Roma Numismatics Auction XXI by Roma Numismatics Ltd

ROMA NUMISMATICS LIMITED

Auction XXI 24 & 25 March 2021

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

Auction XXI 24 Mar. 13:00 Celtic, Greek, Judaean, Roman Provincial, Republic and Imperatorial Coins 25 Mar. 13:00 Roman Imperial, Migrationary, Byzantine, Islamic, Medieval and World Coins

Location Please note this is a purely internet and telephone based event and the auction will not be held at a public venue. To find out more about participating please see page v.

Viewing To assist you with making informed bidding decisions, high resolution images of our auction lots are available upon request.

Roma Numismatics Limited 20 Fitzroy Square Fitzrovia London, W1T 6EJ United Kingdom We are delighted to be moving to new premises from April 2021: 40 Villiers Street Charing Cross London, WC2N 6NJ United Kingdom Members of Staff

Richard Beale – Managing Director Simon Parkin - Senior Manager Sally Oliver - Associate Manager Alice King - Client Manager Alexander Morley-Smith - Numismatist Guillem Southwood - Auction Photographer Clementine Bowring - Associate Numismatist Charlotte Redgewell - Auction Cataloguer Svetlana Egorova - Dispatch Administrator Joe Hazell - Auction Cataloguer Michael Tigchelaar - Auction Cataloguer Chris Rumney - representative for British and World Coins, Medals and Tokens

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

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

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

Commission Bidding BID ONLINE PRIOR TO THE AUCTION, SEE BIDS UPDATED IN REAL-TIME ON THE ROMA SITE. Commission bids may be submitted prior to the auction at www.RomaNumismatics.com - these bids will be automatically executed on the website, and will then be carried over into the live auction and executed by the auctioneer on the day.

Live Internet Bidding

The Auc�on Pla�orm

www.biddr.com

BID ONLINE DURING THE AUCTION, HEAR THE AUCTION LIVE ON YOUR COMPUTER. Real-time bids may be placed on the Roma Numismatics’ website and at www.biddr.ch on the day of the sale. These bids will be executed live on the floor. A 2% surcharge will apply to lots won through either live internet bidding service. Roma Numismatics is not responsible for any missed lots or bids due to network speed or down-time. It is advisable to register as early as possible for these services.

Successful Bids Successful bidders will be notified and invoiced normally within 24 hours of the auction. Prices realised will be published around the same time.

Conditions of Sale 1. The following Terms and Conditions apply to Bidders of all Auctions held by Roma Numismatics Ltd. By making a Bid, the Bidder agrees to these Terms and Conditions and accepts to be bound by them. ESTIMATES 2. All estimates for Lots are in pounds sterling (£). Any other currency displayed against a Lot is indicative only for the convenience of the Bidder and does not constitute an offer by Roma Numismatics Ltd to pay in any other currency. DESCRIPTIONS 3. The details of any Lot(s), including a description of each item is contained in the Catalogue and/or on Roma Numismatics Ltd’s website. 4. All grades, descriptions and rarity information are the opinion of the cataloguer. Conditions of all Lot(s) are as they appear in the photographs displayed in the Catalogue and/or on the Roma Numismatics Ltd website. Condition reports are available upon request. 5. Bidders are encouraged to carefully examine in person any Lot(s) for which they intend or do Bid for as it is not possible to note all marks or defects or colours. Roma Numismatics Ltd makes no guarantee as to the physical quality or condition of any Lot(s). 6. Any prospective Bidders who exercise the opportunity to physically inspect and examine any Lot(s) in hand shall assume all responsibility and liability for any damage they cause in the course of such examination. Roma Numismatics Ltd shall have sole discretion in determining the value of any damage caused, which shall be promptly paid to Roma Numismatics Ltd by the prospective Bidder. AUTHENTICITY 7. Roma Numismatics Ltd guarantees the absolute authenticity of all Lots Sold. There is no expiration to this guarantee. BIDDING 8. Unless otherwise determined at the discretion of the auctioneer, opening Bids will be 60% of the estimate unless there are existing higher Bids. 9. A Bid, once placed, is final. A Bid cannot be revoked. 10. A Bid is placed: 10.1. In the case of a Live (Printed) Auction when the auctioneer acknowledges a Bid and communicates to the other Bidders participating in the Auction that the Bid price has been altered accordingly; or 10.2. In the case of an Absentee (mail or other written) Bid, when a Bid is received by Roma Numismatics Ltd no later than one hour before the commencement of an Auction at which the Lot is due to be auctioned. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to ensure that Absentee Bid(s), whether submitted via the Roma Numismatics Ltd website or by other acceptable means, are accurate and placed in accordance with this sub-clause. Bids received after this point are not guaranteed to be accepted, but when accepted and executed the Bidder is subject to the same terms above. 11. If your Bid is successful You will become the Buyer of that particular Lot and be liable to pay the Hammer Price, plus those applicable charges and fees set out in the “Charges & Payment” section in these Terms and Conditions. 12. Roma Numismatics Ltd shall have absolute discretion to accept or decline any Bid, withdraw Lots from sale or re-open Bidding for any Lot at any time, whether before or after a Lot is Sold, until such time as the Buyer takes physical possession of the Lot, in circumstances which may include, but are not limited to (1) a bidding error has occurred (2) Roma Numismatics Ltd becomes aware of a dispute in relation to the Lot, Sale or Auction (3) Roma Numismatics Ltd has not received payment for the Lot. 13. For the protection of Absentee Bids, no ‘unlimited’ or ‘buy’ Bids will be accepted by Roma Numismatics Ltd. 14. When identical Bids are received for the same Lot, preference will be given to the Bid received first. Absentee Bids will take preference over a floor Bid. 15. Some Lots may carry a Reserve. Roma Numismatics Ltd reserves the right not to sell a Lot below the Reserve, or will repurchase the item on behalf of the consignor or for the account of Roma Numismatics Ltd. If a Reserve exists Roma Numismatics Ltd reserves the right to Bid on any Lot on behalf of the consignor up to the amount of the Reserve against any other Bidders. CHARGES & PAYMENT 16. A Buyer’s Fee equivalent to 20% of the Hammer Price will be added to the Hammer Price and payable by the Buyer to Roma Numismatics Ltd in accordance with these Terms and Conditions: 17. VAT at the applicable rate (applicable to customers within the UK) is due on the Buyer’s Fee only, not the Hammer Price. Roma Numismatics Ltd registered VAT number is 901478828. 18. A 2% surcharge of the Hammer Price will be applied to Bids submitted via post or email, rather than being placed on the Roma Numismatics Ltd website. 19. Invoices are due immediately upon receipt by the Buyer. Roma Numismatics Ltd reserves the right to charge interest on invoices that remain unpaid for 1 calendar month after the date they become due at the rate of 2% per calendar month, except where prior agreement has been made with regards to payment. 20. The Buyer is responsible for paying all bank charges and any shipping and insurance costs. 21. Invoices are sent to Buyers by email. They can also be found listed under ‘Pending Invoices’ in the ‘My Account’ section of the Roma Numismatics Ltd’ website, and can be paid via the website by selecting the preferred payment option of BACS, PayPal or Credit/Debit card. Cash payments are no longer accepted. PayPal and Credit/Debit card payments are accepted only for invoices of £2,500 total value or less. DELIVERY, COLLECTION & STORAGE 22. The Buyer will be required to satisfy the requirements of Roma Numismatics Ltd AML Policy before the Lot will be released. Buyers may, subject to payment of any fees or charges for delivery, either: 22.1. Collect Lots Sold to them from Roma Numismatics Ltd in person from the main office at 20 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EJ by prior appointment, or 22.2. Arrange with Roma Numismatics Ltd to send or deliver the Lot to the Buyer’s nominated address by post, courier or such other method as agreed with Roma Numismatics Ltd. 23. Buyers shall at all times be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by Roma Numismatics Ltd associated with the Buyer’s nominated delivery method. Roma Numismatics Ltd standard delivery costs are set out in the Catalogue and on the Roma Numismatics Ltd website. Any additional costs will be as displayed in the Catalogue and /or the Roma Numismatics Ltd website. 24. Roma Numismatics Ltd shall store any Lot following Sale until shipment to the Buyer without charge. RISK & TITLE 25. Risk in the Lot passes to the Buyer when the Buyer takes physical possession of the Lot. 26. Title remains with the owner until such time as all sums owed to Roma Numismatics Ltd, by the Buyer, have been received by Roma Numismatics Ltd as cleared funds into Roma Numismatics Ltd’s bank account. IMPORT/EXPORT RESTRICTIONS 27. Any Lot that is Sold that is subject to United States of America (US) or German import restrictions must be legally imported into the US or Germany (unless otherwise explicitly stated in the Lot description). Any such Lot will be accompanied by documentation proving that the Lot was outside of the source country prior to the Effective Date, or a valid export certificate issued by the country of origin. Any Lot subject to US or German import restrictions that may not lawfully

Conditions of Sale (Continued) be imported into these countries will be clearly indicated as such in the Catalogue with a notice stating ‘not suitable for US/German market’. 28. Our commitment to ethical and responsible provenance ensures that the Seller affirms each Lot is Their lawful property to sell, and where cultural property restrictions may exist, that it meets the requirements to be legally imported into the US and/or Germany. 29. Roma Numismatics Ltd will endeavour to carry out importations on behalf of the Buyer to enable shipment of that Lot to the Buyer’s nominated location but the Buyer is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with import regulations and procedures. However, any Buyer, whether based in the US, Germany or elsewhere, who purchases a Lot that cannot be lawfully imported into either the US or Germany, with the intention that the Lot is sent to either of those jurisdictions, shall be deemed to purchase the Lot and will be liable to pay all fees, charges and cost that become due when Knocked Down. 30. Roma Numismatics Ltd will not, and will not be compelled to, under any circumstances accept instructions from any person, make arrangements or be required to forward or send any Lot that cannot be lawfully imported to any jurisdiction to that jurisdiction. 31. Roma Numismatics Ltd undertakes to obtain export licences for those Lots that require them. RETURNS 32. If a Buyer suspects a Lot is not authentic they must notify Roma Numismatics Ltd as soon as possible. Rejection by any third party grading service for any reason will not by itself constitute grounds for return of the Lot(s). The Buyer must support any claim of non-authenticity by valid technical evidence provided by at least 2 (two) separate qualified firms or individuals. A Lot may only be returned to Roma Numismatics Ltd if it is agreed to be not authentic by Roma Numismatics Ltd. 33. A Lot may be returned to Roma Numismatics Ltd within 21 (twenty one) days of the Sale Date if it is materially different from its description. 34. In circumstances where a Lot is returned by a Buyer pursuant to clause 32 or 33 and Roma Numismatics Ltd agrees to a refund, the amount to be refunded to the Buyer shall be (1) the Hammer Price (2) the Buyer’s Fee (3) the surcharge paid under clause 18 (if any). In all other cases, Roma Numismatics Ltd is not liable to refund or pay a Buyer for any fees or costs associated with returning a Lot to Roma Numismatics Ltd or the refund of any shipping charges or external or 3rd party costs. 35. All refunds will be made in Pounds Sterling unless otherwise agreed. Roma Numismatics Ltd is not liable for any exchange rate differences. FALIURE TO PAY 36. Roma Numismatics Ltd is under no obligation to release a Lot to a Buyer until such time as the Buyer has paid Roma Numismatics Ltd. All sums that are due or which may become due as set out in these Terms and Conditions. 37. Lots will be held by Roma Numismatics Ltd for a period of 3 calendar months from the date the Lot is Knocked Down unless otherwise agreed. After 3 (three) calendar months Roma Numismatics Ltd shall be entitled to cancel the Sale and re-auction the Lot in accordance with clause 12. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY 38. Roma Numismatics Ltd shall not be liable to You for any loss of profits, loss of sales or business, loss of agreement or contracts, loss of anticipated savings, loss of or damage to goodwill or indirect or consequential loss. 39. Our liability to You is capped at the amount You have paid to Us in respect of a Lot. 40. Roma Numismatics Ltd does not exclude or limit in any way its liability to You where it would be unlawful. GENERAL 41. Roma Numismatics Ltd shall not be in breach of these Terms and Conditions nor liable for delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of its obligations under these Terms and Conditions if such delay or failure result from events, circumstances or causes beyond its reasonable control. 42. Any notice or other communication given to a party under or in connection with these Terms and Conditions shall be in writing, addressed to that party at its registered office (if it is a company) or such other address as that party may have specified to the other party in writing, and shall be delivered personally, sent by pre-paid first class post or other next working day delivery service, commercial courier or email. 43. A notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been received if delivered personally, when left at the address referred to in clause 43: if sent by prepaid first class post or other next working day delivery service, at 9.00 am on the second business day after posting; if delivered by commercial courier, on the date and at the time that the courier’s delivery receipt is signed; or, if sent by email, one business day after transmission. 44. These Terms and Conditions and any document produced by Roma Numismatics Ltd or otherwise mentioned herein constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and extinguishes all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between them, whether written or oral, relating to its subject matter. 45. Roma Numismatics Ltd will only use Your personal information as set out in Our privacy policy, a copy of which can be viewed at: https://www.romanumismatics.com/privacy-policy. We may amend this policy from time to time. 46. Roma Numismatics Ltd’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy (AML Policy) sets out Roma Numismatics Ltd’s policy for ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering legislation that applies to some of its activities. 47. We may amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. 48. No failure or delay by Roma Numismatics Ltd to exercise any right or remedy provided under these Terms and Conditions or by law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. 49. Nobody else has any rights under these Terms and Conditions. 50. If any provision or part-provision of these Terms and Conditions is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the relevant provision or part-provision shall be deemed deleted. Any modification to or deletion of a provision or part-provision under this clause shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of these Terms and Conditions. 51. These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales. 52. Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or its subject matter or formation. PAYMENT METHODS: Invoices can found listed under ‘Pending Invoices’ in the ‘My Account’ section of the Roma Numismatics’ website, and can be paid directly through the site by selecting the preferred payment option of BACS, PayPal or Credit/Debit card. Payment by Cheque or Cash is available for UK customers only. Credit/Debit Card or PayPal: For invoices with a total value of £2,500 or less. Bank Transfer: Barclays Bank, 22 The Borough, Farnham, GU9 7NH, UK | Account Name: Roma Numismatics IBAN: GB90 BUKB 2031 0663 0101 39 | BIC: BUKB GB22 | SORT CODE: 20-31-06 | ACC #: 63010139

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ROMA NUMISMATICS AUCTION XXI MAIL BID FORM First Name:

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COINS OF THE CELTS NORTHWEST GAUL

1. Northwest Gaul, the Aulerci Eburovices AV Hemistater. Late 3rd-early 2nd century BC. Stylised head of Apollo with beaded hair to left, dotted bands with central zig-zag line on cheek; spiral ornaments below / Charioteer driving biga to right; large X-like ornament to right; below, wolf with large mouth to right. Scheers, Eburovices, Series Ie, Class II; Depeyrot, NC V, 137.16 (this coin); LT 7019. 3.35g, 19mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; one of only 18 examples listed in Depeyrot.

2,000

This coin cited in G. Depeyrot, Le Numéraire Celtique, Volume V, Moneta 45 (Wetteren, 2005); From the Apollo to Apollo Collection; Ex Ancient Miniature Art Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020, lot 531; Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 376, 29 October 2003, lot 39.

2. Northwest Gaul, the Baiocassi AR Stater. Circa 100-50 BC. Stylised head of Apollo to right; pearl ornament around / Charioteer driving biga to right; lyre flanked by pellets below, vexillum suspended to right, represented as a pelleted square. Depeyrot, NC VIII, 12; D&T 2284; LT 6985. 6.39g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

This coin published in H.B. Andersen, Apollo to Apollo: The Hunt for the Divine and Eternal Beauty (2019); From the Apollo to Apollo Collection; Ex Thierry Parsy, 15th April 2008, lot 234.

NORTHEAST GAUL

3. Northeast Gaul, the Nervii(?) AV Quarter Stater. Late 2nd-1st century BC. Various criss-cross lines making rough A shape / Rider on horseback to left, holding reins; lyre lying on its side below. ABC 37; D&T 95-96. 1.95g, 12mm, 9h. Extremely Fine; sharply struck. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Apollo to Apollo Collection.

Superb Condition for the Type

4. Northeast Gaul, the Parisi AV Quarter Stater. Circa 60-40 BC. Stylised head of Apollo to right; double volute before, club(?) below chin, [zig-zag line with pellets] below / Bridled horse galloping to left; ornate ‘wing’ above, rosette and fleuron below. Colbert de Beaulieu Classe V, fig. 21, 2 var.; BN 7796; D&T 80; LT 7796/7798; SLM 273. 1.57g, 13mm, 2h. About Extremely Fine. Very Rare; in superb condition for the type and one of the best preserved examples auctioned in the past 20 years.

10,000

This coin published in H.B. Andersen, Apollo to Apollo: The Hunt for the Divine and Eternal Beauty (2019); This coin published in H.B. Andersen, Masters of Miniature Art, A window to the birth of western culture and art; From the Apollo to Apollo Collection.

5. Northeast Gaul, the Suessiones AV Stater. Early 1st Century BC. Devolved head to right with anchor as eye / Celticised horseman to right; wheel and crescent above zig-zag pattern below. D&T 169; cf. LT 8020. 6.02g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden.

EASTERN CELTS

6. Celts in Eastern Europe AR Tetradrachm. Zweigarm Type. Circa 3rd century BC. Celticised, bearded head of Zeus to right / Stylised rider wearing crested helmet on horseback to left, holding a branch in left hand. Kent/Mays, BMC I pl. 2, 26; Göbl, OTA pl. 25, 296/3; Lanz 589. 12.50g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

850

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG; Ex Harald J. Collection (Lower Austria), formed c. 1990s.

COINS OF THE GREEKS GAUL

7. Gaul, Massalia AR Drachm. Circa 125-90 BC. Laureate head of Artemis to right, wearing pendant earring and pearl necklace, bow and quiver over shoulder / Lion advancing to left; MAΣΣA above, Λ below, AZ in exergue. Depeyrot 44.2; Maurel 652. 2.76g, 15mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

450

Ex Nomos AG, FPL Winter-Spring 2015, no. 3.

ETRURIA The Finest Known

8. Etruria, uncertain mint (Populonia?) Æ 100 Units (Centesimae). Late 4th-3rd century BC. Laureate and bearded head of Tinia to right, ƆIC (mark of value) behind; all within dotted border within laurel wreath / Incuse hippocamp to right within border of waves. EC I, 1 (O-/R-); HN Italy 76; Vecchi IV, 24; HGC 1, 158. 42.99g, 42mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; the finest known example. Extremely Rare; EC cites 7 examples, none have been auctioned in the past 20 years.

15,000

From the Vitangelo Collection. The eighth published and by far the finest example known of this remarkable series demonstrates that even at this late date, the Etruscans could produce round art in the miniature equal to anything the classical Greek world had realised in Megálē Hellás. The carefully engraved die struck bronze series cerebrating the Etruscan pantheon is characterized by wreath-bordered obverses and incuse reverses, clearly belongs to a single mint, possibly Populonia. The widely dispersed provenances are of little help in identifying the mint: Acanaro, Cecina, Cetona, Gravisca, Populonia, Valle d’Orcia, Valle Fuino di Cascia and Vetulonia. However, bronze cast and struck issues did predominate in central Etruria where four of the finds were made. The denominations are tariffed in centesimal marks of value from 100 down to a single unit, with the basic bronze unit on a standard somewhere between 0.6 and 1 gram. This may have been an attempt to divide a nominal as by centesimae rather than oncie as seen on the double denominated Populonia bronze series 139 with /X (11-units equated to a triens) and Populonia series 140 with X (= 10-units equated to a triens of lower weight) and the > or Ì (5-units) denominated bronzes from the Val di Chiana, HN Italy 72, 74 and 75. For an analysis of the metrological system employed by this group, see Hackens 1976, pp. 253-260.

The Fourth Known

2x 2x 9. Etruria, Populonia AR Unit. 4th-3rd century BC. Eagle with closed wings standing to right / I (mark of value). Unpublished in the standard references, cf. Roma E-77, lot 108 & Roma X, lot 16; HGC 1, -. 0.80g, 11mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; the fourth recorded example.

2,000

From the Vitangelo Collection, collector’s ticket included.

2x 2x 10. Etruria, Populonia AR Unit. 4th-3rd century BC. Octopus / Blank. EC I, 16 (Pisae?); HN Italy 126 (Uncertain mint); HGC I, 94. 1.06g, 10mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the Vitangelo Collection, collector’s ticket included.

2x 2x 11. Etruria, Populonia AR Unit. 4th-3rd century BC. Wheel with long crossbar, central pin supported by two curved struts / Blank. EC I, 19; HN Italy 126; HGC I, 100. 0.73g, 10mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the Vitangelo Collection, collector’s ticket included.

Published in Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage

12. Etruria, Populonia AR 20 Asses. 3rd century BC. Facing head of Metus, tongue protruding, hair bound with diadem; X:X below / Blank. EC I, 37.219 (this coin, O1/R1); HN Italy 142; HGC 1, 103. 8.39g, 21mm. Extremely Fine; beautifully high-purity metal for the issue.

4,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage Part 1 (Milan, 2012); Ex Kleinkunst Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton I, 2-3 December 1997, lot 12.

13. Etruria, Populonia AR 20 Asses. 3rd century BC. Facing head of Metus, tongue protruding, hair bound with diadem; [X X below] / Etruscan legend: [PVPL]VNA and crescent around six pointed sun-burst. EC I, 38 (O3/R3); HN Italy 143; Sambon 59; HGC 1, 104. 6.96g, 21mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

Ex VCV Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction X, 27 September 2015, lot 31.

14. Etruria, Populonia AR 20 Asses. 3rd century BC. Facing youthful head of Hercle, wearing lion skin knotted at neck; X-X (mark of value) across fields / Blank. EC I, 65; HN Italy 155; HGC I, 115. 7.20g, 21mm. Very Fine.

500

From the Vitangelo Collection, collector’s ticket included.

Ex Sternberg XXXI, 1996

15. Etruria, Populonia AR 10 Asses. 3rd century BC. Laureate male head to left, slightly bearded; X behind / Blank. EC I, 70.136 (this coin, O1); HN Italy 168; HGC 1, 120. 4.23g, 19mm. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

5,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage Part 1 (Milan, 2012); Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction XXXI, 27 October 1996, lot 11.

CENTRAL ITALY The Fourth Known Example

16. Central Italy, uncertain mint Cast Æ As or Nummus. Circa 275 BC. Head of young Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Head of bridled horse to left. ICC 272; HN Italy 351; Sydenham 124 (Luceria); Haeberlin pp. 181-182, 1-3, pl. 70, 1-3 (Luceria); BMC Italy, p. 136, 1 (Luceria); Garrucci p. 33, 1 pl. 63 (Luceria). 316.95g, 66mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; untouched green patina. Of the highest rarity; the fourth known example and the only one in private hands.

17,500

Acquired from Bertolami Fine Arts. The median weight standard based on the four known examples of this remarkable issue is about 342 grams, compatible with the heaviest issues of the attested Romano-Italic mints of the eastern littoral of the Italian peninsula from Ariminum to Luceria, and the central Samnite region. The traditional attribution by Garrucci, BMC and Haeberlin to Luceria is tenuous, based on Garrucci p. 33, citing Riccio (‘ne fu trovato in Puglia’). The fabric and style of this coin is quite different from that of the Romano-Daunian mint of Luceria, however this issue certainly belongs to the Central Italian region, which from the time of the Second Samnite War (326-304) was dominated by Rome and by about 275 BC had adopted this unique form of heavy cast bronze currency (cf. Crawford, CMRR, pp. 14-15).

CAMPANIA

Ex Peus 337, 1993

17. Campania, Neapolis AR Stater. Circa 300-275 BC. Diademed head of Parthenope to right, astragalos behind, monogram before / Man-headed bull walking to right; Nike flying above to right, crowning bull’s head with wreath; NY monogram below, ΝΕΑΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ in exergue. Sambon 478; SNG ANS 374; HN Italy 579; HGC 1, -. 7.35g, 20mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

3,500

Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 337, 3 November 1993, lot 21.

LUCANIA

18. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 330-290 BC. Atha-, magistrate. Head of Demeter to left, wearing grain wreath, triple pendant earring and necklace / Ear of barley with leaf to left; tongs above leaf, AΘA below, META upwards in right field. Johnston Class C, 4.3 (same dies); HN Italy 1583; HGC 1, 1063. 7.90g, 24mm, 7h. Near Mint State; attractive cabinet tone.

1,000

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG; Ex private European collection, formed before 2005.

19. Lucania, Velia AR Stater. Circa 293-280 BC. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with griffin; Φ on neck-guard, monogram behind / Lion advancing to right, kerykeion above; YEΛHTΩN below. Williams 520; HN Italy 1316; HGC 1, 1325. 7.55g, 22mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

750

Acquired from Marambat de Malafosse sarl; Ex private French collection.

Ex Kricheldorf XXXVIII, 1984

20. Lucania, Velia AR Didrachm. Circa 290-275 BC. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with griffin; A above, Φ before, IE on outlined tablet behind neck guard / Lion attacking stag to left; [YEΛHT]ON behind. William 575; SNG ANS 1403; HN Italy 1318; HGC 1, 1326. 7.47g, 24mm, 5h. Good Very Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,250

Ex H. H. Kricheldorf, Auction XXXVIII, 28 November 1984, lot 51.

CALABRIA

21. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Olympis, magistrate. Warrior on horseback to right, brandishing spear in right hand and holding reins with left; wreath behind, OΛYMΠIΣ below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos and cornucopiae; tripod to right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 942; HN Italy 1055; HGC 1, -. 6.76g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

Acquired from Nomos AG.

BRUTTIUM

22. Bruttium, Kaulonia AR Stater. Circa 475-425 BC. Nude Apollo walking to right, holding laurel branch in upright right hand, small daimon running to left on his extended left arm; to right, stag standing to right with head reverted; KAVΛ to left / Stag standing to right; single branch in right field, KAVΛ (retrograde) above. Noe, Caulonia, 93 (same dies); SNG ANS 180 (same); SNG Lockett 586 (same); Jameson 411 (same); HN Italy 2046; HGC 1, 1419. 8.17g, 22mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex James Barry Collection, purchased from Steven Damron, March 2007.

23. Bruttium, Lokroi Epizephyrioi AR Stater. Circa 350-275 BC. Pegasos flying to left / Head of Athena to left, wearing Corinthian helmet; ΛOKPΩN around. Pegasi 10; HN Italy 2341; HGC 1, -. 8.63g, 22mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG; Ex private Swiss collection, formed before 2005.

24. Bruttium, Rhegion AR Tetradrachm. Circa 435-425 BC. Facing lion’s head; to right, hare running upwards / Male figure (Iokastos, or Aristaios) seated to left holding sceptre in left hand and kantharos in right hand; behind, bird standing to right, RECINOΣ (retrograde) around; all within laurel wreath. Herzfelder 56 (D32/R46); SNG Lloyd 681 (same dies); HN Italy 2488; HGC 1, 1635. 17.33g, 28mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

5,000

Ex collection of a Photographer, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 496; Privately purchased from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd., 2003.

MAURETANIA

25. Kingdom of Mauretania, Juba II AR Denarius. Caesarea, circa 25 BC-AD 24. REX IVBA, diademed head to right / Draped bust of Africa to right, wearing elephant skin headdress; two spears behind, stalk of grain before. Mazard 131; MAA 73; SNG Copenhagen -. 2.54g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Very Rare. 500 Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 257, 15 October 2018, lot 579 (hammer: EUR 700). 26. Kingdom of Mauretania, Juba II AR Denarius. Caesarea, circa 25 BC-AD 24. REX IVBA, diademed head to right / Cornucopiae with fillet hanging to either side, transverse sceptre in background; crescent to upper right. MAA 95; Mazard 241; Müller, Afrique 25; SNG Copenhagen 593. 2.87g, 18mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive iridescence around devices. 500 Privately purchased from A.H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd.

27. Kingdom of Mauretania, Juba II AR Denarius. Caesarea, circa 25 BC-AD 24. REX IVBA, diademed head to right / Cornucopiae with fillet hanging to either side, transverse sceptre in background; crescent to upper right. MAA 95; Mazard 241; Müller, Afrique 25; SNG Copenhagen 593. 2.45g, 19mm, 8h. Mint State. 300 Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger. 28. Kingdom of Mauretania, Juba II AR Denarius. Caesarea, dated year 42 = AD 17/18. REX IVBA, head of Juba II as Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress; club behind / Club draped with lion skin; bow to right, arrow and RXXXXII to left. Mazard 182 var. (year 41); MAA 163 var. (same); SNG Copenhagen 585 var. (same). 2.84g, 18mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 500 Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Online Auction 251, 15 October 2017, lot 4594; Acquired in 1999 at the Munich Coin Exchange.

NORTH AFRICA Two Beautiful Gold Staters of Carthage

29. North Africa, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 350-320 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring, and necklace with eight pendants / Horse standing to right on ground line; three pellets before. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIg, 67 (same rev. die); MAA 4. 9.53g, 20mm, 2h. Near Mint State; beautifully lustrous metal.

10,000

From a private North American collection, acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

30. North Africa, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 350-320 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring, and necklace with eight pendants / Horse standing to right on ground line. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIg, 68-74 (unlisted dies); MAA 4. 9.32g, 20mm, 3h. Near Mint State; beautifully lustrous metal.

10,000

From a private North American collection, acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

31. North Africa, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 350-320 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring, and necklace with ten pendants / Horse standing to right on ground line; three pellets before. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIf, 49 (same dies); MAA 4. 9.20g, 19mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine.

7,500

From a private North American collection, acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

32. North Africa, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 350-320 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring, and necklace with nine pendants / Horse standing to right on ground line; three pellets before, single pellet beneath front flank. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIf, 43 (same dies); MAA 4. 9.47g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; well centered and struck from dies of fine style.

7,500

From a private North American collection, acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

33. North Africa, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-290 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring, and necklace with ten pendants; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing to right on ground line; four pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 298 (same dies); MAA 10; SNG Copenhagen 975. 7.40g, 19mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the H.K. Collection; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 207, 15 October 2012, lot 475A; Ex Matton Collection, Chateau d’Hauterive, France, acquired in the 1960s-1980s.

Possibly the Fifth Known

34. North Africa, Carthage AV Trihemistater. Circa 270-264 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring and pendant necklace / Horse standing to right on ground line with head reverted to left; four pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis Group IX, 398 (same dies); MAA 26. 12.53g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; Jenkins & Lewis lists only two examples from these dies, one in the R.B. Lewis Collection and one in a private collection, and there are two further examples on CoinArchives. From a private English collection.

10,000

SICILY

35. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Lilybaion (as ‘Cape of Melkart’), circa 330-305 BC. Charioteer driving fast quadriga to right; Nike above flying to left, crowning charioteer; RŠMLQRT in Punic script in exergue / Wreathed head of Kore-Persephone to left; three dolphins around. Jenkins, Punic 39 (O14/R30); CNP 303; SNG Lloyd 1605 (same dies); Boston MFA 70 (same); de Luynes 921 (same); HGC 2, 742. 16.87g, 25mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

4,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG; Ex British collection, notarised as being in the United Kingdom prior to January 2011.

36. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Entella or Lilybaion(?), circa 300-289 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Head of horse to left; date palm behind, ‘MHMḤNT (‘The People of the Camp’ in Punic) below. Jenkins, Punic 279S (O89/R230); SNG Sweden 46 (same dies); HGC 2, 293. 16.57g, 25mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

5,500

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG; Ex private Swiss collection, formed before 2005.

37. Sicily, Ameselon Æ 26mm. After 339/8 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Filleted tripod. Campana 1; CNS III 1; HGC 2, 224. 16.47g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive dark green patina. Rare; among the finest known examples. Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex Martinez Collection, purchased 1 October 2012.

1,500

38. Sicily, Gela AR Didrachm. Circa 490/85-480/75 BC. Nude warrior, holding javelin, on horseback to right / Forepart of man-headed bull to right, CEΛA (retrograde) in lower right field; all within shallow incuse circle. Jenkins, Gela 7 (O4/R4); Kraay & Hirmer 155 (same rev. die); HGC 2, 363. 8.56g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive light tone.

7,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 51, 5 March 2009, lot 563.

39. Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 430-420 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left / Lion head to left, with open jaws and tongue protruding; three barley grains and LEONTINON around, leaf behind. Rizzo pl. XXIV, 4 (same dies); SNG ANS 257 (same); Boehringer, Studies Price, pl. 12, 55 (same); HGC 2, 671. 17.50g, 25mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

From a private European collection; Acquired from Naville Numismatics Ltd.

Ex NAC 1995

40. Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 425-420 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / LEONTINON, head of roaring lion to right, with open jaws and tongue protruding; three barley grains around, mullet (chelon labrosus) swimming to right below. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 62 var. (same dies, but before olive spray was added to obv.); SNG ANS 253 corr. (same obv. die, probably not tooled to remove olive spray); Basel 354 var. (same dies; same); Gillet 652 var. (same dies; same); HGC 2, 674. 17.27g, 26mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; hairline flan crack, attractive cabinet tone. A rare example struck before an olive spray was added to the obv. die behind the head of Apollo.

3,000

Ex estate of Thomas Bentley Cederlind, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 102, 18 May 2016, lot 110; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 275, 22 September 2011, lot 3221; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction I, 19 May 1999, lot 1162; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 194, 19 February 1997, lot 86; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Autumn Sale, 26 October 1995, lot 122. The history of this coin’s obverse die fell into two stages, as revealed by comparison of the extant examples, the present piece having been struck early in the die’s lifetime before the olive spray behind Apollo’s neck was carved into the die. The latter stage of the die’s lifetime resulted in the majority of surviving coins struck with this die - which can be seen for instance in the coin referred to in Boehringer, obviously sharing the same obverse die as our coin but without the addition of the spray - whereas coins struck during the earlier stage of this die’s history are far more rare, including that cited by the cataloguer of the ANS collection who, inferring from the obvious tooling on Apollo’s hair on that example, erroneously believed that the coin had been tooled to remove the spray. This coin shows that there must have been a period when there was no spray carved into the die - it is well struck and there has clearly been no tooling to remove parts of the design.

Ex Triton V, 2002

41. Sicily, Motya AR Tetradrachm. Circa 400-397 BC. Head of Arethusa to left, hair in ampyx and sakkos; four dolphins swimming around / Crab. Jenkins, Punic 47 (O6/R9); Campana 22; CNP 502; Jameson 667 (same dies); HGC 2, 923 (same). 16.99g, 25mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; light smoothing on rev. Extremely Rare.

12,500

Ex Weise Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton V, 15 January 2002, lot 1196. As the Greek colonies in Sicily increased in numbers and importance the Phoenicians, who had established numerous small outposts there, gradually abandoned their settlements in the immediate neighbourhood of the newcomers, and concentrated themselves in the three principal colonies of Solus, Panormos, and Motya. This latter, on account of the natural strength of its position (being situated on a small island connected to the mainland only by an artificial causeway), and its proximity to Carthage, became one of the chief strongholds of the Carthaginians. During the campaign of Hannibal Mago in 409 BC, the city became the base for the Carthaginian fleet, as it was again during the second expedition under Hamilcar in 407. The strategic value of Motya thus caused Dionysios I of Syracuse to direct his principal efforts to its reduction when he launched a counter-invasion of the Carthaginian territories in Sicily in 397. The citizens of Motya made preparations for a vigorous resistance by cutting off the causeway and readying themselves for a protracted siege. Dionysios was compelled to construct his own approach across the gulf, and applied his siege engines to the walls, which included the newly invented catapult. Even when the siege towers were at the walls the Motyans continued a desperate resistance, and when the walls and towers were carried by the Greek forces they continued to fight from street to street and house to house. Such was the grim resistance offered by the defenders that when at last the troops of Dionysios made themselves masters of the city, they put the whole surviving population, men, women, and children, to the sword.

A Superb Didrachm of Segesta

42. Sicily, Segesta AR Didrachm. Circa 412/0-400 BC. Hound scenting to right, three grain ears behind; ΣECEΣTAZIB between exergual lines / Head of Aigeste to right, hair bound up in band; EΓEΣTAIOИ around. Hurter, Didrachmenprägung 193a (V60/R108) = Basel 401 = F. Imhoof-Blumer, “Nymphen und Chariten auf griechischen Münzen” in JIAN 11 (1909), 104 (obverse) = Carl Adolph Gottlob von Schachmann, Catalogue raisonné d’une collection de médailles (Leipzig, 1774), p. 55; Mildenberg, Kimon 18; SNG ANS 643 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1186 (same); Pozzi 530 = Rhousopoulos 367 (same); Kraay & Hirmer 200 (same obv. die); HGC 2, 1151. 8.07g, 23mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,500

Acquired from Chaponnière & Firmenich SA.

43. Sicily, Segesta AR Didrachm. Circa 412/10-400 BC. Hound scenting to right, three grain ears behind; ΣEΓEΣTA[ΞIB] (retrograde) in relief within linear frame below, all within circular dotted border / Diademed head of Aigeste to right, wearing decorated sphendone, within shallow circular incuse. Hurter, Didrachmenprägung 195-6 (V61/R110); SNG ANS 644-5 (same dies); Boston MFA 314-5 (same); Jameson 710; HGC 2, 1152. 8.52g, 23mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; lightly toned, an exceptional example for the type. Very Rare.

1,500

From a private European collection.

44. Sicily, Syracuse AV Quarter Stater. Time of Agathokles, circa 317-289 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left / Fast biga driven to right by charioteer holding kentron and reins; triskeles below horses, monogram in exergue. Bérend pl. 9, 11; BAR Issue 30; Gulbenkian 337 (same dies); SNG ANS 706 var. (Φ in exergue); HGC 2, 1286 var. (same). 2.85g, 12mm, 12h. Near Mint State; minor contact mark on rev. Extremely Rare.

5,000

From a private UK collection; This coin accompanied by a signed, dated and stamped attestation from Professor Pasquale Attianese from 1996.

A Stunning Tetradrachm of Agathokles

45. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Agathokles, circa 310-305 BC. Wreathed head of Arethusa to left, wearing triple-pendent earring and necklace; three dolphins around, monogram below neck / Charioteer driving quadriga to left; triskeles above, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN and monogram in exergue. Ierardi 7 (O2/R3); SNG ANS 637 (same obv. die), cf. 632 (same rev. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 1327-8 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 458 (same obv. die); HGC 2, 1348. 16.97g, 25mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; beautifully toned.

7,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG; Ex Swiss collection, privately purchased from A. Tkalec AG in 1995. With the usurpation of Agathokles in 317 BC, Syracuse once more monopolised the right of coinage for the whole of Sicily, even more distinctly than in the time of Dionysios. Yet the reign of Agathokles, as noted by Malcolm Bell (Morgantine Studies I, 1981) “was a watershed for the arts in Sicily, just as it was for politics. The change from a conservative late-classical style to the new modes of the early-Hellenistic period came very quickly, within the space of a decade, and it coincided with the replacement of democratic government by the new monarchy. It is clearly perceptible in the coins that... document the full acceptance of early-Hellenistic style.” Depicted often as a cruel and unscrupulous adventurer and tyrant, Agathokles achieved little of lasting historical importance; indeed after his death anarchy erupted both in Syracuse, where a damnatio memoriae was decreed, and in other places that had been under his rule (Diod. Sic. 21. 18). Nonetheless, his patronage of the arts left a legacy of beauty as embodied by a small number of surviving works of art from his reign, and smaller but no less wonderful objects such as this stunning coin.

46. Sicily, Syracuse AV Oktobol. Time of Agathokles, circa 306-289 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin, single-pendant earring and necklace / Winged thunderbolt, [A]ΓAΘOKΛEOΣ above, [B]AΣIΛEOΣ and Φ below. Bérend, l’or 7; SNG ANS 704 corr. (plate coin has diff. monogram on rev.); BMC 417; HGC 2, 1535. 5.71g, 16mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; untouched surfaces and sharply struck. Very Rare with this control symbol.

8,500

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

47. Sicily, Syracuse AR Oktobol. Time of Pyrrhos of Epeiros, 278-276 BC. Wreathed head of Persephone to left, torch behind / Athena Alkidemos advancing to left, holding raised shield and brandishing spear; [BAΣI[ΛEΩΣ Π]YPPOY around, star above, thunderbolt in left field, B in lower right field. Athena Fund II 518 (same dies); McClean 5166, pl. 188, 7 var. (same obv. die; diff. rev. control); SNG Copenhagen 93 var. (same; same); Roma E-LIVE 3, lot 55 var. (same; same); Roma Auction VII, lot 195 var. (diff. obv. control; same rev. die); HGC 3.1, 263 var. (head to right). 5.50g, 21mm, 5h. Good Very Fine; some porosity, attractive light cabinet tone. Very rare with head to left. Ex Weise Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 114, 13 May 2020, lot 78; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 147, 7 March 2006, lot 1129.

1,000

48. Sicily, Syracuse AV Hemistater. Time of Hieron II, circa 220-217 BC. Wreathed head of Kore-Persephone to left; cornucopiae behind / Fast biga driven to left by charioteer holding kentron and reins; A and ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ below. Carroccio 22-23; SNG Fitzwilliam 1388; BMC 517; Gulbenkian 348 var. (obv. symbol); SNG ANS 867 var. (same); HGC 2, 1539. 4.25g, 16mm, 6h. Near Mint State; highly lustrous. Extremely Rare.

5,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

Published in Carroccio, Ex M&M 1981

49. Sicily, Syracuse AV Hemistater. Time of Hieron II, circa 220-217 BC. Wreathed head of Kore-Persephone to left; palm bound with fillet behind / Fast biga driven to right by charioteer holding kentron and reins; ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ below. Carroccio 55 (D25/R35 - this coin); BMC 509; Gulbenkian 349; HGC 2, 1540. 4.25g, 16mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; small scrape to obverse.

3,500

This coin published in B. Carroccio, Le monetazione aurea e argentea di Ierone II, (Torino, 1994); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 3, 1 December 2017, lot 63; Ex Alde, Auction 12, 13 June 2012, lot 58; Ex Alain Weil List (Paris), 4 January 1996, no. 11; Ex Auctiones GmbH, Auction 16, 1 October 1986, lot 57; Ex The Numismatic Auction Ltd., 12 December 1983, lot 57; Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG, List 434, 1981, no. 4.

Ex Hess-Leu 28, 1965

50. Sicily, Syracuse AR 16 Litrai. Philistis, wife of Hieron II, circa 216-215 BC. Diademed and veiled head of Philistis to left, wreath behind / Nike driving slow quadriga to right; ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΑΣ above, ΦΙΛΙΣΤΙΔΟΣ below. CCO 184.4 (this coin); SNG ANS 869; HGC 2, 1556. 14.05g, 28mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; engraved in refined and sensitive style.

3,000

This coin published in M.C. Caltabiano, B. Carroccio, & E. Oteri. Siracusa ellenistica: Le monete ‘regali’ di Ierone II, della sua famiglia e dei Siracusani. (Messina, 1997); Ex Adolph Hess AG - Bank Leu & Co. AG, Auction 28, 5 May 1965, lot 108.

51. Sicily, Syracuse AR 10 Litrai. Time of Hieronymos, circa 215-214 BC. Diademed head to left; K (retrograde) behind / BAΣIΛEOΣ IEPΩNYMOY, winged thunderbolt; KI above. Holloway 41 (O21/R33); SNG ANS 1029 (these dies); HGC 2, 1567. 8.41g, 23mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 392, 4 May 2007, lot 4222. Hieronymos ascended to the throne of Syracuse at a time of crisis. A Roman Consular army of eight legions and allied troops had been annihilated at Cannae only the year before, and Roman power had been dealt a considerable shock. The repercussions of that defeat had been profoundly felt in Sicily; the former king Hieron II had remained steadfast in his loyalty and support to Rome though a significant party in the city favoured abandoning the Roman alliance and joining the cause of Carthage, despite their traditional enmity to that people. The young Hieronymos, who had already shown signs of weakness and depravity of character, allowed himself to be influenced by his pro-Carthaginian uncles into breaking the alliance with Rome, a decision that would have disastrous consequences for Syracuse.

52. Sicily, Syracuse AR 10 Litrai. Time of Hieronymos, circa 215-214 BC. Diademed head to left; thunderbolt behind / BAΣIΛEΩΣ IEPΩNYMOY, winged thunderbolt; ΔA above. Holloway 61 (O29/R50); SNG ANS 1033 (same dies); BAR Issue 79; HGC 2, 1567. 8.53g, 22mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; small scrape to obverse, beautiful iridescent toning.

1,250

Ex El Medina Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 43, 24 September 1997, lot 197; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 37, 20 March 1996, lot 162.

53. Sicily, Syracuse AR 12 Litrai. Time of the Fifth Democracy, circa 214-212 BC. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin on bowl / Artemis standing to left, discharging arrow from bow, hound running to left at her feet; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN to right, YA over ΣA to left. Jameson 892 (same dies); Burnett, Enna Hoard D 33 (same); SNG ANS 1041 var. (YA / Σ); HGC 2, 1412. 10.14g, 25mm, 6h. Near Mint State; minor mark on reverse, attractive cabinet tone with hints of iridescence. Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

4,000

PAEONIA

The Famed Paeonian Cavalry

54. Kings of Paeonia, Patraos AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain Paeonian mint (Astibus or Damastion?), circa 335-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Warrior on horse rearing to right, spearing enemy who defends himself with raised shield; retrograde ME to left, ΠATꟼAOY around. Paeonian Hoard I, 445 (same obv. die); SNG ANS 1040 (same); Paeonian Hoard II, 192 (same dies); HGC 3.1, 148. 12.45g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

750

Acquired from Hess-Divo AG. The exact original boundaries of Paeonia, like the early history of its inhabitants, are obscure, but it is known that it was located immediately north of ancient Macedonia; in the Iliad, the Paeonians are reported as allies of the Trojans. During the Persian invasion of Greece the then-powerful Paeonians were conquered by the armies of Darios I and deported from their homelands to Asia. At some point after the Greco-Persian Wars, the Paeonian princedoms coalesced into a kingdom centred in the central and upper reaches of the Axios and Strymon rivers, corresponding with today’s northern part of North Macedonia and western Bulgaria, and joined with the Illyrians in attacking the northern areas of the kingdom of Macedon. Philip II reformed the Macedonian armies and put a stop to both the Illyrian and Paeonian raids, and campaigned deep into Paeonian territory, reducing their kingdom (then ruled by Agis) to a vassal state, which led to a process of gradual Hellenisation including the striking of coins with Greek legends. Later, a Paeonian cavalry contingent, led by Ariston (a member of the Paeonian royal house, possibly brother of Patraos and father of the later king Audoleon - see Heckel, W. Prosopography of Alexander’s Empire, 2006), was attached to Alexander the Great’s army. At the Battle of Gaugamela the Paeonian cavalry were placed with the sarissophoroi on the right flank, the position of honour, and in 331 BC they routed a large force of Persian cavalry near the Tigris; Ariston personally slew the Persian leader Satropates; he then presented Alexander with the Persian’s severed head. He asked Alexander for a gold cup as a reward for his feat, and the king publicly saluted him and drank to his health.

Ex Paeonian Hoard, 1968

55. Kings of Paeonia, Patraos AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain Paeonian mint (Astibos or Damastion?), circa 335-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Warrior on horse rearing to right, spearing enemy who defends himself with raised left arm; kantharos to lower left, ΠΑΤꟼAOY around. Paeonian Hoard I 187 (this coin); SNG ANS 1032; HGC 3.1, 148. 12.81g, 27mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

500

Ex Sotheby & Co., 16 April 1969, lot 187; Ex Paeonia Hoard, 1968 (IGCH 410).

Extraordinary Condition for the Type

56. Kings of Paeonia, Audoleon AR Tetrobol. Uncertain Paeonian mint (Astibos or Damastion?), circa 300-286 BC. Head of Athena facing, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet / Forepart of horse to right; AYΔΩΛE-NTOΣ (sic) around, monogram below. SNG Copenhagen 1404; HGC 3.1, 155. 2.02g, 13mm, 9h. Mint State; in extraordinary condition for the type. Extremely Rare.

1,000

Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 153, 12 December 2011, lot 176 (hammer: EUR 1,500).

THESSALY

The Second Known Example

3x 3x 57. Thessaly, Larissa AR Hemiobol(?). Circa 450-430 BC. Head of Jason(?) to right, wearing petasos / Leech fibulae (cloak pin), or petasos(?), Λ-Α-Ρ around, above caduceus to right; all within shallow square incuse. CNG E-170, lot 42 = BCD Thessaly I, 1119 = HGC 4, 509; otherwise unpublished. 0.46g, 9mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; original ‘find’ patina. Of the highest rarity, apparently the second known example of the type.

500

From the Marnix Collection. Jason was the son of Aison, the rightful king of Thessaly, who had been usurped and imprisoned by his half-brother Pelias. Aison sent Jason into the Thessalian countryside to be educated by the great centaur Chiron, under whose guidance he lived and grew to manhood. Meanwhile, it had been prophesied to Pelias that he would be overthrown by a man wearing one sandal. When at last Jason returned to Iolchos to claim the throne, having lost one sandal in the river Anauros while helping an aged woman (the goddess Hera in disguise) across it, he was announced as a man wearing one sandal. Pelias, facing his own downfall, agreed to step aside on the condition that Jason seek out and return with the Golden Fleece from the kingdom of Kolchis. When this type first appeared on the market, the CNG cataloguer associated it with the obols of Larissa that depict Jason’s sandal (cf. BCD Thessaly I, 1097; BCD Thessaly II, 140; HGC 4, 403), deciding that the reverse type made obscure reference to the Golden Fleece itself: the caduceus was shown as the symbol of Hermes, who as shepherd-god provided the ram which bore the fleece, while the cloak pin was to hold the fleece in place when worn. However, when the coin next came up for sale in the first part of the BCD Thessaly Collection it was re-dated somewhat later on stylistic grounds (cf. BCD Thessaly I, 1119), with the cataloguer arguing that the cloak pin described previously was in fact a petasos seen from the side. The existence of hemiobols of Larissa showing the petasos dating to the first quarter of the fifth century (cf. HGC 4, 406), thus contemporary with the obols depicting the sandal, gives this suggestion some credence, but not enough for HGC who note that the “Thessalian attribution [is] dubious” (cf. HGC 4, 509).

ELIS

58. Elis, Olympia AR Stater. 78th-82nd Olympiads, circa 460 BC. Eagle flying to left, with snake in its beak / Upright thunderbolt, with wings above and volutes below, A-[F] across fields; all within shallow circular incuse. Seltman Group A (unlisted dies); BCD Olympia -, cf. 6; SNG Delepierre -, cf. 2021; McClean -, cf. 6598, pl. 225, 1; HGC 5, 288. 11.81g, 20mm, 10h. Good Very Fine; light smoothing in rev. field, pleasant cabinet tone. Very Rare.

2,500

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 46, 2 April 2008, lot 867; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 53, 15 March 2000, lot 405.

59. Elis, Olympia AR Stater. 78th-82nd Olympiads, circa 460s-450s BC. Eagle flying to left with both wings above body, grasping a hare by the belly with its talons and tearing at it with beak; 3 c/m’s, one a six-rayed star / Upright thunderbolt, with wings above and volutes below, F-A across fields; all within pelleted circle within shallow incuse. Seltman, Temple 32c (dies W/αδ) = Weber 4005; BCD Olympia 20 (same dies and obv. c/m); SNG Berry 810 (same); SNG Delepierre 2033-2034 (same); McClean 6599 (same); HGC 5, 292. 11.78g, 25mm, 11h. Very Fine; attractive cabinet tone. Very Rare.

2,500

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex Gemini LLC, Auction XIII, 6 April 2017, lot 51.

60. Elis, Olympia AR Hemidrachm. 87th-90th Olympiad, circa 432-421 BC. Eagle standing to right on base with open wings and head reverted to left / Upright thunderbolt, with wings below and volutes above; F-A across fields. BCD Olympia -, cf. 55 (same rev. die) and 56 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 366 (same dies); McClean 6617, pl. 225, 20 (same); SNG Delepierre 2102 (same); HGC 5, 427. 2.65g, 15mm, 11h. Very Fine; deep cabinet tone. Very Rare.

300

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex Bruun Rasmussen, Online Auction 1731, 6 August 2017, lot 5001.

Published in HGC, Ex BCD Collection

61. Elis, Olympia AR Hemidrachm. Hera mint, 101st-102nd Olympiads, circa 376-372 BC. Head of Hera to right, wearing stephane ornamented with four palmettes / Eagle standing to right with closed wings and head reverted to left; F-A across fields. BCD Olympia 111 = HGC 5, 435 (this coin). 2.60g, 18mm, 11h. Very Fine; edge chipped, somewhat porous, pleasant cabinet tone. Extremely Rare.

300

This coin published in O.D. Hoover, The Handbook of Greek Coins, Vol. 5 - Coins of the Peloponnesos (Lancaster PA, 2011); From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex BCD Collection, Leu Numismatic AG, Auction 90, 10 May 2004, lot 111.

62. Elis, Olympia AR Hemidrachm. Hera mint, 103rd Olympiad = 368 BC. Head of Hera to right, wearing stephane inscribed [FAΛEIΩN]; F-A across lower fields / Eagle standing to right with open wings and head reverted to left; [F]-A across fields. BCD Olympia -, cf. 117; cf. SNG Copenhagen 402; cf. HGC 5, 437. 2.80g, 14mm, 5h. Near Very Fine; somewhat porous. Extremely Rare.

300

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019.

63. Elis, Olympia AR Hemidrachm. Hera mint, 106th-107th Olympiad, 356-352 BC. Head of Hera to right, wearing stephane / Eagle standing to right on rock, with wings closed and head reverted to left. BCD Olympia 331.9 (this coin); BCD Olympia 166 = HGC 5, 439 (same dies). 2.55g, 18mm, 12h. Near Very Fine; slight porosity, pleasant cabinet tone.

300

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex BCD Collection, Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 90, 10 May 2004, lot 331 (part of).

Ex W. F. Stoecklin Collection

64. Elis, Olympia AR Hemidrachm. Hera mint, circa 345-340 BC. Head of the nymph Olympia to right, wearing triple-pendant earring / Eagle standing to left, with open wings and head reverted to right; FA upwards to left. SNG Delepierre 2190 (same dies); BCD Olympia 186-187 and 336.5-336.6 var. (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 406-406 (same); HGC 5, 444. 3.00g, 18mm, 3h. Good Very Fine; struck from the usual worn obv. die, attractive cabinet tone.

500

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex W. F. Stoecklin Collection, Nomos AG, obolos 8, 2 December 2017, lot 250; Acquired prior to 1975.

65. Elis, Olympia AR Stater. Hera mint, 111th Olympiad = 336 BC. Head of Hera to right, wearing pendant earring and stephane inscribed [FAΛEIΩN]; F behind neck / Eagle standing to left on base with open wings and head reverted to right; all in olive wreath within shallow circular incuse. BCD Olympia 160 (same obv. die); HGC 5, 396. 11.58g, 24mm, 4h. Near Very Fine; somewhat porous. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 304, 19 March 2018, lot 392; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 6, 23 May 2012, lot 122.

66. Elis, Olympia AR Stater. 112th Olympiad = 332 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to right / Eagle with wings closed standing to right on the tail of a serpent which coils upwards to right, to strike at eagle’s head; F-A across upper fields, upright thunderbolt to left, H in inner right field. BCD Olympia 161 (same dies); Seltman 204e = SNG Lockett 2410 (same); HGC 5, 395 (same). 11.72g, 24mm, 3h. Very Fine; attractive cabinet tone. Very Rare.

4,000

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex Gemini LLC, Auction XIII, 6 April 2017, lot 52; Ex Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland GmbH, Auction 40, 4 June 2014, lot 207; Ex Charles Adams (Darien, CT) Fixed Price List 7, September 1976, lot 22.

Ex Dr. L. Naegeli Collection

67. Elis, Olympia AR Stater. 114th Olympiad = 324 BC. Head of Hera to right, wearing stephane; F-A across lower fields / Eagle standing to right with open wings and head reverted to left; all within olive wreath. Seltman, Temple 364 (FK/κν); BCD Olympia 165 (same obv. die); HGC 5, 400. 11.76g, 17mm, 10h. Very Fine; struck from slightly worn dies, light cabinet tone.

3,500

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex W. F. Stoecklin Collection, Nomos AG, obolos 8, 2 December 2017, lot 249; Acquired in the early 1950s from the collection of Dr. L. Naegeli in Zürich.

Published in HGC, Ex Rhousopoulos Collection

68. Elis, Olympia AR Hemidrachm. Hera mint, circa 320s BC. Head of the nymph Olympia to right, her hair rolled / Eagle standing facing with open wings and head to left. BCD Olympia 210 = HGC 5, 457 (this coin). 2.77g, 17mm, 5h. Very Fine; attractive cabinet tone. Very Rare. This coin published in O.D. Hoover, The Handbook of Greek Coins, Vol. 5 - Coins of the Peloponnesos (Lancaster PA, 2011); From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, eLive Auction 48, 27 February 2018, lot 71; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 5, 15 April 2012, lot 26; Ex BCD Collection, Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 90, 10 May 2004, lot 210; Acquired from the collection of A. Rhousopoulos.

300

69. Elis, Olympia AR Drachm. 134th-143rd Olympiads, circa 244-210 BC. Eagle flying to right with both wings above body, grasping a hare by the back with its talons and tearing at it with beak / Upright thunderbolt, with wings below and double volutes above; F-A across fields. Schwabacher Group III; BCD Olympia 250 (same dies); HGC 5, 509. 4.61g, 17mm, 4h. Good Very Fine; attractive cabinet tone.

300

From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Online Auction 251, 15 October 2017, lot 4401.

Ex Hirsch 198, 1998

70. Elis, Olympia AR Drachm. 134th-143rd Olympiads, circa 244-210 BC. Eagle flying to right with both wings above body, grasping a hare by the back with its talons and tearing at it with beak / Upright thunderbolt, with wings below and double volutes above; F-A across fields, monogram to left, kantharos to right. Schwabacher Group IV, 32; BCD Olympia 255; HGC 5, 510. 4.86g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone. Very Rare.

750

Ex Vineyard Collection; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 198, 11 February 1998, lot 170.

71. Elis, Olympia AR Drachm. 134th-143rd Olympiads, circa 240-210 BC. Eagle flying to right with both wings above body, grasping a hare by the back with its talons and tearing at it with beak / Upright thunderbolt, with wings below and double volutes above; F-A across fields, monogram to left, kantharos to right. Schwabacher Group IV, 32; BCD Olympia 255 (same dies); HGC 5, 510. 4.77g, 18mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex James Barry Collection, purchased from Apollo Numismatics, June 2009 (USD 1,450).

CORINTHIA

72. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 400-375 BC. Pegasos flying to right, Ϙ below / Head of Athena to right, wearing Corinthian helmet; [Θ]YƎ above, double-bodied owl behind. Pegasi 161; Ravel 619; BCD Corinth -; HGC 4, 1834. 8.44g, 23mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 245, 7 March 2017, lot 1286; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XII, 29 September 2016, lot 144.

73. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-345 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Head of Athena to left, wearing Corinthian helmet; N within wreath behind. Pegasi 386; Ravel 1069; BCD Corinth 128; SNG Copenhagen 119; HGC 4, 1848. 8.54g, 22mm, 3h. About Extremely Fine.

1,250

Acquired from Nomos AG; Ex private collection in Ticino formed prior to 2000.

Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, 1973

74. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Head of Athena to left, wearing laureate Corinthian helmet; A-P below, aegis behind. Pegasi 427; Ravel 1009; BCD Corinth -; SNG Copenhagen 71; HGC 4, 1848. 8.63g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

2,500

Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, List 344, April 1973, no. 21.

ATTICA A Superb Archaic Tetradrachm of Athens

75. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 515-500/490 BC. Archaic head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with chevron and dot pattern / Owl standing three-quarters to right, head facing, olive sprig behind; ΑΘΕ before, all within incuse square. Seltman Group L; Asyut Group IVa; Svoronos pl. 4; HGC 4, 1589. 17.22g, 24mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; of beautiful archaic style with detailed texturing on owl’s body and complete helmet crest. Very Rare.

15,000

From a private UK collection. The famous Athenian ‘owl’ tetradrachm, unquestionably one of the most influential coins of all time, was introduced by the tyrant Hippias sometime between c.525 and c.510 BC, with van Alfen offering a date of about 515 as the most current view. The basic design would remain unchanged for nearly five hundred years, be extensively copied throughout the Mediterranean, and is today, as it was then, emblematic of Greek culture. The quality of the engraving on the early owl tetradrachms varies greatly, from the sublime to some which are very crude indeed. This disparity led Seltman to propose that those tetradrachms of fine style, such as the present piece, were issues from a ‘civic’ mint in Athens, while those exhibiting little talent on the part of the engravers emanated from an ‘imperial’ mint in the Attic or Thracian hinterlands, or Paeonia, though this has subsequently been disproven. Athens was one of the few Greek cities with significant silver deposits in their immediate territory, a remarkable stroke of fortune upon which Xenophon reflected: ‘The Divine Bounty has bestowed upon us inexhaustible mines of silver, and advantages which we enjoy above all our neighbouring cities, who never yet could discover one vein of silver ore in all their dominions.’ The mines at Laurion had been worked since the bronze age, but it would be only later in 483 that a massive new vein of ore would be discovered that enabled Athens to finance grand new schemes such as the construction of a fleet of 200 triremes, a fleet that would later prove decisive in defending Greece at the Battle of Salamis.

A Full Helmet Crest

76. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 515-500/490 BC. Archaic head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with chevron and dot pattern / Owl standing three-quarters to right, head facing, olive sprig behind; ΑΘΕ before, all within incuse square. Seltman Group L; Asyut Group IVa; Svoronos pl. 4; HGC 4, 1589. 17.25g, 23mm, 5h. Good Very Fine; displaying a complete helmet crest, a die-pair of beautiful archaic style, with particularly delicacy on the part of the die-engraver to depict the feathers of the owl. Very Rare.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

77. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 515-500/490 BC. Archaic head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with chevron and dot pattern / Owl standing three-quarters to right, head facing, olive sprig behind; ΑΘΕ before, all within incuse square. Seltman Group L, cf. 344; Asyut Group IVa; Svoronos pl. 4; HGC 4, 1589. 17.33g, 22mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Starr Group II

78. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-465 BC. Archaic head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with dot pattern / Owl standing three-quarters to right, head facing, olive sprig behind; ΑΘΕ before, all within incuse square. Starr Group II.C, cf. 63; Seltman Group N; HGC 4, 1593. 17.16g, 24mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare; from the Dekadrachm series.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

79. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-465 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Starr Group IV; HGC 4, 1595. 17.21g, 23mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

80. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465-460 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss, and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Starr Group V.A; HGC 4, 1596. 17.16g, 24mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

81. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465-460 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss, and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Starr Group V.A; HGC 4, 1596. 17.22g, 24mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

1,750

Attractive “Transitional” Issue

82. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-454 BC. Late “transitional” issue. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss, and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Cf. Starr pl. XXII; Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1596. 17.18g, 23mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

According to Chester Starr, as the owl on this tetradrachm is shown with its three tail feathers in a single prong it should be grouped firmly with the “mass coinage” issues of Athenian tetradrachms dated 454-404 BC, but the very lifelike depiction we are given places it very close to the last issues of Starr’s Group V.B, struck circa 460-454 BC.

83. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-454 BC. Late “transitional” issue. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss, and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Cf. Starr pl. XXII; Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1596. 17.16g, 26mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

84. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-454 BC. Late “transitional” issue. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Cf. Starr pl. XXII; Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1596. 17.23g, 24mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; full helmet crest. Previously NGC graded Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5, Full Crest.

1,500

Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CSNS Signature Sale 3073, 25 April 2019, lot 30100 (hammer: USD 2,800).

85. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.20g, 25mm, 6h. Near Mint State; near full helmet crest.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

86. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.26g, 25mm, 3h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

87. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.21g, 25mm, 9h. Near Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

88. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.21g, 25mm, 3h. Fleur De Coin.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

89. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.22g, 25mm, 10h. Fleur De Coin.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

90. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.24g, 25mm, 4h. Fleur De Coin.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

91. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.22g, 25mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

92. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.22g, 25mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; full helmet crest.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

93. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.20g, 24mm, 9h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

94. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.22g, 25mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

95. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.21g, 26mm, 10h. Near Mint State; full helmet crest.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

96. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.21g, 24mm, 3h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

97. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.21g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; full helmet crest.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

98. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.24g, 25mm, 7h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

99. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.18g, 26mm, 5h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

100. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.22g, 27mm, 3h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

101. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.19g, 25mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

102. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.24g, 28mm, 4h. Mint State; struck on an impressively broad planchet.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

103. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.22g, 25mm, 5h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

104. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597. 17.24g, 25mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

Ex CNG 49, 1999

105. Attica, Athens AR New Style Tetradrachm. Circa 107/106 BC. Herakleides, Eukles and Diokles, magistrates. Helmeted head of Athena Parthenos to right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet adorned with Pegasos / Owl standing facing on amphora, Α-ΘΕ HPA-KΛE-ΔHΣ EYKΛHΣ ΔIOK across fields; to right, winged Tyche standing to left, with right hand set on an amphora inscribed A (= month 1), ME (= contractor’s initials) below. Thompson 749a (same obverse die); HGC 4, 1602. 16.75g, 31mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,250

Ex Vineyard Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 49, 17 March 1999, lot 493.

106. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 480-457 BC. Sea turtle, head in profile, with ‘T’ design in pellets on shell / Large square incuse with skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIa; Milbank Period IIII, pl. I, 15; Gulbenkian 523; Kraay-Hirmer 336; Jameson 1199; SNG Copenhagen 507; HGC 6, 435. 12.19g, 18mm. Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone with iridescent flashes.

7,500

Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd., BBS 195, 29 October 2015, lot 104; Ex Patrick H. James Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015, lot 527; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 55, 13 September 2000, lot 362. The unusual ‘skew pattern’ design of the incuse punch seen on the reverse of the staters of Aegina continues to be used in the modern state of Greece as the logo of the widely-known Alpha Bank.

BOIOTIA

107. Boiotia, Thebes AR Stater. Circa 425-395 BC. Boiotian shield / Bearded head of Dionysos to right, wearing ivy-wreath; Θ-Ε across fields. BCD Boiotia 442-445; SNG Copenhagen 284; HGC 4, 1326. 12.11g, 22mm, 4/10h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

Acquired from Nomos AG; Ex Vineyard Collection, privately purchased in October 2002.

108. Boiotia, Thebes AR Stater. Circa 390-382 BC. Wast-, magistrate. Boiotian shield / Amphora; barley grain to left above, FA-ΣT across central field; all within shallow incuse circle. Hepworth 36; BCD Boiotia 494; BMC 120; HGC 4, 1330. 12.29g, 27mm, 4/10h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful cabinet tone.

1,750

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 93, 22 May 2013, 280.

EUBOIA One of Two Known

109. Euboia, Eretria AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-160 BC. Epiteles, magistrate. Bust of Artemis to right, hair tied with a ribbon behind, wearing necklace, pendant earring and chiton fastened on far shoulder with ornamental pin; bow and quiver over her left shoulder / Bull standing to right, head facing and adorned with fillet, EPETPIEΩN above, EΠITEΛHΣ in exergue; all within laurel wreath. BCD Euboia 343 (this coin); SNG Lockett 1794 (same obv. die); N. Waggoner, “Coins of the W. P. Wallace Collection,” Museum Notes 25 (1980), p. 9; Regling, ZfN 38, 1928, 57 (same); Mørkholm, Early Hellenistic Coinage, pl. XLI, 612 (same); HGC 4, 1503. 16.64g, 33mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; beautiful light cabinet tone. Extremely Rare; one of only two known examples. 50,000 Ex Peter Guber Collection, Freeman & Sear, Manhattan Sale II, 4 January 2011, lot 43; Ex Gemini LLC, Auction IV, 8 January 2008, lot 120; Ex BCD Collection, Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 111, 25 November 2002, lot 343. The coastal polis of Eretria, whose Greek name means the ‘city of rowers’, was considered among the most important sites on the island of Euboea. Conveniently situated across the South Euboean Gulf from the coast of Attica, it served as a key port and centre of commerce throughout antiquity, easily identified by passing vessels due to the presence of Mount Olympus to its north-west. Said to have been founded in the 8th century BC, as an Athenian colony according to Strabo (Geography 10.1.8), modern archaeological excavations instead date the city’s foundations to the 9th century. Mentioned as a Greek contributor to the Trojan War in the Homeric ‘Catalogue of Ships’ (Illiad), Eretria first appears in genuine records in Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War which, whilst listing significant historical confrontations between Greek city-states, details the so-called Lelantine War (c. 710-650 BC). As outlined by Thucydides, the episode was initially a mere turf war between neighbouring Eretria and Chalkis for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain, but gradually developed overtime into a broad panhellenic struggle, involving almost all of the major poleis of the period. According the Herodotus (Histories, 5.99), the Eretrians and their allies lost the war; though this did not prevent them from emerging as a powerful and influential city-state soon after, evidenced by their active participation in the Greek colonization efforts of 650-500 BC. Eretrian settlers established various settlements on Italian, Magna Graecian and home soil, such as Cumae (near modern Napoli) and Therma, which was later to become the city of Thessalonica. Eretria’s prominence endured into the 5th century when it participated, albeit indirectly, in the Ionian Revolt (499-493 BC) by supplying the Athenian fleet with triremes. After the Persians, led by Darius I, eventually crushed the uprising in Asia Minor, Eretria (along with Athens) was earmarked for destruction, which it was subjected to in 490 BC after the subsequent Persian invasion of Greece. With the financial support of Athens, Eretria was rebuilt by the time of the decisive Battle of Plataea (479 BC), providing the combined Greek forces with 600 hoplites. In the 4th century, the polis enjoyed another period of prosperity and stability, despite being dominated by the Kingdom of Macedon under Philip II. Later, during the Second Macedonian War between Philip V of Macedon and Rome (200-196 BC), Eretria continued to be held by the Macedonians until it was attacked by an allied fleet in 198 BC. It resisted for several days, expecting Macedonian reinforcement which never appeared, at which point local dignitaries began to negotiate a surrender with the king of the Pergamon, Attalos, who was allied with Rome. Unfortunately for the Eretrians, the Romans saw this as a prime opportunity for a surprise attack and seized the unsuspecting city, sparing the lives of the surrendering citizens but carrying off a great deal of the city’s wealth, most famously its art. One of the key figures here was Titus Quinctius Flamininus, the Philhellenic consul who was general of the Roman forces in this war, who vetoed the decision to grant Eretria to the Pergamene king after the war, and who famously declared Greece ‘free’ at the Isthmian Games in Corinth in 196 BC during his proconsular command there. It was in the aftermath of this conflict, and in particular around the time of the subsequent Third Macedonian War, in which the Eretrians sided with the Romans, that the present coin was minted. Although Eretria had been an early producer of silver coinage, minting tetradrachms and didrachms on the Attic standard followed by smaller silver coins from the last quarter of the 6th century BC, its civic silver mint had closed by the middle of the following century, most likely as a result of Athenian political and economic domination of Euboea. This mint did not reopen until the early 2nd century BC, with the issue of coins such as the present, minted possibly to pay for local expenses (the coins seem to have predominantly circulated close to home (although one Eretrian Tetradrachm is known to have travelled as far as Babylon) in the wake of the city’s spoliation by the Romans. The figure of the cow on the present coin’s obverse, filleted in preparation for a sacrifice, harks back to the early Eretrian silver, which typically depicted this animal as a punning allusion to the name of the island Euboia – meaning ‘Rich in Cattle’. There was subsequently little need for locally produced silver, and the silver mint in Eretria soon closed for good.

MACEDON Aggression and Valour

110. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-430 BC. Bull collapsing to left, head raised, attacked and mauled by lion upon his back to right; tunny fish to left in exergue / AKANΘION in shallow incuse around quadripartite square, the quarters raised and granulated. Desneux 96ff; Weber 1863; HGC 3.1, 385. 17.29g, 30mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

15,000

Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 107, 12 November 2018, lot 98. The ubiquitous and persistent theme of the lion-bull combat can be traced back to the figurate art of the third millennium, where the geometrical motifs are replaced by narrative symbolic representations, and the scene is characteristic of Near Eastern art in its infancy. The earliest known depiction occurs on a ewer found at Uruk dated to the latter part of the Protoliterate period, circa 3300 BC. That ewer has a relief depiction of a lion attacking a bull from behind (see Henri Frankfort, Art and Architecture of the Ancient Orient, 1963). The scene became widely distributed by 500 BC, featuring prominently in the Achaemenid Empire, and in particular at the palace of Darios in Persepolis, where it occurs no fewer than twenty seven times, including on the main staircase leading to the imperial complex. Its frequent appearance in key locations strongly suggests an important symbolic significance, which unfortunately has not survived antiquity in any explicitly clear form. Explanations for the symbolism and its power over the ancient peoples who reproduced it with prodigious enthusiasm have ranged from it being an expression of royal power, to an astronomical allusion, as well as it being an embodiment of the constant struggle between civilisation (represented by the domesticated bull) and nature (represented by the untameable lion). This latter argument may well hold true for the Mesopotamians of Uruk, who it is known took a rather grim view of the world, seeing it as a battleground of opposing powers. One interpretation that has gained traction in recent years is that the motif is apotropaic in nature, serving to ward off evil in a similar function to the gorgoneion, which like the lion attack motif is very prevalent in ancient Greek coinage, though there is little evidence to support such a notion. G. E. Markoe (‘The Lion Attack in Archaic Greek Art’, Classical Antiquity Vol. 8, 1, 1989) convincingly suggests that a more likely explanation may be found in the examination of archaic Greek epic poetry, particularly in Homeric literature, wherein a lion attacking cattle or sheep is repeatedly employed as a simile for the aggression and valour of combatant heroes. In notable passages, Agamemnon’s victorious advance against the Trojans in the Iliad (11.113ff and 129) and Hektor’s successful pursuit of the Achaeans (15.630ff) are both likened to a lion triumphing over its hapless prey. In both of these cases the allusion is completed by the defeated being compared to fleeing prey animals. In all, there are twenty five examples present in the Iliad of heroic warriors being compared to leonine aggressors, with the victims variously compared to boars, sheep, goats, bulls or deer. The repetition of this literary device is clearly demonstrative of how deeply rooted the imagery was in the Greek (and perhaps more generally human) consciousness. Of further and great significance is the involvement of the gods as the primary instigators of heroic leonine aggression in almost every case, and as it is made clear that the lion itself is an animal that is divinely directed to its prey (11.480, by a daimon), so then is the lion attack a metaphor for divinely inspired heroic triumph.

111. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-430 BC. Bull collapsing to left, head lowered, attacked and mauled by lion upon his back to right; tunny fish to left in exergue / ΑΚΑΝΘΙΟΝ in shallow incuse around raised quadripartite square, the quarters raised and granulated. Cf. Desneux 95, 97-8, 102 (unlisted dies); AMNG III/2, 21; HGC 3.1, 385. 17.09g, 29mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal. Very Rare; engraved in magnificent high classical style.

12,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

112. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-430 BC. Bull collapsing to left, head raised, attacked and mauled by lion upon his back to right; tunny fish to left in exergue / ΑΚΑΝΘΙΟΝ in shallow incuse around raised quadripartite square, the quarters raised and granulated. Astarte XIX, lot 776 = Hess Divo 309, lot 37 (same dies); cf. Desneux 98 (same rev. die); HGC 3.1, 385. 17.24g, 29mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

7,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Ex L. Hamburger, 1930

113. Macedon, Mende AR Tetradrachm. Circa 425 BC. Dionysos, bearded, wearing himation and holding kantharos, reclining to left on the back of a donkey standing to right; before, a crow standing on branches to right / Vine with four bunches of grapes in a linear square; ΜΕΝΔΑΙΟΝ in a shallow incuse square around. Noe, Mende 62 (same dies); SNG ANS 337 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett 1345 (same rev. die); HGC 3.1, 545. 16.86g, 26mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

12,500

Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 384, 2 November 2005, lot 189; Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG, Auction 88, 17 May 1999, lot 133; Ex E. Bourgey, 13 June 1952, lot 81; Ex L. Hamburger, 11 June 1930, lot 12. 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. 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 elbow which he digs into the back of the unfortunate donkey, while with his other he holds his wine cup aloft in encouragement to his followers. Dionysos himself appears oblivious to the effort of the animal beneath him, whose posture implies a quiet and composed nobility of spirit as it bears its godly burden without complaint; this is juxtaposed with the somewhat undignified pose of Dionysos himself who, though his face is set with an apparently serene and typically static archaic dignitas, seems decidedly unbalanced and at risk of losing his precariously fastened modesty. 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.

114. Macedon, Neapolis AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Facing gorgoneion with protruding tongue / Quadripartite incuse square. AMNG III/2, 6; SNG ANS 222; Dewing 1064; Traité I 1740; Svoronos, Hellénisme Primitif pl. 9, 36; HGC 3.1, 583. 9.48g, 20mm. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

4,500

Ex Chaponnière & Hess-Divo AG, Auction 3, 21 May 2012, lot 96.

Ex NFA, 1991

115. Macedon, Skione AR Tetradrachm. Circa 480-470 BC. Head of Protesilaos to right, wearing Attic helmet with crest inscribed [ΠPOTEΣΛAΣ] (retrograde) / Stern of galley with aphlaston to left, Σ-K-I-O around; all within incuse square. Price, Coins 29; ACGC 470; Alpha Bank, Macedonia 79; Dewing 1076; Traité I, 1629; HGC 3.1, 668. 16.68g, 25mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

4,500

Ex Kleinkunst Collection; Ex Sotheby’s, 27-28 October 1993, lot 385; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts, Auction XXVII, 4-5 December 1991, lot 47. This tetradrachm depicts the hero Protesilaos, the legendary founder of Skione, who was the first of the Greek heroes to arrive in the Troad, and the first to die. Upon leaping from his ship he was slain by the Trojan prince Hektor.

116. Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left / Kithara of seven strings, Α-Μ in tiny letters on left and right uprights, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 18 bis (A17/P16); Boston MFA 576; SNG ANS -; HGC 3.1, 498. 14.02g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

3,250

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 195, 7 March 2011, lot 123. The extensive ‘Group H’ coinage appears to have been produced in order to finance the Olynthian war effort against a Spartan campaign to subdue the city and dissolve the Chalkidian League in 382-379 BC. Amid continuous Illyrian invasions along the northern border of Macedon, in around 385 BC Amyntas III once more mortgaged certain territories, this time formally to the Chalkidian League. By 382 the League had absorbed most of the Greek cities west of the river Strymon, and unlike in 392, it was reluctant to return control of the Macedonian territories that Amyntas had transferred to its control, which included the capital at Pella. Amyntas now sought the aid of Sparta against the growing threat of the Chalkidian League; his disposition was shared by the cities of Akanthos and Apollonia, who anticipated imminent conquest by the League. Sparta, keen to reassert its presence in northern Greece, consented and a force of 10,000 was mobilised and dispatched against the League. An advance force of 2,000 under Eudamidas succeeded in separating Potidaea from the League; meanwhile the main force under Teleutias, brother of the Spartan king Agesilaos II, proceeded slowly, being augmented by allied contingents as it went. Teleutias thus arrived in Olynthian territory at the head of a substantial army and won an initial victory outside the city walls of Olynthos. In the spring of 381 however, Teleutias allowed himself to be drawn in too close to the walls, whereupon his forces came under missile fire and were routed with heavy losses by an Olynthian sortie, Teleutias himself being killed in the engagement. With the death of Teleutias, command passed to king Agesipolis I, who in 380 recommenced operations against the League, taking the city of Toroni in an assault. Agesipolis’ success was short-lived however, as he was seized with fever and died within seven days. After three years of protracted but indecisive warfare, Olynthos consented to dissolve the Chalkidian League, though this dissolution appears to have been little more than a token formality, since in the following year the League appears among the members of the Athenian naval confederacy, and twenty years later Demosthenes reported the power of the League as being much greater than before the Spartan expedition. Olynthos itself is at this time spoken of as a city of the first rank, and the Chalkidian League then comprised thirty-two cities.

An Extremely Rare Tetrobol of Archelaos

117. Kingdom of Macedon, Archelaos AR Tetrobol. Aigai, circa 413-399 BC. Horse galloping to left / Crested Illyrian-type helmet to left, APXEΛAO around; all within linear border in incuse square. Traité IV, 814, pl. CCCIV, 5; BMC Macedonia 7; Westermark, Remarks pl. LXIX, 3; AMNG III 6; SNG ANS 71; HGC 3.1, 796. 1.90g, 14mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,750

Ex Tradart S.A., 18 December 2014, lot 84 (hammer: EUR 2,800); Ex Robert Weimer Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton IX, 10 January 2006, lot 736 (hammer: USD 2,200).

Very Rare Left-Facing Issue

118. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Lifetime issue. Pella, circa 342-336 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to left / Nude youth on horseback to right, holding reins and long palm branch; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above, Θ below horse. Le Rider 440; SNG ANS 430 var. (Θ under foreleg) HGC 3.1 -. 14.33g, 25mm, 7h. About Extremely Fine. Very Rare left-facing issue.

3,500

Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, Long Beach Signature Sale 3026, 25 September 2013, lot 23058.

Published in Le Rider, Ex Glendining 1957

119. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Lifetime issue. Pella, circa 342-336 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to right / Nude youth on horseback to right, holding reins and long palm branch; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around, thunderbolt below horse, N in exergue. Le Rider 201b (D117/R164 - this coin); HGC 3.1, 864. 14.45g, 24mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

This coin published in G. Le Rider, Le monnayage d’argent et d’or de Philippe II (Paris, 1977); Ex Kleinkunst Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Sotheby’s, 8-9 October 1992, lot 1097; Ex Sotheby’s, 9-10 April 1992, lot 33; Ex property of a Foreign Collector, Glendining & Co Ltd, 13 November 1957, lot 49.

Ex W. F. Stoecklin Collection

120. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Pella, circa 336/5-329/8 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to right / Nude youth on horseback to right, holding reins and long palm branch; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around, kantharos below horse’s belly. Le Rider 344 (D344/R276). 14.49g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; some very slight die roughness on obv., very minor double-strike on rev., attractive cabinet tone. From the Vaskola Collection, exhibited at the Numismatic Museum of Athens in 2019; Ex Nomos AG, obolos 8, 2 December 2017, lot 177; Ex W. F. Stoecklin Collection, Nomos AG, Auction 14, 17 May 2017, lot 93; Privately purchased from Hess AG in Luzern, prior to 1975.

1,000

121. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Struck under Antipater, Polyperchon, or Kassander. Pella, circa 323/2-315. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; thunderbolt below horses, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider 433 (D197/R321); HGC 3.1, 986 (Kassander). 8.62g, 19mm, 11h. Near Mint State.

3,500

Acquired from Chaponnière & Firmenich SA.

122. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Kassander or his son Antipater. Amphipolis, circa 315-294 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to right / Nude youth on horseback to right, holding reins and long palm branch; ΦIΛIΠΠOY around, Λ above torch below horse, dolphin below raised foreleg. Le Rider pl. 48, 1; SNG ANS 807; SNG Copenhagen 560; HGC 3.1, 988 (Kassander). 13.93g, 26mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; very minor flan crack at 5h/12h.

1,500

From a private UK collection.

123. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Struck under Menes. Sidon, dated RY 7 of Abdalonymos = 327/6 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, Aramaic Zayin (date) above filleted palm frond in left field, ΣI below left wing. Price 3482; Newell, Dated 21; HGC 3.1, 895. 8.68g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Ennismore Collection; Ex Dix Noonan Webb Ltd., Auction 152, 14 November 2018, lot 1345. Abdalonymos was a gardener, but of royal descent, who was made king of Sidon by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. After Alexander the Great had Sidon under siege, he gave permission to Hephaestion to bestow its crown on whom he pleased. Hephaestion offered it to two brothers with whom he lodged, but they thankfully declined it, alleging that according to their local laws, it could only be worn by one of royal blood. Being desired to point out such a person, they named Abdalonymos - the gardener, who, notwithstanding his birth, had fallen into such poverty, that he supported himself by the cultivation of a kitchen garden. Hephaestion directed the brothers to carry the royal crown and robes to Abdalonymos. They obeyed, and found him weeding in his garden. After causing him to wash, they invested him with the ensigns of royalty, and conducted him to Alexander. This prince, who discerned in him an aspect not unworthy of his origin, turning to those around him and said ‘I wish to know how he bore his poverty.’-’Would to heaven,’ replied Abdalonymos, ‘I may as well bear my prosperity! These hands have ministered to all my necessities; and as I possessed nothing, I wanted nothing’. Alexander was so well pleased with this reply, that he confirmed the nomination of Hephaestion, and gave the new king the palace and private estate of Strato his predecessor, and even augmented his dominions from the neighbouring country.

124. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AV Stater. In the name and types of Philip II. Lampsakos, circa 323-317 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping biga to right; facing head of Helios and monogram below, ΦIΛIΠΠOY in exergue. Thompson II 118; SNG ANS 283; Le Rider pl. 91, 13. 8.59g, 19mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

4,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

125. Kingdom of Macedon, temp. Philip III - Kassander AV Stater. In the name and types of Philip II. Abydos, circa 323-316 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping biga to right; A and monogram below, ΦIΛIΠΠOY in exergue. Thompson 98; SNG ANS 299; CNG e247, 59. 8.59g, 18mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only one other example on CoinArchives and seemingly the first to appear at auction since 2011.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

126. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I, in the types of Alexander III. Babylon, circa 323-317 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ to right, wheel above A in left field, monogram below throne. Price P197; Müller P26; HGC 3.1, 973. 17.13g, 28mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive portrait.

350

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

127. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos I Monophthalmos AR Tetradrachm. Struck as strategos of Asia under Peithon, in the name and types of Alexander III. Babylon, circa 315-311 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram in wreath to left, KΛ below throne. Price 3713; Müller 717. 17.12g, 26mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

128. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos I Monophthalmos AR Tetradrachm. Struck as strategos of Asia under Peithon, in the name and types of Alexander III. Babylon, circa 315-311 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕ[ΩΣ] below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡ[ΟΥ] to right, monogram in wreath to left, KΛ below throne. Price 3713; Müller 717. 16.96g, 26mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

129. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos I Monophthalmos AR Tetradrachm. Struck as strategos of Asia under Peithon, in the name and types of Alexander III. Babylon, circa 315-311 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram in wreath to left, KΛ below throne. Price 3713; Müller 717. 16.87g, 27mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive light old cabinet tone.

350

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

130. Kingdom of Macedon, Demetrios I Poliorketes AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types and Alexander III. Corinth, circa 310-290 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; [Β]ΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, aplustre to left, NO under throne. Price 681 var. (no royal title, Nikai on throne back). 17.09g, 26mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

400

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

131. Kingdom of Macedon, Demetrios I Poliorketes AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types and Alexander III. Salamis, circa 306-300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, Σ to left, Γ below throne. Price 3180 corr. (orientation of monogram); Newell 6; HGC 3.1, 1009. 16.91g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; lightly toned with underlying lustre, engraved in fine style. From the inventory of a UK dealer.

