years of the Empire.

132

133

537. Domitian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 73-5. CAES AVG F DOMIT COS II, laureate bust right / Domitian on horseback galloping left, with right hand raised and sceptre in left. RIC 679; Calicó 811. 7.15g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Struck on a large flan.

3,000

Ex Goldberg 62, 1 February 2011, lot 3183. Ex Harold Chopp Collection.

538. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 85. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V, laureate bust right / IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P, Minerva standing left holding spear. RIC 431. 3.51g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful lustre. Rare.

500

539. Domitian Æ19 of Philadelphia, Lydia. AD 81-96. Lagetes as magistrate. DOMITIANOC KAICAR, laureate bust right / EPI LAGETA FILADELPEѠN, female cult statue facing. SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -; RPC 1334. 3.85g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

100

540. Domitia Æ21 of Lydia, Philadelphia. AD 81-96. DOMITIA AUGOUSTA, draped bust right / FILADELFIѠN in four lines within laurel-wreath. SNG Copenhagen 378; RPC 1340; BMC 63. 8.15g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

300

541. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 96. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II PP, laureate bust right / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, Libertas standing left, holding pileus and sceptre. RIC 7; RSC 106. 3.35g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

300

542. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P, laureate bust right / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, Libertas standing left, holding pileus and sceptre. RIC 19; BMC 46. 3.36g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

134

300

543

544

543. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 109-10. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P P COS V P P, laureate bust right with slight drapery on left shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Spes walking left holding flower, S-C across fields. RIC 519; Woytek 338. 27.99g, 34mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Pleasant toning around the devices.

1,000

544. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 109-10. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P P COS V P P, laureate bust right with slight drapery on left shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Spes walking left holding flower, S-C across fields. RIC 519; Woytek 338. 24.99g, 35mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

546

545

545. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 109-10. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P P COS V P P, laureate bust right with slight drapery on left shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Dacia seated left on shield and arms in attitude of mourning, trophy before her, SC in ex. RIC 564; Woytek 326. 26.89g, 34mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

546. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 116-7. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVGVSTI SPQR, Providentia standing left, resting elbow on column and pointing to globe at her feet, S-C across fields. RIC 663; Woytek 591. 25.03g, 35mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Pleasant dark tone.

1,000

547. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 118. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS II, Concordia seated left, holding patera, resting her elbow on a statue of Spes, cornucopiae below throne, CONCORD in ex. RIC 39a. 3.46g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Attractive early portrait.

300

548. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III, Hadrian, in military dress, standing left, holding rudder on globe and reversed spear. RIC 110. 3.24g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Vivid toning around the devices.

135

500

549. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III, Pax seated left holding Victory on globe and branch. RIC 95. 3.30g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

550. Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 132-135. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, bare-headed, draped bust left / FELICITATI AVG, galley moving left, six figures within, S-C across fields, COS III P P in ex. RIC 706; cf. BMC 1386 ff. 23.97g, 33mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

3,000

551. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 134-8. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / NILVS, Nilus reclining right, leaning on urn, holding reed and cornucopiae; hippopotamus in front, crocodile below. RIC 310; RSC 989. 3.30g, 17mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

552. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 134-8. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right, drapery on far shoulder / SECVRITAS AVG, Securitas seated right, her right arm resting on back of chair and supporting her head, sceptre in left hand. RIC 271; Calicό 1373. 6.82g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine.

3,000

553. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 134-8. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, laureate and draped bust right / COS III, Hadrian on horse pacing right, with right hand raised. RIC 348; Calicó 1221. 7.00g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine. Scarce.

136

3,000

554. Hadrian Æ As. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate and draped bust right / AEGYPTOS, Egypt recling left, holding sistrum and resting left elbow on basket of fruit or corn, ibis on column at feet. RIC 839. 11.83g, 26mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Scarce.

1,000

Much of Hadrian’s coinage commemorates his visits to many of the important Roman provinces and served to propagandise his willingness to travel and devote his direct attention to the running of the disparate parts of the Empire. Struck towards the end of his reign and when Hadrian had returned to Rome, this coin falls into the ‘Province’ category, a remarkable series of issues marking Hadrian’s achievements and highlighting the extent of the Roman Empire. Egypt is shown in female form and with the distinguishing attributes of the sistrum of Isis and an ibis at her feet, while the basket of fruit or corn on which she leans could be taken to reference the grain ships that regularly sailed from Egypt back to Rome.

555. Antinous Æ Diobol of Alexandria, Egypt. AD 134-5. ANTINOOU HRWOS, draped bust right, wearing hem-hem crown / Antinous on horseback to right holding caduceus, I-Q below. Köln 1277; Dattari 2084. 23.34g, 34mm, 12h. Good Fine.

2,500

Very Rare Quinarius of Antoninus Pius

556. Antoninus Pius AV Quinarius. Rome, AD 150-1. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XIIII, bare head right / COS IIII, Liberalitas standing left, holding account board and vexillum, LIB VI across fields. RIC 198a. 3.57g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

7,500

The association of traditional Roman virtues with the figure of the emperor is a prime example of how Augustus and his successors employed symbolism, along with their own portraits and architectural types, to portray their reigns to the Roman people in a positive light. Liberalitas usually appears on coins which commemorate an act of generosity on behalf of the Emperor towards the Roman people, much like how in Republican times the aediles distributed money and grain on behalf of the Senate to acquire popular support. The COS IIII series of Antoninus Pius is the first to depict Liberalitas bearing the vexillum, which we may suppose made announcement of a largess (congiarium). Very little record exists of specific congiaria during Antoninus Pius’ reign but the Historia Augusta does attest to his personal generosity (Historia Augusta, Life of Antonius Pius IV. 9)

557. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 158-9. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head right / VOTA SVSCEPTA DEC III, Antoninus, veiled, standing facing, head left, sacrificing with patera over tripod, left arm at side, COS IIII in ex. RIC 294a (d); Calicό 1714. 7.30g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

7,500

The VOTA SVSCEPTA legend on the reverse of this coin makes reference to the undertaking of the vows for the third decennium of Antoninus’ rule and is a type that is common to the coinage of this year and the preceeding, along with a theme commemorating the restoration of the temple of Divus Augustus.

137

558. Diva Faustina Senior and Galerius Antoninus Æ28 of Cyprus. Uncertain mint, circa AD 140. ΘEA ΦAYCTEINA, draped bust of Diva Faustina right / Μ ΓΑΛERIOC ANTWNINOC AUTOKRATOROC ANTWNINOU UIOC, bare-headed, draped bust of Galerius Antoninus right. Vagi 1517. 11.13g, 28mm, 1h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

Galerius Antoninus was a son of Antoninus Pius and Faustina I who died before his father became emperor; his sepulchral inscription can be found at the Mausoleum of Hadrian. His only certain portrait is present on this type, accompanying that of his late mother.

559. Diva Faustina Senior AV Aureus. Rome, AD 141-61. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AVGVSTA, Ceres veiled, standing left, holding torch and sceptre. RIC 356; Calicó 1763b; BMC 395. 7.31g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

4,000

560. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 151-2. AVRELIVS CAESAR ANTONI AVG PII FIL, bare head left / TR POT VI COS II, Clementia standing left, holding patera and holding out skirt with left hand, CLEM in ex. RIC 456a. 7.27g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

4,000

561. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 174-5. M ANTONINVS AVG GERM TR P XXIX, laureate and draped bust right / LIBERAL AVG VI IMP VII COS III, Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae. RIC 318; Calicó 1880. 7.24g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

4,000

562. Divus Marcus Aurelius Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 192. DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle flying right and carrying a thunderbolt in its talons, bearing aloft Marcus Aurelius, who holds a sceptre; S-C across fields. RIC 660; BMC 394; Cohen 94. 25.36g, 32mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

138

2,000

Faustina Junior with Venus

The types of Faustina Junior often associate her with the Roman goddesses with the intention of presenting her as the epitome of Roman feminine virtue. This complements the personification of traditional Roman values used on the types of her husband and father, on whose coins the Virtues feature prominently. Clementia, Concordia and Pietas are used frequently and relate to the gentle and harmonious rule of the emperor and his personal piety. Faustina Junior was particularly closely associated with Venus, and after her death in AD 175, Marcus Aurelius placed a statue of her in that goddess’ temple in Rome.

563. Faustina Junior AV Aureus. Rome, AD 149-152. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust right with hair waved and coiled at back with band of pearls / VENVS, Venus standing left holding apple and rudder, around which dolphin entwined. RIC 517; Calicό 2097. 7.30g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasant lustre and remarkably detailed portrait, engraved in fine style.

10,000

Faustina is here presented with utmost femininity; the proportions of her facial features are delicate, the folds of her drapery are intricately rendered, and the exquisite detail of her coiffure reflects a glamorous young lady. The presence of Venus on the reverse is probably unsurprising given her apparent beauty, and this association with the goddess and the nobility of her bearing are a most fitting portrayal of the future empress who would be held in high esteem by the army and by her husband, who grieved deeply for her when she passed, and accorded her divine honours.

564. Faustina Junior AV Aureus. Rome, AD 149-152. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust right with hair waved and coiled at back with band of pearls / VENVS, Venus standing left holding apple and rudder, around which dolphin entwined. RIC 517; Calicό 2097. 7.40g, 20mm, 6h. Scarce. Extremely Fine. This coin displays beautiful lustre around the devices that gives the appearance of a nimbate portrait.

139

4,000

565. Faustina Junior AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161-76. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / SALVTI AVGVSTAE, Salus seated left holding patera, from which she feeds entwined around altar. RIC 716; Calicό 2073b. 7.33g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

4,000

Juno Lucina

566. Faustina Junior AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161-76. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / IVNONI LVCINAE, Juno standing left between two children and holding an infant in her arms. RIC 692; Calicό 2073. 7.29g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; beautiful lustre. Rare.

10,000

Juno Lucina was the goddess who presided over childbirth; the tradition stems from the divinity whom the Greeks called Ilithyia. The Roman goddess is referenced in Latin literature as early as Terence. In his Andria, Glycerium, as she goes into labour, cries out “Juno Lucina, grant me aid, save me, I plead!”. It is fitting that this manifestation of Juno should feature on the types of Faustina Junior, who, during thirty years of marriage to Marcus Aurelius, bore thirteen children.

140

141

567. Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 163. IMP L VERVS AVG, bare head right / PROV DEOR TR P III COS II, Providentia standing left, holding globe and cornucopiae. RIC 491; BMC 229. 3.29g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

500

Ex Triton X, 9 January 2007, lot 647.

568. Commodus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 181-2. M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG, laureate head right / TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P, Annona standing left, holding statuette and cornucopiae, modius containing corn-ears to left, stern of ship behind, decorated with figure of Victory and containing two figures, SC in ex. RIC 325a. 26.48g, 33mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Pleasant dark tone.

3,000

Unique and Unpublished ‘Medallion’ of Crispina

569. Crispina Æ44 8 Assaria ‘Medallion’ of Lydia, Silandus. AD 178-91. Lucius Min. Asklepiados as Strategos. CEBACTH KPICΠINA, draped bust right, hair dressed in four tight waves and caught up behind in chignon / EΠI CT ΛO[YKI]OY · MIN ACK[ΛEHΠIAΔ]OY, Apollo standing facing, head left, leaning against small column on which is placed a lyre, chiton over extended right arm amd holding a laurel branch; across field CIΛ/AN - ΔE/WN. Unpublished in the standard references; for the strategos cf. Leschorn p. 689 and SNG von Aulock 3178. 54.56g, 44mm, 6h. Pleasing green-brown patina. Extremely Fine. Unpublished and apparently unique.

7,500

A fine example of Roman third century medallic art depicting a magnificent statue of Apollo in Hellenistic style that incorporates the features of two distinct styles (cf. LIMC II/1, Apollon, pl. 200, 200i and p.l. 202, 221). The cult of Apollo was especially prominent in Lydia, and this image probably represents an actual statue that existed in Silandus. Coins of this size are often inaccurately described as medallions, a term not entirely correct since they did indeed have a monetary function. Aside from a select few mints, the Greek cities were effectively prohibited from issuing silver coins for general circulation, and so to mark special occasions the cities of Asia Minor struck coinage on such enormous size and weight standards that they would match the value of the silver denominations they wished to, but could not strike. The Roman coinage of this city was struck, as far as is known, only in the century between the reigns of Domitian and Caracalla. An issue of Lysimachus tetradrachms has been tentatively assigned to this mint, however the validity of this is uncertain. Very little is known of Silandus, including its present location.

570. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193-4. IMP CAES C PESC NIGER IVST AVG, laureate head right / SALVTI AVG, Salus (or Aequitas) standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC 78 var. (IVST AV); BMC 313. 2.73g, 19mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

142

1,000

571. Septimius Severus Æ25 of Selge, Pisidia. AD 193-211. ΑΥ Κ Λ Σ ΣΕΟΥΗΡΟΣ ΠΕ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / ΣΕΛΓΕΩΝ, podium supporting two altars and two sacred trees. SNG France 2040; BMC -. 9.90g, 25mm, 7h. Very Fine; pleasant patina. Rare.

