Auction XXV by Roma Numismatics Ltd

ROMA NUMISMATICS LIMITED

Auction XXV 22 & 23 September 2022

Roma Numismatics Limited 40 Villiers Street London WC2N 6NJ United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7846 7115 www.romanumismatics.com email: info@romanumismatics.com

Auction XXV 22 Sept. 13:00 Celtic, greek and Judaean coins Roman Provincial and Selections from the Andrew McCabe Collection 23 Sept. 13:00 The Vogelberg Collection Roman coins: Republican, Imperatorial, Imperial The Mare Nostrum Hoard, Migrationary and Byzantine Coins Islamic, British and World Coins

Auction XXVI 26 Sept. 13:00 The GK Collection of Russian Coins (Part I)

E-Live auction 5 27 Sept.

13:00

The Italo Vecchi Collection

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 iv & v. No live bidding fees will apply.

Viewing At the office of Roma Numismatics: 40 Villiers Street London, WC2N 6NJ United Kingdom From August 22nd - September 21st Monday - friday, 09.30 - 17.30 by appointment To assist you with making informed bidding decisions, high resolution images of our auction lots are available upon request. LOT PICKUP WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 13.00 ON WEDNESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

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The Team Richard E Beale Managing Director & Senior Numismatist

Simon Parkin Senior Manager & Numismatist

Sally Oliver Associate Manager & Numismatist

Clementine Bowring Associate Manager & Numismatist

Alice Prince Client Manager

Omar Ali Finance Manager

Guillem Southwood Auction Photographer

Joe Hazell Auction Cataloguer

Michael Tigchelaar Auction Cataloguer

Lara Drew Auction Cataloguer

Svetlana Egorova Senior Dispatch Administrator

Emma Hewson Dispatch Administrator

Italo Vecchi Consultant Specialist

Chris Rumney Deniz Grotjohann UK/EU Representative, World Coinage European Representative

How to Bid 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. Commission bids can be placed up until 12pm on the day of the sale.

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.

Absentee bids 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 by email, or online at www.RomaNumismatics.com. You may also participate live online during the sale at www.RomaNumismatics.com/live-bidding. NO LIVE BIDDING FEES WILL APPLY FOR THIS SALE iv

Live Internet Bidding

The Auc�on Pla�orm

www.biddr.com

BID ONLINE DURING THE AUCTION, WATCH THE AUCTION LIVE ON YOUR COMPUTER. Real-time bids may be placed on the Roma Numismatics’ website at www.RomaNumismatics.com/live-bidding and at www.biddr.ch on the day of the sale. These bids will be executed live on the floor. 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. NO LIVE BIDDING FEES WILL APPLY FOR THIS SALE.

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.

new service: eu deliveries via the netherlands

As of Auction XXV we are able to offer shipment to EU clients with qualifying invoices via our partner office in the Netherlands. NL import VAT of 9% and a service charge of £200 will be payable in addition to normal shipping charges. This service is upon request only and available to clients with invoices over £5,000 - please inform us at the point of bidding if you would like to make use of this option.

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 22.5% 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 40 Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NJ 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 or Credit/Debit card. Credit/Debit Card: 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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COINS OF THE CELTS BRITANNIA

An Exceptional Full Profile of Apollo

1. Britannia, the Corieltauvi AV Stater. North East Coast series. Circa 60-50 BC. Wreath, crescent and cloak motifs forming stylised head of Apollo; line of pellets at neck truncation / Disjointed lunate horse to left with many pellets above, pellet-in-annulet before, crescent and pellet above decorated base below. ABC 1722; VA 804; BMC 193-99; SCBC 29; PAS NLM-F228C1 (this coin). 6.17g, 19mm; 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a truly exceptional coin displaying the full profile of Apollo’s head and face - far fewer than 1% of existing specimens are this well struck; extremely rare thus. 2,500 This coin published online at Portable Antiquities Scheme: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/707502; From a private Californian collection; Ex Chris Rudd Ltd, Auction 160, 13 August 2018, lot 21; Found in Burwell, Lincolnshire, 7 February 2015.

One of Seven Known

2. Britannia, the Corieltauvi AV Stater. South Ferriby ‘Owl Eyes’ type. Sills mint B, circa 45-10 BC. Traces of wreath motif / Celticised ‘lunate’ horse to left; two large ringed-pellet ‘eyes’ above, five-pointed star below. ABC -; Van Arsdell -; BMC -; SCBC -; Celtic Coin Index 12.0782 (this coin). 5.38g, 20mm. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only seven recorded specimens, of which one is plated.