400

132. Kingdom of Macedon, Demetrios I Poliorketes AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types and Alexander III. Tyre, circa 301-294 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, club within circle above dolphin swimming to left in left field. Price 3561; Hersh, Tyrus 37d (same dies). 17.07g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

133. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos II Gonatas AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 274/1-260/55 BC. Horned head of Pan to left, lagobolon over shoulder, on boss of Macedonian shield / Athena Alkidemos advancing to left, holding shield decorated with aegis, preparing to cast thunderbolt; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ to left, crested Macedonian helmet to inner left, monogram to inner right. Touratsoglou 18-24; SNG Copenhagen 1200; SNG Berry 354; HGC 3.1, 1042. 16.95g, 32mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

Ex H. G. Oldenburg, Auction 16, 23 March 1983, lot 435.

134. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos II Gonatas AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 274/1-260/55 BC. Horned head of Pan to left, lagobolon over shoulder, on boss of Macedonian shield / Athena Alkidemos advancing to left, holding shield decorated with aegis, preparing to cast thunderbolt; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ to left, crested Macedonian helmet to inner left, monogram to inner right. Touratsoglou 25-40; SNG Copenhagen 1199; Pozzi 2037; Panagopoulou Period I; HGC 3.1, 1042. 17.04g, 31mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

Acquired from Nomos AG.

135. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos II Gonatas AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 274/1-260/55 BC. Horned head of Pan to left, lagobolon over shoulder, on boss of Macedonian shield / Athena Alkidemos advancing to left, holding shield decorated with aegis, preparing to cast thunderbolt; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ to left, crested Macedonian helmet to inner left, monogram to inner right. Touratsoglou 25-40; SNG Copenhagen 1199; Pozzi 2037; Panagopoulou Period I; HGC 3.1, 1042. 17.10g, 32mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; pleasant light cabinet tone with golden iridescence around devices.

1,000

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

136. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos III Doson AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 227-225 BC. Head of Poseidon to right, wearing wreath of marine plants / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIΓONOY, Apollo, testing bow in extended right hand, seated to left on prow to left; monogram below. EHC 436; Touratsoglou 52-3; SNG München 1121-3; SNG Alpha Bank 1046-7; SNG Saroglos 933; SNG Ashmolean 3266; SNG Berry 362; SNG Lockett 1527; Dewing 1206; HGC 3.1, 1051. 17.15g, 33mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive deep cabinet tone.

4,000

Ex old Swiss collection, formed in the 1970s.

137. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip V AR Tetradrachm. Pella, circa 202-200 BC. Head of the hero Perseus to left, wearing winged helmet surmounted by griffin’s head, harpa in background; all on boss of Macedonian shield / Club, BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, ΦIΛIΠΠOY below; all within oak wreath with ties to left, M at outer right. SNG Munich 1125; Du Chastel 210 var. (no monogram); AMNG III p. 197, 1 (Philip VI); HGC 3.1, 1056. 16.98g, 29mm, 12h. Near Mint State, hairlines on obv.

1,750

Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CSNS Signature Sale 3073, 25 April 2019, lot 30042.

Ex Crédit Suisse, 1995

138. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip V AR Tetradrachm. Pella or Amphipolis, circa 187-184 BC. Head of the hero Perseus to left, wearing winged helmet surmounted by griffin’s head, harpa in background; all on boss of Macedonian shield / Club, BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, ΦIΛIΠΠOY below, monogram in upper central field, two monograms in lower field; all within oak wreath with ties to left, harpa at outer left. Mamroth, Philip 2; cf. SNG Alpha Bank 1052; cf. SNG München 1126; cf. SNG Lockett 1529; HGC 3.1, 1056. 16.77g, 32mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; from dies of fine style, pleasantly toned.

300

Ex Dr. G.W. Collection, Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (Crédit Suisse), List 55, Spring 1995, lot 58.

139. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip V AR Didrachm. Zoilos, magistrate. Pella or Amphipolis, circa 184-179 BC. Diademed head to right / Club, BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, ΦIΛIΠΠOY below, three monograms around; all within oak wreath tied at left, tripod to outer left. Mamroth, Philip, 21; SNG Saroglos 937; HGC 3.1, 1059. 8.27g, 24mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone.

1,250

Ex German collection, formed in the early 2000s.

THRACE

140. Thrace, Abdera AR Stater. Dionysas, magistrate. Circa 395-360 BC. Griffin crouching to left, poised to pounce / Bearded and ivy-wreathed head of Dionysos to right, ΔΙΟΝΥΣΑΣ around; all within incuse square. May, Abdera 291 (same dies); C-N, p. 119, period VI; Jameson 2001 (same dies); HGC 3.2, 1183. 12.83g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Rare.

4,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 207, 15 October 2012, lot 105 (hammer: EUR 5,000).

Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 62, 1993

141. Thrace, Abdera AR Stater. Zenonos, magistrate. Circa 355 BC. Griffin balanced on hind legs to left, forelegs outstretched; [ABΔH] above / Hermes advancing to right, wearing petasos and chlamys, left hand held out with palm open; kantharos in right field. Weber 2378 (same dies); May, Abdera 447 (A301/P354); SNG Copenhagen -; Chryssanthaki-Nagle, p. 127, period VII and pl. 8, 8; Imhoof-Blumer, Monnaies Grecques. 6 (same obv. die); HGC 3.2, 1206. 10.72g, 22mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

Ex Vineyard Collection; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 106, 27 November 2001, lot 47; Ex Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 62, 20 April 1993, lot 68.

142

143

142. Thrace, Byzantion AR Drachm. Rhoimetalkes I with Augustus. Circa 10 BC. Diademed head of Rhoimetalkes to right; monogram of ΒΑ ΡΟΙΜΗΤΑΛ before / Bare head of Augustus to right; ΒΥΖΑΝΤΙΑ behind, monogram of ΚΑΙΣΑΡ before. RPC I 1775 (same dies); Schönert-Geiss, Byzantion, 1304 (V2/R2); Youroukova 169. 3.50g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 1,000 From the inventory of a German dealer. 143. Thrace, Maroneia AR Triobol. Circa 400-350 BC. Forepart of horse to left; A-N-Θ around / Grape bunch on vine; Μ[ΑΡ] to right, kantharos to left; all within incuse square. Schönert-Geiss 253-4 (V41/R47, unrecorded die combination); HGC 3.2, 1534. 2.86g, 13mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. 400 Ex Vineyard Collection; Ex Ponterio & Associates, Auction 104, 4 December 1999, uncertain lot #.

144. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Stater. Circa 412-404 BC. Bald-headed and nude Satyr in kneeling-running stance to right, carrying off protesting nymph; Α in right field / Quadripartite incuse square. Kraay-Hirmer 437; Gulbenkian 464; Le Rider, Thasiennes, 6; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 103; HGC 6, 334. 8.24g, 22mm. Extremely Fine; excellent high classical style.

2,500

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG. Thasos, a large island off the western coastal region of Thrace, gained its enormous wealth by virtue of its local silver mines as well as mines it controlled on the Thracian mainland opposite the island city-state. According to Herodotos (VI, 46), the city derived 200-300 talents annually from her exploitation of this mineral wealth. Additionally, Thasos gained much material wealth as a producer and exporter of high quality wines, which was tightly regulated by the government, and it was perhaps due to this trade in wine that her coinage spread throughout the Aegean making it a widely recognized and accepted currency in distant lands. The artistry of this coin is exceptional, and belongs to the very end of the 5th century BC before the end of the Peloponnesian War. Earlier didrachm staters struck to a local Thracian standard originally of 9.8 g and subsequently to 8.7 g are quite crude in style, portraying a vigorous and beastly satyr forcibly abducting a very unwilling nymph. By contrast the nymph on this coin seems to barely protest the abduction, and the satyr is imbued with almost wholly human qualities. The engraving is by a superior artist and is in a very lovely style, the head of the satyr reminding us of the miniature masterpieces from Katane in Sicily depicting a satyr’s head facing, while the head of the nymph here is strongly reminiscent of the head of the nymph found on the coins of nearby Neapolis in Macedon. There is no explanation in the relevant literature of the letters A, Σ, or Φ which sometimes appear in the obverse field of these later staters (they never appear on the earlier staters). They cannot be the signatures of the artists as the staters with the same letter often show a markedly different hand at work, so they most probably simply identify the magistrate responsible for the issue, a commonplace feature on other coinages from a number of mints during this and subsequent times.

145. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, 288/7-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, resting arm on shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕ[ΩΣ] to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, monogram to inner left and [monogram] to outer right. Thompson 200; Müller 540; HGC 3.2, 1750l. 17.19g, 30mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; attractive specimen with light toning and golden iridescence around devices. 350 From the inventory of a UK dealer.

146. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, 288/7-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, resting arm on shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left; monogram in inner left field and outer right field. Thompson 200; Müller 541; HGC 3.2, 1750l. 17.00g, 29mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; an attractive example with golden iridescence around devices. 500 From the inventory of a UK dealer.

147. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, 288/7-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, resting arm on shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left; kerykeion with handle in inner left field and monogram in outer right field. Thompson 198; Müller 107; HGC 3.2, 1750l. 17.26g, 31mm, 10h. Extremely Fine; slight double striking to reverse; attractive light cabinet tone. 500 From the inventory of a UK dealer.

148. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, 288/7-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, resting arm on shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left; kerykeion with handle in inner left field and monogram in outer right field. Thompson 198; Müller 107; HGC 3.2, 1750l. 17.33g, 29mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. 400 From the inventory of a UK dealer.

149. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Pergamon, circa 287/6-282 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, resting arm on shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, crescent in outer left field, cult image in inner left field, monogram in exergue. Thompson 218 var. (monogram); Müller -; SNG Copenhagen 1101; HGC 3.2, 1750m. 17.30g, 30mm, 12h. 500 Extremely Fine; golden iridescence around devices. From the inventory of a UK dealer.

Ex J. Schulman 209, 1939

150. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AV Stater. Uncertain mint (Amphipolis?), circa 280-270 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, resting arm on shield adorned with aegis, spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛYΣΙΜΑΧΟY crowned by Nike to left, monogram in inner left field. Müller 504; Thompson -; BM 1927,0506.1 (same dies). 8.47g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Previously NGC graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5 (#4283792-001).

6,500

Ex private Dutch Collection, acquired in 1999; Ex J. Schulman, Auction 209, 12 June 1939, lot G74.

151. Thracian Dynasts, Koson AV Stater. Circa 44-42 BC. Roman consul (L. Junius Brutus?) walking to left, accompanied by two lictors; KOΣΩN in exergue / Eagle with spread wings standing to left on sceptre, clutching laurel wreath in right talon. RPC I 1701B; BMC 2; HGC 3.2, 2049. 8.51g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Acquired from BAC Numismatics.

SKYTHIA

152. Skythia, Borysthenes EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Lion curled in foetal position / Two incuse squares with geometric patterns; incuse crescent on one side. Anokhin 150; H.S. Kim, ‘Electrum Ingot Hoard (2002)’ in SNR 83 (2004), A corr. (not modern); CNG 102, lot 173 (same dies and punches); HGC 3.2, 1840. 14.29g, 23mm. Good Very Fine; struck on a broad flan. Extremely Rare. 7,500 Ex property of Konstantin Barkovskiy; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIII, 23 March 2017, lot 206. Borysthenes was one of the earliest Greek settlements in the northern Black Sea region. Situated on modern-day Berezan island, Borysthenes was named after the river, the island itself being located at the entrance of the estuary. It appears to have been first established in the mid-7th century BC, and thrived on the wheat trade with the Skythian hinterland. By the end of the 5th century however it had been largely abandoned in favour of Olbia, which had become the dominant colony in the region. Early bronze arrowhead proto-money is well attested, and the extraordinary (and extremely rare) early electrum coinage, known only from staters and trites, was recognized by V. A. Anokhin (Ancient Coins of the Northern Black Sea Coast, Kiev, 2011), a scholar intimately knowledgeable with the region’s coinage, as being the product of a mint “that had previously only been known to produce bronze coinage and proto-coinage, one that is also at a geographically significant distance from other mints producing electrum” (CNG 102, 173), and accepted as authentic, despite having been initially received with scepticism by H. S. Kim (Electrum Ingot Hoard 2002 in SNR 83, 2004), largely due to the inflexibility of Kim’s own perspective; namely that he expected any electrum coinage of the region should conform metallurgically with that of Kyzikos, Mytilene and Phokaia. Not only are these cities very distant in geographical terms, but we know that the metal content of electrum varied significantly over time and from region to region; there was no logical reason for Kim to expect electrum from a remote outpost to match that of large poleis elsewhere.

153. Skythia, Olbia AR Stater. Circa 320-315 BC. Head of Demeter to left, wearing wreath of grain ears / Sea eagle standing to left on dolphin, with wings spread and head right; OΛBIO below. SNG Stancomb 361 (same obv. die); SNG BM Black Sea 436. 12.74g, 24mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 5,000 Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIII, 23 March 2017, lot 207.

Two Unpublished Types

154. Skythia, Tyras AR Drachm. Circa 330-310 BC. Veiled head of Demeter facing, turned slightly to left, wreathed with grain / [TYPA] above bull butting to right; ΔI in exergue. SNG Stancomb - ; SNG BM Black Sea -; SNG Moskau -; SNG Pushkin -; Zograph, Tyra -; Anokhin 20 var. (letters in exergue); HGC 3, 1954 var. (same). 5.91g, 18mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Apparently unpublished in the standard references with these control letters below. 1,500 From a private UK collection.

TAURIC CHERSONESOS

155. Tauric Chersonesos, Chersonesos AV Stater. City era 59 = AD 35/6. Diademed head of Chersonas to left; erect serpent to left / Maiden advancing to right, holding bow and arrow in left hand and preparing to cast spear held aloft in right; monogram ΠΑΡ over N in lower left field, θ in lower right field. Unpublished in the standard references, for similar types cf. RPC I, 1937-8 (city eras 71 and 73); RPC II, 480-1; Anokhin 1980, 215, 248-9; Zograph pl. 37, 13-15 (all different dates). 6.90g, 20mm, 7h. Fair / Very Fine; obv. weakly struck. Unpublished, and possibly unique. 4,000 From a private UK collection.

KIMMERIAN BOSPOROS

A Magnificent Example

156. Kimmerian Bosporos, Pantikapaion AV Stater. Circa 325-310 BC. Head of bearded satyr to left, wearing ivy wreath / Π-Α-Ν around griffin standing to left on grain ear, with forepaw raised and head facing, holding spear in its mouth. SNG Stancomb 547; Anokhin 116; MacDonald 68; SNG BM Black Sea 878; HGC 7, 24. 8.55g, 22mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

15,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant. Pantikapaion, founded by Milesians in circa 575 BC, was a small hub of trade and crafts until it became the capital of the Kingdom of Bosporos in around 480 BC. The Bosporan Kingdom appears to have coalesced from a defensive league established to counter the threat of Skythian tribes to Greek cities in the area. Pantikapaion seems to have been the obvious choice for a capital due to its favourable geographical features: strategically located on a hill, it also commanded a harbour east of the city which could hold up to 30 ships, thus allowing the city to maintain a naval force. Pantikapaion became both powerful and wealthy under its first dynastic rulers the Archaianaktidai. Dubbed tyrants by Diodorus (Diodorus Siculus, The Library of History, 12.31.1) probably because of their aggressive policy of expansion, the Greek Geographer Strabo disputed this view and described them instead as ‘equitable’ (Strabo, Geographica , 7.4.4). The Archaianaktid dynasty was in 438 BC usurped by a Hellenised family of Thracians, the Spartokids, and by the time this issue was struck in c. 325-310 King Pairisades I (344-310) ruled over a Bosporan Kingdom that had grown from a local hegemony to a large Hellenistic kingdom, extending from the Tauroi to the Caucasus. Pairisades continued to expand Bosporan influence, eventually expanding the kingdom more than even his father had in the Bosporan Expansion Wars; he became king of the Sindoi through strategic marriage to his cousin Komosarye, annexed the city Tanais, and subdued many tribes around the Maeotic Swamp. The only city in the Bosporan Kingdom to strike its own coinage until c. 450-425 BC, the mint at Pantikapaion was joined in time by those in Gorgippa and Phanagoria. Pantikapaion’s coinage was initially primarily silver in the fifth century, but as the city’s wealth and power grew, so did its coinage and golden staters such as the present example became a widely recognised product of the mint. The obverse figure, here described as a satyr, is identified by Sear (Greek Coins and their values,1978) as the god Pan, the connection being drawn no doubt from the city’s name, although it should be noted that the etymology of Pantikapaion is from a proto-Skythian language meaning ‘fish-path’ and makes no reference to the god. The griffin on the reverse of this coin is notable as it bears the head of a horned lion rather than the typical eagle head. The reason for this seems little discussed in literature and rarely is the distinction even noted. The prevalence of lions on the Pantikapaion coinage is presumably the reason; the facing head of a lion can be seen on much of the silver coinage of this mint and is assumed to be a symbol of Apollo, specifically the Milesian cult of Apollo at the Delphinion and at Didyma (Zograf, Antichnye Monety, Materialy i Issledovania po Arkheologii SSSR 16, 1951). The Milesian connection to the almost mask-like facing lion makes it likely that the die engravers for these distinctive staters syncretised the lion and griffin for their own purpose of developing a unique type that celebrated the city of Pantikapaion and the primary source of its wealth – the grain upon which the griffin stands.

Ex Rosen Collection

157. Kings of Bosporos, Rhoimetalkes AV Stater. Dated RY 431 = AD 134/5. ΒΑϹΙΛЄѠC ΡΟΙΜΗΤΑΛΚΟΥ, diademed and draped bust to right / Laureate head of Hadrian to right; AΛY (date) below. RPC III 916.10 (this coin); MacDonald 440/2; Anokhin 505a. 7.86g, 20mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; hairline flan cracks.

2,500

This coin published at Roman Provincial Coinage Online (rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk); Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection.

ARMENIA MINOR Descended from Herod I ‘the Great’

158. Kings of Armenia Minor, Aristoboulos, with Nero, Æ 8 Chalkoi. Nicopolis-ad-Lycum, or Chalkis, dated RY 13 = AD 66/7. BACIΛEΩC APICTOBOYΛOY ET IΓ, diademed and draped bust of Aristoboulos to left / NEPΩNI KΛAYΔIΩ KAIΣAPI ΣEBAΣTΩ ΓEPMANIKΩ in six lines within laurel wreath. Kovacs 299; RPC I 3839 corr. (year 8). 9.49g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

15,000

From a private German collection. Son of Herod of Chalkis and great-grandson of Herod I ‘the Great’, Aristoboulos hailed from the Herodian Dynasty of Roman vassal kings and in turn was granted the kingdom of Armenia Minor in AD 54 by the emperor Nero (Josephus ‘Antiquities’, XX.158). Though uncertain, his wife Salome is often identified as the young woman whom the New Testament relates danced for Herod the Great and, at the encouragement of her mother, received the severed head of John the Baptist in return (Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29). The martyrdom by beheading of John the Baptist is a holy day observed by various Christian churches, and a theme often seen in art, sculpture, music and poetry. A loyal client king of Rome, Aristoboulos supported the general Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo in the Roman-Parthian War of AD 58-63, receiving a portion of Greater Armenia as reward, and in AD 73 supplied troops to the governor of Syria, Lucius Caesennius Paetus, who had persuaded the new emperor Vespasian that Antiochos IV of Commagene was planning to revolt and side with Vologases I of Parthia. Aristoboulos’ decision to strike coins in only two years of his reign, years 13 (AD 66/7) and 17 (AD 70/1), as asserted by Kovacs, noted by Hendin (pg. 275), and proven by the clear date on a coin from the only other known issue of Aristoboulos, that which features dual portraits of himself and Salome (cf. Triton XIX, lot 277 and RPC I, 3840) is significant. The years AD 66 and AD 70 mark the beginning and end of the First Jewish-Roman War, as commemorated in the reverse of the present type which refers to Titus, whom Vespasian had left to suppress the revolt while he himself made his bid for imperial power. The two issues, struck at the beginning and end of the war, honouring first Nero and then Titus, probably therefore represent a public reaffirmation of Aristoboulos’ loyalty to his Roman patrons. Also king of Chalkis from AD 57 until his death in 92, whereupon the region was absorbed into the Roman provincial territories, a mint location in Chalkis has been cited as a possibility for the production of Aristoboulos’ coinage, though traditionally it has been noted as ‘presumably’ being from Nicopolis-ad-Lycum, where a specimen was acquired by F. Cumont c. 1900. Given the close proximity of Chalkis to the war in Judaea and the notable similarity in appearance and fabric of these coins to those of Chalkis, a mint location in Chalkis cannot be discounted.

159. Kings of Armenia Minor, Aristoboulos, with Salome, Æ 4 Chalkoi. Nicopolis-ad-Lycum, or Chalkis, dated RY 13 = AD 66/7. BACIΛEΩC A[PICTOBOVΛOV ET] IΓ(date), diademed and draped bust of Aristoboulos to left / [BACIΛICCHC CAΛOMHC], diademed and draped bust of Salome to left. Kovacs 300; RPC I 3840; Meshorer 365 var. (date); Hendin 1257a; Roma XIX, 404. 5.89g, 20mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From a private German collection.

The Third Known Example

160. Kings of Armenia Minor, Aristoboulos, with Salome, Æ 4 Chalkoi. Nicopolis-ad-Lycum, or Chalkis, dated RY 13 = AD 66/7. [BACIΛEΩC A] PICTOBOVΛOV ET IΓ (date), diademed and draped bust of Aristoboulos to left / BACIΛICCHC CAΛOMHC, diademed and draped bust of Salome to left. Kovacs 300; RPC I 3840; Meshorer 365 var. (date); Hendin 1257a; Roma XIX, 404. 5.89g, 20mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From a private German collection.

PONTOS

A New Mithridatic War Type

161. Pontos, ‘Areos’ Æ 15mm. Circa 88-65 BC. Male head (Perseus?) to right, wearing Phrygian-style helmet ending in griffin’s head / Humped Zebu bull butting to right on ground line; ΑΡΕΩΣ above, sunburst in right field. Unpublished in the standard references. 1.45g, 15mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; flan crack. Unique and unpublished, and of great numismatic interest.

500

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd. Areos can be translated from Greek as ‘of Ares’, and may have been applied to an unknown location or temporary camp in the Pontic area during the Mithridatic Wars of 88-63 BC. This would be similar to the appellation given in Athens to Πεδίον Άρεως (‘Field of Ares’), a term also present in Latin as the ‘Field of Mars’ , the military exercise area in the flood plain of the Tiber north of Rome. Alternatively, Areos may be an indication that this coin could have been issued by a mercenary band; the Mamertinoi in Sicily two centuries earlier had employed a similar legend “ΑΡΕΟΣ” on their coinage, also in conjunction with a bull reverse type. In either case, the issue was evidently extremely limited in size and must have served to fulfil only a localised or immediate expenditure. The obverse type is usually referred to as the helmeted head of the hero Perseus, inspired by the coinage Philip V and Perseus of Macedon and employed by the most of the Pontic mints allied to Mithradates during the wars against Rome. The reverse type depicts a sacrificial humped bull or Zebu which can also be seen on the reverse on the bronze coinage of the same period at Pharnakeia, while the sunburst is one of the most common astrological symbols used by Mithradates VI on much of his coinage.

PAPHLAGONIA

162. Paphlagonia, Amastris AR Stater. In the name of Queen Amastris, circa 300-285 BC. Head of Mên to right, wearing Phrygian cap adorned with laurel wreath; bow-in-bowcase behind / Aphrodite (Anahita) veiled and seated to left on throne against which leans a sceptre; Eros stands on her outstretched right hand, holding up wreath to bust of radiate Helios facing; ΑΜΑΣΤΡΙΟΣ to right, ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ to left. SNG Stancomb 728; SNG BM Black Sea 1297; F. de Callataÿ, Premier, p. 66, 8; HGC 7, 352. 9.77g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

BITHYNIA

163. Bithynia, Herakleia Pontika AR Stater. Timotheos and Dionysios, tyrants, circa 346-337 BC. Ivy-wreathed youthful head of Dionysos to left, filleted thyrsos over shoulder / [Τ]ΙΜΟΘΕΟΥ [Δ]ΙΟΝΥΣΙΟΥ, young Herakles standing to left, naked but for lion skin over left arm and sword in sheath, attaching spear to trophy consisting of helmet, round shield and cuirass; ram’s head between legs, club leaning against trophy. SNG Stancomb 817; SNG BM Black Sea 1607-1608; HGC 7, 496. 10.01g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

164. Kingdom of Bithynia, Prusias I Chloros AR Tetradrachm. Circa 238-183 BC. Diademed head to right / Zeus standing facing, head to left, holding lotustipped sceptre in left hand and wreath in outstretched right hand; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ to left, thunderbolt above two monograms to inner left. SNG Copenhagen 623; Jameson 1387 var. (monogram); BMC Pontus p. 209, 1-2 (same); HGC 7, 614. 17.01g, 34mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; struck on a large flan, and with lustre around the devices. Rare.

750

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 43, 3 February 2018, lot 177 (hammer: £1,300).

ASIA MINOR

An Unusual Pale EL Stater

165. Asia Minor, uncertain mint pale EL Stater. Circa 650-500 BC. Forepart of man-headed bull (river god[?]) to right / Two rectangular incuse punches with irregular surfaces. Unpublished in the standard references, cf. BMC (Miletus) 1 for similar standard issue (10.81g and only 2% gold). 10.73g, 21mm. Very Fine. Apparently unpublished in the standard references.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Unique and Unpublished

2x 2x 166. Asia Minor, uncertain mint EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 600-500 BC. Aiginetic standard. Tortoise seen from above(?) / Rough incuse square. Unpublished; cf. Rosen 247 (stater, Lesbos[?]). 0.61g, 7mm. Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished in the standard references.

300

From the inventory of a German dealer.

167. Western Asia Minor, uncertain mint EL 1/8 Stater. 6th century BC. Milesian Standard. Bull’s head to left with neck ending in beaded truncation / Irregular incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, cf. Elektron Collection, M&M 10, 6 (Unikum); for similar type and style silver issues cf. Rosen 378; SNG Copenhagen 357-8 and Künker 94, lot 1058. 1.75g, 11mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Two Unpublished Fractions 2x

168

169

168. Western Asia Minor, uncertain mint EL 1/48 Stater. 6th century BC. Milesian Standard. Spiral pattern / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, for similar type cf. Lanz 157, lot 162. 0.31g, 6mm. Very Fine. Apparently unpublished in the standard references. From the inventory of a German dealer.

250

169. Western Asia Minor, uncertain mint EL 1/48 Stater. 6th century BC. Milesian Standard. Spiral pattern / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, for similar type cf. Lanz 157, lot 162. 0.27, 6mm. Very Fine. Apparently unpublished in the standard references. From the inventory of a German dealer.

250

2x 2x 170. Western Asia Minor, uncertain mint EL 1/48 Stater. Circa 5th century BC. Bridled head of horse to left / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references; for similar, cf. Fischer-Bossert, Horses 30 (unbridled horse, incuse punch); cf. ATEC 245 = Rosen collection, M&M Basel 72, lot 108 (1/24 Stater). 0.30g, 6mm. Good Very Fine; light porosity.

300

From the inventory of a German dealer.

2x 2x 171. Western Asia Minor, uncertain mint AR Obol. Circa 5th century BC. Milesian standard. Head of bridled horse to left, neck ending in beaded truncation / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references; Naumann 62, lot 236 = Asia Minor Coins Online 14454 (Aeolis, Kyme); Asia Minor Coins Online 20; CNG 72, lot 226 (uncertain Thraco-Macedonian). 0.59g, 9mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

From the inventory of a German dealer.

IONIA

172. Ionia or Northern Greece, uncertain mint (Mylasioi in Pangaion?) EL Hekte. Circa 600-550 BC. Phokaic standard. Scorpion / Irregular incuse square. Elsen 124, lot 89 (same dies); Roma VII, lot 472 = Nomos 5, lot 183 = Gorny & Mosch 190, lot 245 = A. Tsintsifos, Perix Pangaion Epeiros, p. 161, 1 (same dies); cf. Leu 30, 1982, 173 (hemihekte of the same types). 2.74g, 12mm. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare - one of three known specimens, and of great numismatic interest.

2,000

From the Marnix Collection. It has been occasionally suggested that this remarkable type struck on the Phokaic standard may have been produced in the Thraco-Macedonian region, with the rough nature of the reverse incuse cited as evidence in favour of this proposition. Similarities to coins now understood to have been produced in this area lend credence to this idea; a similar scorpion appears on later silver coins (see the following lot) which is now attributed to northern Greece (previously attributed to Asia Minor). A. Tsintsifos, in his recent work ‘Perix Pangaion Epeiros’, proposes that the coins of northern Greek origin bearing the scorpion device should be attributed to settlers from Mylasa who arrived in the Pangaion region around the beginning of the 6th Century, probably with the Samians. If this should be the case, it is indeed likely that they would have struck coins bearing their native city’s devices, but on a weight standard that was more convenient to them for trade.

173. Ionia, uncertain mint EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 550-525 BC. Bridled forepart of Pegasos to left / Incuse square punch. Fischer-Bossert, Horses 25 (P23/ P23); M. Kerschner and K. Konuk, ‘The Artemision of Ephesus’ in White Gold: Studies in Early Electrum Coinage (2020), 17; Weidauer 145-6; Rosen 287-8. 0.60g, 6mm. Extremely Fine; unusually complete, the forepart of the wing is rarely visible on specimens of this type. Rare. From the inventory of a UK dealer.

300

Among the Finest Known

174. Islands off Ionia, Chios AR Tetradrachm. Circa 375-350 BC. Pherekles, magistrate. Sphinx seated to left, standing amphora surmounted by grapebunch before; all on raised circular disc / Quadripartite incuse square with vertical striations within each quarter; ΦEPEKΛHΣ across horizontal band. Baldwin, Chios -, cf. 62-78 (diff. magistrates); Mavrogordato Class β, 49 var. (this magistrate not listed); Pixodarus 32 = NFA 16, 214; HGC 6, 1116. 15.08g, 22mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine; excellent metal quality for the issue, and engraved in extraordinarily fine style. Extremely Rare, only the second known example bearing this magistrate’s name, and among the finest known specimens of the entire series. 15,000 Ex A.F. Collection, Germany, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 147. Chios was one of the original twelve member states of the Ionian League and was, at the end of the 7th century BC, one of the first cities to strike coinage, quickly establishing the Sphinx as its civic emblem. Chios’ ability to play a pivotal role in the League was made possible by the fact that it was one of the wealthiest cities in the world during the Archaic and Classical periods, prospering through maritime trade and the production and export of local wine. The Chians were very active in the establishing of overseas trading posts, most famous of which was Naukratis in Egypt, which has been shown by archaeological evidence to have had a prominent Chian presence. It appears that in the early Archaic period Chian traders were invested in the transit of goods between Asia Minor and mainland Greece, a trade that was centred on luxury items manufactured in the Near East which became popular in mainland Greece around this time, this being facilitated both by Chios’ favourable geographical position, and by possession of one of the largest merchant fleets in the region. Large-scale export of wine appears to have begun in the early 6th century, and the quality of this wine was particularly excellent, such that it quickly became renowned throughout the Greek world. By virtue of their existing trade connections, the Chians were able to easily promote this wine abroad and trade it on a comparatively large scale. Both of these pillars of the Chian economy are represented on the present coin type along with the principal device of the city. As the civic badge of the city, the sphinx is known to have been used on pottery stamps, coin weights, headings of official decrees and gravestones of Chians abroad, and as the principal device of their coinage it was employed for a period of approximately eight hundred years - a great span of devotion to their emblem that no other Greek city can match. Constantinos Lagos (A Study of the Coinage of Chios in the Hellenistic and Roman Periods, Durham PhD Thesis 1998) suggests that what may have begun as mere custom, might eventually have been enshrined in local law, such is the adherence to the design. Its significance is more difficult to discern. J. Mavrogordato (A Chronological Arrangement of the Coins of Chios, 1918) reasserted an old association of the Sphinx with the rites of Dionysos, which “with its hieratic attitude... as an attribute of Dionysus enjoining silence in respect of his mysteries, or as a guardian of the temple’s treasures, there is nothing of the commercial element about it.” Yet he acknowledges that with the addition of the amphora and the grapes, the “business interests of an essentially mercantile community were clearly brought into notice”, which suggests that if indeed the Sphinx ever held any religious significance, this was soon replaced with a notion of the sphinx acting as a guardian of Chian commercial interests, an association that later becomes clearer still with the permanent depiction of the sphinx with one paw raised protectively over a bunch of grapes, or an amphora, or the prow of a ship. This protective aspect of the sphinx is not well attested in mainland Greek mythology, but owing to the Chians close links with Egypt, it is likely that the Egyptian aspects of the sphinx as a protector were more recognised on Chios; the appearance of what has been called the ‘lock of immortality’ with Egyptian roots, rendered as a tendril or plume on very early Chian sphinxes lends weight to this theory.

175. Islands off Ionia, Chios AR Drachm. Circa 190-84 BC. Derkylos, magistrate. Sphinx seated to left; bunch of grapes in left field / Chian amphora, XIOΣ and cornucopiae to left, ΔΕΡΚΥΛΟΣ to right; all within circle of dots. Mavrogordato Period IX, 66γ; SNG Copenhagen 1562; SNG von Aulock 22782279; HGC 6, 1145. 3.77g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,500

Ex Auctiones AG, Auction 4, 26 November 1974, lot 145.

176. Ionia, Ephesos AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Dated CY 53 = 82/1 BC. Serpent emerging from cista mystica; all within ivy wreath / Two serpents entwined around bow and bowcase; quiver and strap above, NΓ (date) over EΦE in left field, torch in right field. BMC 165; Kleiner, Dated 54; DCA 325. 12.56g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; slightly off-centre rev.

100

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

An Unpublished Early Hemistater of Erythrai

177. Ionia, Erythrai EL Hemistater. Milesian standard. Circa 600-550 BC. Raised boss device (solar symbol) decorated with a raised lotus flower seen from above, consisting of an outer ring of eight pointed petals and an inner ring of eight rounded petals around a central pellet / Quadripartite incuse punch. Unpublished, but cf. BMC Ionia p. 2, 2, pl. I, 2 (uncertain mint) & p. 116, 1, pl. III, 12 (Erythrae?); cf. Traité I, pl. 3, 5; cf. Rosen 250; cf. Jameson 2292; cf. Svoronos pl. 16, 19-20. 7.11g, 14mm. Near Mint State; minor die break on obv. Unpublished, and possibly unique.

15,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer. The attribution of early electrum coins is notoriously difficult owing of course to the lack of inscriptions or defining attributes. In the present case however the likelihood of Erythrai being the issuing authority is quite high. The continuity of floral motifs at that mint, together with the fortunately recorded find-spot of the Rosen example (the Erythrai-Çeşme hoard of 1923 - IGCH 1184) make for a convincing argument. The lotus flower that appears upon the central boss is an element common to several large-denomination electrum types from uncertain mints attributed to Lydia or Ionia, all struck on the Milesian standard: the recumbent lion type (Rosen 245; NAC 72, 16 May 2013, 369), bull kneeling with its head reverted (Rosen 148), and two rampant lions upright on their hind legs with heads reverted and paws extended (Rosen 149). On all of these coins the lotus flower may initially appear incidental, though its commonality to all types indicates otherwise – it is evidently to be seen as the key element of the type that links all of these disparate designs. The lotus flower appears only sporadically in Greek mythology, though it had a deep rooted use in Egyptian art and legend, where it was taken as a symbolic representation of the sun on account of its physical behaviour: it closes at night time and descends into the water, rising and flowering again at dawn. In Egyptian creation myth, the lotus was the first thing to spontaneously form from chaos, and it was from the lotus that the sun itself was born on the first day. The eastern coastal areas of the Mediterranean in the sixth century BC had been for a long time familiar with Egyptian religious beliefs that spread as a consequence of trade and population dispersal; the lotus’ insinuation in its Egyptian meaning into Greek culture is evident in the lotus-tipped sceptre carried by Zeus on the coinages of Karia, Mysia and Kilikia (among others), being a legacy of the assimilation of an attribute of the major Egyptian solar deity Ra with the principal god of the Greek pantheon Zeus. The lotus’ appearance here as a polyvalent symbol can best be understood then in the context of assimilated Egyptian beliefs, representing at once both a solar and divine aspect, as well as a clear allusion to the minting city’s location. The prevalence of other solar symbols on the aforementioned types, in particular the horse (considered a solar symbol, not only throughout the East, but also among Celtic and Germanic tribes), the lion (ever associated with the sun and believed to be able to gaze at the sun without blinking) and of course sunbursts, being well understood to signify what we now refer to as Anatolia, which comes from the Greek Aνατολή (Anatolē) meaning the ‘East’ or more literally ‘sunrise’, used to refer to the Ionian colonies on the west coast of Asia Minor. Such preponderance of solar symbology is indeed only fitting for this metal, and is in fact an overt statement of the coin’s composition: ἤλεκτρον, the Greek word for electrum, is derived from the word ἠλέκτωρ (ēlektōr) - ‘shining sun’.

178. Ionia, Herakleia ad Latmon AR Tetradrachm. Circa 165-140 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Pegasos flying to right above the foreparts of five galloping horses / Club to right, HPAKΛEΩTΩN above, monograms to left and right of Nike advancing to left, holding wreath, below; all within oak wreath tied to the left. SNG Lockett 2823; SNG Kayhan 330; Pozzi 2452. 16.62g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; slight flatness to obv., rev. somewhat off-centre, attractive light cabinet tone.

1,500

Acquired from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd.; Previously purchased from Spink & Son Ltd.

179. Ionia, Herakleia ad Latmon AR Tetradrachm. Circa 140-135 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Pegasos flying to right above the foreparts of five galloping horses / Club to right, HPAKΛEΩTΩN above, monograms to left and right of owl below; all within oak wreath tied to the left. SNG Lockett 2824; SNG von Aulock 1977; Pozzi 2453. 16.83g, 35mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

Ex Phoibos Collection.

180. Ionia, Phokaia EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 625/0-522 BC. Head of seal to right, with ball in mouth / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em 2.1; Rosen 328; SNG von Aulock 1774. 0.65g, 7mm. Near Extremely Fine.

300

From the inventory of a Swiss dealer.

181. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 625/0-522 BC. Forepart of bull to right, head reverted; above, small seal to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 28; SNG von Aulock 2122; BMC 73-4; Boston MFA Supp. 175. 2.64g, 11mm. Good Extremely Fine. Rare, and in uncommonly high state of preservation. From the inventory of a UK dealer.

1,000

2x 2x 182. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Three seals swimming clockwise around central pellet / Incuse square punch. Bodenstedt Em. 29; SNG von Aulock 7940; Boston MFA 1895 = Warren 1666; Traité II 2090. 2.52g, 10mm. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

2x 2x 183. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of ram to left; below, small seal to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 37; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; Boston MFA 1896. 2.60g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

2x 2x 184. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Two seals, belly-to-belly, swimming in opposite directions / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 46; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 7941; Boston MFA -; Dewing 2302. 2.55g, 10mm Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

2x 2x 185. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of bull to left, small seal swimming upward behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 48 (unlisted dies); Boston MFA 1900 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -, cf. 1023; Jameson -. 2.50g, 10mm. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

From the inventory of a Swiss dealer.

2x 2x 186. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 478-387 BC. Siren, with female human head and the body of a bird, standing to left; small seal above, swimming downward / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em 61; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -. 2.56g, 11mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only four examples offered at auction in the past 20 years.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

An Extraordinarily Complete Example

187. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 478-387 BC. Head of Athena to left, wearing earring and crested Attic helmet adorned with Pegasos on the bowl / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 91; SNG von Aulock 2131-2; Boston MFA 1914 and 1927-8. 2.55g, 10mm. Good Extremely Fine; an extraordinarily complete example centrally struck on a broad planchet, with all details visible. From the inventory of a UK dealer.

750

188. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 478-387 BC. Female head to left, hair bound in sakkos and wearing pendant earring; behind, seal swimming downward / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 92; SNG von Aulock 2128. 2.53g, 10mm. Extremely Fine; excellent for the type. Very Rare.

750

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

189. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Head of Pan to left, wreathed in ivy; small seal swimming to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 97; SNG Copenhagen 1026; McClean 8255; Boston MFA 1924. 2.56g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. An excellent example of the type, which is rarely found in anything but very worn condition.

750

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 158.

Unique and Unpublished

190. Ionia, Priene AR Hemidrachm. 2nd-1st centuries BC. Diokles, magistrate. Diademed head of Zeus to right / Tripod, ΠΡΙΗ upwards to left, ΔΙΟΚΛΗΣ upwards to right; all within maeander border. Unpublished for type and magistrate in the standard references including Regling, Priene. 2.05g, 15mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Unique and unpublished.

150

From the inventory of a German dealer.

PHRYGIA

191. Phrygia, Apameia AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Circa 150-140 BC. Serpent emerging from cista mystica; all within ivy wreath / Two serpents entwined around bow and bowcase; ΠΑ monogram to left, elephant’s head to right. Kleiner & Noe Series 12, 28e; HGC 7, 654. 12.70g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; slight flatness to rev., attractive cabinet tone.

1,000

Ex Nomos AG, Auction 18, 5 May 2019, lot 180.

TROAS

Published by de Callataÿ, Ex M&M Basel 1970

192. Troas, Abydos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 80-70 BC. Iphiades, magistrate. Draped bust of Artemis to right, wearing stephanos, bow and quiver over shoulder / Eagle with wings spread standing to right; ABYΔHNΩN above, IΦIAΔOY below, radiate head of Helios to right with sun above in right field; all within laurel wreath. Callataÿ, Abydos, D34/R11.a (this coin); SNG München 32; SNG von Aulock 1453 (same obverse die). 15.61g, 29mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare.

3,500

This coin published in F. de Callataÿ, “Abydos sur Aesillas” in Essays Oeconomides (Athens, 1996); Ex Kleinkunst Collection; Ex Auctiones AG, Auction 8, 27-28 June 1978, lot 232; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 41, 18-19 June 1970, lot 155.

The Extremely Rare First Coinage of Tenedos

193. Islands off Troas, Tenedos AR Didrachm. Circa 550-470 BC. Janiform head, with female (Hera?) to left and bearded male (Zeus?) to right, sharing large disc earring with central boss / Labrys, topped with amphora; T-E-N-E around, all within dotted square border within incuse square. SNG Copenhagen 505; BMC 2 var.; NAC 54, lot 836 = CNG E-239, lot 135 (same dies); HGC 6, 378. 7.80g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

5,000

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

LESBOS

2x 2x 194. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of roaring lion to right / Incuse head of calf to left; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt Em. 12; SNG von Aulock 1687 and 7721; Boston MFA -; BMC 123; HGC 6, 937. 2.58g, 10mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

2x 2x 195. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of roaring lion to right / Incuse head of calf to right; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt Em. 13; SNG Copenhagen 301; SNG von Aulock 1685; HGC 6, 938. 2.53g, 10mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

2x 2x 196. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of roaring lion to right / Incuse head of calf to right; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt Em. 13; SNG Copenhagen 301; SNG von Aulock 1685; HGC 6, 938. 2.55g, 10mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a Swiss dealer.

2x 2x 197. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Gorgoneion facing, surrounded by snakes and with a protruding tongue / Incuse bearded head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress; neck truncation formed by two rows of small squares, four above and six below; behind head, incuse rectangle with irregular field. Bodenstedt Em. 19.1; BMC 14; SNG von Aulock 1691; HGC 6, 944. 2.57g, 11mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

2x 2x 198. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 454-428/7 BC. Youthful male head to right, wearing tainia / Wreathed and bearded male head to right within shallow square incuse. Bodenstedt Em. 52; SNG Copenhagen 325; SNG von Aulock 7730; HGC 6, 978. 2.51g, 11mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; slight flatness to rev.

1,000

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

2x 2x 199. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 412-378 BC. Head of female to right, hair in sakkos / Kithara within linear square frame. Bodenstedt Em. 79; SNG von Aulock 1731; HGC 6, 1005. 2.52g, 11mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. A beautiful and well centred example of the type.

750

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 182.

2x 2x 200. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Half length bust of a maenad to right, hair in sphendone / Race torch in linear square within shallow incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 92; SNG Copenhagen 320; BMC 122; Boston MFA 1744; Jameson 1478; Traité II 2219; Weber 5643; HGC 6, 1018. 2.53g, 11mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

Ex Weise Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020, lot 349; Ex T. Cederlind, Auction 155, 24 June 2010, lot 99.

MYSIA

2x 2x 201. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Forepart of lioness to left, devouring prey; tunny fish upwards behind / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG BnF 181; Greenwell 109; Rosen 436; cf. Von Fritze 41 (stater); Boston MFA 1416 (stater) = Warren 1534 (same); Jameson 2163 (stater). 2.66g, 12mm. Near Extremely Fine; double struck. Extremely Rare.

500

From the inventory of a Swiss dealer.

202. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of goat with long beard to left; tunny fish upward behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 48, pl. I, 49; Rosen pl. XI 184; SNG BnF 186; Boston MFA 1421 = Warren 1560. 16.09g, 20mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 610.

203. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of Athena to left, wearing Corinthian helmet; tunny fish downward behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 63; Greenwell 26; SNG BnF -; Boston MFA 1432 = Warren 1445; Gillet 1058; Jameson 2168; Gulbenkian II, 608. 16.14g, 20mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; in excellent condition for the type.

7,500

Ex A.F. Collection, Germany, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 214.

The Second Known

204. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of youthful Perseus to left, wearing winged helmet; tunny fish downwards behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Roma XX, lot 204 (same dies); Leu 7, lot 1227 (this coin); otherwise unpublished: Von Fritze -, cf. 65 (stater and hekte); SNG BnF -, cf. 193 (stater); Boston MFA -, cf. 1449 (stater); SNG von Aulock -, cf. 1186 (hekte); Jameson -, cf. 2169 (hekte). 1.29g, 9mm. Near Extremely Fine. The second known example in this denomination.

2,500

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

205. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Bearded archaic male head to left; tunny fish to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze 66 (stater); Greenwell 78; Boston MFA -; SNG BnF 194; BMC -; Gillet -; Gulbenkian -; Jameson 2170; Weber -. 2.66g, 13mm. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

2,500

Acquired from Nomos AG.

206. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested helmet, tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 67, pl. II, 20; Boston MFA 1447; SNG von Aulock 1184. 2.68g, 11mm. Near Mint State.

3,000

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

Among the Finest Known

207. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Half-length bust of Kore-Persephone to left, wearing kekryphalos headdress, round earring and longsleeved chiton, in her right hand holding a tunny fish by the tail, and raising a flower to her chin; bust truncation indicated by dotted line between parallel lines / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 75, pl. II, 30; SNG BnF 205; Boston MFA 1448 = Warren 1519. 16.15g, 19mm. About Extremely Fine, struck on a very broad flan. Very Rare, among the finest known specimens of the type.

12,500

Ex James Howard Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VII, 22 March 2014, lot 642 (hammer: £26,000). The winged figure on this coin of Kyzikos is most frequently simply described as a ‘winged female’, though on occasion numismatists have ventured to suggest that the depiction is that of a harpy, one of the mythical ‘snatchers’ who were sent by the gods to torment Phineos, the blind seer-king of Thrace, for his transgressions. Though in the Homeric poems the harpies are nothing more than the personifications of storm winds, Hesiod (c. 750-650 BC) described them as the daughters of Thaumas by the Oceanid Electra; fair-haired and winged maidens, who surpassed the winds and birds in the rapidity of their flight. Archaic pottery depicts them thus, in a manner that closely resembles the winged figures on the coins of Kaunos in Karia - see in particular Wagner Museum L164 – black figure clay vase. It was only later tradition that portrayed the harpies as hideous half-woman, half-bird creatures, a development resulting from a confusion of harpies with sirens. By the time of Aeschylus (c. 525-455 BC), this transformation was largely complete, though the harpy’s ‘beautiful’ image is still occasionally seen as late as 480 BC - see the J. Paul Getty Museum hydria/kalpis by Kleophrades, on which the harpies are rendered as young winged girls. The identification of the winged figure on this stater as a harpy is therefore possible, though other identifications are equally plausible. Iris, goddess of the rainbow, was depicted as a winged woman with a herald’s staff, as likewise was Nike, though the latter usually carried a wreath or palm. However, none of these beings was associated with flowers, which above all were an attribute of Aphrodite and Kore-Persephone. Only one parallel for the present type exists in surviving Greek art: the 5th century BC funerary stele now known as ‘The Exaltation of the Flower’, held in the Louvre. Carved in a similarly severe archaic style, the stele depicts two female figures holding up flowers; the left figure in a pose very similar to that shown on this coin. Those figures have been identified either as unknown mortals, or as Demeter and her daughter Persephone - the view favoured by its discoverer Léon Heuzey. The wings on our figure clearly identify her as a goddess though, and the flower is most likely the key to understanding her identity. Kore-Persephone, daughter of Demeter, therefore seems to be a logical choice: she was gathering flowers when Hades came to abduct her, and her return to earth each year was heralded by the blossoming of the meadows. Her overwhelming prominence on the later coinage of Kyzikos further strengthens the case for her depiction here. Regardless of her identity, the winged deity on this coin is rendered in exquisite detail, from her ornamented cap to her expressive face and crinkly chiton. The same treatment of the chiton can be observed in major art of the archaic period, for example in the east frieze of the Siphnian treasury at Delphi.

Engraved in Excellent Archaic Style

208. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Head of Silenos facing; tunny fish upward to either side / Quadripartite incuse square. CNG 75, 23 May 2007, lot 336; cf. Von Fritze 77 (fractions); SNG BnF -; Hurter & Liewald I, 77. 16.06g, 19mm. About Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, one of fewer than a dozen known examples, of which this is among the best.

17,500

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIV, 21 September 2017, lot 203. This spectacular coin features a bold facing portrait of Silenos engraved in excellent archaic style. The teacher and faithful companion of the wine-god Dionysos, Silenos was described as the oldest, wisest and most drunken of the followers of Dionysos, and was said in Orphic hymns to be the young god’s tutor. Originally a folkloric man of the forest with the ears of a horse (and sometimes also the tail and legs of a horse), Silenos was often depicted with thick lips and a squat nose, as is the case here, fat, and most often bald – though our Silenos may consider himself fortunate in that he sports a full head of hair. Unusual consideration has been given to symmetry in the composition of this type: though symmetrical designs do occur, as in the case of two eagles perched on an omphalos (v. Fritze 220) or the double bodied sphinx (v. Fritze 138) to name but two, this is one of a tiny minority of designs that incorporates two tunny fish for balance. Interestingly, it has been suggested that the head of Silenos on this coin very possibly served as the model for a silver issue of the slightly later Lykian dynast Teththiveibi (see BMC 88 and SNG Berry 1164). One of the principal myths concerning Silenos has him lost and wandering in Phrygia, rescued by peasants and taken to the Phrygian King Midas, who treated him kindly. In return for Midas’ hospitality Silenos regaled him with tales and Midas, enchanted by Silenos’ fictions, entertained him for five days and nights. When the god Dionysos found his wayward friend, he offered Midas a reward for his kindness towards Silenos, a blessing which the avaricious Midas squandered by choosing the power of turning everything he touched into gold. How fitting then, that we should see in this beautiful coin a faint reflection of that classic myth of the drunken but sage Silenos looking out at us across the millennia through this window of golden metal.

An Influential Military Archetype

209. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Corinthian helmet with large crest to left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 81, pl. II, 36; Gemini XIII, 60 = Hess-Divo 325, 211; Boston MFA -; SNG BnF -. 16.05g, 20mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only five examples in CoinArchives, and the most complete.

15,000

Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3071, 6 January 2019, lot 34038. The helmet type called ‘Corinthian’ is one of the most important and influential military archetypes in human history. Described by Fernando Quesada Sanz as one of the most aggressive looking helmets in history, the evolution of the immediately recognisable classical form can be traced to simple designs of the early seventh century BC, beaten from a single sheet of bronze, which covered the full head, leaving only the eyes and mouth exposed. Over time the design was made more elaborate: the cheek-guards lengthened, and decoration was frequently added around the eyes and bowl. Together with dyed helmet plumes, the features of this helmet were deliberately intended to de-humanise the wearer in the eyes of his opponent and contribute to an image of implacable hostility. However, the peripheral vision and hearing of the wearer were severely compromised by this design, making its use possible only within the phalanx formation since open order combat would have proven deadly thus encumbered. Weighing on average approximately two kilograms, the helmet was a critical element of the Greek hoplite’s panoply, an expensive heirloom often handed down from father to son. As a type, it is depicted on more sculpture than any other helmet pattern; it has often been suggested that it possessed a deep romantic associated with glory not only for Greeks (note the Corinthian helmet dedicated at the temple of Zeus at Olympia by Miltiades for the victory at Marathon), but later for the Romans also, who adapted the helmet into the Italo-Corinthian type that was designed specifically to be worn pushed back on the head in the ‘over the forehead’ position so often depicted in Greek art, and on the coinage in particular. As a standalone type however, such a design is exceedingly rare, with only a few parallels such as is found on the silver coins of Temesa in Italy. While it is tempting to look for a military reason behind the present issue, the likelihood is that it found artistic favour for its simple yet bold and striking appearance.

2x 2x 210. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Panther or lioness advancing to left with tail curled over back; tunny fish to left below / Quadripartite incuse. Von Fritze 86; SNG BnF 219-20; Boston MFA 1472; Jameson 2175; Rosen 464. 2.64g, 11mm. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

300

From the inventory of a Swiss dealer.

211. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Winged dog seated to left, head reverted to right; tunny fish to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 104; Greenwell 140; Boston MFA 1433; SNG BnF 245; BMC -; Gillet -; Gulbenkian -; Jameson -; cf. Rosen 485 (hekte); Weber 5019. 16.12g, 20mm. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 469, 3 June 2020, lot 96; Ex collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-90s, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVI, 26 September 2018, lot 278.

A Magnificent Depiction of Herakles

212. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Herakles, nude, in kneeling-running stance to right, holding club overhead and bow; behind, tunny upward / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 107 = Traité I 283 = BMC 27; Boston MFA 1462; Greenwell 65; SNG BnF 249 var. (hekte); NAC 100, 148 (hammer: 65,000 CHF); NAC 88, 407 (hammer: 47,500 CHF). 16.00g, 19mm. Extremely Fine; of superb archaic style. Extremely Rare.

20,000

From a private UK collection. The early Milesian foundation of Kyzikos on the isthmus of the Arktouros peninsula, protruding from the south-west coast of the Propontis, was ideally sited for its role as commercial intermediary par excellence at the centre of east-west trade. The earliest electrum coinage of Kyzikos with its characteristic ‘tunny fish’ emblem dates from about 550, and was based on the Phokaic weight standard of about 16.1g, the equivalent value to a Persian gold daric of 8.4g. They were contemporarily called Kyzikenes and the distribution of hoard finds makes it clear that it was the acceptable currency for trade between Thrace and the northern coasts of the Black Sea, and from Athens to Ionia, so much so that Kyzikenes are mentioned in Athenian inventories (cf. ACGC p. 261-2). This electrum coinage bears a wide variety of types, many of which are mythological or historical and types copied from contemporary Greek poleis from Magna Graecia to the Levant. Diverse in design and dynamic in composition, the staters of Kyzikos have ever been some the most desirable of ancient Greek coins. The present issue is distinguished by its fabulous archaic style and detail, perfectly encapsulating the eminent artistic aptitude of the Kyzikene engravers. Struck circa 500-450 BC, a period during which the city was subject to the authority of the Achaemenid Empire under Darius I and then Xerxes I, It features on its obverse the demi-god Herakles in the trademark crouching-advancing position often observed on Kyzikene coinage of the time (see, for instance, the ‘crouching satyr’ type, Roma Numismatics, Auction XX, 29 October 2020, lot 219) employed partly out of artistic convention, but also as an expedient that allowed for a more compact design. Herakles played an important role in the city’s mythic early ‘history’, as indeed he did in that of many Greek poleis. The legend related to us describes that whilst accompanying Jason and his Argonauts on their fabled mission to Kolchis to locate the Golden Fleece, Herakles and his companions landed on the island of the Doliones located in the Propontis (modern day Sea of Marmara). The eponymous local king of the region Kyzikos received the argonauts with generous hospitality and offered provisions for their perilous venture. The night of departure brought with it a storm however, which forced the company back to the Kyzikene coast. In the darkness, they were misidentified as raiding Pelasgians, resulting in a skirmish in which either Jason or Herakles killed King Kyzikos. When day broke, the Argonauts realized their tragic mistake and granted Cyzicus an elaborate burial.

Extremely Rare Centaur Type

213. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Bearded centaur advancing to left, head reverted, holding branch in both hands; below, tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 124; Greenwell 46 and pl. II, 24; Boston MFA -; SNG BnF 273. 2.72g, 11mm. About Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only four other examples present on CoinArchives, all in poor condition. From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

3,000

Facing Gorgoneion

214. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Facing gorgoneion with mouth open and tongue protruding, six serpents on top of head, another below each ear; below, tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 129, pl. IV, 15; Boston MFA 1445 = Warren 1492; cf. SNG von Aulock 7295 (hemihekte); SNG BnF -; Gillet -; Gulbenkian -; Jameson 2191; Rosen -; Traité II 2606; Weber 4972. 16.10g, 20mm. Extremely Fine; struck on a broad planchet, and among the finest known specimens. Extremely Rare.

15,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 626. While the origin or inspiration for many of the types used at Kyzikos is obscure or uncertain, the apotropaic design used on this type is very similar in style to those found on the silver coinage of Apollonia Pontika on the Black Sea coast of Thrace (Topalov 37-38ff), and certain issues from both Mytilene (Bodenstedt 19) and Phokaia (Triton XIX, 217). All were important trading hubs within a relatively short distance of Kyzikos; the latter’s strategic location on the main trade route would inevitably have meant close economic ties. Given that Apollonia Pontika utilised the gorgoneion as their principal reverse type, it seems likely that this would have been the primary source of inspiration for the present coin. Regardless of the stylistic origin of this stater, the use of the gorgoneion as an apotropaic (for averting evil influences or bad luck) symbol is well attested in Greek art from the Orientalising period in the eighth and seventh centuries BC, and it remained a popular protective convention until the advent of widespread Christianity, though even then its use persisted in the Byzantine empire. Widely employed on the coinage of Greek city states (no fewer than 37, as per A. Potts, ‘The World’s Eye’, 1982), the gorgoneion ranked in numismatic ubiquity only below several principal Olympian gods and Herakles. Its origin cannot be directly traced; though there is a similar monstrous image from the Knossos palace, datable to the fifteenth century BC, and and it has been argued (Marija Gimbutas, ‘The Living Goddesses’, 2001) that “the Gorgon extends back to at least 6000 BC, as a ceramic mask from the Sesklo culture illustrates”, this identification of a monstrous image as the traditional gorgoneion of myth cannot be supported. Gimbutas also identified the prototype of the gorgoneion in Neolithic art motifs, especially in anthropomorphic vases and terracotta masks inlaid with gold, however this approach fails to take into account a very widespread use of monstrous or otherwise frightening visages at a primitive human level, some of which inevitably accrue more complex mythologies around them. In the near east, the myth of the Mesopotamian monster Humbaba ‘the Terrible’ and its death at the hands of the hero Gilgamesh has some striking parallels with that of Medusa and Perseus, and both monsters are certainly depicted in very similar manners. However, while any attempt to imply a direct connection between the two is ultimately futile, we may certainly consider that the autonomous and indigenous European gorgoneion could have assimilated some aspects of its near-eastern parallel. Possibly our only clue to the evolution of the Greek myth lies in the work of Homer, who refers to the Gorgon on four occasions, each time alluding to only one gorgon, and just the head alone, as if it had no body. The implication is that the myth of the gorgon Medusa was not yet fully developed, and indeed it appears to have been left to Hesiod (Theogeny, c.700 BC) to imagine the Gorgons as sea daemons and increase their number to three.

215. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte. Circa 450-400 BC. Head of Attis to right, wearing ornamented Phrygian cap; [tunny fish below] / Quadripartite incuse square. Hurter & Liewald II, 142; Boston MFA 1523 var. (hekte); Greenwell 56, pl. III, 5 var. (stater & hekte); Von Fritze 142 var. (same); SNG BnF 291 var. (same). 1.28g, 9mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

From the inventory of a Swiss dealer.

216. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 450-350 BC. Perseus, nude but for helmet and cloak clasped at neck, crouching to right, head reverted to left, holding harpa in left hand, [head of Medusa] in right; [below, tunny fish to left] / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 162; Greenwell 74; Boston MFA 1549 = Warren 1491; SNG BnF 312; BMC -; Gillet -; Gulbenkian 648; Jameson 1422; Weber -. 2.64g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

From a private German collection.

217. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 450-350 BC. Lion to right, gnawing on the leg of a prey animal (or weapon?), its hoof held in his right paw and the upper part held in his mouth; below, tunny fish swimming to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 177 var. (stater); Greenwell 108 var. (same, weapon); Boston MFA 1502 (same); SNG BnF 322 (same); Gulbenkian 621 (same, weapon); Jameson 2204 (same); Hurter & Liewald II, 177; Callataÿ, F. ‘Prolegomen to a Die Study of Electrum Coinage of Cyzicus’ in ‘White Gold, Studies in Early Electrum Coinage’ 2020, p. 658. 2.69g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

218. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte. Circa 450-350 BC. Lion to right, gnawing on the leg of a prey animal (or weapon?), its hoof held in his right paw and the upper part held in his mouth; below, tunny fish swimming to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 177 var. (stater); Greenwell 108 var. (same, weapon); Boston MFA 1502 (same); SNG BnF 322 (same); Gulbenkian 621 (same, weapon); Jameson 2204 (same); Hurter & Liewald II, 177; SNG von Aulock 7313; Callataÿ, F. ‘Prolegomen to a Die Study of Electrum Coinage of Cyzicus’ in ‘White Gold, Studies in Early Electrum Coinage’ 2020, p. 658. 1.23g, 9mm. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

300

From the inventory of a Swiss dealer.

219. Mysia, Pergamon AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Circa 133-67 BC. Serpent emerging from cista mystica; all within ivy wreath / Two serpents entwined around bow and bowcase; AP and monogram above, civic monogram in left field, serpent-entwined thyrsos to right. Kleiner, Hoard 27; Pinder 104; SNG BnF 1729; SNG von Aulock 7479; SNG Copenhagen 427. 12.61g, 28mm, 12h. Mint State.

200

From the inventory of a German dealer.

220. Mysia, Pergamon AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Circa 85-76 BC. Serpent emerging from cista mystica; all within ivy wreath / Two serpents entwined around bow and bowcase; monogram and IE above, civic monogram in left field, serpent-entwined thyrsos to right. Kleiner 34; Pinder 109. 12.56g, 26mm, 1h. Mint State. Very Rare.

200

From the inventory of a German dealer.

221. Kingdom of Pergamon, Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Pergamon, circa 255-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos to right / Athena seated to left, left arm resting on shield, holding transverse spear, and crowning ΦIΛETAIPOY to left with wreath; A in outer left field, ivy leaf in inner left, and bow to outer right. Westermark Group V, (XXXII/-); SNG BnF -, cf. 1610-15 (placement of controls reversed). 16.97g, 29mm, 12h. Previously NGC graded AU★ 5/5 - 4/5. Near Extremely Fine; struck in high relief from dies of fine style, and with an attractive cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CCE Signature Sale 3054, 7 April 2017, lot 30077.

LYDIA

222. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Hemihekte. Sardes, circa 610-600 BC. Head of lion with open jaws to right facing [head of lion with open jaws to left]; [VALVEL] in Lydian script before / Incuse square punch. GRPC Lydia G19-20; Weidauer 111-112. 1.32g, 8mm. Very Fine. Rare.

350

From the inventory of a German dealer.

223. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite - 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 600-561 BC. Head of roaring lion to right, sunburst with five rays on forehead / Two incuse square punches. GRPC Lydia G25; Weidauer 88-89; ATEC Group D, 14-19. 4.72g, 13mm. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

224. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite - 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 600-561 BC. Head of roaring lion to right, sunburst with five rays on forehead / Two incuse square punches. GRPC Lydia G25; Weidauer 88-89; ATEC Group D, 14-19. 4.75g, 14mm. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

3x 3x 225. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AV 1/24 Stater. Heavy standard. Sardes, 550-520 BC. Confronted foreparts of roaring lion to right, with extended foreleg, and bull to left / Incuse square. GRPC Lydia G57; Berk 14; Klein 562; Carradice 5. 0.40g, 6mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

KARIA

2x 2x 226. Satraps of Karia, Hekatomnos AR Hemiobol. Circa 395-377 BC. Forepart of lion to right, head reverted to left / Forepart of lion facing; trident head below. Traité II -; SNG Kayhan -; SNG Keckman 837-40; SNG von Aulock 1819 (Miletos); SNG Copenhagen -. 0.48g, 8mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine; slightly porous. Rare.

150

From the inventory of a German dealer.

227. Karia, Kaunos AR Stater. Circa 430-410 BC. Iris running to left, head reverted to right, holding kerykeion in right hand and wreath in left / Triangular baetyl with handle on either side of the apex, granulated patterns in the form of stylised birds to left and right; all within incuse square. Konuk Period IV, 93 (O35/R34) = SNG Keckman 823 (same dies). 11.65g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

Ex A.F. Collection, Germany, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 262. Beginning as a crude triangular punch mark, then shown as a central device with horn-like tags, and eventually evolving into the depiction with handles as seen on this coin, it was originally thought that the reverse type seen here was possibly a relief map similar to those found on some issues of Ionia, or simply a patterned incuse design. However, as explained by Konuk (‘The Early Coinage of Kaunos’, in Price Essays, pp. 197-223) it is now known to be the triangular baetyl, or sacred stone, that was venerated in the city. During excavation of an unusual round building near the harbour of Kaunos in 1991, a conical piece of limestone broken into two parts was discovered. Standing at the very centre of this building and dug into the ground to about half of its full height, it appears that this sacred stone was the sole object of worship for a cult established in the fifth century, and thus is very likely the exact baetyl depicted on the coinage of the city. Baetyls such as that at Kaunos were often meteorites, and thus to the ancients had been sent by the gods and required veneration. Iris, seen here on the obverse, was the goddess of the rainbow and the messenger of Hera (two roles possibly conflated because the rainbow seems to connect the earth and the sky), and thus a very fitting deity to appear on the coinage of a city that had received a physical message from above.

228. Karia, Kaunos AR Stater. Circa 410-390 BC. Iris running to left, head reverted to right, holding kerykeion in right hand and wreath in left / Triangular baetyl, inverted Δ and Γ across upper fields; all within incuse square. Konuk Period V, 114ff; SNG von Aulock 2350 = Jameson 1601. 11.65g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

229. Karia, Kaunos AR Stater. Circa 410-390 BC. Iris running to left, head reverted to right, holding kerykeion in right hand and wreath in left / Triangular baetyl, inverted Δ and Γ across upper fields; all within incuse square. Konuk Period V, 114 (O53/R54); SNG von Aulock 2350 = Jameson 1601 (same dies). 11.58g, 24mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Apollo to Apollo Collection.

230. Karia, Kaunos AR Hemidrachm. Pharos, magistrate. Circa 166-100 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Sword in sheath; ΦΑ−ΡΟC (magistrate) above K-AV (ligate) across fields, grape bunch in lower right field. SNG Kayhan I 803; SNG Keckman 83; Ashton in RBN CXLV (1999), 29. 1.09g, 12mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone. Rare.

500

From the inventory of Agora Numismatiek.

231. Karia, Knidos AR Diobol. Circa 500 BC. Head of roaring lion to right / Archaic head of Aphrodite to right, with her hair bound with fillet and falling down behind; all within incuse square. BMC 8 var. (hair straight rather than in curls); Cahn 3.2 (V1/R3); SNG Copenhagen 249 -250. 1.78g, 11mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

232. Karia, Knidos AR Diobol. Circa 500 BC. Head of roaring lion to right / Archaic head of Aphrodite to right, with her hair bound with fillet and falling down behind; all within incuse square with a border of pellets. BMC 9 (same dies); Cahn p. 19, pl. 1, 1 (V1/R1); SNG Kayhan 817; SNG Copenhagen 249 -250. 1.78g, 11mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; die break to reverse. Rare.

300

From the inventory of a German dealer.

The Diskobolos

233. Karia, Kos AR Triple Siglos. Circa 480-470 BC. Diskobolos, nude, hurling diskos to right; tripod to left, KOΣ to right / Crab within diagonally divided incuse square. Barron, Diskoboloi in Essays Robinson, group A, 10a (same dies); BMC 8, pl. XXX, 4; Boston MFA 2014; Traité II 1737, pl. 148, 10. 16.41g, 23mm, 10h. Good Fine. Extremely Rare.

10,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 638; Ex collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s. Of a style akin to the archaised figural representations on pottery (such as can be seen on a kylix in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts 01.8020), this depiction of a diskobolos exemplifies the skill of numismatic imagery at Kos towards the end of the Archaic and the beginning of the Classical period, as it points to a desire on the part of the die-engraver to attempt a novel and challenging type which required an understanding of movement and symmetria but was limited to the surface of a coin. The success of the die-engraver to capture the moment at which the athlete is about to turn about and release the discus is perhaps not recognised by modern viewers (in the eighteenth century the type was interpreted as Apollo dancing with a tambourine), but it is likely that the die engraver chose this particular pose having been inspired by a statue of a diskobolos made in the early fifth century possibly by Pythagoras of Rhegion, a precursor to Myron’s famed Diskobolos. Known as the Ludovisi Diskobolos, two Roman copies of this statue have been discovered which portray the exact same moment as depicted on this coin: one is a herm in the Ludovisi Collection in the Museum Nazionale Romano in Rome, the other is a torso in the Archaeological Museum at Side. These incomplete copies demonstrate an outstanding naturalism of the stretch of the torso muscles as the diskobolos lifts the discus above his head, paused forever in a remarkable moment of athletic tension and fate, an effect that is also achieved on this obverse type, which has the same sense of captivated momentum and includes in the background the prize for which this athlete is competing, a tripod. Discussion about the origin of this type has centred on whether or not it commemorates the athletic contests held for the festival of Apollo at Triopion on the Knidian peninsula (see Herodotus, Histories 1.114) during which athletes would compete for bronze tripods and then dedicate them to the temple of Apollo at the site. The possibility that the coin was struck in direct association with the games, in a similar way to the coinage of Elis struck only for the Olympic games, is unlikely, however; it must be noted that Kos chose to produce this type as a triple siglos rather than a smaller denomination suggesting that it carried significant connotations with the city. Since none of the other Doric cities minted any coins for this festival, a more likely suggestion is that the coin could therefore relate to prestigious local games at Kos which are unattested elsewhere. During this period, a great emphasis on individual athletes winning glory for themselves and their cities was apparent in the development of a new form of poetry called epinikion (literally meaning ‘on victory’). This style of poetry highlights the attitude of the spectators and the civic importance of athletic contests. It shows that the games were more than just for sport, they tied in with the identity of the community and what it meant to be the best among others: “In such a way, amid the vast circling crowd of the Greeks, did he display his marvellous body, hurling the wheel-shaped discus, and raise a shout from the people as he flung the shaft of the dark-leaved elder-tree from his hand into the steep sky. He executed the flashing movement of wrestling, and brought strong-limbed bodies down to the earth with such high-spirited strength, then returned to the dark-whirling waters of the Asopus, whose fame has reached every land, even the farthest reaches of the Nile.” (Bacchylides, Ode 9.30-41) Regarding the dating of this coin, an Athenian decree prohibiting allied minting would certainly have provided an end to coinage at Kos however, since the dating of this decree itself has been subject to debate, an exact date for this coin is difficult. As Barron notes, we are further restricted by the lack of hoard and overstrike evidence (see The Fifth-Century Diskoboloi of Kos in Kraay-Mørkholm Essays). Further, the similarity of this coin to the Ludovisi Diskobolos is similarly unreliable for dating the coin since we cannot be certain that the similarity between the poses points precisely to one appearing before the other. Therefore, the diskobolos triple-sigloi are not only among the rarest but are also some of the most exceptional Greek coins produced in the early fifth century due to their attempt to depict on a coin a challenging and novel subject in a style not seen on earlier coinage. They are also fascinating as the precise details of their purpose and date remain unanswered.

RHODOS

2x 2x 234. Rhodos, Kamiros EL 1/12 Stater. Circa 500-460 BC. Aiginetic Standard. Fig leaf / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references in this denomination, for type cf. HNO 1234; BMC 1; SNG Copenhagen 710; HGC 6, 1379 (1/24 Stater). 1.20g, 11mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

2x 2x 235. Rhodos, Kamiros EL 1/16(?) Stater. Circa 500-460 BC. Aiginetic standard. Fig leaf / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references; for type, cf. HNO 1234; BMC p. 223, 1; HGC 6, 1379. BMC p. 223, 1; HGC 6, 1379 (1/24 Stater). 0.69g, 8mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer. 2x

236

237

236. Rhodos, Kamiros EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 500-460 BC. Aiginetic standard. Fig leaf / Rough incuse square. HNO 1234; BMC 1; HGC 6, 1379. 0.55g, 7mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare. 1,000 From the inventory of a German dealer. 237. Rhodos, Kamiros EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 500-460 BC. Aiginetic standard. Fig leaf / Rough incuse square. HNO 1234; BMC 1; HGC 6, 1379. 0.58g, 7mm. Very Fine. Very Rare. 500 From the inventory of a German dealer.

2x 2x 238. Rhodos, Kamiros EL 1/32 Stater. Circa 500-460 BC. Aiginetic standard. Fig leaf / Incuse square with uncertain design in relief. Unpublished in the standard references; cf. HNO 1234 (1/24 stater); cf. BMC 1 (same); cf. HGC 6, 1379 (same). 0.36g, 6mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; unpublished and possibly unique.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

239. Rhodos, Kamiros AR 1/3 Stater. Circa 500-560 BC. Aiginetic standard. Fig leaf / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, for type cf. HNO 369; BMC p. 224, 8-9; HCG 6, 1385 (Drachm). 3.63g, 14mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; no other examples on CoinArchives and possibly unique.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

240. Rhodos, Kamiros AR Obol. Circa 500-460 BC. Aiginetic standard. Fig leaf / Rough incuse square. SNG Keckman 323-4; cf. BMC p. 224, 10; HCG 6, 1390 (Tritemorion). 0.65g, 8mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

From the inventory of a German dealer.

241. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Drachm. Circa 88/42 BC-AD 14. Unsigned. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to left / Rose seen from above; corn ear downwards to left, palm branch to right below, P to right. Ashton-Weiss 91 (A22/P90); HGC 6, 1456. 4.33g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; slight flatness to both sides, bright and lustrous.

500

From the Kleines Meisterwerk Collection.

242. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Drachm. Circa 88/42 BC-AD 14. Philiskos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to left / Rose seen from above; ΦΙΛΙΣΚΟΣ above, P-O across fields, corn ear below. Ashton & Weiss 136 (A35/P134); HGC 6, 1456. 4.00g, 19mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

243. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Drachm. Circa 88/42 BC-AD 14. Meikion, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose seen from above; MEIKIΩN above, P-O across fields, winged kerykeion below. Ashton & Weiss 295 (A98/P287); HGC 6, 1456. 4.13g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State. Extremely Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

244. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Drachm. Circa 88/42 BC-AD 14. Meikion, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose seen from above; MIKIΩN above, winged kerykeion to left, P-O below. Ashton & Weiss -, cf. 295 (unlisted dies, Meikion); Roma XIX, 549 (same obv. die, same spelling of magistrate); HGC 6, 1456. 4.08g, 21mm, 9h. Mint State; minor marks. Very Rare; Ashton & Weiss cite only one example for this magistrate. From the inventory of a German dealer.

500

LYKIA

245. Dynasts of Lykia, uncertain dynast AR Stater. Uncertain mint, circa 520-480 BC. Head of roaring lion to right / Incuse square with radiating lines. Müseler I,1 - I,2. 9.30g, 18mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

246. Dynasts of Lykia, uncertain dynast AR Stater. Uncertain mint, circa 520-480 BC. Head of roaring lion to left / Incuse square with radiating lines. Müseler I, 3. 9.25g, 18mm. 1,000

Very Fine. Very Rare; only three other examples in CoinArchives. From the inventory of a German dealer.

247. Dynasts of Lykia, uncertain dynast AR Stater. Uncertain mint, circa 520-480 BC. Head of boar to right / Incuse square with radiating lines. Müseler I, 8-9. 9.28g, 18mm. 1,000

Very Fine. Very Rare, only two other examples in CoinArchives. From the inventory of a German dealer.

248. Dynasts of Lykia, Perikles AR Stater. Circa 380-375 BC. Head of Perikles three-quarters facing, turned slightly to left, wearing laurel wreath and drapery around neck / Warrior, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, in fighting attitude to right, holding sword aloft in right hand, shield on left arm; Π↑PEKΛ↑ F↑𐊛ΞT↑I𐊚 (‘Perikle - Wehñtezẽ’ in Lycian) around, triskeles to lower right; all within shallow incuse square. Mildenberg, Mithrapata, 21 and pl. 4, 20 and 22 (same dies); Müseler VIII, 35 var. (same obv. die, but diff. rev. symbol); N. Olçay & O. Mørkholm: The Coin Hoard from Podalia, in: NC 1971, 407 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 4249 (same dies). 9.91g, 25mm, 7h. About Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

5,000

This coin published in H.B. Andersen, Apollo to Apollo: The Hunt for the Divine and Eternal Beauty (2019); From the Apollo to Apollo Collection; Acquired from Thierry Parsy, Paris, 25 March 2009.

PAMPHYLIA

249. A Counterfeiter’s Obverse Die for a Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 5th century BC. Negative impression: Helmeted, nude hoplite advancing to right, holding shield and spear. For prototype, cf. SNG BnF 1-13. 93.00g, 17mm x 28mm. Condition as seen. A highly interesting and well-preserved die face.

2,000

From the inventory of a European dealer.

250. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 465-430 BC. Helmeted, nude hoplite advancing to right, holding shield and spear; tortoise to right between legs / Triskeles; EΣ and tortoise above; below, lion leaping to left; all within incuse square. SNG BnF -; SNG von Aulock 4484; SNG Copenhagen -; Roma E-LIVE 4, lot 337. 10.95g, 21mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

300

From the inventory of a German dealer.

251. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 465-430 BC. Helmeted, nude hoplite advancing to right, holding shield and spear; superimposed astragalos shape contained within raised edges beneath legs / Triskeles, EΣT above; below, lion crouching to left; all within incuse square. Roma E-52, lot 313; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG BnF -, cf. 13 for rev. type; SNG Von Aulock; - Traité -. 11.00g, 23mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Overstruck on a Stater of Side

252. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 460-420 BC. Helmeted, nude hoplite advancing to right, holding spear and shield / Triskeles; ΕΣ-T-F(retrograde) around; all within incuse square. CNG e429, lot 168; rev. unlisted in the standard references, for general type cf. SNG Copenhagen 153-179. 10.80g, 23mm, 1h. Mint State; overstruck on a stater of Side (cf. Nomos 19, 170 - same dies).

300

From the inventory of a German dealer.

253. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue in the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Dated CY 21 = 192/1 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, AΣ KA in two lines in left field. Price 2900; DCA 312. 16.82g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; well centred.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

254. Pamphylia, Side AR Tetradrachm. Circa 183-175 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing to left, holding wreath; pomegranate to left, ΣI monogram and H in left field. SNG BnF 708-712; SNG von Aulock 4792 var. (no H). 16.88g, 29mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

CILICIA

255. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 425-410 BC. Nude youth, holding whip, dismounting from horse rearing to left; A below / Goat kneeling to left, head reverted; KEΛEN and ivy branch above. Kraay, The Celenderis Hoard, NC 1962, 4b (same dies); SNG BnF 53; SNG von Aulock 5617 (same dies). 10.88g, 21mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

The Second Known Example

256. Cilicia, Mallos AR Stater. Circa 425-385 BC. Beardless and winged male deity in kneeling-running stance to right, head facing, holding solar disc with both hands / Swan flying to right; MAP above. SNG Levante 126 = SNG von Aulock 5706 = CNG MB 66, 551 (same dies); SNG BnF -; Casabonne, MIMAA -. 10.82g, 23mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; the second known example.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

257. Cilicia, Mallos AR Obol. Circa 385-333 BC. Head of Herakles to left, wearing lion skin headdress / Swan standing to left, head to right, on barley grain; MA above. Göktürk 33; SNG BnF 384; SNG Levante 161. 0.34g, 7mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; undoubtedly one of the best preserved specimens of the type.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

One of Three in Private Hands

258. Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater. Circa 440-400 BC. Horseman (Syennesis?) riding to left, wearing kyrbasia, holding lotus flower in right hand and reins in left, bow in bowcase on saddle; ankh symbol below horse / Two Persian soldiers, standing vis-a-vis, each holding spear, with bow in bowcase over shoulder; Aramaic legend ‘TRZ’ between, letters ‘L R’ before right hand figure. BMC -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG BnF -; SNG Levante -; Traité II, 526, pl. CVI, 6 = Casabonne Type D1, pl. 2, 9 = Hunterian p. 546, 3 and pl. LX, 6; MIMAA -. 10.58g, 21mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Of the greatest rarity, apparently only the fourth known example, one of just three in private hands.

1,000

Ex collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s. Babelon considered the two figures on the reverse of this coin to be “deux rois de Perse”, noting that J. P. Six (NumChron 1884, p. 155) identified them as soldiers, but countering this description with the observation that they both wear ‘le costume royal’. In fact, as shown on the ‘Relief of the Immortals’ at the Apadana Palace, Persepolis, their attire may be considered to be generic, and not necessarily indicative of any special status. While probably not simply representing the frontier guards of Syria and Cilicia as suggested by Six, the type likely does hold some military significance. Certainly, the Syrian Gates (the Belen pass) were of great strategic importance, as attested first-hand by both Xenophon and Alexander the Great. However, garrison of this natural choke-point would logically fall not to Cilicia, whose territory one would have to pass through before reaching the gates, but to the forces of the satrapy beyond. Indeed Xenophon informs us that they were guarded by a garrison of the King’s troops. The Cilician Gates (a pass through the Taurus Mountains connecting the low plains of Cilicia to the Anatolian Plateau) which were of no less importance were guarded by the Cilician troops of the Syennesis, local ruler of Cilicia, and could well be represented here, but in this case it is quite an oblique reference. The paucity of surviving specimens suggests that this issue, along with the other related types of the period, was perhaps either a payment for the services of a small group of mercenary Greek soldiers (for the native Cilician troops would not themselves be paid by their overlords) or part of a tribute which was later melted down into bullion again almost entirely, leaving only a couple of surviving specimens.

259. Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater. Circa 440-400 BC. Horseman (Syennesis?) riding to left, wearing kyrbasia, holding lotus flower in right hand and reins in left, bow in bowcase on saddle; key symbol below horse, eagle(?) standing to left behind / Archer in kneeling-running stance to right, quiver over shoulder, drawing bow; two tripartite floral ornaments over key symbol behind, Aramaic ‘TRZ’ before, all within dotted border within incuse square. BMC -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Levante -; SNG BnF -, cf. 213 for types = Casabonne Type D2, pl. 2, 10 = MIMAA pl. V, 6 = Traité II, 523. 10.60g, 20mm, 1h. About Extremely Fine.

300

From the inventory of a German dealer.

CYPRUS

260. Cyprus, uncertain mint AR Stater. Circa 520-500 BC. Persic standard. Head of roaring lion to right / Incuse square of rough lines. Cf. ACGC 1099 = Sear GCV 3604; cf. ATEC 628 = Demanhur Hoard, Dressel & Regling ZfN 1927, 133; cf. Tziambazis 146 = BMC p. xlvi, II, pl. 25, 11; cf. Traité I 964; cf. SilCoinCy A7005 = ANS 1964.155.1; cf. Rosen 743-4. 10.60g, 18mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

261. Cyprus, Paphos AR Stater. Uncertain king, circa 480 BC. Man-headed bull (river god Bokaros) reclining to right, head turned to left / Astragalos. Destrooper-Georgiades -; Zapiti & Michaelidou -; Tziambazis -; Traité II -; cf. BMC 1; cf. Jameson 2334; cf. Masson and Amandry pl. I, 3-4; cf. Weber 7701; cf. De Luynes 3006. 11.11g, 23mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

262. Cyprus, Paphos AR Stater. Stasandros, circa 425 BC or later. Bull standing to left; winged solar disk above, ankh to left, palmette ornament in exergue / Eagle standing to left; one-handled vase to left, ‘pa-si sa-ta-sa’ in Cypriot script around; all within dotted square in incuse square. DestrooperGeorgiades 15; Tziambazis 7; Traité II 1291 = BMC 17; SNG Copenhagen 26; ACGC 1089. 11.04g, 26mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Very Rare; one of the finest and most complete examples offered at auction in the past two decades. 7,500 From the collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s, outside of Cyprus prior to December 1992. Paphos is a city of great antiquity, occupied since the Neolithic period, and venerated as the place where Aphrodite came to shore after rising from the sea; the grove and altar at Paphos are mentioned in the Odyssey (viii.362). As with all of the early Cypriot coinage, the chronology of the kings (whose names are frequently not given in full, and even then only in Cypriot syllabic) of Paphos is far from certain. However, in a thorough analysis of this mint and inscriptions, A. Destrooper-Georgiades proposes a sequence of kings based on the available numismatic evidence which securely places Onasioikos prior to the reign of Stasandros, (Le monnaies frappées à Paphos (Chypre) durant la deuxième moitié du Ve siècle et leur apport à l’histoire de l’île” in Proceedings of the 12th International Numismatic Congress, Berlin 2000, pp. 194-8), who is in turn succeeded by at least two other kings, Mineos and Zoalios, who are known to history only from their inscriptions on re-engraved coins of Stasandros. The evidence presented by Destrooper-Georgiades demonstrates with a high degree of probability that the issues attributed to Onasioikos bearing the flying eagle reverse (generally dated to 400 BC without supporting evidence) are in fact an earlier issue of the same king named on the present type, and that his flying-eagle coinage should clearly be redated to before the reign of Stasandros. The archaistic appearance of Onasioikos’ flying-eagle type weighs heavily in favour of this, since a backwards step from classical style to archaic is counter-intuitive. Furthermore, the style of the standingeagle reverse type of Onasioikos is so similar to archaic style issues of Stasandros that it appears to conclusively demonstrate that Onasioikos was his immediate predecessor, since the latter retained the same types for his first coinage. This theory is supported by the difference in style between the issues of Stasandros: the ‘earlier’ issue being distinctly archaic in appearance, while the ‘later’ issue is more classical in style. Destrooper-Georgiades also proposes a revised dating of circa 450 BC for the flying-eagle type of Onasioikos, and a period from the mid-fifth century to the first decades of the fourth century for the standing-eagle coinage of Onasioikos, Stasandros, Mineos and Zoalios.

One of the Finest Known Staters of Evagoras

263. Cyprus, Salamis AR Stater. Evagoras I, circa 411-374 BC. Head of bearded Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress, Cypriot script before / Goat with long horns and beard lying to right on dotted ground line; combined Greek and Cypriot letters around. BMC 55 var.; Boston MFA 2144 var.; Tziambazis 113 var. 10.87g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; remarkably well struck and preserved for this type. Very Rare.