200

572. Sauromates II with Septimius Severus and Caracalla EL Stater of Bosporos. Circa AD 193-211. BACIΛЄWC CAVPOMATON, diademed and draped bust of Sauromates right, club before / Laureate head of Septimius Severus right, facing laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla left, date Є(retrograde P)V below. MacDonald 506/6. 7.60g, 18mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

Ex Ponterio & Associates 151, 12 November 2009, lot 8073.

Herculean Aureus of Septimius Severus

573. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 197. L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP X, laureate bust right / HERCVLI DEFENS, Hercules standing right, resting right hand on club, holding bow in left hand, lion’s skin draped over left arm. RIC 111; Cohen 213; Calicό 2460. 7.15g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

15,000

The obverse of this coin makes reference to Hercules who, as one of the chief gods of Severus’ hometown of Leptis Magna, blessed his undertakings. Here he is characterised as ‘Defensor’ and is presented with the familiar attributes of club, bow, quiver of arrows and the lion’s skin, referencing his mythological feats and conferring similar prestige on Severus as protector of the Roman Empire. Hercules was also later adopted by Caracalla as his special patron.

143

Celebrating the Ludi Saeculares

574.

Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 206. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right / LAETITIA TEMPORVM, the spina of the Circus Maximus decorated as a ship facing left, with the turning posts at its prow and stern, a sail mounted on the central obelisk, and the spina’s other monuments visible in between; above the ship, four quadriga’s racing left; below, seven animals: an ostrich at left and a bear at right; between them a lion and a lioness chasing a wild ass and a panther attacking a bison. RIC 274; BMC -, cf. 343 (denarius); Calicó 2469. 7.20g, 20mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare.

50,000

The historical parallels between Augustus’ victories in civil war and those of Septimius Severus more than two centuries later were too obvious for the latter to ignore. The reverse of this type depicts the Ludi Saeculares held by Severus in AD 204 on the cycle employed by Augustus, exactly two hundred and twenty years after the games of 17 BC, which had been eulogised by Horace and ultimately celebrated the foundation of Rome. The historian Dio Cassius relates: “The whole construction in the amphitheatre was made in the form of a ship, and was so

conceived that 400 beasts might be received into it, and at the same time be sent forth from it. Then, when it suddenly collapsed there issued out of it bears, lionesses, panthers, lions, ostriches, wild asses and bison, so that seven hundred beasts, both wild and domesticated, were seen running about at the same time and were slaughtered.”

(LXXVII, 4-5).

The presence of the charioteers on this coin are likely in reference to the circus races that Severus also held in commemoration of this occasion, along with gladiatorial games, and the distribution of a donative. From the meagre fragmentary remains of the fifty lined poem in hexameter by an unknown writer eulogising the Ludi Saeculares of 204, it can be inferred that by that date many contemporaries could reasonably believe that Septimius Severus, a ‘second Augustus’, had inaugurated a new Golden Age, a ‘happy time’: laetitia temporum.

144

145

575. Septimius Severus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 206. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right / LAETITIA TEMPORVM, the spina of the Circus Maximus decorated as a ship facing left, with the turning posts at its prow and stern, a sail mounted on the central obelisk, and the spina’s other monuments visible in between; above the ship, four quadriga’s racing left; below, seven animals: an ostrich at left and a bear at right; between them a lion and a lioness chasing a wild ass and a panther attacking a bison. RIC 274; BMC 343. 2.78g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,500

576. Septimius Severus AR Tetradrachm of Laodicea ad Mare, Syria. AD 209-211. AUT KAI CEOUHROC CE, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO G, eagle standing facing, head left, star between legs. Prieur 1162. 13.68g, 28mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasantly toned and struck on a broad flan.

750

577. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 210. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right / P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Victory advancing right, head left, carrying trophy and leading captive by hand. RIC 237; BMC 23; Calicό 2517. 7.26g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

4,000

578. Septimius Severus Æ26 of Thessalonika, Macedonia. AD 193-211. AY K K Λ CEΠ CEYHPOC ΠEP, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚEΩΝ, Nike advancing right holding wreath and palm. SNG ANS 855 var. (Nike advancing left); Moushmov - ; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.04g, 26mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

146

300

The Sanctuary of Aphrodite The famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palea Paphos was one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the Greek world; the goddess herself was fabled to have been born of the sea near Paphos and as a result was hailed as ‘Cyprian’. The sanctuary continued to flourish well into the Roman era; several of the emperors honoured the shrine and it was rebuilt by the Romans following the earthquake of AD 76-77, in a design that preserved the layout of the original. The cult of Aphrodite at Palea Paphos survived until the 4th century AD, when Emperor Theodosius outlawed paganism. Today, virtually nothing remains of the sanctuary, save the holy ground itself.

579. Septimius Severus Æ32 of Cyprus. Uncertain mint, AD 193-211. AUTOK KAIS L CEP CEOUHROC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / KOINON KUPRIWN, 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 89. 21.24g, 32mm, 6h. Good Fine. Very Rare.

500

580. Septimius Severus Æ32 of Cyprus. Uncertain mint, AD 193-211. AUTOK KAIS L CEP CEOUHROC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / KOINON KUPRIWN, 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 89. 20.98g, 32mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

581. Septimius Severus Æ29 of Rabbathmoba, Arabia. AD 193-211. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / ΡΑΒΑΘΜΟΥΒΗΝΩΝ ΤΥΧΗ, turreted figure of Tyche standing right, left foot on river-god, holding sceptre and unknown object, P-A across fields. SNG ANS -; BMC -; Spijkerman 15 var. (different legend). 14.41g, 29mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

147

300

Divus Septimius Severus

582.

Divus Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 211. DIVO SEVERO PIO, bare-headed bust of Severus right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing left with wings outstretched, clasping thunderbolt in talons. BMC 19; CalicĂł 2440; RIC 191a. 6.96g, 21mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin; lightly brushed in left reverse field, insignificant mark. Very Rare.

30,000

In AD 208 Severus travelled to Britannia at the head of an army numbering over 40,000 with the intent of subjugating Caledonia. Despite allegedly high Roman casualties on account of the Caledoniansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guerrilla tactics, by 210 Severus had made significant gains. The Caledonians sued for peace, which was granted in return for their forfeit of the Central Lowlands. Renewed conflict ensued almost immediately with a Caledonian revolt supported by the Maeatae, and Severus set himself to the task of exterminating the Caledonians, though illness forced him to withdraw back to Eboracum, where he died on February 4th AD 211. Severus was returned to Rome and laid in the tomb of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, whom of all the emperors he revered so greatly that he even deified his son Commodus, and held that all emperors should thenceforth assume the name Antoninus as they did that of Augustus. At the demand of his sons, who gave him a most splendid funeral and who caused to be struck this commemorative aureus, he was added by the Senate to the ranks of the deified. The prominence of the eagle on such issues stems from the consecration ceremony itself; a funeral pyre was lit and an eagle was set loose from its summit, symbolising the elevation of the soul from the earth to the ranks of the gods.

148

149

A Superb Aureus of Julia Domna

583. Julia Domna AV Aureus. Rome, AD 194. IVLIA DOMNA AVG, draped bust of Julia Domna right, her hair in six waves and bound up at the back / VENERI VICTR, Venus standing right, seen from behind, half nude with drapery hanging low beneath her posterior, holding palm branch in her left hand, a globe in her right and leaning with her left elbow on a low column to her left. BMC 47; Calicό 2641a; Cohen 193; Hill 100; RIC 536. 7.29g, 21mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

15,000

Septimius Severus, who had come to power after a civil war, aspired to restore peace and stability to the Roman Empire. His wife, Julia Domna, was to play an instrumental role in this endeavour, as a vehicle for the promotion of traditional Roman values. Inscriptions attest to the great number of titles conferred upon her, including that of Mater Senatus et Patriae. On account of her faithful companionship during her husband’s military campaigns she was named Mater Castrorum, and a statue was set up in the Forum to honour her. An association with Venus was favoured for the Empress’ coinage; the first issues struck for Julia Domna feature the goddess. Dio Cassius relates that prior to their wedding, Septimius Severus dreamt that Faustina Junior prepared their nuptial chamber within the Temple of Venus and Roma - a neat propaganda tool that at once implied Faustina’s approval of Julia Domna, and her acceptance of Severus’ legitimacy.

584. Julia Domna Æ27 of Rabbathmoba, Arabia. AD 193-217. ΙΟΥΛΙΑ ΔΟΜΝΑ C, draped bust right / ΡΑΒΒΑΘΜѠΒѠΝ, Statue of Ares standing facing, holding sword, spear, and shield, lighted altars flanking base, Ԑ below P in left field. SNG ANS 1415 var. (different legend); BMC 4 var. (position of date mark). 15.83g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

150

500

585. Julia Domna Æ28 of Rabbathmoba, Arabia. AD 193-217. ΙΟΥΛΙΑ ΔΟΜΝΑ C, draped bust right / ΡΑΒΒΑΘΜѠΒA, turreted figure of Tyche standing right, left foot on river-god, holding sceptre and unknown object. SNG ANS -; BMC -; Spijkerman 20. 15.38g, 28mm, 11h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine.

500

586. Julia Domna Æ29 of Rabbathmoba, Arabia. AD 193-217. ΙΟΥΛΙΑ ΔΟΜΝΑ C, draped bust right / ΡΑΒΒΑΘΜѠN, turreted and draped bust of Tyche right. SNG ANS 1415 var. (no date mark)-; BMC -. 16.15g, 29mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

587. Caracalla and Plautilla Æ35 of Laodicea ad Mare, Syria. AD 198-217. Jugate draped busts of Caracalla (radiate) and Plautilla right, countermark before / Figure of Artemis Brauronia standing facing, head right, holding spear and round shield, two deer at her feet. SNG Copenhagen 367; BMC -. 21.26g, 35mm, 1h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

588. Caracalla, as Caesar, Æ29 of Ceretapa Diocaesarea, Phyrgia. AD 196-198. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ Μ ΑΥ ΑΝ ΒΑΣΣΙΑΝΟΣ, bare-headed, draped bust right / ΚΕΡΕΤΑΠΕΩΝ ΣΤΡΑ ZΩΣΙΜΟΥ ΔΟΜΝΟΥ, Dionysus with thyrsus and kantharos standing left, panther at feet. Von Aulock, Phrygia I, 508; SNG von Aulock -; BMC -. 13.15g, 29mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

589

300

590

589. Caracalla Æ30 of Cyprus. Uncertain mint, AD 198-217. M ANTWNEINOC AUGOUCTOC, laureate bust right / KOINON KUPRIWN, 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. 14.49g, 30mm, 6h. Good Fine. Rare.

500

590. Caracalla Æ30 of Cyprus. Uncertain mint, AD 198-217. M ANTWNEINOC AUGOUCTOC, laureate bust right / KOINON KUPRIWN, 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. 14.79g, 30mm, 6h. Good Fine. Rare.

151

500

591. Caracalla Æ25 of Rabbathmoba, Arabia. AD 198-217. AVT KAI ANTΩNINΩ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Poseidon standing left, foot on prow, holding trident and dolphin, Λ-Δ across fields. BMC -; SNG ANS -. 10.79g, 25mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

592. Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 206-10. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right / LAETITIA TEMPORVM, the spina of the Circus Maximus decorated as a ship facing left, with the turning posts at its prow and stern, a sail mounted on the central obelisk, and the spina’s other monuments visible in between; above the ship, four quadriga’s racing left; below, seven animals: an ostrich at left and a bear at right; between them a lion and a lioness chasing a wild ass and a panther attacking a bison. RIC 157; BMC 508 (same reverse die). 3.55g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,500

593. Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 210-213. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head right / PROVIDENTIAE DEORVM, Providentia standing left, holding wand in right hand and sceptre in left; globe at feet. RIC 227; Calicó 2801. 7.36g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

7,500

A Series of Tetradrachms of Caracalla Caracalla accompanied his father in Syria during his Parthian campaign between the years of AD 195-199. During this time, Seleucia ad Tigris and Babylon were captured, and to celebrate these victories, Caracalla was made Augustus. The official ceremony declaring the joint consulship took place in the city of Antioch to which Septimius had restored rights following their revocation by Pescinnius Niger a decade before.

594. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 211-2. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO G, eagle standing facing, head right, standing on leg and thigh of sacrificial animal. Prieur 214. 12.93g, 26mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

152

200

595. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 215-7. ΑΥΤ Κ Μ Α ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC CΕΒ, laureate bust right / ΔΗΜΑΡX ΕX ΥΠΑΤΟ Δ, eagle standing facing, head right, standing on leg and thigh of sacrificial animal, ●Δ● ●E● across fields. Prieur 224. 14.53g, 26mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

596. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 215-7. ΑΥΤ Κ Μ Α ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC CΕΒ, laureate bust right / ΔΗΜΑΡX ΕX ΥΠΑΤΟ Δ, eagle standing facing, head right, standing on leg and thigh of sacrificial animal, ●Δ● ●E● across fields. Prieur 224. 14.43g, 26mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

598

597

597. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 215-7. AUT K M A ANTWNEINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing, head right, star between legs, small club below. Prieur 233. 13.93g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

200

598. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Carrhae, Mesopotamia. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CEB, radiate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATO D, eagle standing facing, head right, star in left field, crescent between legs. Prieur 830. 13.64g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

599. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Hieropolis, Syria. AD 215-7. AUT K M A ANTWNEINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing front, head right, lion walking right between legs. Prieur 926. 13.79g, 26mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

200

600. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Hieropolis, Syria. AD 215-7. AUT K M A ANTWNEINOC CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right seen from behind / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing front, head right, lion walking right between legs. Prieur 929. 13.49g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

153

200

601. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Emesa, Syria. AD 215-7. AUT K M ● ANTWNEINOC C E●B●, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX OUCIAC UPAT D, eagle standing facing, head left, A under beak; radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Shamash left between legs. Prieur 952. 13.29g, 28mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal. Very Rare.