2,000

This coin published by University of Oxford, Celtic Coin Index: https://cci.arch.ox.ac.uk/id/CCI-12.0782; From a private Californian collection; Ex Chris Rudd, Auction 158, 20 May 2018, lot 22; Found at Wetwang Slack, East Yorkshire. “One of the finest hidden faces we’ve seen on a Celtic gold stater. Found in the land of the Parisi where ‘Arras culture’ cart burials have been discovered.” - Chris Rudd.

3. Britannia, the Iceni AV Stater. Norfolk Wolf type, circa 60-54 BC. Celticised head of Apollo to right / Celticised wolf to right with open jaws and teeth bared; pellets and crescent above, large pellet and crescent below, oval shape before. ABC 1393, Van Arsdell 610-1; SCBC 30. 6.13g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare; from an extremely rare die pair with only nine others recorded, and noted by Chris Rudd as “one of the finest Norfolk Wolf staters we’ve ever had”. 2,000 From a private Californian collection; Ex Chris Rudd, Auction 155, 19 November 2017, lot 12 therein reported as “ex Queensland Collection, ex Livingstone collection” and found in south Lincolnshire.

A Very Rare Stater of Antedios

4. Britannia, the Iceni AV Stater. Antedios, circa AD 1-25. Interwoven wreaths forming hexagonal frame with three crescents and annulets within; groups of three or four pellets in arcs / [ANTEDI (ligate)] below, Celticised horse to right, large solar disc above, pellets around. ABC 1639; Van Arsdell 7051; SCBC 440. 5.40g, 18mm. Mint State; a magnificent specimen of this sought after type.

3,500

From a private Californian collection; Ex iBelgica - Lansky Auction 1, 8 October 2019, lot 5 (hammer: EUR 3,900)

CENTRAL GAUL

5. Central Gaul or Helvetia, Arverni/Sequani-Helvetii (?) AV Quarter Stater. Besancon type, imitating Philip II of Macedon. Circa 3rd century BC. Head of Apollo to right / Partially celticised horse and rider to right, wheel behind, monogram below. D&T 3011; cf. LT 5317. 1.77g, 12mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

5,000

From a private Californian collection; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 8, 20 October 2021, lot 86.

EASTERN GAUL

6. Northeast Gaul, the Ambiani AV Stater. Gallic War uniface type. Circa 56-55 BC. Plain / Devolved horse to right; pellet triad and ‘charioteer’s arms’ above, crescent and pellet below, exergual line with crescents and pellets below. D&T 241; cf. LT 8704, 8707, 8710 (reverse detail variants); ABC 16; Van Arsdell 56-1. 6.33g, 18mm. Mint State.

850

Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger. These staters were issued by the coalition of Gallic tribes to fund the war against Julius Caesar in Gaul. The Ambiani themselves, to whom these issues are attributed, occupied the Somme valley area and were said to have fielded ten thousand warriors against Caesar. Their chief town Samarobriva, afterwards called Ambiani and Civitas Ambianensium, is thought to have been on the site of modern-day Amiens. The blank obverse of these coins is usually assumed to be an indication of the vast quantity that were struck and the haste in which they were made. However on this example faint traces of an underlying design can be seen on the obverse. Whether this suggests that a few of these staters were struck on both sides, whilst the majority remained blank, or that the original dies wore to down to blank as we can see here the design has barely registered, is uncertain.

7. Northeast Gaul, the Ambiani AV Stater. Gallic War uniface type. Circa 56-55 BC. Plain (evidence of an underlying design?) / Devolved horse to right; pellet triad and ‘charioteer’s arms’ above, crescent and pellet below, exergual line with crescents and pellets below. D&T 238; LT 8710; ABC 16; Van Arsdell 54-1. 6.34g, 17mm. Good Very Fine.

500

From the Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com); Ex Boule (Monaco), 2 December 2016, lot 12.

Superb Condition for the Type

8. 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; 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.

12,500

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; Ex Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com), Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 24 March 2021, lot 4 (hammer: 17,000 GBP). The Parisi were a Gallic tribe from the banks of the river Seine who dwelt on the land now occupied by the French capital Paris, whose name is derived from their ethnonym. During the period in which this coin was minted, Caesar referenced their community as Lutetia of the Parisii, using the common name of the town during the Roman period (Gallic Wars 6.3). According to Delamarre, their name may derive from the root pario-, meaning cauldron (Dictionnaire de la langue gauloise: Une approche linguistique du vieux-celtique continental, 2003), but other scholars variously interpret it more militarily as meaning commanders or the spear people (Failileyev, Dictionary of Continental Celtic Place-names: A Celtic Companion to the Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World, 2010). The Parisi participated in the famous but ultimately unsuccessful uprising led by Vercingetorix against Julius Caesar in 52 BC.