7,500

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction V, 23 March 2013, lot 438. Coinage commenced in Cyprus around 525 BC, with the city of Salamis minting a primitive currency which from its earliest days featured the type of a ram lying down on its obverse. This design would remain common on the coinage of Salamis, implying that the region’s economy was heavily reliant on goat herding. Interestingly, in these early days the reverse was blank and flat, without even a punch mark. In this respect the coins of Salamis differ significantly from those of Greece or Asia Minor. Evagoras I, the greatest king of Salamis, claimed descent from Teukros, son of Telamon and half-brother of Ajax. Having failed to avenge his brother’s death, Teukros was thus prevented from returning home from the Trojan war and supposedly settled in Salamis, becoming the mythical founder of the city. But Evagoras was born under the rule of the Phoenician usurpers, and according to Isokrates, was so possessed of “beauty... strength... manly courage, wisdom and justice” that “one of the princes, starting a conspiracy, slew the tyrant and attempted to arrest Evagoras, believing that he would not be able to retain the rule himself unless he should get him out of the way.” First escaping to Soloi in Cilicia, he then returned with a picked band of fifty men and attacked the palace by night, establishing himself as ruler of the city. The king produced a substantial issue of coinage in support of Athens and to further his ambitions for the domination of Cyprus. Indeed, with Athenian aid Evagoras succeeded in extending his rule over the greater part of the island, and even conquered several cities in Phoenicia, including Tyre. Yet when Athenian support was withdrawn under the terms of the Peace of Antalkidas, Evagoras continued to fight alone against the Persian Empire, which resulted in an invasion of the island that effectively reduced him to the status of a vassal king. In 374 he was assassinated by a eunuch for motives of private revenge and was succeeded by his son, Nikokles. The inscription on the reverse of this coin is written in a combination of Cypriot syllabic and Greek characters. Although Cypriots were Greeks and their language a dialect thereof, their written language was recorded in an older and more difficult system, the Cypriot syllabary, which was ultimately derived from the Linear A script of the Minoans. Evagoras has been called a pioneer of the adoption of the Greek alphabet in Cyprus in place of the older Cypriot syllabary.

One of Three in Private Hands

264. Cyprus, Salamis AV Stater. Evagoras II, circa 361-351 BC. Turreted head of Aphrodite to left; EYA behind / Lion standing to left, eagle standing to left on its back with head reverted; star above. BMC p. cv, 1 and pl. XXIV, 11; Tziambazis 123; Markou, L’or 368 = Kraay-Hirmer, pl. 195, 679 = HessLeu, 12-13 April 1962, lot 339 = Leu 30, lot 199 = NAC 114, lot 332 (same dies). 8.27g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only four known examples of this variety, with only six examples of the type known in total, of which just three are in private hands. 30,000 The rules of Evagoras I, his son Nicocles, and his son Evagoras II - kings of Salamis in the 4th Century BC - demonstrate well the cultural, political and military tug of war that dominated the Eastern Mediterranean at this time, between the two dominant centres in the region, Greece and Persia, in which all marginal states necessarily had to take part. The policy of Evagoras I and Nicocles was to seek friendship with the Greeks, particularly the Athenians, in order to shore up their independence against the Persians, who sought to expand their power Westward over smaller states such as that of Salamis or Egypt. Furthermore, as Isocrates reported in his encomium to the king, Evagoras I actively strived to Hellenise Salamis: it had been under the control of the Phoenicians until he returned his family to its throne in 410 BC, and there had been a strong anti-Hellenic current under these rulers. Isocrates relates that because of Evagoras’ pursual of Greek culture and refinement, Salamis’ inhabitants under this king “have greater pleasure in owning Greek possessions and observing Greek institutions than their own, and more of those who occupy themselves with the liberal arts and with education in general now dwell in these regions than in the communities in which they formerly used to live” (Isoc.9.50). Whilst we can witness the advancement of Hellenic culture further into Salamis under the reign of Evagoras II, nevertheless this King’s political movements reversed those of his forebears. The former is demonstrated for example on this king’s coinage, on which the Greek alphabet first replaced the old Cypriot syllabary as a means of rendering the Cypriot dialect of Greek called Arcadocypriot, and which depicts such Greek images as the turreted Aphrodite on this coin’s obverse (a goddess with particular connection to Cyprus, having been born from the foam of its shores, but also a cognate of the goddess Astarte worshipped by Cypriot Phoenicians). On the other hand, Evagoras II sought a closer alignment with the Persians, abandoning the ties his predecessors had built with the Greeks. This, however, sparked a popular revolt led by his nephew Pyntagoras in 351 BC aiming for the continuation of independence in the style of the Greek polis, and Evagoras fled to his friends in the Persian court. After this he led a successful campaign against his nephew in Cyprus, which nevertheless ended when Artaxerxes III decided, surprisingly, to affirm Pyntagoras as king of Salamis, installing Evagoras instead as Satrap of Sidon following the defeat of the rebellion of Tennes, its last governor. Evagoras proved that his first failure as a king was not a fluke by once again inspiring a popular revolt with his poor governance, and was expelled from the city after only 3 years of rule, in 346 BC. He fled back to Cyprus, where he was immediately arrested and sentenced to execution by Pyntagoras, who later was to become an ally of Alexander the Great in his invasion of Persia.

PHOENICIA

265. Phoenicia, Sidon AR Dishekel. Ba`alšillem (Sakton) II, circa 401-365 BC. Phoenician galley to left; Phoenician letter beth above, waves below / Persian king and driver in chariot to left; to right, king of Sidon, in Egyptian style garments, holding cultic sceptre and votive vase, walking to left. Elayi & Elayi 607; Jameson 1784 (same dies); Rouvier 1096; Betlyon 18; HGC 10, 236. 28.24g, 30mm, 11h. About Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Rare.

5,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG; Ex private European collection, purchased from Sotheby’s in the late 1980’s.

266. Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. Dated CY 10 = 117 BC. Laureate bust of Melkart to right / ΤΥPΟΥ Ι[ΕΡΑΣ] ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing to left on prow, palm behind; LI (date) above club to left; ZB monogram to right, Phoenician letter beth between legs. Rouvier 1976; DCA Tyre 23; DCA 919; HGC 10, 357. 14.33g, 27mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

750

Acquired from Marambat de Malafosse sarl; Ex private French collection.

Ex Glendining 1970

267. Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. Dated CY 17 = 110 BC. Laureate head of Melkart to right / ΤΥPΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing to left on prow, palm behind; ZI (date) above club to left, ZB monogram to right, Phoenician letter beth between legs. BMC 85; DCA 920; HGC 10, 357. 14.25g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

3,000

Ex Kölner Münzkabinett, Auction 95, 17 May 2011, lot 220; Ex Glendining & Co. Ltd, 25 June 1970, lot 214.

EGYPT

268. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis, circa 322/1 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, rose before, moneyer’s signature ΔI-O below throne. CPE 19; Price 3971; Müller 124; SNG Copenhagen 7-8; Zervos Issue 2C; Kraay & Hirmer 569; Gulbenkian 855. 17.20g, 27mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful toning highlighting design with hints of iridescence around devices, well centered; a wonderful example of the type. Previously graded by NGC Ch EF, 5/5 - 3/5 Fine Style (#4885139-012). 5,000 Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CICF Signature Sale 3032, 10 April 2014, lot 23130 (hammer: USD 8,500); Privately purchased from Classical Numismatic Group in April, 2008; Ex Dr. Patrick Tan Collection. Alexander tetradrachms marked with the rose symbol and the letters ΔIO have long been admired as one of the most beautiful issues of his coinage. They were struck in Egypt, probably not long after Alexander’s death on 10 June 323 BC. Without Alexander’s leadership, and with no clear or legitimate heir to the vast empire he had created, Alexander’s generals fought amongst themselves and fractured the empire, dividing it into satrapies which they nominally managed on behalf of Alexander’s successors, his feeble-minded half-brother Philip Arrhidaios and his unborn son. Ptolemy took Egypt, recognising its great potential. He initially retained Kleomenes, the caretaker Alexander had left in place in Egypt, as his deputy, though subsequently removed him on account of his many excesses and mismanagements, and appropriated the 8,000 talents Kleomenes had accumulated in his treasury. A part of this treasure was turned into new coin, like the present piece, and used to fund Ptolemy’s military ambitions.

269. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 305/4-282 BC. Diademed head to right / ΠΤΟΛEΜΑΙOΥ BAΣΙΛEΩΣ, eagle with closed wings standing to left on thunderbolt; P over monogram to left. CPE 170; Svoronos 254; SNG Copenhagen 74. 14.18g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; beautiful light cabinet tone.

2,000

Ex Leipziger Münzhandlung, Auction 39, 11 June 2004, lot 1977.

270. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 305/4-282 BC. Diademed head to right / ΠΤΟΛEΜΑΙOΥ BAΣΙΛEΩΣ, eagle with closed wings standing to left on thunderbolt; P above monogram to left. CPE 168; Svoronos 255; SNG Copenhagen 70. 14.33g, 26mmm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,250

Ex Auctiones AG, Auction 6, 30 September 1976, lot 315.

Ex CNA IX, 1989

271. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphos AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint on Cyprus (Salamis or Kition?), circa 275-262/1 BC. Diademed head to right, [wearing aegis] / ΠΤΟΛEΜΑΙOΥ BAΣΙΛEΩΣ, eagle with closed wings standing to left on thunderbolt; ΠT over two monograms to left, Galatian shield to right. CPE 441; Svoronos 544; SNG Copenhagen 521 (Uncertain Phoenician mint). 14.32g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions Ltd., Auction IX, 7 December 1989, lot 126.

272. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I AV Mnaieon (Oktadrachm). Alexandria, circa 285-272 BC. Jugate busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinöe II to right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Arsinöe is diademed and veiled; AΔEΛΦΩN above, Galatian shield behind / Jugate busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I to right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; ΘEΩN above. CPE 313; Svoronos 603. 27.77g, 27mm, 1h. 4,000 Very Fine. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

273. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I AV Half Mnaieion (Tetradrachm). Alexandria, circa 285-272 BC. Jugate busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinöe II to right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Arsinöe is diademed and veiled; AΔEΛΦΩN above, Galatian shield behind / Jugate busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I to right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; ΘEΩN above. CPE 314; Svoronos 604; SNG Copenhagen 133; Noeske 38; Boston MFA 2275; Dewing 2753-4. 13.82g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

4,000

Acquired from Chaponnière & Firmenich SA.

ARABIA One of Three Known Examples

274. Arabia, uncertain mint (Arabia or Persian Gulf region) AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Circa 180-140 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Male figure (Shams?) seated to left, holding sceptre and eagle(?); AΛEΞA[..] to right; in lower left field, a gazelle (or goat?) standing to left, head reverted, above [M?]; in upper left field, unidentified conical object. Cf. Huth 144 = Al-Jawf Hoard (2002) 227; O. Callot, ‘Les monnaies dites ‘arabes’ dans le nord du Golfe arabo-persique à la fin du IIIe siècle avant notre ère’ in Failaka, Fouilles Francaises, (Lyon/Paris, 1986-1988), pp. 221-240, fig. 13 = Münzen & Medaillen 367, lot 14; for prototype, cf. Al-Jawf Hoard 240 and Price 2213 (Miletos mint). 15.08g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; minor scrape on rev. Extremely Rare; one of three recorded specimens.

1,000

This coin belongs to a series of Arabian tetradrachms which Martin Huth has noted are imitations of the tetradrachms struck posthumously in the name of Alexander III at Miletos (‘Monetary Circulation in South West Arabia’ in M. Huth and P.G. van Alfen, Coinage of the Caravan Kingdoms, in Studies in the Monetization of Ancient Arabia, ANSNS 25 (New York, 2010), pp. 96-7). The Arabian imitations depict what has been described by Huth as a gazelle above the letter M (off the flan if present on this specimen) in the left field of the reverse, which is evidently derived from the lion and civic monogram found on the tetradrachms of Miletos. This claim is substantiated by the presence of a Milesian tetradrachm amongst the Arabian imitations found in the Al-Jawf Hoard (see references). The unidentified ‘conical, baetyl(?)-like’ object in the upper left field of the reverse of this specimen is absent on the tetradrachms of the main series and is only known on two other coins (see Huth). Its meaning is uncertain although Huth has noted its similarity to an object found on later Abi’el tetradrachms from the Oman Peninsula (see van Alfen, ‘A Die Study of the ‘Abiel’ Coinage of Eastern Arabia’ in CCK, p. 579, 175-180).

275. Northwest Arabia, Lihyan(?) Æ 22mm. Imitating Athens, circa 2nd-1st century BC. Schematic head of Athena to right, with two crescents on cheek / Stylised owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig to left, AΘ[E] downwards to right. Cf. Huth, Athenian fig. 5, b = SNG ANS 1453; cf. Huth 40; cf. BMC Arabia pl. LV, 2-9. 12.23g, 22mm, 9h. Good Very Fine; exceptional for the type. Very Rare.

500

Third Known Example

276. Northwest Arabia, Lihyan AR Drachm. Imitating Athens, circa 2nd-1st century BC. Crude helmeted head of Athena to right, with monogram on cheek / Large crescent. Unpublished in the standard references including Huth, for similar examples cf. Leu Web 15, lot 861; cf. CNG 112, lot 350. 3.81g, 14mm, 9h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; apparently only the third known example.

500

PERSIA A Wonderful Example of the Type

277. Persia, Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Time of Darios I to Xerxes I. Sardes, circa 485-420 BC. Persian Great King or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running stance to right on exergual line, drawing bow; quiver over shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. JDL Collection 35 (this coin); Carradice Type II (pl. XI, 11); Meadows, Administration 319; BMC Arabia -; Sunrise 19; GRPC Lydia G60. 8.35g, 15mm. Good Extremely Fine; struck on a broad planchet with all details present.

7,500

This coin published in M.-M. Bendenoun, Coins of the Ancient World, A portrait of the JDL Collection (Geneva, 2009); From the Ennismore Collection; Ex JDL Collection Part II, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 79, 20 October 2014, lot 18 (hammer: CHF 13,500); Ex Tradart Genève S.A., 17 November 1994, lot 112; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 76, 19 September 1991, lot 833. The ancient Greeks themselves believed that the term ‘dareikos’ was derived from the name of Darius the Great, an assessment that many modern scholars agree with. Others however have generally supposed that the Greek term can be traced back to old Persian ‘dari’ (golden) and that it was first associated with the name of Darius only in later folk etymology. Both suppositions may be equally valid. While the Persians had not traditionally used coinage, Cyrus the Great had introduced it to the Persian empire with the conquest of the Lydian Kingdom in 546 BC. The Lydian coinage series featuring a confronted lion and bull type was continued at first, but under the reign of the third Great King, Darios I, the Lydian gold stater was converted into a type bearing the stylised image of the Persian ruler or a hero, a type which would last with little modification until the conquest of Persia by Alexander in the 330s BC. One of the principal motivating factors behind this institution of an official Persian currency was the requirement to pay Greek mercenaries, who were accustomed to receiving payment in coinage, or for official use as bribes and subsidies. Indeed, nothing demonstrates the power of the gold daric more succinctly than when Sparta was waging an increasingly successful war led by Agesilaos II against Persia in Asia Minor (398-395 BC). Unable to defeat the Spartan army, the satrap Pharnabazos sent an Asiatic Greek by the name of Timocrates of Rhodes to distribute ten thousand gold darics in the major cities of mainland Greece and thus incite them to war against Sparta. Athens, Thebes, Corinth and Argos quickly entered into conflict with Sparta, precipitating a messenger to be sent to Agesilaos ordering him to return to Greece. The recall was a bitter disappointment to Agesilaos, who wryly observed that “but for ten thousand ‘archers’, he would have vanquished all Asia.”

278. Persia, Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Time of Darios I to Xerxes I. Sardes, circa 485-420 BC. Persian Great King or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running stance to right on exergual line, holding apple-tipped spear and strung bow; quiver over shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XIII, 27); Meadows, Administration 321; BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26; Sunrise 24; GRPC Lydia G61. 8.30g, 15mm. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal, well centred and struck for the type - a wonderful example.

2,500

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

279. Persia, Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Time of Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II. Sardes, circa 420-375 BC. Persian Great King or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running stance to right on exergual line, holding apple-tipped spear and strung bow; quiver over shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group C (pl. XIV, 42); Meadows, Administration 323; BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 12; Sunrise 28; GRPC Lydia G67-8. 8.40g, 17mm. Good Extremely Fine.

5,000

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

280. Persia, Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Time of Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II. Sardes, circa 420-375 BC. Persian Great King or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running stance to right on exergual line, holding apple-tipped spear and strung bow; quiver over shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group C (pl. XIV, 42); Meadows, Administration 323; BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 12; Sunrise 28; GRPC Lydia G67-8. 8.34g, 18mm. Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex WAG Online, Auction 93, 13 January 2019, lot 2.

SELEUKIS AND PIERIA Apparently Unique and Unpublished

281. Seleukis and Pieria, Laodikeia ad Mare AR Tetradrachm. Dated year 32 = 50/49 BC. Veiled, draped and turreted bust of Tyche to right / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left; ΛAOΔIKEΩN THΣ IEPAΣ KAI to right, AVTONOMOY to left, BA (date) over TI to inner left, ΞH below throne, AN in exergue; all within wreath. Mørkholm, Autonomous -, cf. 19; DCA -; Prieur -; RPC I 4380 var. (unlisted date); HGC 9, 1402 var. (same). 15.07g, 28mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

750

Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger; Ex inventory of a French dealer, ticket included.

SELEUKID EMPIRE

282. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III. Karrhai, 310-290 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, crescent over ΔI in left field, monogram within circle below throne. SC 41.3c; Price 3818; HGC 9, 10a. 16.65g, 26mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

One of Five Known

283. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AV Distater. Uncertain mint in Cappadocia, Syria, or Mesopotamia, after 305 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet ornamented with serpent on bowl / Nike standing to left, holding wreath in right hand and stylis in left, monogram in lower left field; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to left, ΣEΛEYKOY to right. SC 55 (same dies) = HGC 9, 1 (same dies) = Triton XIX, 2065 (same dies); WSM 1334 = Leu 20, 157 = M&M XIX, 518; NAC 79, 17 (this coin) = JDL Collection 33 (this coin) = SBV 21, 87 (this coin) = SBV 6, lot 84 (this coin) = ESMS p. 126, AH (this coin) = Iossif pl. I, 2 (this coin); Roma IX, 425 (same dies); Roma XVI, 380 (same obv. die). 17.19g, 23mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Of the greatest rarity, one of only five specimens known, in exceptional state of preservation for the type, and of significant numismatic importance. 50,000 This coin published in M.-M. Bendenoun, Coins of the Ancient World, A Portrait of the JDL Collection (Geneva, 2009); This coin published in P. Iossif, Les Monnaies de Suse frappées par Séleucos Ier, in Numismatica e Antichita Classiche Quaderni Ticinesi 33 (2004); This coin published in B. Kritt, The Early Seleucid Mint at Susa, Classical Numismatic Studies 2 (Lancaster PA, 1997); From the Ennismore Collection; Ex JDL Collection Part II, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 79, 20 October 2014, lot 17 (hammer: CHF 160,000); Ex Schweizerischer Bankverein SA Basel, Auction 21, 24 January 1989, lot 87; Ex Schweizerischer Bankverein SA Basel, Auction 6, 19 April 1980, lot 84. It seems highly probable that the exceedingly rare distaters of Seleukos I were struck for some ceremonial or commemorative purpose rather than for circulation alongside the regular Alexandrine staters - the paucity of surviving specimens would seem to rule this out. That they were struck after 305 BC is certain, since the coins clearly name Seleukos as ‘Basileos’ - a title to which Seleukos did not lay claim until after 306 BC when following the extinction of the old royal line in 309 with the murder of Alexander IV and his mother Roxana at the hands of Kassander, Antigonos (who ruled over all of Asia Minor and Phoenicia) declared himself king. Possible events that would have warranted the striking of such a grand type are the foundation of Seleukeia on the Tigris in 305/4, at which time Seleukos also claimed the title Basileos, or the defeat of Antigonos at the Battle of Ipsos in 301, a victory which seems to have been celebrated on the Seleukid coinage with the tetradrachms of Nike erecting a trophy of Macedonian arms. A later date also remains possible, since Alexandrine type staters continued to be struck into the 280s, and the defeat of Lysimachos at Korupedion in 281 also represents a momentous event for Seleukos’ empire. This last battle of the Diadochi gave Seleukos control of nearly every part of Alexander’s former realm except for Ptolemaic Egypt. This reunification of the Macedonian empire was to be short lived however; not long after the battle, after crossing the Hellespont to take control of Lysimachos’ European territories, Seleukos was assassinated by Ptolemy Keraunos. The mint used to strike this issue is uncertain; Houghton & Lorber (SC I, p. 31) note that it must have been “a centre of commercial or strategic importance.” Following Newell (WSM, pp. 236-0), who by a process of elimination assigned various unattributed issues to the north-central portion of Seleukos’ realm and favoured an origin in Cappadocia or northern Mesopotamia, consider Tyana and Mazaca as possibilities in Cappadocia, and consider Le Rider’s (Meydancikkale, p. 145) suggestion of Seleukeia (due to controls on the distater series possibly representing variants of SC 119.9b) as tentative given the lack of an actual die link. Regardless, what is abundantly evident is that this - the only issue of gold distaters of Alexandrine type in the name of Seleukos - should be regarded as an issue of considerable prestige and importance. Outside of Ptolemaic Egypt it was most unusual for any Greek kingdom to produce high denomination gold (or silver) coins, and even Alexander’s distaters are, in comparison to the rest of his coinage, very rare. The discovery of a second reverse die for this issue is most significant - it demonstrates that the number of coins originally struck would have been much greater than we have hitherto thought.

284. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I , circa 311-300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; [BAΣIΛEΩΣ below], AΛEΞANΔPOY to right; in left field, monogram and club; monogram below throne. SC Ad57F; Price 3772; HGC 9, 10f. 17.14g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

285. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I, circa 311-305 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, MI in left field, monogram within wreath below throne. SC 82.4a; Price 3751; HGC 9, 10f. 17.15g, 26mm, 6h. Near Mint State; superbly detailed and struck in high relief. Among the finest known examples.

750

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

286. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I, circa 311-300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, MI over kantharos in left field, monogram within wreath below throne. SC 82.3a; Price 3757; HGC 9, 10f. 17.11g, 26mm, 9h. Previously NGC graded AU 4/5 - 3/5, brushed (#4933592-011).

500

Acquired from Heritage World Coin Auctions.

287. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I, circa 311-300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; [BAΣIΛEΩΣ] below, AΛEΞANΔP[OY] to right, MI above grape bunch in left field, monogram within wreath below throne. SC 82.3b; Price 3758; HGC 9, 10f. 17.05g, 26mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive portrait in high relief. Rare.

350

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

288. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I, circa 300-294/3 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; [BA]ΣIΛEΩ[Σ] below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram in left field, BΛ below throne. SC 87.2; Price 3778; HGC 9, 10f. 17.04g, 25mm, 9h. Extremely Fine, lustrous. Rare.

400

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

289. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Seleukia on the Tigris I, circa 300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; [ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ] below, ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟ[Υ] to right, monogram within circle in left field. U. Wartenberg and J. Kagan, ‘Some comments on a new hoard from the Balkan area’, in Travaux de Numismatique Grecque offerts a Georges Le Rider, 1999. p. 399, 85 (Seleucis Pieria); for the same monogram, but not within circle cf. SC 117.4 (Seleucia on the Tigris), and HGC 9, 12i. 16.99g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone, same dies as subsequent lot.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

290. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Seleukia on the Tigris I, circa 300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; [ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ] below, ΣΕΛΕΥΚ[ΟΥ] to right, monogram within circle in left field. U. Wartenberg and J. Kagan, ‘Some comments on a new hoard from the Balkan area’, in Travaux de Numismatique Grecque offerts a Georges Le Rider, 1999. p. 399, 85 (Seleucis Pieria); for the same monogram, but not within circle cf. SC 117.4 (Seleucia on the Tigris), and HGC 9, 12i. 17.13g, 25mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; insignificant flan crack at 5h, same dies as preceding lot.

400

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

291. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Seleukia on the Tigris I, circa 300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ to right, NO in left field. SC 117.6; ESM 24; HGC 9, 12i. 17.06g, 28mm, 9h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

400

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

292. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Seleukia on the Tigris I, circa 300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩ[Σ] below, [ΣΕ]ΛΕΥΚΟΥ to right, monogram in left field, ΔI below throne. SC 117.1c; Price 3784; SNG Spaer 109; HGC 9, 12i. 17.10g, 26mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

350

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

293. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Seleukia on the Tigris I, circa 300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre, [ΒΑ]ΣΙΛΕ[ΩΣ] below, ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ to right, monogram in left field, K below throne. SC 117.1d; HGC 9, 12i. 17.15g, 26mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

294. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Seleukia on the Tigris I, circa 300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ to right, monogram within wreath in left field, K below throne. SC 117.2b; HGC 9, 12i. 17.06g, 26mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

A Victory Over Other Macedonians

295. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Susa, circa 305/4-295 BC. Head of Seleukos I to right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with bull’s ears and horns, panther skin tied around neck / Nike standing to right, wearing peplos, crowning trophy of Macedonian arms; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ around, AP below left wing, monogram in lower middle field. SC 173.15; ESMS 106; SNG Spaer -; Houghton -; HGC 9, 20. 17.16g, 27mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare variety.

15,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 682. The trophy series of Seleukos was issued over an extended period, and used 67 obverse dies and at least 93 reverses that we are aware of. The type is generally assumed to commemorate the victories of Seleukos as he pushed eastwards into India, occupying territory as far as the Indus, and eventually waging war against the Mauryan Empire. This campaign against Chandragupta Maurya was however a failure. While there is no record of what transpired to prevent Seleukos achieving his aims, the two leaders eventually reached an accord whereby Seleukos ceded some of his easternmost territory in exchange for a gift of 500 war elephants. The massive beasts were to play a significant role in the coming wars of the Diadochi, in particular at the Battle of Ipsos in 301 BC. The assertion that the trophy reverse commemorates a victory by Seleukos in the east or in the Upper Satrapies, and his subsequent assumption of a the royal title in 305/4 BC is problematic. The dating of the issue was proposed by Kritt (The Early Seleukid Mint of Susa, 1997) and subsequently accepted by the numismatic community seemingly without question. Moreover, the important detail of the trophy’s composition is ignored. The trophy is unquestionably built from Macedonian arms, as evidenced by the Vergina Sun (or Argead Star) clearly emblazoned on the shield. That this should therefore represent an eastern victory is impossible, particularly given the inconclusive nature of Seleukos’ campaign against Chandragupta, and its stale conclusion. The issue bears far more significance when viewed in the context of a victory over other Macedonians - for which we should look to the battle of Ipsos, in which Seleukos’ elephants played a decisive role in the victory over Antigonos.

Ex Rosen Collection

296. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Susa, circa 305/4-295 BC. Head of Seleukos I to right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with bull’s ears and horns, panther skin tied around neck / Nike standing to right, wearing peplos, crowning trophy of Macedonian arms; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ around; AP below left wing, monogram in lower middle field. SC 173.15; ESMS 106; SNG Spaer -; Houghton -; HGC 9, 20. 17.21g, 27mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare variety.

12,500

Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 307.

297. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Susa, circa 305/4-295 BC. Head of Seleukos I to right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with bull’s ears and horns, panther skin tied around neck / Nike standing to right, wearing peplos, crowning trophy of Macedonian arms set on sapling tree, from which branch sprouts near base; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ around, E to left, ΔI in lower middle field. SC 173.11; ESM 413; Hoover 20 var. (different monograms); HGC 9, 20. 17.10g, 27mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction IX, 22 March 2015, lot 427.

298. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Aï Khanoum, circa 285-281 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to right / Athena, brandishing spear and shield, standing in quadriga of elephants to right; anchor and monogram above, BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣEΛEYKOY in exergue. SC 276.2; SMAK S1TA-1-13; HGC 9, 18e. 16.18g, 25mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone, a portrait of magnificent style. Very Rare. Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

100

4,000

Fleur De Coin

299. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AV Stater. Aï Khanoum, circa 266-261 BC. Diademed head to right, with elderly features / Apollo Delphios seated to left on omphalos, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ANTIOXOY to left, ∆ to inner left. SC 435.3; SMAK A1SA-27-28; ESM 703; HGC 9, 122. 8.56g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; lustrous fields. Extremely Rare.

15,000

Excavations at Aï Khanoum revealed many coins there of the type previously assigned by Newell (The Coinage of the Eastern Seleucid Mints from Seleucus I to Antiochus III) to Baktra, the capital of Baktria. The excavations further confirmed the likelihood of Aï Khanoum as a location of an active mint due to the discovery of a large palace complex including a treasury, gymnasium, administrative offices and un-struck bronze flans. This led to a reassignment of the entire series to the mint at Aï Khanoum (see Kritt, Seleucid Coins of Bactria, pp. 27-30). The importance of the mint is emphasised by Houghton and Lorber (Seleucid Coins, p. 151) who note that this city’s monetary output grew in importance during Antiochos’ sole reign, producing distinctive new types during the early reign and then adopting the Apollo on omphalos type most likely at a later date than other major mints. It is also likely that Antiochos I himself was in residence at Aï Khanoum during the last years of the co-regency. The Apollo on omphalos type added to the Apolline imagery already introduced on the coinage of Seleukos I, tapping into the myth that Apollo was the ancestor of the Seleukid line (see The Cult of Helios in the Seleucid East by Catharine Lorber and Panagiotis Iossif (2009), p. 31). This claim was possibly established at this early point of the Seleukids, perhaps with Seleukos I (cf. OGIS 212) or possibly with Antiochos I (cf. OGIS 219), unfortunately the identity of the rulers in these inscriptions are not definite. Antiochos I’s most significant innovation was the introduction of his own portrait to his precious metal coinage, establishing a tradition followed by all his successors. Coins from Baktria which are suggested to be his earliest portraits depict an elderly man, perhaps attempting to reflect the king’s actual appearance, although since he was forty-four at his father’s death, they perhaps exaggerate his features. The portrait of Antiochos was taken up at other major mints across the empire, however there does not appear to be a consensus in how they chose to represent him. For example, Antioch and Tarsos display Antiochos as a man of middle-age with a full head of hair, very different to both the elderly man at Baktria and to the portrait used at the mint of Aï Khanoum. At this mint Antiochos is rejuvenated and idealised, as demonstrated on this excellent example, perhaps attempting to present him in the style of the divine. It has been argued that the numismatic history of the region ruled by the Seleukids was part of the inspiration for the choice of Apollo with a bow and arrow as the characteristic iconography of their precious metal coinage. Panagiotis Iossif in his article “Apollo Toxotes And the Seleukids: Comme Un Air De Famille” (More than Men, Less than Gods, 2007) examines the Mesopotamian–Iranian origin of the archer type in art and concludes that “in a Near Eastern context the figure of the archer is closely related to the figure of the king (Arkadian, Assyrian and Achaemenid) or, more precisely, to a form of divine kingship.” With this tradition in mind, it is not unrealistic to consider that Antiochos, would be aware of this type’s powerful connotations.

101

300. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AV Stater. Aï Khanoum, circa 266-261 BC. Diademed head to right, with elderly features / Apollo Delphios seated to left on omphalos, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ANTIOXOY to left, ∆ to inner left. SC 435.3; SMAK A1SA-27-28; ESM 703; HGC 9, 122. 8.49g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

12,500

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

Mint State

301. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AV Stater. Aï Khanoum, circa 266-261 BC. Diademed head to right, with rejuvenated and idealised features / Apollo Delphios seated to left on omphalos, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ANTIOXOY to left, ∆ to inner left. SC 436.6; SMAK A1SA-16-20, 22-26; ESM 704; HGC 9, 122. 8.51g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare.

15,000

102

302. Seleukid Empire, Alexander I Balas AR Tetradrachm. Seleucia Pieria, dated SE 166 = 147/6 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to right, with full beard and with his hair arranged in long curls of archaising form / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, thunderbolt, ϚΞΡ (date) and monogram above, two monograms below; all within elaborate laurel wreath with ties to right. CSE 409; Gulbenkian 1044; A. Houghton, ‘A Tetradrachm of Seleucia Pieria at the Getty Museum,’ J. Getty Museum Journal 10 (1982), A2/P4 and fig. F = SC 1798 = Wealth of the Ancient World 112; HGC 9, 874. 16.70g, 23mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, one of as few as fifteen known specimens, of which at least seven are in museum collections.

7,500

Ex Gemini LLC, Auction VII, 9 January 2011, lot 575. This rare and remarkable tetradrachm represents a very interesting episode in the history of the Seleukid Empire. Of humble origins, Alexander Balas pretended that he was the son of Antiochos IV Epiphanes and Laodike IV, and thus heir to the imperial throne. He was ‘discovered’ by Herakleides, a former minister of Antiochos IV and brother of Timarchos, an usurper in Media who had been executed by the reigning king Demetrios I Soter. Alexander’s claims were recognised by the Roman Senate and Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt; he was even granted the hand in marriage of Cleopatra Thea, a daughter of the Ptolemaic dynasty. Though his revolt was initially unsuccessful, in 150 BC Alexander was able to defeat Demetrios, and claim overlordship of the empire. Despite his victory however, Alexander remained heavily dependent on Ptolemaic support. Antioch refused to acknowledge him, and struck its own series of posthumous coinage in the name of Antiochos IV. Alexander was therefore forced to strike his own coinage at Seleukeia, previously only a peripheral mint, but which at the beginning of his reign was the only city in northern Syria completely under his control. Thus we see here a tetradrachm which unlike the usual royal issues, employs types that are directly related to the city in which it was struck. The Pheidian-influenced portrait of Zeus on the obverse clearly represents Zeus Kasios, whose cult in the city of Seleukeia was well noted. The reverse type of the thunderbolt was also an important cult symbol, which Appian (Syr. 58) tells us was held in great reverence by the inhabitants of Seleukeia. Zeus Kasios was himself a Hellenisation of Ba’al Zaphon, the latter term being derived from the mountain named Hazzi (or Kasios to the Greeks), which remained in use from the 2nd millennium BC onwards. Zeus Kasios was locally venerated as a storm god renowned for his battle against the sea monster now known as Typhon, whose name and various features are derived from Zaphon.

303. Seleukid Empire, Alexander I Balas AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 151-146 BC. Diademed head to right / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY to left, monogram in exergue. SC 1781q; HGC 9, 875a. 16.80g, 30mm, 112h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful light cabinet tone.

1,000

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 2, 11 May 2018, lot 155.

103

304. Seleukid Empire, Alexander I Balas AR Tetradrachm. Sidon, dated SE 166 = 147/6 BC. Diademed head to right / Eagle with closed wings standing to left, palm frond behind; BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY around, ςΞP (date) in left field, ΣIΔΩ above aphlaston in right field. SC 1830.5; DCA 122; HGC 9, 882. 14.22g, 28mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

Ex Kleinkunst Collection; Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 328, 2-4 May 1990, lot 258.

305. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios II Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Sidon, dated SE 171 = 142/141 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Eagle with closed wings standing to left, palm frond behind; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY around, ΗΞP (date) above monogram in left field, ΣIΔΩ above aphlaston in right field. SC 1954.2b; DCA 15; HGC 9, 969. 13.85g, 26mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

Ex Kleinkunst Collection; Ex Sotheby’s, 3 October 1991, lot 46.

PERSIS

306. Kings of Persis, Vādfradād (Autophradates) II AR Tetradrachm. Istakhr (Persepolis) mint, circa early-mid 2nd century BC. Bearded head to right, wearing diadem and kyrbasia adorned with eagle / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; above, half-length figure of Ahura-Mazda; to left, Vādfradād standing right, bow before; to right, eagle standing to left on standard. Alram 546; Sunrise 574. 16.62g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractive portrait in high relief. Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

104

105

106

PARTHIA One of Five in Private Hands

307. Parthia, Andragoras AV Stater. Circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Zeus to right; monogram of Andragoras behind / Fast quadriga driven by Nike to right, holding kentron and reins, accompanied by a warrior, holding uncertain object in raised right hand; three pellets below, [ΑΝΔΡΑΓΟΡΟΥ] in exergue. BMC Arabia p. 193, 1 (same dies) = P. Gardner, ‘New Coins From Bactria’ in NC 1879, pp. 1-12, 1 (same dies) = Mitchiner 19 (right illustration); NAC 117, 223 (same obv. die). 8.61g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; of beautiful style. Extremely Rare; one of eight known examples, of which only five are in private hands.

35,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark). It has been suggested that the Andragoras of Parthia whom Alexander the Great supposedly conferred local authority upon (Justin, xii. 4), never existed at all and is only mentioned by Justin by mistake. Andragoras was in fact not included in the partition of power at the Treaty of Triparadisus in 321 BC, when instead Philip was named as the ruler of Parthia, and in other classical sources Phrataphernes is usually mentioned as the satrap of Parthia until Philip replaced him. Philip in turn was satrap until 318 BC, when Peithon, who was then seeking to establish his power over all the Eastern provinces, made himself master of Parthia, and put Philip to death. Andragoras therefore has no secure place in the immediate chronology of postAlexandrine Parthia. It is of course possible that Justin was mistaken about his satrapy (numerous other small satrapies existed in the area), or had his dating confused - the existence of an Andragoras who was Satrap of Parthia under Seleukos I, is uncontested. This Andragoras appears to have taken advantage of what appeared to be the imminent collapse of the Seleukid Empire in the Third Syrian War, when - following the death of Antiochus II Ptolemy III seized control of the Seleucid capital at Antioch, to secede from the empire and make his satrapy into an independent kingdom. Following the secession of Parthia from the Empire and the resultant loss of military support, Andragoras had difficulty in maintaining his borders, and in about 238 BC the Parni invaded under the command of Arsaces and his brother Tiridates and seized control of the northern region of the Parthian territory. Andragoras appears to have been killed either attempting to retake this territory, or while resisting the Parni conquest of the remainder of Parthia. Given the numismatic evidence presented by the important Andragoras-Sophytes Group, the silver coinage of Andragoras and Sophytes should be considered roughly contemporary, but it seems apparent that Andragoras’ Tyche-Athena tetradrachms slightly pre-dated the helmeted head series of Sophytes. Earlier scholarship has often tended to date the coinage of both Andragoras and Sophytes much too early, occasionally to the period immediately following the death of Alexander. Further considerations on the identical monograms found on the gold and silver coinage of Andragoras (see lot 329), and a thorough review of the political history of the eastern satrapies of the Seleukid empire from 321-250 BC have led us to conclude that there can have been only one Andragoras, and that both the silver and gold coinage must date to the time of his rebellion and secession from the Empire. The types employed on this ruler’s coinage therefore make perfect sense given their context. Andragoras faced a belligerent tribe - the Parni - on his border, and with Seleukos II preoccupied with fighting an increasingly desperate war against Ptolemy III, no assistance would be forthcoming. Thus we find the types of Tyche, wearing her mural crown, who on the obverse is invoked as the goddess governing the fortune and prosperity of the city, and Athena as military protectress on the reverse. The gold staters depicting Zeus, the supreme Greek deity, and a war-chariot guided by Nike the goddess of Victory, likewise hint at production in a war-time setting.

107

308. Parthia, Andragoras AR Tetradrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Turreted head of Tyche to right, wearing pendant earring and necklace; [monogram of Andragoras] behind / Athena standing to left, wearing helmet, long chiton and himation, holding owl on extended right hand and resting left hand on grounded shield, transverse spear in background; ANΔPAΓOPOY to right, kerykeion to left. Roma XIV, 327 (this coin); Roma XV, 319; Mitchiner -; BMC -. 17.04g, 25mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; one of only two known of this unpublished variety with a kerykeion field symbol.

7,500

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIV, 21 September 2017, lot 327; From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

309. Parthia, Andragoras AR Tetradrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Turreted head of Tyche to right, wearing pendant earring and necklace; monogram of Andragoras behind / Athena standing to left, wearing helmet, long chiton and himation, holding owl on extended right hand and resting left hand on grounded shield, transverse spear in background; ANΔPAΓOPOY to right. Roma XIV, 326; Mitchiner 20; BMC 3-4, pl. xxviii, 2-3. 17.25g, 25mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Very Rare.

5,000

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

310. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; behind, prow and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 331; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS 6; N&A 43-45; HGC 12, 3. 8.06g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

750

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

311. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; behind, prow and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 331; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS 6; N&A 43-45; HGC 12, 3. 7.73g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone. Very Rare.

750

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

108

312. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; behind, prow and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 331; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS 6; N&A 43-45; HGC 12, 3. 8.05g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

750

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

313. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; behind, prow and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 331; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS 6; N&A 43-45; HGC 12, 3. 7.40g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

750

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

314. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; behind, prow and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 331; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS 6; N&A 43-45; HGC 12, 3. 7.91g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

315. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle Series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing to left, head to right; behind, grape cluster on vine with leaf, and kerykeion above. Roma XIV, 335; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64; HGC 12, 8. 3.40g, 15mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

500

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

109

316. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle Series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing to left, head to right; behind, grape cluster on vine with leaf, and kerykeion above. Roma XIV, 335; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64; HGC 12, 8. 3.51g, 14mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

317. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle Series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing to left, head to right; behind, grape cluster on vine with leaf, and kerykeion above. Roma XIV, 335; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64; HGC 12, 8. 3.67g, 14mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

318. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle Series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing to left, head to right; behind, grape cluster on vine with leaf, and kerykeion above. Roma XIV, 335; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64; HGC 12, 8. 3.58g, 14mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare.

750

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 703; From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

319. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle Series’ AR Drachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing to left, head to right; grape cluster on vine with leaf above. Roma XIV, 334; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS 14-16; Mitchiner 26c; N&A 52-57; HGC 12, 8. 3.63g, 15mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

UNCERTAIN EASTERN SATRAPY

320. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 323-240 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; small grape bunch behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 342; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS 5; N&A 24-29; NAC 77, 102; Triton VIII, 608; HGC 12, 4. 8.11g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

110

321. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 323-240 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; small grape bunch behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 342; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS 5; N&A 24-29; NAC 77, 102; Triton VIII, 608; HGC 12, 4. 8.10g, 17mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

BAKTRIA

322. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Stasanor, satrap(?). Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 321-245 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; ΣTA behind, MNA below / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig, crescent and grape bunch behind, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 346; Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; Spink 3014, 124 = G&M 48, 604. 16.55g, 24mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; one of fewer than ten known examples.

1,000

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA. The ΣTA MNA mark which appears on a small number of extremely rare tetradrachms is nearly identical to a mark on a double daric (BMC Arabia p. 178, 12) attributed to Babylon. F. Imhoof-Blumer read the two clearly separate marks as one, arriving at the name ‘Stamenes’, who was briefly satrap of Babylonia under Alexander after the death of Mazaios, before being replaced by a Macedonian, Archon, son of Kleinias, who governed until after Alexander’s death. There is however no evidence to support this attribution, and in fact the reverse punch of the double daric is considerably different in style to others of the series. Moreover, in considering the origin of that coin, which came from the Oxus hoard and entered the BM in 1881, it seems more logical to suppose, as proposed by Head (NC, 1906), that it was minted further east, perhaps under the then satrap Stasanor. The letters MNA remained unexplained to Head, but the appearance of these letters on their own, not preceded by ΣTA on ‘Athenian Series’ tetradrachms and the helmeted portrait issues of Sophytes, which also appear in abbreviated form as MN and M, further discredit the Stamenes theory, and strengthen the case for ΣTA being viewed independently of the second mark, MNA. For further discussion on the ΣTA-MNA marks, see N&A p. 50-54. Stasanor was a native of Soli in Cyprus who held a distinguished position among the officers of Alexander the Great. He probably entered the service after the siege of Tyre in 332 BC, but the first occasion on which his name is mentioned is during the campaign in Baktria, when he was despatched by Alexander with a strong force to reduce Arsames, then satrap of Aria, who was in revolt. As reward, Stasanor was confirmed in the now vacant position of satrap, whence he was soon promoted to Drangiana. In the Partition of Triparadisus in 321 BC, Stasanor was appointed the more important government of Baktria and Sogdiana. He is attested as having been still at his post in 316, and may possibly have remained there until his death before or in 305, when Seleukos is believed to have attacked and conquered the province. However, while an attribution of this type to Stasanor may seem attractive and even tempting, its context within this group and the rather moderate wear it has suffered suggest that it may have been produced somewhat later than the time of Stasanor, even if we accept that he may have still been at his post in 305. Moreover, in considering the redating of the coins of Sophytes (see lots 325, 364 and 365) we must admit the possibility that if MNA is an engraver or mint-master’s initials, then it seems unlikely that the same engraver or mint-master would have been active for so lengthy a span of time. It then follows that ΣTA might refer to neither Stamenes nor Stasanor.

Apparently Unpublished and Possibly Unique

323. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; AP monogram behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 356 var. (grape bunch); cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; N&A -, cf. 13-17 (different monogram); SNG ANS -. 16.92g, 24mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. An apparently unpublished type with this monogram and no grape bunch on reverse, possibly unique. 750 From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

111

324. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; small grape bunch behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, grape bunch over tail, AΘE to right. Roma XIV, 360; cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -. 16.77g, 23mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

750

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

325. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, grape bunch over tail, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 354; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner 13e; N&A 13-15; SNG ANS -; Svoronos pl. 109, 8; Leu 83, 263; HGC 12, 1. 16.94g, 23mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

MNA

326. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; MNA behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 349; Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A -, cf. 1819 (tetradrachms); CNG E-115, 180 (misdescribed). 7.75g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; fewer than ten other didrachms of the MNA issue in CoinArchives.

1,500

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 710; From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA. The appearance of the letters MNA on their own, not preceded by ΣTA, which also appear in abbreviated form as MN and M, both on this ‘Athenian Series’ coinage and on the helmeted portrait issues of Sophytes, is suggestive of MNA being either a magistral mark, or an engraver’s signature. While the prominent placement of MNA on both the double daric and the tetradrachm would seem to be counter-indicative of its being a signature because of its brazen size and obtrusiveness, on the helmeted portrait coins of Sophytes it is very discreetly placed on the bust truncation. The fact that it is so well hidden (and on the tetradrachms, abbreviated simply to ‘M’) very strongly argues against it being a magistrate or subordinate official’s name. The Baktrian ‘Athenian series’ coinage, judging from its lack of wear, must have been issued immediately prior to or concurrent to Sophytes’ named coinage.

327. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena to right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; MNA behind / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Roma XIV, 349; Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A -, cf. 1819 (tetradrachms); CNG E-115, 180 (misdescribed). 7.96g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; fewer than ten other didrachms of the MNA issue in CoinArchives. From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

112

1,000

A Beautiful Tetradrachm of Sophytes

328. Baktria, Sophytes AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 246/5-235 BC. Attic standard. Head of Seleukos(?)to right, wearing laurel wreathed Attic helmet decorated with spiral pattern on crest and eagle wings on cheek-guard, tied under chin; no letters on bust truncation / Cockerel standing to right; kerykeion behind, ΣΩΦYΤΟΥ to right. Cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 3A, pl. I, 1; for type cf. SNG ANS 21-23 (drachm); Mitchiner 29 (drachm); Whitehead NC 1943, pp. 64, 1 and pl. III, 7-8 (drachm); Roma XIV, 365. 16.99g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; a bold and expressive portrait engraved in the finest Hellenistic style. Extremely Rare; an issue of considerable numismatic interest. 15,000 Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 715; From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA. This portrait, which has all too often been simply assumed to be that of Sophytes himself, is eminently worthy of further scrutiny. It is the work of a highly talented individual, and depicts what should by any account be a great general, helmeted in Attic style and wearing the laurel wreath of a conqueror. Unfortunately the actions of Sophytes, whatever they might have been, were either not recorded or have long since been lost. We cannot therefore determine whether this individual may indeed have performed such deeds as to be worthy of commemoration in such a fashion. In examining the features of the individual depicted on this coin however, it becomes immediately apparent that there are distinct similarities with certain idealised portraits of Seleukos I. It is conceivable that we should see in this portrait not an image of the unknown ruler Sophytes, but an idealised image of the deified Seleukos, as can be found on the somewhat earlier coinage of Philetairos. Those images (cf. in particular Gulbenkian 966) have nearly identical features - in particular the heavy brow, aquiline nose, down-turned mouth and prominent chin. The historical sources offer us few clues as to the dating of Sophytes’ rule. They tell us that Stasanor was satrap of Baktria until at least 316 BC, and that Seleukos reintegrated Baktria into his empire on his eastern anabasis in c. 305. An early date therefore seems highly unlikely. Turning to the evidence of the coin itself, numismatists have correctly observed that the obverse portrait is derived from the similar type of Seleukos on his trophy tetradrachms (SC 174), which should be dated to after c. 301 BC; the presence of the somewhat worn elephant-quadriga tetradrachm in the present group pushes the date even further to the right, and into the third century. Now, the presence of this type in this group along with coins of Andragoras indicates a considerably later date than previously supposed. We have already proposed with good reason that the coinage of Andragoras should be dated to c.246/5-239/8 BC and that given the patterns of wear that may be observed upon them, there is sufficient justification to argue for the dating of Sophytes’ named coinage to c. 246/5-235, after Andragoras had begun coining but before Diodotos II would have been free to dispose of any lesser regional powers. This turbulent time period has already afforded us a plausible reason for the striking of Andragoras’ coinage. It is possible that Sophytes too was prompted to look to the security of his own territory following the effective withdrawal of the central government’s influence in that area. Diodotos I too struck his own coinage in Baktria, which while bearing his own portrait on the obverse nevertheless maintained the name ‘Antiochos’ on the reverse as a token symbol of loyalty. Does Sophytes coinage, with a distinctly ‘local’ reverse type, seek to achieve the same veneer of loyalty as that of Philetairos and Diodotos by placing the image of Seleukos I, the founder of the Seleukid empire, on his obverse?

113

329. Baktria, Sophytes AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 246/5-235 BC. Attic standard. Head of Seleukos(?) to right, wearing laurel wreathed Attic helmet decorated with spiral pattern on crest and eagle wings on cheek-guard; M on bust truncation / Cockerel standing to right; kerykeion behind, ΣΩΦYΤΟΥ to right. Jansari -, cf. 10-12 (O1/R-); Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 3A, pl. I, 2 = Alpha Bank 7461; for type cf. SNG ANS 21-23 (drachm); Mitchiner 29 (drachm); Whitehead NC 1943, pp. 64, 1 and pl. III, 7-8 (drachm). 8.00g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone. Extremely Rare.

4,000

From the 1960s Andragoras-Sophytes Group, present in Germany in 1975, subsequently exported to the USA.

330. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 220/15 BC. Diademed head to right, with elderly features / Herakles seated to left on rocky outcropping, holding club set on rocks; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Kritt A17; cf. Bopearachchi 11A (AV oktadrachm) and 12 (for type, but monogram unlisted); cf. SNG ANS 131; cf. HGC 12, 36 & 43 (same). 16.35g, 30mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

2,500

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

331. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 215-210 BC. Diademed head to right, with elderly features / Herakles seated to left on lion skin draped over rocks, holding club set on right leg; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Bopearachchi 12A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 113; SNG ANS 141-2; Mitchiner 94a; Kritt B17; HGC 12, 43. 16.56g, 28mm, 11h. Near Mint State.

3,500

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

114

332. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 210-206 BC. Diademed head to right, with idealised features / Herakles seated to left on lion skin draped over rocks, holding club set on knee; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Mitchiner 94; Kritt B14; Bopearachchi 9A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 110-2; SNG ANS 136; HGC 12, 42. 16.58g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

3,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

333. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 200-185 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing elephant skin headdress / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, Herakles standing facing, crowning himself with right hand, holding club and lion skin in left; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 1F; SNG ANS 190; Mitchiner 103c; HGC 12, 63. 17.08g, 35mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. 3,500 From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

334. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos II AR Tetradrachm. Circa 185-180 BC. Diademed bust to right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ EYΘYΔHMOY, Herakles standing facing, crowned with leaves, holding wreath in right hand and carrying club and lion skin with left; monogram in left field. Bopearachchi 1d; SNG ANS 217-8; HGC 12, 72. 17.02g, 30mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

115

335. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles AR Tetradrachm. Circa 185-180 BC. Commemorative issue struck for Euthydemos I. Diademed head of Euthydemos I to right; ΕΥΘΥΔΗΜΟΥ before, ΘΕΟΥ behind / Herakles seated to left on rocky outcropping, holding club set on rock behind knee; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΟΝΤΟΣ ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ around, monogram in inner right field. Bopearachchi 16B; SNG ANS 261; Mitchiner 145a; HGC 12, 87. 16.45g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

Ex Menlo Park Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton III, 30 November 1999, lot 694. This coin is part of an interesting issue of a so-called ‘pedigree’ series by the Greco-Baktrian king Agathokles Dikaios (‘the Just’), made up of coins combining depictions of gods and legends referring to Agathokles on their reverses with obverse portraits commemorating Alexander the Great, Antiochos III and the Greco-Baktrian kings Diodotos I (founder of the kingdom), Diodotos II, Euthydemos I, Demetrius I and Pantaleon, forming a line of kings leading to Agathokles. The meaning of this series is disputed in the face of little historical evidence regarding Agathokles. Cultivating an association with Alexander was a commonplace for Hellenistic kings (whether they were descendants of his relatives or generals, or whether they were made to be connected by concocted myths and histories), who took their legitimacy to rule as derived from Alexander. The commemoration of Antiochos III meanwhile is most likely to do with his recognition of Euthydemos I and Demetrius I as rightful kings of Greco-Baktria. Aside from Alexander and Antiochos III, the succession of Greko-Baktrian kings employed in the series has caused some debate. It is possible that Agathokles was the son of Demetrios I and therefore grandson of Euthydemos I (who is commemorated on the present coin), and if so this series would proclaim his illustrious lineage and rightful succession as the latest member of the dynasty and line of the Greco-Baktrian kings. However, the fact is that this series provides no smooth ancestral line: Euthydemos I and Demetrios I were not related to the earlier kings Diodotos I and II, who also show up in the series, but rather Euthydemus I overthrew Diodotos II to become king, and indeed Agathokles may not actually have been related to the former in the first place. Thus it has been argued that Agathokles (and his immediate predecessor or contemporary Pantaelon, also recognised in this series, who appears to be related to Agathokles by virtue of their similar coinage) were either usurpers or members of a lesser branch of the royal family who had asserted control. The emphasis of the ‘pedigree’ series then would not be on Agathokles’ legitimate succession to the kingdom inherited from his father, but simply rather on his firm placement in this line of kings (whom he is on ‘good terms’ with, aiming to quell any sense that this was not a legitimate passing on of power), a king like them and legitimate by a more vague association with them and their merits, by some connection with Alexander and lastly as a ruler of a Greco-Baktrian kingdom rightfully independent from its neighbours, as recognised years before by Antiochos III.

Extremely Rare Commemorative Issue

336. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Commemorative issue struck for Euthydemos I. Diademed head of Euthydemos I to right; EYΘYΔHMOY before, ΘEOY behind / Herakles seated to left on rocky outcropping, holding club set on rock behind knee; [B] AΣIΛEYONTOΣ ΑNTIMAXOY ΘEOY around, monogram in inner right field. Bopearachchi 10A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 191-192; SNG ANS 297298; Mitchiner 129; HGC 12, 108. 16.92g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

116

337. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY ANTIMAXOY, Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 124b; SNG ANS 276-7; HGC 12, 345. 16.88g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

338. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY ANTIMAXOY, Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 124b; SNG ANS 276-7; HGC 12, 345. 16.62g, 31mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; slight wave in planchet.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

Ex Leu 71, 1997

339. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY ANTIMAXOY, Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi Series 1, 1-2; SNG ANS 274-5; HGC 12, 106. 16.93g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 71, 24 October 1997, lot 241.

117

Finest Known Tetradrachm of Demetrios II

340. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios II AR Tetradrachm. Circa 150-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Athena standing facing, holding spear and shield set on ground; BAΣIEΛΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY and monogram to left. Bopearachchi 1E; SNG ANS 391; HGC 12, 126. 16.60g, 33mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin; potentially the finest known tetradrachm of Demetrios II - arguably superior even to the example (of different style) sold at Roma XX (lot 347, hammered at £12,000). 5,000 From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

341. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1B; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; SNG ANS 431; Mitchiner 168f; HGC 12, 130. 17.00g, 34mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

342. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1D; SNG ANS 432; HGC 12, 130. 16.98g, 33mm, 12h. Mint State.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

118

Rare and Superb ‘Pedigree’ Issue

343. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Dynastic pedigree issue. Draped and cuirassed bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; BAΣIΛEYΣ MEΓAΣ above, EYKPATIΔHΣ below, all within bead-and-reel border / Conjoined, draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, to right; HΛIOKΛEOYΣ above, KAI ΛAOΔIKHΣ below, monogram to left, all within bead-and-reel border. Bopearachchi 15A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 263; SNG ANS 526-527; Mitchiner 182a; HGC 12, 133. 16.97g, 31mm, 11h. Near Mint State. Rare, and in outstanding condition for the type.

10,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark). Eukratides The Great was one of the last but most important Greco-Baktrian kings, responsible for the overthrow of the Euthydemid dynasty. While the position held by Eukratides prior to his revolt is unclear, it has been suggested he held the position of satrap in Baktria during the campaigning of Demetrios, successor of Euthydemos II, in India around 192 BC (Cunningham, A. “Coins of Alexander’s Successors in the East (Continued).” in The Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Numismatic Society 9 (1869): pp. 121-53). There is limited record of the revolt, although Justin (XLI, 6) describes an event when the usurper survived a siege lasting five months by a force of sixty thousand loyal to Demetrios, successor of Euthydemos II, with only three hundred men. Whilst Justin reports that the conflict originated between Eukratides and Demetrios, numismatic evidence suggests Demetrios ceased to rule and succession passed down the legitimate line to Antimachos, Agathokles and Pantaleon before the revolt was over. This is supported by Mitchiner, who argues the coinage of Demetrios ceased and was replaced by that of his heirs, who controlled the main mints in Baktria and from which they issued ‘pedigree coins’ affirming their legitimacy (The early Indo-Greeks and their antecedants, vol. 1, (1975), p. 66). Eukratides gained control over all of Baktria around 168 BC, reducing Antimachos, Agathokles and Pantaleon to Indo-Greek territories south of the Hindu Kush, and struck ‘pedigree coins’ of his own bearing the adopted and immodest title MEΓAΣ (‘the Great) - the tetradrachm presented here is an outstanding example of such an issue. The obverse depicts two busts, named by the legend as Heliokles and Laodike, whose identities are uncertain. It has been suggested that the coin cites Eukratides’ parents, and Laodike, who wears a diadem, may have been a member of the Seleukid imperial house (see Astin, A.E. The Cambridge Ancient History (1990), p. 401, see also Mitchiner). If the identification is correct, we might see this issue within the context of and in direct response to the Euthydemid commemoration issues struck during the period of Eukratides’ revolt.

119

A Magnificent ‘Heroic’ Portrait of Eukratides

344. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed heroic bust to left, seen from behind, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear, brandishing spear in right hand / The Dioskouroi on horses rearing to right, each holding spear and palm frond over shoulder; BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY above, EYKPATIΔOY below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 8B; Bopearachchi & Rahman 255; SNG ANS 485; Mitchiner 179a; HGC 12, 132. 16.94g, 34mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

10,000

The Greco-Baktrian Kingdom is seldom mentioned in classical texts, in fact, much of what we know about the territory has been learnt from coins and their inscriptions. Notably, it is these very coins that have also granted Baktria a position in the history of Hellenistic art (J.J. Pollitt, Art in the Hellenistic Age, p.285), for, they present some of the finest examples of numismatic design and portraiture. Not only remarkable for its artistic merit however, a coin such as this is further significant for what it reveals about the self-perception of a Baktrian King. Eukratides, an usurper, proclaimed himself King following a revolt (recorded by Justin (XLI, 6)) against Demetrios and the elimination of the entire former dynasty. The reverse of this coin reflects the warring prowess of the King in an intricate depiction of cavalrymen, the Dioskouroi, rushing into battle with their lances set and palm branches trailing behind them. The inscription surrounding the image reads ‘of the great King, Eukratides’ implying that, like the Persians and Alexander before him, Eukratides had come to dominate all the local rulers of the region. In a numismatically unprecedented mode of depiction, Eukratides I appears on the obverse of this coin as a heroic nude bust. Seen from behind with a side-profile of his verisimilar portrait, Eukratides, spear in hand, is poised ready to strike. His muscles are tense, ready for action, but Eukratides’ face conveys the calm composure of a true leader, he gazes straight ahead and his expression is of utmost concentration. Eukratides wears a crested helmet decorated with a bull’s horn and ear, possibly an allusion to his Seleukid blood as we also find them on coins of Seleukos, who, according to Appian (Syr. 57) ‘was of such a large and powerful frame that once when a wild bull was brought for sacrifice to Alexander and broke loose from his ropes, Seleukos held him alone, with nothing but his hands, for which reason his statues are ornamented with horns’. The artistry of this image tempts a comparison with earlier heroic nude sculpture of Olympian deities, for example, the Artemision Bronze. More generally, there is reason to suppose that the Greek kings of Baktria would have considered their coinage a symbol of and a link with their Hellenic cultural heritage and therefore went to some expense to ensure that their coins were designed by the very best artists (J.J. Pollitt, Art in the Hellenistic Age, p.285). Kings such as Eukratides considered their Hellenic roots made them both distinct and civilized, a notion further evidenced by the fact that this portrait type went on to be copied by successive eastern kings and was later adopted by several Roman emperors from the time of Septimius Severus onward.

120

345. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in right field. Bopearachchi 6W; SNG ANS 469-71; HGC 12, 131. 16.99g, 33mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

346. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in right field. Bopearachchi 6T; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; SNG ANS 468; Mitchiner 177i; HGC 12, 131. 16.96g, 34mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

347. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in right field. Bopearachchi 6Z; Mitchiner 177l; SNG ANS 473; HGC 12, 131. 16.89g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From a private German collection.

121

348. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in left field. Bopearachchi 6Z; Mitchiner 177l; SNG ANS 473 var. (placement of rev. monogram); HGC 12, 131. 16.98g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

349. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Drachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in right field. Bopearachchi 7G; SNG ANS 476-8; HGC 12, 136. 4.16g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

350. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Drachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY above, EYKPATIΔOY below, monogram in left field. Bopearachchi 7J; SNG ANS 483; HGC 12, 136. 4.23g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Very Rare.

500

122

Extremely Rare Tetradrachm of Plato

351. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Plato AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-140 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΠΛΑΤΩΝΟΣ, radiate figure of Helios standing facing on quadriga; monogram to left. Bopearachchi 1; SNG ANS 628; Mitchiner 198; Qunduz 388; HGC 12, 165. 17.07g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; minor planchet flaw on obv., beautiful old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare.

15,000

From the Professor Shir Mohammad Collection. Nearly all that is known about the history of the Greco-Baktrian kingdom is derived from numismatic sources, and this coin makes its own worthy contribution to the historical record. Coins featuring Plato of Baktria are extremely rare owing to the brevity of his reign, estimated to be around five years or less. Almost nothing is known about the circumstances of life or his rise to power, except that it coincided with the death of the previous king, Eukratides I ‘the Great’, who had successfully supplanted the earlier Euthydemid dynasty and expanded the borders of the Greco-Baktrian territories through conquest as far as the modern-day eastern Punjab. As Plato appears to be middle-aged in all of his coinage, it is considered likely that he was Eukratides’ brother (Woodthorpe Tarn, The Greeks in Bactria and India, 2010, p. 210). Around 140 BC, Eukratides I was publicly murdered in brutal fashion by his son (Justin XLI, 6, though he fails to mention the name of the perpetrator, presumed to be either Eukratides II or Heliokles I), his body dragged behind a chariot like that of an enemy. In the chaotic period which immediately followed the death of the king, much of the capital city was destroyed and then abandoned. This was the beginning of a calamitous dynastic civil war which would ultimately lead to the fall of the kingdom itself; weakened by internal strife the Indian territories were lost to the Indo-Greek king Menander, and an invasion of the Yuezhi could not be resisted, resulting in the wealthy and important city of Aï-Khanoum (Alexandria on the Oxus) being sacked and burnt to the ground. It was likely as a contender in this war that Plato came to power. For a time he held territory surrounding the centrally located city of Balkh, where all of his coins appear to have been issued (Mitchiner, p.67); his fate, like his origins, is also unknown, but it was his probable nephew Heliokles I who is now considered to be the last Greco-Baktrian king. Heliokles retreated in the face of the Yuezhi invasion and moved his capital to the Kabul Valley, abandoning forever the Baktrian territories to the invading nomads. Whilst Greco-Baktrian rulers used distinctly and exclusively Hellenistic portrait styles to depict themselves, they also incorporated other artistic and religious influences in some reverse designs. This enabled them to communicate with Baktria’s culturally diverse population, which included Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Indian and Greek influences (Boyce and Grenet, A History of Zoroastrianism, 1991, Vol. III, pp. 164-5). The image of Helios on the reverse of this coin is notable for its uniquely Baktrian fusion of influences: the facing orientation of the quadriga and the near-symmetrical positioning of the horses closely resembles images of Indian sun-deity Surya and Iranian counterpart Mithra.

123

352. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Plato AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-140 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ ΠΛATΩNOΣ, Helios, radiate, standing facing in quadriga galloping to right; MT monogram in upper right field, MZ in exergue. Bopearachchi 3A; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; SNG ANS 631; Mitchiner 197; Qunduz 381; HGC 12, 167. 16.86g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; struck from a somewhat worn obv. die. Extremely Rare; only the fourth specimen to appear on the market in over 25 years, the others being offered at Roma Numismatics E-Sale 25, 27 February 2016, lot 175; Numismatic Fine Arts XXV, 29 November 1990, lot 234; Triton XII, 6 January 2009, lot 405 (= CNG MBS 84, 5 May 2010, lot 790). 7,500 From the Professor Shir Mohammad Collection.

353. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides II Soter AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-140 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Apollo standing facing, head to left, holding arrow in right hand and grounded bow with left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYKPATIΔOY and monogram to left. Bopearachchi 1A; Mitchiner 164A; SNG ANS 619-622; HGC 12, 161. 16.86g, 31mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

354. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides II Soter AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-140 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Apollo standing facing, head to left, holding arrow in right hand and grounded bow with left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYKPATIΔOY and monogram to left. Bopearachchi 1H; Mitchiner 164m; SNG ANS 619-622; HGC 12, 161. 16.99g, 32mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

124

The Finest Known

355. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Heliokles Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-130 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Zeus standing facing half-left, wearing himation, holding winged thunderbolt in right hand, lotus-tipped sceptre in left, KΔΡ monogram in left field; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΗΛΙΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ around. Bopearachchi 1U; Mitchiner 284o; SNG ANS 642-48; HGC 12, 169. 17.03g, 35mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin; without a doubt the finest surviving tetradrachm of Heliokles known to exist.

5,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

356. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Lysias Aniketos AR Drachm. Circa 130-125 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing elephant skin headdress; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΙΚΗΤΟΥ ΛΥΣΙΟΥ around / Herakles standing facing, crowning himself and holding club, palm, and lion’s skin; monogram to left, Kharosthi script around. Bopearachchi 4C; SNG ANS 1032-34; Mitchiner 262c; HGC 12, 240. 2.46g, 17mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine; minor flan flaws to rev right field, pleasant cabinet tone.

250

Ex Dr. G.W. Collection, acquired from Spink & Son Ltd, London, 28 August 1991.

357. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Philoxenos Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in Paropamisadai or Gandhara, circa 125-110 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANIKHTOY ΦΙΛOΞENOY, diademed and draped bust to right / Philoxenos, in military attire, on horse rearing right on ground line; monogram and Σ below, ‘Maharajasa apadihatasa Philasinasa’ in Kharosthi script around. Bopearachchi 3H; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; SNG ANS 1164-7; HGC 12, 267. 9.75g, 27mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark); Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 731.

125

358. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Philoxenos Aniketos AR Drachm. Uncertain mint in Paropamisadai or Gandhara, circa 125-110 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANIKHTOΥ ΦIΛOΞENOΥ, draped bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / Philoxenos on horseback to right, to lower left; Σ and monogram below, ‘Maharajasa apadihatasa Philasinasa’ in Kharosthi script around. Bopearachchi 6D; Mitchiner 339f; HGC 12, 272. 2.40g, 19mm, 12h. Near Mint State; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,000

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

SASANIAN KINGDOM

359. Sasanian Kings, Shapur I AV Dinar. Mint VI? (“Sakastan”?). Phase Ic, circa AD 251-258. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing mural crown surmounted by a korymbos / Fire-altar flanked by two regal attendants each wearing mural crown with ribbons and korymbos and holding staff surmounted by pellet-in-crescent; pellet-in-crescent on altar shaft. SNS type IIc/2b, style L; Göbl type I/1; Paruck - ; Saeedi -; Sunrise -. 7.17g, 22mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare with these controls.

2,000

From the inventory of a Swiss dealer.

360. Sasanian Kingdom, Pērōz (Fīrūz) I AV “Heavy” Dinar. BBA (Court) mint, undated, circa AD 477-484. Bust to right, wearing crown with two wings, frontal crescent, and korymbos set on crescent, ribbon over each shoulder; traces of pseudo-legend around / Fire altar with ribbons, flanked by two attendants; star to left and crescent to right flanking flames; pseudo-date to left, mint signature to right. SNS type IIIb/1c (pl. 85, A22-3); Göbl type III/1; Mochiri 251; Paruck 346; Saeedi AV 77-8; Sunrise 939. 4.83g, 21mm, 3h. Almost as Struck; very minor flan flaw to rev. From dies of exceptional style with a superb portrait for the type which often appears very basic and blundered. Very rare in this grade. 3,500 From a private UK collection.

361. Sasanian Kingdom, Pērōz (Fīrūz) I AV “Light” Dinar. BBA (Court) mint, undated, circa AD 477-484. Bust to right, wearing crown with two wings, frontal crescent, and korymbos set on crescent, ribbon over each shoulder; traces of pseudo-legend around / Fire altar with ribbons, flanked by two attendants; star to left and crescent to right flanking flames; pseudo-date to left, mint signature to right. SNS type IIIb/1c (pl. 85, A22-3); Göbl type III/1; Mochiri 251; Paruck 346; Saeedi AV 77-8; Sunrise 939. 4.18g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

From the Oxus Collection (Denmark).

126

PHILISTIA

362. Philistia (Palestine), uncertain mint AR Drachm. Mid 5th century - 333 BC. Bearded head to left / Paradise flower: Phoenician palmette with two birds within volutes, fish below, all in dotted incuse square. Gitler & Tal XVII.6D; HGC 10, 603. 2.43g, 11mm, 3h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

363. Philistia (Palestine), uncertain mint AR Drachm. Imitating Athens, circa 400-333 BC. Head of Athena to right wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette; Aramaic letter Heth on cheek / Winged Sphinx-like animal with bearded and crowned human head to right with raised forepaw; all within dotted border in shallow incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references. For a similar type cf. CNG MBS 76, 2007, 824; for obverse letter cf. Svoronos pl. 109, 34 and Baldwin’s of St James’s sale 41, 2020, 11; for reverse type cf. Gitler-Tal XXVII.4Oa (obol). 2.52g, 13mm, 6h. Near Very Fine; test-cut on reverse. Extremely Rare and unpublished type.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

364. Philistia (Palestine), uncertain mint AR Drachm. Imitating Athens, circa 400-333 BC. Head of Athena to right wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette / Owl standing to right, head facing, olive spray to left, AΘE to right; all within shallow incuse square. Cf. GitlerTal IX.1Da-b. 3.88g, 14mm, 10h. Very Fine.

250

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

365. Philistia (Palestine), uncertain mint Fourrée Drachm. Imitating Athens, circa 400-333 BC. Head of Athena to right wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette / Owl standing to right, head facing, olive spray to left, crescent and AΘE tin right field; all within shallow incuse square. For general type cf. Gitler-Tal IX.1Da-b. 3.27g, 15mm, 9h. About Good Very Fine. An interesting plated example.

250

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

Third Known Example

366. Philistia (Palestine), Azotos (Ashdod) AR Drachm. Circa 450-333 BC. Diademed and bearded male head to right, with oriental hairstyle and necklace / Janiform head with female face to left and bearded male face to right; all within dotted border in shallow incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, for other examples cf. Goldberg sale 110, 2019, 1644 (same reverse die, ex Moussaieff Collection, realised $11,500) and CNG sale 97, 2014, 395, P. Tan collection; for similar types cf. Gitler-Tal XVI.18Oa-b (obols). 3.53g, 15mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; struck from dies engraved in beautiful style, test-cut on reverse. The third known example. From the inventory of a UK dealer.

127

2,500

367. Philistia (Palestine), Azotos (Ashdod) AR Drachm. Circa 450-333 BC. Oriental male head to right with pointed beard, wearing granulated crown / Head of Bes facing, Aramaic letters ’Aleph and Daleth across upper field; all within dotted border in shallow incuse square. Gitler-Tal II, 11D; HGC 10, 477. 3.24g, 15mm, 5h. Near Very Fine; test-cut on reverse. Very Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

368. Philistia (Palestine), Azotos (Ashdod) AR Drachm. Imitating Athens, circa 400-333 BC. Head of Athena to right wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette / Owl standing to right, head facing, uplifted left wing ending with horned lion head, Aramaic letters ‘Aleph and Shin across field, horse protome in lower right field, all within dotted border in shallow incuse square. Gitler-Tal I, 1D; HGC 10, 466. 3.58g, 15mm, 6h. Very Fine; test-cut on reverse. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

369. Philistia (Palestine), Gaza AR Drachm. Imitating Athens, circa 400-333 BC. Head of Athena to right wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette / Owl standing to right, head facing, olive spray over Θ in left field, AΘ[E] in right field; all within shallow incuse square. Gitler-Tal V, 10D; HGC 10, 534. 2.80g, 16mm, 12h. Very Fine; test-cut on reverse. Very Rare.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

JUDAEAN COINS

370. Judaea. First Jewish War Æ 1/4 Shekel. Temple (Jerusalem) mint, dated year 4 = 69-70 CE. Etrog, “for the redemption of Zion” in Paleo-Hebrew script around / Two bundles of lulavs, “year four, quarter” in Paleo-Hebrew script around. TJC 213; Hendin 669; Sofaer 41-43. 9.18g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare, only six other examples on CoinArchives of which this is the finest specimen. From the inventory of a German dealer.

128

1,000

ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINS Extremely Rare

371. Q. Hortensius Hortalus, Proconsul of Macedonia, Æ 25mm of Cassandrea or Dium, Macedon. Circa 43-42 BC. [Q HO]RTENSI PRO • COS, bare head of Hortensius to right / PRAEF COLONI • DEDVC, ox yoke, plough and measuring rod (?) with vexillum. S. Kremydi-Sicilianou, The Coinage of the Roman Colony of Dion, Biblioteca 4 of the Hellenic Numismatic Society, Athens 1996, p. 257, 1-8 and pl. 32 = RPC I 1509. 13.91g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,500

From a private European collection. A son of the famous orator of the same name, Quintus Hortensius was appointed proconsul of Macedonia by Caesar in January 44 BC. Caesar was assassinated in March, and a few months later, just as Hortensius was about to retire, the Civil War broke out and he went over to Brutus and the Republican party with the offer of military help. The Senate was obliged to accept Brutus once again as proconsul, but after the battle of Philippi in 42 BC Hortensius was executed. During his stay in Macedonia Hortensius struck an issue of bronze coins in three denominations, and the coins confirm that he was appointed ‘praefectus coloniae deducendae’ of a military colony the name of which is not mentioned - it was either at port of Kassanderia (Cassandreia) or the ancient shrine of Dion (Dium) in Macedonia where several examples have been found in official excavations and published by Kremydi-Sicilianou, op. cit., pp. 285-6.

372. Augustus AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Pergamum(?), Mysia. Circa 27-26 BC. IMP•CAESAR, bare head to right; lituus before / Sheaf of six ears of corn bound together; AVGV-STVS across fields. RPC I 2209; RIC I 490; RSC 32a. 11.73g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; lightly toned.

1,250

Acquired from Áureo & Calicó.

373. Nero, with Agrippina II (mother of Nero), AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. Dated RY 3 and year 105 of the Caesarean Era = AD 56/7. ΝΕΡΩΝΟΣ ΚΛΑΥΔΙΟΥ ΘΕ[ΟΥ ΥΙ ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟ]Σ ΣΕΒ, head of Nero to right, wearing oak wreath / ΑΓΡΙΠΠΕΙΝ[ΗΣ] ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗΣ, draped bust of Agrippina to right; Γ ΕΡ (date) in two lines to lower right. RPC I 4175; McAlee 253; Prieur 74. 14.69g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare, and very well preserved for the type.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

129

A Bold Portrait in Fine Style

374. Galba AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. Dated RY 2 = AD 68/9. AYTOKPATѠP ΓAΛBAC KAICAP CEBACTOC, bare head to right / Eagle standing to left with wings spread on open wreath, holding wreath in beak; ЄTOVC B (date) in exergue. RPC I 4198; McAlee 308; Prieur 100. 14.92g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone. A bold portrait in fine style.

6,500

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, 1964/1965

375. Domitian AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Ephesus (or Rome for circulation in Asia), AD 82. IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M COS VIII, laureate head to right / Aquila between two signa. RPC II 865; RIC II 843; RSC 667. 10.68g, 26mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, List 250, December 1964 - January 1965, no. 127.

500

376. Trajan Æ 36mm of the Koinon of Armenia. Nicopolis ad Lycum, dated RY 17 and CY 43 = AD 113/4. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΝЄΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ ΔΑΚ ΤΟ ΖΙ, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΑΡΜЄΝΙΑϹ ЄΤΟΥ ΜΓ, Armenia seated to left on pile of shields, resting head on hand in attitude of mourning; before, trophy with round shield at base. RPC III 2944; Kovacs 302; RG 8; SNG von Aulock 146. 29.64g, 36mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; among the finest known examples. Very Rare.

3,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

130

377. Trajan AR Drachm of Cyrene, Cyrenaica. Dated COS III = AD 100. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙΣ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝ ΣΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ, laureate head to right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤ Γ, head of Zeus-Ammon to right. RPC III 1; Sydenham, Caesarea 176. 3.40g, 20mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; lightly toned with hints of golden iridescence.

300

Ex Jeroen van der Meulen Collection.

Ex Dattari Collection

378. Hadrian Æ Diobol of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 18 = AD 133/4. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙС ΤΡΑΙΑΝ ΑΔΡΙΑΝOC СЄΒ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / Apis bull standing to right; altar to right; L IH (date) above. RPC III 5927.42 (this coin, incorrectly referred to as the illustration); Dattari (Savio) pl. 99, 2009 (this coin); Emmett 1114. 9.28g, 25mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; attractive brown patina.

1,000

This coin cited in A. Burnett, M. Amandry, Roman Provincial Coinage, vol. III (London, 2015); This coin published in A. Savio, Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 1999); Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 763; Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd, Auction 49, 12 May 2019, lot 240; Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, formed in Egypt prior to 1901.

The Great Pharos of Alexandria

379. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 5 = AD 141/2. AVTKPA KAIC ΑΔΡ ANTѠNINOC, laureate head to right / The great Pharos of Alexandria, surmounted by two Tritons, each blowing a trumpet; between them is a lantern surmounted by a statue, holding situla and sceptre; entryway below on left; L-Є (date) across field. RPC IV.4 Online 16742 (temporary); Dattari (Savio) 8881; Geissen -. 16.78g, 29mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare; RPC Online cites only three other coins with this obverse legend. From the inventory of a North American dealer.

131

1,000

Three Coins from the Dattari Collection

380. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 10 = AD 146/147. AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTΩNЄINOC CЄB ЄYC, laureate head to right / L ΔEKATOY (date), Zeus, holding patera and sceptre, reclining to left on eagle standing facing with wings spread and head to right. RPC IV.4 Online 13589.66 (temporary, this coin cited); Dattari (Savio) pl. 155, 2933 bis (this coin). 25.76g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; in outstanding condition for an Alexandrian drachm, and likely the finest known example of this particular type. Rare.

2,500

This coin published at Roman Provincial Coinage Online (rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk); This coin published in A. Savio, Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 1999); Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 766; Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd, Auction 46, 27 January 2019, lot 279; Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, formed in Egypt prior to 1901.

381. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 12 = AD 148/9. AVG P AV AVT K T AΔP ANTѠNINOC CЄB, laureate head to right / L ΔWΔƐΚΑΤΟV (date), temple with two columns and rounded pediment enclosing statue of Isis seated to right, nursing the infant Harpokrates. RPC IV.4 Online 13647.10 (temporary, this coin cited); Geissen 1609 (this coin); Dattari (Savio) pl. 160, 3045 (this coin); Dattari 3045 and pl. XXIX (this rev. illustrated). 27.04g, 35mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare, and in exceptional condition for the type.

1,500

This coin published at Roman Provincial Coinage Online (rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk); This coin published in A. Savio, Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 1999); This coin published in A. Geissen, Katalog alexandrinischer Kaisermünzen, Köln, 5 Vols. (Cologne, 1974-83); Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd, Auction 53, 3 November 2019, lot 311; Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, formed in Egypt prior to 1901.

382. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 18 = AD 154/5. AVT K T AI AΔΡ ΑΝΤѠΝΙΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ ЄYϹ, laureate and draped bust to right / Serapis seated to left on throne with small Nike finial, Cerberus at his feet before; LI-H (date) across fields. RPC IV.4 Online 13844.8 (temporary, this coin cited); Dattari (Savio) pl. 147, 8709 (this coin) and pl. XXXVII (this rev. illustrated). 23.36g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; only one other example on CoinArchives.

1,250

This coin published at Roman Provincial Coinage Online (rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk); This coin published in A. Savio, Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 1999); Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd., Auction 50, 23 June 2019, lot 292; Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, formed in Egypt prior to 1901.

132

383. Caracalla Æ 30mm of Serdica, Thrace. AD 214-217. AVT K M AVPH ANTΩNINOC, laureate head to right / OVΛΠIAC CEPΔIKHC, Caracalla on horseback riding to right, thrusting spear at Parthian kneeling to right, looking back and raising his left hand. Varbanov 2299; H&J, Serdica 12.18.34.2; Ruzicka -. 18.27g, 30mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare, and in exceptional condition for the issue.

1,000

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG; Ex private Swiss collection, formed before 2005.

The Second Known Example

384. Elagabalus Æ 35mm of Isinda, Pisidia. Dated RY 4 = AD 221/2. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ Μ Α ΑΝΤΩΝЄΙΝΟϹ, radiate and draped bust to right / ΙϹΙΝΔЄΩΝ, Zeus enthroned to left, holding Nike and sceptre; at feet, eagle standing to left, head to right, ЄΤ Δ (date) across fields. RPC VI Online 5975 (temporary); von Aulock, Pisidiens 817 = von Aulock 8595 = BM Collection No. 1979,0101.2482. 27.18g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; perfectly centred on a large, medallic flan. Extremely Rare; the second known example (and the finest), the other being in the British Museum. 500 From the inventory of a German dealer.

385. Philip I BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 247. AYTOK K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CЄB, radiate and cuirassed bust to left, wearing aegis with Gorgon’s head, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC YΠA TO Γ, eagle standing to right, with wings spread and tail to left, holding wreath in beak; ANTIOXIA SC in two lines in exergue. RPC VIII Online Unassigned ID 29150; McAlee 919a; Prieur 355. 11.55g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

250

386. Philip I BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 247. AYTOK K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CЄB, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC YΠA TO Γ, eagle standing to left, head to right, wings spread and tail to right, holding wreath in beak; ANTIOXIA SC in two lines in exergue. RPC VIII Online Unassigned ID 29035; McAlee 904; Prieur 377. 11.40g, 26mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

250

From a private UK collection.

133

387. Philip I BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 249. AYTOK K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CЄB, laureate and cuirassed bust to left, wearing balteus, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC YΠA TO Δ, eagle standing to right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; ANTIOXIA SC in two lines in exergue. RPC VIII Online Unassigned ID 29194; McAlee 941b; Prieur 426. 12.52g, 27mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

250

From a private UK collection.

388. Philip II, as Caesar, BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 244. MAP IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC KЄCAP, bare-headed and draped bust to right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC, eagle standing to left on palm, with wings spread and tail to right, holding wreath in beak; SC in exergue. RPC VIII Online Unassigned ID 29004 or 29197; McAlee 1009 var. (tail to left); Prieur 332 var. (bust cuirassed). 14.31g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

250

From a private UK collection.

389. Philip II, as Caesar, BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 247. MAP IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC KЄCAP, bare-headed and draped bust to right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC YΠA TO Γ, eagle standing to left, head to right, wings spread and tail to right, holding wreath in beak; ANTIOXIA SC in two lines in exergue. RPC VIII Online Unassigned ID 29022; McAlee 1023; Prieur 393. 12.67g, 26mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

250

From a private UK collection.

390. Philip II BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 247. AYTOK K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CЄB, laureate and draped bust to right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC YΠA TO Γ, eagle standing to left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; ANTIOXIA SC in two lines in exergue. RPC VIII Online Unassigned ID 29013; McAlee 1029; Prieur 413. 12.38g, 26mm, 1h. Near Mint State; minor encrustations to rev. Scarce.

250

From a private UK collection.

134

391. Trajan Decius BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 250-251. AΥT K Γ MЄ KY TPAIANOC ΔЄKIOC CЄB, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from behind; S below / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC, eagle standing to right on palm, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; SC in exergue. RPC IX 1761; McAlee 1134f; Prieur 601. 12.60g, 26mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

250

From a private UK collection.

392. Trajan Decius BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 250-251. AΥT K Γ MЄ KY TPAIANOC ΔЄKIOC CЄB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from the front; • below / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC, eagle standing to right on palm, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; SC in exergue. RPC IX 1693; McAlee 1127a; Prieur 570. 13.09g, 26mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

250

From a private UK collection.

393. Trajan Decius BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 250-251. AVT K Γ MЄ KY TPAIANOC ΔЄKIOC CЄB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from behind; •• below / ΔHMAPX ЄΞOYCIAC, eagle standing to left on palm, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; SC in exergue. RPC IX 1701; McAlee 1126b; Prieur 578. 11.45g, 27mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; minor flan crack.

250

From a private UK collection.

394. Trebonianus Gallus BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 251. ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Γ ΟΥΙΒ ΤΡЄΒ ΓΑΛΛΟϹ ϹЄΒ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from behind; •••• below / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞΟΥϹΙΑϹ, eagle standing to left on exergual line, head to right and wings spread, holding wreath in beak; Δ between legs, SC in exergue. RPC IX 1802; McAlee 1173d; Prieur 663. 11.80g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

250

From a private UK collection.