200

602. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Heliopolis, Syria. AD 215-7. AUT K MA ● ●●● ANTWNEINOC●CE●B, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing, head right; six-pointed star between legs, lion walking right below. Prieur 1193. 13.60g, 26mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

200

603. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Ace-Ptolemais, Phoenicia. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing, head right; piloi of the Dioscuri surmounted by stars between legs. Prieur 1227. 13.07g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

605

604

604. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Ace-Ptolemais, Phoenicia. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing, head right; piloi of the Dioscuri surmounted by stars between legs. Prieur 1227. 15.09g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

605. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Berytus, Phoenicia. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate bust right with drapery at front of truncation / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing, head left, prow left between legs. Prieur 1293. 13.64g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

606

200

607

606. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Berytus, Phoenicia. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate bust right with drapery at front of truncation / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing, head left, prow left between legs. Prieur 1293. 15.69g, 27mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

607. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 213-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate bust right, with drapery at front of truncation / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1548. 12.07g, 26mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

154

200

609

608

608. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 213-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate bust right, with drapery at front of truncation / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1548. 15.77g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

609. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 213-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate bust right, with drapery at front of truncation / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1548. 14.35g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

610. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 213-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate and cuirassed bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1549. 15.22g, 26mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

200

611. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 213-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate and cuirassed bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1549. 13.88g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

200

612. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 213-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate and cuirassed bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1549. 13.69g, 25mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

614

613

613. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 213-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1551. 16.72g, 25mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Scarce.

200

614. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Cyprus. Uncertain mint, AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing on ear of wheat, head left. Prieur 1578. 12.02g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

155

200

Aelia Captolina

615. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Aelia Capitolina, Judaea. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CE, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing on vine branch with three bunches of grapes, amphora between legs. Prieur 1633. 11.47g, 25mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

The imperial tetradrachms of Aelia Capitolina feature symbols that were affiliated with the Dionysiac cult; the ivy-leaf, vine, thrysos, and amphora are all frequently associated with the god. The popularity of the god in Syria and Phoenicia was most likely due to his fabled origin from, and expeditions to, the East. His chariot is often depicted as being drawn by lions or tigers, both creatures which are associated with the East; Ovid refers to Bacchus “[in his chariot] drawn by tigers” (Amores I, 2, 47-48.)

617

616

616. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Caesarea Maritima, Samaria. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTѠNINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing on torch around which serpent is coiled. Prieur 1659. 12.28g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

617. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Caesarea Maritima, Samaria. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTѠNINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing on torch around which serpent is coiled. Prieur 1659. 12.69g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

618

200

619

618. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Caesarea Maritima, Samaria. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTѠNINOC CEB, laureate head right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing on torch around which serpent is coiled. Prieur 1659. 12.29g, 26mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Slight flan crack.

200

619. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Caesarea Maritima, Samaria. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTѠNINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATOC TO D, eagle standing facing on torch around which serpent is coiled. Prieur 1662. 14.02g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre.

200

Mint of Gaza

620. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Gaza, Judaea. AD 215-7. AUT KAI ANTWNINOC CEB, laureate bust right / DHMARX EX UPATO D, eagle standing facing, head left, sign of Zeus Marnas in circle of pellets between legs, star in right field. Prieur 1685. 13.22g, 26mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

Gaza was one of the most important Eastern cities; linking Syria and Phoenicia to Egypt, it was a hub for many major trade routes. The main cult of the city was that of Haddad, whom the Romans knew as Zeus Marnas and whose temple at Gaza first appears on Roman coinage in the reign of Hadrian. The Life of St Porphyry relates that Marnas was a rain-god who was invoked against famine.

156

621. Geta Æ34 of Mylasa, Caria. AD 198-209. ΠO CEΠTIMIOC ΓETA C KAIC, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / MYΛA-CEΩN, statue of Zeus Labraundos within tetrastyle temple. SNG von Aulock 2630. 16.46g, 34mm, 6h. Very Fine.

300

622. Geta Æ23 of Dium, Arabia Petraea. AD 207-8. ΠCEΠ ΓETA C, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Haddad standing facing, holding eagle-tipped sceptre and Nike; recumbent bull to either side, WN upwards on right, date AOC downwards on left, ΔEIHN in ex. Rosenberger 7; Spijkerman 8, pl. 24 (same dies); SNG ANS 1281. 9.31g, 23mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare, and in excellent condition for the type.

500

623. Macrinus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 217-8. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right / AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing, head left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC 53. 3.37g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

624 625 624. Macrinus AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 217-8. AYT K M OP CE MAKPINOC CE, laureate bust right, with drapery at front of truncation / DHMAPX EX YPATOC PP, eagle standing on club facing, head left, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1555. 12.23g, 26mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

200

625. Macrinus AR Tetradrachm of Emesa, Syria. AD 217-8. AUT K M OP C●●●E MAKRINOC CE●B● (retrograde), laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left seen from behind / DHMARX EX YPATOC, eagle standing facing; radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Shamash left between legs. Cf. Prieur 1006 (different obverse legend and no officina letter). 12.46g, 26mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

626

300

627

626. Macrinus AR Tetradrachm of Emesa, Syria. AD 217-8. AUT K M OP CE ●●● MAKPINOC CE●B●, laureate bust right / DHMAPX EX YPATOC PP, eagle standing facing; radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Shamash left between legs. Prieur 1004. 11.80g, 26mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

200

627. Macrinus AR Tetradrachm of Aradus, Phoenicia. AD 217-8. AYT KA M O C MAKPINOC CE, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / DHMAPX EX YPATOCA, eagle standing facing, bull’s head right between legs. Prieur 1249. 12.56g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

157

200

158

628. Macrinus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 217-8. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left. RIC 73; BMC 66. 3.06g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

629

300

630

629. Diadumenian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 208-18. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian standing facing, head right, holding standard and sceptre, two more standards to right. RIC 102; RSC 3. 3.68g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

500

Ex DNW Auction 73, 14 March 2007, lot 533. 630. Diadumenian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 208-18. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian standing facing, head right, holding standard and sceptre, two more standards to right. RIC 102; RSC 3. 3.11g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine, and struck on a large flan. Scarce.

500

Impressive Elagabalus Aureus

631. Elagabalus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 219. IMP CAES ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / FIDES EXERCITVS, Fides seated left, holding eagle in right hand and standard in left; standard in left field. RIC 66; Calicó 2991; BMC 105. 6.30g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan. Rare.

15,000

Through the turmoil of the late second and early third century, it became increasingly clear that it was in the hands of the army that lay the true power behind the throne. Emperors were made or broken by the legions, and it was thus ever more important to appease and retain the loyalty of the common soldiery in order to retain power. The Fides Exercitus type became an increasingly frequent one that called for the continued loyalty of the army (FIDES EXERCITVM), which had indeed brought Elagabalus to power, a youth of no proven ability or wisdom. After the assasination of Caracalla in 217 it is thought that Julia Maesa, Elagabalus’ grandmother and maternal aunt of Caracalla, instigated a revolt in the army against the new emperor Macrinus by suggesting that Elagabalus was the illegitimate son of Caracalla, and that Macrinus had engineered the latter’s murder. After only a few months in office Macrinus was engaged in battle by the army that he had once commanded, was routed and fled towards Italy; he was captured and exectuted in Cappadocia, leaving Elagabalus free to travel to Rome as the new emperor.

159

160

One of the Finest Known

632.

Elagabalus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 220-22. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right, with ‘horn’ / INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG, Elagabalus standing left, in long robe to feet and doubly girt at waist, sacrificing out of patera over altar and holding branch in left hand; star in left field. BMC p. 562, 209 note; RIC 86b; Calicó 2997. 6.45g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare, and possibly the finest of the few specimens known.

30,000

Ex NAC 54, 24 March 2010, lot 514; Ex NAC 31, 26 October 2005, lot 80. In contrast to the previous lot, struck early in his reign and before he had shown his true colours, this stunning aureus displays all the eastern religious imagery which came to prominence on the coinage of his later years. His religious zeal and wanton disregard for the ancient customs and traditions of Rome has come to characterise his reign and led eventually to his demise at the hands of the Praetorian Guard after his grandmother Julia Maesa diverted their support to his cousin Severus Alexander. Elagabalus was the hereditary High Priest of the Sun God El-Gabal, a role which he brought with him to Rome from his hometown of Emesa in Syria, and which he appears to have taken far more seriously than his position as emperor. Many types of Elagabalus show the Black Stone of Emesa being carried into Rome, and legends include the title ELAGABAL, the Romanised name for the Sun God and from where we draw the name Elagabalus. The reverse of this coin shows the Emperor sacrificing at an altar and with a star in the left field, representing Elagabalus as Deus Sol Invictus, while the obverse features a portrait of the Emperor laureate and with a ‘horn’ protruding from his forehead. Mattingly and Sydenham suggested that the horn represents rays of sun emanating from the Emperor’s head, thus showing his divine patronage, and liken its use to other instances in history, such as the horn of Ammon that is present on the coinage of Alexander the Great and his successors. However, more recent scholarship has suggested that the ‘horn’ in question is in fact symbolic of his depraved religious practices, and perhaps deliberately intended to antagonise Roman sensibilities.

161

A Superb Aureus of Severus Alexander

633. Severus Alexander AV Aureus. Rome, AD 230. IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate head right, slight drapery on left shoulder / P M TR P VIIII COS III P P, Romulus, radiate, walking right, carrying spear and trophy. RIC 103; BMC 620; Calicó 3121 (same dies). 6.33g, 20mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin; perfectly centered on the flan. Rare.

7,500

Ex Triton X, 9 January 2007, lot 701.

634. Orbiana Æ Sesterius. Rome, AD 225-7. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed, draped bust right / CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM, Severus Alexander standing right, togate, holding scroll and clasping hands with Orbiana standing left. RIC 657. 19.30g, 31mm, 11h. Very Fine. Rare.

1,500

635. Maximinus I Æ27 of Cilicia, Ninica-Claudiopolis. AD 235-8. IMP MAXIMINOC PI, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / COL NI NIC CLAV, Maximinus standing left, holding phiale and sceptre, within tetrastyle temple. BMC 9 var. (different legends and no control mark); SNG Levante 622 var.; SNG France 793 var.; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -. 12.45g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

300

636. Maximinus I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 237/8. AVTO MAZIMINOC EV C CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Trophy of helmet, cuirass, and two oval shields in pairs crossed with two javelins behind each, two captives back to back below, with hands bound, L-D across fields. Dattari (Savio) 10141; BMC 1809; SNG Copenhagen 669. 12.58g, 21mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

300

637. Maximus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 235/6. Γ IOVΛ OVHP MAZIMOC KAI, bare-headed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Bust of Serapis facing, wearing modius with floral ornaments, and chiton; L-B across fields. Dattari (Savio) 4641; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.32g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

162

300

163

638. Maximus ร Sestertius. Rome, AD 236. C IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES, bare-headed, draped bust right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, Maximus in military dress standing left, holding wand, two legionary signa to right, S-C across fields. RIC 9. 18.25g, 30mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Attractive dark patina.

1,500

Ex Wayne C. Phillips Collection of Roman Sestertii; Ex CNG Mail Bid Sale 84, 5 May 2010, lot 1182.

639. Diva Paulina AR Denarius. Rome, AD 235-8. DIVA PAVLINA, veiled and draped bust right / CONSECRATIO, peacock standing facing, head left, with tail spread. RIC 1; RSC 1; BMC 135. 2.74g, 21mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

Exceptional Denarius of Gordian I

640. Gordian I AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS P P, emperor standing left, holding olive branch and sceptre. RIC 1; BMC 1. 2.71g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Supremely well detailed; perfect strike, lustrous metal. The finest denarius of Gordian I Africanus we have ever seen.

5,000

641. Gordian I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 238. A K M AN GORDIANOC CEM AFP EV CEB, laureate bust right wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Homonoia standing left, right arm stretched out, holding double cornucopiae in left hand, LA before. BMC 1827; Kรถln 2601; Dattari (Savio) 4657; Milne 3298; Emmett 3344; SNG Copenhagen 673. 11.37g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

500

Beautifully Detailed and Lustrous

642. Balbinus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 238. IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / FIDES MVTVA AVGG, clasped hands. RIC 11; BMC 71. 5.48g, 24mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Exceptionally well detailed. Lustrous metal, lightly toned.

164

1,500

643. Balbinus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 238. IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PIETAS MVTVA AVGG, clapsed hands. RIC 12; RSC 17. 5.06g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

644. Balbinus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA DEORVM, Providentia standing left, holding wand over globe, and cornucopiae. RIC 7; RSC 23. 3.21g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

750

Ex DNW 73, 14 March 2007, lot 548.