9. Northeast Gaul, the Bellovaci AV Stater. Circa 60-30/25 BC. Large eye enclosed in facial form, line ending in nose, S form for mouth; degraded laurel wreath in lines below; star to left / Horse galloping to right, star below and star above. D&T 271; LT 7235. 5.93g, 18mm, 3h. Near Mint State. Rare.

4,000

From a private Californian collection; Ex cgb.fr., Live Auction December 2020, 8 December 2020, lot 243 (hammer: 4,700 EUR).

10. Northeast Gaul, the Remi or Treveri AV Stater. Circa 100-50 BC. Large eye in profile within elaborately decorated ‘eyelids’; three stars before / Stylised horse to left, V within pelleted border above, pellet-in-annulet within pelleted border below, monogram to left, stars around. D&T 173 (the Remi); La Tour 8799 var. (no monogram on rev.), cf. 8823 for monogram on slightly different design; SNG Italia -, cf. p. 67. 6.23g, 16mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; in exceptional condition for the type, with virtually all details complete on the planchet.

5,000

From a private Californian collection; Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 8, 20 October 2021, lot 95.

11. 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. DT 170; cf. LT 8020. 6.02g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex Morton & Eden Ltd, Auction 108, 22 October 2020, lot 113.

12. Eastern Gaul, uncertain AV Quarter Stater. Tarquimpol-Verneville type. Circa 250-175 BC. Head of Apollo to right / Winged horse to right; rosette below. DT 45; Scheers 77, Series 36, fig. 293, 16. 2.06g, 13mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,250

From the Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com); Ex MDC Monnaies de Collection sarl, Auction 4, 15 November 2018, lot 6.

CENTRAL EUROPE Ex M&M FPL 367, 1975

13. Central Europe, West Noricum AR Tetradrachm. Kugelreiter Type. Circa 2nd - 1st century BC. Laureate male head ‘Apollo’ to left / Horseman to left. Göbl, Haimburg 59; Lanz 107; Castelin 131. 11.78g, 24mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful light toning with rainbow iridescence.

1,750

From the Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com); Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG, Fixed Price List 367, May 1975, no. 16.

14. Central Europe, the Vindelici AV Stater. Regenbogenschüsselchen Type II C. Circa 2nd - 1st century BC. Bird’s head to left, beak between two pellets. within open wreath / Six pellets within torque. LT 9427; Kellner, Manching 1942-3; Castelin 1068-70; Dembski 446-8. 7.48g, 16mm. Extremely Fine; areas of weak striking.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer; Privately purchased from Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung (ticket included).

15. Central Europe, the Vindelici AV Stater. Regenbogenschüsselchen Type II D. Circa 2nd - 1st century BC. Bird’s head to left, beak between two pellets. within open wreath / Six pellets within torque, two with lines connecting them to the torque. LT 9427 var. (no connecting lines on rev.); Kellner, Manching 1960-62. 7.48g, 16mm. Good Very Fine; superficial crack to obv.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 249, 11 October 2017, lot 7.

16. Central Europe, the Vindelici(?) in Hessen and the Rhineland EL Stater. ‘Regenbogenschüsselchen’ Type IX B (North Group). Circa 1st century BC. Triskeles with pellets at terminals; within a torc-shaped wreath with a pellet-in-annulet at each end / Three annulets in pyramidal shape, each containing smaller annulet, row of five smaller pellet-in-annulets below with a single small annulet below; all within zigzag wreath. Kellner, Manching 2292-2306 var. (no extra annulet on rev.); cf. Lanz 1; cf. Dembski pl. 24, 469; LT 9441 var. (same). 6.29g, 18mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare with the extra annulet on the reverse.

750

From a private European collection; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Web Auction 15, 27 February 2021, lot 26; Ex Neusser collection, Felzmann, Auction 162, 3 July 2018, lot 2.

CELTS IN EASTERN EUROPE

17. Celts in Eastern Europe AR Tetradrachm. Zickzackgruppe Type. Circa 2nd century BC. Celticised, laureate and bearded head of Zeus to left / Stylised rider on horseback to left; ΠΛΛΛΛ above, IOI before, annulet behind. Pink 459 (same obv. die); Göbl, OTA 459/1; Dembski 1385; Lanz 738. 17.34g, 24mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

1,000

From the inventory of a central European dealer.

COINS OF THE GREEKS GAUL

18. Gaul, Massalia AR Drachm. Circa 150-130 BC. Bust of Artemis to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder / Lion standing to right; A in right field, ΜΑΣΣΑ-ΛΙΗΤΩΝ above and in exergue. Depeyrot, Marseille 36/1; LT 944; Maurel 550. 2.71g, 16mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

Ex cgb.fr, Mail Bid Sale 15, 30 September 2002, lot 98.