135

395

396

395. Trebonianus Gallus BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 251. ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Γ ΟΥΙΒ ΤΡЄΒ ΓΑΛΛΟϹ ϹЄΒ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from behind; • below / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞΟΥϹΙΑϹ, eagle standing to right on exergual line, head to left and wings spread, holding wreath in beak; A between legs, SC in exergue. RPC IX 1802; McAlee 1172a; Prieur 656. 13.63g, 26mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. 250 From a private UK collection. 396. Trebonianus Gallus BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 251. ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Γ ΟΥΙΒ ΤΡЄΒ ΓΑΛΛΟϹ ϹЄΒ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from behind; ••• below / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞΟΥϹΙΑϹ, eagle standing to right on exergual line, head to left and wings spread, holding wreath in beak; Γ between legs, SC in exergue. RPC IX 1797; McAlee 1172c; Prieur 660. 11.92g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 250 From a private UK collection.

397. Valerian I Æ 27mm of Neocaesarea, Pontus. Dated CY 192 = AD 255/6. AV K ΠOY ΛΙΚ ΟYΑΛЄΡΙΑΝΟC, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from behind / MHT NЄOKAICAPIAC, Agonistic urn inscribed AKTIA and containing two palms; ЄT PЧB (date) in rectangular panel beneath. Çizmeli 426 (D2/R16); RG pg. 131, 69 var. (date in exergue); SNG von Aulock 114 var. (same). 10.81g, 27mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Web Auction 3, 25 February 2018, lot 517.

The Usurper Uranius Antoninus

398. Uranius Antoninus BI Tetradrachm of Emesa, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 253-254. AVTO K COVΛΠ ANTѠNINOC CЄ, laureate head to right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ OVCIAC VΠAT B, eagle standing facing with wings spread, head to left, holding wreath in beak; SC in exergue. RPC IX 1888; Baldus 24 (dies XVII/22); Prieur 1045. 12.11g, 26mm, 1h Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare - only one known to Prieur.

2,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 111, 29 May 2019, lot 548. Among the least known and most mysterious of Roman emperors, until recently the only historical source on Uranius Antoninus was the coinage minted in his name. Depictions of the cult-stone of Emesa on some reverses indicate that he was part of the same hereditary priesthood as another Syrian emperor, Elagabalus. A recent re-evaluation of stone reliefs in Iran, which depict the conclusion of Shapur I’s campaign near Emesa, also support the theory that Uranius Antoninus came to power by leading the Roman forces against Shapur’s incursion (Overlaet, ‘A Roman Emperor at Bishapur...’, Iranica Antiqua, vol. XLIV).

136

COINS OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

399. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Uncertain mint, 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter, holding sceptre and brandishing thunderbolt, in quadriga driven to right by Victory; ROMA incuse on raised rectangular tablet below. Crawford 28/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 101; RSC 24. 6.73g, 20mm, 2h. Near Mint State.

1,250

From the Shackleford Collection.

Fleur De Coin

400. Anonymous AR Victoriatus. VB series. Uncertain mint, 211-208 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Victory standing to right, crowning trophy with wreath, VB monogram between; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 95/1a; BMCRR Italy 233; RSC 36m. 3.30g, 19mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin.

1,750

Ex Matthew Curtis Collection.

401. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, circa 157/6 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Victory driving galloping biga to right, holding reins and goad. Crawford 197/1a; RSC 6. 4.25g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Scarce; in excellent condition for the type.

250

Acquired from Marambat de Malafosse sarl; Ex private French collection.

402. L. Cupiennius AR Denarius. Rome, 147 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; cornucopiae behind, X below chin / The Dioscuri, each holding spear, riding to right; L•CVP below, ROMA in linear frame in exergue. Crawford 218/1; RSC Cupiennia 1. 4.07g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful iridescent cabinet tone.

750

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG; Ex private Swiss collection, privately purchased from F. Sternberg AG on 29 October 1994.

137

403. Aurelius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 144 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Jupiter driving galloping quadriga to right, holding reins and sceptre in left hand, preparing to hurl thunderbolt with right; Ꜹ RVF below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 221/1 (T. Annius Rufus); BMCRR Italy 446; RSC Aurelia 19. 3.75g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State.

1,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

404. Ti. Veturius AR Denarius. Rome, 137 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Mars to right; TI•VET (ligate) downwards and X behind / Two soldiers facing each other, one bearded and without armour, one bearded and in armour; each holds a spear in left hand and with sword in right hand touches pig held by figure kneeling to left between them, with head reverted; ROMA above. Crawford 234/1; BMCRR Rome 550; RSC Veturia 1. 3.98g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State; mirror lustre under golden iridescent tone.

500

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

405. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; wreath above XVI monogram behind, ROMA below / The Dioscuri riding in opposite directions, heads reverted, each holding downwards pointing spear; C SERVEILI•M•F in exergue. Crawford 239/1; BMCRR Italy 540-7; RSC Servilia 1. 4.16g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,500

Acquired from Shanna Schmidt Numismatics Inc. (USD 1,900); Ex John Barton Collection c. 1980.

406. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; wreath above XVI monogram behind, ROMA below / The Dioscuri riding in opposite directions, heads reverted, each holding downwards pointing spear; C SERVEILI•M•F in exergue. Crawford 239/1; BMCRR Italy 540-7; RSC Servilia 1. 3.93g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,250

Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 19004, 27 March 2019, lot 164.

138

407. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; wreath above XVI monogram behind, ROMA below / The Dioscuri riding in opposite directions, heads reverted, each holding downwards pointing spear; C SERVEILI•M•F in exergue. Crawford 239/1; BMCRR Italy 540-7; RSC Servilia 1. 3.92g, 20mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

500

Ex Auctiones AG (Basel), Auction 4, 26 November 1974, lot 205.

Ex Sternberg 1978 and Aes Rude 1977

408. Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus Æ Quadrans. Rome, 128 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing lion skin headdress; ••• (mark of value) behind / Prow of galley to right; ••• (mark of value) to right, ROMA below. Crawford 261/4; Sydenham 515c; RBW 1059 (Cn. Domitius Calvinus). 5.15g, 20mm, 12h. Near Mint State; a spectacular Roman Republican bronze.

2,500

Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction VIII, 16 November 1978, lot 398; Ex Aes Rude (G. Casolari) 1, 4 November 1977, lot 155.

409. C. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 114-113 BC. Laureate, janiform heads of the Dioscuri, S to left and mark of value to right / Galley to left with three rowers, gubernator at stern; C•FONT above, ROMA below. Crawford 290/1; RSC Fonteia 1. 4.38g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

410. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 113-112 BC. Head of Philip V of Macedon to right, wearing diademed royal Macedonian helmet with goat horns; Roma monogram to upper left, Φ below chin / Equestrian statue to right on tablet inscribed L•PHILIPPVS, holding laurel branch; flower below horse; mark of value in exergue. Crawford 293/1; BMCRR Italy 532; RSC Marcia 12. 3.83g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

750

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex Raintree Collection.

139

411. T. Didius AR Denarius. Rome, 113-112 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right, monogram of ROMA behind, mark of value below / Two gladiators fighting, each holding a shield, one attacking with a flail, the other defending with a sword; T•DEIDI in exergue. Crawford 294/1; BMCRR Italy 530; RSC Didia 2. 3.93g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

412. L. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Draped bust of Victory to right; below chin, XVI monogram (mark of value) / Mars advancing to left, holding spear and trophy; apex before, grain ear behind, L•VALERI•FLACCI in two lines downward in left field. Crawford 306/1; BMCRR Italy 647; RSC Valeria 11. 3.88g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 193, 26 September 2011, lot 388.

Ex Student & Mentor Collection

413. Mn. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Laureate and jugate heads of the Dioscuri to right; mark of value before / Galley to right; MN•FONTEI above, C below. Crawford 307/1b; RSC Fonteia 8. 3.96g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Collection of Roman Republican Coins of a Student and his Mentor Part I, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 70, 16 May 2012, lot 70; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 2, 21 February 1990, lot 297.

414. Q. Minucius Thermus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 103 BC. Helmeted head of Mars to left / Two warriors in combat, one on left protecting a fallen comrade; Q•THERM•MF (ligate) in exergue. Crawford 319/1; BMCRR Italy 653-6; RSC Minucia 19. 3.96g, 18mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

500

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 176, 10 March 2009, lot 1829; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 50, 27 November 1989, lot 489.

140

Ex Sternberg XXII, 1989

415. L. Julius L. f. Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, 103 BC. Helmeted head of Mars to right; CAESAR upwards behind, •И above / Venus Genetrix in biga of Cupids to left, holding sceptre in right hand and reins in left; lyre in lower left field, •И above, L•IVLI•L•F in exergue. Crawford 320/1; RSC Julia 3. 3.97g, 17mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,750

Ex Collection of Roman Republican Coins of a Student and his Mentor Part III, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 83, 20 May 2015, lot 83; Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction XXII, 20 November 1989, lot 190.

416. M. Porcius Cato AR Quinarius. Rome, 89 BC. Head of Liber to right, wearing ivy wreath; M•CATO behind, control mark below / Victory seated to right, holding patera and palm branch; VICTRIX in exergue. Crawford 343/2b; RSC Porcia 7; King 46. 1.95g, 15mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive golden iridescence.

300

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 4, 25 May 2019, lot 559; Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 404/405, 2 November 2011, lot 2496.

417. M. Porcius Cato AR Denarius. Rome, 89 BC. Diademed and draped female head to right, ROMA behind, M•CATO below / Victory seated to right, holding patera and palm, ST below chair, VICTRIX in exergue. Crawford 343/1c; BMCRR Italy 659-661; RSC Porcia 6. 3.99g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone over lustrous metal.

300

Acquired from Marambat de Malafosse sarl; Ex private French collection.

418. GAR OGVL VER series AR Denarius. Rome, 86 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; thunderbolt below / Jupiter driving quadriga to right, holding reins and preparing to hurl thunderbolt. Crawford 350A/2; BMCRR Rome 2622-4; RSC 226 (Anonymous). 3.90g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful iridescent cabinet tone.

750

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 30, 11 June 1994, lot 247; Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions, Auction 19, 19 February 1992, lot 155.

141

419. L. Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Mint moving with Sulla in Asia or Greece, 84-83 BC. Diademed bust of Venus to right, cupid standing to left before, holding palm; L•SVLLA below / Capis and lituus between two trophies; IMPER above, ITERV[M] below. Crawford 359/2; BMCRR East 3; RSC Cornelia 29. 3.88g, 18mm, 12h. Near Mint State; beautiful old cabinet tone with iridescent highlights.

1,500

Ex A. Tkalec AG, 26 October 2007, lot 93.

420. C. Mamilius Limetanus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Draped bust of Mercury to right, wearing winged petasos; caduceus and control letter behind / Ulysses standing to right, holding staff in left hand and extending right hand to Argus; C•MAMIL downwards to left, LIMETAN upwards to right. Crawford 362/1; RSC Mamilia 6. 4.06g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone; perfectly centred on a broad planchet.

1,000

Ex Hess-Divo AG, Auction 314, 4 May 2009, lot 1352; Privately purchased in 1987 from J. Creusy (Lyon, France).

421. Q. Antonius Balbus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 83-82 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right; S•C behind / Victory in quadriga to right, holding reins, palm-branch and wreath; H below, Q•ANTO•BALB PR in two lines in exergue. Crawford 364/1d; RSC Antonia 1. 3.93g, 19mm, 5h. Near Mint State.

500

From the Shackleford Collection.

422. L. Manlius and L. Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Sulla, 82 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; L•MANLI upwards before, PRO•Q downwards behind / Sulla driving slow quadriga to right, holding reigns; L•SVLLA•IM in exergue. Crawford 367/3; RSC Cornelia 42. 3.93g, 16mm, 12h. Near Mint State; lustrous metal with golden iridescent highlights.

500

Ex Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K., Auktion 38, 11 April 2002, lot 359.

142

423. M. Caecilius Q. f. Q. n. Metellus AR Denarius. Rome, circa 82-80 BC. Head of Apollo to right, hair tied with band, ROMA behind, XVI monogram (mark of value) below chin / Macedonian shield decorated with elephant’s head to right, M• METELLVS• Q• F• around; all within laurel wreath. Crawford 369/1; BMCRR Rome 1149; RSC Caecilia 30. 3.96g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; uncommonly well preserved for the issue.

600

Ex Raintree Collection; Ex Claude Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton VIII, 11 January 2005, lot 864.

424. L. Volteius L. f. Strabo AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right; F behind / Europa seated on bull charging to left, holding veil which billows overhead; thunderbolt behind, vine leaf below; L•VLO•L•F•STRAB in exergue. Crawford 377/1; BMCRR Rome 3143; RSC Volteia 6. 4.01g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 55, 13 September 2000, lot 1051.

425. L. Procilius AR Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right; S•C downwards behind / Juno Sospita advancing to right, hurling spear and holding shield decorated with thunderbolt; serpent to right, L•PROCILI•F downwards in two lines to left. Crawford 379/1; BMCRR Rome 3147-9; RSC Procilia 1. 3.74g, 18mm, 3h. Near Mint State; attractive deep old cabinet tone.

500

Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 19004, 27 March 2019, lot 207.

426. L. Papius AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 79 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat’s skin; aryballos behind / Griffin springing to right; strigil below. Crawford 384/1; RSC Papia 1. 3.79g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,000

Ex Nomisma S.p.a. (San Marino), Auction 35, 17 October 2007, lot 189.

143

427. L. Rustius AR Denarius. Rome, 76 BC. Helmeted head of Mars to right; S•C behind, XVI monogram (mark of value) below chin / Ram standing to right; L•RVSTI below. Crawford 389/1; BMCRR Rome 3271; RSC Rustia 1. 3.89g, 17mm, 6h. Near Mint State; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,500

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex Benito Collection.

428. Cn. Egnatius Cn. f. Cn. n. Maxsumus AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Draped bust of Libertas to right, wearing diadem; pileus and MAXSVMVS downwards behind / Roma and Venus standing facing, each holding staff in right hand, while Roma holds sword in left hand and places foot on wolf’s head, and Venus has Cupid about to alight on her shoulder, flanked by rudder standing on prow to outer left and right; C•EGNATIVS•CN•F below, CN•N upwards to right, control mark in left field. Crawford 391/3; BMCRR Rome 3285 var. (control letter); RSC Egnatia 2. 3.83g, 19mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone, arguably the best preserved and most complete example present on CoinArchives.

1,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 869; Acquired from Naville Numismatics Ltd. The gens Egnatia was a plebeian family of equestrian rank in the tribe of Stellatina. Originally of Samnite origin, the Egnatii appear to have been established at Teanum. Following the conclusion of the Social War, a branch of the family moved to Rome, where two of them were admitted into the Senate. The moneyer responsible for this coin, one Gnaeus Engatius, is virtually unknown but believed to be the same as that mentioned in Quintillian (Institutio Oratoria, 5.13.33) who was expelled from the Senate by the censors, and who at the same time disinherited his son, the son being retained in the Senate. No satisfactory explanation of the types of Egnatius’ coinage has been proposed, but Venus and Libertas are the common theme.

429. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Diademed head of Apollo to right; Q•POMPONI downwards behind, MVSA upwards before / Hercules standing to right, wearing lion skin headdress and playing lyre, with club at his side; HERCVLES downwards to right, MVSARVM downwards to left. Crawford 410/1; RSC Pomponia 8. 4.05g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

2,000

Acquired from Edward J. Waddell Ltd., inv. # 54208; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 106, 9 May 2018, lot 431. Known in Greece as Hercules Musagetes, or leader of the choir of Muses, and appropriately shown here playing a lyre, his worship was often associated with that paid to the nine virgin goddesses of poetry and civilisation. It is difficult to account for this seeming abandonment of Apollo’s maiden companions by the God of Song himself to the protection of another and inferior divinity, however such were the contradictions and inconsistencies of the superstitious patchwork which formed the Greco-Roman system of deification. The subject before us has been reasonably supposed to indicate, by an allegory, that the cultivation of intellectual pursuits rests secure under the guardianship of strength and courage, and that the heroic genius of Hercules can be worthily proclaimed only through the influence of the Muses.

430. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Diademed head of Apollo to right; Q•POMPONI downwards behind, MVSA upwards before / Hercules standing to right, wearing lion skin headdress and playing lyre, with club at his side; HERCVLES downwards to right, MVSARVM downwards to left. Crawford 410/1; BMCRR Rome 3617; RSC Pomponia 8. 3.88g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet toning.

500

Acquired from Dix Noonan Webb Ltd.

144

431. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right, star behind / Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, standing to left wearing long flowing tunic and peplum, holding wand touching a globe resting on a tripod; Q•POMPONI downwards to right, MVSA downwards to left. Crawford 410/8; BMCRR Rome 3628-32; RSC Pomponia 22. 3.89g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection; Ex Ponterio & Associates, Auction 104, 4 November 1999, lot 539; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 15, 18 May 1999, lot 141.

432. P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 60 BC. Draped bust of Leuconoë to right, with pearled band in hair and wearing earring and necklace; dolphin swimming downward to left, P•YPSAE•S•C to right / Jupiter, holding reins in right hand, throwing thunderbolt with left, driving quadriga to left; CEPIT upwards behind, C•YPSAE•COS PRIV in two lines in exergue. Crawford 420/2a; RSC Plautia 12. 3.75g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

From the Shackleford Collection.

433. C. Considius Nonianus AR Denarius. Rome, 57 BC. Laureate and diademed bust of Venus to right; C•CONSIDI•NONIANI downwards behind, S•C before / Temple on summit of rocky mountain surrounded by wall with towers on each side and gate in centre; ERVC above gate. Crawford 424/1; BMCRR Rome 3830; RSC Considia 1a. 3.94g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

Ex Benito Collection; Privately purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, July 2006 (inv. # 776324).

434. C. Considius Nonianus AR Denarius. Rome, 57 BC. Laureate and diademed bust of Venus to right; C•CONSIDI•NONIANI downwards behind, S•C before / Temple on summit of rocky mountain surrounded by wall with towers on each side and gate in centre; ERVC above gate. Crawford 424/1; BMCRR Rome 3830; RSC Considia 1a. 3.74g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine, a few light scratches on the reverse, lightly toned and lustrous. Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 67, 11 July 2019, lot 298.

145

850

435. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Draped bust of Diana to right, wearing diadem with crescent; lituus behind, FAVSTVS downwards before / Sulla seated to left on platform above kneeling figures of Bocchus, king of Mauretania, on left who offers an olive branch and Jugurtha, king of Numidia, on right, his hands tied behind his back; FELIX downwards to right. Crawford 426/1; BMCRR Rome 3824-3825; RSC Cornelia 59. 4.02g, 19mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; highly lustrous metal.

1,500

From the Shackleford Collection.

436. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Diademed bust of young Hercules to right, wearing lion skin tied around neck; FEELIX retrograde behind / Diana driving galloping biga to right, holding reins and lituus; crescent and two stars above, one star over FAVSTVS below. Crawford 426/2; BMCRR Rome 3828-9; RSC Cornelia 60. 3.71g, 19mm, 6h. Previously NGC graded AU 3/5 - 3/5, Fine Style (#5878600-008).

1,000

Ex Peter Stagnetto Collection of Ancient Coins; Ex Spink & Son Ltd., Numismatic Circular CX.4, August 2002, No. RM0947.

437. Q. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Head of Libertas to right; LIBERT upwards behind, Q•CASSIVS downwards before / Curule chair within temple of Vesta; urn to left, voting tablet inscribed AC (Absolvo Condemno) to right. Crawford 428/2; BMCRR Rome 3873; RSC Cassia 8. 3.85g, 19mm, 2h. Near Mint State.

2,500

From the Shackleford Collection.

438. Q. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Head of Libertas to right; LIBERT upwards behind, Q•CASSIVS downwards before / Curule chair within temple of Vesta; urn to left, voting tablet inscribed AC (Absolvo Condemno) to right. Crawford 428/2; BMCRR Rome 3873; RSC Cassia 8. 3.84g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

146

439. Q. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Head of Genius Populi Romani to right, sceptre behind / Eagle standing to right on winged thunderbolt; lituus to left, capis to right, Q•CASSIVS in exergue. Crawford 428/3; BMCRR Rome 3868-70; RSC Cassia 7. 3.74g, 17mm, 8h. Near Mint State; highly lustrous.

1,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXII, 8 January 2019, lot 886.

440. Q. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Head of Genius Populi Romani to right, sceptre behind / Eagle standing to right on winged thunderbolt; lituus to left, capis to right, Q•CASSIVS in exergue. Crawford 428/3; BMCRR Rome 3868-70; RSC Cassia 7. 4.22g, 19mm, 12h. Near Mint State; mirror-lustre in fields.

1,000

Acquired from Hess-Divo AG.

441. P. Fonteius P. f. Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. P•FONTEIVS•CAPITO•III•VIR•CONCORDIA, diademed, veiled and draped head of Concordia to right / Villa Publica on the Campus Martius, T•DIDI on left, VIL•PVB on right, IMP• below. Crawford 429/2a; BMCRR 3856; RSC Fonteia 18 and Didia 1. 3.86g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group. The Villa Publica was a most ancient building, first constructed on the Field of Mars in 435 BC, and according to Livy it was there that the first census of the Roman people was held in the year of its completion. The Villa Publica served as the censors’ office, and held their records, as well as serving as the place where foreign ambassadors were greeted, where victorious Roman generals waited to hear if they would be granted a triumph, and as a base for the levying of legions. At least two renovations of the structure were undertaken, in 194 and 34 BC.

442. C. Coelius Caldus AR Denarius. Rome, 51 BC. Bare head of the consul Caius Coelius Caldus to right, tablet inscribed L•D (Libero | Damno) behind; C•COEL•CALDVS downwards before, COS below / Radiate head of Sol to right; oblong shield ornamented with thunderbolt behind, circular Macedonian shield before and CALDVS•III•VIR to right. Crawford 437/1a; BMCRR Rome 3833-4; RSC Coelia 4. 3.71g, 19mm, 7h. Mint State.

1,500

From the Shackleford Collection.

147

443. C. Coelius Caldus AR Denarius. Rome, 51 BC. Bare head of the consul Caius Coelius Caldus to right, tablet inscribed L•D (Libero | Damno) behind; C•COEL•CALDVS downwards before, [COS below] / Radiate head of Sol to right; oblong shield ornamented with thunderbolt behind, circular Macedonian shield before and CALDVS•III•VIR to right. Crawford 437/1a; BMCRR Rome 3833-4; RSC Coelia 4. 3.93g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; attractively toned.

250

From a private European collection.

444. Q. Sicinius AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Diademed head of Fortuna to right; [P]•R upwards behind, FORT before / Palm-branch and caduceus in saltire, laurel wreath above; III-VIR across fields, Q•SICI[NIVS] below. Crawford 440/1; BMCRR Rome 3947-9; RSC Sicinia 5. 4.11g, 17mm, 5h. Near Mint State; beautifully toned and lustrous.

450

From a private European collection. Q. Sicinius, known only through his issues as moneyer, supported the Republican side in the Civil War. A later issue (Crawford 444) was struck by Sicinius for the use of the fleet commanded by Coponius in the East for Pompey. The combination of a depiction of Fortuna on the obverse of this coin with the symbols for victory and felicitas on the reverse signify the moneyer’s hope for a Republican victory over Caesar who crossed the Rubicon, initiating the Civil War, in the same year that this coin was struck.

445. Q. Sicinius AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Diademed head of Fortuna to right; P•R upwards behind, FORT before / Palm-branch and caduceus in saltire, laurel wreath above; III-VIR across fields, Q•SICINIVS below. Crawford 440/1; BMCRR Rome 3947-9; RSC Sicinia 5. 3.95g, 16mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

400

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex Raintree Collection.

446. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Facing head of Medusa in centre of triskeles with grain ear between each leg / Jupiter standing facing, head to right, holding thunderbolt in right hand and eagle in left; LENT MAR (ligate) upwards to left, COS upwards to right. Crawford 445/1b; CRI 4; BMCRR Sicily 1-2; RSC Cornelia 64a. 3.96g, 18mm, 10h. Near Mint State; an exceptional example of the type.

1,250

Acquired from Hess-Divo AG.

148

447. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Female head to right, wearing laurel wreath / Victory walking to right, holding trophy over left shoulder and caduceus in right hand; L•HOSTILIVS downwards before, SASERNA upwards behind. Crawford 448/1a; CRI 17; BMCRR Rome 398992; RSC Hostilia 5. 4.06g, 18mm, 6h. Near Mint State; attractive light cabinet tone.

750

Ex Benito Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 46, 2 April 2008, lot 916.

448. L. Plautius Plancus AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Mask of Medusa facing; L•PLAVTIVS below / Aurora flying to right, head slightly to left, holding reins and leading four rearing horses of the sun; PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1c; RSC Plautia 14. 3.96g, 19mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone with golden iridescence on the reverse.

1,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton VIII, 11 January 2005, lot 941. In his ‘Fasti’, Ovid relates that during the censorship of C. Plautius and Ap. Claudius Caecus in 312 BC, the latter quarrelled with the tibicines (fluteplayers) and had them exiled to Tibur. As the people resented their loss, Plautius schemed to bring them back to Rome in the very early morning with their faces covered by masks, an event from his ancestry which the moneyer of this type chose to celebrate on his coinage. Hence, the depiction of Aurora is an allusion to their early morning arrival and the mask of Medusa to the concealment of their faces. The commemoration of this event was already a part of the yearly calendar of Roman religious festivals with the Quinquatrus Minusculae, celebrated at Rome on the Ides of June, at which the tibicines processed through the city to the Temple of Minerva whilst wearing masks.

449. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Utica, 47/46 BC. P. Licinius Crassus Junianus, legatus pro praetore. Q•METEL•PIVS on right, SCIPIO•IMP on left, lion-headed figure of Genius of Africa (Sekhmet or leontocephalic Tanit?) standing facing, holding symbol of Tanit; above, G•T•A / Victory standing to left, holding winged caduceus and small round shield; P•CRASSVS•IVN on right, LEG•PRO•P•R on left. Crawford 460/4; RSC Caecilia 51; CRI 43. 3.85g, 17mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

6,000

Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 193, 26 September 2011, lot 479. This coin is traditionally described as depicting the Genius Terrae Africae, or Sekhmet holding an ankh, however this remarkable statue is not Egyptian - the coin is struck in Africa and therefore an ankh symbol makes no sense in a Punic Carthaginian context. Actually, the symbol is quite obviously that of Tanit who was commonly represented by a simple linear female abstract. The identity of the figure must therefore also be called into question in light of statues recovered from Carthage and Tunis which some academics take to represent the Carthaginian deity herself in leontocephalic form. Either way, the coinage of Scipio shows a dramatic break with Republican tradition. No local or city goddess had previously been portrayed on the obverse of Roman coinage other than Roma herself, and certainly never a foreign one! In this case it was made all the more objectionable by either being or holding the symbol of Tanit - a god whose people had slain hundreds of thousands of Roman soldiers and nearly vanquished Rome entirely. Nor indeed was there any precedent for the depiction of a Genius other than the Genius Populi Romani. In no way does Scipio use his coinage to champion the cause of the Republic; though it might have been designed to curry favour with the populace of their last remaining territory, the effect is that it nonetheless appears utterly in the style of an Eastern ruler. Caesar must not have been able to believe his luck, as nothing could better demonstrate to the rank and file the justness of their cause than the thoroughly un-Roman depths to which Scipio had lowered himself. Needless to say then, Scipio’s coinage stands in stark contrast to the traditional republican types of his colleague Cato, whose types replicated those of his ancestor, another M. Porcius Cato, moneyer of 89 BC. Perhaps we should not be surprised. Classical scholar John H. Collins summed up the character and reputation of Metellus Scipio thusly: “From all that can be learned of this Scipio, he was as personally despicable and as politically reactionary as they come: a defender of C. Verres (In Ver. II. 4. 79-81), a debauchee of singular repulsiveness (Valerius Maximus, 9.1.8), an incompetent and bull-headed commander (Plutarch, Cato Min. 58), an undisciplined tyrant in the possession of authority (Bell. Afr. 44-46), an extortioner of the provinces (BC 3.31-33), a proscription-thirsty bankrupt (Att. 9.11), a worthy great grandson des hochmütigen, plebejerfeindlichen Junkers (Münzer, RE 4.1502) who had led the lynching of Tiberius Gracchus, and a most unworthy father of the gentle Cornelia. Only in the ‘Imperator se bene habet’ with which he met death is there any trace of the nobler character of his great forebears (Seneca Rhet., Suas. 7.8).

149

450. L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Radiate head of Sol to right; acisculus and ACISCVLVS downwards behind / Luna in biga galloping to right, holding whip in right hand and reins with left; L•VALERIVS below. Crawford 474/5; CRI 94; BMCRR Rome 4110; RSC Valeria 20. 3.88g, 19mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

2,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

Ex Richard B. Witschonke Collection

451. Petillius Capitolinus AR Denarius. Rome, 43 BC. Eagle, with wings spread, standing facing, head to right, on thunderbolt; PETILLIVS CAPITOLINVS around / Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus: richly decorated hexastyle temple with three garlands hanging between columns; the pediment ornamented with armed figures; in the tympanum is a seated figure of Jupiter between two other figures. Crawford 487/2a; BMCRR Rome 4220; RSC Petillia 2. 3.88g, 19mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,250

Ex Richard B. Witschonke Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 63, 17 May 2012, lot 474; Privately purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts Inc., March 1993.

452. Petillius Capitolinus AR Denarius. Rome, 43 BC. Eagle, with wings spread, standing facing, head to right, on thunderbolt; PETILLIVS CAPITOLINVS around / Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus: richly decorated hexastyle temple with three garlands hanging between columns; the pediment ornamented with armed figures; in the tympanum is a seated figure of Jupiter between two other figures. Crawford 487/2a; BMCRR Rome 4220; RSC Petillia 2. 3.73g, 19mm, 4h. Mint State; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton X, 2007, 544; Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A., Auction 67, 15 September 2001, lot 359; Ex Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 42, 11 October 1988, lot 569; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 41, 6 June 1988, lot 490.

COINS OF THE IMPERATORS

453. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant advancing to right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis (surmounted by wolf’s head), and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; RSC 49. 4.00g, 20mm, 9h. Good Very Fine; some flatness, lustrous with a light cabinet tone.

750

Purchased from London Mint Office, 27 June 2019, for £2,295.

150

151

152

In Extraordinary Condition for the Type

454. Cnaeus Pompeius Junior and M. Minatius Sabinus AR Denarius. Corduba, 46-45 BC. CN•MAGN IMP, head of Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus to right / Personification of Corduba, turreted, standing to right amidst heap of arms, holding transverse spear in left hand and welcoming a Pompeian soldier who debarks from stern of a ship; PR•Q to left, M•MINAT SABIN in exergue. Crawford 470/1a; CRI 49; C. 5; Sydenham 1036; Buttrey, ANSMN 9, 1960, p. 76, type A and pl. VII, obv. 3, rev. c; RSC Minatia 2 and Pompeia 11. 3.88g, 20mm, 2h. Mint State. Very Rare, and in extraordinary condition for the type.

25,000

From the Shackleford Collection. The eldest son of Pompey Magnus, Cnaeus Pompeius (also commonly referred to as Pompey Junior) and his brother Sextus grew up in the long shadow of their father’s fame as the greatest general of his age. The elder Pompey had seemed to hold the whole Roman world in the palm of his hand, yet in the struggle for mastery of the Republic against his former friend and ally Caesar, Pompey was forced to abandon Italy with his family, and was utterly undone at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC. Defeated, Pompey and his family took flight to Egypt where the general believed they would be safe, since the boy king Ptolemy XIII was indebted to the friendship and the help Pompey had given to his father. Upon their arrival in Egypt however, Pompey was treacherously murdered by a former comrade on the orders of the Egyptian king, who had been advised that this would forestall further civil war, and ingratiate him with Caesar. Stabbed to death by sword and daggers, his head severed and his unclothed body thrown into the sea, Pompey died the day after his sixtieth birthday. Horrified, his family put back out to sea. Cnaeus and Sextus joined the remainder of the resistance to Caesar in Africa, and after the defeat at Thapsus the brothers escaped to the Balearic islands, whence they crossed over to the Spanish mainland with Titus Labienus, a former lieutenant of Caesar. Struck at Corduba, which became the Pompeian military headquarters, this coin is laden with symbolism. The reverse is as imaginative and unusual as any reverse in the Republican series, and propagandises the welcome received by the brothers in Spain, which readily provided them with the means with which to continue the fight against Caesar. The obverse bears the first securely datable portrait of their dead father Pompey Magnus, whose success in bringing the Sertorian War to a close in 71 BC would still have been remembered in Spain. The legend names ‘Cnaeus Magnus Imperator, son’, a pious statement that the authority behind the striking of this coinage is that of the wronged and murdered Pompey Magnus, on whose behalf the resistance to Caesar was taken up by his son. This coin must have been struck only shortly before the Pompeian and Caesarian armies met on 17 March 45 BC; the extreme rarity of the issue argues for a limited production run. At the Battle of Munda, some 70,000 troops commanded by Cnaeus, Sextus, and Titus Labienus met Caesar’s battlehardened veteran force of 40,000. The result of the contest was a decisive victory for Caesar; Labienus was killed along with around 30,000 Pompeian troops, and the brothers Cnaeus and Sextus were once again forced to flee. Cnaeus was quickly captured and executed, but Sextus would survive his brother in Sicily for over a decade.

153

Caesar in Sicily

455. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Lilybaeum, late 47 BC. A. Allienus, proconsul. Draped bust of Venus to right, wearing stephane; C•CAESAR IMP•COS•ITER around / Trinacrus standing to left, foot on prow, holding triskeles and resting elbow on knee; A•ALLIENVS to left, PRO•COS to right. Crawford 457/1; CRI 54; RSC 1; BMCRR Sicily 5. 3.90g, 19mm, 3h. About Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,750

Ex Nomos AG, Auction 2, 18 May 2010, lot 154. The subtle imagery of this very rare denarius of Caesar can only be fully understood in the light of its fascinating context. In late 47 BC Caesar was stopping over in Sicily in order to prepare his forces for an assault on his enemies who were assembling in North Africa, led by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Scipio, Cato the Younger and their ally King Juba of Numidia. Caesar typically had his coins minted on the campaign trail so as to keep his armies consistently well paid and loyal, and so this denarius was minted during his stopover in Sicily by his proconsul of Sicily, Aulus Allienus, who acted as moneyer. The figure on the reverse side is Trinacrus, a son of Neptune with a particular association with Sicily, his name most likely deriving from an alternate name for the island, Trinacria (“three-cornered land”). To reinforce this connection with the three-cornered land, Trinacrus also holds the Triskeles, a symbol consisting of three limbs radiating from a central point and long since an emblem of Sicily, leaving us in no doubt what is being referred to. He has his foot on the prow of a ship, surely one of Caesar’s beached in preparation for the upcoming invasion – a gesture of protection but also as if he is about to give the ship a push into the sea and on its way. Thus the vignette depicts the island of Sicily supporting and launching Caesar’s fleet to a divinely-supported victory, and reveals further the human story of Allienus’ pride in his province’s support of Caesar and his desire to be recognised for this support as a loyal proconsul, making his Sicily a central part of Caesar’s story.

456. Julius Caesar AV Aureus. Rome, 46 BC. A. Hirtius, praetor. Veiled head of Vesta to right, C•CAESAR COS TER around / Emblems of the augurate and pontificate: lituus, guttus, and securis; A•HIRTIVS • PR around. Crawford 466/1; BMCRR 4050; CRI 56; Calicó 37; Babelon (Hirtia) 1, (Julia) 22. 8.01g, 20mm, 5h. About Extremely Fine.

6,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92 “An Important Selection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine Coins”, 23 May 2016, lot 388. Authorised by Caesar himself, the present aureus was part of the first ever large-scale issue of aurei in the history of the Roman coinage. Under extreme pressure to strike the vast quantities of coinage that Caesar required in time for his ‘Quadruple Triumph’and the return of his veteran soldiers to Rome, the exacting standards of the Capitoline mint seemingly slipped. We have in the present coin an extremely fine example from dies of good style, which is in marked contrast to the variable quality of the dies used and the technical skill with which the coins were struck. The ‘Quadruple Triumph’ that Caesar celebrated on his return to Rome in 46 BC was spread over four days, with each day to feature a themed procession commemorating his four greatest achievements on campaign: the victories in Gaul while he was proconsul between 58 and 51 BC, his defeat of Ptolemy XIII of Egypt in 47, of Pharnaces of Pontus later the same year and finally over king Juba of Numidia, who was cast as the main enemy of the recently successful African campaign - a Triumph could not be celebrated for the defeat of fellow Romans, a fact that left many uneasy due to the common knowledge of the deaths of Scipio and Cato, Caesar’s real opponents. It is also interesting to note that the types chosen by Caesar to mark his attainment of military supremacy could not have been more opposite to the character of the occasion they were intended for. Referencing Caesar’s occupation of various religious positions with the emblems of the augurate and pontificate on the reverse, it is believed Caesar sought to highlight his care for Rome, the family and home by honouring Vesta, goddess of the hearth, with the veiled female head on the obverse. Although never positively identified as Vesta, that her rites were under the care of the pontifices, and most especially Caesar himself as Pontifex Maximus, makes this likely a correct assumption.

154

457. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar in Spain, 46-45 BC. Head of Venus to right, wearing stephane; Cupid behind shoulder / Trophy of Gallic arms between two seated captives: female seated to left resting head in right hand, and bearded male seated to right with hands tied behind back, looking to left; CAESAR in exergue. Crawford 468/1; CRI 58; BMCRR Spain 86; RSC 13. 3.89g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State; beautifully toned with golden highlights.

1,750

Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 86, 18 May 1998, lot 352.

458. Lollius Palikanus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Head of Libertas to right, wearing pearl diadem, cruciform earring, pearl necklace, hair collected into a knot behind, one lock falling down her neck, jewels in hair above forehead; LIBERTA[TIS] downwards to left / View of the Rostra in the Roman Forum surmounted by a subsellium (tribune’s bench); the Rostra consist of a platform supported by an arcade; each column being ornamented with a rostrum; PALIKAN[VS] above. Crawford 473/1; CRI 86; BMCRR Rome 4011-2; RSC Lollia 2. 3.95g, 20mm, 3h. Near Mint State; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,000

Ex Nomisma S.p.a. (San Marino), Auction 59, 14 May 2019, lot 103.

Rare Variety

459. Lollius Palikanus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Laureate head of Honos to right; HONORIS downwards behind / Garlanded curule chair between two grain-ears, wreath on chair; PALIKANVS above. Crawford 473/2d; CRI 87; BMCRR Rome 4014-5; RSC Lollia 1. 3.81g, 19mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful dark old cabinet tone. Rare variety with garlanded chair. Ex Benito Collection; Ex Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 59, 1 June 2010, lot 2356.

155

2,500

Beautiful Cabinet Toning

460. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, January - February 44 BC. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. Laureate head to right; CAESAR•IM before, P M and crescent behind / Venus Victrix standing to left, holding Victory in outstretched right hand and leaning on sceptre with left; L•AEMILIVS behind, BVCA before. Crawford 480/4; CRI 102; BMCRR Rome 4152-3; RSC 22; Alföldi Type IV, 129 (A7/R5). 3.90g, 20mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

10,000

Ex private Japanese Collection; Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, New York Signature Sale 3030, 5 January 2014, lot 23905 (hammer: US$ 15,000). In the years of his supremacy, Caesar had amassed unprecedented power by corrupting the institutions of the old Republic to his own requirements. First appointed Dictator in 49 BC by the Praetor (and future Triumvir) Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, possibly in order to preside over elections, Caesar resigned his Dictatorship within eleven days but in 48 BC he was appointed Dictator again, only this time for an indefinite period, and was also given permanent tribunician powers making his person sacrosanct and allowing him to veto the Senate. In 46 BC he was appointed Dictator for ten years, and he gave himself quasi-censorial powers under the mantle of ‘Prefect of the Morals’, enabling him to fill the Senate with his partisans who duly voted him the titles of Pater Patriae and Imperator. He increased the number of magistrates who were elected each year, thus allowing him to reward his supporters, and in October 45 BC, having served in the unconstitutional role of Sole Consul for that year, Caesar resigned his consulship and facilitated the election of two successors for the remainder of the year - theoretically restoring the ordinary consulship, but in practice submitting the Consuls to the Dictatorial executive - a practice that later become common under the Empire. In February 44 BC, one month before his assassination, Caesar was appointed Dictator for life. More followed; he was given the unprecedented honour of having his own likeness placed upon the Roman coinage, his statue was placed next to those of the kings, he was granted a golden chair in the Senate, and was permitted to wear triumphal dress whenever he chose. Then, at the festival of the Lupercal, Marc Antony presented Caesar with a royal diadem, and attempted to place it on his head. Yet for all these hideous affronts to the ancient institutions of the Republic and the sensibilities of the Roman people, perhaps his most egregious reform was the law he passed in preparation for his planned campaign against the Parthian Empire. Realising that his absence from Rome would impede his ability to install his own men in positions of power and that therefore his back would be exposed while away from the city, Caesar decreed that he would have the right to appoint all magistrates in 43 BC, and all consuls and tribunes in 42 BC, thus at a stroke transforming the magistrates from being representatives of the people to being representatives of the dictator. The coinage of the early months of 44 BC reveals the necessity for the Senate and moneyers to please Caesar. Not only was it decreed that Caesar’s portrait should be the first of a living individual to appear on Republican coins but all bar one of the four moneyers only issued denarii that honoured Caesar and his regime. Lucius Aemilius Buca, the moneyer of this current coin and apparently a relative of the earlier dictator Sulla, was alone in minting a denarius which referred to his family history and not specifically to Caesar. This coin, however, is characteristic of the Caesarian imagery which was predominant during these months. The obverse legend honours Caesar as Pontifex Maximus, an office which Caesar had held since 63 BC, and the reverse type refers to the divine ancestry of the gens Julia (as discussed in the next coin).

156

Very Rare and Outstanding Quality

461. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, February-March 44 BC. Cossutius Maridianus, moneyer. Wreathed and veiled head to right; CAESAR• before, DICT•PERPETVO behind / Venus standing to left, holding Victory in right hand, and resting arm on shield set on globe. Crawford 480/16; Alföldi Type XIX, 141 (A10/R1); CRI 111; RSC 9; RBW -; FFC 8 (this coin). 4.14g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare; the finest example offered at auction in the past 20 years.

17,500

This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002); Ex Alba Longa Collection. The hereditary affiliation between the Gens Julia and the goddess Venus is arguably better known to have been promoted under the rule of the emperor Augustus, adoptive son of Julius Caesar, rather than Caesar himself, particularly in literary sources. The most overt examples appear in Virgil’s Aeneid, who includes explicit references to Augustus’ divine ancestry throughout the work. As early as Book 1, Jupiter delivers a speech to Venus in which he highlights the success that her descendents will enjoy in the state Alba Longa, which will be founded by Aeneas’ son Ascanius, specifically identifying Julius Caesar when he states that “nascetur pulchra Troianus origine Caesar, imperium oceano, famam qui terminet astris – Iulius, a magno demissum nomen Iulo” (Aeneid 1.286-8). The tendentious decision by Virgil to refer to Ascanius by his other cognomen, Iulus, is a typically Virgilian form of propaganda; in using the name from which the Gens Iulia etymologised their own, Virgil immediately draws the attention of his audience not only to the parallels in character between Julius Caesar and the legendary founder of Alba Longa, but also to the unquestionable legitimacy of Augustus’ rule. While there is certainly more contemporary literature from Augustus’ lifetime than Caesar’s that draws on the lineage of the family as a method to reinforce legitimacy, there are references in later sources to Caesar’s own desire to emphasise his divine connection for the same reason. Suetonius in his Life of Julius Caesar includes a speech given by Caesar as the eulogy for his paternal aunt, in which he specifically refers to his aunt’s (and by extension his own) ancestry: “amitae meae Iuliae maternum genus ab regibus ortum, paternum cum diis inmortalinbus coniunctum est. nam ab Anco Marcio sunt Marcii Reges, quo nomine fuit mater; a Venere Iulii, cuius gentis familia est nostra” (The Twelve Caesars, Julius Caesar, 1.6). Suetonius, of course, was writing at the beginning of the 2nd Century AD and, as such, the accuracy with which he conveys speeches supposedly delivered more than 150 years prior should be questioned, if not entirely dismissed. It is, therefore, other evidence which must be looked to for a more concrete basis of Suetonius’ reporting and this coin can be viewed as such evidence, illustrating that the association with Venus was indeed exploited during the life of Caesar. Struck in the last year of his life, when Caesar’s dictatorship was well-established and he was continuing to pursue ever more wide-ranging (and controversial) reforms, this coin can be interpreted as a reflection of the confidence he felt in his position. The self-aggrandisement on show is not limited to the depiction of Venus on the reverse of this coin, it is further compounded by the representation of Victory and by the shield upon which Venus is leaning. This iconography is a clear allusion to Caesar’s illustrious military career, of which no Roman citizen would have been in any doubt by 44 BC. The reverse imagery of this coin thus encapsulates Caesar’s desire to reinforce his credibility as dictator through his achievements on earth as well as his ancestral connection to the gods in the heavens.

157

Ex CNG 34, 1995

462. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. L. Livineius Regulus, moneyer. Rome, 42 BC. Wreathed head to right; laurel branch behind, winged caduceus before / Bull charging to right; L•LIVINEIVS above, REGVLVS below. Crawford 494/24; CRI 115; BMCRR Rome 4274-6; RSC 27. 3.87g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

5,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 46, 2 April 2008, lot 941 (hammer: CHF 5,750); Ex Classical Numismatic Group - Numismatica Ars Classica - Freeman & Sear, Triton I, 2 December 1997, lot 1247; Ex Russell C. Hollingsworth Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 34, 6 May 1995, lot 273.

Ex Leo Benz Collection

463. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. L. Mussidius Longus, moneyer. Laureate head to right / L•MVSSIDIVS• LONGVS, cornucopiae on globe, between rudder on left, and caduceus and apex on right. Crawford 494/39a; CRI 116; BMCRR Rome 4237-41; RSC 29. 3.51g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive old collection tone over lustrous metal.

5,750

Ex property of Princeton Economics (acquired by Martin Armstrong), Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 271, 11 January 2012, lot 38; Ex Leo Benz Collection, Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 88, 23 November 1998, lot 787; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 20, 7 June 1977, lot 224.

464. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. L. Mussidius Longus, moneyer. Laureate head to right / L•MVSSIDIVS• LONGVS, cornucopiae on globe, between rudder on left, and caduceus and apex on right. Crawford 494/39a; CRI 116; BMCRR Rome 4237-41; RSC 29. 3.95g, 20mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

4,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 52, 7 October 2009, lot 290.

465. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus and P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther AR Denarius. Smyrna, 43-42 BC. Sacrificial axe, simpulum and sacrificial dagger; BRVTVS below / Jug and lituus; LENTVLVS SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/7; CRI 198; RSC 6. 3.92g, 18mm, 12h. Mint State.

3,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

158

466. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Brutus in Asia Minor, 42 BC. L. Sestius, proquaestor. Veiled and draped bust of Libertas to right; L•SESTI•PRO•Q around / Tripod between sacrificial axe and simpulum; Q•CAEPIO•BRVTVS•PRO•COS around; all within beaded border. Crawford 502/2; CRI 201; RSC 11. 3.67g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,750

Ex private Japanese Collection; Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CICF Signature Sale 3024, 18 April 2013, lot 24820.

467. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Quinarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus, 43-42 BC. Sella against which rests staff, modius below, L SESTI above, PRO Q in exergue / Tripod, simpulum on left, apex on right, Q CAEPIO BRVTVS PRO COS around. Crawford 502/4; BMCRR East 47; King 78; CRI 203; RSC 13. 1.66g, 14mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

Ex Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VI, 29 September 2013, lot 812 (sold for £1,800).

468. C. Cassius Longinus and P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus (Smyrna?), 43-42 BC. Tripod with cauldron, decorated with two laurel-branches; C•CASSI upwards to left, IMP upwards to right / Jug and lituus; LENTVLVS SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/1; CRI 219; BMCRR East 79; RSC 7. 3.85g, 18mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

1,500

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 293, 19 December 2012, lot 252.

469. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, 41 BC. Bare head to right, lituus behind, M•ANTONIVS•IMP•III•VIR•R•P•C• around / Pietas standing to left, holding turibulum and cornucopiae upon which two storks perch, PIETAS - COS across fields. Crawford 516/5; CRI 238; Sydenham 1172; RSC 79. 4.04g, 19mm, 3h. Good Very Fine; in unusually good condition for the type. Very Rare.

2,500

Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 19004, 27 March 2019, lot 258. Following the defeat of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in 42 BC, Marc Antony travelled to Asia to settle affairs in the East. During the course of this journey he produced a series of gold and silver coins in honour of his younger brother Lucius Antoninus, surnamed ‘Pietas’, who was consul in 41 BC. Lucius had been a firm supporter of his brother and of Caesar, and while Antony was absent from Rome Lucius and Antony’s wife Fulvia acted in his interests. Lucius assumed the cognomen ‘Pietas’ which we see celebrated on this coin through fraternal devotion to his brother when he and Fulvia fell out with Octavian, resulting in an armed uprising towards the end of 41 BC (see Cassius Dio 48.5.4). Interestingly, matters could have gone very badly for Octavian at this time: he was attempting to fulfil his obligations to the army in Italy following Philippi and settle vast numbers of veterans on land which had been confiscated throughout the country, but delays and complications resulted in animosity which grew to such a height that Octavian feared for his life. Cassius Dio tells us that the final push to armed conflict was instigated by the veterans who, when Lucius and Fulvia refused to appear for a trial against themselves and Octavian regarding the progress of the veterans’ settlement, sided with Octavian and began making preparations for war. Lucius withdrew from Rome and, confident that his brother’s legions would soon arrive to assist him, remained in the city of Perusia which was duly besieged by Octavian. No rescue came for Lucius, and starvation forced him to surrender in February 40 BC. His life was spared and Octavian made him governor of Spain as a sign of his continuing goodwill towards Marc Antony. The imagery on this coin is symbolic of the fraternal bond between Marc Antony and his brother. The storks were chosen as symbols of familial piety as it was believed these birds would support their elderly parents on their own wings, and were the personal sigil of Antony. Combined with the figure of Pietas, this reverse therefore signifies the deep bond of brotherly love between Marc Antony and Lucius.

159

Ex V. J. E. Ryan Collection, Glendining 1952

470. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony in Asia Minor, 41 BC. Bare head to right, [ANT•AVG]•IMP•III•V•R•P•C / Fortuna Redux standing to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae, stork standing to left before; [PIETAS COS] in exergue. Crawford 516/2; CRI 241; BMCRR Gaul 70; RSC 77; RBW 1795 (this coin). 3.96g, 21mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,500

Published in R. Russo, The RBW Collection of Roman Republican Coins, (Zurich, 2013); Ex Richard B. Witschonke Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 63, 17 May 2012, lot 547; Ex Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd, Auction 3, 5 October 1994, lot 394; Ex V. J. E. Ryan Collection Part V, Glendining & Co. Ltd, 02 April 1952, lot 192.

471. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony to right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian to right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; RBW 1798; CRI 243; BMCRR East 103; RSC 8a; FFC 8 (this coin). 3.84g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful cabinet tone.

3,500

This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002); Ex Alba Longa Collection.

472. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Athens, 38-37 BC. Radiate bust of Sol to right, III•VIR•R•P•C•COS•DESIG•ITER•ET•TERT around / M•ANTONIVS•M •F•M•N•AVGVR•IMP•TER, Antony standing to right, dressed as priest, veiled, wearing toga and holding a lituus. Crawford 533/2; CRI 267; BMCRR East 141-143; RSC 13a. 3.86g, 20mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; old cabinet tone. Among the most complete examples for this type that is virtually always poorly struck.

4,500

Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 19004, 27 March 2019, lot 259.

473. Octavian AR Denarius. Southern or central Italian mint, spring - early summer 36 BC. Bare head to right, with beard; [I]MP•CAESAR•DIVI•F•III• VIR•ITER•R[•P•C] around / Tetrastyle temple of Divus Julius: statue of Julius Caesar as augur standing facing within, holding lituus; DIVO•IVL on architrave, star within pediment, and lighted altar to left; COS•ITER•ET•TER•DESIG around. Crawford 540/2; CRI 315; RSC 90. 3.85g, 20mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Scarce.

500

Ex Lifchuz Collection.

160

A Bold Portrait of Caesar

474. Divus Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, 40 BC. Q. Voconius Vitulus, moneyer. Laureate head to right; DIVI•IVLI downwards before, lituus behind / Bull-calf walking to left; Q•VOCONIVS above, VITVLVS in exergue. Crawford 526/2; CRI 329; Sydenham 1132; BMCRR Rome 4308-10; RSC 46. 3.98g, 22mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; a bold portrait of Caesar. Very Rare.

12,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 100, 29 May 2017, lot 394. In 40 BC when this coin was struck, upon learning of the defeat of his brother Lucius and wife Fulvia in the Perusine War, Marc Antony set sail for Italy with a small army and two hundred ships which he had built in Asia. Arriving at Athens, Antony was met by his wife Fulvia and his mother Julia, who had taken refuge with Sextus and been sent by him with warships from Sicily. She was accompanied by some leading Pompeians whose aim was to bring Antony and Sextus into alliance against Octavian. Antony’s response to the embassy was to offer alliance in case of war and reconciliation in case of peace, suggesting that Antony believed that a lasting partnership with Octavian was still possible. These new lines of communication with Sextus provided an avenue by which former supporters of the liberators could find their way back from exile; the most prominent of these was Ahenobarbus, who met Antony at sea with his whole army and fleet; this combined force moved together to Brundisium, which was refused entry to the harbour by Octavian’s commander. Despite initially laying siege to Brundisium, the triumvirs were able to negotiate a settlement that provided for a continued peace between them. The Treaty of Brundisium confirmed the de facto state of affairs, while further binding Octavian and Antony through the ill-fated marriage of Octavian’s sister Octavia to Antony. Antony furthermore received legions for his planned invasion of Parthia and Octavian received warships to counter the ongoing threat posed by Sextus Pompey. This denarius depicts the now deified Caesar on the obverse with a lituus, an augur’s staff representing his membership to the priestly college of augurs. Octavian’s possession of the augurship was also made clear on an issue with his portrait struck by the same moneyer (CRI 330) emphasising his relationship to Caesar, a propaganda tool also employed by Marc Antony (see CRI 253-5, 257-8). It is well attested how Octavian capitalised tremendously on his posthumous adoption by Caesar; in truth he owed everything he eventually achieved to this twist of fate. Octavian used Caesar’s reflected but undimmed prestige to legitimise himself and his ascent to power in the eyes of the Roman people and more importantly the legions, and thus the continuation of (often idealised) Caesar portrait issues at the Roman mint under Octavian’s control is hardly surprising. This denarius, struck by Q. Voconius Vitulus, a partisan of Octavian of whom nothing else is known, features a purely personal reverse type with a punning allusion to his cognomen which translates as cow or calf. It was to be one of the last within the long tradition of the college of moneyers stretching back almost two and a half centuries, for the institution was abolished by the Triumvirate and state coinage placed under the direct control of the either the eastern of western Triumvir.

161

475. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Sicily, 42-40 BC. The Pharos of Messana surmounted by a statue of Neptune; in foreground, galley to left adorned with legionary eagle, sceptre and trident, [MAG•PIVS]•IMP•ITER around / Scylla to left, wielding a rudder in both hands; PRÆF•CLAS•E[T•ORÆ•MAR IT•EX•S•C] around. Crawford 511/4a; CRI 335; Sydenham 1348; BMCRR Sicily 18-19; RSC 2. 3.82g, 21mm, 11h. Near Mint State; beautiful deep old cabinet tone. Exceptionally sharp for the issue.

3,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVI, 26 September 2018, lot 640; Ex private Anglo-Italian collection.

476. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Sicily, 42-40 BC. The Pharos of Messana surmounted by a statue of Neptune; in foreground, galley to left adorned with legionary eagle, sceptre and trident, [MAG•PIVS•IMP•ITER] around / Scylla to left, wielding a rudder in both hands; PRÆF•[CLAS•ET•ORÆ]•MAR IT•EX•S•C around. Crawford 511/4a; CRI 335; Sydenham 1348; BMCRR Sicily 18-19; RSC 2. 3.95g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; dark cabinet tone.

500

Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 46, 28 November 1988, lot 426.

477. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG III across fields. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; RSC 28. 3.49g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,250

Acquired from Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG.

478. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VI across fields. Crawford 544/19; CRI 355; RSC 33; BMCRR East 197. 3.65g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive dark old cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex collection of Professor David R. Beatty, C.M., O.B.E.; Ex Barry Feirstein Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 45, 2 April 2008, lot 58; Ex James Fox Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 40, 4 December 1996, lot 1324.

479. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VII across fields. Crawford 544/20; CRI 357; BMCRR East 198; RSC 34; FFC 38 (this coin). 3.46g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002); Ex Alba Longa Collection.

162

Ex Alba Longa Collection

480. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XII ANTIQVAE above. Crawford 544/9; CRI 363; BMCRR East 222; RSC 40; FFC 45 (this coin). 3.73g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

2,500

This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002); Ex Alba Longa Collection.

481. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 31 - summer 30 BC. Bare head to left / Victory standing to left on globe, holding wreath and palm; CAESAR DIVI•F across fields. RIC I 254b; CRI 407; BMCRR Rome 4339 = BMCRE 603; RSC 64. 3.92g, 20mm, 3h. Near Mint State; perfectly centred.

6,000

Ex Dr. Nicholas Lowe Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 1018.

482. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 BC. Octavian driving triumphal quadriga to right, holding reins in left hand and branch in right, the car ornamented with figures on its front and side panels; IMP•CAESAR in exergue / Victory, draped, standing to right on prow right, holding palm frond over left shoulder and wreath in extended right hand. RIC I 264; CRI 416; BMCRE 617-9 = BMCRR Rome 4343-5; RSC 115. 4.07g, 21mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; some flat strike, attractive cabinet tone.

850

Acquired from Áureo & Calicó.

483. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Bare head to right / Façade of the Roman Curia with a tetrastyle porch and IMP CAESAR on the architrave; Victory standing facing on globe, holding wreath and vexillum, on apex of roof, and statues, each holding a parazonium and sceptre, standing facing inwards at each end of architrave. RIC I 266; CRI 421; BMCRE 631; RSC 122. 3.66g, 20mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine; excellent detail, attractive light tone.

1,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 1387.

163

DAY TWO - 25 MARCH, 1:00 PM COINS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

484. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 28 BC. CAESAR • [DIVI • F] COS • VI, bare head to right; [capricorn right below bust truncation] / AEGYPTO CAPTA in two lines, crocodile to right between. RIC I 545; BMCRE 653; RSC 4. 3.87g, 18mm, 3h. About Extremely Fine; attractively toned. Rare.

4,000

Acquired from Marambat de Malafosse sarl.

485. Augustus Ӕ Sestertius. Uncertain Asian mint, circa 25 BC. AVGVSTVS, bare head to right / CA within rostral wreath. C.J. Howgego, Coinage and Military Finance: the Imperial Bronze Coinage of the Augustan East, in NC 1983, p. 7, 2a, pl. 1, 9; RIC I 501 (Pergamum); BMCRE 713 (Pergamum); CBN 956 (Pergamum); RPC I 2233 (Asia). 24.07g, 35mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; an attractive portrait of Augustus.

2,750

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG. The mint identity and reverse legend of the Augustan CA issues has long been discussed (for a survey of theories see RPC I, pp. 380-381), but the reverse ‘CA’ may refer to the stabilised Communitas Asiae. Following the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra, Augustus returned to Italy via Asia, most likely personally sanctioning at Pergamum the temple dedicated to himself and Rome. At the end of the civil war, Augustus sought to restore peace to the empire and to reinforce her frontiers. This was achieved by establishing diplomatic relations with the surrounding rulers, and the placement of Agrippa as proconsul of Asia Minor once Augustus had returned to Rome in 19 BC.

Ex Numismatik Lanz 123, 2005

486. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?), circa 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, oak-wreathed head to right / Eighttailed comet with tail upwards; DIVVS IVLIVS across fields. RIC I 37a; BMCRE 323-325 = BMCRR Gaul 135-7; RSC 98. 3.84g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 51, 5 March 2009, lot 148; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 123, 30 May 2005, lot 411.

164

487. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?), 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head to right / S•P•Q•R CL•V in two lines on round shield (clipeus virtutis). RIC I 42a; BMCRE 334; RSC 294; BN 1311. 3.76g, 21mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 9, 16 April 1996, lot 788.

488. Augustus AV Aureus. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head to right / Round shield inscribed CL•V, aquila and signum flanking; SIGNIS above, RECEPTIS below, S P Q R around. RIC I 85a; C. 264; BMCRE 416; Calicó 273. 7.81g, 21mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

7,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 3 December 2016, lot 16.

Ex Alba Longa Collection

489. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head to right / Round shield inscribed CL•V, aquila and signum flanking; SIGNIS above, RECEPTIS below, S P Q R around. RIC I 86a; BMCRE 417; RSC 265. 3.87g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; magnificent old cabinet tone.

2,000

Acquired from Áureo & Calicó; Ex Alba Longa Collection.

Fleur De Coin

490. Augustus AR Denarius. Q. Rustius, moneyer. Rome, circa 19/18 BC. Q•RVSTIVS•FORTVNAE, jugate busts of Fortuna Victrix wearing round helmet and Fortuna Felix, diademed to right; [ANTIAT] in exergue / CAESARI•AVGVSTO, ornamented rectangular altar inscribed FOR•RE; EX•SC in exergue. RIC I 322; BMCRE 2; RSC 513; FFC 322 (this coin). 3.52g, 19mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Rare.

3,500

This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002); Ex Alba Longa Collection.

165

491. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 18 BC. CAESARI AVGVSTO, laureate head to right / Round domed hexastyle temple of Mars Ultor with acroteria, set on podium of three steps, an aquila between two signa within; MAR-VLT across fields. RIC I 105a; BMCRE 373-4; BMCRR Rome 4419-4420; RSC 190. 3.48g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

492. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 18 BC. CAESARI AVGVSTO, laureate head to right / Round domed tetrastyle temple of Mars Ultor set on three steps, containing triumphal currus (chariot) carrying aquila and miniature quadriga; S•P•-Q•R across fields. RIC I 119; BMCRE 385; RSC 279; FFC 196 (this coin). 3.89g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive dark old cabinet tone.

2,000

This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002); Ex Alba Longa Collection.

Published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó

493. Augustus, with Divus Julius Caesar, AR Denarius. M. Sanquinius, moneyer. Rome, 17 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI • F, bare head of Augustus to right / M • SANQVI NIVS • III • VIR, youthful, laureate head of deified Julius Caesar to right; comet with four rays and a tail in upper central field. RIC I 338; BMCRE 71-3 = BMCRR Rome 4585-7; BN 279; RSC 1 (Julius Caesar and Augustus); FFC 1 (this coin). 3.73g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive deep cabinet tone.

2,750

This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002); Acquired from Áureo & Calicó.

An Extreme Rarity

494. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 16 BC. L. Mescinius Rufus, moneyer. CAESAR AVGVSTVS TR POT, laureate head to right / L MESCINIVS RVFVS III VIR, Mars, nude but for helmet and cloak draped over left arm, holding spear and parazonium, standing to left on pedestal inscribed S P Q R V PR RE CAES. RIC -, cf. 352 (without III VIR); BMCRE -, cf. 86 note; RSC 463d; FFC 293 (this coin). 3.76g, 19mm, 10h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare; not to be confused with the more common anepigraphic obverse type, this is one of only three examples offered at auction in the past 20 years, the other two being in exceedingly poor condition, and it is likely the finest surviving specimen. 4,500 This coin published in Fernández, Fernández & Calicó, Catálogo Monográfico de los Denarios de la República Romana (2002); Ex Alba Longa Collection; Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG - Spink Taisei, 16 November 1994, lot 161.

166

495. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, circa 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head to right / Bull butting to right; IMP•X in exergue. RIC I 167a; BMCRE 451; RSC 137. 3.80g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; minor scratches to reverse, pleasantly toned.

750

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

496. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, circa 2 BC - AD 4. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F [PATER PATRIAE], laureate head to right / [AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IV]VENT, Gaius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, each togate and holding spear with hand resting on shield between them; above, on left, lituus to right and, on right, simpulum to left; C L CAESARES in exergue. RIC I 210; BMCRE 540; RSC 43c. 3.83g, 18mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; beautiful iridescent cabinet tone.

750

Ex Bob Levy Collection, Leu Numismatik AG, Auktion 57, 25 May 1993, lot 229 (original ticket included).

497. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 13-14. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head to right / TI CAESAR AVG • F • TR • POT • XV •, Tiberius, laureate, standing to right in triumphal quadriga moving to right, holding laurel and eagle-tipped sceptre; the horses’ heads all face to right. RIC I 222; BMCRE 512; Lyon 90; RSC 300. 3.82g, 19mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive deep cabinet tone.

500

Acquired from Áureo & Calicó.

Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, 1968

498. Divus Augustus Æ As. Rome, AD 22-30. DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER, radiate head to left / Altar enclosure with double-panelled door, S-C across fields, PROVIDENT in exergue. RIC I 81 (Tiberius); C. 228; BMCRE 146 (Tiberius). 11.25g, 29mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

2,500

Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, List 291, August 1968, no. 26.

167

168

Continuity, Prosperity, Sanctity

499. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, circa AD 14-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax seated to right on throne with plain legs, holding branch and sceptre; double exergual line below. RIC I 25; BMCRE 30-3; BN 14-5; Biaggi 169; Jameson 31; Mazzini 15; Calicó 305d. 7.83g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; well centred on a broad planchet and struck from dies of fine style.

10,000

Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 318, 11 March 2019, lot 998. ‘Some say that, out of aversion to any fresh anxiety, he retained what he had once approved as a permanent arrangement’ (Tac. Ann i. 80), Tiberius was not inclined to make any administrative changes when he assumed imperial power in AD 14. Instead, he continued and maintained all establishments set up by Augustus. One such establishment was the imperial mint, which according to Strabo, Augustus had centralised for gold and silver at Lugdunum: ‘Lugdunum itself, situated on a hill, at the confluence of the Saone and the Rhone, belongs to the Romans. It is the most populous city after Narbonne. It carries on a great commerce, and the Roman prefects here coin both gold and silver money’ (Strab. 4.3.2). Under Tiberius the Lugdunum mint produced a series of types honouring both Divus Augustus and Tiberius’s military successes before launching into the production of the ubiquitous ‘pontif maxim’ series- to which this coin belongs. As a type it offers very little information and modern scholars are not completely agreed upon its interpretation: the female figure on the reverse has been variously labelled as Livia, Livia in the guise of Pax, Livia as a priestess etc. But what is certain is that the type denoted sanctity, for the legend Pontif maxim celebrates Tiberius as head of Roman religion.

500. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, circa AD 14-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated to right on throne with ornamented legs, holding branch and inverted spear; double exergual line below. RIC I 27; BMCRE 39; Calicó 305a. 7.86g, 19mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Collection of a retired banker, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 595.

169

170

A Truly Spectacular Example

501. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, circa AD 14-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated to right on throne with ornamented legs, holding sceptre and olive branch; single exergual line below. RIC I 29; BMCRE 46; Lyon 147; Calicó 305c. 7.72g, 19mm, 4h. Fleur De Coin; a truly spectacular example.

27,500

Acquired from Christophe Joron-Derem; Ex private French collection, old collector’s ticket included; Purchased from Jules Florange, 18 April 1946 (22,000 Francs). Following a series of early issues honouring Divus Augustus and Tiberius’ military triumphs, the mint at Lugdunum settled upon striking one single type: ‘Pontif Maxim’. Numismatists identify the seated figure depicted on this ubiquitous reverse type as Livia, the wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius, in the guise of Pax, the Roman personification of peace. The type was struck continuously for twenty three years and throughout that time, only minor changes were made to the portrait of Tiberius and the ornamentation of the throne. Despite the vast output of the ‘Pontif Maxim’ coinage, the significance of the type is not immediately clear - the depiction of Livia as Pax may represent a universal matronly ideal; Livia may be intended as the personification of what Seneca the Younger described in AD 55 as the ‘Pax Romana’ (‘Roman Peace’), the period of peace and stability marked by Octavian’s victory over Mark Antony at the battle of Actium in 31 BC, which brought to an end to the prolonged period of civil war. Certainly, during the last decade of the 1st century BC Livia began to appear more frequently in the preserved sources, and L. Brännstedt (Femina princeps: Livia’s position in the Roman state) suggests that “her role as mater and uxor at this time was becoming an integral part of Augustus’ political program, and being made publicly manifest on a large scale.” Brännstedt furthermore asserts that “the appointment on March 6, 12 BC of Augustus as pontifex maximus was crucial for the development of Livia’s mater-role... Augustus’ religious role was identified as that of a father to his family. Strengthening the paternal connotations of Augustus’ leadership, the appointment of him as pontifex maximus would also have favoured Livia’s impact as mater”. The identification of Livia with Pax therefore strongly associated the imperial family with the continued prosperity of the empire, and hence should be seen as primarily a propagandistic instrument for the reinforcement of the imperial cult. In contrast to the official portrayals of Livia as a matriarch who embodying traditional Roman ideals, contemporary sources were often highly critical of her, describing her as a murderess who was determined to secure the succession for her son Tiberius. Cassius Dio describes how Livia was blamed for the death of Augustus’ nephew Marcellus, who having married the emperor’s daughter Julia was favoured as an heir, and later, the deaths of Gaius and Lucius Caesars (55.33.4 and 55.10a.10). Tacitus moreover suggests that Livia convinced Augustus to banish his then only surviving grandson, Agrippa Postumus, on this basis that his character was not in keeping with Augustan ideals (1.1.3). Dio recounts that following years of banishment, a visit undertaken by Augustus to reconcile with his grandson drove Livia to poison her husband in order to secure the succession for Tiberius (56.30.2). These accusations are however mainly dismissed as malicious fabrications spread by political enemies of the dynasty.

171

502. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, circa AD 14-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated to right on throne with ornamented legs, holding sceptre and olive branch; single exergual line below. RIC I 29; BMCRE 46; Lyon 147; Calicó 305c. 7.86g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

7,500

From the Shackleford Collection.

503. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, circa AD 14-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated to right on throne with plain legs, holding sceptre and branch; double exergual line below. RIC I 26; BMCRE 34; RSC 16. 3.83g, 19mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; pleasant light cabinet tone over lustrous metal.

1,250

Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd, Buy or Bid Sale 201, 13 July 2017, lot 181.

504. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, circa AD 14-37. TI CAESAR DIVI [AVG F] AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated to right on throne with ornamented legs, holding branch and inverted spear; triple exergual line below. RIC I 28; Lyon 146; RSC 16b. 3.62g, 16mm, 10h. Extremely Fine; attractive dark old cabinet tone.

750

Privately purchased from Münzzentrum (Cologne) in 1979.

505. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, circa AD 14-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax seated to right on throne with ornamented legs, holding sceptre and branch; single exergual line below. RIC I 30; BMCRE 48-60; RSC 16a. 3.79g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

172

506. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, circa AD 14-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax seated to right on throne with ornamented legs, holding sceptre and branch; single exergual line below. RIC I 30; BMCRE 48-60; RSC 16a. 3.86g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

From the Shackleford Collection.

Only One Other Auctioned in the Past 20 Years

507. Tiberius AV Quinarius. Lugdunum, AD 22-23. TI DIVI F AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / TR POT XXIIII, Victory seated to right on globe, holding wreath with both hands. RIC I 8; C. 52; BMCRE 16; BN -; Giard 128.2 (same dies); Vagi 439; King 4. 3.83g, 15mm, 3h. Good Very Fine; planchet flaw. Extremely Rare; only one other example offered at auction in the past 20 years.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

The Temple of Concordia

508. Tiberius Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 35-36. The Temple of Concordia: Concordia seated to left on throne, holding patera and sceptre, above altar within hexastyle façade set on podium; entrance flanked by statues of Hercules and Mercury; pediment decorated with statues of Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, and Victories in acroteria; wings of transverse cella with windows behind; pediments decorated with statues / TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXXVII around large S•C. RIC I 61; C. 69; BN 100; BMCRE 116. 23.35g, 34mm, 1h. Good Very Fine; light porosity, a well-detailed example of this rare architectural type. From the Antonio Carmona Collection. The Temple of Concordia stood at the northern end of the Roman Forum, and was restored by the future Emperor Tiberius in AD 10, as described in Pliny’s ‘Natural History’.

173

500

509. Nero Claudius Drusus (father of Claudius I) AR Denarius. Rome, circa AD 41-45. NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP, laureate head to left / DE GERMANIS, two oblong shields crossed, over vexillum, four spears and two trumpets. RIC I 74 (Claudius); BMCRE 107; RSC 6; BN 109-10 (Claudius). 3.79g, 19mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

From the Shackleford Collection. Roman history, like that of any enduring empire, allows for speculation about how the course of events might have changed had certain people died, or in this case, not died. A perfect study in this is Nero Claudius Drusus, the younger brother of the future emperor Tiberius. Unlike Tiberius, whom Augustus had always disliked, Drusus was much beloved by Rome’s first emperor. When Augustus wrested Livia from her first husband, she was already pregnant with Drusus and gave birth to him months after her marriage to Augustus. It is commonly understood that Livia’s first husband had sired Nero Claudius Drusus, and had been legally been declared the father before the couple divorced - but it is not impossible that Augustus was the father. Speculation aside, Augustus took instantly to the newborn Drusus and treated him as if he was a son of his own blood. The same cannot be said for Drusus’ brother Tiberius, who was already four years old when he came to live in Augustus’ household. Augustus saw personally to Drusus’ education and arranged his marriage to his noble and wealthy niece Antonia. Drusus’ career advanced quickly, having in 19 BC been granted the ability to hold all public offices five years before the minimum age requirement, and after a spell commanding alongside his brother he spent three years leading a campaign in Germania. In his lifetime Nero Claudius Drusus was one of the most celebrated military commanders of the age, leading the first Roman legions across the Rhine and rapidly accruing a string of victories and conquests in Germania; in the course of his Germanic campaigns Drusus sought out multiple Germanic (at least three) chieftains, challenging and beating them in single combat. The sources are ambiguous, but imply that at some point he claimed the spolia opima (the arms and armour taken by a a Roman general from the body of an opposing commander slain in single combat) from a Germanic king, thus becoming the fourth and final Roman to gain this honour, the most prestigious any Roman general could aspire to. Drusus dedicated the great Altar of Lugdunum to Augustus on August 1, 10 BC, the very day that his youngest son, Claudius (who struck this denarius in posthumous remembrance 50 years after his death) was born. But Drusus’ great possibilities ended tragically in 9 BC when he died of injuries he received falling off a horse at age 29. This reverse type celebrates his German campaign - for which his eldest son, Germanicus, was renamed.

510. Germanicus (father of Caligula) Ӕ As. Rome, AD 37-41. GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVGVST F DIVI AVG N, bare head to left / C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, large S•C in field. RIC I 35 (Gaius); C. 1; BMCRE 49 (Caligula). 12.09g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; in a wonderful state of preservation for the type. Previously graded by NGC Ch XF, 5/5 - 4/5 (#4885139-003).

3,500

Ex private Japanese collection, Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3081, 12 January 2020, lot 30168 (hammer: USD 3,600); Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, Long Beach Signature Sale 3026, 25 October 2013, lot 23362 (hammer: USD 2,800); Ex S.C. Markoff Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 62, 6 October 2011, lot 2019 (hammer: CHF 4,000).

511. Germanicus (father of Caligula) Ӕ As. Rome, AD 37-41. GERMANICVS•CAESAR•TI•AVGVST•F•DIVI•AVG•N, bare head to left / C•CAESAR•AVG•GERMANICVS PON•M•TR•POT around large S•C in field. RIC I 35 (Gaius); C. 1; BMCRE 49 (Caligula). 11.14g, 28mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive chestnut patina.

1,000

Ex J. Frazer Collection, acquired from Classical Numismatic Group in 1996.

174

A Magnificent Agrippina Sestertius

512. Agrippina I (mother of Caligula) Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 37-41. AGRIPPINA M F MAT C CAESARIS AVGVSTI, draped bust to right / S P Q R MEMORIAE AGRIPPINAE, carpentum to left, drawn by two mules, the domed cover supported by a figure on each corner. RIC I 55 (Gaius); C. 1; BN 128-32; BMCRE 81. 30.05g, 35mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; a magnificent example of the type.

5,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

513. Agrippina I (mother of Caligula) Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 37-41. AGRIPPINA M F MAT C CAESARIS AVGVSTI, draped bust to right / S P Q R MEMORIAE AGRIPPINAE, carpentum to left, drawn by two mules, the domed cover supported by a figure on each corner. RIC I 55 (Gaius); C. 1; BN 128-32; BMCRE 81. 26.40g, 34mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; an elegant portrait and a finely detailed reverse.

2,500

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

514. Agrippina I (mother of Caligula) Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 37-41. AGRIPPINA M F MAT C CAESARIS AVGVSTI, draped bust to right / S P Q R MEMORIAE AGRIPPINAE, carpentum to left, drawn by two mules, the domed cover supported by a figure on each corner. RIC I 55 (Gaius); C. 1; BN 128-32; BMCRE 81. 25.63g, 34mm, 6h. Very Fine.

500

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

175

515. Caligula Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 37-41. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, laureate head to left / S•P•Q•R P•P OB•CIVES SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath. RIC I 37; C. 24; BN 50; BMCRE 38. 27.31g, 36mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

6,500

Ex Cayón Numismática, 6 July 2016, lot 44.

Ex Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 1902

516. Caligula Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 37-41. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, laureate head to left / S•P•Q•R P•P OB•CIVES SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath. RIC I 37; C. 24; BN 50; BMCRE 38. 27.70g, 35mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

4,000

Ex. Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 102, 7 November 2016, lot 34 (hammer: EUR 5000); Ex. E. Bizot Collection, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 19 November 1902, lot 59.

517. Caligula Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 37-41. C•CAESAR•DIVI•AVG•PRON•AVG•P M•TR•P•III P•P, laureate head to left / S•P•Q•R P•P OB•CIVES SERVATOS in four lines within wreath. RIC I 46; C. 25; BMCRE 58. 29.44g, 35mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old ‘Tiber’ tone.

6,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG; Privately purchased from Giovanni Blengio (Torino) - an Italian dealer active in the 1970s, dealer’s ticket included.

176

518. Caligula, with Divus Augustus, AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 37. C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT, laureate head to right / DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE, radiate head of Divus Augustus to right. RIC I 16; BMCRE 17; RSC 2. 3.72g, 20mm, 4h. About Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

6,500

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

519. Caligula, with Divus Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 37. C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT COS, bare head to right / Radiate head of Augustus to right, flanked by two stars. RIC I 2; BMCRE 4; RSC 11. 3.67g, 19mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

Mint State

520. Caligula AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 40. C CAESAR • AVG • PO[N • M • TR • POT • III • COS •] III, laureate head to right / S • P • Q • R •P • P OB • C • S • in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 28 (Rome); cf. BMCRE 29-30 (aureus); BN 39; RSC 21. 3.75g, 18mm, 8h. Mint State.

5,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

177

A Beloved Mother

521. Antonia Minor (mother of Claudius) AR Denarius. Rome, AD 41-45. ANTONIA AVGVSTA, draped bust to right, wearing crown of corn-ears, hair in long plait behind / SACERDOS DIVI [AVGVSTI], two vertical long torches, lighted and linked by ribbon. RIC I 68 (Claudius); BMCRE 114; RSC 5. 3.82g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal with deep old cabinet tone and iridescent highlights. Very Rare.

7,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 481; Ex private Swiss collection. This coin bears the posthumous representation of Antonia Minor, and was struck in her memory by her son Claudius upon his ascension to the throne. This well liked and respected Roman woman who was celebrated for her virtue and beauty was the younger of the two daughters of Marc Antony and Octavia, who after Antony’s death was allowed by Augustus to benefit from her father’s estate. She thus became wealthy and influential, and married Nero Claudius Drusus, general and consul, bearing him several children. Three survived into adulthood: the popular Germanicus, the future emperor Claudius, and a daughter Livilla. Following the death of her husband in AD 9 whilst on campaign in Germania, the rest of Antonia’s life was plagued by ill fortune as she outlived her eldest son, her daughter and several of her grandchildren. After first the death of her husband, her eldest son Germanicus died in AD 19 in mysterious circumstances in Asia, where he incorporated the kingdoms of Commagene and Cappadocia into Roman provinces. While feuding with the governor of Syria Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso, Germanicus was thought to have been poisoned, either by Piso or by Tiberius’ scheming advisor Sejanus. Her younger son Claudius, who was born with severe disabilities, was ostracised by his family and excluded from public office until his consulship in AD 37 which he shared with his nephew Caligula. Ironically, this action by his family may have actually saved his life as he was not perceived as a threat to power and therefore survived the purges of Tiberius’ and Caligula’s reigns, going on to prove himself a worthy emperor. Antonia’s woes did not stop with her sons, as her daughter Livilla is supposed to have poisoned her husband Drusus the Younger, son of Tiberius. According to Cassius Dio, Tiberius handed Livilla over to her mother, who locked her up in a room and starved her to death. After the death of Tiberius, her grandson Caligula became emperor, and though Antonia would often offer him advice, he once told her, ‘I can treat anyone exactly as I please!’ Caligula was rumoured to have had his young cousin Gemellus beheaded, to remove him as a rival to the throne. This act was said to have outraged Antonia, who was grandmother to Gemellus as well as to Caligula. Able to stand no more of Caligula’s tyranny, Antonia committed suicide, though Suetonius (Lives of the Caesars IV.23), suggests she might also have been poisoned by her grandson. Despite what must have been a painful childhood, rejected by his own mother, Claudius clearly idolised her and after his accession gave her the posthumous title of Augusta, and her birthday became a public holiday which was marked with yearly games and public sacrifices, and her image was paraded in a carriage.

178

Pax-Nemesis

522. Claudius I AV Aureus. Rome, AD 46-47. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P VI IMP XI, laureate head to right / PACI AVGVSTAE, Pax-Nemesis advancing to right, holding long winged caduceus in left hand pointing at serpent, and raising fold of drapery below chin. RIC I 38; BMCRE 39; Calicó 367. 7.71g, 18mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine.

10,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92 “An Important Selection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine Coins”, 23 May 2016, lot 494. In AD 41 the Jews and the Greeks of Alexandria began to squabble and fight again as they had for decades. The Jews sought more privileges, and to be allowed into Greek-only institutions such as the gymnasia. This swiftly escalated into riots and running battles in the streets of Alexandria between Greeks and Jews. Appealing to Claudius for aid, the authorities in Alexandria received back the famous letter of Claudius to the Alexandrians, which settled the issue. At the same time Claudius accepted the offer to erect a golden statue ‘made to represent the Pax Augusta Claudiana’ at Rome, while declining a similar one in Alexandria, wisely thinking it might be the cause of new disturbances. Some scholars (cf. Rostovtzeff 1926, 25) have interpreted this golden statue to be an image of Pax-Nemesis, and have therefore chronologically linked the letter to Claudius’ first issue of coins with the Nemesis reverse and legend PACI AVGVSTAE. However, there is no record of the appearance of the statue, and the link is uncertain and indeed tenuous. Nonetheless, the appearance of Nemesis on this coin is significant - depictions of Nemesis on imperial coinage are very rare. As the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris, her appearance here may best be interpreted in the context of Claudius’ other first gold issues. These emphasise perseverance in the face of adversity (CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI), the achievements of his father (DE GERMANIS), the traditional honours given to the princeps (OB CIVES SERVATOS) and his assumption of power through the Praetorian guard (IMPER RECEPT and PRAETOR RECEPT). Pax Nemesis in this context could therefore be an indirect reference to the excesses and despotism of his predecessor Caligula, and the righteousness of his removal from power: the legend and the image together suggest the active role of Nemesis in the achievement of a state of peace presided over by the emperor.

179

523. Claudius I AR Denarius. Rome, AD 46-47. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M•TR•P•VI•IMP•XI, laureate head to right / PACI AVGVSTAE, PaxNemesis, winged and draped, advancing to right, holding winged caduceus in left hand pointing down at serpent to right, and holding out fold of drapery below chin. RIC I 39; BMCRE 40-41; RSC 58. 3.78g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Previously NGC graded Choice XF★ Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5.

5,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 28, 8 December 1993, lot 255; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts Inc., Auction XXV, 29 November 1990, lot 343; Ex Art Monaco, 22 April 1977, lot 55.

524. Claudius I, with Agrippina II (niece and wife of Claudius), AR Denarius. Rome, AD 50-51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P, laureate head of Claudius to right / AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE, draped bust of Agrippina II to right, wearing crown of corn ears, her hair in long plait behind. RIC I 81; BMCRE 75; BN 82; RSC 4. 3.56g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,750

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG. Before Agrippina II, Livia was the only Roman empress to appear on coins in her own person, although even she was never named. Here we have a coin that explicitly presents the new wife of Claudius I. Upon first glance, Agrippina appears as in her public portrait (see Inv. No. MA 3133, MND 848, Louvre Museum, Paris) and with the title Agrippinae Augustae; in this guise she is consort and mother of the male members of the imperial family and therefore essential to dynastic continuity. But, with further observation, it becomes apparent that Agrippina is wearing a crown of corn ears, which offers a further insight into the empress’ public role. The crown is an allusion to the goddess Ceres, patroness of the sanctities of home-life and of the harvest and the corn itself is symbolic of fertility, thus by association this accoutrement transforms the image of Agrippina into that of the ideally conceived Roman empress. At the time of this issue, part of a series of five new types, the promotion of Agrippina as an ideal empress was particularly important as her marriage to Claudius and promotion to Augusta, together with Claudius’ adoption of her son Nero, was received with widespread disapproval: the marriage between a niece and uncle was considered immoral in Roman society. It quickly became apparent however that this was not a marriage for love but rather one for power, at least on the part of Agrippina. Within a few months she had set out to eliminate everyone from the imperial court who she considered posed a potential threat to her position or that of her son. Agrippina charged her primary rival Lollia Paulina with black magic, she broke off the marriage between praetor Lucius Junius Silanus Torquatus and Claudia Octavia so that her own son could marry Claudia Octavia, and she ordered the murder of Silanus’ eldest brother so that he could not seek revenge.

525. Claudius I, with Agrippina II (niece and wife of Claudius), AR Denarius. Rome, AD 50-51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P, laureate head of Claudius to right / [AGRIP]PINAE AVGVSTA[E], draped bust of Agrippina II to right, wearing crown of corn ears, her hair in long plait behind. RIC I 81; BMCRE 75; BN 82; RSC 4. 3.43g, 18mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

180

526. Claudius I Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 50. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head to right / SPES AVGVSTA, Spes, draped, advancing to left, holding flower and raising skirt; SC in exergue. RIC I 115; C. 85; BMCRE 192. 29.36g, 37mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; light cleaning marks in fields.

2,500

Ex Dr. Klaus Berthold Collection, acquired in March 2003.

527. Nero, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome or Lugdunum, AD 51. NERO CLAVD CAES DRVSVS GERM PRINC IVVENT, bare-headed and draped bust to left / SACERD COOPT IN OMN CONL SVPRA NVM EX S C•, emblems of the pontificate: simpulum (ladle) above basin set on tripod to left, lituus to left above patera on right. RIC I 76 (Claudius); C. 311 corr.; BMCRE 84 (Claudius); Calicó 441. 7.44g, 20mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Rare.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 96,10 December 2014, lot 271.