Superb and Well-Detailed

645. Pupienus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 238. IMP CAES PVPIEN MAXIMVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / CARITAS MVTVA AVGG, clasped hands. RIC 10b; BMC 87. 4.38g, 23mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Well struck on a full, broad flan, and superbly detailed. Lustrous metal, lightly toned. An exceptional example.

1,500

646. Pupienus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC 1; RSC 6. 2.73g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

647

500

648

647. Gordian III AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 238-244. AYTOK K M ANT GOPDIANOC CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right seen from behind / DHMAPX EX OYCIAC, eagle standing facing, head left, SC in ex. Prieur 282. 12.47g, 26mm, 6h. Very Fine.

200

648. Gordian III AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 238-244. AYTOK K M ANT GOPDIANOC CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right seen from behind / DHMAPX EX OYCIAC, eagle standing facing, head left, SC in ex. Prieur 282. 12.48g, 28mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

165

200

166

Ex Jameson Collection; 1888 Pedigree

649. Trebonianus Gallus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 253. IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / APOLL SALVTARI, Apollo standing left, holding branch and lyre set on rock. RIC 19; Calicó 3328. 3.44g, 19mm, 1h. Pierced in antiquity, expertly restored prior to being acquired by Jameson; otherwise, Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

10,000

Ex Aufhauser 17, 18-19 March 2003, lot 528; Ex EPR Collection; Ex Hess / Leu 17, 23 March 1961, lot 343; Ex Jameson Collection; Ex de Quelen Collection; Ex Rollin & Feuardent, 14 May 1888, lot 1628. As a God of the Roman Pantheon, Apollo appears with relative frequency and in various guises on coinage; however, this reverse type is of particular interest as it only appears under Gallus and his son and co-Emperor Volusian. After the death of Trajan Decius and Herennius Etruscus at the hands of the Goths, Gallus concluded a peace treaty and the army returned to Rome, bringing with them a plague now known as the Cyprian Plague after St Cyprian, the bishop of Carthage and an early Christian writer who witnessed and described the horrors it wrought. It has been suggested by David Sear (Record of Natural Disasters on the Coinage of Imperial Rome) that these coins are invoking the help of ‘Apollo the Healer’ at a time when there was serious need: Gallus’ first co-Emperor Hostilian, son of Decius, is thought to have died from the plague.

650. Gallienus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 253. IMP C P LIC GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and draped bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, clasped hands. RIC 131. 3.05g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine.

200

A Very Rare Aureus of Gallienus

651. Gallienus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 253-4. IMP C P LIC GALLIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, holding a standard in each hand. RIC –; Calicó –; MIR 36, 22o. 3.65g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

15,000

A superbly lustrous specimen of this very rare type; indeed the aurei of Gallienus are themselves very difficult to find in good style and condition – many were struck on thin, misshapen flans that were easily prone to damage. The present example is a fortunate exception.

167

652. Macrianus Æ Antoninianus. Antioch, AD 260-1. IMP C FVL MACRIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust of Macrianus right, slight drapery on left shoulder / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter enthroned left, holding patera and sceptre, eagle at feet, star in left field. RIC 9. 3.56g, 22mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Pleasant desert patina. Very Rare.

400

653. Postumus Æ Double Sestertius. Colonia Aggripinensis, circa AD 261. IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS PF AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / LAETITIA AVG, galley moving left. RIC 143; Bastien 87. 18.13g, 34mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Superb condition for the type.

654

2,000

655

654. Marius AR Antoninianus. Mainz or Trier, AD 268. IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 17. 2.47g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

500

655. Aurelian and Vaballathus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1/4, AD 270/1. AK Λ D M AVPHΛIANOC CEB, laureate bust right wearing paludamentum and cuirass, LA before / IACO VABAΛΛAΘOC AΘHNO VA C P, laureate, diademed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass, L-D across fields. Dattari (Savio) 5423; BMC 2384; Giessen 3056; SNG Copenhagen 898. 11.43g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine.

200

Superb Heavy Aureus of Probus

656. Probus AV Heavy Aureus. Siscia, AD 276-82. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS SAECVLI, Securitas seated left, holding sceptre and raising left hand to head, SIS in ex. RIC 594; Calicó 4189. 5.98g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

8,000

Struck to a standard of 55 per Roman Pound, approximately 25% heavier than the normal issues, this heavy aureus promotes the ideal of a return to a golden age that coincides with his arrival at Rome in AD 277 and his celebration of decennial vows. Given its unusual weight and special reverse type it is likely that this was a coin with a ceremonial function, most probably intended as a donative for the army.

657. Probus Æ Antoninianus. Serdica, AD 276-82. IMP C PROBVS P AVG, radiate, helmeted, and cuirassed bust left holding spear and shield / SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, holding whip, KAB in ex. RIC 862 var. (obverse legend). 3.77g, 23mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

168

200

658. Probus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 276-82. IMP PROBVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing left, holding baton and cornucopiae, globe at foot. RIC 252. 2.45g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

659. Divus Carus AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 284. DIVO CARO PIO, laureate head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing right, head turned left. RIC 4; Calicó 4261. 4.33g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

15,000

This extremely rare coin was struck by Carus’ sons Carinus and Numerian in the few short months between his death and their respective untimely ends. Soon after his accession, Carus raised his elder son to share imperial duties as Caesar, allowing him to travel east with Numerian to campaign against the Sassanid Persians. His death in 283 cut short a promising expedition in which the Roman army was able to make huge incursions into Persian lands, and even capture the capital Ctesiphon. Numerian withdrew from Persia after the death of his father, and subsequently died in mysterious circumstances during the journey west. Diocletian, previously an officer under Carus, was proclaimed emperor by the army and proceeded to continue the march west, meeting Carinus’ army in battle in Moesia and emerging as sole emperor to claim the Empire for himself.

660. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Siscia, AD 294-5. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before archway of campgate, SIS in ex. RIC 46a. 3.13g, 19mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Very Rare.

2,000

Extremely Rare Domitius Domitianus Follis

661. Domitius Domitianus Æ Follis. Alexandria, AD 295-6. IMP C L DOMITIVS DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius of the Roman people standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae, eagle with wings spread standing at his feet, Γ in right field, ALE in ex. RIC 20. 8.40g, 27mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

169

3,000

Third Known Example

662.

Maximianus Herculius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 293-4. MAXIMIANVS PF AVG, laureate bust right / HERCVLI DEBELLAT, Hercules standing right battling the Lernaean Hydra, holding club in his upraised right hand and preparing to strike the Hydra, one of whose heads he grasps with his left hand, its body wrapped about his leg; P ROM in ex. RIC -; C -; Calicó 4662. 5.57g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Two light marks in obverse field. Extremely Rare.

20,000

Apparently only the third known specimen showing Hercules standing right, after the example illustrated by Calicó, which is that of the Biaggi collection 1786, purchased from M. Ratto in 1955 and sold by NAC in 2008, and a further example sold by SBV in 1995. This coin was struck as a donative on the occasion of the first consulates of the new Caesars Constantius and Galerius; Diocletian well understood the necessity of sharing power and dividing responsibility for the empire among capable leaders who could defend it from the multitude of enemies, both internal and external, that it faced. Maximian’s Caesar, Constantius, was immediately tasked with the recovery of the lands ruled over by the rebel Carausius who had revolted in late 286 or early 287. By the end of 293 all of the usurper’s continental possessions had been captured, and Brittania was finally retaken in 296. The reverse type of this coin may be seen as an allegorical reference to the emperors’ constant struggle against the many enemies of Rome, symbolised by the Hydra - and most especially Carausius, who had proven to be such an embarrassment for Maximian after the failed campaign of 289.

170

Very Sharp and Lustrous

663.

Maximianus Herculius AV Aureus. Nicomedia, AD 294. MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, laureate bust right / HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules standing facing, head right, holding club and apples, lion skin draped over left arm; SMN in ex. RIC 3; Depeyrot p. 119, 2/2; cf. Calicó 4646. 5.36g, 20mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

20,000

Given the title ‘Herculius’ by Diocletian, Maximianus’ role was always that of the military might to Diocletian’s stategic planning, hence the rich and varied series of depictions of Hercules that we see on his coinage. This reverse depicts Hercules after the completion of his eleventh labour - to steal the apples given to Hera by Zeus as a wedding gift, which were guarded by the Hesperides. During this labour, Hercules had to take the sky on his shoulders to relieve Atlas, who was the father of the Hesperides and could therefore persuade them to give up the apples. However, as property of the gods the apples had to be returned to the garden from which they had been removed, a task that Athena completed on Hercules’ behalf. Struck in the East of the Empire at the new mint of Nicomedia, this coin was most probably produced in response to the increase in bureaucracy that the appointment of the two new Caesars in 293 will have occasioned, as well as the ever present needs of the army protecting the eastern frontier of the Empire.

171

664. Maximianus Herculius AR Argenteus. Ticinum, circa AD 295. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate head right / VICTORIA SARMAT, the four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before six-turreted campgate. RIC 16b; Sisak Hoard 39. 3.16g, 19mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

500

First post-Reform Silver from Aquileia

665. Maximianus Herculius AR Argenteus. Aquileia, AD 300. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate head right / XCVI AQ in two lines within wreath. RIC 16b; RSC 697. 3.32g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful lustre. Very Rare.

1,500

The reverse of this coin, with the denominational mark XCVI, shows that it was struck to be 1/96th of a Roman pound of silver and therefore in line with Diocletian’s reform of the monetary system of circa AD 294. The mint at Aquileia, where it was struck, was re-established only after this reform and in response to the quadruple division of the empire and the foundation of the tetrarchic system, which saw Maximianus taking his main residence in Milan. In RIC Sutherland and Carson demonstrate that, unlike the other mints of the central empire, Aquileia struck no silver before this issue and that, judging by their rarity, they were only struck in small quantities, although examples exist for all four of the tetrarchic colleagues.

666. Constantius I AR Argenteus. Carthage, AD 300. CONSTANTIVS CAES, laureate head right / XC VI in two lines within wreath. RIC 16a. 3.09g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive lustrous metal. Very Rare.

1,500

Unique Solidus of Maximinus II

667. Maximinus II AV Solidus. Rome, circa AD 312-313. MAXIMINVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VBIQVE VICTORES, Emperor standing facing, head right, in military dress, holding transverse spear in right hand and globe in left; seated captives on either side, PR in ex. For the type issued in Rome under Constantine and Licinius, cf. RIC VI pg. 688, Addenda to pg. 385; For a similar issue struck for Maximinus at Treveri, cf. RIC 817b. 4.24g, 17mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

20,000

Although the only known example of this type to have been found to date, coins of Constantine and Licinius with this reverse and the PR mintmark do exist, much as all three are represented in the gold issues of this type struck at Treveri. That this should be the only extant example may be explained by the weakening relations between Maximinus, and Constantine and Licinius. In 312 Maximinus allied himself with the usurper Maxentius, who controlled Italy, in response to the marriage of Licinius and Constantia, Constantine’s half-sister. Now bolstered by the support of Maximinus, Maxentius formally declared war on Constantine, which ended in his destruction at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on 28 October AD 312 at the hands of Constantine’s army. Maximinus himself crossed the Bosphorus in 313 and on 30 April engaged Licinius in battle at Tzirallum, where he too suffered a crushing defeat. This solidus was apparently a very small issue struck sometime between October of AD 312 and April of 313, after the defeat of Maxentius and before the declaration of war by Maximinus against Licinius.

172

668. Licinius I and Licinius II Æ Follis. Nicomedia, AD 320. DD NN IOVII LICINII INVICT AVG ET CAES, confronted laureate and draped busts of Licinius I and II, together holding Fortuna / I O M ET FORT CONSER DD NN AVG ET CAES, Jupiter standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, Victory on globe in right hand, leaning on sceptre; Fortuna standing right crowned with modius, holding cornucopiae, and rudder set on globe, SMNΔ in ex. RIC 38. 4.26g, 23mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Pleasant desert patina. Very Rare.

750

669. Constantine I, as Caesar, Æ Follis. Lugdunum, AD 307. FL VAL CONSTANTINVS N C, laureate and draped bust right, seen from behind / GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing left, wearing modius on head and with loins draped, holding patera and cornucopiae; altar to left, N in right field, PLC in ex. RIC 212b. 8.60g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

100

670. Constantine I, as Caesar, Æ Follis. Treveri, AD 307. FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C, laureate and cuirassed bust right / MARTI PATRI CONSERVATORI, Mars, naked, standing right, leaning on reversed spear and resting shield on ground. RIC 725. 7.20g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

671. Constantine I, as Caesar, Æ Follis. Treveri, AD 307. FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C, laureate and cuirassed bust right / MARTI PATRI PROPVGNATORI, Mars, naked but for chlamys, advancing right holding transverse spear and shield. RIC 730. 7.57g, 28mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

100

672. Constantine I Æ Follis. Lugdunum, circa AD 307-8. IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / SECVRIT PERPET DD NN, Securitas standing left, leaning left, with transverse sceptre on column and right hand raised to head; PLC in ex. RIC 278. 4.47g, 26mm, 6h. Very Fine. Scarce.