19. Gaul, Massalia AR Drachm. Circa 150-130 BC. Bust of Artemis to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder / Lion standing to right; TA monogram in right field, ΜΑΣΣΑ-ΛΙΗΤΩΝ above and in exergue. Depeyrot, Marseille 37/5; LT 992; SNG Copenhagen -; Maurel 565. 2.72g, 17mm, 7h. Mint State; attractive light cabinet tone.

400

Acquired from Jean Vinchon Numismatique.

20. Gaul, Massalia AR Drachm. Circa 130-121 BC. Bust of Artemis to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder / Lion standing to left; Φ between front paws, Ξ under chest, Η between back legs, ΜΑΣΣΑ-ΛΙΗΤΩΝ above and in exergue. Depeyrot, Marseille 42/2; LT -; Pozzi 25; SNG Copenhagen 781; Maurel 635. 2.77g, 16mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

200

Acquired from Jean Vinchon Numismatique.

ETRURIA The Fourth Known

21. 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

Ex Vitangelo Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 24 March 2021, lot 9.

Published in Vecchi and Ex Triton III, 1995

22. Etruria, Populonia AR 20 Asses. 3rd century BC. Facing head of Metus, hair bound with diadem; X:X (mark of value) below / ‘poplv’ in Etruscan script. EC I, 37.220 (this coin, O1/R1); SNG ANS 78 (same obv. die); HN Italy 142; HGC 1, 103. 8.41g, 23mm. Extremely Fine; struck on a broad planchet.

2,750

This coin published in I. Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage Part 1 (Milan, 2012); Ex Edward J. Waddell Ltd. inventory no. 55626, ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton III, 30 November 1999, lot 20.

23. Etruria, Populonia AR 20 Asses. 3rd Century BC. Facing head of Metus, hair bound with diadem; X:X (mark of value) below / ‘poplv’ in Etruscan script. EC I, 37 (O1/R1); HN Italy 142; HGC 1, 103. 8.63g, 22mm. Extremely Fine; an attractive example of the type.

2,500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

Ex Sternberg XXXI, 1996

24. Etruria, Populonia AR 10 Asses. 3rd century BC. Laureate head of Aplu to left; X (mark of value) 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.

Published in Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage

25. Etruria, Populonia AR 10 Asses. 3rd century BC. Laureate head of Aplu to left; X (mark of value) behind / Blank. EC Series 70, 253 (O3 - this coin, illustrated); HN Italy 168; SNG BN 45; SNG Copenhagen 39; SNG Fitzwilliam 64; SNG Lloyd 24; SNG Soutzos 19; Berlin 21; BMC 14; Weber 64 (all from the same obv. die). 4.19g, 18mm. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage Part 1 (Milan, 2013); Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 112, 11 September 2019, lot 6; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction P, 12 May 2005, lot 1305.

CAMPANIA

Ex Peus 337, 1993

26. 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.

27. Campania, Phistelia AR Obol. Circa 325-275 BC. Male head facing slightly to right / Dolphin to right above barley grain and mussel shell; retrograde Oscan ethnic below. Rutter p. 180, Ia; Sambon 831-8; HN Italy 613; SNG ANS 567-578; SNG Copenhagen 576; SNG BnF 1117-1128. 0.63g, 11mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

300

From a private European collection; Acquired from Thesaurus s.r.l. (San Marino), ticket included.

LUCANIA

28. Lucania, Herakleia AR Stater. Circa 330 BC. Eu- and Apol-, magistrates. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone; EY before / Herakles standing facing, half-turned to right, wrestling the Nemean lion; oinochoe below, club and [APOL] to left, [|-HPAKΛ]EIΩN] above. Work 47 (same dies); Van Keuren 51; HN Italy 1378; SNG ANS 66; McClean 825; Weber 706; cf. HGC 1, 980. 7.05g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; minor corrosion to rev., dark original find patina.

2,000

From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 59, 4 April 2011, lot 1542.

29. Lucania, Herakleia AR Stater. Circa 330-280 BC. Atha-, magistrate. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone; [|-HRAKLHIWN] before, small K behind / Herakles standing facing, holding club, bow, and arrow, lion’s skin draped over arm; aryballos above AΘA to left, [|-HRAKLHIΩN] to right. Work 70; Van Keuren 85; HN Italy 1384; SNG ANS 75-6; HGC 1, 981. 7.76g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; beautifully toned.

1,000

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

30. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 540-510 BC. Ear of barley with eight grains on each side; retrograde MET downwards to right / Incuse ear of barley ear with eight grains. Noe 54; HN Italy 1467. 8.13g, 30mm, 12h. Near Mint State; light golden iridescence.

3,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVII, 28 March 2019, lot 279; Acquired from Bertolami Fine Arts Ltd, London; Ex private British collection.

31. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 510-470 BC. Ear of barley with six grains on each side; retrograde META downwards to right / Incuse ear of barley with eight grains. Noe 193 (same dies); HN Italy 1482; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 034 (this coin). 7.66g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

32. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 510-470 BC. Ear of barley with six grains on each side; META upwards to left / Incuse ear of barley with six grains. Noe Class IX, 170 (these dies); HN Italy 1482. 7.59g, 25mm. Good Very Fine.

350

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

33. Lucania, Metapontion AR Triobol. Circa 470-440 BC. Ear of barley with six grains on each side; ME-TA across fields / Incuse head of ox. Cf. Noe 26496 (unlisted dies); HN Italy 1487. 1.33g, 12mm 6h. Good Very Fine; old cabinet tone. Rare with this legend configuration.

200

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 50, 1990

34. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 400-340 BC. Obverse die signed by Kri-. Head of Demeter to right, hair in sphendone; KPI behind / Ear of barley with leaf to left; MET[A] upwards to right. Noe 500 (same dies); SNG ANS 376; HN Italy 1537. 7.87g, 22mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; usual die-breaks, beautiful old cabinet tone with striking iridescent highlights. Rare; only four examples cited by Noe.

2,500

Ex David Freedman Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIX, 20 March 2020, lot 202; Privately purchased from Edward J. Waddell Ltd, 21 April 2015; Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction XXXI, 27 October 1996, lot 152; Ex Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 50, 24 September 1990, lot 76.

35. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 330-290 BC. Head of Demeter facing slightly to right, wearing grain wreath; small AΠ to lower right / Ear of barley with leaf to right; bukranion above leaf, AΘA below, META upwards to left. Johnston Class C, 2.2 (same dies); HN Italy 1584; SNG ANS 463464 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 503 (same dies). 7.79g, NGC graded Ch XF 4/5 - 4/5 (#4681702-007).

4,500

From the inventory of an American dealer.

36. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 330-290 BC. Ly-, magistrate. Wreathed head of Demeter to right, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace / Ear of barley with leaf to right; star above leaf, ΛY in lower left field, META upwards to left. Johnston Class C, 8.14-5 (same obv. die); HN Italy 1592. 7.84g. NGC graded Ch XF 5/5 - 4/5 (#6157521-011).

1,250

From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex JMG Collection, Classical Numismatic Group 94, 18 September 2013, lot 37.

37. Lucania, Poseidonia AR Stater. Circa 530-500 BC. Poseidon, beardless and nude but for chlamys draped over his arms, standing to right, preparing to cast trident held aloft in right hand, left arm extended; [Π]OΣ (retrograde) upwards to left / Incuse of obverse type, but Poseidon bearded and details of figure, trident and ethnic in relief. Gorini 3 var. (position of rev. ethnic); Jameson 331 var. (ethnics); HN Italy 1107; SNG ANS 604-5 var. (position of rev. ethnic - same obv. die); Kraay-Hirmer 219; HGC 1, 1150; CNG 109, lot 23 (same dies - hammer: 21,000 USD). 7.59g, 28mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine; a pleasantly toned specimen of bold Archaic style.

7,500

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

Alliance Coinage

38. Lucania, Sirinos (Siris) in alliance with Pyxoes (Pixos) AR Stater. Circa 540-510 BC. Bull standing to left, head reverted; ΣIΡIN-OΣ retrograde in archaic characters below and above / Incuse bull standing to right, head reverted; archaic characters PVX retrograde in exergue. G. Mangieri, ‘Sibari Sirino e Pissunte’, in RIN 1981, A1 (same dies); Traité 2083, Pl. LXVII, 1 (same dies); Perret I (same dies); BMC 2; HN Italy 1723; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 118 (this coin); HGC 1, 1228. 6.83g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; dark cabinet tone with traces of original mineral adhesions. Very Rare; an intriguing and historically interesting issue of which very few extant examples are known, with only two specimens recorded from this pair of dies. 25,000 From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming). This stater is testament to the alliance of two cities, Sirinos and Pyxoes. The word ‘Sirinos’, known only from the numismatic record, was at one point considered an adjective referring to the wealthy city of Siris on the Ionian coast, which was destroyed by the alliance of Sybaris, Metapontion and Kroton in the early sixth century BC. However, partly because of the great distance between Siris and Pyxoes it is now thought possible that ‘Sirinos’ is in fact the name of a city in its own right, likely that of the ‘Sirini’ people of whom Pliny the Elder writes in his description of southern Italy (NH 3.15). Ruins attributed to Sirinos have been identified on a rocky peak in the valley of Lauria near Rivello, which are still referred to as ‘the city’, and which geographically would make considerably more sense, being only approximately 30km away from Pyxoes. Pyxoes itself was an ancient Lucanian city situated on the Tyrrhenian coast, today Policastro Bussentino, and reported by Diodoros Siculus (11.59.4) as having been founded by Mikythos the tyrant of Rhegion and Zankle-Messana in 471/0 BC, possibly as a military outpost, though the numismatic evidence suggests that Pyxoes existed prior to this event; what is not clear is whether it was a Hellenic community prior to Mikythos’ refoundation, or whether it was an Italic one. The extent of Pyxoes’ territory is uncertain, but it is hard to conceive of it as being autonomous. Both cities must inevitably have come under the influence of Sybaris, an important city which amassed proverbially great wealth and power due to its fertile land and advantageously positioned port. Indeed, this type of a bull with head reverted and an incuse reverse is directly derived from the contemporary Sybaritic coinage (eg. HN Italy 1729-1742), the similarities extending as far as the details of the dotted ground line and reverse ray border (S. R. Olsen, ‘An incuse stater from the series ‘Sirinos/ Pyxoes’’, Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia 26 (2015), p.37.). The incuse design and Achaean weight standard is typical of coinage from the sixth century BC in southern Italy and was also employed in nearby Metapontion and Croton.