528. Nero, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 51. [NERONI CLA]VDIO DRVSO GERM COS DESIG[N], bare-headed and draped bust to right / EQVESTER OR-DO PRINCIPI IVVENT in four lines on shield, behind which stands a spear. RIC I 79 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 53; BMCRE 93 (Claudius); RSC 97. 3.68g, 17mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,500

Privately purchased in Autumn 1999 from Paul-Francis Jacquier (Kehl, Germany).

529. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 57-58. NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP, bare head to right / TR•P•IIII•P•P•PONTIF•MAX• around wreath enclosing EX SC. RIC I 14; BMCRE 15; BN 20; Calicó 424. 7.58g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine; scattered marks and edge bruises.

3,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 145, 2 June 2016, lot 267.

181

530. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 60-61. NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP, bare head to right / PONTIF•MAX•TR•P•VII COS•IIII•P•P, Ceres standing facing, veiled head to left, holding two corn ears in right hand and long torch in left; EX-SC across fields. RIC I 23; C. 217; BMCRE 25; Calicó 428. 7.71g, 19mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 94, 6 October 2016, lot 115; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 64, 17 May 2012, lot 2507.

531. Nero AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 61-62. NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP •, bare head to right / PONTIF • MAX TR P • X • COS • IIII P P, Roma standing to right, helmeted and in military dress with cloak over shoulders, holding with both hands a round shield set on her left knee, left foot on helmet; dagger and bow on ground to right, EX-SC across fields. RIC I 42; BMCRE 49; Calicó 438. 7.67g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; slight wave, contact mark on rev.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Tauler & Fau, Auction 30, 29 May 2019, lot 154.

532. Nero AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 63. NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP, bare head to right / PONTIF MAX TR P•X COS•IIII•P•P, Roma standing to left, holding spear and balancing parazonium on knee while she places foot on head of defeated enemy, around which a pile of shields; EX - SC across fields. RIC I 40; C. 232; BMCRE 45; Calicó 437. 7.66g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

7,500

From the Shackleford Collection.

533. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated to left on throne, holding thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC I 53; BMCRE 74; RSC 119. 3.42g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; highly attractive old cabinet tone.

2,500

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung GmbH, Auction 224, 13 October 2014, lot 461.

182

534. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 64-68. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated to left on throne, holding thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC I 53; BMCRE 74; RSC 119. 3.49g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,000

Privately purchased from Moruzzi Limited (London), dealer’s ticket included (£1,211 / EUR 1,400); Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 138, 26 November 2007, lot 580.

535. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 64-68. IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / SALVS, Salus seated to left on throne, holding patera in right hand, left resting at her side. RIC I 67; BMCRE 96; RSC 318. 3.50g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

4,500

Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 369, 31 October 2001, lot 450.

536. Nero Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 64. NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head to left / ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES, Annona standing to right, holding cornucopiae with her left hand, resting right hand on her hip, facing Ceres seated to left, holding grain ears with her extended right hand and torch with her left; modius on garlanded altar between them, ship’s stern in background, SC in exergue. RIC I 140; C. 18; BMCRE -. 26.41g, 35mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; beautiful, untouched surfaces.

5,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

183

537. Nero Æ Sestertius. Rome, circa AD 64. NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head to right, wearing aegis / Emperor riding horse to right, holding spear in right hand, soldier riding behind, holding vexillum over his shoulder; S-C across fields, DECVRSIO in exergue. RIC I 170; BMCRE 143. 25.49g, 36mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; edge knock.

1,500

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

538. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 65-66. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / Salus seated left on throne, holding patera in right hand, left resting at her side; SALVS in exergue. RIC I 60; BMCRE 90; RSC 314. 3.45g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; minor marks.

1,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

539. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P, laureate head to right, globe at point of bust / PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, Temple of Janus with latticed windows and garland hung across closed doors on right; S-C across fields. RIC I 438 var. (IMP P P); C. 146 var. (same); BMCRE 319 var. (same). 24.96g, 37mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; wonderful, untouched surfaces.

3,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

184

540. Nero Ӕ Sestertius. Lugdunum, AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head to right, globe at point of bust / Roma seated to left on cuirass, holding Victory in her right hand and a parazonium with her left; three shields and a helmet behind her; S-C across fields, ROMA in exergue. RIC I 442; C. 261; BN 76; BMCRE 324. 21.57g, 34mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive dark green patina.

2,500

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 207, 15 October 2012, lot 589.

541. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 66-67. IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated to left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC I 63; C. 120; BMCRE 77-78; BN 231-232; Calicó 413. 7.33g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Previously NGC graded XF 4/5 - 4/5 (#5880398-007).

5,000

Ex Peter Stagnetto Collection of Ancient Coins; Ex Spink & Son Ltd., Numismatic Circular CIX.4, August 2001, No. RM0404.

185

The Arch of Nero

542. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, circa AD 66. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR POT P P, laureate head to left, globe at point of bust / Garlanded triumphal arch surmounted by statue of Nero in facing quadriga escorted on right by Victory holding wreath and palm and on left by Pax holding caduceus and cornucopiae; just below the quadriga on extreme left and right, two small figures of soldiers; on left side of arch in niche, figure of Mars standing facing, holding spear and round shield; ornamental reliefs on the faces and plinths of the arch; S-C across fields. RIC I 500; C. 309; BMCRE 333. 26.23g, 35mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; a well-detailed reverse.

3,000

From the Antonio Carmona Collection. “In no one thing was Nero more prodigal than in his buildings”, claimed Suetonius before his description of the lavish Domus Aurea, and indeed numismatic evidence attests to the importance and extravagance of private and public construction projects during the rule of the infamous emperor (Life of Nero, 31). Tensions between the Parthian and Roman empires had long been brewing, but until the reign of Nero these had manifested only as a series of proxy-wars, shows of force and diplomatic negotiations - the period has been likened to a ‘cold war’ between the two powers (Poirot, ‘Julio-Claudian Foreign Policy in the First Century’, 2014). The War of Armenian Succession, as it became known, commenced in AD 58 when the Parthian king installed his brother Tiridates on the Armenian throne. A strategically important buffer zone, Armenia was a frequent flash-point between the two great powers. Initially, a Roman counter-attack proved successful in removing Tiridates and installing their own claimant to the throne, but the garrison forces left to hold the territory were soon overwhelmed and a humiliating defeat was inflicted on the Romans at Rhandeia. The Roman commander Lucius Caesennius Paetus was recalled as soon as news of this defeat reached the Senate in Rome in AD 63, by which time the Arch of Nero was allegedly already under construction “while the war was yet undecided....in disregard of known facts” (Tac. Ann. 15.18). He was replaced by Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, an experienced commander then acting as governor of the adjacent province of Syria. Gathering his forces, he re-opened diplomatic negotiations with the Parthians and agreed a settlement whereby Tiridates would remain as king of Armenia, but only when crowned as such by Nero himself. Since the arch was apparently rededicated or destroyed following Nero’s damnatio memoriae, as F. Kleiner suggests (The Arch of Nero in Rome, 1985), this beautifully detailed reverse offers invaluable insight into the physical monument. Indeed, as Philip Hill emphasises, “coins are the sole evidence” for the appearance of many Neronian edifices (‘Buildings and Monuments of Rome As Coin Types’, 1983, p.88): for instance, denarii depicted the hexastyle Temple of Vesta (RIC 62) and sestertii showed the Temple of Janus (RIC 265). O. Hekster, E. Manders and D. Slootjes record that 92 Neronian coin types celebrated the city, with an additional 49 types depicting new buildings in Rome and Ostia (‘Making History with Coins’, 2014, p.35). Though it is not possible to assess the faithfulness of the coin design to the original building, the detail on this example is extraordinary, with its garlanded archway and elaborate reliefs around the triumphal archway.

543. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, circa AD 66. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR POT P P, laureate head to left, globe at point of bust / Garlanded triumphal arch surmounted by statue of Nero in facing quadriga escorted on right by Victory holding wreath and palm and on left by Pax holding caduceus and cornucopiae; just below the quadriga on extreme left and right, two small figures of soldiers; on left side of arch in niche, figure of Mars standing facing, holding spear and round shield; ornamental reliefs on the faces and plinths of the arch; S-C across fields. RIC I 500; C. 309; BMCRE 333. 24.70g, 33mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive green patina, a well-detailed reverse.

3,000

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

186

544. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, circa AD 66. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR POT P P, laureate head to right, globe at point of bust / Roma seated to left on cuirass, holding Victory and parazonium; three shields behind; S-C across fields, ROMA in exergue. RIC I 516; C. 267; BMCRE 327. 22.00g, 35mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lightly tooled and smoothed, attractive dark patina.

500

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

545. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, circa AD 67. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR POT [P P], laureate head to left, with [globe] at point of bust / Port of Ostia with seven ships within the harbour, at the top is a pharos surmounted by a statue of Neptune, below is a reclining figure of Tiber, holding a rudder and dolphin; S-C across upper fields, PORT AVG in exergue. RIC I 589; BMCRE -; WCN 470. 24.00g, 35mm, 6h. About Very Fine; ‘Tiber’ patina.

1,500

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

546. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, circa AD 67. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P, laureate head to left, globe at point of bust / Roma seated to left on cuirass, holding Victory and parazonium, two shields behind; S-C across fields, ROMA in exergue. RIC I 592; C. 265; BMCRE -; WCN 483. 24.30g, 37mm, 7h. 3,000 Extremely Fine; untouched surfaces. From the Shackleford Collection.

187

547. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. AVG DIVI•F, laureate head of the deified Augustus to right / S•P•Q•R within oak wreath, circular jewel in bezel at apex. Martin -; Nicolas -; BMCRE -; C. -; RIC -, cf. 104. 3.29g, 16mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references and of the highest rarity.

1,750

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIII, 23 March 2017, lot 781. Kraay noted the unusual presence of SPQR within a wreath on these coins. He states: “it will have been noticed that the earlier formula of SPQR has replaced the Neronian EX SC. In strict Augustan usage SPQR never accompanied the corona, but always the clipeus virtutis of the inscription on which it formed the opening words. However, the choice of SPQR was probably deliberate and represented something more than the mere blurring of Augustan distinction. That broad basis of public and Senatorial support which the principate had had in the days of Augustus was to be restored to it.”

548. Galba Æ As. Spanish mint (Tarraco?), AD 68. SER•GALBA•IMP•AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right, globe at point of bust / QVADRAGENS REMISSAE, triumphal arch surmounted by two equestrian statues riding to left; three captives with hands tied behind backs at left advancing to right, led by an officer under the archway; SC in exergue. RIC I 81 (Tarraco); BMCRE 205 note. 11.81g, 27mm, 4h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

350

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

549. Galba AV Aureus. Rome, July AD 68-January AD 69. IMP SER GALBA AVG, bare head to right / S P Q R OB CS in two lines within oak wreath. RIC I 164; BMCRE 29-30 corr.; Calicó 509. 7.36g, 20mm, 9h. Very Fine.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

550. Galba Æ Sestertius. Rome, circa December AD 68. SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P, laureate and draped bust to right / HONOS ET VIRTVS, Honos standing to right on left, holding sceptre and cornucopiae, facing Virtus standing to left on right, holding parazonium and spear; SC in exergue. RIC I 477; C. 89 var. (obv. legend); ACG 383; BMCRE 256 var. (obv. legend). 24.33g, 36mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

188

551. A Counterfeiter’s Reverse Die for a Vespasian Denarius. Circa 1st century AD. Negative impression: AVGVR TRI POT, augural and pontifical emblems: simpulum, aspergillum, guttus and lituus. For prototypes, cf. RIC II.2 43, 356, 698 and 1553. 22.11g, 23mm. Condition as seen. A well-preserved die face.

3,000

From a private European collection.

552. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69-70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / Judaea seated to right, head resting on hand, at base of trophy; IVDAEA in exergue. RIC II.2 2; BMCRE 35; RSC 226. 3.30g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

2,500

Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CSNS Signature Sale 3073, 25 April 2019, lot 30295 (hammer: USD 2,400).

Published in Calicó

553. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 71. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M, laureate head to right / TRI POT II COS III P P, Pax seated to left, holding olive branch and caduceus. RIC II.2 40; C. 565; BMCRE 60; Calicó 688 (this coin). 7.31g, 19mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine.

5,000

This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos, Barcelona (2002); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex collection of a retired banker, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 638; Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 4, 5 December 2011, lot 938; Ex Spink Taisei, Auction 41, 30 April 1992, lot 50.

189

554. Vespasian Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head to right, globe at point of bust / ROMA, Roma standing facing, head to left, holding Victory and spear; S-C across fields. RIC II.2 1136; Lyon 25; BMCRE 804. 27.47g, 34mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

400

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

555. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 73. IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN, laureate head to right / VESTA, Temple of Vesta: round-domed, tetrastyle temple with four steps leading up to it; statue of Vesta within, statue to left and right of temple. RIC II.2 515; BMCRE 867; Calicó 690. 7.12g, 20mm, 12h. Very Fine.

2,500

From a private European collection. 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. 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. 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 of AD 64. The appearance of the temple as a type on the coinage of Vespasian is likely linked to the seriousness with which he took the role of Pontifex Maximus, head of Roman religion, a position which he assumed in 71 and which was followed by an explosion in types related to religion on the coinage. It is also appropriate that the founding emperor of the Flavian Dynasty should use the temple sacred to the goddess of hearth, home and family in Roman religion on his coinage. It is perhaps a little ironic however, that while commemorating the temple built by Nero to replace that lost in the Great Fire, Vespasian had recently begun work building the Flavian Amphitheatre, or Colosseum. This lasting monument to the Flavian Dynasty stands over part of the large central area of Rome that Nero appropriated after the fire to build the lavish and extravagant Domus Aurea palace within, and was a symbolic act for Vespasian to be returning part of the city of Rome to her people.

556. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 76. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head to left / COS VII, cow standing to right. RIC II.2 842; C. 116; BMCRE 178; BN -; Calicó 621. 7.38g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; scuff on edge.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 101, 24 October 2017, lot 193; Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 371, 24 April 2002, lot 360; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction L, 18 May 2001, lot 1739.

190

557. Vespasian AR Denarius. Ephesus, AD 76. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head to right, small O below neck truncation / COS VII, Pegasus standing to right with left foreleg raised. RIC II.2 1473; C. 114 var. (O missing); BMCRE 482; RPC II 1451; BN -. 3.51g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone. Extremely Rare, and among the finest known examples.

3,000

Ex Dr. Nicholas Lowe Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 27, 12 May 2004, lot 356.

558. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 77-78. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head to left / Vespasian standing to left, holding spear and parazonium, crowned by Victory standing to left, holding wreath and palm; COS VIII in exergue. RIC II.2 936; BMCRE 205; BN 183; Biaggi 318; Calicó 625. 7.31g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

5,750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 101, 24 October 2017, lot 194.

559. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 77-78. CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head to left / ANNONA AVG, Annona seated to left, holding bundle of corn ears in both hands. RIC II.2 965; C. 29. BMCRE 297; BN -; Calicó 591. 7.27g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

4,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 647.

560. Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 72-73. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate head to right / VIC AVG, Victory standing to right on globe, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC II.2 367 (Vespasian); C. 352; BMCRE 81 (Vespasian); Calicó 798. 7.39g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

5,750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Molard Collection (Switzerland), Nomos AG, Auction 15, 22 October 2017, lot 231.

191

561. Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 75. T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN, laureate head to right / Bull butting to right; COS IIII in exergue. RIC II.2 780 (Vespasian); C. 48; BMCRE 171 (Vespasian); BN 146 (Vespasian - same reverse die); Calicó 731a (same dies). 7.24g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; traces of edge filing, a bold and handsome portrait.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Harry N. Sneh collection, Gemini LLC, Auction IX, 9 January 2012, lot 306 (hammer: USD 18,000).

562. Titus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head to left / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, wreath on curule chair. RIC -; C. -; BMCRE -; Calicó 786. 7.11g, 20mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine; scuff on reverse. Very Rare.

2,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 41, 23 October 2017, lot 120.

563. Diva Domitilla Senior (mother of Titus) Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 80-81. [ME]MORIAE DOMITILLAE, carpentum drawn to right by two mules; S P Q R in exergue / IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG [P M] TR P P P COS VIII around large S•C. RIC II.2 (Titus) 262; BMCRE 226 (Titus). 27.28g, 36mm, 6h. Near Very Fine; some scratches. Very Rare.

750

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

192

An Attractive Aureus

564. Domitian, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 76-77. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head to right / COS IIII, cornucopiae with ribbons hanging down each side. RIC II.2 918 (Vespasian); C. 46; BMCRE 196 (Vespasian); Calicó 817. 7.42g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

10,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 521 (hammer: CHF 15,000).

Ex V. J. E. Ryan Collection, Glendining 1951

565. Domitian, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 80-81. CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIΛNVS COS VII, laureate head to right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, garlanded and lighted altar, with horns on left and right. RIC II.2 265 (Titus); BMCRE 91 (Titus); BN 74 (Titus); Jameson -; Mazzini -; Biaggi 430 (this coin) = Calicó 918 (this coin). 7.25g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

10,000

This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos, 2 Vols (Barcelona, 2002); Ex Orion Collection, Coin Galleries, 10 February 1993, lot 10; Ex Stack’s Rare Coins, FPL Autumn 1992, no. 6; Ex Bank Leu AG, Auction 22, 8 May 1979, lot 239; Ex Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Ex V. J. E. Ryan Collection Part IV, Glendining & Co. Ltd., 20 February 1951, lot 1714.

193

566. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 80-81. CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate head to right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, garlanded, lit altar. RIC II.2 266 (Titus); BMCRE 92 (Titus); RSC 397a. 3.27g, 18mm, 7h. Mint State; beautiful cabinet tone with iridescent highlights.

750

Ex A. Tkalec AG, 17 May 2010, lot 184.

Provenanced to 1898

567. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 80-81. CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate head to right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, goat standing to left within laurel wreath. RIC II.2 267 (Titus); BMCRE 88-90 (Titus); BN 73 (Titus); RSC 390. 3.32g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; highly attractive iridescent cabinet tone.

750

Ex DMS Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXII, 8 January 2019, lot 1057; Purchased from Glenn Woods; Ex William C. Boyd Collection, Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd., Auction 42, 26 September 2005, lot 302, with old collector’s ticket included; Purchased from W. S. Lincoln in 1898.

568. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 82-83. IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate head to right / IVPPITER CONSERVATOR, eagle standing facing on thunderbolt with wings spread, head to left. RIC II.2 144; BMCRE 52; RSC 320. 3.47g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

6,500

Ex Alan J. Harlan Collection; Privately purchased from Edward J. Waddell Ltd ($6,750), dealer’s ticket included; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 257, 10 October 2014, lot 8484.

569. Domitian Æ As. Rome, AD 86. IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI, laureate bust to right, wearing aegis on shoulder / MONETA AVGVST, Moneta standing to left, holding scales and cornucopiae; S-C across fields. RIC II.2 303; C. 325; BMCRE 314. 11.24g, 28mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; a beautifully well-detailed portrait.

1,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

194

570. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 88. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, laureate head to right / COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC, herald advancing to left, holding wand and shield. RIC II.2 596; BMCRE 131; RSC 76-77. 3.43g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce; arguably the best example present on CoinArchives.

3,000

Ex Frank L. Kovacs Collection, Helios Numismatik, Auction 1, 17 April 2008, lot 244; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 218, 28 November 2001, lot 750.

NGC Graded Ch AU

571. Domitian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 92-94. DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / GERMANICVS COS XVI, Minerva advancing to right, brandishing spear and shield. RIC II.2 181; C. 158; BMCRE p. 939 note *; Calicó 848. NGC graded Ch AU, 5/5 - 2/5, Fine Style (#3928167-015).

10,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 6, 10 December 2012, lot 850 (hammer: EUR 12,000); Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 52, 7 October 2009, lot 396.

572. Julia Titi (daughter of Titus) AR Denarius. Rome, AD 80-81. IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F, diademed and draped bust to right / VENVS AVGVST, Venus standing to right, seen from behind, half-nude with drapery hanging low beneath her posterior, leaning with left elbow on short column, holding spear and helmet. RIC II.2 388 (Titus); BMCRE 141; RSC 14. 3.18g, 20mm, 6h. Previously NGC graded Ch XF 5/5 - 4/5 (#5770288-005).

2,000

Ex Schulman Vault Collection.

195

Ex Bank Leu AG, 1982

573. Nerva AV Aureus. Rome, AD 96. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head to right / CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM, clasped hands before aquila resting on prow. RIC I 3; C. 24; BMCRE 7; Calicó 957 (this coin). 7.54g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

8,000

This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (2002); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 190, 11 October 2010, lot 480 (hammer: EUR 12,000); Ex Bank Leu AG, Auction 30, 28 April 1982, lot 346. ‘A period of rare felicity, in which one may think what one wishes and say what one thinks,’ was how Tacitus characterised the rule of his consular colleague Nerva and the latter’s successor, Trajan (Histories, 1), ‘a most happy age [when] Caesar Nerva blended things once irreconcilable: sovereignty and freedom’ (Agricola, 3). Since Tacitus, it seems, never did write his intended account of Nerva’s principate, and as the biographies of Suetonius concluded with Domitian, coinage like the present issue offer an invaluable insight into the period. Indeed, the elegantly carved portrait, with its distinctive hooked nose and long neck, likely offers a realistic representation of the emperor, unlike the idealistic obverses of late types under his controversial predecessor (Mattingly and Sydenham, RIC II, p.222). Following the murder of Domitian in September AD 96, the new emperor Nerva made calculated efforts to distance himself from the last Flavian ruler, exonerating those on trial for maiestas and restoring those exiled by Domitian (Cassius Dio, 68.2). In Suetonius’ account, the previous emperor was cremated unceremoniously by his old nurse (Life of Domitian, 17.3), and Cassius Dio claimed that silver and gold images of Domitian were even melted down and used in coin production under Nerva (68.1). Coin types bearing the legend ‘Roma Renascens’ (RIC 67) heralded the dawn of a new and peaceful age and poet Martial lavished praise upon the good government of Nerva, claiming that if the staunch republican Cato were to rise from the dead, even he would be Caesarianus, a champion of this lenient kind of imperial regime (11.5.14). ‘Concordia Exercituum’ featured on another coin type under Nerva: RIC nos. 2, 48, 53 depicted clasped hands alone in a design similar to those produced under Vitellius in a context of civil and foreign war (clasped hands with legend ‘Fides Exercituum’ as on RIC 47, 67). The imagery on this present type further highlighted the explicit relation to the military: the aquila and prow illustrated a union between the emperor pictured on the obverse and the army and navy symbolised on the reverse. Such iconography seemed to reflect the broader approach of the emperor, whose decision to retain Domitian-era governors in important military provinces like Britain, Cappadocia-Galatia and the Danubian provinces, for instance, likely aimed at avoiding disruption to military administration and, so, at preserving ‘concordia’ (Syme, Tacitus, 1958, p.51-2). A. Berriman and M. Todd cited astute consular appointments, like that of the aged Verginius Rufus, ex-commander of legions on the Rhine, as further probable attempts by Nerva to ingratiate himself with the military forces (‘A Very Roman Coup: The Hidden War of Imperial Succession, AD 96-8’, 2001, p. 316). Yet, ‘Concordia’ on the coinage of a weak ruler ‘strikes a dangerously apologetic note,’ as expressed by H. Mattingly (BMCRE Volume III, p.xxxvii; p.xliv). The present type, from the first of six coin series identified by D. C. A. Shotter, proclaimed a harmony which proved very delicate (‘The Principate of Nerva: Some Observations on the Coin Evidence’, 1983, p.217). In both disposition (mitissimo seni, mildest of old men, in Pliny, Panegyric, 6; ‘mildest of princes’ in Martial, 12.6), and body (so frail, according to Cassius Dio, that he had to vomit up his food, 68.1), Nerva emerged as a somewhat feeble figure. The mutiny of the Praetorian Guard in AD 97 undermined the notion of lasting concord in the state, forcing Nerva to surrender the murderers of his predecessor to be killed in turn (Dio 68.3.3), and Pliny, elevating Trajan’s role as saviour, credits him with correcting a breakdown of discipline which had occurred in Nerva’s army (Panegyric, 6). Though the circumstances of the adoption were obscure, the designation of Trajan as heir was interpreted by Syme as a victory for the Praetorian Guard over Nerva (Tacitus, 1958, p.35) and presented by Dio in the context of Nerva’s reduction in power (68.3). Despite conciliatory measures, then, the rule of Nerva showed signs of instability which complicates the professed ‘concordia’ of this rare and beautiful type.

574. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT II, laureate head to right / COS III PATER PATRIAE, priestly emblems: simpulum, sprinkler, ewer, and lituus. RIC I 34; BMCRE 56; RSC 51. 3.26g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

1,750

Ex Freeman & Sear, Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010, lot 244; Ex Aloysius Lynn Collection.

196

575. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate bust to right, aegis on far shoulder / P•M•TR P• COS•IIII•P•P, Hercules standing facing on low base, holding club in right hand and lion skin in left. RIC II 50; C. 232; BMCRE 81; Woytek 99c; Calicó 1053. 7.24g, 20mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

From a private European collection. Trajan was the first of the Roman emperors to depict the figure and attributes of Hercules on his coinage. This was perhaps on account of Trajan having been born in Italica in southern Spain where Hercules was particularly venerated as Hercules Gaditanus (the name pertaining to the temple to Hercules outside the Phoenician city of Gadir on the southern coast of Spain). Strack argued that this type is a depiction of the cult-image of Hercules Gaditanus, and though the image is certainly suggestive of being a representation of a cult-statue, there is no corroborating evidence (Untersuchungen zur römischen Reichsprägung des zweiten Jahrhunderts. I. Die Reichsprägung des Traian, Stuttgart, 1931). Indeed, the reverse types of Hadrian make specific reference to Hercules Gaditanus and depict Hercules standing from an altogether different viewpoint, with the attribute of the apples of the Hesperides rather than the lion skin (see RIC II 125). An equally likely source for the representation may have been the statue that stood near the Ara Maxima Herculis Invicti, the great altar to the hero in the Forum Boarium in Rome. This was a sacred spot which legend tells us was where Hercules killed the giant Cacus who had stolen some of the cattle of Geryon from him (for the full story see Livy 1.7). Despite this, the gilded bronze statue discovered on the site of the Forum Boarium, now housed by the Capitoline Museum of Rome, also lacks the attribute of the lion skin. Lacking a clear source for the representation, this rare aureus is best understood within the context of the close association Trajan cultivated between himself and Hercules. The orations addressed to Trajan by Dio Chrysostom directly identify the emperor with Hercules, a comparison also made by Pliny (see Dio Chrysostom, On Kingship A, 84 and Pliny, Panegyricus, 14.5). A series of quadrantes struck under Trajan make the same equation, depicting Hercules in the place of the emperor on the obverse, alongside his imperial titles (RIC 698, 700-2). In another numismatic representation, the column celebrating Trajan’s victory over the Dacians is depicted in the form of a club resting on a lion skin pedestal (see RIC II 581, pl. XI, 202), likening the emperor’s triumph to a Herculean labour. A statue in the collection of the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme in Rome makes the association most clear, depicting Trajan as Hercules-Silvanus, draped with a lion skin in much the same manner as Hercules depicted on the aureus presented here (for further discussion, see O. J. Hekster, Propagating power: Hercules as an example for second-century emperors in Herakles and Hercules, 2003, pp. 20-35).

576. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate bust to right, aegis on far shoulder / P•M•TR P• COS•IIII•P•P, Hercules standing facing on low base, holding club in right hand and lion skin in left. RIC II 50; C. 232; BMCRE 81; Woytek 99c; Calicó 1053. 7.19g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine.

1,500

From a private European collection.

577. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 103-107. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate head to right, with aegis on shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, emperor riding to right on galloping horse with cloak flying behind him, spearing fallen Dacian below to right. RIC II 209; BMCRE 245-246 var. (bust type); Woytek 202c; Calicó 1109. 7.50g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

2,000

From a private European collection.

197

The Circus Maximus

578. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 103-104. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / S•P•Q•R• OPTIMO PRINCIPI, a view of the Circus Maximus, displaying the outer colonnade with two arched gateways surmounted by facing quadriga on right and a further gateway surmounted by quadriga moving to right on left, and a partial view of interior with the central great obelisk, flanked by metae at either end of the spina with arches and statue between, being approached by two racing quadriga exiting the starting gates at right, with a sweep of colonnades behind and the pulvinar to the upper left; SC in exergue. RIC II -, cf. 571; C. -, cf. 545-6; Woytek 175b; BMCRE -, cf. 853-6. 26.95g, 35mm, 7h. Previously NGC graded XF 5/5 - 2/5, Fine Style, smoothing (#5746779-001).

15,000

Acquired from Heritage World Coin Auctions. Nestled beautifully between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the majestic Circus Maximus is said to have been inaugurated by the fifth king of Rome, Tarquinius Priscus, in the 6th Century BC (Livy, Ad Urbe Condita, I.35) One of the city’s oldest attractions, it truly rose to eminence during the late Republic; Marius, Pompey and Caesar frequently organised gladiatorial, chariot-racing and seasonal games to honour Jupiter (Ludi Romani) at the site. At its zenith during the middle of the 1st century AD, Pliny the Elder states that as many as 250,000 Romans regularly crammed into the complex to behold its spectacles (Encyclopaedia, XXXVI.102), though modern scholars estimate that capacity was closer to 150,000. With such overcrowding inevitably came disaster, however, and the Circus endured countless fires, most notably in 31 BC, AD 64 and 80. It was after the particularly catastrophic fire of AD 103 that this present issue, seemingly unpublished in the prevailing reference works, was struck to commemorate Trajan’s elaborate refurbishment of the site. A spectacularly detailed work of numismatic design, it was the first coin to display the Circus in its entirety, and along with an analogous type (see RIC II 571) it has proven invaluable to modern scholars hoping to gauge the scope of Trajan’s extensive building works. Of specific note is the arcaded façade, which received a marble facelift, and the extended grandstand in the background, which allowed for five thousand extra spectators. The Arch of Titus (not to be confused with the one still standing in the Forum) can also be observed to the east, whilst the Temple of Sol, surmounted by a bust of the deity, appears to the upper left. The most dominant feature of the overall design, though, is without doubt the so-called Flaminio Obelisk (today located in the Piazza del Popolo) which is situated on the spina. The monument was originally erected in Heliopolis by pharaoh Ramesses II, before being brought across from newly annexed Egypt by Augustus in 30 BC. Towering over the track and spectators, the monument was so awe-inspiring that the later scholar Isidore of Seville adjudged it to be an ‘arrow running through the middle of the world’ (Etymologies, XVIII). Of the overall project, Cassius Dio, an admirer of Trajan, states that: ‘He (Trajan) was so high-minded and generous that, after enlarging and embellishing the Circus, which had crumbled away in places, he merely inscribed on it a statement that he had made it adequate for the Roman people.’ (Roman History, LVIII.7.2). Interestingly, this type was struck solely in bronze, no doubt on account of the wider circulation of sestertii among the Roman populous. Sadly, but perhaps predictably, this iteration of the Circus was not to endure for long. In 140, during the reign of Antoninus Pius, a column near the top tier of the seating area collapsed, killing perhaps 2,000 spectators instantly. This time recovery was slow, and only when Caracalla completed another renovation in 213 did it again come close to its former glory (see RIC IV 211b).

198

579. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 107-108. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust to right, with aegis / COS • V • P • P S P • Q • R OPTIMO PRINC, octastyle temple containing uncertain cult statue (Honos or Pax?), holding cornucopiae; five statues adorning roof line. RIC II 146 var. (bust type); BMCRE 354 note; Woytek 267r; Biaggi 480; Calicó 1010a. 7.00g, 20mm, 7h. Good Very Fine; edge marks. Very Rare.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 218.

The Defeat of the Dacian King Decebalus

580. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 107-110. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan on horseback riding to right, thrusting spear at fallen Dacian below; SC in exergue. RIC II 543; BMCRE 839; Woytek 317bC; Banti 200. 27.74g, 33mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,500

Privately purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, December 2002 (inv. # 733407); Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 117, 14 October 2002, lot 557 (hammer: EUR 2,400). Trajan had in AD 101-102 launched an offensive against the powerful Dacian king Decebalus with whom Domitian had signed an unfavourable (and some would argue shameful) treaty some twenty years before, the price of which was the payment of an annual ‘subsidy’ of eight million sestertii and the presentation of a diadem from Domitian to Decebalus. In that war, Trajan succeeded in defeating the Dacians in a series of pitched battles, and reduced Decebalus to the status of client king. The victory was celebrated with a triumph (Trajan’s first), and later by the construction of the Tropaeum Traiani. Although this victory had greatly eroded Decebalus’ power, he nonetheless began to rearm straight away, to harbour Roman runaways and to pressure the neighbouring barbarian tribes to ally themselves with him. In 104 he organised a failed attempt on Trajan’s life by means of some Roman deserters, as well as capturing Trajan’s legate Longinus who he tried to use as a bargaining chip; Longinus however took poison to avoid compromising his country and emperor. Then finally in 105 Decebalus launched an invasion of the Roman-held territories north of the Danube. Trajan was not unprepared; by 105 the concentration of Roman troops assembled in the middle and lower Danube regions amounted to fourteen legions – half of the entire Roman army. Trajan ordered the construction of a massive bridge over the Danube designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, which for over 1,000 years was the longest arch bridge ever built both in terms of total and span length. The counter-offensive consisted mostly of the reduction of the Dacian fortress network which the Romans systematically stormed while denying the Dacians the ability to manoeuvre in the open. At last Decebalus’ main stronghold of Sarmizegetusa was taken by storm and razed to the ground. Decebalus himself escaped, but soon after committed suicide as a Roman cavalry scout named Tiberius Claudius Maximus was closing on him. Maximus delivered the head and right hand of the enemy king to his emperor. Trajan’s second triumph was understandably a grand affair, which was accompanied by spectacular games that the emperor held in celebration: ten thousand gladiators fought in these games, and ten thousand animals were sacrificed in thanks to the gods. The riches of Dacia (estimated recently at 165 tons of gold and 331 tons of silver) were invested in a series of important public works, the jewels of which were the forum and great market in Rome which bore the emperor’s name, and the magnificent celebratory column depicting the glorious achievements of the campaign. As reward for his service the cavalry scout Tiberius Claudius Maximus was decorated and immortalised in a relief on Trajan’s column. A grave stele he ordered made for himself while he lived tells us of his deeds and honours, and bears his likeness on horseback, riding down the Dacian king. The relief is nearly identical to the reverse of this coin type.

199

581. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 108-109/10. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Annona standing to left, holding grain ears over modius and cornucopiae; prow in background to right, S-C across fields. RIC II 492; C. 369; BMCRE 782-783; Woytek 323b. 23.94g, 33mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

Ex Cayón Numismática, 9 May 2013, lot 42; Ex VAuctions, Auction 272, 3 November 2011, lot 70.

Ex O. Helbing 63, 1931

582. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC, emperor standing to left, holding volumen in left hand, extending right hand to young boy and girl standing to right; ALIM ITAL in exergue. RIC II 93 corr. (bust type); BMCRE 378; Woytek 345f; Biaggi 462; Calicó 984. 7.27g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

7,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Collection of a retired banker, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 669; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 236, 7 October 2013, lot 1037; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 135, 21 May 2007, lot 633; Ex O. Helbing, Auction 63, 29 April 1931, lot 580.

583. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / SALVS GENERIS HVMANI, Salus standing to left, holding rudder and patera over garlanded altar, foot on globe. RIC II 148B var. (bust type); C. 334 var. (same); BMCRE 410; Woytek 351f1; Calicó 1087. 7.24g, 19mm, 7h. About Extremely Fine. Rare.

7,500

200

584. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 112-113. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, personification of the Via Traiana reclining to left, holding wheel and branch; VIA TRAIANA in exergue. RIC II 266 var. (bust type); BMCRE 484; Woytek 397f; Calicó 1128. 7.14g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

From a private European collection. Built by Trajan at his own expense and commemorated with an arch at its beginning in Beneventum, as well as on his coinage, the Via Traiana was a quicker route for travellers from Rome to Brundisium on the coast. At 205 miles, despite being two miles longer than the Via Appia, the Via Traiana was a much less arduous and therefore faster option than the original Republican road because it traversed a significantly flatter route to the north. Strabo, in his Geography (6.3.7), indicates that the route of the Via Traiana, even though in his day little more than a mule track, saved the traveller a whole day’s journeying.

The Port of Ostia

585. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 112-114. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust to right / PORTVM TRAIANI, aerial view of Trajan’s hexagonal harbour at Ostia, with entrance at bottom, buildings and colonnades surrounding the harbour, and three ships anchored within; SC below. RIC II 632; C. 306 var. (bust type); BMCRE 770 corr. (obv. legend); Woytek 470v. 26.00g, 33mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; harshly cleaned, somewhat smoothed. Very Rare; an important and sought-after reverse type.

2,500

From the Antonio Carmona Collection. The first proper harbour at Ostia was excavated under Claudius and finished in AD 64, and became the main trading centre for goods entering Rome from the western half of the Empire while Puteoli, on the Bay of Naples, continued to receive shipments from the east. However the harbour silted up over time, and so Trajan ordered the construction of a new basin, designed in hexagonal form and behind the original harbour, to offer better protection. Finished in AD 113, Trajan’s new harbour at Ostia proved so popular that the the grain fleet from Alexandria in Egypt sailed to Ostia instead of Puteoli, and in the course of the second century Ostia became the main harbour of Rome for goods from the entire Empire.

586. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, circa spring AD 113 - summer 114. IMP • TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / S • P • Q • R • OPTIMO PRINCIPI, aquila between vexillum surmounted by wreath on right and signum surmounted by hand on left. RIC II 294 var. (bust type); C. 576; BMCRE 456-7; Woytek 418f31 (same dies); BN 735; Calicó 1119. 7.28g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; two small edge bumps.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 228; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 151, 9 October 2006, lot 425.

201

Published in Woytek

587. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, winter AD 114 - early spring 115. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate heroic bust to right, with aegis on left shoulder and strap over chest / P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; FORT RED in exergue. RIC II 321 var. (globe below bust); C. 51 var. (same). BMCRE 576 var. (same); BN 808 var. (same); Woytek 525t+ (this coin); Calicó 1025. 7.28g, 20mm, 7h. About Extremely Fine; minor marks.

5,000

This coin cited in B. Woytek, Moneta Imperii Romani 14 (2010); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 538; Ex Coin Galleries, 18 April 2001, lot 14; Ex Ars Antiqua, Auction I, 3 November 2000, lot 237.

Ex Glendining & Co., 1967

588. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 114-116. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Bonus Eventus standing to left, holding patera and ears of corn. RIC II 347 var. (not cuirassed); C. 275 var. (same); BMCRE 545; BN 809; Biaggi 516; Woytek 517; Calicó 1067. 7.24g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; perfectly centred, with a superbly detailed and well-preserved portrait. Very Rare. Ex Glendining & Co., 3 May 1967, lot 71.

202

7,500

203

204

A Superb Portrait of Matidia

589. Matidia (niece of Trajan) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 112-117. MATIDIA AVG DIVAE MARCIANAE • F •, draped bust to right, wearing double stephane, necklace and elaborate coiffure / PIETAS AVGVST •, Pietas standing to left, placing hands on heads of two children, Sabina and Matidia, who stand on either side, raising hands to her. RIC II 759 (Trajan); BMCRE 660; Woytek 728.1; Strack 200; Biaggi 559; BN 910; Calicó 1157. 7.22g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare; and in excellent state of preservation for the issue with a superb portrait.

25,000

From the Ennismore Collection; Ex CG Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 80, 20 October 2014, lot 92 (hammer: CHF 60,000); Ex Friend of the Romans Collection, Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 92, 22 November 2002, lot 76; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 9, 16 April 1996, lot 863. Pietas is not directly translatable to the modern term ‘piety’, meaning devotion to one’s god(s), but was a much wider virtue to the ancient speakers of Latin. It included this sense of devotion to the gods within its remit, but also a similar sense of duty, loyalty and even obedience to one’s parents, relatives, people, state and so on, and even shaded into one’s interactions with all people, whereby one must remain compassionate and gentle. It is a virtue close to the hearts of the Romans, being the repeated epithet of Virgil’s pius Aeneas, the founder of the Roman people and therefore its ways of conduct. It is in the guise of the goddess Pietas that Matidia is depicted on the reverse of this coin, and, whilst we might note that comparisons to gods on coinage are often (sometimes hilariously) ironic, nevertheless there is good reason to believe that for Matidia, and to the family of which she was a part, pietas was a guiding principle in their relationships. Her mother, Ulpia Marciana, was sister to the Emperor Trajan and very dear to him: when her husband died, she and her daughter Matidia were moved in to live with him; she was involved by him in affairs of state, and was the first sister of a Roman Emperor to receive the title of Augusta; furthermore, when she died, she was deified at his behest – this deification is commemorated on the obverse legend of our coin, naming Matidia as the daughter (filia) of Diva (‘deified’) Marciana. Similarly Matidia, living with her childless uncle Trajan, was very dear to him. Like her mother, she was involved by Trajan in his business of governance, and travelled widely with him, being named Augusta upon the death of her mother and similarly rewarded with monuments and inscriptions across the provinces of the Empire. When Trajan died in AD 117, she and his wife Plotina carried his ashes back to Rome from his death-place in Cilicia. She held her second cousin Hadrian in great affection and allowed him to marry her first daughter Sabina. (Sabina and her sister, Matidia Minor, are shown on the reverse of our coin, with their mother’s hands lovingly placed on their heads.) Hadrian’s pietas to her saw him delivering her funeral oration in AD 119, before deifying her and dedicating a temple and altar to her in the city of Rome – the first large scale temple to be dedicated to a Roman woman on her own. This coin, then, inscribed as it is on obverse and reverse with the signs of idealistic pietas, is an earnest emblem of a rare thing - a harmonious and affectionate Imperial family.

205

590. Matidia (niece of Trajan) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 112-117. MATIDIA AVG DIVAE MARCIANAE • F •, draped bust to right, wearing double stephane, necklace and elaborate coiffure / PIETAS AVGVST, Pietas standing to left, placing hands on heads of two children, Sabina and Matidia, who stand on either side, raising hands to her. RIC II 759 (Trajan); BMCRE 660; Woytek 728.1; Strack 200; Biaggi 559; BN 910; Calicó 1157a. 7.24g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; scattered marks.

12,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Tauler & Fau, Auction 30, 29 May 2019, lot 181; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 61, 7 January 2018, lot 618.

591. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 117. IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO AVG DIVI TRA PARTH F, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / DIVI NER NEP • P M TR•P•COS•, Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; FORT RED in exergue. RIC II.3 46; cf. RIC II 10; BMCRE 34, note; Biaggi 607; Jameson 100 var. (bust type); Mazzini 741; Calicó 1257a. 7.17g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine. Rare.

2,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 14 November 2015, lot 48.

206

592. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 118. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right, with strap across chest and drapery on left shoulder / P M TR P COS II, Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; FORT RED in exergue. RIC II.3 112 (described as cuirassed only); BMCRE 72 var. (bust type); Calicó 1259a. 7.46g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

3,000

From a private European collection.

593. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 118. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right, with strap across chest and drapery on left shoulder / P M TR P COS II, Salus seated to left on throne, feeding out of patera snake rising from and coiled around altar; SALVS AVG in exergue. RIC II.3 135; C. 1349; BMCRE 84; Calicó 1369a (same obv. die). 7.15g, 20mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

7,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 546.

594. Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 118. IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / PONT MAX TR POT COS II, Roma, helmeted, seated to right on cuirass, holding spear and clasping hands with Hadrian, standing to left, togate; ADVENTVS AVG SC in exergue. RIC II.3 158; RIC II 547; C. 91; BMCRE 1123. 26.96g, 35mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; a handsome example of Hadrian’s heroic portraiture. From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

207

300

595. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 119-120. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right, with strap across chest and drapery on left shoulder / P M TR P COS III, nude Bonus Eventus standing facing, head to left, holding patera and corn-ears. RIC II.3 200 (described as cuirassed only); BMCRE 175; Calicó 1328a. 7.22g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

5,000

From a private European collection.

596. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 119-120. IMP•CAESAR TRAIAN•HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right, with strap across chest and drapery on left shoulder / P M TR P COS III, nude Bonus Eventus standing facing, head to left, holding patera and corn-ears. RIC II.3 200 & pl. 6, 200 (same rev. die); BMCRE 175 & pl. 50, 10 (same); Calicó 1328a (same obv. die). 7.35g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

597. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 120-121. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / P M TR P COS III, Aequitas standing facing, head to left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC II.3 387; BMCRE 154; Strack 107; RSC 1120b. 3.68g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone.

300

Privately acquired from Tradart S.A. (Brussels) in the 1990’s.

208

598. Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 120-121. IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III, laureate head to right / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, Libertas seated to left, holding branch and sceptre; SC in exergue. RIC II.3 422; RIC II 583a; C. 948; BMCRE 1190A. 23.45g, 32mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; attractive light green patina.

300

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

599. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS III, Jupiter, naked to waist, seated to left on throne, holding thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC II.3 513; BMCRE 107 var. (legend break differs to example here); Calicó 1304a. 7.24g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

7,500

From a private European collection. This beautiful aureus was struck after Hadrian had assumed the consulship for the third time in AD 119. In the days of the Republic to assume the consulship once, let alone twice or three times was one of the greatest honours to which a senator could aspire, and was often the culmination of a lifetime of public service both in government and on the field of battle. The Historia Augusta relates that “his own third consulship he held for only four months” and that “having himself been consul three times, he reappointed many to the consulship for the third time and men without number to a second term” (HA 8.5-6). Hadrian’s largesse and generosity towards the Senate in the early years of his reign stands in stark contrast to the austere, even hostile, attitude that characterise his last; his successor Antoninus Pius earned that most recognisable of cognomens for assuring the posthumous deification of Hadrian, possibly helped by the fact that “as Hadrian grew more cruel, he rescued many senators from the Emperor” (HA 24.4).

Ex Sternberg VI, 1976

600. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and draped bust to right / P M TR P COS III, emperor standing facing wearing military dress, head to left, holding spear in left hand, rudder on globe with right. RIC II.3 570; BMCRE 240; RSC 1162. 2.95g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

750

Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction VI, 25 November 1976, lot 809.

209

601. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / P M TR P COS III, Neptune standing to left, cloak over shoulders, holding acrostolium and trident. RIC II.3 586; BMCRE 125; Calicó 1314. 7.42g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

4,000

From a private European collection.

602. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / P M TR P COS III, Neptune standing to left, cloak over shoulders, holding acrostolium and trident. RIC II.3 586; BMCRE 125; Calicó 1314. 7.30g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

From a private European collection.

603. Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome. AD 124-128. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS III, Roma seated to left on cuirass, left foot on helmet, holding Victory on extended right hand and cornucopiae in left, round shield set on ground to right; SC in exergue. RIC II.3 870; Strack 611α; Banti 183; BMCRE 1297. 27.83g, 31mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXI, 8 January 2018, lot 755 (hammer: USD 2,400); Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 14 November 2015, lot 51.

210

An Attractive Portrait in High Relief

604. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 124-125. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS III, radiate Sol mounting quadriga to left. RIC II.3 726; BMCRE 378; Strack 164α; Biaggi 583; Jameson 107; Mazzini 293; Calicó 1209. 7.23g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive portrait in high relief. Rare.

17,500

From a private European collection. While it is very likely that the Romans, like many other cultures, had a reverence for the sun from the earliest of times, the ‘official’ cult of the sun-god, Sol Indiges, did not have a very high profile initially. According to Roman sources, the worship of Sol was introduced by Titus Tatius. A shrine to Sol stood on the banks of the Numicius, near many important shrines of early Latin religion. In Rome itself Sol had an ‘old’ temple in the Circus Maximus according to Tacitus, and this temple remained important in the first three centuries AD. Sol also had an old shrine on the Quirinal Hill where an annual sacrifice was offered on August 9. Romans were therefore well acquainted with the concept of a sun god, though his appearance on coinage was infrequent; it would require an Eastern revival of the cult to bring it to prominence. It is known that by AD 158 the cult of Sol Invictus was established at Rome, as evidenced by a votive military inscription (see Campbell, 1994, The Roman army, 31 BC-AD 337: a sourcebook, p. 43 and Halsberghe 1972, p. 45.), however Rome’s first contact with the Syrian cult that would come to worship the sun under this name probably occurred sometime during the reign of Hadrian, whose Eastern connections led to an intensification of relations with the eastern provinces of the empire. Hadrian had accompanied Trajan on all his campaigns in Dacia and the East, and had been appointed legate of Syria, and remained there to guard the Roman frontiers as Trajan, now seriously ill, returned to Rome. Now the de facto supreme commander of the Eastern Roman army, Hadrian’s position as a potential claimant to the throne became unchallengeable. Even after his accession, Hadrian would remain in the East, consolidating the frontiers of the empire and assisting in the restoration of Egypt, Cyprus, Cyrene and Judaea. Sol does of course appear on the coinage of Trajan where the type is used as a deliberate and obvious reference to his campaign of conquest in the East. Sol also appears early on in the coinage of Hadrian’s reign, personifying the East more explicitly still with the inscription ORIENS below the portrait, doubtless representing not only a continuation of Trajan’s legacy but also an indirect reference to the emperor himself who, like the sun, had risen to power in the east. This second major issue of a Sol type appears to have coincided with the anticipation of the emperor’s imminent arrival from his tour of the Eastern provinces, heralding his return in a manner reminiscent of his earlier coinage.

211

Among the Finest Known

605. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 125-126/7. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right, drapery on far shoulder / COS III, Hadrian on horseback to right, raising right hand. RIC II.3 781; C. 406 var. (drapery); Calicó 1215. 7.47g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State; tiny scuff, highly lustrous and among the finest known examples of the type. 15,000 This very attractive equestrian aureus was struck to mark the triumphant return to Rome of the emperor, and shows him riding into the city accepting the honours and praise of the people. Mattingly and Sydenham argue that during his four year absence from Rome there had been little change in the coinage, no development of style, and the mint had been virtually inactive. However, upon his return there was a great new output of coinage, of which this is a stunning example. For his new coinage, Hadrian drops the long legends favoured by his predecessor Trajan, preferring to simplify them to HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS on the obverse and COS III on the reverse. This new obverse legend very distinctly calls into mind the coinage of the first emperor Augustus, while the new, larger and more gracious style of imperial portrait that fills the fields of the flan is a complete change from the small, careful and cramped types of Trajan. Reverse types such as this one complement the new style and the result is a very attractive and artistic coin. Hadrian’s reign was dominated by his extensive travels across the provinces, and indeed he spent more than half of his reign outside of Italy. A known Hellenophile, shortly before the return to Rome that prompted the issue of coinage to which this aureus belongs the emperor had toured Greece and this, coupled with his studies in Greek academia, art and sculpture led the change to the very Hellenistic design we see here, a piece which can be seen as the product of the highest flourishing of Roman art and sculpture. Although no sculpture or written record of such survives, it is quite probable that this reverse type was modelled on an equestrian statue of Hadrian that stood in Rome and that is lost to us today. We know that numerous equestrian statues of emperors once graced Rome, and we know that equestrian statues of Hadrian in particular existed - sources corroborate one at Aelia Capitolina on the Temple Mount directly above the Holy of Holies, and another is known to have adorned the Milion built by Constantine I at Constantinople, which along with an equestrian statue of Trajan, must have been removed from its original location and placed there. Indeed, if it were the case that this coin depicts a now lost sculpture, this missing statue would easily fit into a series of imperial equestrian statues that are both well-attested and displayed on the Roman coinage, beginning with the sculpture of Augustus that can be seen on denarii of 16 BC struck under the moneyer L. Vinicius (RIC 362), through Domitian’s addition to the Forum Romanum in AD 91 and Trajan’s own statue in the Forum Traiani. All of these followed a traditional mode, of which the gilt bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, which was also featured on that emperor’s coinage and which is preserved in the Capitoline Museum, is the sole surviving example.

Ex Signorelli Collection, Santamaria 41, 1953

606. Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome, circa AD 129-130. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, bare-headed and draped bust to left / IVSTITIA AVG P P, Justitia seated to left, holding patera in right hand and vertical sceptre in left; S-C across fields, COS III in exergue. RIC II.3 1157 (this coin cited); C. -; Banti 484; BMCRE -. 23.06g, 33mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; obv. surface gently smoothed, attractive chestnut patina. 1,500 This coin cited in R.A. Abdy and P.F. Mittag, Roman Imperial Coinage II.3 (London, 2019); Ex Prof. Angelo Signorelli Collection (Part III), P. & P. Santamaria, Auction 41, 13 March 1953, lot 167.

212

Travel Series Coinage - Egypt

607. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 130. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / Nilus reclining to right, holding reed and cornucopiae, crocodile in waters below, hippopotamus among reeds to right. RIC II.3 1439; BMCRE 866; Calicó 1162. 7.16g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; well centered. Very Rare.

10,000

From a private European collection. Part of the famous ‘travel series’ of issues struck under Hadrian, this reverse type of AD 130 commemorates his visit to Egypt in that year. Featuring a personification of the River Nile, it alludes both to the importance of the river to Roman prosperity, and perhaps the tragic role it played in Hadrian’s life. The province of Egypt was relied upon to supply grain to feed the people of Rome, and the annual floods on the river fertilized the farmland along its banks. Furthermore, the river was a vital transport link for the ships carrying the grain to Rome, just as the Tiber was between the port of Ostia and the city. In AD 130 Hadrian travelled up the river with the imperial entourage, including his companion Antinoüs, during which trip the young man tragically drowned. The ancient sources are rife with speculation as to whether this occurrence was an accident, a suicide on the part of Antinous or a sacrifice to aid the health of the emperor, but what is clear is the strong bond between the two men (Scriptores Historiae Augustae Hadrian, 14, 5-7), which led to Hadrian’s encouragement of a cult in honour of a deified Antinoüs and his appearance on the coinage, especially in Egypt. Other members of his entourage in Egypt included city planners and construction experts, who helped him pursue large scale projects such as the founding of the city of Antinoöpolis (named after Antinoüs), as well as others such as Julia Balbilla, a member of the royal family of the Kingdom of Commagene who travelled with the party as a court poet and a friend of Hadrian and his wife Sabina. She would have authored poetry during the trip for recital to the rest of the party and on matters related to their travels. Several of her epigrams in fact survive, for she inscribed them on the legs of the Colossi of Memnon, recording the party’s visit to the Valley of the Kings and flattering the Imperial couple through addresses to Memnon – who she says “greeted” Hadrian several times when animated by “the rays of the sun”, which she took as evidence to make the claim regarding Hadrian: “It was clear to all that the gods love him.”

608. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed to right / AEGYPTOS, Egypt reclining to left on basket, holding sistrum; before, Ibis standing to right. RIC II.3 1482; RIC II 297; BMCRE 797-8; RSC 99. 3.34g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone, a superb example from Hadrian’s “travel series”. Acquired from Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A.

213

1,750

RESTITVTORI ACHAIAE

609. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed and draped bust to right / RESTITVTORI ACHAIAE, emperor standing to left, raising Achaea, who kneels to right; palm frond in vase between. RIC II.3 1565; RIC II 321; BMCRE 868; Biaggi 648 = Calicó 1345. 7.24g, 20mm, 7h. 10,000

Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

The reverse of this rare aureus features the legend RESTITVTORI ACHAIAE, which celebrates Hadrian’s role as the ‘Restorer’ of Achaia; the province which encompassed much of Greece (including the prominent poleis of the Peloponnese, Attica, Boeotia and Euboea) and had been a part of the Empire since its annexation following the Achaean War of 146 BC that culminated in the capture and razing of Corinth.Hadrian’s extensive voyages throughout the imperial provinces are well attested and the ancient sources reveal that he visited Achaia on at least three separate occasions between the years AD 124-137. The present issue, which dates from 130-133, shows Hadrian helping a kneeling Achaea to regain her footing; a clear but effective metaphor for his restoration of the province. A palm frond, a customary attribute of Victory on Roman coinage but also a prize that was given to triumphant athletes in Greek competitions, sits between the pair, placed in a vase comparable to the traditional Greek amphora. This reverse type was part of a series minted in the 130s that celebrated the emperor’s renovations and restorations of those provinces he visited, including Hispania and Africa. It is likely that this present coin was specifically issued to commemorate the founding of the ‘Panhellenion’ - a league of cities reminiscent of those inaugurated by the Greek poleis in the fourth and fifth centuries BC. As one of the Empire’s leading cultural hubs, Athens was recognised as the league’s capital. The establishment of the Panhellenion appears to have been a clear attempt to unite the cities of Achaia and revive the notion of the shared Greek identity which had existed during the 5th century BC and proved decisive in conquering the invading Persian armies. An unapologetic philhellene, Hadrian viewed himself as the guardian of Greek culture; and during his reign numerous cities, Athens foremost among them, benefited from his patronage in the form of elaborate building works.Admission to the Panhellenion was subject to intense scrutiny of a city’s ‘Hellenism’, however, meaning that it became exclusive and dominated by its most powerful city, Athens, just as the analogous Delian League had been during the 5th century BC. Frustrated at their lack of influence, and perhaps jealous of Athens’ renewed prestige, other cities gradually began to abandon the Panhellenion and it did not survive in any meaningful form after Hadrian’s death in 138.

610. Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome, circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate and draped bust to right / NILVS, Nilus reclining to right, leaning on rock, holding reed and cornucopiae on which two children are climbing; to right, hippopotamus to left among reeds, crocodile below; SC in exergue. RIC II.3 1704; Banti 561-2; BMCRE 1769. 24.46g, 32mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Rare.

300

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

214

611. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 133-135. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head to left / VOT PVB, the Genius of the Senate standing to right holding sceptre, facing the Genius of the Roman people, standing to left holding patera in right hand over altar and cornucopiae in left. RIC II.3 2033 (this coin); C. 1473; BMCRE 775 note; Calicó 1403. 7.20g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; light scratch on rev. Very Rare.

4,500

This coin published in R.A. Abdy and P.F. Mittag, Roman Imperial Coinage II.3 (London, 2019); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 251; Ex Meister & Sonntag, Auction 7, 6 April 2009, lot 39; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction F, 17 April 1996, lot 1610.

612. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 137-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed bust to right, with slight drapery on far shoulder / SPES P• R•, Spes standing to left, holding flower and raising skirt. RIC II.3 2357; C. 1410 var. (no drapery); BMCRE 732 note; Calicó 1380. 7.14g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

5,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 560.

215

Wife of Hadrian

613. Sabina (wife of Hadrian) AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 130-133. SABINA•AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, diademed and draped bust to right, wearing stephane / CONCORDIA•AVG, Concordia seated to left on throne, holding patera and resting arm on statue of Spes on low cippus. RIC II.3 2498; RIC II 398 (Hadrian) var. (cornucopiae below throne); BMCRE 894 (Hadrian); pl. 64, 12 (same dies); Calicó 1429 (same dies). 7.17g, 20mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

10,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei Part I, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 91, 23 May 2016, lot 19 (hammer: CHF 18,000); Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 89, 5-8 December 2011, lot 1568. The representation of the goddess Concordia on the reverse of this aureus of Sabina could be seen with historical hindsight to be rather ironic. The personification of agreement and harmony, Concordia might not seem to be the most obvious choice of deity to represent the empress Sabina’s relationship with her husband, the emperor Hadrian, which most literary sources report was at best platonic and at worst unloving and filled with mutual scorn. While Hadrian’s adulterous affairs are more widely attested (the most famous of which being with his ill-fated male lover Antinous) the Historia Augusta of 4th century AD suggests that Sabina was also unfaithful during their marriage, resulting in the dismissal of more than one member of the imperial staff; “he [Hadrian] removed from office Septicius Clarus, the prefect of the guard, and Suetonius Tranquillus, the imperial secretary, and many others besides, because without his consent they had been conducting themselves toward his wife, Sabina, in a more informal fashion than the etiquette of the court demanded. And, as he was himself wont to say, he would have sent away his wife too, on the ground of ill-temper and irritability, had he been merely a private citizen” (Historia Augusta, Hadrian, 11.3). Whatever the nature of the relationship between the emperor and his wife behind closed doors, outwardly Sabina appeared to be held in high esteem. She was granted the title of Augusta in AD 128, just over 10 years after Hadrian had become emperor and she then appeared on regular issues of coinage for the rest of her life, in addition to the large number of monumental representations of her that were also erected. Indeed, her coinage is believed to have had more issues than that of any previous empress, with a wider breadth of portraits depicted than seen on the coins of other imperial female figures. The reason for her sustained coinage is not known, however, it seems likely that her proximity to the family of Hadrian’s predecessor, the emperor Trajan, may have been an influential factor. Sabina was the daughter of Matidia, Trajan’s niece, with whom he and his wife Plotina were very close. The Historia Augusta (Hadrian, 2.10) states that it was thanks to the influence of Plotina that Trajan was convinced to allow the marriage of Hadrian to his niece’s daughter Sabina, thus drawing Hadrian into the wider family and, ultimately, resulting in his adoption by the emperor. Richard Abdy comments that “both Plotina and Matidia had been key allies in Hadrian’s rise to power and were given rare lifetime issues at the beginning of Hadrian’s reign” (Chronology of Sabina’s coinage at the Roman Mint, Revue Numismatique, 2014, p.75), highlighting that the precedent had already been set by Hadrian early on for approving the long term issuing of coins of women in the imperial family. Therefore, it could be argued that after the deaths of Matidia and Plotina in AD 119 and AD 122 respectively, the decision to produce regular coinage with the image of his wife Sabina was merely a continuation of the tradition of lauding imperial women and, perhaps more importantly, an indirect reminder of his connection to the Nerva-Antonine dynasty and as such the legitimacy of his rule.

216

Adopted Son of Hadrian

614. Aelius (adopted son of Hadrian), as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 137. L•AELIVS CAESAR, bare head to left / TRIB POT COS II, Concordia seated to left, holding patera in right hand and leaning left arm on cornucopiae set on throne; CONCORD in exergue. RIC II.3 2707; RIC II 443c; C. 12; BMCRE 999; Calicó 1445. 7.49g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

12,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 265. Suffering from ill health, in AD 136 Hadrian looked to the question of succession and settled upon Lucius Ceionius Commodus, consul for that year, to succeed him. Lucius Aelius Caesar, as was his new official name, was lacking in military and administrative experience and so was granted tribunician power and sent to the Danube Frontier to govern Pannonia. However, he was destined never to succeed Hadrian, dying in AD 138 and leaving the ailing emperor heirless once more. Following the scandal created in AD 130 when Hadrian was moved to establish a cult and mint coins (see lot 787) in honour of his favourite Antinous, who had drowned in the Nile whilst touring the province with the emperor, swirling rumours emerged that Hadrian had chosen Aelius as a successor against the wishes of everyone simply on account of his good looks. Earlier historians favoured the view that Aelius was Hadrian’s illegitimate son, as suggested by the historian Carcopino, but this theory has been largely discredited. More likely, Aelius won the approval of Hadrian on account of his being a learned and cultured man with refined tastes, who would have naturally shared many of Hadrian’s own artistic and cultural interests. After the death of Aelius, Hadrian adopted Aurelius Antoninus, the future emperor Antoninus Pius, but required him in turn to adopt Aelius’ son and Hadrian’s great-nephew by marriage, Marcus Aurelius, to succeed him.

217

615. Antoninus Pius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 138. IMP T AEL CAES ANTONINVS, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / TRIB POT COS DES•II, Concordia seated to left on throne, leaning left arm on statue of Spes and holding patera in outstretched right hand; cornucopiae below throne, CONCORD in exergue. RIC II.3 2761; RIC II 458 (Hadrian) var. (not cuirassed); C -; BMCRE 1019 (Hadrian); Calicó 1486 (same dies). 7.41g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; a bold and handsome portrait engraved in high relief. Very Rare.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 268; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 124, 16 March 2007, lot 7628

Extremely Rare

616. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 140-143. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head to right / Antoninus Pius standing to right in military dress, holding parazonium in left hand and spear in right, left foot on globe. RIC III -, cf. 105b; C. -, cf. 1173; Calicó 1463a. 7.09g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; rev. brushed. Extremely Rare; no other examples offered at auction in the past 20 years.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 2 December 2017, lot 72.

617. Antoninus Pius Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 140-144. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head to right / SALVS AVG, Salus standing to left, holding sceptre and patera, feeding serpent coiled around altar; S-C across fields. RIC III 635; BMCRE 1303-1306. 24.15g, 32mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; a superb example of the type and very rare in this high grade. Acquired from Beaussant Lefèvre.

218

2,000

618. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / TR POT COS IIII, Roma seated to left, holding palladium in outstretched hand and spear, shield leaning against throne. RIC III 147c; C. 934; BMCRE 557; Calicó 1655. 7.26g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

6,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 91.

619. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145-161. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS IIII, laureate head to left / Roma seated to left, holding palladium in outstretched hand and spear, shield leaning against throne. RIC III 159e; BMCRE 591; Calicó 1457. 7.28g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive portrait in high relief. Very rare with left facing bust.

7,500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

620. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 147-148. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XI, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS IIII, Liberalitas standing to left, holding abacus and cornucopiae; LIB-V across fields. RIC III 169c; C. 504 var. (without drapery); BMCRE 627; Calicó 1578. NGC graded MS, 5/5 - 3/5 (#3928168-002).

12,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Maison Palombo, Auction 15, 22 October 2016, lot 51 (hammer: CHF 16,000, there graded as “FDC”).

621. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 147-148. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XI, laureate head to right / COS IIII, Liberalitas standing to left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae; LIB-V across fields. RIC III 169a; C. 504; BMCRE 628; Calicó 1577. 7.11g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State. Rare.

6,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 561.

219

622. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 148-149. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS IIII, Aequitas standing to left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left. RIC III 177e; C. 235; BMCRE 650; Calicó 1503. 7.11g, 20mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine.

3,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 275; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH - La Galerie Numismatique, New York Auction, 11 January 2009, lot 91.

623. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. AD 152-153. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVI, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / LIBERALITAS VII COS IIII, Liberalitas standing facing, head to left, holding abacus in right hand and rod in left. RIC III -, cf. 229; C. -, cf. 520; BMCRE p. 116, note ‡; Calicó 1583. 7.28g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

6,750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 278; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Summer Auction, 11 September 2007, lot 544.

624. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 155-156. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, laureate head to right / TR POT XIX COS IIII, emperor standing to left, holding globe and volumen. RIC III 256a; C. 995; BMCRE 864; Calicó 1673. 7.43g, 19mm, 5h. Very Fine.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

220

Fleur De Coin

625. Diva Faustina I (wife of A. Pius) AV Aureus. Rome, after AD 141. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust to right / AETERNITAS, Fortuna standing to left, holding patera in right hand and long rudder with left. RIC III 349a (Pius); C. 2; BMCRE 369 (Pius); Calicó 1743a. 7.31g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; attractive light reddish tone.

10,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd. Annia Galeria Faustina was born into a distinguished and well connected family; her father Marcus Annius Verus was three times consul and prefect of Rome, and she counted Sabina and Matidia as her maternal aunts. Sometime between AD 110 and 115 she married Titus Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Arrius Antoninus (who would later gain favour with Hadrian, be adopted and succeed to the throne, and be known to history as Antoninus Pius). Her marriage to Antoninus was a happy one and she bore him two sons and two daughters; her namesake, the only one to survive to adulthood, would marry the future emperor Marcus Aurelius. Faustina was by all accounts a beautiful woman noted for her wisdom, though the Historia Augusta criticized her as having ‘excessive frankness’ and ‘levity’. Throughout her life, as a private citizen and as empress, Faustina was involved in assisting charities for the poor and sponsoring the education of Roman children, particularly girls. When she died in AD 140 shortly after her fortieth birthday her husband Antoninus was devastated. To honour her memory he had her deified, built a temple for her in the Forum and issued a prodigious coinage in her name as Diva Faustina. The most fitting and touching act of this grieving husband and emperor was to ensure her legacy of charitable work would be continued: he established an institution called Puellae Faustinianae (‘The Girls of Faustina’) to assist orphaned Roman girls, evidenced by the extremely rare aurei and denarii with the legend PVELLAE FAVSTINIANAE (cf. RIC 397-399 [Pius]) and he created a new alimenta or grain dole to feed the poor. Unusually, the posthumous coinage in her name was produced over a sustained period, though this is clearly linked to the significant role she played in the ideological theme of pietas that characterised the reign of Antoninus, and which Martin Beckmann (Diva Faustina: coinage and cult in Rome and the provinces, ANS, New York, 2012) suggests likely included a distribution of the issues with the reverse legends PIETAS and AETERNITAS, being evocative of “the ‘spiritual side’ of Faustina’s divinisation” (p. 19), at a public ceremony in her memory on the tenth anniversary of her deification.

221

626. Diva Faustina I (wife of A. Pius) AV Aureus. Rome, after AD 141. DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, draped bust to right / AETERNITAS, Fortuna standing to left, holding patera in right hand and long rudder set on globe with left. RIC III 349b (Pius); C. 4; BMCRE 285 (Pius); Calicó 1746 (same obv. die). 7.15g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; edge scrape.

3,000

From a private European collection.

627. Diva Faustina I (wife of A. Pius) AV Aureus. Rome, after AD 141. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust to right / AVGVSTA, Fortuna standing to left, holding patera in right hand and long rudder set on globe with her left. RIC III 372 (Pius); BMCRE 447 (Pius); Calicó 1761. NGC graded AU, 5/5 - 5/5 (#4377041-004).

2,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

628. Diva Faustina I (wife of A. Pius) Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 141-146. DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA, draped bust to right / PIETAS AVG, Pietas, draped and veiled, standing facing, head to left, holding pyxis in left hand and dropping incense with right hand onto lighted candelabrum; S-C across fields. RIC 1146a (Pius); C. 249; BMCRE 1444 (Pius). 14.91g, 29mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

250

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

222

A Superb Example

629. Diva Faustina I (wife of A. Pius) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 150. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust to right, wearing hair bound in pearls on top of her head / AVGVSTA, Ceres or Aeternitas, veiled and standing to left, holding torch in right hand and sceptre in left. RIC III 356a (Pius); C. 95; BMCRE 397 (Pius); Calicó 1763a. 7.28g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

10,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 97, 12 December 2016, lot 144 (hammer: CHF 13,000); Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 99, 13 May 2015, lot 649 (hammer: USD 14,000); Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 96, 10 December 2014, lot 354.

630. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 140-144. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F COS, bare head to right / PIETAS AVG, emblems of the pontificate: knife, sprinkler, jug, lituus and simpulum. RIC III 424 (Pius), pl. IV, 75 (same obv. die); C. 450; BMCRE 276 (Pius); Calicó 1883. 6.76g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

3,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Spink & Son Ltd., Auction 125, 3 March 1998, lot 145.

223

631. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145-147. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / COS II, Minerva standing to right, holding spear and resting left hand on shield at her side. RIC III 427b (Pius); BMCRE 592 (Pius); Calicó 1836. 5.96g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; edge filed.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

632. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161. IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG, bare head to right / CONCORDIAE AVGVSTOR TR P XV, togate figures of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus clasping hands, Aurelius holding scroll; COS III in exergue. RIC III 8; C. 70; BMCRE 7; Calicó 1822. 7.22g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

5,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 591.

633. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161-162. IMP M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG P M, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIAE AVGVSTOR TR P XVI, togate figures of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus clasping hands, Aurelius holding scroll; COS III in exergue. RIC III 45; C. 72; BMCRE 187; Calicó 1830. 7.33g, 19mm, 5h. About Extremely Fine.

5,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 284, therein noted as “ex MK sale 76, 251”.

634. Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 163-164. M ANTONINVS AVG ARMEN P M, laureate head to right / TR P XVIII IMP II COS III, Armenia seated to left in mournful attitude, with vexillum and shield before her and left hand resting on bow; ARMEN in exergue. RIC III 85; BMCRE 278; RSC 6. 3.28g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

Ex Dr. Rattinger Collection, acquired prior to 1981.

224

Ex V. Ragoczy Collection, 1959

635. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, February - December AD 168. M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head to right / FORT RED TR P XXII IMP V, Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; COS III in exergue. RIC III 183; C. 207; BMCRE 458; Calicó 1857 (these dies). 7.35g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

10,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Maison Palombo, Auction 15, 22 October 2016, lot 56; Ex Myntkompaniet/AB Philea, Coin Auction 10, 14 May 2016, lot 395; Ex V. Ragoczy Collection, H. Hede (Copenhagen), 22-24 September 1959, lot 1375.

636. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 169. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXIII, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, seen from behind / FELICITAS AVG COS III, Felicitas standing facing, head to left, short winged caduceus in right hand, grounded sceptre in left. RIC III 201; BMCRE 489; Biaggi 847; Calicó 1850a. 7.00g, 21mm, 6h. Very Fine.

2,750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1007.

225

Fleur De Coin

637. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 177-178. M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / TR P XXXII IMP VIIII COS III P P, Annona standing to left, holding grain ears over modius in right hand and cornucopiae cradled in left arm; prow of grain ship to right behind. RIC III 389; C. 957 var. (not cuirassed); BMCRE 771; Calicó 2020. 7.23g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; bright lustrous fields with a light reddish tone. Rare.

15,000

From the Ennismore Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 80, 20 October 2014, lot 106 (hammer: CHF 42,000); Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 92, 22 November 2002, lot 93; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts Inc., Auction XXV, 17 April 1983, lot 401. Annona was the divine personification of the grain supply to the city of Rome, a creation of Imperial pseudo-religious propaganda, manifested in iconography and cult practice, but lacking in narrative mythology or a historical tradition of devotion. The Roman government used the term Cura Annonae (“care for the grain supply”), in reference to the import and distribution of grain to the residents of the city of Rome. Rome imported most of the grain consumed by its urban population, estimated to number one million people by the second century AD. Most of this grain was distributed through commercial or non-subsidized channels, but a dole of subsidized or free grain, and later bread, was provided by the government to about 200,000 of the poorer residents of the city of Rome. It has been estimated that each year as much as 60,000,000 modii of grain (about 420,000 tonnes) reached the city, equivalent to approximately 1,200 large vessels containing 50,000 modii (about 350 tonnes) each. The grain ships that sailed principally from Egypt and Africa, and the shipping lanes they travelled were therefore of strategic importance. Whoever controlled the grain supply had an important measure of control over the city of Rome, which was utterly reliant on regular imports. The depiction of Annona with a modius and grain ship on this coin is therefore closely associated with the principate, being one of the most ubiquitous and important manifestations of the emperor’s power to care for his people. The date when the Cura Annonae ended is unknown, but it may have lasted even into the 6th century, by which time the population of Rome had greatly declined through famine, war and economic ruin to as little as 100,000. The great machinery of empire that had once spanned all of Europe and sustained the greatest city on earth had been effectively shattered by barbarian migration and subsequent warfare, and with the eventual disappearance of the great grain fleets it would not be until the sixteenth century that vessels of similar tonnages would ply the waters of the Mediterranean again.

226

Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Collection

638. Faustina II (daughter of A. Pius) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145. FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust to left, wearing hair fastened in chignon at back of head / CONCORDIA, dove standing to right. RIC III 503b (Pius); BMCRE 1090 (Pius); Biaggi 922; Calicó 2044d. 7.26g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

12,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Collection, Áureo & Calicó, Auction 241, 8 February 2012, lot 124 (hammer: EUR 22,000). Struck under her father Antoninus Pius, this magnificent aureus commemorates the April AD 145 marriage of Annia Galeria Faustina Junior to her maternal cousin Marcus Aurelius. The marriage was arranged by her father Antoninus at the time of his adoption and nomination as successor by Hadrian. Faustina had previously been engaged to Lucius Verus, whose father had been Hadrian’s designated heir until the time of his death. At the time of the engagement Antoninus also formally adopted Aurelius. Since Aurelius was therefore legally Antoninus Pius’ son, under Roman law he was marrying his sister; Antoninus would thus have had to formally release Faustina from his paternal authority for the ceremony to take place. Little is specifically known of the ceremony, but the Historia Augusta claims it to have been noteworthy. The reverse type featuring the dove and the legend CONCORDIA relate directly to the invocation of the goddess for a harmonious and stable marriage, while the dove is known to be monogamous throughout its lifetime. Faustina accompanied Aurelius on various military campaigns, which perhaps gave rise to the vicious rumours and negative views that Roman sources generally give of her character. The Historia Augusta alleges that she consorted with soldiers, gladiators and men of rank, and that she was perhaps behind the revolt of Avidius Cassius against her husband in 175. However, she was held in high esteem by her husband and was given divine honours after her death.

227

639. Faustina II (daughter of A. Pius) AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 145. FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust to right, wearing hair fastened in chignon at back of head / CONCORDIA, dove standing to right. RIC III 503a (Pius); C. 61; BMCRE 1089 (Pius); Calicó 2045b. 7.39g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; a portrait of beautiful and delicate style, displaying the hint of a smile.

4,500

Ex Morton & Eden Ltd, Auction 95-96 (Important Greek and Roman Coins), 24 October 2018, lot 382; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 36, 21 April 1986, lot 705.

640. Faustina II (daughter of A. Pius) Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 145-146. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust to right, wearing band of pearls on her head / VENVS, Venus standing to left, holding apple and rudder, around which dolphin is entwined; S-C across fields. RIC III 1388b (Pius) var. (no band mentioned); BMCRE 2148 (Pius). 28.29g, 33mm, 10h. Extremely Fine; beautiful glossy patina and well centered.

1,000

Acquired from Beaussant Lefèvre.

Ex P. & P. Santamaria, 1961

641. Faustina II (wife of M. Aurelius) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 150-152. FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII FIL, draped bust to right / VENERI • FELICI •, dove standing to right. RIC III 510 (Pius) corr. (obv. legend); BMCRE 1083 (Pius); Biaggi -; Calicó 2078. 7.28g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 41, 23 October 2017, lot 151 (hammer: CHF 10,000); Ex P. & P. Santamaria, 4 May 1961, lot 221.

228

642. Faustina II (wife of M. Aurelius) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161-176. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust to right, hair waved and fastened in bun on back of head / SALVTI AVGVSTAE, Salus seated to left, feeding out of patera in right hand a serpent coiled around and rising from an altar. RIC III 716 (Aurelius); C. 198; BMCRE 151 (Aurelius); Calicó 2073b (same obverse die). 7.26g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

5,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 100, 29 May 2017, lot 520.

Ex Schulman 226, 1956

643. Lucius Verus AV Aureus. Rome, February-December AD 165. L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head to right / TR P V IMP III COS II, Verus on horseback to right, preparing to spear fallen enemy below. RIC III 545 (Aurelius); C. 275 var. (bust type); BMCRE 390 (Aurelius); Calicó 2185 (same obv. die). 7.37g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; small nick on rev. edge.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 294; Ex Bolla Collection, A. Tkalec AG - Astarte S.A., 28 February 2007, lot 49; Ex J. Schulman, Auction 226, 30 January 1956, lot 2083.

229

An Excellent Example

644. Lucilla (wife of L. Verus) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161-162. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust to right, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon / VOTA • PVBLICA in four lines within laurel wreath. RIC III 790 (Aurelius); BMCRE 328 (Aurelius and Verus); Biaggi 980 (same rev. die); MIR 18, 22-2(a); Calicó 2219. 6.92g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

10,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 101. Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla was born in AD 148 to Marcus Aurelius and his wife Faustina Minor. Little is recorded of Lucilla’s early life but by the time she wed aged 14-16 (her year of birth is uncertain) she had already entered into an adult life which was to be beset by unsatisfactory husbands, family feuds and banishment. Lucilla was married off twice by her father to create politically advantageous relationships; first to Lucius Verus, who jointly ruled with her father and was 18 years her senior. The Historia Augusta cites several rumours surrounding Lucilla and Lucius’ marriage, including that Verus had an affair with Lucilla’s mother Faustina and that she then poisoned him for telling Lucilla about it, followed closely by the claim that many believed Lucilla to have killed her husband out of jealousy at the power he granted his sister Fabia. Contemporary scholars such as Burns (Great Women of Imperial Rome: Mothers and wives of the Caesars, 2006) cast great scepticism on these claims, but the rumours elucidate the kind of world that Lucilla lived in and how her marriage to Lucius was perceived. On the death of Lucius Verus and at the age of 21, Lucilla was married to Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus, a close friend of the emperor and one of his most trusted military commanders. At the time of the marriage Pompeianus was over 50 and modern authors tend to report Lucilla as extremely displeased with the match, citing both the significant age difference and Pompeianus’ perceived inferior social standing. On the death of Marcus Aurelius, Lucilla’s brother Commodus became emperor. Crispina Bruttia, her sister-in-law, now supplanted Lucilla as the principal female figure within the imperial household, thus relegating Lucilla from her privileged position alongside her mother during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. This decline in standing is reflected in the coinage under Commodus which recognised his wife but not his sister (Duncan-Jones, Crispina and the Coinage of the Empress, 2006). Resentment, perhaps born of her jealousy of Crispina and her alarm at her brother’s actions as emperor, led Lucilla to conspire against Commodus by planning to overthrow and murder him. The plot failed as the would-be murderer, her husband’s nephew, was arrested whilst pre-empting the act by exclaiming to Commodus his intention to stab him. Lucilla was banished to Capri where she was executed a year later; her husband had not participated in the conspiracy and so was spared, withdrawing from public life to his estates in the country and remaining there, citing old age and an ailment of the eyes as an excuse.

230

645. Lucilla (wife of L. Verus) AV Aureus. Rome, mid-AD 164. LVCILLA AVGVSTA, draped bust to right / CONCORDIA, Concordia seated to left, holding patera in extended right hand, left arm resting on head of statue of Spes to right, holding flower in extended right hand and hem in left; cornucopiae below chair. RIC III 755 (Aurelius); BMCRE 332 (Aurelius and Verus); Biaggi 974; MIR 18, 25-2/10; Calicó 2210. 6.57g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

4,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 100.

Ex Collection of the Princes of Waldeck

646. Commodus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 186. M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT, laureate head to right / P M TR P XI IMP VII COS V P P, Commodus seated to left on platform, officer behind, Liberalitas before, holding cornucopiae and tessera; citizen mounting steps to platform from left, S-C across lower fields, LIBERAL AVG VI in exergue. RIC III 471a; C. 317; Cayón 162 (this coin); BMCRE 582. 25.31g, 31mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

This coin published in J. Cayón, Los Sestercios del Imperio Romano (Madrid, 1984); Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 75, 6 May 2005, lot 562; Ex Collection of the Princes of Waldeck, Münzhandlung Basel, Auction 3, 4 March 1935, lot 602. This coin comes from the hereditary collection of Prince Friedrich I of Waldeck, the last reigning prince of the German state of Waldeck and Pyrmont. The upheaval in Germany following the First World War included the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the lesser hereditary nobility in 1918, and Friedrich I along with his peers gave up his power and his principality was absorbed into the fragile new Weimar Republic. His family’s collection, which focused on Roman and Byzantine coins, was mostly sold off in the early 1930s.

231

Hopes for Prosperity

647. Commodus Æ Medallion. Rome, AD 186-187. M COMMODVS ANTONINVS PIVS FELIX AVG BRIT, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P XII IMP VIII, Tellus reclining to left, left arm resting on basket of fruit and cradling long vine branch from which hangs grapes above, her right hand placed on star-studded globe, around which are the figures of the Four Seasons; TELLVS STABIL COS V P P in two lines in exergue. Gnecchi 129, pl. 86, 9. 53.18g, 39mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

10,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 576. The production of medallions had been gradually growing since the reign of Hadrian, and reached a climax under Commodus. Used as gifts for the elite, we might consider them one of the devices of the emperor’s new policy of self-promotion for they all spoke to the themes Commodus sought to uphold by his reign. On this medallion the theme of Tellus Stabilita (‘The Earth Firmly Established’) is embodied by the allegorical figure of Tellus who sits on the ground leaning upon an abundant basket of fruit, produce of the earth. Tellus reaches out her hand to rest on a large globe, representative of the heavens and thereby encompassing the whole empire. Around Tellus the seasons, in the guise of four women, pose gracefully. For the average resident of the Roman Empire, life under Commodus was – if not a Golden Age – then peaceful and somewhat prosperous, according with the vision of the present medallion. His reign marked the final stage of the period known to historians as the Pax Romana, and within that saw much less warfare than the rule of his father Marcus Aurelius – even if it was to become notorious for instability in the upper echelons of the government and for the subjective style of Commodus’ rule, which sparked much of this instability. In comparison to his spiteful relationship with the Senate, Commodus appears to have been popular among the army and the people, not least because of his organising of and taking part in gladiatorial fights and his magnificent distributions of largesse. This relationship with his subjects is evidenced in the controversial reversal of the conventional order of the subjects on which the power of the Emperor is supposed to rely, in the phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus – which became Populus Senatusque Romanus in many inscriptions across the Empire.

Only One Other Offered at Auction in the Past 20 Years

648. Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 190. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / TEMP FELIC P M TR P XV IMP VIII COS VI, winged caduceus set between two cornucopiae in saltire. RIC III 214; C. 718 var. (P P at end of reverse legend); BMCRE 282; Calicó 2335. 7.22g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only one other example offered at auction in the past 20 years. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 300; Ex UBS Gold & Numismatics, Auction 64, 24 January 2006, lot 205.

232

10,000

649. Crispina (wife of Commodus) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 180-183. CRISPINA AVGVSTA, draped bust to right, hair arranged in chignon / VENVS•FELIX, Venus seated to left, holding Cupid and sceptre; dove standing to left below chair. RIC III 287 (Commodus) corr. (Cupid, not Victory); C. 39; BMCRE 47 (Commodus); Biaggi 1034; Calicó 2377 corr. (Cupid, not Victory). 6.32g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 3, 1 December 2017, lot 206.

The First of the ‘Five Emperors’

650. Pertinax AV Aureus. Rome, late January-March AD 193. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate bust to right / PROVID DEOR COS II, Providentia standing facing, head to left, raising open right hand; star in upper left field. RIC IV 11a; C. 42; BMCRE 11 (same obverse die); Calicó 2389. 7.36g, 21mm, 12h. Near Mint State; scratch on rev. Very Rare.