173

100

673. Constantine I Æ Follis. London, AD 312-3. CONSTANTINVS P AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS AVGG, Securitas standing facing, head left, legs crossed, with right hand on head and left arm leaning on column; star in left field, PLN in ex. RIC 277 var. (obverse legend). 6.29g, 25mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

100

674. Constantine I Æ Follis. Rome, AD 313. IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, bare head right / GLORIA PERPET, two Victories advancing right, both holding wreath and branch, standard between them, RQ in ex. RIC 14. 1.23g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

675. Constantine I Æ Follis. Trier, AD 313-5. IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG, bare head right / FVNDAT PACIS, Mars nude, helmeted, advancing right, looking left, chlamys flying, dragging captive by hair, trophy across left shoulder, PTR in ex. RIC 61. 2.22g, 18mm, 5h. Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

676. City Commemorative Æ Follis. Siscia, AD 330-3. VRBS ROMA, helmeted bust of Roma left wearing imperial cloak / She-wolf left, suckling Romulus and Remus, two stars above, ΓSIS in ex. RIC 222. 2.82g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

200

677. Constantine II, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 336-7. CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB CAES, laureate and cuirassed bust right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Caesar standing left, in military dress, holding vexillum with right hand and long sceptre with left hand, two standards behind, CONS in ex. RIC 109. 4.61g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Minor surface marks on reverse. Very Rare.

174

7,500

Three Superb Solidi of Constantius II

678. Constantius II, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 324. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Constantius standing facing, head right, holding sceptre in left hand and standard (surmounted by an eagle holding wreath in beak) in right; standard surmounted by hand to right; SMTSΓ in ex. RIC 133 var. (unlisted officina letter); Depeyrot 10/3. 4.43g, 20mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

10,000

Ex CNG 69, 8 June 2005, lot 1759. The propagandist note of this reverse, alluding to the military training of Constantius and the victories he would surely go on to win for the Empire, is one that is seen time and again across the coinage of the Constantinian period. However, it was struck during a period of change: in celebration for his victory in the second Civil War in 324, Constantine conferred the title of Augusta on both his mother Helena and wife Fausta, while marking the Caesarship of Constantius in the obverse legend of this issue.

679. Constantius II AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 337-40. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVM, Constantius standing left in military attire and holding standard; two captives below; TES in ex. RIC 22; 4.61g, 21mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Lustrous. Extremely Rare.

4,000

Ex NAC 46, 2 April 2008, lot 719. This typical reverse type served to promote the military success of Constantius and the army at a time when he was campaigning relentlessly against incursions to the eastern borders from the Sassanid Empire of Shapur II. Several cities of Roman Mesopotamia were beseiged by Shapur’s army, though with little gain, and Constantius drove back the invasion after the successful Battle of Narasara.

680. Constantius II AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 355-61. DN CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed head right / GLORIA REI PVBLICAE, Roma and Constantinopolis enthroned, the former facing, the latter turned to the left, between them holding a wreath inscribed VOT XXXX; Roma holds spear in left hand, Constantinopolis holds sceptre in left hand and rests foot on prow; SMNS in ex. RIC 100. 4.51g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

Ex Hess Divo 307, 7 June 2007, lot 1767. Bearing an obverse portrait of fine style and striking similarity to the monumental head of Constantius that can be seen in the Capitoline Museum in Rome, this solidus was struck in celebration of the emperor’s thirty-fifth anniversary. According to Ammianus Marcellinus (XVI, 10, 1-20), to mark the occasion Constantius entered Rome in triumphal style, held equestrian games and had an obelisk brought from Egypt and erected in the Circus Maximus.

175

176

Second Known Example

681. Constantius II AR Heavy Miliarense. Sirmium, AD 359-61. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GAVDIVM POPVLI ROMANI around wreath, within which VOTIS XXXV MVLTIS XXXX in four lines; SIRM in ex. RSC -; Gnecchi -; RIC -; cf. Lanz 106, November 2001, lot 764. Unpublished in the standard references, and apparently only the second known example. 5.22g, 26mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

10,000

Constantius’ thirty fifth year of rule was marked by renewed hostilities with the Sassanid Persian empire, as Shapur II launched a new invasion of Roman territory, destroying Singara and its two defending legions, and taking the cities of Kiphas, Amidas, and Ad Tigris.

682. Constantius II AR Siliqua. Thessalonica, AD 350-5. DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed head right / VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX in four lines within wreath, TES in ex. RIC 163. 3.16g, 21mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Rare.

750

683. Julian II Æ29. Antioch, AD 361-3. D N FL CL IVLIANVS AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS REIPVB, bull standing right, two stars above; (palm) ANTΓ (palm) in ex. RIC 217; LRBC 2641. 8.24g, 29mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Minor flan cracks.

300

684. Valentinian I AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 367-75. DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory seated right on cuirass, shield behind, writing VOT X MVL XX on shield, PANOBI in ex. RIC 22b var. (unpublished mintmark). 4.49g, 21mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan and lustrous. Extremely Rare.

177

4,000

685. Valens AR Siliqua. Constantinople, AD 364-7. DN VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOT V within wreath, •C•Δ in ex. RIC 13d. 1.80g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

Ex Lanz 14, 18 April 1978, lot 449.

686. Valens AR Siliqua. Constantinople, AD 367-75. DN VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left / VOT VX MVLT XX within wreath, C Christogram S in ex. RIC 38b. 1.81g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur de Coin. Scarce.

750

Ex CNG 38, 6-7 June 1996, lot 1183.

Two Very Rare Solidi of Theodosius I

687. Theodosius I AV Solidus. Aquileia, circa AD 378-83. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors, nimbate, in consular robes, seated facing on throne with their left legs bare; the figure to right holds mappa, together they hold globe between them; above globe, facing half figure of Victory with wings spread; below globe, palm branch; AQOBF in ex. Paolucci/Zub 774; RIC 21c. 4.52g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

688. Theodosius I AV Solidus. Mediolanum, circa AD 383-5. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors, nimbate, in consular robes, seated facing on throne with their legs draped; the figure to right holds mappa, together they hold globe between them; above globe, facing half figure of Victory with wings spread; below globe, palm branch; COM in ex. RIC 5f; Depeyrot 9/2. 4.50g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. A spectacular specimen. Very Rare.

4,000

689. Magnus Maximus AR Siliqua. Trier, AD 383-8. D N MAXIMVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma enthroned facing, head left, holding globe and reversed spear; TRPS in ex. RIC 84b. 2.01g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Well-centred, with attractive old cabinet tone. Ex Stack’s, Bowers and Ponterio 163, 16 November 2011, lot 20872.

178

300

A Rare Solidus of Magnus Maximus

690.

Magnus Maximus AV Solidus. Trier, AD 383-8. DN MAG MAXIMVS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors, in consular robes, seated facing on throne with their legs draped, together holding a globe; between and behind them the upper portion of a Victory with outspread wings; between and below them, a palm branch, TROB in ex. RIC 77b; Depeyrot 52/1. 4.51g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

15,000

Magnus Maximus was acclaimed emperor by his troops whilst he was a general of the field army of Britain in 383. After defeating the senior western emperor Gratian, he sent ambassadors to Theodosius I in the East and Valentinian II in Italy, and was recognized by Theodosius as Augustus in return for leaving Valentinian II in power. The reverse of this coin, showing two emperors sharing a globe, reflects the sharing of imperial power across the whole of the Empire, and this is reinforced by the presence of the second ‘G’ in the last word of the reverse legend (AVGG = Augustorum), indicating that it is of two emperors rather than one. Sutherland and Carson suggest in RIC that, due to a number of factors including the similar size of the figures of the emperors, this coin was struck during the period of relative peace between Maximus and Theodosius; other issues of this type from the Italian mints show one figure much smaller than the other, which is thought to indicate the elevation of Maximus’ son Flavius Victor to Augustus in 384.

179

691. Eugenius AV Tremissis. Mediolanum, AD 392-4. DN EVGENIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm-branch; M-D across fields, COM in ex. RIC 29; Depeyrot 11/2, p. 170. 1.44g, 13mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

5,000

The reverse type displaying Victory with her usual attributes of wreath and palm, which was a depiction used throughout Roman history, is of particular interest in light of the religious beliefs of the usurper Eugenius. Though himself a Christian, Eugenius was the last of the Roman emperors to support the old beliefs of polytheism, which he did to ensure the support of his senatorial colleagues whom he had raised to positions of power within his court. He is also believed to have restored the golden Altar and Statue of Victory to the Curia at their request, as well as providing funds for public works of a pagan nature, such as the rededication of the Temple of Venus in Rome by Nicomachus Flavianus the Younger. Hence, this coin could be seen as another polytheistic concession to his supporters. However his recognition of the traditional Roman Pantheon is thought to have angered the eastern emperor Theodosius I, who marched west and defeated Eugenius and Arbogast, the general who had proclaimed him emperor, in a bloody battle by the river Frigidus.

Two Superb Solidi of Arcadius

692. Arcadius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 395-402. DN ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGGG, the emperor standing right, foot on bound captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe, M-D across fields, COMOB in ex. RIC 1205; Depeyrot 16/1. 4.46g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre.

2,000

Ex J.G. Collection.

693. Arcadius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 395-402. DN ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGGG, the emperor standing right, foot on bound captive, holding labarum and victory on globe, M-D across fields, COMOB in ex. RIC 1205; Depeyrot 16/1. 4.49g, 21mm, 6h. Two minor marks on portrait, otherwise Mint State.

180

2,000

694. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 408-20. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust right, holding spear pointing forward and shield with a horseman and enemy motif / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma and Constantinopolis enthroned facing, heads turned towards one another, holding sceptres and supporting between them a shield inscribed VOT XV MVL XX; prow beneath right foot of Constantinopolis, star in left field, CONOB in ex. RIC 207; Depeyrot 61/1. 4.47g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; somewhat double struck. Very Rare.

3,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch 133, 11 October 2004, lot 554; Ex NAC 24, 5 December 2002, lot 339.

695. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 425-9. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and behind head, and shield with horseman and enemy motif / SALVS REIPVBLICAES, two nimbate emperors facing, both in consular robes, holding mappa and cruciform sceptre, star above, CONOB in ex. RIC 237. 4.42g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre. Scarce.

1,500

696. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-40. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust threequarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and behind head, and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXXI, Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre; shield behind throne, star in right field, CONOB in ex. RIC 257; Depeyrot 81/1. 4.36g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

1,000

697. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-40. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust threequarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and behind head, and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXXS, Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre; shield behind throne, star in right field, CONOB in ex. RIC 257; Depeyrot 81/1. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Scarce.

750

698. Aelia Pulcheria AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 423-9. AEL PVLCHERIA AVG, diademed and draped bust right, wearing necklace and earrings, and being crowned by the Hand of God / VOT XX MVLT XXXI, Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross, with star in upper left field, CONOB in ex. RIC 227. 4.44g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Struck on a large flan.

181

2,000

699. Zeno, with Leo as Caesar, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 476-7. D N ZENO ET LEO NOV CAES, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGGZ, Victory standing left, supporting long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in ex. RIC 906; Depeyrot 107/1. 4.51g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

Issues of the Migration Period

700. Visigoths, Gaul AV Solidus. Unknown king, circa AD 439-55. Struck in the name of Valentinian III. DN PLA VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, rosettediademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, wreath above / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing facing, right foot on human-headed serpent, holding long cross and Victory, R-V across fields, COMOB in ex. Cf. RIC 3718; cf. Depeyrot, Solidi 6; cf. MEC 1, 168. 4.39g, 22mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine.

4,000

701. Visigoths, Gaul AV Tremissis. Unknown king, circa AD 439-55. Struck in the name of Valentinian III. DN PLA VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Cross within wreath, with XIIX between base ties, COMOB in ex. RIC 3721. 1.46g, 13mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

2,500

702. Odovacar AV Tremissis. Mediolanum, circa AD 476-491. Struck in the name of Zeno. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Cross within wreath, COMOB in ex. RIC 3610; Lacam 66; Depeyrot 43/8; MEC 60; DOCLR 681. 1.44g, 14mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

703. Lombardic Kingdom of Italy AV Tremissis. Uncertain mint, circa 568-590. Struck in the name of Justinian I. DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG, pearldiademed bust of Justinian right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory standing, facing, holding wreath and globe surmounted by cross; star in right field, CONO in ex. Cf. MEC 294. 1.36g, 14mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

182

3,000

A COLLECTION OF ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINS OF EGYPT “It should be premised that, from the time of the conquest of Egypt by Augustus to the monetary reform of Diocletian, the tetradrachm was the most important coin ordinarily circulating in Egypt” - J G Milne.

704. Hadrian Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 15, AD 130/1. AVT KAI TPAI AΔPIA CЄB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Alexandria standing right, presenting grain ears to Hadrian standing left, holding sceptre, L-IЄ across field. Emmett 964; Dattari (Savio) 1267-9; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen 360. 10.87g, 24mm, 11h. Fine.

100

705. Antoninus Pius Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 139/40. AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTѠNINO ЄV CЄ, bare-headed, draped bust right / TPI TOV, Eirene standing left, holding corn and caduceus, L in left field. Köln 1319; Dattari (Savio) 8146; BMC 958; SNG Copenhagen 432. 13.49g, 24mm, 1h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

706. Marcus Aurelius Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 165/6. M AVPHΛIOC ANTΩNINOC CЄ, laureate, draped bust right / Nilus seated left, crowned with lotus, holding cornucopiae and reed; before him, Euthenia standing right, holding wreath and supporting Peplos; crocodile beneath Nilus, ЄL in left field. Emmett 1628; Dattari (Savio) 3504; BMC 1276; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.58g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

707. Commodus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 22, AD 180/1. M AVPH KOM ANTѠNINOC CЄ, laureate bust right / Emperor in triumphal quadriga right, holding aquila, LKA in front. Emmett 2536; Dattari (Savio) 3852; BMC 1429; SNG Copenhagen 562. 12.04g, 27mm, 11h. Very Fine.