Second Known with Reversed Ethnic

39. Lucania, Sybaris AR Stater. Circa 550-510 BC. Bull standing to left, head to right; MV above / Incuse of obverse. SNG ANS -; HN Italy 1729; HGC 1, 1231; Triton I (1997), lot 122 (same dies). 8.25g, 31mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine; toned and lustrous. Unpublished aside from the Triton example, and possibly the second known.

2,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

40. Lucania, Sybaris AR Stater. Circa 550-510 BC. Bull standing to left, head to right; VM in exergue / Incuse of obverse. SNG ANS 828-844; HN Italy 1729; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 133 (this coin); HGC 1, 1231. 7.42g, 30mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine; pleasant dark tone.

1,000

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

41. Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 400-350 BC. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla; O behind neck guard / Bull charging to right, [ΘO]YPIΩN above; fish to right in exergue. HN Italy 1805; Noe, Thurian F2/F32 (unlisted die combination); De Luynes 585 (same obv. die); McClean 1260 (same obv. die); SNG ANS -; Gorny & Mosch 199, 40 (same dies); cf. HGC 1, 1256. 15.61g, 25mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Extremely rare die combination, unlisted in Noe.

2,500

From a private European collection; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 69, 18 November 1994, lot 77.

Exceedingly Rare

42. Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 400-350 BC. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla; Δ behind neck guard / Bull standing to right; ΘOYPIΩ[N] above, fish to right in exergue. HN Italy 1804; Noe, Thurian D2; HGC 1, 1256. 15.25g, 26mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine. Exceedingly Rare with left-facing bust and bull standing to right; only one specimen cited by Noe, this seemingly the first to come to auction in at least twenty years. 1,000 From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, E-Auction 73, 14 September 2019, lot 152.

Ex Prospero Collection

43. Lucania, Velia AR Stater. Circa 400-340 BC. Lion crouching to right; owl standing to right in exergue / Head of nymph to right, wearing single pendant earring and necklace; YEΛH above, small Φ below chin, grape vine with grape bunch before. Williams 211 (O130/R164); de Luynes 635 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 513 (same dies); BMC 34 (same dies); Jameson 387 (same dies); SNG ANS -; HN Italy 1276; HGC 1, 1306. 7.70g, 21mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Rare.

5,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 124, 23 June 2021, lot 37; Ex Prospero Collection, Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd. - Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - M&M Numismatics Ltd., The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012, lot 88.

Ex Richard Cyril Lockett Collection

44. Lucania, Velia AR Stater. Circa 400-340 BC. T Group. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with griffin; T behind / Lion standing to right; owl flying to right above, T on exergual line; YEΛHTΩN in exergue. Williams, Period IV, 231g (O139/R178, this coin); HN Italy 1280; SNG ANS 1285 (same dies); SNG Ashmolean 1171 (same dies); HGC 1, 1309. NGC graded Ch XF 5/5 - 4/5 (#6157522-001).

3,000

This coin published in R. Williams, Silver Coinage of Velia. (London, 1992); From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 118, 13 September 2021, lot 29; Ex Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek, Part I), Glendining’s, 25 October 1955, lot 428.

Ex Rosenberg XXI, 1908

45. Lucania, Velia AR Stater. Circa 334-300 BC. Dies signed by Kleudoros. Head of Athena facing slightly to left, wearing winged Phrygian helmet; signature KΛEYΔΩPOY on helmet / Lion standing to left, devouring prey; monogram of Kleudoros and Φ between legs, YEΛHTΩN in exergue. Williams 335m (O175/R247) = Mangieri 17 (this coin); HN Italy 1295; SNG ANS 1335 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 523 (same dies); HGC 1, 1315. 7.48g, 21mm, 10h. Good Very Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

3,000

This coin published in G.L. Mangieri, Velia e la sua Monetazione. (Lugano, 1986); From the David Freedman Collection; Privately purchased from A.H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd (£4,250); Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 64, 24 September 2003, lot 31; Ex M. Ratto, Auction XI, 19 December 1934, lot 774; Ex S. Rosenberg, Auction XXI, 18 March 1908, lot 207.