17,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 2 December 2017, lot 96 (hammer: EUR 36,000). Pertinax was the first emperor in the tumultuous ‘Year of Five Emperors’. His early life and career is well documented in the Historia Augusta and confirmed in many places by existing inscriptions. Born into a humble family and the son of a freedman, Pertinax had originally tried to make his way in life as a teacher of grammar, but at some point decided to try to attain a greater station, and with the help of a patron he was commissioned an officer in the Roman army. Pertinax distinguished himself in a campaign against Parthia, and after postings in Britain and on the Danube he served as procurator in Dacia. His career suffered a serious setback during the reign of Marcus Aurelius on account of court intrigues, however he was recalled to assist Claudius Pompeianus during the Marcomannic Wars. In 175 he was made suffect consul, and he then served as governor of a string of provinces including Syria and Britain. In the 180s he was recalled to Britain where the army was in a state of mutiny. His attempt to calm the restive soldiers resulted in his bodyguard being attacked, and Pertinax was left for dead. After his recovery he severely punished the mutinous legion, adding to his reputation as a disciplinarian. In 187 he was forced to resign due to the legions having grown hostile to his strict command style. His career culminated when he was given the proconsulship of Africa, the urban prefecture of Rome, and a second consulship with the emperor as his colleague. When Commodus was murdered on the last day of AD 192, Pertinax was still serving as urban prefect, and hurried to the Praetorian camp where he was proclaimed emperor the following morning. His attempts at reform and restraint, along with attempts to impose discipline on the unruly Praetorians, did not endear him to the Guard who had expected a large donative. After a reign of only three months, during which time he refused imperial titles for his wife and son, a contingent of several hundred Praetorian Guardsmen rushed the palace and Pertinax, although he almost succeeded in reasoning with them, was struck down. Yet by his understanding of the danger of his station and his wise decision not to associate his family with the purple, they were spared from violence. The obverse of this magnificent aureus shows the weathered face of a man who has attained high position through hard work and discipline, now burdened by the cares of state. It is an appropriate depiction for an emperor who tried hard to bring the unravelling Roman system back onto the correct path but was ultimately slain for his efforts. The reverse of this coin bears a legend which translates as ‘To the Foresight of the Gods’, and may well be intended to represent the recovery of imperial fortunes under the tutelage and favour of divine providence. The celestial object should probably be seen to represent the beneficent favour of the gods, who had brought Pertinax to power.

233

Ex John Work Garrett Collection

651. Didius Julianus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES M DID SEVER IVLIAN AVG, laureate head to right / RECTOR ORBIS, Didius Julianus standing facing, head to left, holding globe and scroll; S-C across fields. RIC IV 16; C. 17; Banti 6; BMCRE 28. 21.59g, 29mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; very well preserved for the type. 6,500 Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG, Auction 66, 22 November 1984, lot 679; Ex John Work Garrett Collection Part I, Bank Leu - Numismatic Fine Arts, 16 May 1984, lot 642. The previous emperor Pertinax having been murdered after just three months in the imperial palace, Didius Julianus was raised to the Purple in a shameful episode, where the sources record, the empire was ‘auctioned’ to the highest bidder by the Praetorian Guard. In fear of what troubles Julianus and the Praetorians could create if challenged, the Senate were forced to submit to his rule and ratify his elevation to the throne, whilst at the same time bestowing honorific titles on his wife and daughter, Manlia Scantilla and Didia Clara. Cassius Dio relates that “The next day we [the Senators] went up to pay our respects to him, moulding our faces, so to speak, and posturing, so that our grief should not be detected. The populace, however, went about openly with sullen looks, spoke its mind as much as it pleased, and was getting ready to do anything it could. Finally, when he came to the senate-house and was about to sacrifice to Janus before the entrance, all fell to shouting, as if by preconcerted arrangement, calling him stealer of the empire and parricide” (LXXIV, 13, 2-3). However, Julianus’ time in the palace was to be limited by the challenges of three provincial governors, all of whom laid claim to the imperial throne. Pescennius Niger in Syria, Clodius Albinus in Britain and Septimius Severus in Upper Pannonia all had themselves acclaimed emperor, Cassius Dio relating that it was the populace of the city that had first called for Niger to come to their aid. As the closest to Italy, Severus had the advantage and marched toward Rome, the spectre of his approaching army being enough to further weaken Julianus’ grip on power so that the Senate were able to condemn him to death and appoint Severus in his place. Seen in the knowledge of Julianus’ demise, the reverse type of the present piece featuring Fortuna is then somewhat ironic. The goddess of fortune and personification of luck in Roman religion, her depiction on the coinage would involved the goddess’ blessing for both the emperor and empire; however she was as equally dedicated to ensuring life’s capriciousness, as it must quickly have become apparent to Julianus.

Ex Ars Classica XI, 1925

652. Didius Julianus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES M DID SEVER IVLIAN AVG, laureate head to right / RECTOR ORBIS, Didius Julianus standing facing, head to left, holding globe and scroll; S-C across fields. RIC IV 16; C. 17; Banti 6; BMCRE 28. 18.00g, 30mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; a finely detailed portrait. Very Rare. 3,000 Ex P. & P. Santamaria, List 11, January/June 1960, lot 260; Ex V.J.E. Ryan Collection, Glendining & Co., 2 April 1952, lot 2664; Ex H.C. Levis Collection, Ars Classica XI, 18 June 1925, lot 688.

653. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193-194. IMP CAES C PESCEN NIGER IVSTI AV, laureate head to right / IVSTI AVG, two capricorns, back to back facing outwards, carrying shield with seven stars on it between them, small round shield below. RIC IV 44b; BMCRE 304 (Wars of the Succession); RSC 42a. 3.27g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; flan crack at 11h/8h, attractively toned. Previously NGC graded MS, 5/5 - 3/5 (#5745309-001). Extremely Rare. 3,500 Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3081, 12 January 2020, lot 30192.

654. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193-194. IMP CAES C PESCE NIGER IVS AVG, laureate head to right / VICTOR IVST AVG, Victory advancing to left, holding wreath and palm. RIC IV 81c var. (obv. legend), cf. 82a for this obv.; BMCRE 314 var. (rev. legend); RSC -, cf. 71a for this obv. 2.70g, 17mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 1,000 Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 212, 5 March 2013, lot 2852.

234

Published in Calicó

655. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 194. L•SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP III, laureate head to right / DIS AVSPICIB TR P II, Hercules standing to left, holding club and with lion skin draped over arm, with Bacchus at his right, also standing to left, holding oinochoe over panther; COS II P P in exergue. RIC IV 31; C. 114; BMCRE 63; Calicó 2446a (this coin). 7.21g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

10,000

This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (Barcelona, 2002); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant. This type is differentiated in Calicó from the more common Calicó 2446 by the direction of Hercules’ head on the reverse, no other reference works make this distinction.

656. Septimius Severus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 200-201. L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate head to right / IOVI PROPVGN[ATORI], Jupiter in throwing stance to right, wielding thunderbolt in right hand, left arm wrapped in cloak. RIC IV 131; BMCRE 132; RSC 243. 3.57g, 19mm, 1h. Mint State; attractive cabinet tone. A magnificent example of this desirable type.

750

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

657. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 201. SEVERVS AVG PART MAX, laureate head to right / FVNDATOR • PACIS, Severus, veiled, standing to left, holding branch and scroll. RIC IV 160; C. 202; BMCRE 189; Calicó 2459. 7.30g, 20mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

235

Very Rare

658. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 202-210. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head to right / PACATOR ORBIS, draped bust of Sol to right. RIC IV 282; C. 355; BMCRE 353; Calicó 2487a (same reverse die). 7.20g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 10,000 From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 95, 6 October 2016, lot 320.

Published in Calicó

659. Julia Domna (wife of S. Severus) AV Aureus. Laodicea ad Mare, circa AD 196-202. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust to right, hair waved and coiled at back / SAECVLI FELICITAS, Isis standing to right, wearing peaked head-dress, left foot on prow of galley, with the infant Horus at her breast; altar behind, against which rests a rudder. RIC IV 645; C. 177; Biaggi 1153 (this coin) = Calicó 2637 (this coin). 7.07g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; magnificent deep red tone. Extremely Rare; no other examples offered at auction in the past 20 years. 7,500 This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (Barcelona, 2002); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Nomisma S.p.a. (San Marino), Auction 12, 14 November 1998, lot 446; Ex Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection, acquired privately in 1978 by Bank Leu (Zürich) and a partner. This coin is very likely part of the Getrudenstrasse Hoard of Cologne, found by workmen digging the foundation of a building in 1909. It consisted of approximately 15,000 denarii and 150 aurei thought to have been votive offerings buried to protect them from the extortionate policies of Maximinus. Many of the coins of that hoard bear a distinctive colouration similar to that of the Boscoreale Hoard. The intense colouration is suggestive of the coins having been subjected to extreme heat, likely as the result of a fire that consumed the building above.

660. Caracalla, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 195-198. M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF, bare-headed and draped bust to right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, togate Caracalla standing to left, holding baton in right hand and spear in left; trophy to right. RIC IV 13a; C. -; BMCRE 206; Calicó 2798 (this coin). 7.49g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; minor marks. Rare. 7,000 This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (Barcelona, 2002); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Collection of a Retired Banker, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 761.

236

An Extremely Rare Variant

661. Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome, AD 213. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P XVI IMP II, Caracalla, laureate and draped, riding in triumphal quadriga to right, holding reins in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in left; COS IIII P P in exergue. RIC IV -, cf. 210 corr. (rev. legend); C. -, cf. 232; BMCRE -, cf. 55 & Pl. 68, 18 var. (placement of rev. legend); Calicó 2712a (same dies). 7.43g, 20mm, 12h. Previously ANACS graded AU 50 (#6120680). Excellent detail, and lustrous metal. An extremely rare variant with the reverse legend partially in the exergue. 15,000 Acquired from Stack’s Bowers Galleries. This remarkably rare issue was struck at some point during AD 213, during which year Cassius Dio relates that Caracalla had departed Rome in order to suppress an alliance of Germanic tribes who had broken through the Limes Germanicus into the province of Raetia (Roman History, LXXVIII.13). Broadly referred to as the ‘Alemanni’ by the contemporary writer Herodian (History of the Empire IV.7), this confederation was to become an especially implacable enemy of future Roman emperors such as Aurelian. Dio describes, in some detail, the causes of the conflict. A vocal detractor of Caracalla’s arbitrary operations and bent morality in his Roman History, Dio states that the emperor had ignored Alemmanic pleas for aid over a tribal conflict, and resolved instead to publically execute their leaders (ibid.) It was these slayings, according to the historian, that had incited the initial surge across the Limes. In retaliation, Caracalla quickly mobilised the famed Legio II Traiana Fortis, renowned for their campaigns in Parthia, Egypt and Syria during the reign of Trajan, who crushed the marauders with ease. This prompted Dio to reflect that the whole debacle was likely devised by Caracalla as a guaranteed way of acquiring military prestige; a notion sustained by the modern historian John F. Drinkwater, who asserts that the Alemmani were yet to develop into a potent force by 213, rendering them somewhat easy pickings for the emperor (The Alammani and Rome 213-496: Caracalla to Clovis p. 43-44). One must deduce from its dating that the present specimen was struck to commemorate Caracalla’s Germanic victories either during or directly after the campaign (a theory supported by Mattingly, RIC IV, p. 86). The obverse legend, ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, indicates that it was minted before he was granted (or self-granted) the cognomen Germanicus Maximus, which first began to appear in the form ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM on his coinage the following year (see, for instance, RIC IV 316). The detailed reverse is characteristically braggadocious; it displays Caracalla riding in a quadriga and holding an eagle-tipped sceptre aloft in a triumphal fashion. Assessing the situation in 213, Caracalla might have thought his reign was progressing satisfactorily. He had cemented the support of the legions by quadrupling their rate of pay to four denarii per day and had in the previous year finally eliminated his brother and rival, Geta, along with 20,000 of his ‘sympathisers’, according to modern estimates (see Varner, Mutilation and Transformation: Damnatio Memoriae and Roman Imperial Portraiture, p. 168). His introduction of unprecedentedly high tax rates, consistent confiscation of Roman estates and deplorable character however meant that he remained a loathed figure, unpopular among the aristocracy and masses alike. Unsurprisingly, then, multiple attempts were made against his life before he succumbed to a plot instigated in 217 by the praetorian prefect Macrinus; his successor and the first emperor to hail from the equestrian class.

237

662. Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome, AD 216. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P XVIIII COS IIII P P, Sol standing facing, head to left, raising right arm and holding globe in left hand. RIC IV 281c; BMCRE 173 note; Calicó 2748. 6.26g, 21mm, 7h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare; no other examples offered at auction in the past 20 years.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

663. Elagabalus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 218-219. IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTOR ANTONINI AVG, Victory walking to right, holding wreath and palm. RIC IV 154; C. 288; BMCRE 30; Calicó 3038. 6.77g, 20mm, 6h. NGC graded XF, 5/5 - 4/5 (#2079063-007). Rare.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 16 November 2018, lot 151. The unusual reverse legend of this coin, specifically referencing the Antonine family from which Elagabalus falsely claimed descent, is evidently a slur on Macrinus and his son Diadumenian as dynastic interlopers whom the new emperor had triumphantly defeated, thus bringing about the restoration of the family line.

664. Elagabalus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 218. IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PONTIF MAX TR P, Roma seated to left, holding Victory and spear, shield by her side; SC in exergue. RIC IV 284; C. 226; Banti 44; BMCRE 343-4. 26.87g, 32mm, 12h. Very Fine; light cleaning marks in fields, attractive dark green and brown patina. From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

238

300

Only 3 Others Auctioned in the Past 20 Years

665. Elagabalus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 220-222. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / ADVENTVS AVGVSTI, Elagabalus on horseback to left, raising right hand and holding spear in left. RIC IV 57; C. 5; BMCRE 195; Calicó 2986 (same obverse die). 6.24g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only three other examples offered at auction in the past 20 years.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

666. Elagabalus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 220-222. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, with ‘horn’ / INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG, Elagabalus standing to 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. RIC IV 86; BMCRE p. 562, 209 note; Calicó 2996. 6.31g, 21mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

667. Julia Paula (first wife of Elagabalus) AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 219-220. IVLIA PAVLA AVG, draped bust to right / CONCORDIA, Concordia seated to left, holding patera; star in left field. RIC IV 211; BMCRE 172; RSC 6a. 3.27g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; excellent portrait, attractive cabinet tone.

200

Privately acquired from the inventory of Tradart S.A. (Brussels) in the 1990’s.

668. Severus Alexander AV Aureus. Rome, AD 227. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P VI COS II P P, Mars walking to right, holding spear and trophy. RIC IV 60c; C. -; BMCRE 407 note; Biaggi 1328; Calicó 3112. 6.42g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

4,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 55, 2 July 2017, lot 632.

239

Fleur De Coin

669. Severus Alexander AV Aureus. Rome, AD 231-235. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / IOVI PROPVGNATORI, Jupiter standing facing, head to right, nude but for cloak over shoulder, wielding thunderbolt in right hand and holding eagle in left. RIC IV 237; C. 82; BMCRE 823; Calicó 3061a (same dies). 7.11g, 21mm, 1h. Fleur De Coin.

10,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 91, 23 May 2016, lot 41 (hammer: CHF 16,000); Privately purchased from Freeman & Sear, July 2005. The last five years of Severus Alexander’s reign witnessed the shattering of its earlier peace and precipitated the lasting turmoil within the Empire known as the Crisis of the Third Century. In AD 227 Ardashir I had invaded the Parthian Empire, overthrowing Artabanus V and founding the Sasanian Empire, which he labelled a restoration of the Achaemenids - with himself as the new King of Kings (Shahanshah). Alexander, a young man with very little experience of warfare, set out with his mother Julia Mamaea in 231 to try to curb their advance into Roman territory. Despite the Emperor not acquitting himself particularly well, the Roman troops managed to beat the Sasanian forces back and establish a watchful peace; concurrently however, Germanic and Sarmatian tribes took advantage of the drawdown of troops needed for the campaign in the East to cross the Rhine and Danube and encroach on Roman lands. In 234 Alexander set out Northwards to try to deal with this new threat looming closer to home. These were wars of border defence, and this manifests in the coinage of this period. Coins such as the present were part of an attempt to conjure an appearance of a staunch defence led by the divinely-aided Emperor, here depicting Jupiter Propugnator, or ‘Jupiter the Defender’, who was said to protect and assist the Emperor in war, and in whose temples the Emperor sacrificed and gave thanks for his continued guardianship. Regardless of this thin and quotidian propaganda, the legions of the Rhineland and Danubian regions were unconvinced of Severus’ fitness to successfully defend the Empire from such threats. Uninspired by his inexperienced and hesitant generalship, by the fact that he seemed to be led by his mother and to treat the Eastern troops with favouritism, and ultimately swayed by his weak position on taking the fight to the Germans (he had, instead, tried to pay them to leave), they switched their allegiance to Maximinus Thrax, a man of humble origin but who was seen as the strongest military candidate by the troops, having worked his way through the army to become commander of the Legio IV Italica, partly on account of huge stature and physical strength. He was acclaimed emperor by the troops present, and Severus Alexander was murdered in his camp alongside his mother. In doing so, these troops fashioned what was to become the new paradigm of the ideal emperor - that of the warrior general - which would endure until after the reign of Constantine I.

240

Only 3 Others Auctioned in the Past 20 Years

670. Severus Alexander AV Aureus. Rome, AD 222-228. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PAX AETERNA AVG, Pax standing facing, head to left, holding branch and sceptre. RIC IV 164; C. 182; BMCRE 128; Calicó 3077. 6.20g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only three other examples offered at auction in the past 20 years.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

671. Julia Mamaea (mother of S. Alexander) Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 224. IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA, diademed and draped bust to right / VENVS FELIX, Venus seated to left, holding statuette of Cupid and sceptre; SC in exergue. RIC IV 701 (Alexander); Banti 18; BMCRE 197 (Alexander). 23.98g, 32mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; pleasant green patina.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

672. Maximinus I AR Denarius. Rome, AD 235-236. IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PAX AVGVSTI, Pax standing to left, holding branch in raised hand and transverse sceptre. RIC IV 12; BMCRE 70; RSC 31a. 3.22g, 19mm, 1h. Near Mint State.

200

From a private UK collection.

673. Gordian I Africanus AR Denarius. Rome, March-April AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS P P, Gordian standing facing, head to left, holding branch in right hand and short sceptre in left. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 1-3; RSC 2. 2.90g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lightly toned with underlying lustre.

4,000

Ex Phil Peck Collection, Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3071, 6 January 2019, lot 32191. Gordian’s long and distinguished career included the command of Legio IIII Scythica, the governorship of Britain in AD 216, and holding the position of Suffect Consul some time during the reign of Elagabalus. As an aedile, he had gained great popularity for the magnificence of the games and shows he produced for the people, however his prudence in remaining far from intrigue allowed him to escape the attention of jealous and paranoid emperors. During his term as governor of Africa Proconsularis, a revolt broke out against the oppressive rule of Maximinus Thrax, and the people turned to Gordian, demanding that he take the imperial throne. Despite his advanced years and claiming he was too old to rule, Gordian eventually acceded to their demands. Because of his age, he insisted that his son (Gordian II) be co-emperor with him; he sent a delegation to the Senate, who confirmed him as emperor. However, Capelianus, governor of Numidia and a loyal supporter of Maximinus, invaded the province of Africa at the head of the only legion in the area and defeated Gordian II’s militia army. Upon hearing of the death of his son, Gordian took his own life, but was survived by his grandson who would eventually rule as Gordian III.

241

An Exceptional Portrait

674. Balbinus AR Denarius. Rome, circa April-June AD 238. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing facing, head to left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and long sceptre in left. RIC IV 2; BMCRE 22; RSC 8. 3.19g, 21mm, 1h. Previously NGC graded MS 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style (#5880398-001). An exceptional portrait, and a rare type.

1,500

Ex Peter Stagnetto Collection of Ancient Coins; Ex Spink & Son Ltd., Numismatic Circular CIX.3, June 2001, No. RM0383.

675. Balbinus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PROVIDENTIA DEORVM, Providentia standing to left, holding a wand in lowered right hand over a globe at feet to left, and cornucopiae in left hand. RIC IV 7; BMCRE 33; RSC 23. 3.29g, 21mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone highlighting a bold and attractive portrait.

1,000

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 1, 25 October 2017, lot 299; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 96, 14 May 2014, lot 832.

676. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 239. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P II COS P P, Jupiter standing facing, head to left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre over Gordian, standing facing to left. RIC IV 21; C. 188 var. (bust type); Biaggi -; Calicó 3211. 4.89g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

4,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VII, 22 March 2014, lot 1189 (hammer: £6,500).

Extremely Rare

677. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 240. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P III COS P P, Gordian, togate and veiled, standing to left and sacrificing from patera over altar and holding short sceptre. RIC IV 74; C. 227; Calicó 3219. 4.83g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only two other examples offered at auction in the past 20 years. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

242

1,500

Mint State

678. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, late AD 240 - early 243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVTI AVGVSTI, the ‘Farnese’ Hercules standing facing, head to right, resting right hand on hip and placing left on club set on rock; lion skin beside club. RIC IV 108; C. 401 var. (bust type); Calicó 3242. 4.61g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015, lot 1201 (hammer: USD 13,000).

679. Gordian III Æ As. Rome, AD 240. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing facing, head to left, holding spear and branch, shield at feet; S-C across fields. RIC IV 293b; C. 391. 10.92g, 27mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; flan crack.

250

From a private European collection.

680. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / AETERNITATI AVG, Sol standing facing, head to left, raising right hand and holding globe. RIC IV 97 var. (posture of Sol); Calicó 3186a. NGC graded MS, 5/5 - 4/5 (#4377041-007).

3,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

681. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241. IMP CAES GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P IIII COS II P P, Gordian, in military dress, standing to right, holding transverse spear and globe. RIC IV 105 var. (position of spear); C. 252 var. (same and bust type); Calicó 3222 var. (position of spear). 4.71g, 20mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine; hairlines. Apparently unpublished with the spear at this angle.

2,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant. The standard type, struck in all denominations from 240 until 243, showed the emperor holding the spear diagonally upwards, its point before his face. The variant type of our coin, an exception in Gordian’s generally unchanging repertoire of types, appeared only on rare aurei in 241.

243

An Extremely Rare Variety

682. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 243-244. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AETERNA, Victory standing to left, leaning on shield and holding palm branch in left hand; captive beneath shield. RIC IV 166; C. -; Calicó 3237. 4.74g, 22mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare - a very rare variety of a rare type.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 91, 23 May 2016, lot 42 (hammer: CHF 11,000); Ex Maison Palombo, Auction 11, 30 November 2012, lot 35 (hammer: CHF 12,100); Ex UBS Gold & Numismatics, Auction 57, 15 September 2003, lot 435.

683. Philip I AV Aureus. Rome, AD 246. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / ANNONA AVGG, draped Annona standing to left, holding cornucopiae in left hand and grain ears in right over modius filled with grain ears set on ground to left. RIC IV 28a; C. 23; Biaggi 1378; Calicó 3246 (same rev. die). 3.69g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

684. Philip II, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 245. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PRINCIPI IVVENT, Philip standing to left, holding globe and sceptre. RIC IV 218a var. (bust type); Biaggi 138-9; Jameson 236; Calicó 3275. 4.36g, 21mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

244

685. Jotapian AR Antoninianus. Nicopolis Seleuciae, AD 248-249. IMP M F R IOTAPIANVS AV, radiate and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing to left, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC IV 2b var. (obv. legend); Bland 7; RSC 1b. 3.06g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; usual rough surfaces, but with a clear portrait and name. Very Rare.

3,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer. Jotapian, a member of the near-eastern indigenous aristocracy who claimed descent from an Alexander (possibly either Severus Alexander, or Antiochos I of Commagene, who himself claimed Alexander the Great as an ancestor), led a rebellion against Philip I centred around Syria in response to an increase in taxation ordered by the rector orientis Priscus, Philip’s brother. Jotapian made Antioch his capital, but the rebellion quickly came to an end when Jotapian was killed by his own soldiers.

686. Jotapian BI Antoninianus. Nicopolis Seleuciae, AD 248-249. IM C M F RV IOTAPIANVS, radiate and cuirassed bust to right / VICT[ORIA] AVG, Victory advancing to left, holding wreath and palm branch; X over Z (?) in left field. Cf. RIC IV 2c; Bland -; RSC 2. 2.65g, 21mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; seemingly an unpublished variant, no other examples recorded with control marks in the reverse field.

1,500

687. Trajan Decius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 249-251. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / GENIVS EXERC ILLVRICIANI, Genius standing facing, head to left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left; signum behind. RIC IV 16a var. (bust draped and cuirassed); C. 48; Calicó 3290a. 4.07g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; slight crease.

3,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

688. Trajan Decius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 249-251. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / PANNONIAE, the two Pannoniae, veiled and draped, standing facing, their heads turned left and right, each holding standard pointed outwards. RIC IV 21a var. (bust type); C. 85; Calicó 3295. 4.68g, 20mm, 6h. 2,000

Very Fine. Rare. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

245

689. Trajan Decius Æ Double Sestertius. Rome, circa AD 249-251. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust to right, drapery over far shoulder / FELICITAS SAECVLI, Felicitas standing to left, holding long caduceus and cornucopiae; S-C across fields. RIC IV 115a; Banti 9. 45.09g, 37mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; lightly smoothed, a magnificent portrait of outstanding style, heavy and medallic in appearance.

3,000

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

690. Trajan Decius Æ Double Sestertius. Rome, circa AD 249-251. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust to right, drapery over far shoulder / FELICITAS SAECVLI, Felicitas standing to left, holding long caduceus and cornucopiae; S-C across fields. RIC IV 115a; Banti 9. 36.46g, 36mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; minor cleaning marks visible in fields, encrustations.

500

From the Antonio Carmona Collection.

691. Herennia Etruscilla (wife of T. Decius) AV Aureus. Rome, early-mid AD 250. HER ETRVSCILLA AVG, draped bust to right, wearing stephane / PVDICITIA AVG, Pudicitia, veiled and seated to left, drawing away veil with right hand and holding transverse sceptre in left. RIC IV 59a (Decius); Biaggi 1403; Calicó 3308. 3.79g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

692. Herennius Etruscus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 250-251. Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C, youthful bare-headed and draped bust to right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Herennius in military attire standing to left, holding transverse spear in left hand and baton in right. RIC IV 147a (Decius); C. 25; Calicó 3311. 3.47g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

246

693. Hostilian, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 251. C VALES (sic) HOSTIL MES QVINTVS N C, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Hostilian, standing to left in military dress, holding baton in his right hand and spear in his left. RIC IV 181a (Decius, but misdescribed) var. (obv. legend); C. 37 var. (obv. legend); Biaggi 1406 (same dies); de Sartiges 343 (same dies); Mazzini 37v (same dies); Nomos 16, 203 (same dies); Calicó 3318 (misdescribed) var. (obv. legend). 3.80g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

Only One Other Auctioned in the Past 20 Years

694. Trebonianus Gallus AV Binio (Double Aureus). Rome, AD 251-253. IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia standing to left, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC IV 6; C. 28; Calicó 3331. 6.01g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only one other example offered at auction in the past 20 years.

3,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

Ex Bally-Herzog and Consul Weber Collections

695. Trebonianus Gallus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 251-253. IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG, laureate and draped bust to right / PIETAS AVGG, Pietas standing veiled to left, hands raised. RIC IV 22 var. (bust type); C. 83; Calicó 3341(same dies). 2.73g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; pierced and repaired. Rare.

3,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 98, 12 December 2016, lot 1380; Ex Arthur Bally-Herzog (†1912) Collection, Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 93, 16 December 2003, lot 247 (hammer: CHF 4,400); Ex Consul Eduard Friedrich Weber Collection, J. Hirsch, Auction XXIV, 10 May 1909, lot 2236.

247

Unpublished in the Standard References

696. Volusian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 251-253. IMP CAE C VIB VOLVSIANO AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia standing facing, head to left, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC IV -; Calicó -. 2.84g, 18mm, 7h. Near Mint State. Unpublished in the standard references and possibly unique.

15,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant. This coin dates to the period when Volusian ruled as co-Augustus with his father Trebonianus Gallus. His father’s previous colleague, Hostilian, was the son of the last Emperor, Trajan Decius, who was killed fighting the Goths at the Battle of Abritus. Gallus was present in this army, and had been hailed as Emperor by the troops following the defeat. He immediately made what contemporaries called a ‘shameful’ peace with the Goths and returned to Rome to begin his reign. By raising Decius’ son, Hostilian, to the rank of co-Augustus beside him, he made a conciliatory gesture which aimed to deaden the sharpness of his usurpation, however the same army which brought Gallus to Rome also brought with it a plague known as the Cyprian Plague (after St Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, who described the horrors of this plague from first-hand experience), and this plague, in sweeping through Rome, was most likely the cause of Hostilian’s death and thus the end of their short-lived partnership. On the death of Hostilian, Gallus raised his son Volusian from Caesar to Augustus. The early ensuing coinage attempted to promote their joint reign in a positive dynastic light, with reverse types promising a “sound and popular government … based on the ‘Concordia Augustorum’” - the ‘harmony of the Emperors’, which our coin promotes - “and their constitutional rule (‘Libertas Augg.’)” which will result in the “‘Felicity of the State’” and its security, as the other types of these Augusti advertise. Such types add up to a vision of their rule which demonstrates “an almost violent reaction from the military and provincial rule of Decius towards a more civilian and more Roman conception of the Empire” (RIC IV pp.156-157), yet this style of governance was ill-suited to the demands of the mid-3rd Century: Gallus and Volusian chose to remain in the capital rather than confront the Goths who were pressing the provinces, while the general who was dispatched to deal with them, Aemilian, harnessed the victories and glory he won in this campaign to successfully usurp the incumbent Emperors - even if he himself was soon to be usurped by another general, Valerian, moving in from the provinces.

248

Extremely Rare

697. Volusian AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 251. IMP CAE C VIB VOLVSIANO AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VOTIS DECENNALIBVS in three lines within wreath. RIC IV -; RSC 139. 3.19g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

750

From a private European collection. In celebration of the elevation of Volusian to Augustus, a special emission was struck at Rome offering vows for ten years.

Unique and Unpublished

698. Valerian I AV Binio (Double Aureus). Uncertain mint, AD 253-260. IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust to right / MARTI PACIFICO, Mars advancing to right, holding spear and trophy over shoulder. RIC V.1 -; Cohen -; MIR -; Calicó -. 4.90g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Unique and unpublished. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

3,000

An Extremely Rare Quinarius

699. Gallienus AR Quinarius. Rome, AD 260-268. IMP GALLIENVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory walking to left, holding wreath in right hand, palm over left shoulder. RIC V.1 -; C. -; MIR 427r; King 16. 1.44g, 13mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; outstanding metal quality and preservation for the issue.

2,500

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 261, 4 March 2019, lot 831.

700. Gallienus AV Aureus. Siscia, AD 260-262. GALLIENVS AVG, laureate head to right, drapery on far shoulder / AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing facing, head to left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC V.1 (Sole Reign) 23 var. (Rome, bust type); MIR 1423c (same dies); Calicó 3461 var. (Rome, bust type). 4.04g, 20mm, 1h. Fleur De Coin. Very Rare.

5,000

Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, CSNS Signature Sale 3073, 25 April 2019, lot 30319.

249

Unique and Unpublished

701. Gallienus AV Heavy Aureus. Rome, AD 260-268. GALLIENVS P F AVG, head to left, wearing wreath of grain leaves / PAX AVG, Pax standing facing, head to left, holding branch and sceptre. Unpublished; cf. MIR 692 = Calicó 3614 (same obv. die); cf. Helios 8, 101 (plain diadem, hammer: EUR 32,000). 5.18g, 20mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; signs of smoothing and possibly restoration, a fine portrait struck in high relief. Unique and unpublished.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

702. Gallienus AV Binio (Double Aureus). Mediolanum, circa AD 262. GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust to right / IOVI CONSERVA, Jupiter standing facing, head to left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre; eagle at his feet. RIC V.1 -; MIR 1036b (same rev. die); Calicó -. 3.35g, 22mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; flan cracks. Extremely Rare; only one example known to MIR.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

703. Salonina (wife of Gallienus) AV Aureus. Viminacium, circa AD 254-257. CORN SALONINA AVG, diademed and draped bust to right / IVNO REGINA, Juno standing to left, holding patera and sceptre. RIC V.1 -; C. 57; MIR 852a; Calicó 3675. 3.79g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

6,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

704. Macrianus BI Antoninianus. Samosata, AD 260-261. IMP C FVL MACRIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust to right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes advancing to left, holding flower in her right hand and raising skirt with her left; star in left field. RIC V.2 13; MIR 1743k; RSC 13a. 3.69g, 22mm, 12h. Near Mint State; fully silvered, a well-detailed example.

500

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

250

705. Quietus BI Antoninianus. Samosata, AD 260-261. IMP C FVL QVIETVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust to right / APOLINI CONSERVA, Apollo standing to left, holding branch and resting lyre on rock. RIC V.2 3; MIR 1728f; RSC 3. 4.69g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

250

From a private UK collection.

706. Quietus BI Antoninianus. Samosata, AD 260-261. IMP C FVL QVIETVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter seated to left, holding patera and sceptre; at feet, eagle. RIC V.2 6 corr. (bust type); MIR 1735f; RSC 8. 3.85g, 22mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; fully silvered.

400

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

707. Aurelian AV Binio (Double Aureus). Siscia, AD 271-272. IMP C L DOM AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust to right, with aegis over left shoulder / FORTVNA REDVX, Fortuna seated to left on wheel, holding rudder and cornucopiae; P* in exergue. MER-RIC 2128 (temporary); RIC V.1 170; Estiot 118a (same dies); BN 725 var. (obv. legend); Calicó 4006 (same dies). 6.24g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; perfectly centred on a broad planchet. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

708. Tacitus AV Aureus. Cyzicus, AD 275-276. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONSERVAT AVG, Sol driving quadriga to left, holding reins and whip; VOT X in exergue. MER-RIC 4005 (temporary); RIC V.1 -; BN - ; Estiot 108; Sincona 51, 2097; Calicó 4067. 6.44g, 21mm, 5h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only three examples cited by MER-RIC and seemingly only one other on CoinArchives. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

251

1,500

Ex Biaggi Collection

709. Tacitus AV Aureus. Siscia, November AD 275 - June 276. IMP C M CLA TACITVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma seated to left, holding globe and long sceptre, shield leaning against throne. MER-RIC 3592 (temporary); RIC VI 176 corr. (cuirassed); C. 121; Jameson 290 (same dies); Biaggi 1604 (this coin) = Calicó 4110 (this coin). 5.32g, 22mm, 11h. Near Mint State.

20,000

This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (Barcelona, 2002); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 97, 12 December 2016, lot 226 (hammer: CHF 28,000); Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 90, 4 June 2012, lot 818 (hammer: EUR 18,000); Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 27, 12 May 2004, lot 482; Ex Bank Leu AG, Auction 22, 8 May 1979, lot 35; Ex Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection, acquired privately in 1978 by Bank Leu (Zürich) and a partner. After the ill-thought-out assassination of Aurelian in September 275, a man who had so successfully reunited the Empire, earning the title Restitutor Orbis (Restorer of the World) in the process, the remorseful and quarrelsome legions effectively relinquished their right to name a successor. Consequently, the Senate, for what was to be the very last time, were tasked with identifying an appropriate candidate. The most dependable historical accounts, including those of the historian Zosimus, assert that it took the Senate a significant amount of time, somewhere between 6-8 months, to settle on Marcus Claudius Tacitus (c. 200-276), a much-admired yet ageing statesman, who had served his consulship as recently as 273. Upon the army’s subsequent ratification of this selection, Tacitus immediately ordered the execution of those involved in the plot to kill Aurelian, an act which endeared him to the legions, before insisting on his deification. He then appointed his trusted half-brother and eventual successor, Florianus, to the role of Praetorian Prefect, before setting about recompensing the Senate for their show of faith by restoring to them, among other things, the right to appoint consuls, magistrates and provincial governors. This re-establishment of the Senate’s traditional powers was to be fleeting, however, as Diocletian’s constitutional reforms (c. 300) were soon to put an end to senatorial collaboration in the making of laws for good. During his brief reign, (which endured for either nine months or one year depending on the source), Tacitus, with the aid of the capable Florianus, enjoyed moderate military success. Of particular note are his short campaigns in the East, where he was able to vanquish the insubordinate Gothic mercenaries stationed in Asia Minor, who had been relentlessly ransacking the provinces of Pontus, Galatia and Cappadocia ever since hearing of Aurelian’s death. This feat won Tacitus the title Gothicus Maximus, which had also been bestowed upon Claudius II and Aurelian before him. It was on his way back West through Cappadocia, we are told, that Tacitus either fell ill with a severe fever or was murdered. Given his relative popularity and very fresh successes, the former seems slightly more plausible, and the Historia Augusta states that the fever was such that it induced signs of megalomania in the previously unassuming emperor (Vita Taciti XIII.6). Whatever the reality of his demise, Tacitus died in June of 276, and his memory was neither condemned nor deified. In truth, little is really known about Tacitus or his rule, with conflicting accounts serving to further shroud our understanding of his time as Augustus. His coinage, however, does help to shine a light on his mentality as Emperor and, more crucially, the way in which he wished to be perceived by his subjects. The most prominent feature of his coinage is the similarities between his portraits and those of Aurelian. One may first note, when examining this exceptionally attractive aureus, the strikingly stern and determined expression, a type frequently seen on the coinage of Aurelian. Tacitus, it can be maintained, is here attempting to draw parallels between himself and his illustrious predecessor, in terms of both appearance and attitude. Upon becoming Augustus, he would certainly have had plenty of motivation to emulate Aurelian, who was, after all, one of the most effective leaders in recent memory, and one who had brought relative security to the Empire after decades of utter anarchy. Likewise, the reverse on this specimen might also be deemed revealing, as ROMAE AETERNAE was a legend that was often utilised by various emperors (Septimius Severus foremost among them) who wished to emphasise the everlasting nature of their city and Empire during times of particular political and constitutional strife.

252

253

Ex Trausnitz Collection

710. Probus AV Aureus. Serdica, AD 280. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, laureate, helmeted and cuirassed bust to left, with aegis on cuirass, holding spear over right shoulder and shield decorated with aegis on left shoulder / VICTORIAE AVG, Victory driving pacing quadriga to left, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and palm fond in left. RIC V.2 833G var. (shield); C. 785; NAC 120, 826 (same dies); Calicó 4230 var. (shield). 6.66g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

15,000

Ex Trausnitz Collection, Nomos AG, Auction 19, 17 November 2019, lot 338; Privately purchased from Münzhandlung Athena, late July 2001. Probus’ ascension to the throne in AD 276 occurred at an unstable time for the Roman Empire: three emperors had died over the last year, two of whom were assassinated and the third is rumoured to have been; the security of the empire was threatened by foreign invasion and Florian, the brother of the previous emperor Tacitus, had been declared emperor by the senate and army in the West in opposition to Probus in the East. Probus therefore had a difficult task ahead of him to defeat his rival for the throne and restore order to a destabilised empire. Probus had employed a Fabian strategy to defeat Florian, avoiding an outright battle and instead relying on skirmishes, the intensity of the summer heat and the discontent this caused among Florian’s army to weaken his enemy’s position. Florian was soon killed by his own forces, and Probus was confirmed as emperor by the Senate with a minimum of bloodshed. Despite the calamitous state of the Empire when Probus ascended the throne, he proved himself to be an efficient and productive emperor, defeating numerous foreign enemies and improving some parts of the areas devastated by war through engaging the army during peacetime in building projects such as growing vines in Gaul, Pannonia and Moesia. Though his rule is covered to an extent by ancient historiographers, the stories often do not match up and the picture we receive of Probus’ rule is somewhat broad and lacking in detail. However, what the sources agree on are the great military achievements of this emperor and the respect he earned both from the conquered and his own people. Unfortunately for numismatists, Probus’ coinage is more focused on emphasising the emperor’s virtus than recording specific achievements, thus making it difficult to establish a chronology or associate types with particular events. This coin, for example, celebrates the emperor’s victory over enemies unspecified. Probus’ coinage is noteworthy, however, for presenting the emperor’s portrait in excessive military attire on a scale not seen previously. Here, Probus is fully armoured and helmeted, carrying spear and shield at the ready, emphasising the origin of this emperor and the nature of his reign. Despite his virtues, there was little security to be found in wearing the purple during this period. A long series of civil wars had created a penchant for general-emperors, elected by the army and thereby required to repay the soldiers for their support. Further, internal divisions had left Rome vulnerable to foreign enemies with Germanic tribes attacking the upper Rhine and Danube regions and Aurelian’s Persian campaign still unresolved. Finally, the threat of usurpation was ever present; over the six years Probus was emperor, he successfully put down three revolts but was ultimately assassinated by his own soldiers in AD 282 and replaced by the commander of the Praetorian Guard, Carus.

711. Probus AV Aureus. Cyzicus or Antioch, circa AD 281. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONSERVAT AVG, radiate Sol standing facing, head to left, raising right hand and holding globe in left. RIC V.2 307, 891, and 915 (Ticinum, Cyzicus, and Antioch); Pink VI/1, p. 40 (Antioch); C. 175; Calicó 4149 and 4151. 6.35g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

254

An Attractive Aureus of Carus

712. Carus AV Aureus. Siscia, mid November AD 282. IMP C M AVR CARVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVG, draped Victory standing to left on globe, holding wreath in outstretched hand and cradling palm branch under arm. RIC V.2 95; Pink VI/2 p. 42; Biaggi 1648 (same rev. die); Jameson 298 var. (bust type); Calicó 4285. 4.45g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

15,000

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group. Frustratingly for modern scholars, almost nothing is known of the life of Marcus Aurelius Carus before his ascension to the purple in the summer/ autumn of AD 282. The only historical source which speaks of his life (and indeed reign) in any meaningful detail is the notoriously imprecise Historia Augusta, which, as is generally recognized, tends to favour scandalous hearsay over hard fact. Before being proclaimed Augustus, the Historia maintains that Carus served as a senator (Vita Cari, V.4), before being elevated to the role of Praetorian Prefect under the auspices of his predecessor, Probus. The future emperor Julian, in his catalogue of tyrants (The Caesars), declares that Carus was complicit in Probus’ death in 282, as Gibbon observes (History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, ch. XII, p. 293); though other accounts, including that of the Historia, rebuff this claim, pointing to Carus’ swift execution of the genuine perpetrators (ibid. p. 292). Nevertheless, one must assume that Carus was stationed in Sirmium when mutinous troops assassinated Probus there in the summer of 282, and was in the vicinity some months later, as he was compelled to command a manoeuvre against the raiding Sarmatian and Quadi forces who had become heartened by the news of Probus’ demise. Before embarking on this counter-offensive, however, Carus first elevated his two sons, Numerian and Carinus, to the rank of Caesar; undoubtedly with a Carian dynasty in mind. Carinus, the elder brother, was tasked with administering the Western Empire while Numerian joined his father on the Danube. Together, Carus and Numerian enjoyed great success, with their army inflicting multiple and ever-more decisive defeats on the invaders. By the end of 292, an estimated 36,000 Sarmatian and Quadi tribesmen had been slaughtered (Gibbon p. 294), and all survivors had been repelled from the frontier. This outstanding aureus was struck in Siscia around that time, November of 282, to commemorate the various victories on the Danube border. Its striking reverse displays Victory atop a globe, grasping a wreath and palm frond, traditional attributes of the goddess and reflecting the successful campaign. Emboldened by his success on the Danube, and safe in the knowledge that his two sons might be able to establish a veritable dynasty in the event of his death, Carus and Numerian next advanced further East, where they were able to quell revolts in Thrace and Asia Minor and annex vast parts of Mesopotamia (Zonaras, XII.30). Yet more victories then followed, this time against the Sassanid army commanded by Bahram II. Eutropius relates that the army captured and sacked the Sassanid capital of Ctesiphon (IX.14.1) before Carus (perhaps aged 61 at this stage) mysteriously died while still in Sassanid territory in either July or August of 293. Immediately, rumours began to circulate among his superstitious troops that his tent had been struck by a particularly violent bolt of lightning; a divine indication, according to them, that the campaign had ventured too far East. Any hopes of a burgeoning dynasty were then utterly dashed by the similarly suspicious death of Numerian in 284 (perhaps masterminded by the Praetorian Prefect Lucius Flavius Aper) and Diocletian’s resounding defeat of Carinus at the Battle of Margus in 285.

255

Apparently Unique and Unpublished

713. Carus AV Aureus. Siscia, AD 282-283. DEO ET DOMINO CARO AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIAE AVGG FEL, Victory advancing to left, holding open wreath in both hands; shield on base in left field. British Museum Collection B.10317 (same obv. die) var. (different rev. type); RIC V.2 96 var. (same); C. 87 var. (same); Calicó 4288 (same); for reverse cf. RIC V.2 98 and Calicó 4291. 4.46g, 19mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

10,000

From a private UK collection.

Very Rare

714. Carus AV Aureus. Cyzicus, early AD 283. IMP C M AVR CARVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORI AVG, Victory driving galloping biga to left, holding wreath in extended right hand; crescent in exergue. RIC V.2 116 corr. (not draped); C. 83; Calicó 4283. 4.29g, 20mm, 6h. Near Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

256

257

Fleur De Coin

715. Carinus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 283-285. IMP CARINVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVS AVG, Hercules standing to right, leaning on club draped with lion skin set on rock. RIC V.2 233; C. 160; Calicó 4394 (same obv. die). 4.21g, 20mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

20,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 91, 23 May 2016, lot 51; Privately purchased from Glenn W. Woods (Dallas, TX), September 2007. The historical tradition hands Carinus to us as a man of considerable dissolution. The Historia Augusta, for instance, records that “he was the most polluted of men, an adulterer and a constant corrupter of youth” who “filled the palace with actors and harlots, pantomimists, singers and pimps” and took the regal step of wearing “jewels on his shoes” (Life of Carus, Carinus and Numerian, 16-17). To any reader who knows this work even in passing, however, such comments come across as conspicuously familiar. These accusations from a text which dips frequently into the domain of the ‘gossip rag’ must be treated with scepticism, especially when we note that his usurper, Diocletian, had strong and long-lasting control of the Empire, which undoubtedly offered the ability to re-write recent history in his favour, if not directly through his own commands, then at least as brought about by his flatterers. He would necessarily have benefited from a popular view that his usurping was of an amoral tyrant. While such summaries of Carinus’ character may be so biased, it is also often possible to read between the lines of their complaints to the seed froms which they grew. Indeed, this original matter may well have been true and can help to reveal Carinus’ character, if we can undo the prejudices of the Roman elite who would write the histories. The Historia Augusta seems, for instance, to reflect an elite Roman’s general jealousy and disdain for Carinus’ habit of installing men of low birth into high ranking and influential positions which they would have deemed to be their birth right: Carinus’ appointing of one of his doorkeepers as City Prefect, for example, is called an act “baser … than which no one can conceive or relate” (Life of Carus, Carinus and Numerian, 16). It is in this context of elitist judgement that we can perhaps view this coin. Webb relates that it was said of Carinus that “as he had no virtues, his flatterers were forced to praise his personal beauty” (RIC V.2, p.126). Perhaps to an average member of the Roman aristocracy, physical capabilities such as strength and beauty would not seem to be virtues, let alone the most pressing of attributes one would look for in an emperor, but this coin is evidence of a pride elsewhere in the ranks of the Roman world in the physical side of Carinus and a sense that it contributed to his strength as a leader, pairing as it does a reverse depiction of the arch-strongman Hercules with a legend translating to ‘The Virtue of the Emperor’, as well as its portraiture of the Emperor, which - as is characteristic of his coinage - depicts as a “burly man, handsome and virile” (RIC V.2, p.126). This coin was part of the noteworthy George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei, and is an example of this collector’s penchant for Hercules types, which we get a sense of from Hadrien J. Rambach’s account of his employment as advisor in building this collection: “A wise businessman,’ he writes of La Borde, before the auction of this collection, ‘he knew that an advisor could help him reach the pinnacle of collecting, and be as successful at this as he had been in his own field. Nevertheless, of course, I had to understand and respect his taste and interests, which is why - for example - some emperors are represented more often than others, and why there is a good series of reverses with Hercules.”

258

259

716. Diocletian AV Aureus. Cyzicus, circa AD 284-294. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORI AVG, Victory driving galloping biga to right, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC V.2 303; C. 464 var. (not cuirassed); Depeyrot 1/2; Calicó 4567a. 4.44g, 19mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

717. Diocletian AV Aureus. Cyzicus or Antioch, circa AD 284-286. DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / IOVI CONSERVATORI AVG, Jupiter standing facing, head to left, holding thunderbolt and long sceptre; eagle at his feet standing to left, head reverted, holding wreath in beak. RIC V.2 298 (Cyzicus) & 318 (Antioch); C. 273; Calicó 4514. 6.53g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; well-centred and subtly lustrous.

7,500

From a private UK collection.

260

Mint State

718. Diocletian AV Aureus. Cyzicus, AD 286-287. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust to right / IOVI CONSERVATOR, Jupiter standing facing, head to left, holding thunderbolt with right hand and vertical sceptre with left; SC in exergue. RIC V.2 297 var. (CONSERVATORI); Depeyrot 5/8 var. (same); Calicó 4500 var. (same). 5.41g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Apparently unique reverse legend variant.

12,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 112 (hammer: EUR 15,000). It would ultimately be religious legitimisation, not military achievements, that would elevate Diocletian above his predecessors. The quasi-republican ideals of Augustus’ ‘primus inter pares’ system were abandoned for all but the tetrarchs themselves. Diocletian took to wearing a gold crown and jewels, and forbade the use of purple cloth to all but the emperors. His subjects were required to prostrate themselves in his presence (adoratio); the most fortunate were allowed the privilege of kissing the hem of his robe (proskynesis). The reverse of this coin further alludes to the quasi-divine aspects of the new ‘dominate’ system of government. Around 287 Diocletian assumed the title Iovius, and his colleague Maximian assumed the title Herculius; these grandiose new titles not only reflected the working dynamic between Diocletian and Maximian (while the one acted as supreme strategist, the other enforced imperial will by brute force), but more importantly by taking on divine attributes Diocletian intended to make the person of the emperor inviolate as the gods’ representative on earth. Diocletian’s administrative and bureaucratic reforms encompassed far more than the decentralisation of imperial power. Some of his most enduring changes were to the Roman military. Instituting systematic annual conscription for the first time since the days of the Republic, Diocletian increased the overall size of the Roman army by roughly 33%, and more than doubled the number of legions and auxiliary units by creating smaller, more mobile detachments. A massive upgrade of the empire’s defensive infrastructure was undertaken across great swathes of the borders including new fortifications and roads. Centralised fabricae were introduced to provide arms and armour for the army on an industrial scale. The most significant change to the Roman military structure was the establishment of large personal escort armies (comitatus praesentales) which typically comprised 2030,000 elite palatine troops. These highly mobile armies were designed to quickly reinforce the border defences or crush potential usurpers. Indeed, while they proved highly effective during Diocletian’s reign, in his retirement he would live to see them misused by his successors, who now each had a substantial comitatus at their disposal to enforce their claims.

719. Diocletian AV Aureus. Cyzicus, AD 290. DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust to right / CONSVL IIII P P PROCOS, Diocletian, togate and standing facing, head to left, holding globe in right hand, parazonium in left. RIC V.2 285; C. 46; Calicó 4434. 5.26g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

261

720. Diocletian AV Aureus. Antioch, AD 293. DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to left / CONCORDIAE AVGG N N, Diocletian and Maximian seated to left on curule chairs, both holding globe and parazonium, crowned by Victory flying above them. RIC V.2 313; C. 83; Depeyrot 13/2; Calicó 4429. 5.15g, 19mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

Ex M&M Basel 35, 1967

721. Diocletian AV Aureus. Nicomedia, AD 294. DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head to right / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing facing, head to left, wearing chlamys that falls behind, holding thunderbolt and spear; SMN in exergue. RIC VI 5a; C. 251 var. (globe not thunderbolt); Depeyrot 2/4; Calicó 4506. 5.24g, 18mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

8,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 91, 23 May 2016, lot 55 (hammer: CHF 12,000); Ex Gemini LLC, Auction II, 10 January 2006, lot 511; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 91, 10-11 May 2004, lot 664; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 35, 16 June 1967, lot 127.

722. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Siscia, circa AD 294. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with eight turrets; pellet in open gateway. RIC VI 32a; Jeločnik 3a; RSC 516†m. 3.37g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful iridescent toning.

750

Ex Provence Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020, lot 847.

723. Diocletian AV Aureus. Consular issue. Antioch, AD 304-305. DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / CONSVL VI P P PROCOS, emperor standing togate to left, holding globe and sceptre; SMAΣ* in exergue. RIC VI 13; C. 51; Depeyrot 12/1; Calicó 4440. 5.35g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; slightly wavy. Very Rare.

5,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 98, 12 December 2016, lot 1428; Ex Gemini LLC, Auction IV, 8 January 2008, lot 496.

262

Ex George W. La Borde Collection

724. Maximian AV Aureus. Cyzicus, AD 287. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / VIRTVS AVGG N N, Maximian, cuirassed and holding shield in left hand and spear in right, on horseback to right, leaping over fallen enemy prostrate over oval shield, and preparing to strike second enemy before. RIC VI 3; C. 613; Depeyrot 15/4; Biaggi 1804; Calicó 4743. 5.55g, 19mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

15,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 91, 23 May 2016, lot 60 (hammer: CHF 22,000); Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 85, 26 November 2009, lot 909; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 83, 14 November 2008, lot 427.

Mint State

725. Maximian BI Antoninianus. Lugdunum, AD 289. IMP C MAXIMIANVS P AVG, radiate, helmeted and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVTI AVGG, Hercules standing to right, wrestling with Nemean lion, crowned by Victory flying above to left, holding wreath and palm; club behind. RIC V.2 462; C. 654; Bastien 233. 4.98g, 24mm, 6h. Mint State; attractive dark patina.

500

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

263

“Hercules the Victor”

726. Maximian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 293-294. MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules seated facing on rock, head to right, lion skin on lap, holding club with left hand, bow and quiver resting to right; PR in exergue. RIC VI -; C. 306 corr. (misdescribed); Depeyrot 5B/6; Calicó 4681. 5.55g, 20mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

20,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd. Given the title ‘Herculius’ by Diocletian, Maximianus’ role was always that of the military might to Diocletian’s strategic planning. Whilst the title reflected the adoption of Hercules as the heavenly father of Maximianus and thus, his familial ties to divinity, it was also representative of his role as junior emperor. Taking the cognomen of ‘Jovius’, Diocletian assumed familial ties to the more authoritative deity of Jupiter, as the father of Hercules, and so indicated his superiority over Maximianus as the director of imperial policy. The reverse depiction of Hercules on this stunning aureus displays this imperial theology with the inscription HERCVLI VICTORI (“Hercules the Victor”). Hercules is depicted seated in repose with his attributes: the club, the lion’s skin, as well as the bow and quiver set beside him. The representation and accompanying legend evokes the famous victories of the Twelve Labours and serves as an allegorical celebration of Maximianus’ own military success. The top-heavy musculature of the seated figure, with head turned and crossed resting arms closely resembles that of the Hellenistic Greek sculpture ‘Terme Boxer’ excavated in Rome in 1885 and now in the collection of the National Museum of the same city. The colossal masculinity of this sculptural figure of Hercules alludes to the strength of the emperor as ‘Herculius’. Despite the suggestion of superior strength and victory, Maximianus was beginning to falter in his role as a military instrument of the empire. His failed invasion of Britain in 289, against the ever-increasing threat of Carausius, led Diocletian to conclude that their divinely sanctioned diarchy was insufficient to manage the Empire. Constantius was appointed to the office of Caesar in the West and Galerius was granted the same position in the East, establishing a Tetrarchy that would relieve Maximianus of his military responsibilities. This coin was most probably produced in response to the increase in bureaucracy that the appointment of 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.

264

265

Published in Calicó and Mazzini

727. Maximian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 293-294. MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules seated facing on rock, head to right, lion’s skin on lap, holding club with left hand; bow and quiver resting to right; PR in exergue. RIC VI -, cf. 13 (Treveri); C. 305; Depeyrot 6/3; Mazzini 305 (this coin); Biaggi 1792 (this coin); Calicó 4680 (this coin). 5.49g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State. Very Rare.

15,000

This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (2002); This coin published in I.G. Mazzini, Monete Imperiali Romane (Milan, 1957-1958); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 91, 23 May 2016, lot 58 (hammer: CHF 20,000); Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 34 “An Important Collection”, 24 November 2006, lot 76; Ex Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection, sold privately in 1978 to Bank Leu (Zurich) and a partner; Ex Giuseppe Mazzini (1883-1961) Collection.

728. Maximian AV Aureus. Nicomedia, circa AD 303-304. MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / XX MAXIMIANI AVG SMN in five lines within laurel wreath. RIC VI 14; C. 704; Depeyrot 7/3; Calicó 4768. 5.24g, 18mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

266

A Superb and High Relief Portrait of the Finest Style

729. Galerius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Antioch, AD 293-295. MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES, laureate head to right / IOVI CONS CAES *, Jupiter, nude but for cloak, standing facing, bearded and laureate head to left, holding sceptre and thunderbolt; eagle standing to left before, SMAΣ in exergue. RIC VI 10; C. 118; Depeyrot 9/5; Calicó 4910. 5.37g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; described in NAC 97 as “a superb portrait in the finest style of the period perfectly struck in high relief.” Very Rare. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 97, 12 December 2016, lot 237 (hammer: CHF 22,000); Ex Hunter Collection, Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 72, 5 February 2013, lot 4213 (hammer: USD 34,000).

17,500

It was in 293 that Diocletian resolved to expand the imperial college and convert the diarchy into the Tetrarchy. His co-emperor, Maximian, had recently suffered an ignominious defeat whilst attempting to retake Britain from Carausius, the self-proclaimed ‘Emperor of Britain and Gaul’. This, among other setbacks, had alerted Diocletian to the grave need to promote more accomplished figures if he was to effectively confront the countless military and civic crises that were developing across the Empire. Consequently, two caesares were appointed from the senior military ranks, Galerius and Constantius Chlorus, each to be overseen by their superior augusti, Diocletian and Maximian respectively. Little in known of Galerius’ formative years, though we are told by the author Lactantius (De Mortibus Persecutorum) that he was a low-born herdsman turned soldier from Thrace, whose exceptional valour and ambition had rapidly elevated him into Diocletian’s inner circle by the time of the announcement. In perhaps mid-293, Constantius was tasked with finally eradicating Carausius, who by this stage had governed Britain for seven years; whilst Galerius was assigned the equally unenviable duty of overseeing the Illyrian provinces and defending the ever-turbulent Danube frontier from the Goths. Upon arriving there, however, he was immediately compelled to travel to Egypt in order to put down various revolts pertaining to rising tax rates. Each and every emperor since the time of Augustus had made sure that Egypt, like much of mainland Italy, had remained largely exempt from paying taxes. With the empire now in critical need of extra capital, though, these long-cherished privileges were ended. Such was the indignation of the people of Egypt that it took Galerius almost two years to sufficiently subdue the unruly province. We must surmise then that Galerius was stationed in Egypt at the time during which the present coin was minted (c. 293-295). The magnificent portrait, which was struck in impeccable high relief, depicts Galerius as a steadfast and uncompromising martial figure, much in the mould of his superior, Diocletian. The mint of Antioch, where this specimen was struck, was to become an increasingly essential site of production for Galerius in the succeeding years. The historian Ammianus Marcellinus states that the belligerent Sassanid king, Narseh, relentlessly provoked Diocletian and Galerius by plundering the various settlements along the Syrian border between 295-296 (XXIII.5.11). This eventually culminated in a declaration of war and the Battle of Carrhae in 296 (not to be confused with Crassus’ disastrous defeat in 53 BC). Like Crassus, though, Galerius suffered a crushing loss at Carrhae, his army unable to oppose Narseh’s fluid cavalry and archers on open ground. He and his bested army staggered back to Antioch, where we are told that an apoplectic Diocletian castigated his Caesar publicly and forced him to walk back to the city ahead of the imperial caravan (De Mortibus Persecutorum); though this seems improbable considering Galerius’ standing and the need to display the Tetrarchy as a united government. Galerius subsequently re-engaged Narseh’s forces at the Battle of Satala in 298, an event which resulted in a favourable new peace treaty and the acquisition of new territories on the Sassanid-Roman border.

267

730. Galerius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Antioch, AD 293-295. MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES, laureate head to right / IOVI CONS CAES *, Jupiter, nude but for cloak, standing facing, bearded and laureate head to left, holding sceptre and thunderbolt; eagle standing to left before, SMAΣ in exergue. RIC VI 10; C. 118; Depeyrot 9/5; Calicó 4910. 5.41g, 19mm, 11h. About Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 102, 24 October 2017, lot 572; Ex CGB Numismatique, Mail Bid Sale 43, 29 April 2010, lot 699.

Severus II

731. Severus II, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Nicomedia, AD 305-306. SEVERVS NOB CAES, laureate head to right / MARTI PATRI NK, Mars standing to left, holding spear with left hand and resting right hand on shield set on ground at his side; SMN in exergue. RIC VI 34; C. 55; Depeyrot 9/3; Calicó 4996. 5.39g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; minor marks. Very Rare.

8,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 79, 14 October 1996, lot 699; Ex Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 73, 11 October 1995, lot 484.

732. Severus II, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Serdica, AD 305. SEVERVS NOB CAES, laureate head to right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Severus in military attire standing to left, holding globe in right hand and spear in left; two signa to right; Σ in left field, •SM•SD• in exergue. RIC VI 9a; Depeyrot 1/5; Calicó 4998. 5.23g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only 3 examples cited by Depeyrot and no others in CoinArchives.

6,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 64, 1 April 2018, lot 524.

733. Maximinus II AV Aureus. Thessalonica, AD 311-313. MAXIMINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing to left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre; eagle at feet holding wreath in beak with head reverted; Z in right field, •SM•TS• in exergue. RIC VI 44b; Depeyrot 5/3; Calicó 5016a. NGC graded XF, 5/5 - 3/5 (#3928170-026), minor scratch to surface of slab. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Maison Palombo, Auction 15, 22 October 2016, lot 76.

268

5,000

Decennalia Issue

734. Licinius I AV Aureus. Nicomedia, AD 317. LICINIVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / IOVI CONS LICINI AVG, laureate and bearded Jupiter, nude to waist, enthroned to left, holding sceptre in left hand and Victory on globe, holding palm and wreath in right; at his feet, eagle to left with head reverted and wreath in beak; all on high podium inscribed on frontispiece SIC X SIC XX in two lines, wreath in right field; SMNΔ in exergue. RIC VII 19 corr. (obverse legend) var. (Jupiter standing) or 20 var. (no wreath in right field); Depeyrot 26/1; Calicó 5105 var. (Jupiter standing). 5.23g, 20mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; wonderfully detailed reverse with muscular Jupiter. Extremely rare with wreath in right field.

8,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Marti Hervera - Soler & Llach, Auction 1110, 23 October 2019, lot 450; Ex central European collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 643. Struck to celebrate his decennalia in AD 317 this beautifully detailed aureus was minted during a period of peace between Licinius and his co-emperor Constantine. The reverse, marked on the platform with SIC X SIC XX, gives thanks for ten years of rule and seeks the gods’ favour for a further ten such years, that they might be enjoyed in health and prosperity. Licinius may well have held such hopes, for 317 marked a high point of peace and stability, and it was in this year that he elevated his young son to the rank of Caesar, despite his being only two years old. Alas, it was not to be. After 317 the uneasy truce the two Augusti maintained after their previous conflicts quickly soured again; Licinius reneged on the jointly issued Edict of Milan in 320, beginning a new persecution of Christians in the Eastern Roman Empire - an act that further alienated him from his colleague. Then in 321 tempers rose when Constantine pursued a band of Sarmatians that had been ravaging his territory across the Danube into Licinius’ realm. When this was repeated in 323 Licinius accused Constantine of breaking the treaty between them. Constantine wasted no time in invading Licinius’ lands, defeating his fleet in 323 and routing his army at the Battle of Adrianople. By 325, having been defeated again at sea at the Battle of the Hellespont and on land at the final pitched Battle of Chrysopolis, Licinius and his son were prisoners of Constantine who, despite promising clemency, soon found cause to have both father and son executed. The reverse design of this aureus featuring Jupiter atop a platform, at first standing and later seated, was an innovation in design that became a standard type at Nicomedia with little variation until the Battle of Chrysopolis in AD 324. That he should use Jupiter so prominently on his coinage is not surprising given the opposing beliefs of Licinius and Constantine. The latter had taken readily to Christianity, using the Chi-Rho symbol as his talisman, emblazoning it on the shields and standards of his army, while placing the worship of Sol Invictus first and foremost among the religions of his territory. Licinius on the other hand might have seen himself as being the bastion of traditional Roman religious beliefs, taking Jupiter as his patron and protector, as seen here in the legends of his coins. This religious rivalry was borne out at the Battle of Chrysopolis, where Licinius drew up his battle line with images of the Roman gods prominently displayed in the ranks; this was mirrored by a multitude of Chi-Rho symbols in the opposing army of Constantine. Apparently, Licinius had developed a superstitious dread of the symbol which he allowed to infect the morale of his soldiers. The resulting slaughter of his army was viewed by Christians throughout the empire as a triumph of their god over the old pagan deities, further hastening the decline of traditional Roman religious beliefs.

269

Ex Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection

735. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Aureus. Thessalonica, circa AD 311-313. CONSTANTINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing to left, naked but for chlamys over shoulder, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, eagle at his feet to left, wreath in his beak; Σ in right field, •SM•TS • in exergue. RIC VI 44c (this coin cited); C. 305; Depeyrot 5/4; Alföldi 236-7; Jameson 347 (this coin) = Mazzini 305 (this coin) = Biaggi 1980 (this coin) = Calicó 5172 (this coin). 5.29g, 20mm, 12h. Near Mint State; high relief and wonderfully detailed. Very Rare.

17,500

This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (Barcelona, 2002); This coin published in I.G. Mazzini, Monete Imperiali Romane (Milan,1957-1958); This coin published in R. Jameson, Collection R. Jameson. Monnaies grecques antiques (Paris, 1913-1932); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 91, 23 May 2016, lot 67; Privately purchased from Harlan J. Berk Ltd; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Auction 27, 29 September 1993, lot 1156; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts, Auction XXVI, “The ANA Centennial Sale”, 14 May 1991, lot 312; Ex Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection; Ex Giuseppe Mazzini (1883-1961) Collection; Ex Frédéric Robert Jameson (1861-1942) Collection. This coin can be seen as part of a conciliatory gesture in a period of uneasy ‘harmony’ in the midst of one of the Roman Empire’s most chaotic periods. Diocletian’s establishment of the Tetrarchy had lasted only a short while before it ran into problems. Looking to the impending retirement of Diocletian and Maximian, the Caesar Galerius had ensured that Severus and Maximinus, men loyal to him, were made Caesares when he and his colleague Constantius Chlorus were to be elevated to Augusti, but when Constantius died in Eboracum in AD 306, his men elevated his son Constantine to the role of Augustus, bypassing the imperial colleagues. Galerius, now the senior emperor, compromised by recognising his old rival’s son as Caesar instead, making Severus his co-Augustus. This legitimised ururpation prompted Maxentius, the son of the former Augustus Maximian, to also declare himself emperor. In an attempt to deal with the chaos that the Tetrarchy had been thrown into by these developments, a conference was called at Carnuntum in the autumn of 308 to settle the question of who were legitimately to be the Augusti and Caesares. Ultimately, however, this conference failed to settle the distrust and spite now grown between the imperial colleagues. Galerius raised his friend and second-in-command Licinius beyond all the other figures there to the position of Augustus to replace the now-dead Severus, an act which enraged Maximinus against Galerius and Licinius - with destructive consequences in the long term - for he believed that he was next in line to the vacant position of Augustus. Maxentius was denied any sort of legitimate power, labelled simply as a usurper. Constantine, lastly, was re-affirmed as Caesar and ranked as junior to Maximinus by Galerius – ignoring and overriding Constantine’s self-styling as Augustus in 307. The result of this botched conference was further distrust and discord; much of it played out again in recognition of titles: Constantine’s response to being named merely Caesar was to not recognise the consuls named by Galerius for the East in 309, for while they included him, they only styled him as Caesar, and similarly he did not recognise Galerius on his coinage at this time. To try to assuage Constantine and Maximinus’ resentments at being snubbed, Galerius abolished the title of Caesar in 309 and named the pair filii Augustorum – ‘sons of the Augusti’. This weak gesture did little to reconcile the group and after Maximinus simply assumed the title of Augustus in 310, Galerius recognised that it would be a matter of time before Constantine followed suit and grudgingly named him Augustus too. In 311, as a result of this, there was some harmony between the imperial colleagues, demonstrated by their recognition of Galerius’ consulships for that year. Conflict flared again after Galerius’ death when Maximinus, eager to assume control over his territories, mobilised his army against Licinius and invaded Asia Minor - an invasion defused by an awkward peace agreed between the two men, agreeing to split Galerius’ lands between them across the Hellespont and Bosporus. It is in this context of grudging peace between the three Augusti - Licinius, Constantine and Maximinus - in which so much (potentially disastrous) significance was ascribed to recognition of status, rank and title, that we must view our coin. Licinius had recently acquired the Mint of Thessalonica in the division of Galerius’ lands, and it began then to issue coins of the present type in the name of all three Augusti, respectfully using the unabbreviated form ‘Augustus’ on their obverse legends to explicitly recognise their rank and highlight their equal standing. Furthermore, it symbolically associated each Augustus with Jupiter on the reverse, a significant move considering the precedent set by Diocletian, who named himself Iovius (‘son of Jupiter’) and reserved Jupiter symbolism for himself on the imperial coinage as a mark of his superior status over his colleague – Maximian Herculius, ‘son of Hercules’. Thus, the message of his new coinage from this mint was a conciliatory one, in which he, while technically being the senior Augustus, nevertheless recognised his equal footing with his colleagues - something particularly significant following the threatened war and restructuring subsequent to Galerius’ death, and a sign of an attempt to rule together in peace after years of quarrelling over titles.

270

736. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Solidus. Treveri, circa AD 312-313. CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate head to right / GAVDIVM ROMANORVM, Francia seated to left on ground, resting head on hand and leaning right hand on grounded bow behind her, trophy in background; FRANCIA in exergue. RIC VI 824 var. (no bow), cf. RIC VII p. 255 for rev. type; C. 168 (bow described as column); Depeyrot 18/3; Jameson 351 corr. (bow not mentioned). 4.32g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; well centred. Extremely Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

737. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 312-313. CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate head to right / FELICITAS REIPVBLICAE, Constantine seated to left on curule chair set on high ornamented dais, two soldiers standing to left behind, each holding spear; three figures kneeling to right in supplication before daïs, with hands raised; PTR in exergue. RIC VI 810; Depeyrot 17/2; Biaggi 1968; Calicó -. 4.52g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; a few scattered marks. Extremely Rare.

6,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer. The reverse type of this coin, commemorating the ‘Good Fortune/Happiness of the State’, is unusual for the period, and there has been some debate as to what, if anything, is the source of this positivity. While Bastien argued that it commemorated no particular event, Sutherland assigns it to AD 310311 after Constantine’s successes against the Franks and the Alemanni, and Depeyrot argues that it was most likely struck in AD 312-313 following the victory at the famous Battle of the Milvian Bridge, in which Constantine had defeated his rival Maxentius. Certainly after these victories, the State could consider itself to be in a position of relative felicity, with the West ruled solely by Constantine, and soon after with the entire Empire in some sort of harmony (albeit tenuous) - his colleague in the East, Licinius, having defeated his local rival Maximinus II in AD 313.

738. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Multiplum (Medallion) of 1.5 Solidi. Nicomedia, AD 328-329. Rosette-diademed head to right with gaze uplifted / GLORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, emperor standing to left, holding Victory on globe and spear, two bound captives at his feet, upon one of which he rests his foot; S in right field, SMN in exergue. RIC VII 151; C. 240; Gnecchi 27 (pl. 7, 6); Depeyrot p. 155. 6.84g, 23mm, 12h. Near Very Fine; some scratches to obv., suspension loop attached. Extremely Rare; only two other examples on CoinArchives.

1,500

From the collection of Z.P., Austria.

739. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 335-336. CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, Victory advancing to left, holding grounded trophy in right hand and palm-branch in left; Christogram in left field, LXXII (= 72 to the pound) in right field, SMAN in exergue. RIC VII 98; C. 605; Depeyrot 48/1. 4.71g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare; only eight examples known to Depeyrot, two others on CoinArchives. Acquired from André P. de Clermont.

271

5,000

In Exceptional Condition

740. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 335. Rosette-diademed head to right, with uplifted gaze / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, Victory, wearing long dress, seated to right on cuirass inscribing VOT XXX on shield held by Genius; SMNC in exergue. RIC VII 175; Depeyrot 44/1; Bastien, Donativa, p. 81, g. 4.65g, 22mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Very Rare, and in exceptional condition for the issue.

20,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 98, 12 December 2016, lot 1448 (CHF 28,000); Ex Aurora Collection, Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd - Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - M&M Numismatics Ltd, The New York Sale XXXII, 8 January 2014, lot 55 (hammer: USD 27,500); Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 34, 24 November 2006, lot 88. Of Constantine’s oft deliberated and admired ‘eyes to the heavens’ bust type, the early Christian historian and polemicist, Eusebius of Caesarea, stated: “How deeply his soul was impressed by the power of divine faith may be understood from the circumstance that he directed his likeness to be stamped on the golden coin of the empire with eyes uplifted as in the posture of prayer to God: and this money became current throughout the Roman world”. (Life of Constantine, IV.15) By the time the present specimen was struck, 335, it is widely believed that Constantine had long since converted to Christianity (312 is given as the precise year by various historians including A. H. M. Jones). It had been twenty-five years since his father’s loyal troops had declared him Augustus in Eboracum (York), and eleven since he had emerged victorious from the Civil Wars of the Tetrarchy to become sole ruler. Scholars have long contemplated the sincerity of Constantine’s conversion, and the theory that it was nothing more than a means of securing unanimous approval and submission to his authority cannot be entirely dismissed. This notion is reinforced by the fact that the bulk of his coinage contains only an indirect allusion to Christianity. Indeed, there are only a few known types that display the ‘chi-rho’ symbol front-and-centre (see RIC VII 19), with the majority continuing to depict traditional Roman deities (as here). Furthermore, much has been made of Eusebius’ acknowledgement that Constantine was not baptized until just before his death (Life of Constantine IV.62.4), which has naturally given rise to the questions: Was it a carefully calculated move, aimed at absolving all of his sins at the last moment? Or, conversely, a concluding political act, a way of reaffirming his apparent Christian virtue for posterity? The reverse of the present coin underscores the ostensible Roman yearning for more years (thirty to be precise) of Constantine the Great; with Victory, adorned in a ceremonial dress and accompanied by a Genius figure, inscribing VOT XXX on a shield. The arresting uplifted gaze displayed on the obverse was not, despite sometimes thought to be so, a Constintinian invention. In actuality, Greek coins as far back as 400 BC (including many featuring the deified Alexander) exhibit such upward gazes, as had some of the later coinage of Domitian (see RIC II.2 788), which Harold Mattingly contends was evidence of his particularly ‘lofty ambitions’ (BMCRE II). Diocletian, too, had occasionally employed a subtler version of the portrait type on his coinage (see RIC V 19). By implementing the portrait type, Constantine was able to cleverly fashion a visual nod to his newfound Christian piety. And, he continued to develop an original image of emperorship by depicting himself as clean-shaven and with combed hair, as seen in this example, in what was a clear break from the robust and overtly masculine soldier portraits that had dominated coinage of the recent decades. Another prominent feature of this portrait, the rosette-diadem, appears to have been pioneering, and was utilised by Constantine and his familial successors as a novel symbol of imperial sovereignty.

272

273

741. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 335. Rosette-diademed head to right, with uplifted gaze / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, Victory, seated to right on cuirass inscribing VOT XXX on shield held by Genius; SMNC in exergue. RIC VII 175; Depeyrot 44/1; Bastien, Donativa, p. 81, g. 4.24g, 21mm, 12h. Mint State. Rare.

7,500

Acquired from André P. de Clermont.

742. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 335. CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, Victory seated to right on cuirass, inscribing VOT XXX on shield supported by winged Genius; SMNC in exergue. RIC VII 178; Depeyrot 44/2. 4.28g, 21mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin.

3,500

Acquired from André P. de Clermont.

Ex Münzen und Medaillen, 1970

743. Constantine I ‘the Great’ AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 335. CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, Victory advancing to left holding trophy and palm; TSЄ in exergue. RIC VII 208; Depeyrot 16/2. 4.63g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 118; Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 15007, 2 December 2015, lot 648; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 82, 16 September 2009, lot 1067 (hammer: USD 9,250); Ex Arthur J. Frank Collection, Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, List 318, November/December 1970, no. 49.

274

Ex Ambrose, Dimitriadis and Dreesmann Collections

744. Constantine II, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 326-327. FL CL CONSTANTINVS IVN N C, laureate head to right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Constantine II standing to right, in military attire and with cloak spread, holding transverse spear in right hand and globe in left; TR in exergue. RIC VII 500; Alföldi 347; Depeyrot 31/1. 4.58g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

10,000

Ex Ambrose Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction X, 27 September 2015, lot 879; Ex Andre Constantine Dimitriadis Collection, Heritage World Coin Auctions, CICF Signature Sale 3032, 10 April 2014, lot 23658; Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection, Spink & Son Ltd., 13 April 2000, lot 150. With his defeat of Licinius in 324, Constantine I finally secured sole rule over the empire, thus conferring greater responsibilities onto the capable shoulders of his son and heir Crispus. The young Caesar had been appointed Commander of Gaul after his accession in 317, and had shown himself to be a highly capable military commander on both land and sea. His successful command at the naval engagement of the Hellespont and of part of the army at Chrysopolis contributed significantly to Constantine’s victory over Licinius. Crispus was honoured with statues, mosaics and cameos. Yet in 326 Constantine mysteriously ordered the execution of his beloved son, apparently at the instigation of his wife Fausta, motivated by jealousy and ambition, who falsely claimed Crispus had attempted to rape her. This led to the elevation of Constantine II as commander of Gaul in the same year, despite his being only ten at the time. Depicted here possessing the clear likeness of his father, the young Caesar is also portrayed on the reverse in his role as Prince of Youth, armed and garbed in military dress. An important part of the imperial propaganda, this coinage was intended to inspire public confidence in Constantine Caesar and to reassure the population of the empire that the line of succession remained secure.

275

An Attractive Example

745. Constantine II, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 332-333. CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Constantine II standing to left in military attire, holding vexillum and long sceptre, two standards behind; TS in exergue. RIC VII 190; C. 150; Depeyrot 15/3. 4.42g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Acquired from Westfälische Auktionsgesellschaft.

746. Constans, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 335-336. FL CONSTANS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONSTANS NOB CAESAR, Victory standing to left, holding wreath and palm; CONS in exergue. RIC VII 97; Depeyrot 5/7. 4.57g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

Acquired from André de Clermont.

747. Constans, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 335-336. FL CONSTANS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONSTANS NOB CAESAR, Victory standing to left, holding wreath and palm; CONS in exergue. RIC VII 97; Depeyrot 5/7. 4.53g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,250

From a private European Collection.

748. Constans AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 337-340. FL IVL CONSTANS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA DD NN AVGG, Victory advancing to left, holding trophy in right hand and palm branch in left; TES in exergue. RIC VIII 13; Depeyrot 4/3. 4.48g, 22mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

3,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 120.

276

749. Constans AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 337-347. FL IVL CONSTANS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory seated to right on cuirass, inscribing VOT V MVLT X on a round shield supported on her knee and by a winged genius standing to left before her; SMANS in exergue. RIC VIII 29; Bastien, Donativa, 83b and 84, note 3; C. 140; Depeyrot 5/7. 4.48g, 22mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

3,250

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

750. Constans AR Siliqua. Treveri, spring AD 342-343. FL IVL CONSTANS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIAE D N AVG, two Victories facing each other, holding between them a shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XX; TR in exergue. RIC VIII 168; C. 162; RSC 162. 3.11g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

1,250

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 261, 4 March 2019, lot 871.

751. Constans AV Solidus. Decennalia issue. Treveri, AD 347-348. CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories standing facing each other, holding shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XX; TR in exergue. RIC VIII 135; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.59g, 22mm, 6h. Mint State.

3,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

752. Constans AV Solidus. Decennalia issue. Treveri, AD 347-348. CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories standing facing each other, holding shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XX; TR in exergue. RIC VIII 135; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.50g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Münzen und Medaillen Deutschland GmbH, Auction 44, 25 November 2016, lot 88; Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, List 500, May 1987, no. 104.

277

753. Constans AV Solidus. Decennalia issue. Treveri, AD 347-348. CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories standing facing each other, holding shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XX; TR in exergue. RIC VIII 135; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.54g, 22mm, 6h. Mint State.

2,500

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

754. Constantius II, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Ticinum, AD 326. Diademed head to right, with uplifted gaze / CONSTANTIVS CAESAR, Victory standing to left, holding wreath and palm; SMT in exergue. RIC VII 196; C. 14; Depeyrot 19/5; Jameson 372. 4.41g, 19mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 119; Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils SA, Auction 128, 12 March 2016, lot 453. A series of Solidi were commissioned over the years AD 325-326 to coincide with certain anniversaries and political events related to the family of Constantine I. This coin is one of these, celebrating the first Consulship of Constantius II, begun on January 1st, AD 326. His father, Constantine I, had elevated him to the rank of Caesar in AD 324 a couple of months after his 7th birthday, and this Consulship came a few months after his 8th birthday – another in a lost list of examples demonstrating how far this coveted position had declined since the days of the Republican cursus honorum, dictated by which the role of Consul was restricted only to those aged 42 or older and who had served the state in the succession of more junior roles which prepared them for the responsibilities of such a position. Other events celebrated in this series of Solidi were the vicennalia of Constantine I (the year following July 25th AD 325), the 7th Consulship of Constantine I (alongside Constantius II in AD 326) and the decennalia of Constantine II (the year following March 1st AD 326) (Bastien, Donativa, p.78).

Ex Bastien and Mazzini Collections

755. Constantius II AV Solidus. Siscia, AD 337-340. CONSTANTIVS MAX AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA CONSTANTI AVG, Constantius, diademed and in military attire, standing facing, head to right, holding sceptre and standard with banner inscribed VOT XX; behind, captive seated on ground, raising left hand to his head which is turned back to face the emperor, SIS in exergue. RIC VIII 5; C. -; Depeyrot 1/3; Mazzini I, 91 (this coin). 4.38g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

6,000

This coin published in I.G. Mazzini, Monete Imperiali Romane Vol. 1 (Milan, 1957); Ex Pierre Bastien Collection; Privately purchased from Jean Vinchon (Paris) in 1958; Ex Giuseppe Mazzini (1883-1961) Collection.

278

756. Constantius II AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 337-340. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA DD NN AVGG, Victory advancing to left, holding trophy in right hand and palm branch in left; TES in exergue. RIC VIII 26; C. 261; Depeyrot 4/2 (misdescribed). NGC graded AU, 5/5 - 3/5 (#3928170-029).

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

757. Constantius II AV Solidus. Decennalia issue. Siscia, AD 337-340. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA DD NN AVG, Victory seated to right on cuirass, holding shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XX in four lines and supported by winged Genius standing to left; SIS* in exergue. RIC VIII 30; Depeyrot 5/2; Biaggi 2176. 4.52g, 19mm, 8h. Fleur De Coin. Very Rare.

5,000

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 86, 5 May 2003, lot 992.

758. Constantius II AV Solidus. Decennalia issue. Siscia, AD 337-340. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA DD NN AVG, Victory seated to right on cuirass, holding shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XX in four lines and supported by winged Genius standing to left; SIS* in exergue. RIC VIII 30; Depeyrot 5/2; Biaggi 2176. 4.49g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Rare.

5,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

759. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch mint, AD 337-347. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / FELICITAS ROMANORVM, VOTIS XV MVLTIS XX in four lines within wreath with jewel at apex; SMANS in exergue. RIC VIII 31; C. 76; Depeyrot 5/9. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Rare.

2,000

Acquired from André P. de Clermont.

279

760. Constantius II AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 337-340. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVS EXERCITVM, Constantius standing to left in military attire, holding trophy on spear and resting hand on upright shield, two captives seated to either side below; TES in exergue. RIC VIII 32 var. (bust type); Depeyrot 4/6. 4.61g, 21mm, 5h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

2,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 100, 29 May 2017, lot 657; Ex Auktionen Müller Solingen, List 25, May 1979, no. 475. 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 besieged by Shapur’s army, though with little gain, and Constantius drove back the invasion after the successful Battle of Narasara.

761. Constantius II AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 340-351. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, laurel and rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX; SMNB in exergue. RIC VIII 33; Depeyrot 3/4. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; grafitto on obv.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 24 May 2016, lot 2472.

762. Constantius II AV Solidus. Siscia, AD 340-350. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories face each other, holding between them a shield inscribed VOT XX MVL XXX in four lines; ȮSIS• in exergue. RIC VIII 109; Depeyrot 8/1. 4.46g, 22mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 55, 2 July 2017, lot 679.

763. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX, Roma’s right arm slightly raised; SMANΘ in exergue. RIC VIII 81; C. 108; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.52g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur de Coin; a superb example, perfectly centered and sharply struck, some surface deposits. Very Rare with this officina. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 97, 12 December 2016, lot 243 (mis-catalogued as RIC VIII 83); Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA, Auction 8, 24 November 2014, lot 157 (mis-catalogued as RIC VIII 83).

280

3,500

764. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX in four lines; SMANZ in exergue. RIC VIII 83; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.44g, 22mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin.

3,250

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

765. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX in four lines; SMANI in exergue. RIC VIII 83; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.49g, 21mm, 5h. Mint State; light marks to obverse.

2,750

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

766. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX in four lines; SMANS in exergue. RIC VIII 83; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.36g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; small edge bruise.

2,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

767. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX in four lines; SMANΓ in exergue. RIC VIII 83; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.54g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; sharply struck and well-centred.

1,750

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

281

768. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX in four lines; SMANΔ in exergue. RIC VIII 83; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.41g, 21mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; somewhat rough surfaces.

1,500

769. Constantius II AV Solidus. Arelate, AD 355-360. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and enemy motif / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XXX MVLT XXXX in four lines; palm on ground between figures, KONSTA/ in exergue. RIC VIII 234; C. 112; Depeyrot 6/1. 4.50g, 20mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 658. The solidi from the Arelate mint are difficult to obtain indeed; fewer than a dozen examples including the present coin are listed in CoinArchives among the more than 1500 solidi in the name of Constantius II. The present type celebrates the emperor’s tricennalia, on which occasion, while in residence at Arles in winter quarters, he honoured the city by regranting a dynastic name, Constantia, which appears as the mintmark of coins of this period.

One of the First Helmeted Facing Imperial Portraits

770. Constantius II AV Solidus. Rome, AD 355-357. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, spear in right hand over shoulder, shield decorated with star motif in left / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT XXX MVLT XXXX; (branch) RSMP (branch) in exergue. RIC VIII 291; Depeyrot 13/1. 4.41g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 98, 12 December 2016, lot 1459; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 46, 28 November 1988, lot 703. This is one of the first frontal portraits that portray the emperor with a helmet, holding a spear and a shield. This iconographical format would later come to dominate the solidus issues of the later Roman and ‘Byzantine’ coinage.

771. Constantius Gallus, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 351-354. D N CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed VOT V MVLT X; TES in exergue. RIC VIII 151 var. (•TES•); C. 25 var. (*TES*); Depeyrot 10/2 (this coin). 4.40g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

This coin published in G. Depeyrot, Les monnaies d’or (Wetteren, 1995-1996); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 100, 29 May 2017, lot 675; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 84, 20 May 2015, lot 1243; Reportedly ex Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (Crédit Suisse), FPL Autumn 1986.