100

708. Commodus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 23, AD 182/3. M AVPH KOMMO ANTΩNINOC CЄ, laureate bust right / VΠATOC TO Δ, Zeus seated left, holding Nike on globe and leaning on sceptre, LKΓ in ex. Emmett 2566; Dattari (Savio) 3898; BMC 1396; SNG Copenhagen 568. 11.22g, 27mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

183

100

709. Commodus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 24, AD 183/4. MA KOM ANTѠ CЄB ЄV CЄB, laureate bust right / Bust of Nilus right, crowned with lotus, cornucopiae on right shoulder, himation over left, LKΔ across fields. Emmett 2568; Dattari (Savio) 3874; BMC 1423; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.03g, 26mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

100

710. Crispina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 21, AD 181/1. KPЄICΠЄINA CЄBACTH, draped bust right / Tyche seated left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; wheel under throne, LKA in left field. Emmett 2629; Dattari (Savio) 3974; BMC 1449; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.19g, 27mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Very Rare.

711

400

712

711. Elagabalus and Julia Paula Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 219/20. A KAICAP MA AVP ANTѠNINOC, laureate, draped bust right / IOVLIA ΠAVΛA CЄB, draped bust right, LΓ in left field. Dattari (Savio) 4092; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.71g, 23mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

712. Elagabalus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 221/2. A KAICAP MA AVP ANTѠNINOC ЄV CЄB, laureate, draped bust right, wearing paludamentum and aegis / Bust of Hermanubis right, wearing modius ornamented with lotus petal and ram’s horn; LЄ in left field, winged caduceus and palm combined in right field. Emmett 2935; Dattari (Savio) 4118; BMC 1506; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.30g, 22mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

713. Elagabalus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 221/2. A KAICAP MA AVP ANTѠNINOC, laureate, draped bust right / Jugate busts of Nilus, crowned with lotus and with cornucopiae over right shoulder, and Euthenia, LЄ in right field. Emmett 2950; Dattari (Savio) 9822; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.67g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

300

714. Julia Paula Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 219/20. IOVΛIA ΠAVΛA CЄB, draped bust right / Emperor laureate and togate right, clasping hand of Empress wearing veil left, each holding sceptre, L-Γ across fields. Emmett 2976; Dattari (Savio) 4158; BMC 1535; SNG Copenhagen 604. 13.57g, 23mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

184

200

715. Julia Soaemias Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 220/1. IOVΛIA COAIMIAC CЄB, draped bust right / Eagle facing, head right, holding wreath in beak, wings spread, LΔ above. Dattari (Savio) 4213; BMC 1564; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.71g, 23mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Rare.

300

716 717 716. Annia Faustina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 221/2. ANNIA FAVCTINA, draped bust right / Athena standing left, wearing aegis, holding Nike bearing wreath and palm, and leaning on shield, LЄ in left field. Emmett 3030; Dattari (Savio) 4192; BMC 1550; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.52g, 24mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Scarce.

500

717. Annia Faustina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 221/2. ANNIA FAVCTINA, draped bust right / Athena standing left, wearing aegis, holding Nike bearing wreath and palm, and leaning on shield, LЄ in left field. Emmett 3030; Dattari (Savio) 4192; BMC 1550; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.64g, 22mm, 12h. Good Fine. Scarce.

300

718. Severus Alexander, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 225/6. MAP AVP AΛЄZANΔPOC KAICAP, bare-headed, draped bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Athena standing right, wearing helmet and aegis, holding Nike bearing wreath and palm, and resting left hand on shield on ground behind her, LЄ in left field. Emmett 3094; Dattari (Savio) 4241; BMC 1583; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.40g, 25mm, 11h. Near Very Fine.

100

719. Severus Alexander and Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 225/6. A KAI MAVP CЄOVHP AΛЄZANΔPOC ЄV CЄB, laureate, draped bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / LΠЄM ΠTOV MAMЄA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane. Emmett 3113; Dattari (Savio) 4252; BMC 1717; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.32g, 25mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

150

720. Severus Alexander Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 225/6. A KAI M AVP CЄOVHP AΛЄZANΔPOC ЄV CЄB, laureate, draped bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / LΠЄM ΠTOV, Serapis standing left, wearing modius, his right arm outstretched, holding sceptre transversely. Emmett 3134; Dattari (Savio) 4357; BMC 1659; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.40g, 27mm, 6h. Very Fine. Rare.

185

200

721. Severus Alexander Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 225/6. A KAI MA AVP CЄV AΛЄZANΔPOC ЄV, laureate, draped bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Dikaiosyne standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae, LЄ in left field. Dattari (Savio) 4293; BMC 1617; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.91g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

722

200

723

722. Severus Alexander Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 11, AD 231/2. A KAIMAP AVP CEV AΛЄZANΔPOC ЄV, laureate, draped bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Bust of Serapis right, wearing modius with floral ornaments; LIA in left field, palm in right field. Emmett 3147; Dattari (Savio) 4353; BMC 1655; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.16g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

723. Severus Alexander Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 12, AD 232/3. A KAI MAP AVP CЄV AΛЄZANΔPOC, laureate, draped bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Bust of Hermanubis, wearing modius with lotus petal; LIB and palm in left field, winged caduceus and palm combined in right field. Emmett 3107; Dattari (Savio) 4299; BMC 1678; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.74g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

724

200

725

724. Orbiana Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 6, AD 226/7. ΓN CЄI ЄPЄ CAΛΛ BAPB OPBIANH, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Homonia standing left, right arm outstretched, holding double cornucopiae in left hand, LS in left field. Emmett 3093; Dattari (Savio) 4448; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.04g, 24mm, 11h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

725. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 222/3. IOVΛI MAM CEB MH CTPA, draped bust right / Dikaiosyne standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae, LB in left field. Emmett 3198; Dattari (Savio) -; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.10g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; unlisted year. Cf. Dattari (Savio) 4479 ff and BMC 1733-5.

100

726. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 223/4. IOV MAMAIA MHT CTP CЄB, draped bust right / Alexandria standing left, wearing turreted cap, with right arm outstretched and holding sceptre, LG in left field. Emmett 3191; Dattari (Savio) 4459; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.76g, 23mm, 11h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

727. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 224/5. IOV MAMAIA CЄB MHT CTPA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Δ across fields. Emmett 3201; Dattari (Savio) 4538; BMC 1757; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.55g, 25mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

186

100

728. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 225/6. IOVA MAMHA CЄB MH CTPA, draped bust right / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Є across fields. Emmett 3201; Dattari (Savio) 10090; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 14.33g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

729. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 7, AD 227/8. IOV MAMAIA CЄB MHTЄ CЄ K CTPA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / ΠЄPI OΔOC ΔЄKA TH in four lines within wreath, palm in ex. Emmett 3233; Dattari (Savio) 4534; BMC 1762; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.36g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine.

200

730. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 11, AD 230/1. IOV MAMAIA CЄB MHTЄ CЄ K CTPA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Bust of Athena right, wearing Athenian helmet; LIA in left field, palm in right field. Emmett 3093; Dattari (Savio) 10051; BMC 1729; SNG Copenhagen 654. 13.24g, 25mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

731 732 731. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 11, AD 231/2. IOV MAMAIA CEB MHTЄ CЄB K CTA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Alexandria standing facing, head left, wearing peplos and holding vexillum and ears of corn in raised right hand; palm in left field, LIA in right field. Emmett 3193; Dattari (Savio) 10024; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 14.26g, 23mm, 1h. Very Fine. Very Rare; cf. BMC 1687 for this reverse under Severus Alexander.

100

732. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 11, AD 231/2. IOV MAMAIA CЄB MHTЄ CЄ K CT, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Serapis seated left, wearing modius, right arm outstretched over Kerberos who sits at his feet, left arm leaning on sceptre; on back of throne, Nike holding wreath and palm, and palm behind throne. Emmett 3226; Dattari (Savio) -; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.53g, 24mm, 1h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; unlisted year, cf. Dattari (Savio) 4515; cf. BMC 1749.

733

100

734

733. Julia Mamaea Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 11, AD 235/6. IOV MAMAIA CЄB MHTЄ CЄ K CT, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Tyche standing left, wearing modius, holding rudder and cornucopiae; LIA in left field, palm in right field. Emmett 3230; Dattari (Savio) 4521; BMC 1742; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.30g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

150

734. Maximinus I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 235/6. AVTO MAZIMINOC ЄV C CEB, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Radiate bust of Helios right, wearing chlamys, LB in right field. Dattari (Savio) 10111; BMC 1771; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.05g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

187

100

735. Maximinus I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 236/7. AVTO MAZIMINOC ЄV CEB, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Bust of Selene right, wearing tainia and chiton, large crescent in front, LΓ in left field. Emmett 3300; Dattari (Savio) 4600; BMC 1774; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.58g, 25mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

100

736. Maximinus I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 237/8. AVTO MAZIMINOC ЄV C CEB, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Bust of Selene right, wearing tainia and chiton, large crescent in front, LΔ in left field. Emmett 3300; Dattari (Savio) 4601; BMC 1775; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.26g, 25mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

200

738

737

737. Maximus, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 236/7. Γ IOVΛ OHP MAZIMOC KAI, bare-headed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Jugate busts right of radiate Helios and Selene, large crescent in front, LΓ in left field. Emmett 3317; Dattari (Savio) 4624; BMC 1811; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.30g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

738. Maximus, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 236/7. Γ IOVΛ OHP MAZIMOC KAI, bare-headed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Nike advancing left, holding trophy and wreath in right hand, palm in left; at her feet, two captives back to back, LΓ in left field. Emmett 3325; Dattari (Savio) 4633; BMC 1817; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.60g, 22mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

739 740 739. Maximus, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 237/8. Γ IOVΛ OHP MAZIMOC KAI, bare-headed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Tyche standing left, wearing modius, holding rudder and cornucopiae, LΔ in left field. Emmett 3335; Dattari (Savio) 4646; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.07g, 23mm, 11h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

740. Gordian I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 238. AK M AN ΓOPΔIANOC CЄM AΦP ЄV CЄ, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Nike seated left, holding wreath and palm, LA in left field. Emmett 3346; Dattari (Savio) 4659; BMC 1828; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.53g, 24mm, 11h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

741. Gordian I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 238. AK M AN ΓOPΔIANOC CЄM AΦP ЄV CЄ, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Nilus lying left, crowned with lotus, holding cornucopiae and reed which spreads over his head, his left hand resting on head of hippopotamus lying right below, LA in left field. Emmett 3347; Dattari (Savio) 4660; BMC 1830; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.31g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

188

500

742

743

742. Gordian I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 238. A K M AN ΓOPΔIANOC CЄM AΦP ЄV CЄ, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Homonia standing left, right arm outstretched, holding double cornucopiae in left hand, LA in left field. Emmett 3344; Dattari (Savio) 4657; BMC 1827; SNG Copenhagen 673; Milne 3298. 12.73g, 23mm, 11h. Very Fine. Rare.

500

743. Gordian I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 238. A K M AN ΓOPΔIANOC CЄM AΦP ЄV CЄ, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-A across fields. Emmett 3342; Dattari (Savio) 4665; BMC 1831; Milne 3302; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.43g, 23mm, 11h. Very Fine. Rare.

744

500

745

744. Balbinus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 238. A K ΔЄK KAIΛ BAΛBINOC ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Homonia standing left, right arm outstretched, holding double cornucopiae in left hand, LA in left field. Emmett 3374; Dattari (Savio) 4683; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -. 10.24g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

200

745. Pupienus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 238. A K M KΛW ΠOVΠIHNOC ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm, LA in front. Emmett 3365; Dattari (Savio) 4672; BMC 1837; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.92g, 23mm, 11h. Near Very Fine. Very Rare.

200

746. Pupienus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 238. A K M KΛW ΠOVΠIHNOC ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Nilus lying left, crowned with lotus, holding cornucopiae and reed which spreads over his head, his left hand resting on head of hippopotamus lying right below, LA in left field. Emmett 3367; Dattari (Savio) 4674; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.01g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

400

747. Gordian III Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 7, AD 243/4. A K M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC ЄV, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Dikaiosyne standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae, LZ in front. Emmett 3400; Dattari (Savio) 4716; BMC 1869; SNG Copenhagen 693; Milne 2836. 13.61g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Scarce.

100

748. Tranquillina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 6, AD 242/3. CAB TPANKVΛΛЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Athena standing left, wearing helmet and aegis, holding Nike who carries wreath and palm, and resting on shield; LS in left field. Emmett 3439; Dattari (Savio) 4815; BMC 1922; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.86g, 24mm, 11h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

189

100

749. Tranquillina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 7, AD 243/4. CAB TPANKVΛΛЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Eagle facing, head right, wings spread, holding wreath in talons, L-Z across fields. Emmett 3444; Dattari (Savio) 4851; BMC 1939; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.55g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

300

751

750. Tranquillina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 7, AD 243/4. CAB TPANKVΛΛЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Eagle facing, head right, wings spread, holding wreath in talons, L-Z across fields. Emmett 3444; Dattari (Savio) 4851; BMC 1939; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.46g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

100

751. Tranquillina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 7, AD 243/4. CAB TPANKVΛΛЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Laureate bust of Zeus right, L-Z across fields. Emmett 3464; Dattari (Savio) 10808; BMC 1917; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.60g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

752. Philip I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 245/6. AK M IOV FIΛIΠΠOC ЄV CЄB, laureate bust right, wearing cuirass / Dikaiosyne standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae, LΓ in left field. Emmett 3477; Dattari (Savio) 4870; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.71g, 25mm, 11h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

753. Philip I Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 6, AD 248/9. AK M IOV ΦIΛIΠΠO Є C, laureate bust right, wearing cuirass and aegis / Radiate bust of Helios right, wearing chlamys, L-S across fields. Emmett 3484; Dattari (Savio) 4877; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.03g, 25mm, 12h. VGood ery Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

754. Otacilia Severa Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 244/5. M ѠT CЄOVHPA CЄM CTPA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Bust of Isis left, wearing headdress of disk and plumes, tainia and mantle; knot on breast, L-B across fields. Emmett 3555; Dattari (Savio) 4986; BMC 2029; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.60g, 24mm, 11h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

190

100

755. Otacilia Severa Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 245/6. M ѠT CЄOVHPA CЄM CTPA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Nike advancing right, holding wreath and palm bound with fillet, LΓ in right field. Dattari (Savio) 4990; BMC 2023; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.03g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

756 757 756. Otacilia Severa Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 246/7. M ѠT CЄOVHPA CЄM CTP, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Bust of Alexandria left, wearing turreted cap, draped, LD in right field. Emmett 3535; Dattari (Savio) 4964; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -. 12.18g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

757. Otacilia Severa Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 246/7. M ѠT CЄOVHPA CЄM CT, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Eusebia standing facing, head left, veiled, holding incense box and sprinkling incense on lit altar to left; LΔ in left field. Emmett 3549; Dattari (Savio) 4976; BMC 2014; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.39g, 22mm, 11h. Very Fine.

100

758. Otacilia Severa Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 6, AD 248/9. M ѠT CЄOVHPA CЄM CTPA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Bust of Athena right, wearing helmet, cuirass and chlamys, LS in right field. Emmett 3539; Dattari (Savio) 4964; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.18g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

759. Philip II, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 245/6. M IOV FIΛIΠΠOC K CЄ, bare-headed bust right, wearing cuirass and aegis / Jugate busts of Serapis, wearing modius with floral ornaments and himation over left shoulder, and Isis, wearing headdress of corn disk and plumes; LΓ in left field. Emmett 2606; Dattari (Savio) 5038; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.73g, 23mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

760. Philip II, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 246/7. M IOV FIΛIΠΠOC K CЄ, bare-headed bust right, wearing cuirass and aegis / Caesar on horseback right, laureate and wearing cuirass and paludamentum which flies behind him, holding right arm outstretched and sceptre in left hand; L-Δ across fields. Emmett 3588; Dattari (Savio) 5016; BMC 2052; SNG Copenhagen 730. 12.93g, 23mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

191

200

761. Philip II Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 6, AD 248/9. AK M IOV FIΛIΠΠOC ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Laureate bust of Zeus right, himation on left shoulder; L-S across fields. Emmett 3612; Dattari (Savio) 5062; BMC 2054; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.31g, 24mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Well-centered on a good flan. Very Rare.

300

762. Philip II Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 7, AD 249. AK M IOV FIΛIΠΠOC ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Laureate bust of Zeus right, himation on left shoulder; L-Z across fields. Emmett 3612; Dattari (Savio) 5063; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.73g, 25mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

763

200

764

763. Trajan Decius Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 249/50. AK Γ MK TPAIANOC ΔЄKIOC Є, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Eagle standing left, looking right, wreath in beak, L-A across fields. Emmett 3634; Dattari (Savio) 5096; BMC 2084; SNG Copenhagen 738. 13.06g, 24mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

100

764. Trajan Decius Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 249/50. AK Γ MK TPAIANOC ΔЄKIOC Є, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Draped bust of Isis, crowned with lotus, L-A across fields. Emmett 3641; Dattari (Savio) 10488; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.64g, 24mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

765. Hostilian, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 251. Γ OVAΛ OCTIΛ MЄC KVINTO CE, bare-headed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Laureate bust of Zeus right, with himation over left shoulder, L-B across fields. Emmett 3661; Dattari (Savio) 5109; BMC 2098; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.60g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

766. Trebonianus Gallus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 252/3. AK Γ OVIB TPЄB ΓAΛΛOC ЄV CЄB, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Eirene standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre, LΓ in left field. Emmett 3668; Dattari (Savio) 5114; BMC 2103; SNG Copenhagen -. 10.26g, 25mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

192

100

767. Valerian Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 255/6. AK Π ΛI OVAΛЄPIANOC ЄV ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Γ across fields. Emmett 3706; Dattari (Savio) 5189; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen 754. 11.38g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

100

768. Valerian Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 255/6. AK Π ΛI OVAΛЄPIANOC ЄV ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Γ across fields. Emmett 3706; Dattari (Savio) 5189; BMC - ; SNG Copenhagen 754. 10.04g, 23mm, 11h. Very Fine. Rare.

100

769. Valerian Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 255/6. AK Π ΛI OVAΛЄPIANOC ЄV ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Eirene standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre, LΓ in left field. Emmett 3708; Dattari (Savio) 5750; BMC 2126; SNG Copenhagen 752. 12.10g, 24mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

770. Valerian Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 255/6. AK Π ΛI OVAΛЄPIANOC ЄV ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Elpis standing left, holding flower and raising hem of chiton, L-Γ across fields. Emmett 3709; Dattari (Savio) 5153; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.04g, 24mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

100

771. Valerian Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 256/7. AK Π ΛI OVAΛЄPIANOC ЄV ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum, cuirass and aegis / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Δ across fields. Emmett 3705; Dattari (Savio) 5184; BMC 2142; SNG Copenhagen -. 12.96g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

193

100

772. Saloninus, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 256/7. ΠΛIK KOP OVAΛЄPIANOC K CЄB, bare-headed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Δ across fields. Emmett 3776; Dattari (Savio) 5373; BMC 2293; SNG Copenhagen -. 10.96g, 23mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

200

773. Saloninus, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 256/7. ΠΛIK KOP OVAΛЄPIANOC K CЄB, bare-headed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Δ across fields. Emmett 3776; Dattari (Savio) 5373; BMC 2293; SNG Copenhagen -. 9.55g, 22mm, 11h. Very Fine. Rare.

100

774. Saloninus, as Caesar, Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 256/7. ΠΛIK KOP OVAΛЄPIANOC K C CЄB, bare-headed bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Homonia standing left, wearing stephane, raising right arm and holding double cornucopiae in left hand, L-Δ across fields. Emmett 3779; Dattari (Savio) 5357; BMC 2283; SNG Copenhagen -. 10.26g, 24mm, 11h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

775. Gallienus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 253/4. AK Π Λ IOV ΓAΛIHNOC ЄV ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Laureate bust of Zeus right, L-A across fields. Emmett 3744; Dattari (Savio) -; BMC 2150; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.10g, 24mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

776. Gallienus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 256/7. AK Π Λ IOV ΓAΛIHNOC ЄV ЄV C, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / Elpis standing left, holding flower and raising hem of chiton, L-Γ across fields. Emmett 3732; Dattari (Savio) 5199; BMC 2180; SNG Copenhagen 766. 11.83g, 22mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

194

100

777. Salonina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 255/6. KOPNHΛIA CAΛѠNЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Elpis standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre, LΓ in left field. Emmett 3750; Dattari (Savio) 5301; BMC 2249; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.73g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

778. Salonina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 3, AD 255/6. KOPNHΛIA CAΛѠNЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Homonia seated left, raising right arm and holding double cornucopiae in left hand, LΓ in left field. Emmett 3754; Dattari (Savio) 5305; BMC 2256; SNG Copenhagen -. 11.31g, 22mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

779. Salonina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 256/7. KOPNHΛIA CAΛѠNЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Δ across fields. Emmett 3747; Dattari (Savio) 5319; BMC 2272; SNG Copenhagen 803. 12.31g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

100

780. Salonina Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 256/7. KOPNHΛIA CAΛѠNЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Eagle standing left, looking right, holding wreath in beak, L-Δ across fields. Emmett 3747; Dattari (Savio) 5319; BMC 2272; SNG Copenhagen 803. 9.79g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

781

100

782

781. Aurelian and Vaballathus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2/5, AD 271/2. AK Λ Δ M AVPHΛIANOC CЄB, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass, LB in right field / IACO VABAΛΛAOΘC AΘHN VA C P, laureate bust right with diadem beneath wreath, wearing paludamentum and cuirass, L-Є across fields. Emmett 3914; Dattari (Savio) 5424; BMC 2387; SNG Copenhagen -. 8.56g, 22mm, 11h. Good Fine. Scarce.

100

782. Aurelian and Vaballathus Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2/5, AD 271/2. AK Λ Δ M AVPHΛIANOC CЄB, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass, LB in right field / IACO VABAΛΛAΘOC AΘHN VA C P, laureate bust right with diadem beneath wreath, wearing paludamentum and cuirass, L-Є across fields. Emmett 3914; Dattari (Savio) 5424; BMC 2387; SNG Copenhagen -. 7.45g, 21mm, 12h. Fine. Scarce.

195

100

COINS OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE

783. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 507-18. D N ANASTASIVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding spear and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG and officina letter H, Victory standing left, holding long spear surmounted by inverted Christogram; star to left, CONOB in ex. Sear 5; MIBE 7. 4.42g, 21mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

784. Justin I Æ 1½ Nummi. Thessalonica, circa AD 518-22. DN IVSTINVS I I, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / T between two stars. DOC -; MIBE N75; Sear -. 0.98g, 11mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare - possibly only the fifth known example.

1,000

785. Justin II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 565-67. D N IVSTINVS PP AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, beardless, holding globe surmounted by Victory and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG and officina letter A, Constantinopolis seated facing, head right, holding spear and globus cruciger; star in left field, CONOB in ex. Sear 346; MIBE 1. 4.50g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

786. Justin II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 567-78. D N IVSTINVS PP AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, beardless, holding globe surmounted by Victory and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG and officina letter A, Constantinopolis seated facing, head right, holding spear and globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 345; MIBE 5. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

787. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 583-602. O N MAVRC Tib PP AVG, draped and cuirassed bust facing, wearing plumed helmet and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGG and officina letter, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by Christogram and globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 478; MIBE 6. 4.47g, 23mm, 6h. Mint State. Struck on a broad flan.

196

500

788. Phocas AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 607-09. dN FOCAS PЄRP AVG, draped and cuirassed bust facing, wearing crown without pendilia, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by Christogram and globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 620; MIBE 9. 4.52g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

789

500

790

789. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 637-8. Heraclius, with long beard and moustache, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, both beardless, standing facing, each crowned and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter H, cross potent on three steps, monogram in left field, A in right field, CONOB in ex. Sear 764; MIB 45. 4.42g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

500

790. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 638-9. Heraclius, with long beard and moustache, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, both beardless, standing facing, each crowned and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, monogram in left field, B in right field, CONOB in ex. Sear 767; MIB 48. 4.47g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

791

300

792

791. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 640-41. Heraclius, with long beard and moustache, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, both beardless, standing facing, each crowned and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, monogram in left field, CONOB in ex. Sear 769; MIB 50. 4.43g, 20mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Some pitting on the obverse.

200

792. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 640-41. Heraclius, with long beard and moustache, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, both beardless, standing facing, each crowned and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter I, cross potent on three steps, monogram in left field, CONOB in ex. Sear 769; MIB 50. 4.44g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine.

300

A Series of Solidi of Constans II Constans was made co-emperor by his uncle Heraclonas in 641, but by the end of the year, and at the age of eleven, was sole emperor. Under his grandfather Heraclius the empire had been resurgent and thriving, and the Sassanian Empire ruined after six years of bitter fighting. However, in the closing years of his reign Heraclius had seen a great incursion by the Arabs and the vast expansion of Muslim power so that, by the time of his accession, Constans was facing the loss of the rich and prosperous province of Egypt. From Egypt the Arabs continued to expand across North Africa, whilst also making raids into Cappadocia and Cilicia, but of greatest threat to Byzantine power was their fleet, which successfully attacked Cyprus, Rhodes, Cos and Crete. After a Naval defeat in 655 Constans was fortunate to be able to negotiate a treaty with the Arabs, allowing him to refocus his attention on the Balkans, where he met with more success. The end of his reign is marked by controversy as, believing his brother Theodosius to be a threat to his power, he first had him tonsured and then murdered in 660. The public outcry that followed his actions encouraged him to leave Constantinople for Italy, ostensibly to campaign against the Lombards, but after supply problems led to the failure of the campiagn he took up residence in Sicily. His plans to focus the Empire on Sicily proved unpopular and he was murdered in 668, to be succeeded by his son Constantine IV.

793. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 646-7. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with very slight beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Δ, cross potent on three steps, Є in field to right, CONOB in ex. Sear 942; MIB 9. 4.35g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

197

500

794. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 648-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter (retrograde Z), cross potent on three steps, Z in field to right, CONOB in ex. Sear 949; MIB 16. 4.34g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

795. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 649-50. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter H, cross potent on three steps, H in right field, CONOB in ex. Sear 951; MIB 18. 4.39g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

796. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 649-50. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter (retrograde Z), cross potent on three steps, H in right field, CONOB+ in ex. Sear 952; MIB 19. 4.36g, 20mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

500

797. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-1. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Δ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 953; MIB 20. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

798

500

799

798. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-1. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter (retrograde Z), cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 953; MIB 20. 4.39g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

799. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-1. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Θ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 953; MIB 20. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

198

400

800. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-1. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 953; MIB 20. 4.39g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

801. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-1. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter H, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 953; MIB 20. 4.49g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State.

802

500

803

802. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-1. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter A, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 953; MIB 20. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

803. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-1. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, CONOBI in ex. Sear 955; MIB 20. 4.41g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State.

500

804. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-1. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter A, cross potent on three steps, CONOBI in ex. Sear 955; MIB 22. 4.45g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

750

805. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 650-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter (retrograde Z), cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.53g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

199

500

807

806

806. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.51g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

500

807. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter I, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

300

808. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter A, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.44g, 20mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

400

809. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.50g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

810. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.47g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State.

400

811. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter I, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

200

300

812. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.43g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

813. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter A, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.37g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

814 815 814. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter H, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.51g, 21mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

815. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.40g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State.

400

816 817 816. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.39g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

817. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter (retrograde Z), cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.49g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

300

818. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Є, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.40g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

201

400

819. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.51g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

400

820. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Є, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

400

821. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.42g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State.

300

822 823 822. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.43g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

823. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.41g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

824 825 824. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Є, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.34g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

300

825. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Δ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.46g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

202

300

826 827 826. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter A, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.47g, 20mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

400

827. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Δ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 956; MIB 23. 4.42g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

300

828. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Δ, cross potent on three steps, CONOBI in ex. Sear 957; MIB 25. 4.43g, 19mm, 7h. Mint State.

400

830 829 829. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, CONOBI in ex. Sear 957; MIB 25. 4.47g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

300

830. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter I, cross potent on three steps, CONOBI in ex. Sear 957; MIB 25. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

400

831. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter I, cross potent on three steps, CONOB+ in ex. Sear 958; MIB 24. 4.34g, 19mm, 7h. Mint State.

500

832. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-4. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AVG, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Θ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB+ in ex. Sear 958; MIB 24. 4.44g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

203

400

833. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮAN, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, on right and beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.39g, 20mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

400

834. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮANƮI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, on right and beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Є, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.47g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

835

400

836

835. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮNI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.45g, 21mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

836. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮANƮI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.49g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

837

400

838

837. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮAI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Δ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.50g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

838. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮANƮINVS, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.31g, 22mm, 7h. Mint State. Somewhat double struck on a large flan.

400

839. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮAI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter B, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

204

500

840

841

840. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮAN, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.33g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

841. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮA, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Є, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.38g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

842 843 842. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮ, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Θ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.46g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

300

843. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮANƮINVS, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Δ, cross potent on three steps, CONOBI in ex. Sear 960; MIB 28. 4.50g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State.

844

500

845

844. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-9. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮAN, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter Γ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB+ in ex. Sear 961; MIB 27. 4.47g, 20mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

300

845. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 662-7. dN CONSƮANI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, plumed helmet and chlamys, and Constantine IV, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter, cross potent on three steps between facing, standing figures of Heraclius, on left, and Tiberius, on right, both beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 964; MIB 31. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

300

846. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 662-7. dN CONSƮANI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, plumed helmet and chlamys, and Constantine IV, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter B, cross potent on three steps between facing, standing figures of Heraclius, on left, and Tiberius, on right, both beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 964; MIB 31. 4.36g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

205

500

847. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 662-7. dN CONSƮANVS, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, plumed helmet and chlamys, and Constantine IV, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter (retrograde Z), cross potent on three steps between facing, standing figures of Heraclius, on left, and Tiberius, on right, both beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 964; MIB 31. 4.46g, 19mm, 7h. Mint State.

400

848. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 662-7. dN CONSƮANI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, plumed helmet and chlamys, and Constantine IV, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter H, cross potent on three steps between facing, standing figures of Heraclius, on left, and Tiberius, on right, both beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 964; MIB 31. 4.41g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

400

849. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 662-7. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮAN, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, plumed helmet and chlamys, and Constantine IV, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter B, cross potent on three steps between facing, standing figures of Heraclius, on left, and Tiberius, on right, both beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 964; MIB 31. 4.39g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

850. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 662-7. dN CONSƮANI, facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, plumed helmet and chlamys, and Constantine IV, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV and officina letter S, cross potent on three steps between facing, standing figures of Heraclius, on left, and Tiberius, on right, both beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in ex. Sear 964; MIB 31. 4.45g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

851. Tiberius III AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 698-705. D TIBЄRI AVGV, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and cuirass and holding spear diagonally across body, and shield / VICTORIA AVGV and four pellets in diamond pattern, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in ex. Sear 1380; DOC 21c; MIB 21; Spahr 243. 4.15g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

206

500

207

Superb Solidus of Justinian II

852. Justinian II, Second Reign, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 705-11. d N IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIVM, facing bust of Christ, raising hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels, arms of cross behind / d N IVSTINIANVS MVLTVS AN, crowned facing bust of Justinian, wearing loros, holding cross potent set on three steps and globus cruciger inscribed PAX. Sear 1413; MIB 1; DOC 1. 4.34g, 22mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

3,000

Ex Superior Sale, 10-11 December 1993, lot 2005. Struck during Justinian’s second reign, the detail of the globus cruciger on the reverse of this coin, on which is written PAX, is thought to be an appeal for peace within the Empire, and an expression of reconciliation from the Emperor after the upheaval of the previous ten years under the usurpers Leontius and Tiberius III. However this was not to be, and the last ruler of the dynasty of Heraclius was put to death along with his young son Tiberius, after a rebellion in the army led to the general Bardanes being proclaimed as the emperor Philippicus in 711.

Lustrous and Finely Detailed

853. Justinian II, Second Reign, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 705-11. d N IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIVM, bust of Christ facing, with cross behind head, with curly hair and short beard, wearing pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels in left hand / D N IVSTINIANVS ЄT TIbЄRIVS P P A’, crowned half-length figures of Justinian, on left, and smaller figure of Tiberius, on right, both wearing divitision and chlamys, jointly holding with their right hands a cross potent on two steps. Sear 1414; MIB 2; DOC 2. 4.41g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful lustre.

4,000

Ex Goldberg 53, 24 May 2009, lot 2189; Ex Christov Family Collection; Ex Triton III, 30 November - 1 December 1999, lot 1309. This exceptional solidus, struck under the first of the Byzantine rulers to place an image of Christ on his coinage, belies the ‘reign of terror’ which Justinian is thought to have perpetrated during his second reign. A depiction which would later become a standard feature, this sign of his religious devotion appeared during his first reign, which was a settled and prosperous period. However after ten years in exile and on the run Justinian was quick to exact revenge on those that had persecuted him, publicly executing the usurpers Leontius and Tiberius and sending the army to Cherson, the place of his exile.

208

854. Justinian II, Second Reign, AV Solidus. Rome, AD 705-11. d N IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIVM, facing bust of Christ, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels, arms of cross behind / d N IVSTINIANVS MVLTVS AN, crowned facing bust of Justinian, wearing loros, holding cross potent set on three steps and globus cruciger inscribed PAX. Sear 1439; cf. MIB 26. 4.32g. 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

855. Leo III AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 720-5. dNO LЄON P A MVL, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger and akakia / d N CONSTANINVS M, facing bust of Constantine V, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger and akakia. Sear 1504; DOC 4. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

856. Constantine V and Leo IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 741-51. N CONSƮANƮINVS, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / G LЄON P A MVL, facing bust of Leo III, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding cross potent and akakia. Sear 1550; DOC 1. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

857. Constantine V and Leo IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 757-75. CONSƮANƮINOS S LЄOS O NЄOS, facing busts of Constantine V, with short beard on left, and his son Leo IV, beardless to right, each wearing crown and chlamys; pellet between their heads, and cross in field above / G LЄON P A MV Θ, facing bust of Leo III, with short beard, wearing crown and loros, and holding cross potent. Sear 1551; DOC 2. 4.44g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; a large flan, with a slightly double-struck obverse.

209

2,000

858. Leo IV and Constantine VI AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 776-78. LЄON VS S ЄSSON CONSƮANƮINOS O NЄOS Θ, facing busts of Leo IV, with short beard on left, and Constantine VI, beardless to right, each wearing crown and chlamys; pellet between their heads, cross in field above / LЄON PAP’ CONSƮANƮINOS PAƮHR, facing busts of Leo III on left, and Constantine V on right, both with short beards, each wearing crown and loros; pellet between their heads, cross in field above. Sear 1583; DOC 1. 4.37g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

859. Leo IV and Constantine VI AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 778-80. LЄON VS S ЄSSON CONSƮANƮINOS O NЄOS Θ, Leo IV on left, and Constantine VI on right, seated facing on double throne, each wearing crown and chlamys; cross in field between their heads / LЄON PAP’ CONSƮANƮINOS PAƮHR, facing busts of Leo III on left, and Constantine V on right, both with short beards, each wearing crown and loros; pellet between their heads, cross in field above. Sear 1584; DOC 2. 4.45g, 22mm, 6h. Struck on a large flan, and Extremely Fine.

1,500

860. Constantine VI and Irene AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 790-2. CONSƮANƮINOS CA b’ Δ’, facing busts of Constantine VI, beardless on left, and Irene on right, both crowned and with cross between their heads; Constantine wears chlamys and holds globus cruciger, Irene wears loros and holds cruciform sceptre; pellet in field between them / SVN IRINI AVΓ’ MIƮRI AV’, Leo III, Constantine V and Leo IV seated facing, each wearing crown and chlamys. Sear 1591; DOC 2. 4.40g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

861. Constantine VI and Irene AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 792-97.IRINH AΓOVSƮI, bust of Irene facing, wearing crown and loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cruciform sceptre in left / CONSƮANƮINOS bAS’ Θ, bust of Constantine VI facing, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia to chest in left. Sear 1594; DOC 3. 4.39g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

210

4,000

Exceptional and Very Rare

862.

Constantine VI and Irene AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 792-97. IRINH AΓOVSƮI, bust of Irene facing, wearing crown and loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cruciform sceptre in left / CONSƮANƮINOS bAS’ Θ, bust of Constantine VI facing, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia to chest in left. Sear 1594; DOC 3. 4.47g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Exceptional in this grade. Perfect, lustrous surfaces. Very Rare.

10,000

After the death of her husband Leo IV, Irene assumed the regency for her son Constantine VI, and on their earliest joint issues both are depicted holding the globus cruciger as a sign of sovereignty. Over the next decade they shared a complicated and, at times, uneasy ruling relationship with each trying to gain power over the other until in 790 Irene was exiled for a brief period; on the coinage, she is reduced to only holding a cruciform sceptre. However, when this piece was struck sometime after 792, Irene had re-established herself as the dominant force, and this is marked by a dramatic change in the style of the coinage, as Grierson clearly demonstrates (Byzantine Coins, Methuen & Co, London, 1982). Gone are the figures representing the deceased members of the ruling family that had characterised the gold coinage of the Isaurian Dynasty, and instead Irene is depicted on the obverse, once again holding the globus cruciger and styled in the legend as Augusta. Constantine, in contrast, is always shown beardless as though he were still a child, and his title is followed by the officina letter, clearly confirming that his portrait is on the reverse of the coin.

211

863. Irene AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 797-802. ЄIRINH bASILISSH, bust of Irene facing, wearing crown and loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre / ЄIRINH bASILISSH X, bust of Irene facing, wearing crown and loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre. Sear 1599; DOC 1. 4.36g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

5,000

864. Nicephorus I and Stauracius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 802-811. nICIFOROS bASILЄ’, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia; pellet in field to left / SƮAVRACIS dESPO’ Θ, facing bust of Stauracius, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia. Sear 1604; DOC 2. 4.45g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

865. Constantine VII and Romanus II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 945-59. +IhS XPS RЄX RЄGNANƮIUM, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels in left hand / CONSƮANƮ CЄ ROMAN AVGG, facing busts of of Constantine VII, with short beard and wearing loros on left, and Romanus II, beardless and wearing chlamys on right, both crowned and holding between them long patriarchal cross. Sear 1751; DOC 15; cf. Füeg 3A. 4.46g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

866. Andronicus II - John V AR Half-Tornese (?). Uncertain mint, AD 1282-1391. Cross surrounded by B/ B/ B/ B within dotted border / Palaeologan monogram within dotted border. For obverse cf. DOC Andronicus II, 699-700 and John V, 1197; for monogram cf. DOC Andronicus II, 701-703. 0.30g, 11mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Obverse double struck. Unpublished in the standard references.

End of Session One

212

500

ROMA NUMISMATICS RETAIL SALES

Browse our website at www.RomaNumismatics.com to view select offerings for direct sale. Visit us at our London office to view our full inventory of ancient coins, as not all are displayed online.

213

Notes

214

Notes

215

Notes

216