282

Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, 1982

772. Julian II, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 355-361. D N IVLIANVS NOB CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis seated to left on right, holding a spear and a sceptre respectively, Constantinopolis rests her foot on prow, both supporting round shield inscribed with a large star of eight rays; •SMANH• in exergue. RIC VIII 169; Depeyrot 11/2. 4.40g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State. Very Rare.

12,500

Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 61, 7 October 1982, lot 513 (therein described as “style magnifique, F.d.c.”). Julian, because he was part of a lesser branch of the Imperial Dynasty begun by Constantius Chlorus (his father was a half-brother to Constantine I, who, being of the right age, was in a position to succeed his father in Eboracum in AD 306), was destined from birth in 331 to a life of obscurity and danger because of his potential risk to the ruling branch’s control. When he was just a young boy, in 337, his cousin Constantius II presided over the murders of the majority of the male members of this lesser branch in an attempt to shore up his position and that of his brothers Constantine II and Constans I, who were proclaimed joint emperors that year after the death of their father Constantine I. This massacre left only Julian and his brother Constantius Gallus as living members of that branch, and to keep these two from being a possible risk, they were set apart from public life in their youth and jealously guarded in a form of exile. Julian was raised and educated as a Christian, the religion of the ruling family, and when he was no longer held under exile, at the age of 18, he became a lector in the Christian church in the East, where occurred in circa 351 his conversion to the paganism for which he was chiefly to be remembered in posterity, followed by his seeking of further education in pagan texts and religious practices. Meanwhile, however, a civil war between his cousins Constantine II and Constans I had left the former dead in 340, while the latter had died whilst fighting against the usurper Magnentius in 350. This left Julian’s remaining cousin, Constantius II, alone and in need of assistance. Julian’s brother Constantius Gallus was consequently made Caesar of the East in 351, but he was executed in 354 after a breakdown in his relationship with Constantius II. In 355, when he was again desirous of support from an imperial colleague, Constantius II raised Julian to be Caesar in the West, thinking Julian could be kept under the control of his prefects as a puppet figurehead. It is to this period of Julian’s reign as Caesar that our coin belongs. Initially unwilling to abandon his studies and the peace of his spiritual life, Julian nonetheless threw himself into the life of a Caesar, rejecting any sense that he might merely be a pawn of Constantius’ men, and developed himself into a capable military leader and imperial administrator, achieving victories over a number of tribes, including the Franks and Alemanni, on either side of the Rhine, whilst also overseeing a restoration of Gaul to some level of peace and prosperity, in so doing clashing with the praetorian prefect of Gaul for attempting to lower taxes and reducing imperial corruption.

283

773. Julian II AV Solidus. Sirmium, AD 361-363. FL CL IVLIANVS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS ROMANORVM, soldier standing to right, head to left, holding trophy and dragging captive; *SIRM(wreath) in exergue. RIC VIII 96; C. 78; Depeyrot 21/1. 4.46g, 21mm, 1h. Mint State.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 16 November 2018, lot 223.

774. Julian II BI 28mm. Sirmium, summer AD 361- 26 June 363. D N FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / SECVRITAS REI PVB, bull standing to right, head facing, two stars above; *BSIRM(wreath) in exergue. RIC VIII 106; C. 38. 9.04g, 28mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

1,250

Ex A. Tkalec AG, 29 February 2000, lot 396.

775. Julian II BI 29mm. Sirmium, summer AD 361- 26 June 363. D N FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / SECVRITAS REI PVB, bull standing to right, head facing, two stars above; *BSIRM(wreath) in exergue. RIC VIII 106; C. 38. 8.96g, 29mm, 6h. Mint State; some minor deposits.

1,250

Ex Jürgen K. Schmidt Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 60, 22 May 2002, lot 1930; Ex Schweizerische Kreditanstalt Monetarium, List 63, Spring 1995, no. 247.

A Unique Festival of Isis Bronze

776. Festival of Isis Æ 14mm. Rome, circa AD 360-363. ISIS FARIA, draped half-length facing bust of Isis, wearing paludamentum fixed with brooch on shoulder, and diadem of pearls which is decorated in the centre with corn-ears and poppy-heads, holding sistrum / VOTA PVBLICA, Nilus reclining to left, holding small ship in outstretched right hand and reed-stalk cradled in left arm which rests on a overturned urn, out of which waters flow. Cf. Alföldi Festival 362-3 for obverse, Alföldi Festival 176 for reverse. 1.42g, 15mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; apparently unique and unpublished.

2,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

284

Ex Rauch 88, 2011

777. Jovian AV Solidus. Antioch, 27 June AD 363 - 16 February 364. D N IOVIANVS P F P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE, Roma enthroned facing with right breast exposed, holding spear in left hand, and Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding sceptre in hand, right foot on prow, holding between them a shield inscribed VOT V MVL[T] X; ANTЄ in exergue. RIC VIII 224; Depeyrot 18/2 note. 4.49g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

2,500

Ex collection of a retired senior air force officer; Ex Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 70, 4 September 2012, lot 3417; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 88, 17 May 2011, lot 694 (hammer: EUR 2,600).

778. Jovian AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 363-364. D N IOVIANVS P E P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE, Roma and Constantinopolis, with right foot on prow and holding sceptre in left hand, enthroned facing, holding between them a shield inscribed VOT V MVL X in four lines; ANTΓ in exergue. RIC VIII 224 var. (P F P AVG); C. 9 var. (same); Depeyrot 8/1 var. (same). 4.44g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. A very rare obverse legend variant.

1,750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

779. Valentinian I AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 364. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Valentinian standing facing, head to right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; SMNI in exergue. RIC IX 2b; C. 28; Depeyrot 10/1. 4.46g, 22mm, 1h. Near Mint State.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 100, 29 May 2017, lot 683.

780. Valentinian I AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 364-365. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Valentinian I standing facing, head to right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; MED in exergue. RIC IX 2a; Depeyrot 3/1. 4.37g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 78, 26 May 2014, lot 2429.

285

781. Valentinian I AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 374-375. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors seated facing, holding globe between them; behind and between them, Victory is standing with outspread wings, palm below; TROBT in exergue. RIC IX 17b6; Depeyrot 43/1. 4.51g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

782. Valens AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 364-367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor standing facing, head to right, holding Victory on globe and labarum; SMNI in exergue. RIC IX 2d; Depeyrot 10. 4.44g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Well struck on a large flan with full borders; superbly lustrous surfaces.

2,000

Ex Ambrose Collection; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 204, 12 March 2012, lot 860 (hammer: EUR 3,800).

783. Valens AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 364-367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor standing facing, head to right, holding Victory on globe and labarum; SMNI in exergue. RIC IX 2d; Depeyrot 10. 4.11g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive reddish tone.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 24 May 2016, lot 2496.

784. Valens AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 364-367. D N VALENS PERF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor in military attire standing facing, head to right, holding Victory on globe and labarum; cross in left field, *ANTΔ* in exergue. RIC IX 2d, xxxvii; Depeyrot 20/2. 4.20g, 21mm, 12h. Very Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

286

785. Valens AV Solidus. Arelate, AD 366. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor in military attire standing facing, head to right, holding Victory on globe and labarum, with palm on shaft, inscribed with Christogram; star in left field, KONSTAN (partially ligate) in exergue. RIC IX 1c; Depeyrot 15/2. 4.51g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 59, 4 April 2011, lot 2149.

786. Gratian AV Solidus. Treveri, 24 August AD 367-17 November 365. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors enthroned facing, holding globe between them; above, Victory facing with wings spread, palm branch between; TROBS in exergue. RIC IX 17g; Depeyrot 43/3. 4.46g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

2,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 261, 4 March 2019, lot 905; Ex collection of a Munich physician, purchased 1960s - late 1990s.

787. Gratian AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 374-375. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors enthroned facing, holding globe between them; above, Victory facing with wings spread; palm branch below; TROBT in exergue. RIC IX 39d.3; Depeyrot 45/2; Biaggi -. 4.30g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1157.

788. Gratian AV Solidus. Treveri, 17 November AD 375-9 August 378. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors enthroned facing, holding globe between them; above, Victory facing with wings spread, palm frond between; TROBC in exergue. RIC IX 39c; C. 38; Depeyrot 43/4. 4.45g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State. Scarce.

3,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 261, 4 March 2019, lot 907; Ex collection of a Munich physician, purchased 1960s - late 1990s.

287

Ex Triton III, 1999

789. Gratian AV Solidus. North Italian mint (Mediolanum?), AD 380-382. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors, nimbate, in consular robes, seated facing on throne with their legs draped, jointly holding globe between them; above, Victory facing with wings spread; palm branch below; COM in exergue. RIC IX 5d; Depeyrot 1/1. 4.49g, 22mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; wonderfully detailed reverse.

1,750

Ex El Medina Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton III, 1 December 1999, lot 1236.

790. Valentinian II AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 378-383. D N VALENTINIANVS IVN P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors, the one to the right smaller and both with their legs draped, seated facing on throne and together holding globe between them; above, Victory facing with wings spread; palm branch below, TROBT in exergue. RIC IX 49c; Depeyrot 47/3. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 48, 20 November 2016, lot 665.

791. Valentinian II AV Solidus. Uncertain mint in Northern Italy or Mediolanum, AD 383-388. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, two nimbate emperors seated facing on throne, left legs bare, one on right holding mappa and holding globe between the two; above, Victory facing with wings spread; palm branch below, COM in exergue. RIC IX 5e and 8a.1 (Mediolanum); Depeyrot p. 186, 2/2 (Uncertain north Italian mint). 4.45g, 20mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

792. Valentinian II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 388-392. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGGG Є, helmeted figure of Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, head to right, holding sceptre and globe, right foot on prow; CONOB in exergue. RIC IX 69b; Depeyrot 47/5; Biaggi 2288. NGC graded MS, 5/5 - 4/5 (#3928169-004).

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

288

793. Theodosius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 383-385. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGGGG A, helmeted Constantinopolis, seated facing on high backed throne ornamented with lion’s heads, head to right, right foot on prow, holding sceptre and shield inscribed VOT V MVL X in four lines; CONOB in exergue. RIC IX 47b; Depeyrot 38/1. NGC graded Ch MS, 5/5 - 5/5 (#3928170-036).

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

794. Theodosius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 383-388. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGGG A, Constantinopolis, helmeted and with head to right, seated facing, right foot on prow, holding sceptre and shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XV in four lines; CONOB in exergue. RIC IX 71b; Depeyrot 47/1. 4.47g, 22mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

795. Theodosius I AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 383-388. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory standing to right, holding wreath and cross on globe; CONOB in exergue. RIC IX 75b; Depeyrot 50/2. 1.50g, 15mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 84, 1 December 2019, lot 532.

796. Eugenius AR Siliqua. Treveri, AD 392-395. D N EVGENIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma seated to left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; TRPS in exergue. RIC IX 106d; RSC 14†a. 1.70g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; attractively toned with hints of iridescence.

750

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

289

797. Arcadius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 378-383. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGGGG I, Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated facing, head to right, foot on prow, holding sceptre and globe; lions’ heads on throne; CONOB in exergue. RIC IX 46f var. (unlisted officina); Depeyrot 38/6 var. (same). NGC graded Ch MS★ 5/5 - 5/5 (#3928170-040).

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

798. Arcadius AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 383-388. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory wearing long dress, advancing to right, holding globus cruciger in raised left hand and wreath in raised right hand; CONOB in exergue. RIC IX 75c; Depeyrot 50/3. 1.39g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; hairline on obv. Very Rare.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 125 (hammer: EUR 1,300); Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 99, 8 December 2015, lot 384.

799. Arcadius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 388-392. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGGG H, Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated facing, head to right, holding sceptre and shield inscribed VOT V MVL X; CONOB in exergue. RIC IX 70c; Depeyrot 46/3. 4.51g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State; light die shift on obv., small mark on rev.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 48, 20 November 2016, lot 667.

800. Arcadius AV Solidus. Sirmium, AD 393-395. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, Arcadius standing to right, foot set on captive, holding labarum in right hand and Victory set on globe in left; S-M across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC IX 12c; Depeyrot 30/2. 4.43g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

290

801. Arcadius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 395-402. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, the emperor standing to right, foot on bound captive, holding labarum and victory on globe; M-D across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1205; Depeyrot 16/1. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,250

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

802. Arcadius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 395-402. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, the emperor standing to right, foot on bound captive, holding labarum and victory on globe, M-D across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1205; Depeyrot 16/1. 4.42g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

803. Arcadius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 397-402. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman / CONCORDIA AVGG Γ, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, placing right foot on prow and holding sceptre and Victory on globe; CONOB in exergue. RIC X 7; Depeyrot 55/1. 4.54g, 20mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin.

1,500

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 94, 18 September 2013, lot 1233 (hammer: USD 2,100).

804. Arcadius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 397-402. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman / CONCORDIA AVGG B, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, placing right foot on prow and holding sceptre and Victory on globe; CONOB in exergue. RIC X 7; Depeyrot 55/1. 4.44g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine, sharply struck.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Nomos AG, Auction 12, 22 May 2016, lot 204.

291

805. Aelia Eudoxia (wife of Arcadius) AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 397-402. AEL EVDOXIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust to right, crowned by manus Dei / SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Victory seated to right on cuirass, supporting shield decorated with Chi-Rho on spiral fluted column; CONOB in exergue. RIC X 15; Depeyrot 55/4. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; small nick to edge. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 16; Ex Bank Leu AG, Auction 22, 8-9 May 1979, lot 416.

806. Honorius AV Solidus. Sirmium, AD 393-395. D N HONORIIVS(sic) P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, Emperor standing to right, holding standard and Victory on globe, treading on captive to right; S-M across fields, COMOB • in exergue. RIC IX 12d; Depeyrot 31/3. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

807. Honorius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 394-395. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing to right, holding labarum and Victory on globe, treading on captive to right; M-D across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC IX 35c = RIC X 1206a; Depeyrot 16/2. 4.42g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

808. Honorius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 394-395. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing to right, holding labarum and Victory on globe, treading on captive to right; M-D across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC IX 35c = RIC X 1206a; Depeyrot 16/2. 4.52g, 21mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

1,000

From the Shackleford Collection.

292

809. Honorius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 394-395. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing to right, holding labarum and Victory on globe, treading on captive to right; M-D across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC IX 35c = RIC X 1206d; Depeyrot 16/2. 4.36g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; slight die shift on reverse.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Acquired from Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles.

810. Honorius AV Solidus. Sirmium, AD 395-397. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG I, Emperor standing to right, holding standard and Victory on globe holding wreath, stepping on captive to right below; S-M across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2; Depeyrot 32/2. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 127

811. Honorius AV Tremissis. Mediolanum, AD 395-402. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing to right, holding globus cruciger and wreath; M-D across fields, COM in exergue. RIC X 1215; Depeyrot 18/2. 1.28g, 12mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury,16 November 2018, lot 323; Ex Numismatica Varesi Srl., Auction 54, 18 November 2009, lot 12.

812. Honorius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 397-402. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / CONCORDIA AVGG H, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right and with right foot on prow, holding sceptre and Victory on globe; CONOB in exergue. RIC X 8; Depeyrot 55/2. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

293

813. Honorius AV Tremissis. Ravenna, AD 402-403. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing to right, holding globus cruciger and wreath; R-V across fields, COM in exergue. RIC X 1289; Depeyrot 10/1. 1.39g, 13mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 129.

814. Honorius AV Solidus. Rome, AD 407-408. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to left / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing to right, holding standard and Victory on globe with wreath, stepping on captive to right; R-M across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1253; C. 44; Depeyrot 34/2. 4.44g, 21mm, 12h. Mint State.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Nomos AG, Auction 12, 22 May 2016, lot 210.

815. Honorius AV Tremissis. Rome, AD 407-408. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing to right, holding globus cruciger and wreath; R-M across fields, COM in exergue. RIC X 1259; Depeyrot 36/1. 1.47g, 13mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine; scrape to obverse. Very Rare.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

816. Honorius AV Tremissis. Ravenna, AD 408-421. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing to right, holding wreath and globus cruciger; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1340; Depeyrot 11/1. 1.50g, 13mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, Auction 2018,16 November 2018, lot 322; Reportedly ex Varesi Numismatica Srl., 22 November 2007.

294

Constantine III

817. Constantine III AV Solidus. Lugdunum, AD 407-408. D N CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIAAA AVGGGG, Emperor standing to right, holding labarum and Victory on globe, treading on captive to right; L-D across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1506; Lyon 244c; Depeyrot 20/3. 4.49g, 22mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Very Rare; an exceptional example of the type.

15,000

From the Shackleford Collection. “Thus happened this revolt or defection of Britain and the Celtic nations, when Constantine usurped the empire, by whose negligent government the barbarians (Saxons) were emboldened to commit such devastations” (New History, Book VI). So writes the historian Zosimus, one of only two primary sources for the brief reign of Constantine III (AD 407-411). This short-lived emperor is today remembered specifically among scholars of Roman Britain as the usurper who removed the remaining Roman garrison troops from Britannia to bolster his dreams of furthering his claims to the purple abroad, thus leaving the province open to Saxon invasion and eventual conquest. This present solidus, one of the finest to come to auction, was struck in Lugdunum between 407-408. By this time Constantine, long since departed from Britannia, had seized control of Gaul and much of Hispania, established a capital at Arelate and had been officially recognised by Honorius - the incumbent and legitimate emperor based in Ravenna - as co-emperor of the Western Empire. It was issued to commemorate Constantine’s recent expulsion of the barbarian invaders (Vandals, Alans and Burgundians among them) who had crossed the Rhine at the end of 406. The reverse legend, VICTORIAA AVGGG (sic), references these successes, with AVGGG acknowledging his ‘colleagues’: Honorius and the Eastern Emperor, Theodosius II. Soon after the minting of this coin, however, Constantine began to lose his grip on power. First, a horde of barbarians again broke through the Rhine defences in the autumn of 409, this time encountering little to no resistance; an ominous sign of things to come for the Western Empire. Next, his influential general Gerontius revolted in Hispania, proclaiming Maximus Tyrannus co-emperor. To compound matters Constantine received news that the Saxons had invaded Britannia, which having been left defenceless suffered greatly: the few literary sources describe violence, destruction, massacre, and the flight of the Romano-British population. Constantine was unable to recover from these setbacks and rapidly lost the support of his forces. After a desperate attempt to invade Italy failed in mid411, he was captured by Honorius’ general, the future Constantius III, who had him unceremoniously beheaded.

295

818. Constantine III AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 408-411. D N CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AAVGGG, Emperor standing to right, holding standard and Victory on globe, treading down on fallen captive to right; TROBS in exergue. RIC X 1514; Depeyrot 57/1. 4.46g, 22mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; small scrape at 8h. Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Maison Palombo, Auction 15, 22 October 2016, lot 98 (hammer: CHF 10,500).

Hybrid with Reverse of Sebastianus

819. Jovinus AR Hybrid Siliqua. Arelate, AD 411-413. D N IOVIN[VS P F] AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, Roma seated to left on curule chair, holding Victory on globe and inverted spear; KONT in exergue. RIC X -, but cf. 1718-9 (Sebastianus); RSC -. cf. 1 (Sebastianus); for another hybrid example, NAC 40, 901. 1.29g, 16mm, 12h. Very Fine. An extremely rare hybrid.

500

Ex Jeroen van der Meulen Collection. The seated Roma reverse type was struck for both the siliquae of Jovinus and Sebastianus at the mint of Arelate, with the legend RESTITVTOR REIP used by the former and VICTORIA AVGG by the latter. This hybrid example was struck with an obverse die engraved for Jovinus and a reverse die intended for striking siliquae in the name of his brother and co-emperor Sebastianus. The coinage of the latter is of the greatest rarity.

Johannes, Usurper

820. Johannes AV Solidus. Ravenna, AD 423-425. D N IOHANNES P F AVG, rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing to right, holding standard in right hand and Victory on globe in left, trampling on captive to right; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1901; Ulrich-Bansa 2; Ranieri 51–2; Depeyrot 12/1; Biaggi 2344. 4.40g, 21mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant. Matthews (Western Aristocracies and Imperial Court AD 364-425, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1990) writes that “the events of Johannes’ reign are as shadowy as its origins”, and then provides a list of the ruler’s known actions in a single paragraph. What is known of Johannes is that on the death of Honorius on 15 August 423, he was a high ranking official, a primicerius notariorum”, and therefore occupied a position of great influence as head of the palace bureaucracy in Ravenna. An ‘interregum’ of several months followed Honorius’ death during which the eastern Emperor Theodosius II hesitated in announcing the death of his uncle, and was therefore technically the ruler of the entire Empire. On 20 November the situation dramatically changed when Honorius’ patrician Castinus proclaimed Johannes emperor of the West. Although Procopius of Caesarea praised him as “both gentle and well-endowed with sagacity and thoroughly capable of valorous deeds”, his control over the empire was insecure from the very beginning. In Gaul, his praetorian prefect was slain at Arelate in an uprising of the soldiery there. Meanwhile Bonifacius, Comes of the Diocese of Africa, held back the grain fleet destined for Rome. More importantly, Theodosius refused to countenance this usurpation and decided to support the claim to the western throne of his young cousin, Valentinian, son of the late Emperor Constantius III and the Empress Galla Placidia. Therefore towards the end of 424 a large army was despatched from the East to forcibly remove Johannes from power and install Valentinian III in his place. Despite Johannes’ apparently fragile position however, the Eastern empire’s campaign to depose him was not straightforward. The historian Adrian Goldsworthy writes that “it took a hard-fought campaign by strong elements of the East Roman army and navy, in addition to a fair dose of betrayal,” to defeat Johannes.

296

821. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 402-403. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, three-quarter facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / CONCORDIA AVGGG S, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, holding sceptre and Victory on globe, foot on prow; CONOB in exergue. RIC X 26; Depeyrot 56/2. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; well centered. Rare.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Nomos AG, Auction 12, 22 May 2016, lot 213.

822. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 408-420. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, three-quarter facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / CONCORDIA AVGG I, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, holding sceptre and Victory on globe, resting her foot on a prow; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 202; Depeyrot 73/2. 4.40g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

823. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 415. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, holding spear facing forwards and shield decorated with a horseman motif / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma and Constantinopolis with foot on prow enthroned facing, heads turned towards one another, holding sceptres and supporting between them a shield inscribed VOT XV MVL XX in four lines; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 207; MIRB 5; Depeyrot 61/1. 4.44g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 244, 6 March 2017, lot 611 (hammer: EUR 3,500); Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIX, 5 January 2016, lot 667.

Ex Münzen & Medaillen, 1962

824. Theodosius II AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 420-422. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victoria seated to right on cuirass, behind which is a shield, inscribing XX XXX on shield upon her knee; star in left field, christogram in right, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 223 corr. (inscription on shield); DOC 356; MIRB 39; Depeyrot 73/4. 2.27g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; some graffito on obverse. Rare.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 25; Ex Auctiones AG, Auction 25, 19-21 June 1995, lot 1019; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG, List 222, May 1962, no. 27.

297

825. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Ravenna mint, August - November AD 423. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing to right, holding standard and Victory on globe, captive beneath his feet; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1329 and 1801; Depeyrot 7/3. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 32; Ex Schenk-Behrens, Auction 64, 2 December 1992, lot 693.

826. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 424/5-430. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed three-quarters facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / GLOR ORVIS TERRAR, Emperor standing facing, holding standard and cross on globe; star in left field, TESOB in exergue. RIC X 361; Depeyrot 51/1. 4.38g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 29; Acquired from Kölner Münzkabinett, 1983.

827. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, January-October AD 425. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Theodosius II enthroned and Valentinian III standing, both in consular robes, each holding mappa and cruciform sceptre; star above, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 234; MIRB 22; Depeyrot 78/1. 4.51g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

2,500

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

828. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 425-429. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / SALVS REIPVBLICAE Θ, Theodosius II and Valentinian III seated facing, both nimbate, each holding mappa in right hand, cruciform sceptre in left; star above, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 237; MIRB 23b; Depeyrot 79/1. 4.42g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,500

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 91, 19 September 2012, lot 971 (hammer: USD 1,600).

298

829. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 425-429. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / SALVS REIPVBLICAE S, Theodosius II and Valentinian III seated facing, both nimbate, each holding mappa in right hand, cruciform sceptre in left; star above, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 237; MIRB 23b; Depeyrot 79/1. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 52, 2 April 2017, lot 700.

830. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-440. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX Δ, Constantinopolis seated to left, with left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger and sceptre; round shield behind throne, star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1. 4.23g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; area of smoothing in obv. field, lightly clipped.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 52, 2 April 2017, lot 701.

831. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 441-450. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / IMP • XXXXII • COS • XVII • P • P •, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger, shield by throne, star in left field; COMOB in exergue. RIC X 292; Depeyrot 84/1 var. (CONOB). 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

750

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

832. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 441-450. D N THEODOSIVS˙P˙F˙AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / IMP • XXXXII • COS XVII • P • P •, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, shield leaning against throne behind; star in left field, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 301; Depeyrot 84/1. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; struck on a large flan. Very Rare.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 1, 25 October 2017, lot 401.

299

833. Aelia Eudocia (wife of Theodosius II) AV Tremissis. Constantinople, circa AD 430-440. AEL EVDOCIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust to right / Cross within wreath with jewel at apex; CONOB* in exergue. RIC X 253; MIRB 50; Depeyrot 72/2. 1.50g, 14mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; marks in fields.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 34; Ex Münzzentrum, Auction 59-60, 29-31 October 1986, lot 2091.

834. Licinia Eudoxia (daughter of Theodosius II) AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 439-450/5. AEL EVDOXIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust to right / Cross within wreath with jewel at apex; CONOB* in exergue. RIC X 336 and 346; MIRB 51; Depeyrot 72/3. 1.48g, 14mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Hess-Divo AG, Auction 336, 27 May 2019, lot 284.

835. Aelia Pulcheria (sister of Theodosius II) AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 441-450. AEL PVLCHERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust to right; manus Dei holding nimbus above / IMP XXXXII COS XVII•P•P•, Constantinopolis seated to left, shield set on ground to right, left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger in and sceptre; star to left, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 316; MIRB 35aa var. (rev. legend punctuation); Depeyrot 84/3. 4.45g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

4,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Collection, Áureo & Calicó, Auction 241, 8 February 2012, lot 401 (hammer: EUR 8,000).

836. Aelia Pulcheria (wife of Marcian) AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 450-453. AEL PVLCHERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust to right, wearing earring and necklace; manus Dei holding nimbus above / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star to right, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 512; Depeyrot 87/3. 4.45g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 232, 5 October 2015, lot 547.

300

837. Valentinian III AV Solidus. Ravenna, circa AD 430-445. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing facing, holding long cross and Victory on globe, right foot on human-headed coiled serpent; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2019; Depeyrot 17/1. 4.50g, 22mm, 12h. Mint State.

1,750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Andreas Pangerl Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 98, 12 December 2016, lot 1491.

838. Valentinian III AV Solidus. Ravenna, circa AD 430-445. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing facing, holding long cross and Victory on globe, right foot on human-headed coiled serpent; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2019; Depeyrot 17/1. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; flan crack at 7h/11h.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 97, 12 December 2016, lot 248.

839. Valentinian III AV Solidus. Rome, circa AD 440-455. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, emperor standing facing holding long cross and Victory on globe, placing his foot on human-headed coiled serpent; R-M across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2015; Depeyrot 46/1. 4.41g, 22mm, 5h. Near Mint State, struck on a rough flan. Excellent detail, lustrous metal.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Tauler & Fau, Auction 30, 29 May 2019, lot 238. Ex PT Collection of the Later Empire, Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 54, 28 February 2019, lot 1052.

840. Valentinian III AV Semissis. Rome, AD 455. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory seated to right on cuirass, small winged Genius to left, supporting between them a shield on a short column, inscribed VOT X MVLT XX; R-M across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2048; Depeyrot 42/2. 2.22g, 17mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine, well centered. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Trausnitz Collection, Nomos AG, Auction 19, 17 November 2019, lot 390; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 89, 8 March 2004, lot 2740.

301

Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Collection

841. Justa Gratia Honoria (sister of Valentinian III) AV Solidus. Ravenna mint, AD 439. D N IVST GRAT HONORIA P F AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust to right, cross on shoulder; manus Dei holding nimbus above / BONO REIPVBLICAE, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross with right hand; star in upper left field; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2022; Depeyrot 15/1. 4.41g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Collection, Áureo & Calicó, Auction 241, 8 February 2012, lot 387 (hammer: EUR 9,500).

842. Marcian AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 450. D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding spear and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG B, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 510; Depeyrot 87/1. 4.41g, 21mm, 5h. About Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

843. Marcian AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 450-457. D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory standing to right, head to left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 518 corr. (obv. legend); Depeyrot 87/5. 1.49g, 16mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; marks in rev. field. Rare.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Acquired from Numismatik Naumann.

844. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 462-466. D N LEO PERPET AVC, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC H, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 605; Depeyrot 93/1. 4.51g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

302

845. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 462-466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Δ, Victory standing to left, supporting long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 605; Depeyrot 93/1. 4.45g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; scattered marks.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

846. Leo I AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 462-466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 611; Depeyrot 93/3. 1.35g, 14mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Collection, Áureo & Calicó, Auction 241, 8 February 2012, lot 402 (hammered for 600 EUR).

847. Aelia Verina (wife of Leo I) AV Tremissis. Constantinople, circa AD 457-468. AEL ߂ERINA AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / Cross within wreath; CONOB(star) in exergue. RIC X 614; Depeyrot 96/1. 1.49g, 14mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; some small scratches to obverse. Rare.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Trausnitz Collection, Nomos AG, Auction 19, 17 November 2019, lot 394; Ex Meister & Sonntag, Auction 3, 6 October 2005, lot 161.

848. Aelia Verina (wife of Leo I) AV Tremissis. Constantinople, circa AD 457-468. AEL ЧERINA AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / Cross within wreath; CONOB(star) in exergue. RIC X 615; Depeyrot 96/1. 1.49g, 14mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; slight wave to flan. Very Rare.

1,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 84, 1 December 2019, lot 536.

303

849. Anthemius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 467-470. D N ANTHEMIVS PERPET AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder with right hand, on left arm a shield decorated with horseman spearing an enemy below / SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Anthemius and Leo I standing facing, each holding a spear and holding between them a globus cruciger; MD in field between, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2890; Depeyrot 29/1 var. 4.44g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 1, 2 December 2016, lot 134.

850. Zeno AV Tremissis. Second Reign. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing to front, head to left, holding wreath in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 914; Depeyrot 108/4. 1.50g, 14mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 84, 1 December 2019, lot 541.

851. Zeno AV Tremissis. Second Reign. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing to front, head to right, holding wreath in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 914; Depeyrot 108/4. 1.51g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; planchet flaw on rev.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

852. Zeno AV Semissis. Second Reign. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory seated to right on cuirass, shield behind, inscribing shield upon her knee XXXV; star in left field, christogram in right, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 931; Depeyrot 109/2. 2.24g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; double struck on reverse.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Acquired from Numismatik Naumann.

304

853. Zeno AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust to right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG I, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 910 and 929; Depeyrot 108/1. 4.32g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; lightly clipped.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

854. Zeno AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust to right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG I, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 910 and 929; Depeyrot 108/1. 4.40g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

855. Basiliscus AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 475-476. D N bASILISCЧS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed three-quarters facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 1003; Depeyrot 101/1. 4.51g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1167.

305

COINS OF THE MIGRATIONARY PERIOD

856. Suevi, in Gaul or Gallaecia AV Tremissis. In the name of Valentinian III (AD 393-423). D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / Long cross potent within laurel wreath with ended ties and ending in rosette, COIIO in exergue. Cf. Reinhardt, Die Münzen des Swebenreiches, 1937, p. 33, 9-14. 1.50g, 14mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer. Suebic Gallaecia was the first kingdom to separate from the Roman Empire and mint coins imitating those of the contemporary Roman emperor from about AD 410. The kingdom lasted until 584, when they were overrun by the Visigoths.

An Extremely Rare Type of Odovacar

857. Ostrogoths, Odovacar AV Solidus. In the name of Zeno. Mediolanum mint, circa AD 476-493. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; M and star in outer left field, Θ in inner left field, D in right field. RIC X 3603 (Zeno); Depeyrot 41/1 (Zeno); DOCLR 679 (Zeno); Lacam 55.26. 4.37g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; no others offered at auction in the past 20 years.

2,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

858. Lombards, Beneventum. Romoald II AV Tremissis. In the name of Justinian II. AD 706-731. D N IVSTINIYNV, crowned and draped bust of Justinian facing, holding globus cruciger / VICTOR ΔVϚVS, cross potent on globe, set on base; R in left field. Cf. LCSI 23; cf. CNI XVIII, pp. 124-7, 37-127; cf. MEC 1088; cf. BMC 7-15. 1.38g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A., Auction 135, 9 December 2017, lot 645.

306

COINS OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE

859. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 491-498. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing threequarters to right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVCCC I, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding voided cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 4a; DOC 3i; Sear 3. 9.41g, 22mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 3, 1 December 2017, lot 227.

860. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 491-498. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing threequarters to right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC ς, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding voided cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 4a; DOC 3f; Sear 3. 4.40g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1176.

861. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 491-498. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVC, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC I, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding voided cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 4a; DOC 3i; Sear 3. 4.44g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

From the Sarmas Collection.

862. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC I, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long staff surmounted by Christogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 6a; DOC 6 var. (unlisted officina); Sear 4 var. (same). 4.51g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State; minor flan flaw to obv., otherwise a stunning example of the type. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 3, 1 December 2017, lot 226.

307

500

863. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC Z, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long staff surmounted by reversed staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 7g; Sear 5. 4.45g, 21mm, 7h. Mint State; in a stunning state of preservation, with highly lustrous, untouched fields.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 82, 6 October 2019, lot 676.

864. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVC, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC Є, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long staff surmounted by reversed staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 7e; Sear 5. 4.22g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; light graffiti in fields, highly lustrous.

400

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

865. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC Γ, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long staff surmounted by reversed staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 7c; Sear 5. 4.23g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

From the Sarmas Collection.

866. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC A, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long staff surmounted by reversed staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 7a; Sear 5. 4.46g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; flaw to obv., lustrous fields.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1175.

308

Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Collection

867. Anastasius I AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVC, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORIA AVCCC, Victory seated to right on shield and cuirass, inscribing XXXX onto shield resting on knees; star in left field, reversed staurogram in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 9; DOC 8; Sear 6. 2.20g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Collection, Áureo & Calicó, Auction 241, 8 February 2012, lot 409 (hammer: EUR 5,500).

868. Anastasius I AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 492-518. D N ANASTSIVS P P AVC (sic), pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORIA AVGVSTORИ, Victory advancing to right, head reverted to left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Rauch E-23, lot 1974 (same dies); cf. MIBE 13; cf. DOC 10; cf. Sear 8. 1.49g, 14mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare variant with die engraver’s error in obv. legend.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 52, 2 April 2017, lot 715.

869. Justin I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 518-519. D N IVSTINVS P P AVC, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVCCC Θ, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 2; DOC 1g; Sear 55. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

450

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 82, 6 October 2019, lot 681 (mis-attributed).

870. Justin I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 518-519. D N IVSTINVS P P AVC, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVCCC Є, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 2; DOC 1d; Sear 55. 4.23g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 52, 2 April 2017, lot 716.

871. Justin I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 518-527. D N IVSTINVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG I, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 3; DOC 2b; Sear 56. 4.26g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; lightly clipped, tiny grafitto on rev.

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

309

872. Justin I AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 492-518. D N IVSTINVS P P AVC, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORIA AVCVSTORVM, Victory advancing to right, head reverted to left, holding wreath in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 5; DOC 4; Sear 58. 1.45g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; slight wave to flan.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 47, 9 October 2016, lot 718 (mis-attributed).

873. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 527-538. D N IVSTIИIAИVS P P AVC, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing three-quarters to right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVCCC B, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 5; DOC 3b; Sear 137. 4.47g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State; highly lustrous fields.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

An Unpublished Carthage Solidus

874. Justinian I AV Solidus. Carthage, dated indiction year 10 = AD 546/7. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif; four pendilia hanging from helmet, each with two jewels / VICTORIA AVGGG I, angel standing facing, holding long jewelled cross and globus cruciger; eight pointed star in lower right field; CONOB in exergue. Unpublished in the standard references, for a similar type, cf. Morrisson 1988, Group A, 35-40, citing examples MIBE 25; DOC 277e and BNC 02-03 (all with single jewelled pendilia, plain long cross and six pointed star in reverse right field). 4.44g, 22mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; executed with exceptionally meticulous engraving style. Unique and unpublished.

2,500

From a private English collection. At the outset of the re-conquest of the West in AD 533 the Magister Militum Belisarius sailed to Africa with a fleet of 92 warships and caught the Vandals and their king Gelimer completely by surprise, re-establishing the prefecture of Africa with its capitol at Carthage. A new mint was soon set up to supply the monetary needs of the bureaucracy and army, now actively engaged in a war against the Gothic kingdom of Italy. The activity of this new mint at Carthage has been the object of a detailed corpus of the then known specimens (90) by C. Morrisson, ‘Carthage: The Moneta Auri, 537-578’, in Studies in Early Byzantine Gold Coinage, ANS NS 17, 1988, pp. 44-64. As can be expected from a new mint, the engraving style and technical features of this new coinage differed from those of the main mint at Constantinople, not the least of which was the use of indiction dates, a 15-year cycle used to date ancient and medieval documents and coins to facilitate something the Byzantines excelled in, the enforcement of agricultural or land taxes. The above special issue may be connected to the settling of overdue payments to general John Troglita from 546 onwards, when he assumed overall command of Byzantine forces in Africa.

875. Justinian I AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 542-552. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 22; DOC 7 (Constantinople); Sear 138 note. 4.07g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; engraved in beautiful style.

500

From the Sarmas Collection.

310

876. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 545-565. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG ς, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 9f; Sear 140. 4.49g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1180.

877. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 545-565. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC Є, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; star in right field; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 9e; Sear 140. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; highly lustrous, mirror-like surfaces.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

878. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 545-565. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG ς, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; star in right field; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 9f; Sear 140. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; double struck.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

879. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 545-565. D N IVSTINIANVS P P VAI (sic), helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC I, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; star in right field; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 9j; Sear 140. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; graffito to obv. Rare obv. legend error.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 82, 6 October 2019, lot 682.

311

880. Justinian I AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 527-565. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVC, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORIA AVCCC, Victory seated to right on shield and cuirass, inscribing numerals on shield; star in left field, reversed staurogram in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 18; DOC 18; Sear 144. 2.17g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

881. Justinian I Æ 20 Nummi. Rome, AD 537-539. D И IVSTIANVS P P AV (sic), pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / Large K, star to left, cross to right; all within wreath. MIBE 222; DOC 325a; Sear 301. 9.13g, 23mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; even dark green patina. Rare, and in exceptional condition for the issue.

1,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXII, 8 January 2019, lot 1194. Desirous of re-establishing the full extent of the Roman Empire, the Emperor Justinian appointed Belisarius to begin the reconquering of those areas under the control of the Vandals and the Ostrogoths. Belisarius, despite having extremely limited forces and means at his disposal, successfully retook North Africa, Sicily and Naples for the Empire. As Belisarius then marched north towards Rome, the Ostrogoths left the city, having understood that the citizens of the city decisively supported Belisarius. The celebrations following Belisarius’ historic entry into the ancient capital of the Roman Empire were short-lived; the Ostrogothic army under their king Vitiges soon laid siege to the city defended now by the greatly outnumbered men of Belisarius’ expeditionary force. The siege lasted in all for a year and nine days (from 2 March 537- 12 March 538), during which time these coins appear to have been struck. The Ostrogoths eventually abandoned the siege in order to defend Ravenna against John, Belisarius’ subordinate general who by capturing Ariminum with a detachment of two thousand men posed a grave threat to the Ostrogoth capital which was barely a day’s march away.

882. Justin II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 567-568. D N IVSTINVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus surmounted by crowning Victory and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Γ, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, holding spear and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 5; DOC 4 var. (unlisted officina); Sear 345. 4.49g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 84, 1 December 2019, lot 554.

883. Justin II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 567-568. D N IVSTINVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus surmounted by crowning Victory and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG B, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, holding spear and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 5; DOC 4b; Sear 345. 4.52g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 122; Reportedly ex Auktionshaus Felzmann, 2008, lot 6228; Purchased from Münzhandlung Ritter, Düsseldorf.

312

884. Justin II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 567-578. D N IVSTINVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus surmounted by crowning Victory and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC B, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, holding spear and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 5; DOC 4b; Sear 345. 4.46g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

885. Justin II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 567-578. D N IVSTINVS P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus surmounted by crowning Victory and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC A, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, holding spear and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 5; DOC 4a; Sear 345. 4.47g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

886. Justin II AV Solidus. Carthage, AD 565-578. D N IVSTINVS P P AV, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus surmounted by crowning Victory and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Є, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, holding spear and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 18b; DOC 190c; Sear 391. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

From a private English collection.

887. Tiberius II Constantine AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 579. CONSTANT AЧC ЧIЧ FЄLIX, bust facing, wearing crown with pendilia, in consular robes, holding mappa and sceptre with eagle surmounted by cross / ЧICTOR TIЬЄRI AЧς, cross potent on four steps; CONOB in exergue. Berk 75; MIBE 2; DOC 2; Sear 420. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 135 (hammer: CHF 2,000); Privately purchased from A. H Baldwin & Sons Ltd, May 1985.

313

888. Tiberius II Constantine AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 578-582. ∂ M TIЬ CONSTANT P P AVG, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGG ς, cross potent on four steps; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 4; DOC 4f; Sear 422. 4.51g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 52, 2 April 2017, lot 723.

889. Tiberius II Constantine AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 578-582. ∂ M COSTANTINVS P P AC, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTOR TibЄRI AЧS, cross potent on globe; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 5; Sear 424. 2.21g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; struck on a large flan.

125

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 138; Purchased privately in 1977.

890. Tiberius II Constantine AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 578-582. ∂ M COSTANTINVS P P AC, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTOR TIЬЄRI AЧS, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 9b; DOC 7; Sear 425. 1.47g, 16mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

150

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 301, 13 December 2017, lot 1143.

891. Tiberius II Constantine AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 578-582. ∂ M COSTANTINVS P P AV, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTOR TiЬЄRI AЧς, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 9b; DOC 7; Sear 425. 1.51g, 17mm, 6h. Mint State.

150

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

892. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, Consular issue of AD 602. D N MAVRC TЬ P P AVG, Maurice Tiberius enthroned facing, crowned and wearing consular robes, holding aloft mappa and cross / VICTORIA AVGG Δ, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 2; DOC 2a; Sear 474. 4.34g, 23mm, 6h. Mint State; (double) struck on a broad planchet. Very Rare.

3,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

314

893. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 583-602. D N MAVRC TIЬ P P AVG, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGG I, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 6; DOC 5j; Sear 478. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

400

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

894. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 583-602. D N MAVRC TIЬ P P AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, wearing paludamentum, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGG I, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 6; DOC 5j; Sear 478. 4.38g, 23mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1193.

895. Maurice Tiberius AV Lightweight Solidus. Constantinople, AD 583-602. ∂ N MAVRC ƮIЬ P P AVI, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger; star in right field / VICTORIA AVCC ς, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 11; DOC 7e; Sear 481. 4.28g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

896. Maurice Tiberius AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 583/4-602. D N MAVRICI P P AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 17a; DOC 12b; Sear 486. 2.14g, 19mm, 6h. Є Extremely Fine; partially double struck on rev.

200

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 301, 13 December 2017, lot 1146.

315

316

897. Maurice Tiberius AV Tremissis. Carthage or Sicilian mint, dated IY 10 = AD 591/2. O N MAVR[IC] TIЬ P P AC (sic), pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORIA AVCC I, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 26 (Thessalonica); DOC 236 (Carthage); Hahn, “More about the minor Byzantine gold mints from Tiberius II to Heraclius”, NumCirc 1979, p. 553, pl. 13 (Sicilian mint); Sear 550 var. (Carthage, unlisted year). 1.45g, 16mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Rare.

150

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 64, 1 April 2018, lot 557.

A Highly Attractive Ravenna Mint Solidus

898. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Ravenna, AD 586/587. O N MAVRC TIЬ P P AVC, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, wearing paludamentum, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVCC P, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 39; DOC 285 var. (unlisted year); Sear 589. 4.39g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

1,750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 161 (hammer: CHF 2,400); Ex A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd., Price List 7, 1992, No. 9.

899. Phocas AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 603-607. ∂N FOCAS PЄRP AVG, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger, wearing crown without pendilia / VICTORIA AVGG B, angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 5b; Sear 618. 4.51g, 23mm, 7h. 300

Mint State; interesting overstrike. From the inventory of a UK dealer.

900. Phocas AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 603-607. ∂ N FOCAS PЄRP AVC, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger, wearing crown without pendilia / VICTORIA AVCC B, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; DOC 5b; Sear 618. 4.36g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

317

901. Phocas AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 607-610. ∂ N FOCAS PЄRP AVI, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger, wearing crown without pendilia / VICTORIA AVςЧ S, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 9; DOC 10f; Sear 620. 4.50g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; some faint hairlines, highly lustrous surfaces.

400

From the Sarmas Collection.

902. Phocas AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 607-610. ∂ N FOCAS PЄRP AVC, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger, wearing crown without pendilia / VICTORIA AVςЧ Є, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 9; DOC 10e; Sear 620. 4.42g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 14 November 2015, lot 100.

903. Phocas AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 607-610. ∂ N FOCAS PЄRP AVI, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger, wearing crown without pendilia / VICTORIA AVςЧ Є, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 11; DOC 10e; Sear 620. 4.50g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; highly lustrous surfaces.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

904. Phocas AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 607-610. ∂ N FOCAS PЄR AVI, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVςЧ, Victory advancing to right, head to left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 25B; DOC 16; Sear 631. 2.21g, 18mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Heritage Auctions Europe / MPO Auctions, Auction 52, 15 November 2016, lot 652.

318

905. Phocas AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 602-610. O N FOCAS P P AVI, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORI FOCAS AVI, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 26A; DOC 18; Sear 633. 1.49g, 17mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; minor scratch to rev.

150

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Heritage Auctions Europe / MPO Auctions, Auction 52, 15 November 2016, lot 653.

Fleur De Coin

906. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 610-613. ∂ NN ҺЄRACLI PЄR AV, draped and cuirassed bust facing, wearing plumed helmet and chlamys, holding cross in right hand / VICTORIA AVςЧ I, cross potent on two steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1a; DOC 1a; Sear 729. 4.48g, 21mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 185 (hammer: CHF 1,500); Purchased from Münzzentrum Cologne, August 1982.

907. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 613-616. ∂∂ NN ҺЄRACLIVS ЄƮ ҺЄRA CONSƮ PP AV, facing busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, each wearing chlamys and elaborate crown with cross; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ H, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 8a; DOC 8h; Sear 734. 4.40g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; engraved in beautiful style.

500

From the Sarmas Collection.

908. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 616-625. ∂∂ NN ҺЄRACLIЧS ЄƮ ҺЄRA CONST P P A, facing busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, each wearing chlamys and simple crown with cross on circlet; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ Є, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 11; DOC 13d; Sear 738. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

319

909. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 639-641. Heraclius, with long beard and moustache, flanked by Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, both beardless, all standing facing, each crowned and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVϟЧ Є, cross potent on three steps; monogram in left field, Є in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIB 53 (Heraclonas); DOC 44 (officina not listed); Sear 770. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 52, 2 April 2017, lot 733.

910. Heraclius AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 610-613. ∂ N ҺЄRACLIЧS Ʈ P P A[...], pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORIA AVςЧ S, cross potent on globus. MIB 72; DOC 52; Sear 785. 2.20g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 14 November 2015, lot 103.

911. Heraclius AV Tremissis. Constantinople, circa AD 610-613. ∂ N ҺRACLIЧS P P AV, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORIA AYςЧ S, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIB 73; DOC 53; Sear 786. 1.42g, 17mm, 6h. Near Mint State; small mark on obv.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 199; Privately purchased from K. Schenk-Behrens, Essen in November 1973.

912. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine, AV Solidus. Uncertain eastern mint (Alexandria?), AD 613-618. ∂∂ NN ҺЄRACIIЧS ЄƮ ҺRA CONST P, facing busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, each wearing chlamys and crown with cross; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ IΠ, cross potent on base and three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 77 (attributed to Cyprus); DOC 187b; Sear 851 (attributed to Jerusalem). 4.53g, 21mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 82, 6 October 2019, lot 745.

320

Apparently Unique and Unpublished

913. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine, AV Solidus. Carthage(?), circa AD 612-627. D N N ҺЄRACLIVS ЄT ҺЄRA CONST P P, crowned and draped facing busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, trefoils on circlets; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ A, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Cf. MIB 92a.1; cf. DOC 204; cf. Sear 867. 4.42g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

800

From a private English collection. The details of the busts on the obverse and the wide base step on the reverse are typical of the Carthaginian globular solidi (see DOC 204), however, it is highly unlikely that Carthage produced broad flan solidi simultaneously to the more globular issue (see Sear p. 186 and DOC p. 43). There are various theories for this issue, one of which is that it might have been struck at Carthage for circulation beyond the city among the larger solidi.

914. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-654. ∂ N CONSƮANƮINЧS P P AV, bust facing, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ A, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 3b; DOC 1a; Sear 938. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 45, 3 July 2016, lot 998.

915. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-654. ∂ N CONSƮANƮINЧS P P AVI, bust facing, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ S, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 3b; DOC 1f; Sear 938. 4.40g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

916. Constans II, with Constantine IV, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-659. ∂ N CONSƮANƮINЧS C CONSƮANƮIN, crowned facing busts of Constans on left, with long beard, and Constantine on right, beardless, both wearing chlamys; cross between their heads / VICTORIA AVςЧ Θ, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 26; DOC 25i; Sear 959. 4.49g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

321

917. Constans II, with Constantine IV, Heraclius, and Tiberius, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 659-661. ∂ N CONSƮAN CN.., crowned and facing busts of Constans, wearing plumed helmet, and Constantine; cross between / VICTORIA AVςЧ S, cross potent on globus; at sides, Heraclius and Tiberius standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 29; DOC 28d; Sear 962. 4.37g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

250

From the Sarmas Collection.

918. Constans II, with Constantine IV, Heraclius, and Tiberius, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 659-662. ∂ N COИƮANIƮ, crowned and facing busts of Constans, wearing plumed helmet, and Constantine; cross between / VICTORIA AVςЧ H ⧾, cross potent on globus; at sides, Heraclius and Tiberius standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 30; DOC 29e; Sear 963. 4.10g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; clipped. Very Rare.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

919. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 663-668. VICTORIA AVςЧ B ⧾, crowned and draped bust facing, with long beard and moustache, holding globus cruciger / Constantine IV standing facing between Heraclius, on right, and Tiberius, on left, each crowned and draped and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 42; DOC 43b; Sear 975. 4.45g, 21mm, 8h. 400

Extremely Fine; highly lustrous. Rare. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

This fascinating type, which formed the last solidus issue of the long reign of Constans II, breaks away from the standard types seen previously by bringing the reverse legend onto the obverse (in doing so dispensing with the imperial names and titles) and relegating the crown prince Constantine IV to the reverse with the other princes, his portrait having featured on the obverse for earlier issues.

A Very Rare Lightweight Solidus

920. Constans II AV Lightweight Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-654. ∂ N CONSƮA[NƮINV]S PP AV, crowned and draped bust facing, with long beard and moustache, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ Δ, cross potent on three steps; BOΓKI in exergue. MIB 45; DOC -; Sear 980; NAC 56, 629 = Sincona 6, 301. 4.27g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare; only one other example on CoinArchives and seemingly the first example to be offered at auction since 2012. From the Sarmas Collection.

322

400

921. Constans II AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 641-666. ∂ N CONSƮANƮINЧS P P A, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVςЧ ς, cross potent on globe. MIB 50; DOC 44; Sear 983. 2.18g, 18mm, 6h. Mint State; hairline on rev.

200

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Nomos AG, obolos 7, 9 July 2017, lot 539.

922. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 668-673. ∂ N CONSƮANЧS P P-, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧ Δ, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 4C; DOC 6d; Sear 1153. 4.32g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

From the Sarmas Collection.

923. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 668-673. ∂ N CONSƮᓂNЧS P P-, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ I, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 4C; DOC 6i; Sear 1153. 4.34g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

Mint State

924. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N CƮNЧS P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman device / VICTOA AVςЧ A (sic), cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 8a; Sear 1154. 4.37g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

323

925. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. [..]ƮNЧS P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman device / VICTOA AVςЧ Є, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 8c; Sear 1154. 4.32g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From the Sarmas Collection.

926. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N CƮANЧS P P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ S, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 8 (unlisted officina); Sear 1154. 4.41g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; minor graffiti in obv. fields.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

927. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N CANЧS P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ B, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 8b; Sear 1154. 4.46g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

928. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N COANЧS PP, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ ς, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 8 (unlisted officina); Sear 1154. 4.26g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

324

929. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N CTNЧS P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ Z, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 10f; Sear 1156. 4.43g, 18mm, 6h. Mint State.

750

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

930. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N CONTNЧS P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ Γ, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 10b; Sear 1156. 4.49g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

750

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

931. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. [..]OIƮNЧS P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ H, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 10g; Sear 1156. 4.37g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

932. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N COSƮNЧS P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ A, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 10a; Sear 1156. 4.36g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From the Sarmas Collection.

325

933. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N CO-ƮANЧS (sic), helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ •, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7b; DOC 10h; Sear 1156. 4.42g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From the Sarmas Collection.

934. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N COƮNЧS P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ H, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 10g; Sear 1156. 4.43g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 212, 5 March 2013, lot 3223.

935. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. ∂ N CONƮ[..]ЧS P P, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTOA AVςЧ Δ, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7a; DOC 10c; Sear 1156. 4.46g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

From the Sarmas Collection.

936. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 681-685. P CONSƮANЧƧ P P A, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORA AVςЧ B, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 10; DOC 14a; Sear 1157. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

326

Of Fine Style

937. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 681-685. P CONSƮANЧS P P A, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORA AVςЧ B, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 10; DOC 14a; Sear 1157. 4.27g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; graffiti in rev. fields, brilliant mint lustre. A portrait of fine style.

500

From the Sarmas Collection.

938. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 681-685. P CONƧƮANЧƧ P P A, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧ A, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 10; DOC 14 (officina unlisted); Sear 1157. 4.46g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the Sarmas Collection.

939. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 681-685. [P] CONSƮANPS P P A, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORA AVςЧ H (sic), cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 10; DOC 12d; Sear 1157. 4.49g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State; displaying a brilliant mint lustre.

500

From the Sarmas Collection.

940. Justinian II AV Solidus. First reign. Constantinople, AD 686-687. IЧSƮINIANЧS PЄ AV, facing bust, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ H, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 2; DOC 2; Sear 1243. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

327

941. Justinian II AV Solidus. First reign. Constantinople, AD 687-692. D IЧSƮINIANЧS PЄ AV, facing bust with short beard, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ I, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 6; DOC 5i; Sear 1246. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

Fleur De Coin

942. Justinian II AV Solidus. First reign. Constantinople, AD 692-695. IҺS CRISƮOS RЄX RЄϚNANƮIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / D IЧSƮINIANЧS SЄRЧ CҺRISƮI B, Justinian standing facing, holding cross potent on steps in right hand, akakia in left; CONOP in exergue. MIB 8a; DOC 7e bis; Sear 1248. 4.44g, 19mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin; a perfect example.

5,000

From the Ennismore Collection; Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 257, 10 October 2014, lot 9306 (hammer: EUR 10,000).

943. Justinian II AV Solidus. First reign. Constantinople, AD 692-695. IҺS CRISƮOS RЄX RЄϚNANƮIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / D IЧSƮINIANЧS SЄRЧ [CҺRISƮI] B, Justinian standing facing, holding cross potent on steps in right hand, akakia in left; CONOP in exergue. MIB 8a; DOC 7e bis; Sear 1248. 4.29g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

2,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

944. Justinian II AV Solidus. First reign. Constantinople, AD 692-695. IҺS CRISƮOS RЄX RЄςNANƮIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / D IЧSƮINIANЧS SЄRЧ CҺRISƮI I, Justinian standing facing, holding cross potent on steps in right hand, akakia in left; CONOP in exergue. MIB 8a; DOC 7 var. (officina); Sear 1248. 4.29g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; flatly struck, clipped.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

328

Ex Triton XV & Christov Family Collection

945. Justinian II AV Tremissis. First reign. Constantinople, AD 685-695. D. IЧSƮINIANЧS PЄ. AVC., crowned bust facing, with short beard, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧς, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIB 15; DOC 13; Sear 1255. 1.31g, 15mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; highly lustrous. Previously NGC graded XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, minor wrinkle in the flan.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 279; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 1605; Ex Christov Family Collection, Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 53, 26 May 2009, lot 2176; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 60, 22 May 2002, lot 2005.

946. Justinian II AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, circa AD 705. ∂ N IҺS CҺS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / ∂ N IVSTINIANVS MЧLTЧS AN, crowned facing bust of Justinian, wearing loros, holding cross potent on three steps in right hand, globus cruciger inscribed PAX in left. MIB 1; DOC 1; Sear 1413. 4.38g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

2,500

From the Sarmas Collection.

947. Justinian II AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, AD 705-711. ∂ N IҺS CҺS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / δ N IЧSTINIANЧS ЄT TIbЄRIЧS 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. MIB 2a; DOC 2a; Sear 1414. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur de Coin.

2,500

From the Sarmas Collection.

948. Justinian II AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, AD 705-711. ᓀ N IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / D N IЧSTINIANЧS ЄT TIbЄRIЧS P P A’, crowned half-length figures of Justinian, on left, and smaller figure of Tiberius, on right, both wearing divitision and chlamys, holding cross potent on two steps between them. MIB 2a; DOC 2a; Sear 1414. 4.47g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State; wonderfully detailed with highly lustrous, mirror-like surfaces. From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 1, 25 October 2017, lot 409 (hammer: 3,200 CHF); Ex Nomos AG, Auction 13, 7 October 2016, lot 300 (hammer: 3,800 CHF).

329

2,500

949. Justinian II AV Tremissis. Second reign. Constantinople, AD 705-711. ᓀ N IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / D N IЧSTINIANЧS ЄT TIbЄRIЧS P P A’, crowned half-length figures of Justinian, on left, and Tiberius, on right, both wearing divitision and chlamys, holding cross potent on base between them. MIB 6b; DOC 6b; Sear 1421. 1.38g, 16mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1211 (hammer: 1,500 EUR).

950. Leontius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 695-698. D LЄON PЄ AV, crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding akakia and globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ S, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. DOC 1f; MIB 2; Sear 1330. 4.49g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

951. Leontius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 695-698. D LЄON PЄ AV, crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding akakia and globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ A, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1a; Sear 1330. 4.38g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,250

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

952. Leontius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 695-698. D LЄON PЄ AV, crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding akakia and globus cruciger / VI[CTORI]A AVςЧ Γ, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1c; Sear 1330. 4.43g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; some flatness and edge knock.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

953. Leontius AV Tremissis. Constantinople, circa AD 695-698. [D] LЄON PЄ [AV], crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger / [VIC] T[ORI]A AVSЧS, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIB 5; DOC 4; Sear 1333. 1.44g, 16mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; some areas of weak striking. Rare.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 283; Privately purchased from Fortuna Galleries, New York, July 1976.

330

Ex Sotheby’s 1978

954. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 698-705. D ƮIЬЄRIЧS PЄ AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, with short beard, holding spear and shield / VICTORIA AVςЧ A, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1f; Sear 1360. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,250

Ex Sotheby’s, 14 June 1978, lot 132.

955. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 698-705. D ƮIЬЄRIЧS PЄ AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, with short beard, holding spear and shield / VICTORIA AVςЧ Є C, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 3; DOC 2c; Sear 1361A. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State. A very rare variant with the letter ‘C’ after the officina.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 232, 5 October 2015, lot 594.

956. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Tremissis. Syracuse, AD 698-705. D TIЬЄRI AV, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing paludamentum / VICTORIA AЧϚЧ, cross potent; C in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIB 43; DOC 30; Sear 1391. 1.20g, 15mm, 5h. Good Very Fine; scattered marks. Very Rare.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 2 December 2017, lot 136.

Mint State

957. Philippicus (Bardanes) AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 711-713. ∂ N FILЄPCЧS MЧLTЧS AN, bust facing, with short beard, wearing loros and crown with cross, holding globus cruciger in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre with cross above in left / VICTORIA AVςЧ Z, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1g; Sear 1447. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State; hairlines on rev. Rare.

2,500

From the Sarmas Collection.

331

958. Philippicus (Bardanes) AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 711-713. ∂ N FILЄPCЧS MЧLTЧS AN, bust facing, with short beard, wearing loros and crown with cross, holding globus cruciger in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre with cross above in left / VICTORIA AVςЧ Z, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1g; Sear 1447. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State; hairlines on rev. Rare.

2,500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

959. Philippicus (Bardanes) AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 711-713. ∂ N FILЄPCЧS MЧLTЧS AN, bust facing, with short beard, wearing loros and crown with cross, holding globus cruciger in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre with cross above in left / VICTORIA AVςЧ ς, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1f; Sear 1447. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State. Rare.

2,500

From the Sarmas Collection.

960. Philippicus (Bardanes) AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 711-713. ∂ N FILЄPICЧS MЧLTЧS AN, bust facing, with short beard, wearing loros and crown with cross, holding globus cruciger in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre with cross above in left / VICTORIA AVςЧ A, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1a; Sear 1447. 4.32g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; some flatness, flan flaw to reverse, a well-centred example.

1,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Nomos AG, Auction 12, 22 May 2016, lot 235.

961. Anastasius II Artemius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 713-715. ∂ N ARTЄMIЧS ANASTASIЧS MЧL, crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger and akakia / VICTORIA AVςЧ A, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Füeg 2.A; MIB 2; DOC 2a; Sear 1463. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State, minor marks. Rare.

2,500

From the Sarmas Collection.

332

962. Anastasius II Artemius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 713-715. ∂ N ARTЄMIЧS ANASTASIЧS MЧL, crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger and akakia / VICTORIA AVςЧ Θ, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Füeg 2h.1; MIB 2; DOC 2a; Sear 1463. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State. Rare.

2,500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

963. Anastasius II Artemius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 713-715. ∂ N ARTЄMIЧS ANASTASIЧS MЧL, crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger and akakia / VICTORIA AVςЧ Є, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Füeg 2.A; MIB 2; DOC 2a; Sear 1463. 4.47g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State, minor marks. Rare.

2,500

From the Sarmas Collection.

964. Anastasius II Artemius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 713-715. ∂ N ARTЄMIЧS ANASTASIЧS MЧL A, crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger and akakia / VICTORIA AVςЧ HΘ, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Füeg 2.S.3; MIB 3; DOC 3 var. (officina not listed); Sear 1464. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; graffito to reverse.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 303; Ex H.J. Knopek, List 7, December 1980, lot 24.

965. Anastasius II Artemius AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 713-715. ∂ N APTEM[IЧS ANASTASIЧS MЧL], crowned and diademed bust facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia / VICTORIA AVςЧS, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIB 7; DOC 5; Sear 1467. 1.37g, 16mm, 6h. Near Mint State; areas of flatness, sharply struck portrait.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Trausnitz Collection, Nomos AG, Auction 19, 17 November 2019, lot 427; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Stuttgart Auction 1, 22 November 2010, lot 566 (hammered for 2,000 EUR).

333

No Others Auctioned in 20 Years

966. Anastasius II AV Tremissis. Syracuse, AD 713-715. [∂ N APTЄMIЧS ANAST MЧLT], draped bust to right / VICTORIA […], cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIB 13; DOC -; Sear 1473B. 1.25g, 16mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; no other examples auctioned in the past 20 years.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 2 December 2017, lot 137.

967. Leo III ‘the Isaurian’ AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 717-720. ∂ N D LЄON PA MЧL’, crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger and akakia / VICTORIA AVςЧ Z, cross potent set on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Füeg 1.B.7; MIB 1; DOC 1 var. (unlisted officina); Sear 1502. 4.47g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; a couple of light scratches, highly lustrous. Rare.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Alexander White III Collection, Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd. - Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - M&M Numismatics Ltd. - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, The New York Sale XXXVII, 5 January 2016, lot 750 (hammer: USD 1,050).

968. Leo III ‘the Isaurian’, with Constantine V, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 737-741. ∂(retrograde) N O LЄON PA MЧL’, crowned bust of Leo facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia / ∂ N CONSƮANƮINЧ’, crowned bust of Constantine facing, beardless, wearing chlamys pinned at right shoulder, holding globus cruciger and akakia. Füeg 7.A var. (rev. legend); DOC 7a var. (same); Sear 1504. 3.94g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; some areas of flat striking. An apparently unrecorded legend combination.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

969. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 745-750. ∂(retrograde) CONSƮANƮINЧ, crowned bust of Constantine facing, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / ∂(retrograde) LЄON P A MЧL, crowned bust of Leo facing, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia. Füeg 3.C.2; DOC 1 var. (rev. legend); Sear 1550. 4.44g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

970. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 745-750. Γ CONSƮANƮINЧ ΘC, crowned bust of Constantine facing, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / C LЄON P A MЧL, crowned bust of Leo facing, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia. Füeg 3.A.8; DOC 1f; Sear 1550. 4.49g, 20mm, 5h. Near Mint State; lustrous, untouched surfaces.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

334

971. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 745-750. B CONSƮANTINЧNC(final three letters ligate), crowned and draped bust of Constantine facing, holding cross potent and akakia / C LЄON P A MЧL, crowned and draped bust of Leo facing, holding cross potent and akakia. Füeg 3.A.2 (same obv. die); DOC 1e.2 (same); Sear 1550; Roma XIX, lot 995 (same dies). 4.44g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; obv. double struck.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

972. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 750-756. COҺSƮAҺƮIҺOS S LЄOҺ O ҺЄOS, crowned facing busts of Constantine V and Leo IV, each wearing chlamys; cross above / C LЄON P A MЧL, crowned facing bust of Leo III, wearing loros, holding cross potent. Füeg -, cf. 4.B.5 for obv. die and 4.A.7 for rev.; DOC 2a.1; Sear 1551. 4.46g, 20mm, 5h. Near Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

973. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 756-764. COҺSƮAҺƮIҺOS S LЄOҺ O ҺЄOS, crowned facing busts of Constantine V and Leo IV, each wearing chlamys; cross above, pellet between / C LЄON P A MЧL, crowned facing bust of Leo III, wearing loros, holding cross potent. Füeg 5.A.2; DOC 2d.1; Sear 1551. 4.52g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; die-break to obv.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

974. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 773-775. COҺSƮAҺƮIҺOS S LЄOҺ O ҺЄOS, crowned facing busts of Constantine V and Leo IV, each wearing chlamys; cross above, pellet between / C LЄON P A MЧL B, crowned facing bust of Leo III, wearing loros, holding cross potent. Füeg 7.A.5; DOC 2f.1-3; Sear 1551. 4.43g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

335

975. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV, AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 751-775. [CONƮAN] ΛЄON, crowned and draped facing busts of bearded Constantine and beardless Leo IV; cross in upper central field / CNO LЄON PA MЧ, crowned facing bust of Leo III, with short beard, wearing loros, holding cross potent. DOC 15c; Sear 1565. 3.87g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State; slight knock in obv. left field, otherwise highly lustrous metal and untouched fields. Very Rare.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 321 (hammer: CHF 2,400); Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 215, 13 October 2013, lot 1156.

976. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III, AV Tremissis. Syracuse, AD 751-755. [CON]SƮA, crowned facing bust, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / [D N LЄO]N PA, crowned facing bust, wearing chlamys, holding [globus cruciger] and akakia. DOC 17; Sear 1567. 1.24g, 13mm, 6h. Near Mint State; die break in obv. field.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 324; Ex Numismatic Ars Classica AG, Auction 75, 18 November 2013, lot 687.

977. Leo IV ‘the Khazar’, with Constantine VI, Leo III, and Constantine V, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 776-778. LЄOҺVS SЄςςOҺ COҺSƮAҺƮINOS O ҺЄS, crowned facing busts of Leo IV and Constantine VI, each wearing chlamys; cross above, pellet between / LЄOҺ PAPS COҺSƮANƮIҺOS PAƮHR Θ, crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, each wearing loros; cross above, pellet between. Füeg 1.9 var. (obv. legend); DOC 1a var. (legends); Sear 1583. 4.31g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

978. Leo IV ‘the Khazar’, with Constantine VI, Leo III, and Constantine V, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 776-778. LЄOҺVS SЄςςOҺ COҺSƮAҺƮIҺOS O ҺЄOS, crowned facing busts of Leo IV and Constantine VI, each wearing chlamys; cross above, pellet between / LЄOҺ PAP’ COҺSƮAҺƮ[IҺOS PAƮHR Θ], crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, each wearing loros; cross above, pellet between. Füeg 1; DOC 1a; Sear 1583. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 327 (hammered for 2,500 CHF); Privately purchased from Fortuna Galleries (New York), July 1976.

336

979. Leo IV ‘the Khazar’, with Constantine VI, Leo III, and Constantine V, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 780-787. LЄOҺ VS S ЄςςOҺ COҺSTAҺTIҺOS O ҺЄOS, Leo IV and Constantine VI enthroned facing, each wearing crown and chlamys; cross above / LЄOҺ [PAP’ COҺ]STAҺTIҺOS PATHR, crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, each wearing loros; cross above, pellet between. Füeg 1.A.1; DOC 2; Sear 1584. 4.42g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Cited in Füeg, Ex Kress 1968

980. Constantine VI and Irene, with Leo III, Constantine V, and Leo IV, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 787-790. S IR[IҺI] AVΓ’ ΜΙƮΗR, crowned facing busts of Constantine IV, draped and holding globus cruciger, and Irene, wearing loros and holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre; cross above, • between / COҺSƮAҺƮIҺOS CΛS’ R’ Ь’, Constantine V, Leo III, and Leo IV seated facing, each crowned and draped. Füeg 1. a 10 (this coin cited); DOC 1.1; Sear 1593. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

This coin cited in F. Füeg, Corpus of the Nomismata from Anastasius II to John I in Constantinople 713-976 (London/Lancaster, 2007); From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 270, 2 October 2015, lot 9174; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 6, 23 May 2012, lot 325; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 3, 25 October 2011, lot 3454; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 77, 11/12 May 2000, lot 851; Ex K. Kress, Auction 142, 22 January 1968, lot 695.

981. Constantine VI and Irene, with Leo III, Constantine V, and Leo IV, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 787-790. SIRIҺI AVΓ’ MIƮHR’, crowned facing busts of Constantine IV, draped and holding globus cruciger, and Irene, wearing loros and holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre; cross above, • between / COҺSƮΛƮIҺOS C’ Ь’ Δ’, Constantine V, Leo III, and Leo IV seated facing, each crowned and draped. Füeg 2.21; DOC 1; Sear 1593; ANS Collection 1944.100.14625 (same obv. die). 4.40g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

982. Irene, with Constantine VI, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 793-797. IRIҺH AΓOVSƮI, crowned facing bust of Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre / COҺSƮAҺƮINOS bAS’ Θ, crowned and draped facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia. Füeg 5.A; DOC 3a; Sear 1594. 4.32g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

337

983. Irene AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 797-802. ЄIRIҺH ЬASILISSH, crowned bust of Irene facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre / • ЄIPIҺH ЬASILISSH ⴲ, crowned bust of Irene facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre. Füeg 1.C.1 (same dies); DOC 1c; Sear 1599. 4.38g, 18mm, 6h. Mint State; areas of flat strike. Rare.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer. Struck after AD 797, when Irene had had her son Constantine VI deposed and murdered, this solidus depicts Irene on both the obverse and reverse, and marks a distinct shift from the types of her predecessors. Gone is the cross-on-steps reverse type, or figures of deceased members of the dynasty, to be replaced by two facing busts of Irene. Here we have Irene proclaiming herself Empress and sole ruler in the most public way possible. However, after just five years on the throne she herself was deposed and replaced by her Minister of Finance, Nicephorus, and thus ended the first period in the history of the empire during which the throne was occupied by a woman exercising power in her own right. Beginning during the time she ruled as regent for her son, Irene severely depleted the state treasuries with her policy of reducing taxation and making generous gifts to buy popularity, leaving the empire weak and unable to offer effective resistance to foreign aggressors. Having had to accept terms from the Arab Caliphs both in 792 and 798 in order to protect the fragile security, and being harried by the Bulgarians simultaneously, Irene was powerless to stop the formation of a new empire in the west under Charlemagne, who in AD 800 was crowned in Rome by Pope Leo III as Holy Roman Emperor due to his belief that the Imperial position was vacant, as it could not be filled by a woman.

A Very Rare Syracuse Mint Solidus

984. Irene AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 797-802. IRIh bASISSII, crowned bust of Irene facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre / IRIh bACILI, crowned bust of Irene facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre; C-I across fields. Anastasi -; DOC -, but cf. 4 (no letters in rev. field); Sear -, cf. 1602 (same). 3.86g, 21mm, 7h. Mint State; two sharp and well-centred portraits of Irene, highly lustrous surfaces. Very Rare.

3,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Nomos AG, Auction 15, 22 October 2017, lot 311 (hammer: 6,000 CHF).

985. Nicephorus I, with Stauracius, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 803-811. • ҺICIFOROS ЬASILЄS, crowned facing bust of Nicephorus, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / SƮAVRACIS ∂ЄSPOS Є, crowned facing bust of Stauracius, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia. Füeg 2.B.2; DOC 2; Sear 1604. 4.41g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State; highly lustrous metal.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

338

986. Nicephorus I, with Stauracius, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 803-811. ҺICIFOR[OS] ЬASILЄ’, crowned facing bust of Nicephorus, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / SƮAVRACIS ∂ЄSPO’ X, crowned facing bust of Stauracius, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia. Füeg 2.A.2; DOC 2c.2; Sear 1604. 4.42g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; areas of flatness, highly lustrous.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 216, 15 October 2013, lot 3488.

A Very Rare and High Grade Syracuse Tremissis

987. Leo V, with Constantine, AV Tremissis. Syracuse, AD 813-820. LЄON ЬASILЄ, crowned facing bust of Leo, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia; Λ in right field / COҺSTAҺT, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia; K in right field. DOC 10; Sear 1633. 1.18g, 15mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Very Rare, and in exceptional condition.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, 2 December 2017, lot 139.

988. Michael II ‘the Amorian’ with Theophilus, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 821-829. ∗ MIXAHL bASILЄЧS, crowned bust of Michael facing, wearing chlamys and holding cruciform staff and akakia / ΘЄOFILO ∂ЄSP’ ⧾ X, crowned bust of Theophilus facing, wearing loros and holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre. Füeg 4.A.2; DOC 5b; Sear 1640. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; a couple of minor surface marks.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1215.

989. Michael II ‘the Amorian’, with Theophilus, AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 820-829. MIXAHLЬ[…], crowned bust of Michael facing, wearing loros, holding cross potent / θЄOᖶILOS[…], crowned bust of Theophilus facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger. Anastasi 503a; DOC 14b; Sear 1645. 3.94g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; crisp detail and untouched surfaces.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 355.

339

990. Theophilus AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 829-830. ∗ ӨЄOFILOS ЬASILЄ’, crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding cruciform sceptre and globus cruciger / CVRIЄ ЬOHӨH ƮO SO ∂OVLO ∗ Є, patriarchal cross on three steps. Füeg 1.A.1; DOC 1a; Sear 1655. 4.46g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Very Rare.

5,000

Acquired from Morton & Eden Ltd.

991. Theophilus AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 829-830. ∗ ӨЄOFILOS ЬASILЄ’, crowned facing bust, with slight beard and wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre / CVRIЄ ЬOHӨH ƮO SO ∂OVLO ∗ Є, patriarchal cross on three steps. Füeg 1.A.1; DOC 1b; Sear 1655. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Previously NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 4/5, marks (#5746397-010).

1,500

Ex D. Massey Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 108, 16 May 2018, lot 767; Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 386, 26 April 2006, lot 908.

992. Theophilus AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 830/1-842. ΘEOᖶILOS, crowned bust facing, wearing loros and holding cross potent in right hand / ΘEOᖶILOS, crowned bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger in right hand. DOC 24; Sear 1670. 3.87g, 16mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 362; Privately purchased from Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger.

993. Theophilus, with Michael II and Constantine, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 831-842. x ∗ ΘЄOFILOS bASILЄ’ Θ, crowned bust of Theophilus facing, holding patriarchal cross and akakia / ⧾ MIXAHL S COhSTAhTIh’, crowned facing busts of Michael II (the emperor’s deceased father) and Constantine; cross above, pellet between. Füeg 3.H.2.z²-³; DOC 3d var. (obv.); Sear 1653. 4.45g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare; only two examples cited by Füeg with an ‘x’ and a monogram before the obverse legend. Acquired from Hess-Divo AG.

340

2,500

994. Theophilus, with Michael II and Constantine, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 831-842. ∗ ΘЄOFILOS bASILЄ Θ, crowned bust of Theophilus facing, wearing chlamys and holding patriarchal cross and akakia / ⧾ MIXAHL S COҺSƮAҺƮIҺ’, crowned facing busts of Michael II (the emperor’s deceased father) and Constantine, each wearing chlamys; cross above. Füeg 3.H.1.y; DOC 3d; Sear 1653. 4.45g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 44, 7 June 2016, lot 1217.

995. Theophilus, with Michael II and Constantine, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 831-842. ∗ ΘЄOFILOS bASILЄ’ Θ, crowned bust of Theophilus facing, wearing chlamys and holding patriarchal cross and akakia / ⧾ MIXAHL S COҺSƮAҺƮIҺ’, crowned facing busts of Michael II (the emperor’s deceased father) and Constantine each wearing chlamys; cross above. Füeg 3.H.2.z; DOC 3e; Sear 1653. 4.16g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

996. Basil I ‘the Macedonian’, with Constantine, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 871-886. ⧾ IҺS XPS RЄX RЄϚNANƮIЧM ❊, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ЬASILIOS ЄƮ COҺSƮANƮ AЧϚϚ Ь, crowned facing busts of Basil, with short beard and loros, and Constantine, beardless and wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross between them. Füeg 3.C.1; DOC 2; Sear 1704. 4.40g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 52, 2 April 2017, lot 743.

997. Basil I ‘the Macedonian’, with Constantine, AR Miliaresion. Constantinople, AD 868-879. IҺSЧS XRI STЧS ҺICA, cross potent on three steps; globus below / ⧾ ЬASILIOS CЄ COҺSTAҺTIҺ’ PISTV ЬASILIS ROMЄO’ in six lines. DOC 7; Sear 1708. 3.06g, 27mm, 12h. Near Mint State; attractive light cabinet tone.

750

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG; Ex German collection of late Byzantine silver coins, formed in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

341

998. Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, with Romanus I and Christopher, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 924-931. ⧾ IhS XPS RЄX RЄϚNANTIЧM ∗, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ROMAҺ’ ЄT XRISƮOFO’ AЧϚϚ Ь’, crowned busts of Romanus and Christopher facing, holding patriarchal cross between them, and wearing loros and chlamys respectively. Füeg 7.B.1; DOC 7; Sear 1745. 4.44g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

350

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

Constantine VII as Sole Ruler

999. Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 945. ⧾ IҺS XPS RЄX RЄςNANTIЧM ⸭, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ⧾ COҺSTAҺT AVT CRAT’ b’ R’, crowned bust of Constantine VII facing, wearing loros and holding globus surmounted with patriarchal cross. Füeg 13.A.2; DOC 13b.1 var. (obv. legend); Sear 1747. 4.13g, 19mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From a private German collection. Constantine Porphyrogenitus was the son of Leo VI by his fourth wife, Zoe Carbonopsina, and shared the status of co-emperor with his uncle Alexander from the age of four. Following the death of Leo in 912, Constantine retained his status under Alexander until the latter’s death the following year. As Constantine was by now only the age of seven, the government was assumed by his mother Zoe for the next six years. In 919 Constantine married Helena, the daughter of his admiral Romanus Lecapenus, who assumed the regency and became Augustus the following year. For almost a quarter of a century, Constantine was to be allowed no part in government and relegated in the line of succession behind the sons of Romanus: Christopher, Stephen and Constantine. The unexpected deposition of Romanus in December 944 at the hands of his two surviving sons, Stephen and Constantine, finally gave the legitimate emperor the opportunity to seize power for himself. Both the Lecapeni were quickly overthrown on 27 January 945 and Constantine finally became sole ruler at the age of 39. This solidus was struck during the first few months of Constantine’s sole reign and proudly boasts the title autokrator (sole ruler) on the reverse. Whilst the individual portrait of Constantine signifies the end of nearly three decades lived in the shadow of regents and rival emperors, it also marks a departure from the double-portraits depicting emperors and their heirs typically found on the coinage and seals of the Macedonian dynasty since the reign of Basil I. It was short-lived however, as Constantine waited only ten weeks before raising his son, Romanus II, to the rank of co-emperor on 6 April 945.

342

Ex M&M FPL 1995

1000. Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, with Romanus I Lecapenus, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 931-944. ⧾ IҺX XPS RЄX RЄϚNANTIЧm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing on lyre-backed throne / ⧾ COҺSTAҺTIҺOS CЄ ROmAҺ’ ЄҺ’ XѠ b’ R’, Romanus, crowned and draped, and Constantine, crowned and wearing loros, standing facing, each holding globus cruciger and patriarchal cross between. DOC 10; Sear 1749. 4.40g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; previously NGC graded Choice AU. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Andre Constantine Dimitriadis Collection, Heritage World Coin Auctions, Long Beach Signature Sale 3035, 3 September 2014, lot 29588 (hammer: 3,250 USD); Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, List 583, February 1995, no. 77.

1001. Constantine VII, with Romanus II, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 955-959. ⧾ IҺS XPS RЄX RЄϚNANTIЧm ⸭, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / COҺSƮAҺƮ CE ROMAҺ’ AЧϚϚ Ь R, crowned facing busts of Constantine VII, wearing loros, and Romanus II, wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC 15; Sear 1751. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1002. Constantine VII, with Romanus II, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 955-959. ⧾ IҺS XPS RЄX RЄϚNANTIЧm, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / COҺSƮAҺƮ CE ROMAҺ’ AЧϚϚ Ь R, crowned facing busts of Constantine VII, wearing loros, and Romanus II, wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC 15; Sear 1751. 4.44g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1003. Nicephorus II Phocas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 967-969. ⧾ IҺs XΓS RЄX RЄϚNANTIҺm, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ⧾ ΘЄOTOC’ b’ HΘ’ ҺICHF, ∂ЄSP, half-length facing busts of the Virgin, nimbate, wearing stola and maphorium, and Nicephorus, wearing crown and loros, holding patriarchal cross between them; M-Θ either side of the Virgin, signature I below M. Füeg 3.C.4; DOC 4; Sear 1778. 4.05g, 21mm, 6h. Very Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

343

1004. John I Zimisces AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 969-976. ⧾ IҺS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTȠm, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ⧾ ΘЄOTOC Ь’ OHΘ’ IƜ ∂ЄS’, half-length facing bust of John, wearing crown and loros, holding patriarchal cross, being crowned by the Virgin Mary; MΘ above her, manus Dei above John. DOC 3; Sear 1785. 4.51g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 1006.

1005. Basil II, with Constantine VIII AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 977-989. ⧾ IҺS XIS RЄX RЄΓNANTIҺm, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ⧾ ЬASIL C COҺSƮAҺƮ’ Ь A, crowned facing facing half-length busts of Basil II, with short-beard and wearing loros on the left, and Constantine VIII, beardless and wearing chlamys on the right, holding between them long patriarchal cross. DOC 2d; Sear 1796. 4.32g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 1007; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 204, 12 March 2012, lot 985.

1006. Romanus III Argyrus AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1028-1034. ⧾ IҺS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIҺm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ΘCЄ bOHΘ’ RƜmAҺm, the Virgin standing facing, wearing pallium and maphorium, crowning Romanus, standing facing, wearing saccos and loros, holding globus cruciger; MΘ between their heads. Füeg 1.D.5.y; DOC 1c.2; Sear 1819. 4.42g, 24mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,250

Ex El Medina Collection; Ex Spink, Auction 121, 9 October 1997, lot 553.

1007. Romanus III Argyrus AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1028-1034. ⧾ IhS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIҺm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ΘCЄ bOHΘ’ RƜmAҺƜ, the Virgin standing facing, wearing pallium and maphorium, crowning Romanus, standing facing, wearing loros, with hand to breast and holding globus cruciger; MΘ above. DOC 1a; Sear 1820. 4.38g, 22mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Rare variant depicting the Virgin without nimbus.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 1014; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 199, 10 October 2011, lot 869 (hammer: 850 EUR).

344

345

Ex Hunt Collection and ex Hess-Leu 1958

1008. Zoë and Theodora AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, April-June AD 1042. ✠ ΘKЄ RΘ TAC BACIΛICCIC, half-length bust of the Virgin facing, orans, nimbate and wearing pallium with maphorium; bust of infant Christ with cruciform nimbus before her, MP-ΘV across fields / ✠ ZƜHN S ΘEOΔƜP, facing busts of Zoë (left) and Theodora (right), each wearing divitision and maniakion and crown with pinnacles and pendilia, holding between them a labarum. DOC 1 (same obv. die); Goodacre, Addenda p. 5; BN p. 631 (this coin); Sear 1827. 4.43g, 27mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Previously NGC graded (photo-certificate) Choice AU★ 5/5 - 5/5. Extremely Rare; one of the key rarities of the Byzantine series, struck on a massive planchet and one of the very finest known surviving specimens. 50,000 This coin cited in C. Morrisson, Catalogue des Monnaies Byzantines de la Bibliothèque Nationale (Paris, 1970); From the Ennismore Collection; Ex Andre Constantine Dimitriadis Collection, Heritage World Coin Auctions, Long Beach Signature Sale 3035, 3 September 2014, lot 29646; Ex “Important Private Collection of Byzantine Coins”, Sotheby’s, 2 November 1998, lot 517; Ex William Herbert Hunt Collection, Sotheby’s New York, 5 December 1990, lot 765; Ex Bank Leu AG, Auction 15, 4 May 1976, lot 521; Ex Adolph Hess AG - Bank Leu AG, Auction 24, 16 April 1964, lot 453; Ex Adolph Hess AG - Bank Leu AG, Auction 9, 2 April 1958, lot 440. By April 1042 the grand ‘Macedonian’ dynasty which had ruled in prosperity for almost two centuries was crumbling. The last great Emperor of this dynasty, Basil II, had passed away in 1025, leaving no children; his brother and nominal co-Emperor, the useless Constantine VIII, died soon after; he left three daughters, of whom two had spent most of their lives in relative obscurity in nunneries or the imperial gynaeceum (the Palace women’s quarters), while the third, Zoë, had wielded power as Empress since her father’s death, but had used this power to follow her own desires. In doing so she set the history of her line down a path of intrigue, hatred and lust, on which one of the most fascinating stopping points was the unprecedented reign of two Empresses - Zoë and her younger sister Theodora, elderly, hateful of each other and of conflicting personalities, but forced into joint power by the people, who had great affection for the dynasty of which they were the last remnants. In the seven and a half weeks of their rule, the Mint of Constantinople issued one type of coin - the nomisma, given precedence due to its prestige. This type, which stands out as one of the most sought-after rarities of Byzantine coinage, is the only numismatic record of this unusual period of Byzantine history, and of great iconographic and theological interest. By 1033, Zoë’s marriage to Romanos III, hastily arranged by her father to secure the succession after Theodora had refused to marry him, was falling apart. At this time, one of Romanos’ chief courtiers, John the Eunuch, the son of a peasant, arranged for his brother Michael to join the court, and Zoë became infatuated with his exceptional beauty. They began an affair which led to the assassination of Romanos in his bath on their orders in 1034, and Michael was crowned Michael IV on the very same day, following a quick marriage. However, he suffered from epilepsy and oedema, and his reign lasted only until his death on the 10th December 1041, shortly after which his nephew was crowned as Michael V, with Zoë’s (most likely forced) approval. His reign turned out to be short, for soon after his accession his disgraceful conduct to Zoë, a member of the well-liked Macedonian dynasty, caused a popular rebellion in Constantinople, and the joint rule of both Zoë and her sister Theodora was demanded. To achieve this, Zoë was returned to the city from her exile in a monastery, and a delegation was sent to the convent of Petrion to retrieve Theodora. She was unwilling to leave the convent and the life she was living, but after seeking refuge in the chapel was removed by force to Constantinople, where she was proclaimed Empress with Zoë in the Hagia Sophia. The palace was assaulted, and Michael V was overthrown. Thus began the unprecedented rule of two Empresses, breaking with the traditional Byzantine custom of secluding female members of the imperial family in the gynaeceum. Theodora’s relocation from the convent would have been most unwelcome to Zoë, for it was she who had driven her there in the first place. Zoe, in her enmity to Theodora, had accused her of conspiring to usurp the throne with two different men in 1030 and 1031, and she was removed to the convent in Petrion, where, during a later visit from Zoë, she was made to take Holy Orders. Their continuing hatred and suspicion of each other characterised their joint rule. While the epicurean Zoë had no real interest in imperial administration - in comparison to the earnest Theodora, who seems to have applied herself with energy and force to the role - she was jealous of her sister’s capacity for and growing influence in the position, and would not allow her to engage in official activities without her. The ill-feeling between the two increased with the development of factions supporting either woman, and ultimately Zoë put an end to her sister’s influence by taking a new husband - an old lover, Constantine Monomachos, crowned Constantine IX, onto whom the overarching power fell, taking it from the hands of Theodora and allying it more closely to his wife, Zoë, who was relegated down the hierarchy less far than her sister. Representations of the Virgin on Byzantine coinage became normalised some time after those of Christ, starting with a solidus of Leo VI (DOC 1) and proliferating from the 1030s under Romanos III. This was part of the wider expansion of the cult of the Virgin in the early 11th Century, which Grierson argues was most likely influenced “[s]o far as court and coinage were concerned … by the gradual abandonment of the Great Palace as the main imperial residence” in favour of the Palace at Blachernae - a suburb of Constantinople notable for its connections to Mary, in particular its Church of St Mary of Blachernae - which “brought the emperor into close contact with the main cult of the Virgin in the city” (DOC 3.1 p.169). Indeed, as Grierson argues further, the image of the Virgin on the present coin appears to be essentially a copy of a great icon in this very church: an icon called ‘The Visit’ (Episkepsis), existing at Blachernae as early as the 10th Century and comprising a representation of the Virgin with a medallion of Christ on her breast “intended to be understood symbolically as typifying the Incarnation, with Christ in the Virgin’s womb” (DOC 3.1 pp. 172-173). This icon does not survive, however, and the earliest dated example of its type appears to be the present histamenon of Zoe and Theodora - another argument for its historical importance. It can be argued, moreover, that the image of the Virgin takes on new significance in the unprecedented age of two ruling Empresses, perhaps attesting perhaps to a greater magnitude afforded to the role of women during this period: this histamenon bucks the established trend which saw the image of Christ as more suitable for the valuable gold coinage while images of the Virgin in her own right were typically consigned to silver and copper coins (DOC 3.1 pp. 170-171).

346

347

1009. Constantine IX Monomachus AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1042-1055. ⧾ IҺΓ XIΓ RCX bCCNANTIҺm’, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ⧾ CѠҺSTAҺTҺ IΛSIL ЄЧ R, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing jeweled chlamys, holding sceptre surmounted by trefoil and globus cruciger. DOC 5b; Sear 1832. 4.04g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 96, 10 December 2014, lot 678.

1010. Constantine IX Monomachus AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1042-1055. ⧾ IҺS XIS RЄX RCCNANƮIҺm, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ⧾ CѠҺSƮANƮҺOC LҺЄЧҺ(sic), crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing jeweled chlamys, holding labarum-headed sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 6; Sear 1833. 4.00g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 98, 21 September 2015, lot 759.

1011. Theodora AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1055-1056. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / ⧾ ΘЄOΔѠP AVΓOVCT, bust of Theodora facing, wearing crown, saccos and loros, holding jewelled sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 2.14; Sear 1838. 3.99g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 1028 (hammer: CHF 3,750); Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 43, 5 June 1989, lot 1665.

1012. Isaac I Comnenus AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1057-1059. ⧾ IhI XII RCX RЄGNANTIҺm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing on backless throne / ⧾ ICΛΛKIOC RΛCIΛЄVC PƜM’, Isaac standing facing, wearing crown, scale cuirass, corselet with pteruges, and military cloak, holding sword upright in right hand, resting left on sheath. DOC 2; Sear 1843. 4.42g, 25mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 442; Privately purchased from Bank Leu AG, 1971.

348

1013. Isaac I Comnenus AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1057-1059. ⧾ IҺS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIҺm, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ⧾ ICAAKIOC BACIΛЄVC PM, Isaac standing facing, wearing crown with pendilia, medium beard, armour, and cloak, holding scabbard and globus cruciger. DOC 3; Sear 1845. 4.00g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 1032 (hammer: CHF 2,400); Ex Sincona AG, Auction 17, 21 May 2014, lot 354; Acquired from Bank Leu AG, July 1968.

1014. Constantine X Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. ⧾ IhS IXS RЄX RЄΣNANTIҺm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ⧾ KΩN RACIΛ’-O ΔOVKAC, Constantine, bearded, standing facing on footstool, wearing crown, saccos and loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft in right hand and globus cruciger in left; double border. DOC 1a; Sear 1847. 4.43g, 28mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin.

1,250

Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3071, 6 January 2019, lot 33318.

1015. Constantine X Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. ⧾ IҺS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIҺM, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ⧾ KѠN RAC, Λ, O ΔOVKAC, Constantine, bearded, standing facing on footstool, wearing crown with pendilia, saccos and loros, holding labarum and globus cruciger. DOC 1a; Sear 1847. 4.46g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1016. Constantine X Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. ⧾ IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺM, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ⧾ KѠN RAC Λ O ΔOVKAC, Constantine, bearded, standing facing on footstool, wearing crown with pendilia, saccos and loros, and holding labarum and globus cruciger. DOC 1a; Sear 1847. 4.34g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

349

1017. Constantine X Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. ⧾ IҺS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIҺM, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ⧾ KѠN RAC, Λ, O ΔOVKAC, Constantine, bearded, standing facing on footstool, wearing crown with pendilia, saccos and loros, and holding labarum and globus cruciger. DOC 1a; Sear 1847. 4.09g, 26mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1018. Constantine X Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. ⧾ IҺS IXI RX RCINANTIҺM, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / ⧾ KѠN RAC Λ O ΔOVKAC, Constantine, bearded, standing facing on footstool, wearing crown with pendilia, saccos and loros, and holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger, tear-drop pendant suspended from left hand. DOC 1b.4; Sear 1847. 4.38g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1019. Constantine X AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. ⧾ IhS IXS RЄX RЄGNANTIhM, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing on lyre-backed throne / ⧾ KѠN RAC,Λ, O ΔOVKAC, the Virgin standing facing, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, crowning the emperor, standing facing, wearing loros and crown with pendilia, holding hand to breast and globus cruciger; M between their heads and Θ in upper right field. DOC 2; Sear 1848. 4.64g, 28mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

200

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 446; Previously acquired from Fortuna Galleries, New York, September 1972.

1020. Romanus IV, with Eudocia, Michael VII, Constantius, and Andronicus, AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1068-1071. KѠN MX ANΔ, Michael standing facing, holding labarum and akakia, between Constantius and Andronicus, each holding globus cruciger and akakia, all standing on footstools / ⧾ PѠMAN EVΔƮ[..], Christ standing facing on square footstool, crowning Romanus and Eudocia, each holding globus cruciger; ICXC across upper fields. DOC 1; Sear 1859. 4.34g, 28mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

350

1021. Romanus IV, with Eudocia, Michael VII, Constantius, and Andronicus, AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1068-1071. KѠN MX ANΔ, Michael standing facing, holding labarum and akakia, between Constantius and Andronicus, each holding globus cruciger and akakia, all standing on footstools / ⧾ -ѠAN’ CVC[..], Christ standing facing on square footstool, crowning Romanus and Eudocia, each holding globus cruciger; IC-XC across upper fields. DOC 1; Sear 1859. 4.33g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

250

From the Sarmas Collection.

1022. Michael VII Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Half-length bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / ⧾ MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, half-length bust of Michael facing, wearing crown with pendilia and loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2c; Sear 1868. 4.36g, 30mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

200

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

1023. Michael VII Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Half-length bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / ⧾ MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, half-length bust of Michael facing, wearing crown with pendilia and loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2c; Sear 1868. 4.38g, 29mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

200

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

351

1024. Michael VII Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Half-length bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / ⧾ MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, half-length bust of Michael facing, wearing crown with pendilia and loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2e; Sear 1868. 4.28g, 29mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

200

From the Sarmas Collection.

1025. Michael VII Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Half-length bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / ⧾ MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, half-length bust of Michael facing, wearing crown with pendilia and loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2d; Sear 1868. 4.33g, 29mm, 6h. Near Very Fine; graffiti in outer obv. fields.

150

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1026. Michael VII Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Half-length bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / ⧾ MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, half-length bust of Michael facing, wearing crown with pendilia and loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2d; Sear 1868. 4.33g, 29mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

150

From the Sarmas Collection.

1027. Michael VII Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across fields / ⧾ MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, half-length bust of Michael facing, wearing loros, holding labarum and globus cruciger. DOC 1; Sear 1869. 4.40g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 456.

352

1028. Nicephorus III Botaniates EL Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1078-1081. Half-length bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / ⧾ NIKHΦP ΔЄCΠT, crowned bust of Nicephorus facing, wearing loros, holding long cross and globus cruciger. DOC 1; Sear 1883. 4.36g, 32mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 464.

1029. Alexius I Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1092-1118. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Alexius standing facing wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum and globus cruciger; in upper field to right, manus Dei; ΛΛЄZIѠ ΔЄCΠOT (or similar) to left, TѠ KOMNHNѠ to right. Cf. DOC 20b; Sear 1912. 4.32g, 32mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1030. Alexius I Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1092-1118. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Alexius standing facing wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum and globus cruciger; in upper field to right, manus Dei; ΛΛЄZIѠ ΔЄCΠOT to left, TѠ KOMNHNѠ to right. DOC 20b; Sear 1912. 4.40g, 30mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; graffito in outer rev. field.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

353

1031. Alexius I Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1092-1118. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Alexius standing facing wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum and globus cruciger; in upper field to right, manus Dei; ΛΛCZIѠ ΔCCΠOTH to left, TѠ KOMNHNѠ to right. DOC 20g; Sear 1913. 4.38g, 30mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; highly lustrous, untouched fields.

400

From the Sarmas Collection.

1032. Alexius I Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1092-1118. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Alexius standing facing wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum and globus cruciger; in upper field to right, manus Dei; ΛΛCZIѠ ΔCCΠOTH to left, TѠ KOMNHNѠ to right. DOC 20g; Sear 1913. 4.40g, 30mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1033. Alexius I Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1092-1118. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Alexius standing facing wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum and globus cruciger; in upper field to right, manus Dei; ΛΛCZIѠ ΔCCΠOTH to left, TѠ KOMNHNѠ to right. DOC 20g; Sear 1913. 4.35g, 29mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine.

200

From the Sarmas Collection.

354

1034. Alexius I Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Thessalonica, AD 1092-1118. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Alexius standing facing wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum and globus cruciger; in upper field to right, manus Dei; ΛΛЄZIѠ ΔЄCΠT to left, TѠ KOMNNѠ to right. DOC 20h; Sear 1924. 4.34g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; slight die shift on obv.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1035. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1118-1122. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Facing half-length figures of John, wearing crown with pendilia and panelled loros, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, holding patriarchal cross between them; IѠ ΔЄCΠΟΤΗ to left, manus Dei to upper left, ΘV-M in right field. DOC 1b; Sear 1938. 4.40g, 30mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 1053.

1036. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1118-1122. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Facing half-length figures of John, wearing crown with pendilia and panelled loros, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, holding patriarchal cross between them; ⧾ IѠ ΔCCΠΟΤΗ to left, manus Dei to upper left, ΘV-MP in right field. DOC 1b; Sear 1938. 4.37g, 30mm, 6h. Mint State; slight obv. die shift, minor graffiti in outer fields, highly lustrous.

400

From the Sarmas Collection.

1037. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1118-1122. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Facing half-length figures of John, wearing crown with pendilia and panelled loros, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, holding patriarchal cross between them; ⧾ IѠ ΔCCΠΟΤΗ to left, manus Dei to upper left, ΘV-MHP in right field. DOC 1a; Sear 1938. 4.42g, 33mm, 6h. Near Mint State; minor graffiti in outer fields.

400

From the Sarmas Collection.

355

1038. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1118-1122. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Facing half-length figures of John, wearing crown with pendilia and panelled loros, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, holding patriarchal cross between them; ⧾ IѠ ΔCCΠΟΤΗ to left, manus Dei to upper left, ΘV-MHP in right field. DOC 1a; Sear 1938. 4.34g, 30mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; minor graffiti in outer fields.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1039. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1118-1122. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Facing half-length figures of John, wearing crown with pendilia and panelled loros, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, holding patriarchal cross between them; ⧾ IѠ ΔCCΠΟΤΗ to left, manus Dei to upper left, ΘV-MHP in right field. DOC 1a; Sear 1938. 4.32g, 30mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; minor graffiti in outer fields.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1040. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1118-1122. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Facing half-length figures of John, wearing crown with pendilia and panelled loros, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, holding patriarchal cross between them; [⧾ IѠ ΔCCΠΟΤΗ] to left, manus Dei to upper left, [ΘV]-MHP in right field. DOC 1a; Sear 1938. 4.48g, 29mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; graffito in outer rev. field.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

356

1041. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1122-1137. Facing figures of John, on left, wearing divitision and loros and holding akakia and labarum, crowned by the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing pallium and maphorium; MΘ between, IƜ ΔCCΠΟTTѠΠ to left, ΦVPOΓCNHT to right / Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across fields. DOC 2; Sear 1939. 4.36g, 31mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; unusually this example has been struck with the obverse and reverse dies switched.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1042. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1118-1122. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across fields / Facing figure of John, on left, wearing stemma, divitision and panelled loros, holding globus cruciger, crowned by the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium; VΘ between, MHP to right, IѠ ΔЄCΠΟ TH to left. DOC 3b; Sear 1940. 4.40g, 29mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; minor graffiti in outer fields.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1043. John II Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1118-1122. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across fields / Facing figure of John, on left, wearing stemma, divitision and panelled loros, holding globus cruciger, crowned by the Virgin Mary, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium; VΘ between, MHP to right, IѠ ΔЄCΠΟ TH to left. DOC 3b; Sear 1940. 4.44g, 32mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; minor graffiti in outer fields.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

357

1044. Manuel I Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1167-1183. ⧾ KЄ ROHΘЄI, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / Manuel standing facing, wearing crown, divitsion and chlamys, holding labarum and globus surmounted by patriarchal cross; in upper field to right, manus Dei; MAN૪HΛ ΔЄCΠOTH (or similar) to left, T[Ѡ] ΠOPΦVPOΓЄNTѠ to right. DOC 1; Sear 1956. 4.34g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; minor graffiti in outer fields.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1045. Manuel I Comnenus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1167-1183. KЄ ROHΘЄI, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / Manuel standing facing, wearing crown, divitsion and chlamys, holding labarum and globus surmounted by patriarchal cross; in upper field to right, manus Dei; MAИOVH ΔЄCΠOTH to left, TѠ ΠOPΦVPOΓЄИИHTѠ to right. DOC 1e; Sear 1956. 4.49g, 28mm, 6h. Near Mint State; a minor scrape to obv., a superb example of the type.

750

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 1060 (incorrectly attributed to the Thessalonica mint, hammer: 1,900 CHF).

1046

1047

1046. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1160-1164. Christ Pantokrator standing facing on low daïs; IC-XC and stars across fields / Manuel and St. Theodore standing facing, each holding a sword and patriarchal cross set on globus between them; MA[NᏌH]Λ to left, O ΘЄΟΔѠΡOC to right. DOC 4b; Sear 1959. 4.27g, 32mm, 6h. Mint State. 300 From the Sarmas Collection. 1047. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1160-1164. Christ Pantokrator standing facing on low daïs; IC-XC and stars across fields / Manuel and St. Theodore standing facing, each holding a sword and patriarchal cross set on globus between them; MANᏌHΛ to left, O ΘЄ[ΟΔѠΡOC] to right. DOC 4a; Sear 1959. 4.30g, 32mm, 6h. Mint State; minor flan crack 6/12h, hairline crack in centre of flan. 300 From the Sarmas Collection.

358

1048

1049

1048. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1160-1164. Christ Pantokrator standing facing on low daïs; IC-XC and stars across fields / Manuel and St. Theodore standing facing, each holding a sword and patriarchal cross set on globus between them; MA[NᏌHΛ] to left, O [ΘЄΟΔѠΡOC] to right. DOC 4b; Sear 1959. 4.20g, 33mm, 6h. Near Mint State. 250 From the Sarmas Collection. 1049. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1160-1164. Christ Pantokrator standing facing on low daïs; IC-XC and stars across fields / Manuel and St. Theodore standing facing, each holding a sword and patriarchal cross set on globus between them; [MANᏌ]HΛ to left, O ΘЄΟ[ΔѠΡOC] to right. DOC 4b; Sear 1959. 4.55g, 32mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; slight die shift on obv., graffito in outer rev. field. 200 From the Sarmas Collection.

1050

1051

1050. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1160-1164. Christ Pantokrator standing facing on low daïs; IC-XC and stars across fields / Manuel and St. Theodore standing facing, each holding a sword and patriarchal cross set on globus between them; MANᏌHΛ to left, O [ΘЄΟΔѠΡOC] to right. DOC 4b; Sear 1959. 4.51g, 32mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. 200 From the Sarmas Collection. 1051. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1167-1183. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Manuel standing facing, wearing stemma, divitision and chlamys, holding labarum on long shaft and globus cruciger, crowned by the Virgin Mary standing to left, wearing tunic and maphorium; M between, MANᏌHΛ to left, ΘV and ΔЄCCͰ (or similar) to right. DOC 6c; Sear 1961. 4.06g, 32mm, 5h. Mint State; minor flan crack 1/5h, graffito in outer rev. field. Excellent for the type. 250 From the Sarmas Collection.

1052

1053

1052. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1167-1183. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Manuel standing facing, wearing stemma, divitision and chlamys, holding labarum on long shaft and globus cruciger, crowned by the Virgin Mary standing to left, wearing tunic and maphorium; M between, [MANH]Λ to left, ΘV and ΔЄCΠOT to right. DOC 6d; Sear 1961. 4.54g, 32mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; flan crack 2/5h. 200 From the Sarmas Collection. 1053. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1167-1183. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Manuel standing facing, wearing stemma, divitision and chlamys, holding labarum on long shaft and globus cruciger, crowned by the Virgin Mary standing to left, wearing tunic and maphorium; MHP between, [MAN]ᏌHΛ to left, ΘV and ΔЄCΠT to right. DOC 6a; Sear 1961. 4.10g, 32mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; flan crack 11/5h. 200 From the Sarmas Collection.

359

1054

1055

1054. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, circa AD 1167-1183. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; IC-XC across upper fields / Manuel standing facing, wearing stemma, divitision and chlamys, holding labarum on long shaft and globus cruciger, crowned by the Virgin Mary standing to left, wearing tunic and maphorium; MHP between, MANᏌHΛ to left, ΘV and ΔЄCCIͰ to right. DOC 6c; Sear 1961. 4.50g, 31mm, 6h. Mint State; flan crack 8/9h, highly lustrous and well-struck. 200 From the Sarmas Collection. 1055. Manuel I Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Thessalonica, circa AD 1160-1167. The Virgin enthroned facing, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, holding the head of the infant Christ facing on breast; MHP-ΘV across fields / Manuel on left, wearing stemma, divitision and chlamys, and St. Demetrius on right, nimbate, wearing military tunic and breastplate, both standing facing, holding labarum between them, while Manuel also holds akakia; [MAN૪HΛ ΔЄCΠOTH] to left, [Θ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟS] to right. DOC 9; Sear 1974. 4.70g, 33mm, 6h. Mint State; minor flan crack 10/8h. 250 From the Sarmas Collection.

1056. Andronicus I Comnenus AV Hyperpryon. Constantinople, AD 1183-1185. The Virgin enthroned facing, nimbate, wearing pallium and maphorium, holding the head of the infant Christ facing on breast; MHP-ΘV across fields / Andronicus standing facing, wearing stemma, divitision and panelled loros, holding labarum-headed sceptre and globus cruciger, crowned by Christ, standing facing, nimbate, wearing tunic and colobium, holding book of Gospels; ANΔPONIKOC to left, ΔECΠOTHC to right, IC-XC across upper fields. DOC 1; Sear 1983. 4.46g, 30mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 23 May 2016, lot 1069; Ex Iconodule Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 94, 18 September 2013, lot 1531 (hammer: 1,600 USD).

Ex Sternberg XXVI, 1992

1057. Isaac II Angelus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople, AD 1185-1195. The Virgin enthroned facing, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorion, holding the head of the infant Christ facing on breast; MHP-ΘV across fields / ICAAKIOC ΔCC, Isaac standing facing, wearing stemma, divitision and jeweled loros, holding cruciform sceptre, and St. Michael the Archangel standing facing, wearing military tunic, breastplate and Saigon, holding sword-insheath between them; manus Dei and O above, XM in right field. DOC 1b.7-9; Sear 2001. 4.22g, 26mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; graffito in in outer rev. field.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 37, 16 May 2017, lot 505; Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction XXVI, 16 November 1992, lot 501.

360

1058. John III Ducas-Vatazes AV Hyperpyron. Emperor of Nicaea. Magnesia, AD 1222-1254. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; [IC]-XC across upper fields, • to left / John standing facing, wearing stemma, divitision, collar-piece and panelled loros, holding labarum and anexikakia, crowned by the Virgin Mary, wearing tunic and maphorion; [MHP-ΘV] across upper fields, [I]Ѡ to left, ⧾ TѠ Π to right. DOC 6a.1-3; Sear 2073. 4.42g, 26mm, 6h. Mint State; almost invisible graffiti in outer fields on obv.

300

From the Sarmas Collection.

1059. Michael VIII Ducas Angelus Comnenus Palaeologus AV Hyperpyron. Philadelphia mint(?), AD 1261-1282. Half-length figure of the Virgin, orans, within city walls; Π-Є (sigla) across lower fields / Emperor kneeling slightly to right, being presented by Archangel Michael to Christ enthroned slightly to left, raising hand in benediction and holding scroll; IC-XC to left and right of Christ, ⁘⁘[Π] between. DOC 17 (Sigla 83); PCPC 5; Sear 2243 (Constantinople). 4.13g, 23mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 84, 1 December 2019, lot 614 (hammer: 850 EUR).

1060. Michael VIII Ducas Angelus Comnenus Palaeologus AV Hyperpyron. Constantinople. AD 1261-1282. Half-length figure of the Virgin, orans, within city walls; monogram-A (sigla) across lower fields / Emperor kneeling slightly to right, being presented by Archangel Michael to Christ enthroned slightly to left, raising hand in benediction and holding scroll; IC-XC to left and right of Christ, OΠΛΛ to right. DOC -, cf. 17-25 (Sigla 59); PCPC 5; Sear 2243. 4.09g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 84, 1 December 2019, lot 613.

361

The End of the Byzantine Empire

1061. Constantine XI Palaeologus AR Stavraton. Constantinople, Siege of Constantinople, AD 1453. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing, IC and [XC] to left and right, pellets to either side of bust / KWИC[TANTINOC ΔΕCΠΟΤΗC Ο ΠΑΛΕΟΛΟΓ] in the outer circle, ΘV ΧΑΡΙ[ΤΗ ΒΑCΙΛΕΩC] ΡΟΜЄ in the inner circle, crowned bust of Constantine facing, wearing maniakon, pellets to either side of bust. Bendall, Revue Numismatique 1991, ‘The Coinage of Constantine XI’, pp. 135-142, (O77-81 / R77) (these dies); DOC 1787 var. (pellets on reverse). 6.35g, 23mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; some areas of flat striking. Extremely Rare, with an uncommonly well-detailed portrait of Constantine XI.

17,500

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd. The reign of Constantine XI is primarily remembered for marking the end of the so-called ‘Byzantine’ Empire, the remainder of the Eastern Roman Empire that had stood for a thousand years after the fall of Rome and the West. Constantine XI succeeded his brother John VIII Palaeologus on 6 January 1449, and had reigned for only two years when the Ottoman Sultan Murad II died, being followed by his zealous nineteen year old son Mehmed II, who was obsessed with the conquest of Constantinople. A diplomatic miscalculation on the part of Constantine was seized upon by Mehmed as a convenient casus belli, and preparations for war commenced. In the winter of 1451/2 Mehmed cut off Constantinople from the Black sea by establishing a fortification on the European side of the Bosporus which together with the existing fort on the Asian side, gave the Turks complete control of the strait. Specifically, it prevented help from Genoese colonies on the Black Sea coast from reaching Constantinople. Realising that a siege was imminent, Constantine prepared his defence of the city. Despite appealing to the Pope and Western princes for aid in the defence of the city, little help came. France and England were weakened by the Hundred Years War, Spain was in the final stages of the Reconquista, the German states were racked by infighting and Hungary and Poland had suffered a crushing defeat at Varna which they had not recovered from. In the end only a few soldiers from the northern Italian city states arrived, together with some adventurers and independent companies. Any hope of help from Constantine’s brothers in Morea was dashed by an Ottoman invasion of the peninsula intended to pin down their troops. In the winter of 1452 Mehmed arrived with his army at Constantinople, and the siege of the city began. Greatly depopulated over the years, Constantinople was now a city of just 50,000 inhabitants, with an army of only 7,000 to defend them. Arrayed against Constantine was a force at least ten times larger than his, with state of the art artillery provided by the gunsmith Orban. After a siege of fifty-three days and determined fighting, the city fell. When all hope had faded, according to Michael Critobulus (writing later in Mehmed’s service) Constantine tore off his imperial regalia so as to let nothing distinguish him from any other soldier and led his remaining men in a last charge, perishing in the fighting. Struck during the siege of Constantinople, the present coin is illustrative of how far the empire had fallen. Its fabric is crude, struck on recycled silver from church altar vessels (attested to by contemporary and eyewitness reports, including those of Leonard, Archbishop of Chios and Nicolo Barbaro) in order to pay the soldiers, ditch diggers and builders engaged in the defence of the city, and the quality of the artistry no better than the worst barbaric imitative issues of the migration period, yet the historical importance of these extremely rare coins cannot be overstated. 29 May 1453 is often cited as end of the late Middle Ages of the post-classical era, and the start of the early-modern period. The siege coinage of Constantine XI can thus rightly considered to be the last ‘ancient’ coins.

1062. Byzantine Empire Æ One Uncia Commercial Weight. Circa 5th-7th century AD. Silver inlaid cross flanked by Γ and Α within the pillars of three arches with three silver inlaid crosses with pediments and three on pinnacles above. For three arch types cf. Bendall, Byzantine Weights, 55, 63 and 66; M, Campagnolo & K. Weber, Pods Romano-byzantines, Collection du Musée d’art et d’histoire, Grbève, 35 and 71. 24.49g, 25mm x 26mm. Good Very Fine.

200

From the inventory of a German dealer.

362

ISLAMIC COINS MONGOLS

10 Dirhams

1063. Mongols, Great Khans, temp. Töregene Khatun AR 10 Dirhams. Balad al-Kurraman mint, AH 641 = AD 1243. In the name of the Abbasid caliph al-Musta’sim. Al-musta’sim, billah amir, al-mu’minin, in three lines within square with floral ornaments in each of the four marginal segments, within double linear and pelleted border / Duriba hadha, fi’l-balad, al-kurraman, in three lines within square; the date arranged in the margin: bi-tarikh sana, ihda, (wa) arba’in, wa sitmi’a within double linear and pelleted border. Album -; ICV -; Nyamaa -; cf. Zeno 148091 = NGSA VIII, lot 289 (same dies); cf. Triton XXII, lot 1234 (same dies); Stephen Album Rare Coins 34, lot 877 (same dies). 28.38g, 31mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; without areas of flat strike, usual die break on obverse, fully centred. Exceedingly Rare and previously unpublished until the appearance of the Numismatica Genevensis SA coin.

12,000

From the Professor Shir Mohammad Collection. This 10 dirhams is the fifth reported (all from the same pair of dies) and probably one of the finest. This coin was struck during the reign of Ögedei Khan’s wife, Töregene Khatun, the first empress regent of the Mongols. A period of turmoil followed the death of Ögedei Khan in AH 639, while the assembly of Mongol elites (quriltai) debated who to elect as the next Khan. Ögedei’s intended heir had been his third son Köchü who in the event predeceased him. His second choice was Köchü’s eldest son, Shiremün, whom he raised following the death of his father with the intention of him becoming the next Khan. Following Ögedei’s death, his wife Töregene and others objected to Shiremün, instead supporting Güyük, the eldest son of Ögedei. While a decision was being reached by the quriltai it was agreed that since Töregene was the mother of the sons with the right to khanate she should act as regent. The contemporary writer Ata Malik Juvayni suggested that her appointment was due to her diplomatic ability, saying that she was a very shrewd and capable woman, and her position was greatly strengthened by this unity and concord’ (Tārīkh-i jahān-gushā II, p. 196). She was able to rule and successfully subdue resistance to her reign by viziers and even some members of her own family for five years before she was content that the stage was set for her son Güyük to become Great Khan. On this coin we do not see Töregene’s name or titles, instead the coin cites the contemporary living sunní spiritual leader, the Abbasid caliph alMusta’sim. It was struck at al-Kurraman, a city located in Pakistan close to the modern border with Afghanistan. Previously the mint at al-Kurraman had shown its allegiance to the Mongols following the conquest of Eastern Afghanistan in AH 618 (AD 1221/2) by striking coinage in the name of the Great Khan. The decision not to strike a coin with the name of the regent Töregene, could reflect a desire to remain non-partisan during the period of turmoil following the death of Ögedei Khan. The mint was active only briefly from the late Ghorid period (circa AH 590s) until this current issue, apparently the last dated coin from the mint. The coins of this issue are now extremely rare since they were mostly melted and reused soon after production.

363

MEDIEVAL AND WORLD COINS AUSTRALIA

1064. Australia, British Colonial. Victoria AV Sovereign. Sydney mint, 1890. Designs by Joseph Edgar Boehm and Benedetto Pistrucci. VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, jubilee bust to left; J.E.B. on bust truncation / St. George on horseback to right, holding sword and wearing plumed helmet and billowing cloak, slaying the dragon which falls to right; S (mintmark) on ground line, B.P. below, date in exergue. KM 10; Friedberg 19; Marsh 141A; SCBC 3868B. 7.97g, 22mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

350

From the Vitangelo Collection.

1065. Australia, British Colonial. Victoria AV Sovereign. Melbourne mint, 1897. Designs by Thomas Brock and Benedetto Pistrucci. VICTORIA • DEI • GRA • BRITT • REGINA • FID • DEF • IND • IMP •, crowned, veiled and draped bust to left; T.B. below bust / St. George on horseback to right, holding sword and wearing plumed helmet and billowing cloak, slaying the dragon which falls to right; M (mintmark) on ground line, B.P. below, date in exergue. KM 13; Friedberg 24; Marsh 157; SCBC 3875. 7.99g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Vitangelo Collection.

1066. Australia, British Colonial. Victoria AV Sovereign. Melbourne mint, 1900. Designs by Thomas Brock and Benedetto Pistrucci. VICTORIA • DEI • GRA • BRITT • REGINA • FID • DEF • IND • IMP •, crowned, veiled and draped bust to left; T.B. below bust / St. George on horseback to right, holding sword and wearing plumed helmet and billowing cloak, slaying the dragon which falls to right; M (mintmark) on ground line, B.P. below, date in exergue. KM 13; Friedberg 24; Marsh 160; SCBC 3875. 7.98g, 22mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

350

From the Vitangelo Collection.

364

FRANCE The Single Finest NGC Certified Example

1067. France, Kingdom. Philippe VI de Valois AV Chaise d’or. Struck from 17 July 1346. ✠ PҺILLIPPVS ⁑ DЄI ⁑ GRACIΛ ⁑ FRAꞂCORVM ⁑ RЄX, Philippe seated facing on ornate Gothic throne, lis-tipped sceptre in right hand and Main de Justice in left; all within tressure of arches with trefoil in each spandrel, and four saltires below foot of throne / ✠ ⁝ XP’C ⁝ VIꞂCIT ⁝ XP’C ⁝ RЄGИAT ⁝ XP’C ⁝ IMPЄRAT ⁝, arched cross feuillue et fleurdelisée over voided short arched cross, with voided quatrefoil at each limb; quatrefoil at centre; all within quadrilobe with inward-facing lis in each angle, crown in each spandrel. Duplessy 258A; Friedberg 269. 4.64g, 30mm, 12h. Previously NGC graded MS 64 (#5746900-009) - the single finest NGC certified example of the type.

7,500

Acquired from Heritage World Coin Auctions.

1068. France, Kingdom. Jean II le Bon (the Good) AV Mouton d’or. Paris mint, struck from 17 January 1355. ✠ AGꞂ ◦ DЄI ◦ QVI ◦ TOLL ◦ PCCA ◦ MVDI ◦ MISЄRЄRЄ ◦ ꞂOB, nimbate Agnus Dei standing to left, head to right, cruciform fleurdelisée staff with pennant flying in background; IOҺ’ RЄX below; all within tressure of arches / ✠ XP’C ⁑ VIИCIT ⁑ XP’C ⁑ RЄGИAT ⁑ XP’C ⁑ IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée and feuillue, cinquefoil within angled quadrilobe at centre; lis in quarters; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels flanking angles. Duplessy 291; Ciani 354; Lafaurie 294; Friedberg 280. 4.60g, 30mm, 3h. 3,000

Near Mint State; a superb example of the type. From a private European collection.

1069. France, Kingdom. Jean II le Bon (the Good) AV Mouton d’or. Paris mint, struck from 17 January 1355. ✠ AGꞂ ◦ DЄI ◦ QVI ◦ TOLL ◦ PCCA ◦ MVDI ◦ MISЄRЄRЄ ◦ ꞂOB, nimbate Agnus Dei standing to left, head to right, cruciform fleurdelisée staff with pennant flying in background; IOҺ’ RЄX below; all within tressure of arches / ✠ XP’C ⁑ VIИCIT ⁑ XP’C ⁑ RЄGИAT ⁑ XP’C ⁑ IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée and feuillue, cinquefoil within angled quadrilobe at centre; lis in quarters; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels flanking angles. Duplessy 291; Ciani 354; Lafaurie 294; Friedberg 280. 4.67g, 29mm, 9h. 3,000

Good Extremely Fine. From a private European collection.

365

1070. France, Kingdom. Jean II le Bon (the Good) AV Florin. Montpellier or Toulouse mint, 1360. ✠ FRANTIA, Florentine lily / ✠ • S • IONANNES • B • (helmet), St. John the Baptist standing facing, blessing with right hand and holding sceptre in left. Duplessy 346; Ciani 362; Lafaurie 358; Friedberg 282. 3.47g, 19mm, 10h. 500

Good Very Fine. Rare. From a private European collection.

1071. France, Kingdom. Charles V le Sage (the Wise) AV Franc à pied. Paris mint, struck from 20 April 1365. KAROLVS ˣ DI ˣ GR FRAИCORV ˣ RЄX, king standing facing within Gothic arch, holding sword with annulet pommel and Main de Justice; semé of seven lis to left and right / ✠ XPC ∗ VIHCIT ∗ XPC ∗ RЄGHAT ∗ XPC ∗ IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée, pellet within angled quadrilobed at centre, cantoned with lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe, lis in spandrels. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 331; Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. 3.77g, 28mm, 9h. Mint State; previously NGC graded MS 62 (4841476-005).

2,750

Acquired from Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG.

1072. France, Kingdom. Charles V le Sage (the Wise) AV Franc à pied. Paris mint, struck from 20 April 1365. KAROLVS ∗ DI ∗ GR FRAИCORV ∗ RЄX, king standing facing within Gothic arch, holding sword with annulet pommel and Main de Justice; semé of seven lis to left and right / ✠ XPC ∗ VIHCIT ∗ XPC ∗ RЄGИAT ∗ XPC ∗ IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée, pellet within angled quadrilobed at centre, cantoned with lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobed, lis in spandrels. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 331; Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. 3.75g, 29mm, 5h. 1,750

Good Extremely Fine. From a private European collection.

366

1073. France, Kingdom. Charles V le Sage (the Wise) AV Franc à pied. Paris mint, struck from 20 April 1365. KAROLVS ˣ DI ˣ GR FRAИCORV ˣ RЄX, king standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword with annulet pommel and Main de Justice / ✠ XPC ∗ VIИCIT ∗ XPC ∗ RЄGИAT ∗ XPC ∗ IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée, pellet within angled quadrilobed at centre, cantoned with lis and crowns in quarters; all within angled quadrilobed, lis in spandrels. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 331; Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. 3.79g, 30mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

1,600

From a private European collection.

1074. France, Kingdom. Charles V le Sage (the Wise) AV Franc à pied. Paris mint, struck from 20 April 1365. KAROLVS ⵘ DI ⵘ GR FRAИCORV ⵘ RЄX, king standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword with annulet pommel and Main de Justice / ✠ XPC ∗ VIИCIT ∗ XPC ∗ RЄGИAT ∗ XPC ∗ IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée, pellet within angled quadrilobed at centre, cantoned with lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobed, lis in spandrels. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 331; Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. 3.77g, 29mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,600

From a private European collection.

1075. France, Kingdom. Charles V le Sage (the Wise) AV Franc à pied. Paris mint, struck from 20 April 1365. KAROLVS ∗ DI ∗ GR FRAИCORV ∗ RЄX, king standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword with annulet pommel and Main de Justice / ✠ XPC ∗ VIИCIT ∗ XPC ∗ RЄИAT(sic) ∗ XPC ∗ IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée, pellet within angled quadrilobed at centre, cantoned with lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobed, lis in spandrels. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 331; Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. 3.71g, 30mm, 11h. 1,500

Near Extremely Fine; slight crease. From a private European collection.

367

1076. France, Kingdom. Charles V le Sage (the Wise) AV Franc à pied. Paris mint, struck from 20 April 1365. KAROL ˣ DI ˣ GRA FRAꞂCOR ˣ RЄS, king standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of eight or nine lis to left and seven to right, holding sword with annulet pommel and Main de Justice / ✠ SPC ⋋ VIИCIT ⋋ SPC ⋋ RЄGꞂAT ⋋ SPC ⋋ IИPЄR, cross tréflée, pellet within angled quadrilobed at centre, cantoned with lis and crowns in quarters; all within angled quadrilobed, lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360A; Lafourie 371; Ciani 457A; Friedberg 284. 3.81g, 28mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

800

From a private European collection.

1077. France, Kingdom. Louis XVIII AV 20 Francs. Royal Government in Exile. London mint, 1815 R. Designs by Pierre-Joseph Tiolier. LOUIS XVIII ROI DE FRANCE, bust to right, wearing the cord of the Order du Saint Esprit / PIECE DE 20 FRANCS, crowned coat-of-arms within laurel wreath, date and mintmarks below. Edge inscription: DOMINE SALVUM FAC REGEM. KM 707; VG 1027; Friedberg 531. 6.42g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From a private UK collection. This issue is easily distinguished from the equivalent coins struck at Paris due to the London mintmarks on the reverse and the absence of Tiolier’s signature on the obverse. It was struck during 1815 by the exiled King Louis XVIII in London for the most part to fund British troops in France. After the Battle of Waterloo and defeat of Napoleon, Louis XVIII returned to France to reclaim his throne and no longer required the use of the London mint. These coins were initially rejected by the French Treasury as counterfeits before it was agreed that they would be accepted but not put into circulation, instead they were put towards paying off the indemnity imposed on France in the Treaty of Paris 1815.

1078. France, Second Empire. Napoleon III AV 5 Francs. Paris mint, 1854 A. Designs by Jean-Jacques Barre. NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR, bare head to right, mintmarks and BARRE below / EMPIRE FRANÇAIS, denomination over date within laurel wreath; mintmark below. KM 783; VG 1000; Friedberg 578. 1.59g, 14mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

350

From a private UK collection.

GREAT BRITAIN

1079. Great Britain, Plantagenet. Edward IV AV Ryal - 10 Shillings. Tower (London) mint, 1466-1469. ЄDWΛRD’ DI GRΛ’ RЄX ΛꞂGL’ Z FRΛꞂC DꞂS’ I B, words split up by trefoils, King standing facing in ship with bowsprit, holding sword and shield, Є on flag on stern, rose on hull, waves below / ♛ IҺC’ ΛVT’ TRΛꞂSIЄꞂS PER ᙏЄDIVᙏ ILLORVᙏ I BΛT, words split up by trefoils, central rose over sunburst with ornate spokes, crowns, lions and fleurs-de-lis in spandrels. SCBC 1950; North 1549; Friedberg 132. 7.52g, 35mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

368

1080. Great Britain, Plantagenet. Edward IV AV Angel. Tower (London) mint, struck 1480-1483. (cinquefoil) ЄDWΛRD’ ˣ DЄI ˣ GRΛ’ ˣ RЄX ˣ ΛꞂGL’ ˣ Z (retrograde) FRΛꞂC ˣ, St. Michael spearing dragon, cross crosslet at end of spear / (cinquefoil) PЄR CRVCЄᙏ ⁑ TVΛ’ ˣ SΛLVΛ ⁑ ꞂOS ˣ XPЄ’ ˣ RЄDЄᙏPT’, ship bearing shield and cross; Є and rose flanking cross. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 437; Blunt & Whitton type XXI; Schneider 467-8 var. (legend stops); North 1626; SCBC 2091; Friedberg 139. 5.11g, 27mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

2,500

Acquired from CGB Numismatique.

1081. Great Britain, Tudor. Henry VII AV Angel. Tower (London) mint, 1505-1509. Type V. (pheon) ҺЄꞂRIC ʔ ⁑ DI ⁑ GRΛ’* RЄX ⁑ ΛꞂGL’⁑ Z ⁑ FRΛ ⁑, St. Michael spearing dragon, cross crosslet at end of spear / (pheon) PЄR ⁑ CRVCЄ’ ⁑ TVΛ’ ⁑ SΛLVΛ ⁑ ꞂOS ⁑ XPЄ’* RЄD’, ship bearing shield and cross; h and rose flanking cross. P cf. SCBI 23 (Ashmolean) 58; Schneider -; North 1698; SCBC 2187; Friedberg 151. 5.06g, 28mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1082. Great Britain, Tudor. Henry VIII AV Angel. First coinage. Tower (London) mint, 1513-1526. (crowned portcullis) ҺЄꞂRIC’ ˣ VIII’ ˣ DI’ ˣ GRΛ’ ˣ RЄX ˣ ΛGL’ ˣ Z ˣ FR’ ⁑, Archangel Michael slaying the dragon to right with spear terminating in cross crosslet / (crowned portcullis) PЄR ⁑ CRVCЄ’ ⁑ TVΛ’ ⁑ SΛLVΛ ⁑ ꞂOS ⁑ XPЄ’ ⁑ RЄDЄ’, ship bearing shield and cross over waves, Һ-❀ flanking cross. SCBC 2265; North 1760. 5.18g, 28mm, 3h. Good Very Fine; some flatness, subtly lustrous.

2,000

From a private UK collection.

369

1083. Great Britain, Tudor. Henry VIII AV Half-Crown. Tower (London) mint, 1526-1544. (rose) RVTILΛNS ⁑ ROSΛ ⁑ SINE ⁑ SPINA, crowned Tudor rose flanked by h-R across fields / (rose) hENRIC’ ⁑ 8 ⁑ DI ⁑ GRA ⁑ REX ⁑ AGL ⁑ Z ⁑ F, crowned quartered shield. SCBC 2285; North 1794; Schneider 600. NGC graded UNC Details, edge filing (#5900710-008).

1,250

Acquired from Stanley Gibbons.

1084. Great Britain, Tudor. Henry VIII AV Half-Sovereign. Hammered Third Coinage; Tower (London) mint, AD 1544-47. (pellet in annulet) HЄꞂRIC’ ⁑ 8 ⁑ D’ ⁑ G’ ⁑ AGL’ ⁑ FRAꞂCI’ ⁑ Z ⁑ HIB ⁑ RЄX ⁑, Henry seated facing on ornate throne with pellets on back, holding lis-tipped sceptre and globus cruciger propped on his knee; Tudor rose below / (pellet in annulet) IHC ⁑ AVTЄ ⁑ TRANSI’ ⁑ PЄR ⁑ ᙏЄD ⁑ ILLЄ ⁑ IBAT’, crowned coat-of-arms with lion and dragon supporters. SCBC 2294; Schneider 614; North 1827; Friedberg 167. 6.29g, 29mm, 9h. Very Fine; areas of flat strike to both obv. and rev., clear portrait of Henry.

2,000

Ex Numisor SA, Auction 3, 17 October 2020, lot 327.

1085. Great Britain, Tudor. Philip and Mary Hammered AR Shilling. Tower (London) mint, 1555. ⚜ PHILIP • ET • MARIA • D • G • REX • ET • REGINA • ANGL •, bust of Philip to right, facing bust of Mary to left; crown dividing date above / POSVIMVS • DEVM • ADIVTOREM • NOSTRVM, coats-ofarms of Great Britain and Spain emblazoned on ornate escutcheon; crown dividing denomination above. SCBC 2501; North 1968. 5.71g, 31mm, 1h. Good Very Fine; scattered marks, attractive cabinet tone.

1,250

Ex Numisor SA, Auction 3, 17 October 2020, lot 331.

370

The Majestic ‘Virgin Queen’

1086. Great Britain, Tudor. Elizabeth I AV Sovereign. Sixth issue. Tower (London) mint, struck 1592-1595. ELIZABETH • D’ • G’ • ANG’ • FRA’ • ET • HIB’ • REGINA • (escallop) •, Elizabeth seated facing on ornate throne with pellets on back and annulets and double pellets on pillars, holding lis-tipped sceptre in right hand, left hand set on globus cruciger propped on her knee; all within tressure of arches; portcullis with chains below / (escallop) A • DNO’ • FACTV’ • EST • ISTVD • ET • EST • MIRAB’ • IN • OCVLIS • NRS’, Tudor rose seen from above, with coat-of-arms at centre. SCBC 2529; Schneider 801; North 2008; Friedberg 209. 15.21g, 44mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine; some areas of weak strike. An appealing example.

12,500

From a private Swiss collection; Ex Numisor SA, Auction 3, 17 October 2020, lot 330. This exquisite specimen depicts the majestic ‘Virgin Queen’, titled, “by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland” on the obverse legend. The youthful portrait, with Elizabeth’s face unlined and her flowing hair reminiscent of the Virgin Mary, projects the ageless power and purity of the great monarch, with the minute details of her ornate crown and garments demonstrating the technical skill of the Royal Mint. The splendour of the queen’s portrait is coupled with articulations of her divine right to rule, with the biblical psalm quoted on the reverse, “this is the Lord’s doing and is marvellous in our eyes”. This sentiment is reinforced by the globus cruciger on her knee: the cross, symbolising Christ, and the orb, representing the world, together convey universal Christian authority. Rich dynastic iconography in the design affirms the continuity between Elizabeth’s reign and that of her Tudor forebears. A portcullis lies at the feet of the enthroned monarch: this type of latticed gate was used in fortifications like the Tower of London and adopted as the heraldic badge of the House of Beaufort to which the first Tudor monarch, Henry VII, belonged. Ancestral Tudor emblems also dominate the reverse, with a splendid Tudor rose acting as a backdrop to the shield of arms. As the royal badge of the Tudor house, this rose represented unity between the Lancastrian and Yorkist Houses following the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York and celebrated the royal lineage of Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s accession did not in fact mark a harmonious transfer of royal power from one united Tudor to the next: divisions between Elizabeth and her predecessor Mary I were such that the former had previously been imprisoned by Mary in the very Tower at which this present coin was minted (Duffy, Fires of Faith, 2010, p.7). However, the dynastic symbolism of the current type obscures the tumultuous reality of Tudor succession and instead celebrates Elizabeth’s royal lineage. This coin provides a fine example of the successful restoration of the currency under Elizabeth. The gradual debasement of English coinage across the sixteenth century was such that it began to hinder international trade and the solvency of the monarchy. Previous efforts by Edward VI and Mary I had seen limited success in improving the quality of coins in circulation, but Elizabeth made this a priority and by 1561 the Royal Mint had collected, melted down and re-minted the debased currency, even making a profit in the process. Moreover, this denomination, the gold sovereign, was of particular importance: the sovereign was the coin bestowed upon skilled actors and playwrights by Elizabeth when she attended dramatic performances in her role as patron of the arts. Contemporary texts like the will of Augustine Phillips, a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, compound the impression of the high value and honour associated with this gold coinage: “I giue and bequeath to my fellowe William Shakespeare,” read the document, “a xxxs peece in gould” (May, 1605). The will of Shakespeare himself makes mention of such coinage: “...To my godson William Walker, 20 shillings in gold” (PROB 1/4, 26th March, 1616). This bequest “in gold” designated a gold sovereign like the present type, from later in the queen’s reign. Handed down by benefactors to posterity, such magnificent pieces as this present type were held in high esteem during the ‘golden age’ of Elizabeth.

371

Extremely Rare

1087. Great Britain, Tudor. Elizabeth I AV 1 Pound. Tower (London) mint, 1595-1598. ELIZABETH : D’. G’. ANG’. FRA’. ET: HIBER’. REGINA (key), crowned bust to left / (key)SCVTVM ∘ FIDEI PROTEGET ∘ EAM ∘, crowned coat-of-arms; E-R across fields. SCBC 2534 var. (mintmark); Baldwin’s, St. James 2, lot 88 for example with HIBER rather than HIB in obv. legend and mm at the end of legend. NGC graded UNC Details, edge filing (#4769082-008). Extremely Rare, especially with this legend variant.

7,500

From a private Swiss collection.

1088. Great Britain, Stuart. James I Hammered AR Crown. Second coinage, AD 1604-5. ⚜ • IACOBVS • D’ • G’ • MAG’ • BRIT’ • FRAN’ • ET • HIB’ • REX •, crowned king, wearing breastplate and holding raised sword, on horseback to right / ⚜ •QVÆ • DEVS • CONIVNXIT • NEMO • SEPARET •, coat-of-arms emblazoned onto an ornate escutcheon with a scroll-eared top and lobed base. SCBC 2652; North 2123. 29.89g, 43mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine; scattered marks, attractive deep cabinet tone. Very Rare.

2,000

Ex Numisor SA, Auction 3, 17 October 2020, lot 335.

1089. Great Britain, Stuart. James I AV Unite. Tower (London) mint, 1606-1607. (escallop) • IACOBVS • D’. G’. MAG’. BRIT’. FRAN’. ET • HIB’. REX •, crowned and armoured bust to right, holding sword and globus cruciger / (escallop) • FACIAM • EOS • IN • GENTEM • VNAM •, crowned coat-ofarms; I-R across fields. SCBC 2619; North 2084. 9.01g, 37mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

372

1090. Great Britain, Stuart. James I AV Crown. Tower (London) mint, 1615-1616. (tun) • IACOBVS’. D’. G’. MA’. [BRI’. FRA’. ET • HI’. REX •], crowned bust to right / (tun) HENRICVS • ROSAS • REGNA • IACOBVS •, crowned coat-of-arms; I-R across upper fields. North 2092; SCBC 2626; Friedberg 236. 2.49g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; double struck on obverse, some minor scratches.

400

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1091. Great Britain, Stuart. Charles II AR Coronation Medal. Dated 23 April 1661. Dies by Thomas Simon. CAROLVS • II • D • G ANG • SCO • FR • ET HI • REX, crowned and mantled bust to right, wearing Collar of the Order of the Garter; TS on truncation / EVERSO • MISSVS • SVCCVRRERE • SECLO • XXIII • APR • I66I, Charles, wearing royal robes, enthroned to left, crowned by Victory flying to right from above. MI 472/76; Eimer 221; Lessen, Simon’s Type A (same dies). NGC graded AU 58 (#4496837-006).

1,000

From a private UK collection.

1092. Great Britain, Stuart. Charles II, with Catherine of Braganza, Gilt AR Medal. Marriage commemorative made by J. Roettier, famously described as the ‘Golden Medal’ by the poet Waller. 1662. CAROLVS • II • DEI • G • MAG • BRI • FRAN • ET • HIB • REX, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / • CATHARINA • D • G • MAG • BRI • FRAN • ET • HIBER • REGINA, draped bust to right. MI I 489/111; Eimer 224. 38.33g, 42mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rarely found in such high grade.

500

Acquired from Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited, prior to 2017 (£575); Ex Dix Noonan Webb Ltd., Auction M10, 15 March 2011, lot 1033; Ex Brady Collection, 1975.

1093. Great Britain, Stuart. James II AV Guinea. 1688. Engraved by John Roettier. IACOBVS·II· DEI·GRATIA, laureate head to left / MAG· BR·FRA· ET·HIB· REX·, crowned cruciform shields of arms with sceptres bearing national emblems in angles, divided date above. SCBC 3402; KM 495.1. NGC graded XF details, obverse repaired (#4769082-007).

4,000

Acquired from AMR coins.

373

Commemorating the Union of Scotland and England

1094. Great Britain, Stuart. Anne AV 5 Guineas. 1706. ANNA • DEI GRATIA •, draped bust to left, hair tied in fillet / MAG • BRI • FR • ET • HIB • REG, crowned cruciform shields, bearing arms of England, Scotland, Ireland and France around central Garter star with sceptres bearing national emblems in angles, divided date above. Edge inscription: DECVS ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI QVINTO. SCBC 3566; KM 521. NGC graded UNC Details, Obverse Cleaned (#4769091-001).

30,000

Ex Numisor SA, Auction 3, 17 October 2020, lot 342. This beautiful coin represents a momentous occasion in British history; the Union of Scotland and England, which was a defining point in the relationship of these two countries. Sometimes peaceful, sometimes provocative, its tensions still carry on to this day. Although Scotland and England had been ruled by the same monarch since the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603, they had continued to exist as separate nations; each with their own parliament, laws, customs and church. The prospect of combining the two counties to form one new entity had been raised several times in the intervening century, but had never succeeded. During this time, England had grown increasingly wealthy due to the trade it commanded from its colonies, especially via North America. It even passed acts which banned people in the colonies from exporting goods to anywhere else, although Scottish merchants found their own ways around this (Allan McInnes et al, ‘Scottish circumvention of the English Navigation Acts’ in JV Sigurðsson, Making, Using and Resisting the Law in European History (2010). Scotland had attempted to imitate England’s wealth by founding their own colony, in modern-day Panama. By establishing themselves at the juncture between the Pacific and the Atlantic, investors in the scheme hoped to profit from controlling one of the most important trading routes in the world. This scheme attracted 20% of all money circulating in Scotland; it’s failure in 1700 was therefore catastrophic for both the Scottish crown and nobility. At the same time, Scotland had also suffered from a series of famines which had killed up to 15% of its population (Christopher Watley and Derek Patrick, The Scots and the Union (2006), p. 143). Meanwhile, England had become increasingly concerned about conflict with the French, who were their main colonial rivals and had been providing financial and military aid to the Jacobites in Scotland, who wanted to overthrow the current monarch in favour of the original Stuart line. The question of the succession had become increasingly heated in both countries, as Queen Anne had no living children, and her closest (non-Catholic) relations were German. England therefore wished to control Scotland to ensure it would not disturb its economic or military security, which Union would provide. After a series of tit-for-tat acts being passed in the respective parliaments, over the succession and independence of the Scottish church, England forced Scotland back to the negotiating table by imposing drastic economic sanctions. The Scottish government and nobility, for their part, were personally incentivised by English promises of money which would compensate their losses in the Darien scheme, as well as offers of peerages. More widely, Scotland would benefit from trade access to England colonies. However, there was widespread public resistance to Union, even as political opposition was divided; even ardent Unionists admitted that the Act was ‘contrary to the inclinations of at least three-fourths of the Kingdom’ (John Clerk, Observations on the Present Circumstances of Scotland (1730), in Scott, The Union of 1707, p. 82). The English parliament passed their Act of Union in the final months of 1706, which this coin was minted to celebrate. Their Scottish counterparts passed their Act in early 1707. As the act was ratified, martial law was declared in Edinburgh over threats of unrest, and the bells of St Giles’ Cathedral rang out the tune of ‘Why should I be so sad on my wedding day?’ (1st May 1707, Mar and Kellie papers, GD124/15/549/2, National Records of Scotland).

374

1095. Great Britain, Stuart. Anne AV Guinea. Post-Union issue. Tower (London) mint, 1713. Portrait engraved by John Croker. ANNA • DEI • GRATIA •, draped bust to left, hair tied in fillet / • MAG BRI • FR ET • HIB REG •, crowned cruciform shields, bearing arms of England, Scotland, Ireland and France around central Garter star with sceptres bearing national emblems in angles, divided date above. MCE 225; SCBC 3574; Friedberg 320. 8.38g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1096. Great Britain, Hanover. George III AV Quarter Guinea. London mint, 1762. Engraved by Richard Yeo and John Tanner. GEORGIVS • III • DEI • GRATIA •, laureate bust to right / M•B•F•ET•H•REX•F•D•B•ET•L•D•S•R•I•A•T•ET•E•, crowned coat-of-arms, date above. SCBC 3741; KM 592; Friedberg 368. 2.10g, 16mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

600

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1097. Great Britain, Hanover. George III AV Guinea. London mint, 1798. GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA •, laureate bust to right / •M•B•F•ET•H•REX•F•D•B• ET•L•D•S•R•I•A•T•ET•E•, crowned coat-of-arms, date below; rope edge. SCBC 3729; KM 609; Friedberg 356. 8.36g, 24mm, 12h. Near Mint State; proof-like surfaces.

2,000

From a private UK collection.

1098. Great Britain, Hanover. George III Gilt CU Proof Half Penny. Soho mint, Birmingham, 1799. Designs by Conrad Heinrich Küchler. GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX, laureate and draped bust to right; small K on bust truncation / BRITANNIA, Britannia seated to left, holding trident in left hand and olive branch in right, shield bearing the Union flag resting to right, SOHO (mintmark) on raised tablet below shield, ship sailing to left; date in exergue. KM 647a; SCBC 3778. 13.03g, 31mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

500

From a private UK collection.

375

1099. Great Britain, Hanover. George III Gilt CU Proof Farthing. Soho mint, Birmingham, 1799. Designs by Conrad Heinrich Küchler. GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX, laureate and draped bust to right; date below / BRITANNIA, Britannia seated to left, holding trident in left hand and olive branch in right, shield bearing the Union flag resting to right, SOHO (mintmark) on raised tablet below shield, ship sailing to left; denomination in exergue. KM 646a; SCBC 3779. 6.42g, 23mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

250

From a private UK collection.

1100. Great Britain, Hanover. George IV AV Two Pounds. London mint, 1823. Engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen and Benedetto Pistrucci. GEORGIUS IIII D:G: BRITANNIAR: REX F: D:, bare head to left; J.B.M. below bust / St. George on horseback to right, holding sword and wearing plumed helmet and billowing cloak, slaying the dragon which falls to right; B.P. below ground line, date in exergue. Edge inscription: DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI IV. KM 690; SCBC 3798; Friedberg 375. 15.99g, 28mm, 6h. Mint State.

5,000

Acquired from Christophe Joron-Derem; Ex private French collection, old collector’s ticket included; Purchased from Clément Platt, 5 March 1948 (18,000 Francs).

1101. Great Britain, Hanover. George IV AV Sovereign. London mint, 1830. Engraved by William Wyon and Jean Baptiste Merlen. GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA, bare head to left; date below / BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF:, crowned coat-of-arms. SCBC 3801; Marsh 15. 7.96g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

800

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

376

A Magnificent “Gothic” Crown

1102. Great Britain, Hanover. Victoria AR “Gothic” Crown. London mint, 1847. VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAR. REG: F: D·, crowned and draped bust to left / Crowned cruciform coats-of-arms of England, Scotland and Ireland around central Garter star with rose, thistle and shamrock in quarters composed of arches ending in lis; TUEATUR UNITA DEUS above, ANNO DOM MDCCCXLVII below, ♛ DECUS ❀ ET ❀ TUTAMEN ♛ ANNO ❀ REGNI ❀ UNDECIMO around edge. SCBC 3883; KM 744. 28.32g, 39mm, 6h. Mint State; attractive light grey cabinet tone and untouched, reflective fields.

8,500

From a private UK collection.

1103. Great Britain, Hanover. Victoria AV Sovereign. London mint, 1866. Dies designed by William Wyon and Jean Baptiste Merlen. VICTORIA DEI GRATIA, young, diademed head to left; W.W. incuse on neck truncation, date below / BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:, crowned coat of arms within wreath, 31 (die number), thistle, rose, and shamrock below. KM 736.2; Friedberg 387i; Marsh 51; SCBC 3853. 7.93g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Vitangelo Collection.

1104. Great Britain, Hanover. Victoria AV Sovereign. London mint, 1871. Designs by William Wyon and Benedetto Pistrucci. VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D:, young, diademed head to left; small W.W. on neck truncation / St. George on horseback to right, holding sword and wearing plumed helmet and billowing cloak, slaying the dragon which falls to right; large B.P. below ground line, date in exergue. Friedberg 388; Marsh 84A; SCBC 3856. 7.96g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

350

From the Vitangelo Collection.

377

1105. Great Britain, Hanover. Victoria AV Sovereign. London mint, 1889. Designs by Joseph Edgar Boehm and Benedetto Pistrucci. VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, jubilee bust to left; J.E.B. on bust truncation / St. George on horseback to right, holding sword and wearing plumed helmet and billowing cloak, slaying the dragon which falls to right; B.P. below ground line, date in exergue. KM 767; SCBC 3866B; Marsh 127; Friedberg 392. 7.95g, 22mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

350

From the Vitangelo Collection.

1106. Great Britain, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. George V AV Proof 5 Pounds. London mint, 1911. Designs by Edgar Bertram MacKennal and Benedetto Pistrucci. GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:, bare head to left; small B.M. on neck truncation / St. George on horseback to right, holding sword and wearing plumed helmet and billowing cloak, slaying the dragon which falls to right; date and small B.P in exergue. Friedberg 402; KM 822; SCBC 3994. PCGS graded PR 62 (#37101431). Only 2,812 minted.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

378

1107. Great Britain, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. George V AV & AR 10-Piece Cased Proof ‘Short’ Set. London mint, 1911. Includes: (a). AV Sovereign. St. George and the Dragon, NGC graded PF 62 Cameo (#4769082-013); (b). AV Half Sovereign. St. George and the Dragon, NGC graded PF 65 Cameo (#4769082-014); (c). AR Half Crown. Crowned Coat-of-Arms; (d). AR Florin. Cruciform shields and spectre’s in saltire; (e). AR Shilling. Lion on Imperial Crown; (f). AR Sixpence. Lion on Imperial Crown; (g). AR Fourpence. Crowned Denomination; (h). AR Threepence. Crowned Denomination; (i). AR Twopence. Crowned Denomination; (k). AR Penny. Crowned Denomination. SCBC PS12; KM PS18. Proof Uncirculated; in original case of issue. Extremely Rare; from a mintage of only 952 sets.

2,500

From a private Swiss collection.

INDIA

1108. India, Baroda (Princely State). Sayaji Rao III AR 2 Annas. VS 1949 = 1892. Turbaned bust to right, devanagari legend around / Denomination in Marathi, scimitar and VS date within wreath. Yeoman 33. NGC graded MS 65 (#2839108-007) - the highest certified example by NGC, joint with two others. Very Rare.

220

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA).

1109. India, Bikaner (Princely State). Ganga Singh AV Proof Restrike 1/2 Mohur. VS 1994 = 1937. Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of his reign. Facing bust in military attire, wearing jewelled turban, legend in Devanagari around / Devanagari denomination and VS date; Devanagari legend and symbols of royalty in medallions around. KM X M2; cf. Friedberg 1056 (for original strike). NGC graded PF 63 Ultra Cameo (#2740552-001).

750

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA).

379

1110. India, Bikaner (Princely State). Ganga Singh AV Mohur. VS 1994 = 1937. Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of his reign. Facing bust in military attire, wearing jewelled turban, legend in Devanagari around / Devanagari denomination and VS date; Devanagari legend and symbols of royalty in medallions around. KM X M3; Friedberg 1055. NGC graded MS 63 (#4861252-008).

750

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA).

1111. India, British Colonial. Bengal Presidency AV Mohur. Struck in the name of Shah ‘Alam II. Murshidabad (Calcutta) mint, dually dated AH 1184 / RY 11 of Shah Alam II = AD 1770. Couplet in five lines; AH date in lower field / Mint formula and RY date; mint symbol to upper right. KM 764; Pridmore 20. NGC graded AU Details- Removed from jewelry (#5900710-005).

500

From a private Swiss collection.

1112. India, British Colonial. East India Company AR 1/2 Pagoda. Madras Presidency. 1808-1811. Seven tiered temple gopuram flanked by stars; denomination in English and Persian on buckled garter belt around / Vishnu holding a sword above a lotus flower; denomination in Tamil and Telugu on forked ribbon around. KM 353. NGC graded MS 63 (#2829209-007) - only one coin graded higher by NGC.

750

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA).

1113. India, British Colonial. William IV AR 1/2 Rupee. East India Company issue. Calcutta mint, 1835 C. WILLIAM IIII, KING., head to right, F incuse on truncation / Denomination in English and Urdu within wreath with 21 berries; ❊ EAST INDIA COMPANY ❊ around, date below. KM 449.3. NGC graded MS 63 (#2846459-014). Rare.

750

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA).

380

1114. India, British Colonial. Victoria CU 1/4 Anna. Bombay mint, 1884 B. VICTORIA EMPRESS, crowned and draped bust to left / Denomination, country and date within pelleted border and wreath. KM 486. NGC graded MS 63 RB (#3977417-002).

290

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA); Ex David Fore Collection; Ex Major F. Pridmore Collection, old collector’s ticket included.

1115. India, British Colonial. Victoria CU Original Proof 1/12 Anna. Dewas Senior Branch mint, 1888. VICTORIA EMPRESS, crowned and draped bust to left / Denomination, mint, country and date within pelleted border within wreath. KM 11. NGC graded PF 64 RB (#2799361-006) - the highest certified of the type by NGC, joint with one other.

750

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA); Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, New York Signature Sale 3044, 3 January 2016, lot 30253.

1116. India, British Colonial. Victoria AR 1/2 Rupee. Calcutta mint, 1840 C. VICTORIA QUEEN, diademed head to left / Denomination in English and Urdu within wreath; ❊ EAST INDIA COMPANY ❊ around, date below. KM 455.2; SW 2.32. NGC graded MS 63 (#2836990-006).

290

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA).

1117. India, British Colonial. Victoria CU Original Proof 1/4 Anna. Calcutta mint, 1879. VICTORIA EMPRESS, crowned and draped bust to left / Denomination, country and date within pelleted border and wreath. KM 486. NGC graded PF 64 BN (#2804913-004) - the highest certified example by NGC. From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA); Ex David Fore Collection; Ex Randy Weir Collection.

381

750

1118. India, British Colonial. Victoria CU Proof Restrike 1/12 Anna. Dewas Junior Branch mint, 1888. VICTORIA EMPRESS, crowned and draped bust to left / Denomination, mint, country and date within pelleted border and wreath. KM 1. NGC graded PF64RB (#2688026-001) - the highest certified example by NGC.

2,000

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA); Ex David Fore Collection – Part Two, Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd., Auction 82, 31 May 2013, lot 981 (not ex Diana Collection, as NGC erroneously note in the slab).

1119. India, British Colonial. Victoria AR Proof Restrike 2 Annas. Calcutta mint, 1891 C. Dies by William Wyon. VICTORIA EMPRESS, crowned and draped bust to left (Type B) / Denomination, country and date within ornate lotus plant border with incuse C (mintmark) in bottom flower (Type II). KM 488. NGC graded PF 66 (#2786952-005).

750

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA); Ex Stephen Album Rare Coins, Auction 21, 15 January 2015, lot 1339 (hammered for 1,600 USD); Ex Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd., Auction 89, 8 May 2014, lot 3691; Ex. David Fore Collection, Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd., Auction 78, 7 May 2013, lot 366.

1120. India, British Colonial. Victoria AR 1/2 Rupee. Calcutta mint, 1896. VICTORIA EMPRESS, crowned and draped bust to left / Denomination, country and date within ornate lotus plant border. KM 491. NGC graded PF 62 (#2688079-001) - the highest certified example by NGC.

750

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA); Ex Diana Collection.

1121. India, British Colonial. Victoria CU Original Proof 1/4 Anna. Calcutta mint, 1896. VICTORIA EMPRESS, crowned and draped bust to left / Denomination, country and date within pelleted border and wreath. KM 486. NGC graded PF 63 BN (#2804913-006) - the highest certified example by NGC. From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA); Ex David Fore Collection; Ex Randy Weir Collection.

382

750

1122. India, British Colonial. Edward VII CU-NI Pattern Anna. Calcutta mint, 1904. EDWARD VII KING AND EMPEROR, bare head to right / Large numeral 1 flanked by value in Persian and Nagri, denomination to left and right, date below. S&W.7.125; Pridmore 1061. 3.26g, 20mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

750

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA).

1123. India, British Colonial. George V AR 1/2 Rupee. Calcutta mint, NM, 1913C. Dies by Edgar Bertram MacKennal. GEORGE V KING EMPEROR, crowned and draped bust to left, wearing chain of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire / Denomination, country and date within linear circle surrounded by wreath consisting of roses, thistles, shamrock leaves and lotus flowers; all within a linear circle and toothed border. KM 522. NGC graded MS 64 (#2818731-015).

360

From the Oscar Collection of World Coins (USA).

ITALIAN STATES

1124. Italian States, Firenze (Republic) AV Fiorino. Vanni di Bandino, mintmaster. 1st semester, AD 1332. ✠ FLORENTIA B, Florentine lily / ✠ • S • IONANNES • B • (dagger), St. John the Baptist standing facing, blessing with right hand and holding sceptre in left. Bernocchi II, 1391; MIR 8/13; Friedberg 275. 3.49g, 21mm, 6h. 1,500

Extremely Fine. Rare. From the Vitangelo Collection.

1125. Italian States, Firenze (Republic) AV Fiorino. Ugolino di Niccolò di Ugolino Martelli, mintmaster. 2nd semester, AD 1483. • ✠ • FLOR•ENTIA •, Florentine lily / ✠ • S • IONANNES • B • (V over crossed hammers), St John the Baptist standing facing, blessing with right hand and holding sceptre in left. Bernocchi II, 3279; MIR 28/21; Friedberg 276. 3.50g, 22mm, 1h. 1,500

Extremely Fine. Very Rare. From the Vitangelo Collection.

383

1126. Italian States, Lucca (Republic) AV Scudo d’oro da Sole. In the name of Charles V, circa AD 1552. (sunburst) • CAROLVS • IMPERATO • R •, ornate shield with band inscribed LIBERTAS / • ✠ • SANCTVS • VVLT ( Fatinelli arms) VS • DE LVCA Il, bust of Christ facing three-quarters to left. Bellesia 34/C; CNI 136; MIR 34/C; Friedberg 490. 3.28g, 24mm, 13h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

From the Vitangelo Collection.

Of Great Numismatic Importance

1127. Italian States, Sicily (Kingdom). Frederick I (later Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor) and Constance as Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, AV Tari. Amalfi mint, November 1198. Outer circle Kufic legend: ‘struck in his reign in the year five hundred ninety-five’; inner circle Latin legend: ⧾ FRE REX SICILIE around palm tree in fruit in central circle / Outer rim Kufic legend: ‘struck in the year one-hundred one-thousand ninety and eight; inner rim Kufic legend: ‘Constance imperatrix of the Romans’, around Latin cross in central circle. L. Travaini, ‘Le monete Sveve con legend arabe nel Regno di Sicilia (1194-1220)’ in RIN 1986, p. 136, 2; MIR 36; MEC 14, p. 166 fig. 3b; CNI XVII, p. 10, 1, pl. 1, 14; G. Sambon, Repertario generale, 1113; M. Guglielmi, La monetazione degli Svevi nell’Italia meritionale, Serravalle RSM, 2000, p. 67, 1; D. Spinelli, Monete cufiche, Napoli 1844, pl. 20, 1; R. Levinson, The Early Dated Coins of Europe 1234-1500, Clifton 2007, p. 258; Friedberg 51. 0.86g, 24mm. Mint State. Of the greatest rarity and numismatic importance, and of considerably greater quality than the above referenced specimens.

3,000

From the inventory of a European dealer. This remarkable scyphate-shaped tari bears two dates: Hegira 595 and Christian era 1198, the earliest Anno Domini date ever recorded on a coin, which according to Philip Grierson and L. Travaini commemorates the investiture formally granted to Frederick II and Constance by Pope Innocent III on 19 November of that year. In return the pope received an annual cens of 1,000 ‘schifati’, cf. MEC pp. 165-6. Amalfi was an independent republic from the 7th century that managed to extract itself from Byzantine vassalage in 839 and first elected an independent duke in 958. By 944 Amalfitan merchants were already present at Constantinople, trading with Egypt by the late 10th century and rivalling Pisa and Genova in its domestic prosperity and maritime trade with Asia before the rise of the Venice. In 1073 the republic fell to the Norman countship of Apulia and was granted many rights and attained great wealth. In about 1080, Amalfitans founded a hospice for pilgrims in Islamic occupied Jerusalem, from which the Order of the Hospital (St. John of Jerusalem) later developed. Under Roger II in 1131, Amalfi passed into the kingdom of Sicily and by 1220 the Empire of Frederick II. In matters of medieval culture, Amalfi was famous for its multiculturalism, flourishing schools of law and mathematics, maritime code and the reputed Amalfitan Flavio Gioia, who in about 1300 was considered first marine pilot to have introduced the sailor’s compass to Western navigation. The date on the Amalfi tari must be connected to the fact that Islamic coinage had been dated from the time of the 5th Caliph, ‘Abd al-Malik in the 77th year of the Hagira, the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Yathrib in AD 696/7. Amalfi had been within the Islamic monetary sphere strongly influenced by the Emirate of Sicily since the 10th century, in which the standard gold unit was the gold Tarì (meaning “fresh” or “newly minted money”), the Christian designation of Ruba’i or quarter Dinar with the ideal weight of 1.05g of gold. The idea that coins should bear a date of issue referencing the time passed since the birth of Christ was not widespread in Europe until the mid 16th century. While the learned Scythian monk, Dionysus Exiguus from Tomis, formulated the Anno Domini calendar in the 6th century and is still used to enumerate the years of both the Julian and Gregorian calendars, it was not until the advent of this issue in 1198 that European coinage was so dated. This dating system was not utilised again until 1234 by the bishopric of Roskilde on its silver deniers and in 1251 in Arabic script on the Islamic styled silver coinage by the crusader city of Acre. In the spring of 1250 the papal legate Odo of Châteauroux arrived in Syria and was scandalized to learn that the Franks were striking gold and silver coins with the name and dates of the Muslim Prophet and had them substituted with purely Christian legends and dates in the name of the Messiah, albeit written in Arabic to maintain acceptability in the region. Much later from 1372 dated groschen in the name of Charlemagne were struck on a regular basis at Aachen. Frederick II, son of Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI of the Hohenstaufen dynasty and Constance the posthumous daughter of Roger II de Hauteville and heiress to the Norman kings of Sicily, was an infant of only three years of age when his father died and was crowned king of Sicily on papal authority at Palermo cathedral on 17 May 1198. Frederick’s minority under his mother only lasted five months as the regent died on 27 November 1198.

384

ITALY

1128. Italy, Kingdom. Umberto I AV 100 Lire. Rome mint, 1883. Engraved by Filippo Speranza. UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA, bare head to left; SPERANZA on truncation, date below / Crowned coat-of-arms dividing denomination, within laurel and oak wreath, Star of Italy above, R (mintmark) below. KM 22; Friedberg 18. NGC graded MS 62 (#3931141-008). Very Rare; only 4,219 minted.

4,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1129. Italy, Kingdom. Umberto I AV 20 Lire. Rome mint, 1884. Engraved by Filippo Speranza. UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA, bare head to left; SPERANZA on truncation, date below / Crowned coat-of-arms dividing denomination, within laurel and oak wreath, Star of Italy above, R (mintmark) below. KM 21; Friedberg 21. NGC graded MS 63 (#3931134-003). Only 9,775 minted.

1,250

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1130. Italy, Kingdom. Umberto I AV 100 Lire. Rome mint, 1888. Engraved by Filippo Speranza. UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA, bare head to left; SPERANZA on truncation, date below / Crowned coat-of-arms dividing denomination, within laurel and oak wreath, Star of Italy above, R (mintmark) below. KM 22; Friedberg 18. PCGS graded MS 61 PL (#37101440). Very Rare; only 1,169 minted.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA, Auction 12, 18 November 2019, lot 802.

385

1131. Italy, Kingdom. Vittorio Emanuele III AV 100 Lire. Silver Jubilee of Accession and 10th Anniversary of Italy’s Entry in World War I. Rome mint, dually dated 1900/1925 and 1915/1918. Engraved by Aurelio Mistruzzi and Attilio Motti. VITT • EM • III RE D’ITALIA, bare head to left, set on oak branch flanked by dates, encompassed by Lombard crown / Virtus, holding flying flag of the Kingdom of Italy in upraised right hand and statue of Victory in right, kneeling to left on rock inscribed with fasces and VETTA D’ITALIA; denomination across fields, R (mintmark) in right field, dates below, A • M • INC • to lower left and MISTRVZZI inscribed low on rock. Pagani 645; Gigante 8; Friedberg 32. NGC graded PF 64 Matte (#3921077-005). Very Rare.

7,500

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

1132. Italy, Kingdom. Vittorio Emanuele III AV 20 Lire. Rome, 1903 R. Engraved by Filippo Speranza. VITTORIO EMANUELE III, bare head to left; SPERANZA in small letters along edge below / REGNO D’ITALIA, crowned eagle facing, with head to left, wings spread and shield on breast; denomination, mintmark and date below. KM 37.1; Friedburg 23. PCGS graded MS 62 (#32697036). Very Rare; only 1,800 minted.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

PAPAL STATES

1133. Italy, Stato Pontificio (Papal States). Pius II AV Ducato Papale. Rome mint, AD 1463. • ✠ PIVS • PAPA • - • SECVNDVS •, tiara and crossed keys over Piccolomini arms within quadrilobe / • ✠ S• PETRVS• •ALMA•ROMA, St. Peter standing facing, holding keys and Gospels within quadrilobe. Muntoni 3; MIR 361/4 (this coin); CNI 19; Berman 362; Friedberg 12. 3.50g, 23mm, 8h. 1,500

Extremely Fine. Rare. This coin published in Monete Italiane Regionali, (Pavia); From the Vitangelo Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 90, 14 May 2016, lot 503.

386

1134. Italy, Stato Pontificio (Papal States). Alexander VI AV Doppio Fiorino di Camera. Rome mint, AD 1492-1503. ◦ ALEXANDER ◦ - ◦ VI ◦ PONT ◦ MAX ◦, tiara and crossed keys over Borgia arms within quadrilobe / (rose) ◦ • SANCTVS • ◦ • PETRVS • ◦ • ALMA ROMA • ◦ • , St. Peter drawing net in boat left. Muntoni 4; MIR 516/1; CNI 5; Berman 527; Friedberg 30. 6.68g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

From the Vitangelo Collection.

1135. Italy, Stato Pontificio (Papal States). Leo X AV Ducato Papale. Bologna mint, AD 1514-1521. • LEO • PAPA • DECIMVS •, tiara and crossed keys over de’ Medici arms within quadrilobe / BONONIA DOCIT, St. Peter standing facing, holding keys and Gospels between arms of Cardinale Giulio de’ Medici and Bologna. Muntoni 101.1; MIR 651/6; CNI 19; Chimienti -; Friedberg 337. 3.39g, 24mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the Vitangelo Collection.

1136. Italy, Stato Pontificio (Papal States). Clement VII AV Fiorino di Camera. Rome mint, AD 1529. • CLEMEN • VII • PONT • MAX •, tiara and crossed keys over de’ Medici arms / ✠ SANC • PETRVS • FC • ALMA • ROMA, St. Peter drawing net in boat to left. Cf. Muntoni 16-18; cf. MIR 787/2; CNI 51; Berman 830; Friedberg 60. 3.40g, 25mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Rare.

2,000

From the Vitangelo Collection.

387

1137. Italy, Stato Pontificio (Papal States). Clement VII AV Scudo d’oro del Sole. Bologna mint, AD 1533. • CLEM • VII • • PONT • MAX •, tiara and crossed keys over de’ Medici arms / (sun) • BONONIA • (rose) • DOCET •, floriated cross between arms of Cardinal Innocenzo Cybo and Bologna. Muntoni 104; MIR 828/1; Chimienti 281; Berman 874; Friedberg 342. 3.36g, 26mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the Vitangelo Collection.

1138. Italy, Stato Pontificio (Papal States). Paul III AV Scudo d’oro del Sole. Bologna mint, AD 1535. • PAVLVS • III • • PONT • MAX •, tiara and crossed keys over Farnese arms / (sun) • BONONIA • (rose) • DOCET •, floriated cross between arms of Cardinal Innocenzo Cybo and Bologna. Muntoni 88; MIR 903/1; Chimienti 300; Berman 926; Friedberg 345. 3.33g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; trace of mounting at 6h. Very Rare.

1,500

From the Vitangelo Collection.

1139. Italy, Stato Pontificio (Papal States). Paul III AV Scudo d’oro del Sole. Parma mint, AD 1535. • PAVLVS • III • • PONT • MAX •, tiara and crossed keys over Farnese arms / (sun) • SVB • VMBRA • MATRIS • ECCLESIE •, helmeted figure of Parma seated to left, holding Victory, PARMA below. Muntoni 157; MIR 940/2; Berman 957; Friedberg 412. 3.33g, 25mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine; trace of mounting at 10h.

1,500

From the Vitangelo Collection.

388

MOZAMBIQUE

1140. Mozambique, Portuguese Colonial. Amelia Gilt Æ Medal. 1894-1895. Dies by an unknown medallist V.A., commemorating the expedition to Mozambique. Draped bust to left; V.A. in small letters below right shoulder / Inscription in four lines within wreath. Unpublished. 19.68g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

Ex C. Eimer Collection; Privately purchased from Eimer at CoinEx (London), 2019.

ROMANIA

1141. Romania, Kingdom. Carol II Gilt Bronze Æ Pattern 12 Ducats. 1940. Engraved by E. W. Becker. The bust of Roman Emperor Trajan to right, wearing laurel wreath, supporting the steel crown of Romania and holding sword with entwined oak wreath across shoulder; wheat field background, 8 IUNIE 1930 / 8 IUNIE 1940 in exergue / CAROL II REGELE ROMANILOR, king on horseback riding to left, wearing royal guard uniform and the cloak of Michael the Brave’s Order, holding marshal baton; two branches, above them inscription 10 ANI meaning “10 YEARS” in exergue, small E.W. BECKER to lower right. Erwin Schäffer, ‘Romania - Designs, Pattern Coins and Catalogue of Issued Coins’ (2015), 182.1.2. PCGS graded SP62 (specimen strike, #17237200). Extremely Rare.

2,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant; Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA, Auction 6, 26 November 2014, lot 938.

SCOTLAND

1142. Scotland, Kingdom. Charles I AV Unite. Nicholas Briot’s third milled coinage. Edinburgh mint, 1637-1642. CAROLVS ⬩ D: G ⬩ MAG ⬩ BRITAN ⬩ FRAN ⬩ ET ⬩ HIB ⬩ REX ⬩ (thistle)⬩B, crowned and armoured half-length bust to right, holding sceptre and orb / HIS ⬩ PRÆSVM ⬩ VT ⬩ PROSIM, crowned coat-of-arms; crowned C-R above two diamond stops across fields. Burns 3, fig. 1032 (same obv. die); Murray 1; SCBC 5531. 9.94g, 35mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive light reddish tone.

5,000

From the Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant.

389

1143. Scotland, Kingdom. James VII AR 40 Shillings. Edinburgh mint, 1687. IACOBVS · II · DEI · GRATIA ·, laureate and draped bust to right, 40 below / MAG · BRIT · FRA · ET · HIB · REX · 1687, crowned Scottish coat of arms. Edge Inscription: EMO ME IMPVNE LACESSET ANNO REGNI TERTIO. SCBC 5636-5637. NGC graded XF 40 (#4770504-001).

1,000

Ex Numisor SA, Auction 3, 17 October 2020, lot 337.

1144. Scotland, Kingdom. William II and Mary II AR 40 Shillings. 1692. GVLIELMVS · ET · MARIA · DEI · GRATIA ·, draped busts of William and Mary jugate to left, 40 below / MAG · BR · FR · ET · HIB · REX · ET · REGINA · 1692 ·, crowned royal Scottish coat of arms. Edge Inscription: PROTEGIT ET ORNAT ANNO REGNI QVARTO. SCBC 5651. NGC graded AU 55 (#5900700-011).

1,250

Ex Numisor SA, Auction 3, 17 October 2020, lot 339.

1145. Scotland, Kingdom. William II AR 40 Shillings. 1697. GVLIELMVS · DEI · GRATIA ·, draped and laureate bust to left, 40 below / MAG · BRIT · FRA · ET · HIB · REX · ET · REGINA · 1697 ·, crowned royal Scottish coat of arms. Edge Inscription: PROTEGIT ET ORNAT ANNO REGNI NONO. KM 143; SCBC 5682. NGC graded XF 45 (#5900700-014).

1,250

Ex Numisor SA, Auction 3, 17 October 2020, lot 341.

390

END OF SALE

391