46. Lucania, Velia AR Stater. Circa 300-280 BC. Philistion Group. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Phrygian helmet decorated with griffin, scrolls on neck-guard; Θ behind / Lion standing to right, feeding on ram’s head; above, cicada flanked by Φ-I; ΥΕΛΗΤΩΝ in exergue. Williams 420 (O207/ R297); HN Italy 1305; HGC 1, 1322. 7.46g, 22mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

47. Lucania, Velia AR Stater. Circa 300-280 BC. Philistion Group. Head of Athena to right, wearing winged, laureate and crested Attic helmet; Φ behind neck guard, Π above visor / Lion advancing to right; above, bunch of grapes flanked by Φ-Ι; ΥΕΛΗΤΩΝ in exergue. Williams Period VII, 492-8; HN Italy 1311; Pozzi 262; HGC 1, 1319. 7.48g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,500

48. 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 in exergue. Williams 529 (O267/R370); SNG Ashmolean 1387 (same dies); HN Italy 1316; HGC 1, 1325. 7.34g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

From a private European collection, local dealer’s ticket included.

Extremely Rare

CALABRIA

49. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 490-480 BC. Taras astride dolphin to right, holding octopus in his right hand and phiale in his extended left; TAPAΣ (partially retrograde) above / Hippocamp swimming to right, scallop shell below, TAPAΣ above; incuse radiating border around. FischerBossert 43 (V18/R35); Vlasto 125; HN Italy 827; HGC 1, 753; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 216 (this coin); HGC 1, 753. 7.84g, 19mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare rev. die; only one example cited by Fischer-Bossert.

5,000

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

50. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 480-470 BC. Taras astride dolphin to right; scallop shell below, TARAS (retrograde) behind / Wheel with four spokes. Fischer-Bossert 73 (V34/R55); Vlasto 73ff; HN Italy 833; SNG ANS 827-9; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 222 (this coin); HGC 1, 754. 7.70g, 19mm. Good Very Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Rare dies.

500

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 58, 1992

51. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 302-280 BC. Anthrop-, Eu-, Ar-, magistrates. Nude, helmeted warrior on horseback to right, holding spear in right hand and shield and two more spears in left hand; ΑNΘP[ΩΠ] below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos; EY in left field, AP below, anchor in right field, [T]APAΣ above. Vlasto 691; SNG ANS 1065; HN Italy 966; HGC 1, 816; Roma XXII, lot 145 (same dies - hammer: GBP 1,100). 7.62g, 21mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive, light iridescent tone.

500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland GmbH, Auction 49, 20 November 2020, lot 11; Ex Giessener Münzhandlung Dieter Gorny GmbH, Auction 58, 9 April 1992, lot 28.

52. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 280-272 BC. Lykon, Si- and Py-, magistrates. Reduced standard. Nude, helmeted warrior on horseback to right, holding shield and spears, preparing to cast spear downward; Nike before, flying to left to crown warrior, ΣΙ to left, ΛΥΚΩΝ below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos and trident; retrograde ΓΥ (retrograde) to right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 727-9; HN Italy 1004; HGC 1, 883. 6.56g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; rich old cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 14, 2 June 2002, lot 4275: then sold “with old dealer’s ticket (French), the back with somewhat later inked notation of $24”.

53. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 280-272 BC. Ar-, magistrate. Youth on horseback to right, crowning horse that raises right foreleg; AP monogram in upper left field, [ΣΩΔΑΜΟΣ below] / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding Nike who crowns him in right hand and shield and two spears in left; TAPAΣ behind, waves below. Vlasto 782-3; HN Italy 1012; HGC 1, 886. 6.63g. NGC graded Ch AU 4/5 - 5/5, Fine Style (#6057377-014).

1,000

From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, ANA Signature Sale 3094, 19 August 2021, lot 34011; Ex E. E. Clain-Stefanelli (Demarete) Collection, Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio, Sale 173 - NYINC Auction Session A, 8 January 2013, lot 32.

54. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Xenokrates, magistrate. Reduced standard. Bearded strategos on horse walking to left, wearing short tunic and chlamys, raising right hand in salutation, and with parazonium under left arm; monogram and pileus to upper right, ΞΕΝΟΚΡΑΤΗΣ in two lines below / Taras astride dolphin to left, with torso turned to right, naked but for chlamys raised in left hand, with trident over right shoulder; TAPAΣ to left, monogram to right, cuttlefish and waves below. Vlasto 955-958; SNG ANS 1259; HN Italy 1058; HGC 1, 904. 6.36g, 19mm, 2h. Near Mint State.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

55. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Erak-, Daimachos, and Andre-, magistrates. Nude youth galloping on horseback to right, holding torch behind him; HPAK monogram in left field, ΔAIMAXOC below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos and trident; ANΔPE monogram in right field, TAPA[C] below. Vlasto 938-9; SNG ANS 1244-5; SNG Copenhagen 940; HN Italy 1053; HGC 1, 899. 6.64g, 20mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex European collection, formed before 2005, Leu Numismatik AG, Web Auction 18, 18 December 2021, lot 137.

Rare

56. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Campano-Tarentine Series, circa 281-228 BC. Diademed head of the nymph Satyra to left, wearing pendant earring / Nude youth on horseback to right, crowning horse, that raises left foreleg, with wreath; TA to upper left, dolphin swimming downwards before; below, rhyton ending in a horse. Vlasto 1032-4; SNG ANS 1299-1300; HN Italy 1098; HGC 1, 951. 7.42g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet toned with striking golden iridescence to rev. Rare with this symbol.

750

Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 24, 22 June 2016, lot 46. Issues from the intriguing ‘Campano-Tarentine series’ combine the head of the nymph obverse from Neapolis with the instantly recognisable ‘horseman’ designs of Tarentum. Hoard evidence (see Burnett, SNR 1977, p.96) documents their dissemination throughout southern Italy, though the reason for their creation is as of yet unknown.

BRUTTIUM

57. Bruttium, Kaulonia AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Nude Apollo walking to right, holding laurel branch in upright right hand, small daimon running to right on Apollo’s extended left arm, holding branches; to right, stag standing to right with head reverted, KAVΛO to left; all within dot and cable border / Incuse of obverse. Noe, Caulonia, Group D, 56 (same dies); Weber 983 (same dies); HN Italy 2038; SNG ANS -; HGC 1, 1417. 8.04g, 26mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

From the collection of Z.P., Austria; Ex John F. Sullivan Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 72, 14 June 2006, lot 127.

58. Bruttium, Kaulonia AR Stater. Circa 475-425 BC. Nude Apollo walking to right, holding laurel branch in upright right hand, small daimon running to right on his extended left arm; to right, stag standing to right with head reverted; KAVΛ (retrograde) downwards to left / Stag standing to right; single branch in right field, KAVΛ (retrograde) above. Noe, Caulonia, 80 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 1710; BMC 18 (same dies); HN Italy 2046; HGC 1, 1419; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 269 (this coin). 7.60g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; some die wear to obv., otherwise an outstanding example.

3,000

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

59. 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 downwards to left / Stag standing to right; single branch in right field, KAVΛ (retrograde) above. Noe, Caulonia, 84 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 1711 (same dies); HN Italy 2046; HGC 1, 1419; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 281 (this coin). 8.17g, 22mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine; very well-centred and complete for the type.

1,500

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

Extremely Rare

60. 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 (retrograde) upwards to left / Stag standing to right; laurel leaf in right field, KAV (retrograde) above. Noe, Caulonia, 79 (same rev. die); SNG Copenhagen -; HN Italy 2046; HGC 1, 1419; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 283 (this coin). 7.77g, 19mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine; beautifully centred. Extremely Rare with this symbol on rev. From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

1,000

61. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 530-500 BC. Tripod surmounted by wreaths, legs terminating in lion’s paws, a pair of serpents above and at base; ϘPO (partially retrograde) upwards to left, crab in right field / Incuse tripod as obverse; ϘPO (partially retrograde) upwards to left, crab in right field. Attianese 32; SNG ANS 244-5; HN Italy 2078; SNG Copenhagen 1744; HGC 1, 1444; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 326 (this coin). 7.06g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; among the finest known examples of the issue, with a finely detailed crab. Rare.

5,000

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

62. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 530-500 BC. Tripod with legs terminating in lion’s feet; ϘPOTO (retrograde) around / Incuse eagle flying to right. HN Italy 2084 (same dies as illustration); SNG ANS 284 (same dies); Boston MFA 179 var. (position of legend); HGC 1, 1445 corr. (HN Italy ref.). 7.71g, 25mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; a beautifully toned specimen. Very Rare with this legend configuration.

1,000

Ex Guadán Collection. The Delphic oracle (alluded to here in the form of the Pythian tripod) and its importance to the founding of Kroton was celebrated on the city’s coinage from the earliest days. Despite later myths ascribing the founding of Kroton to Herakles, the city’s historical oikist is recorded as Myskellos of Rhypai who, on consulting the Delphic oracle about his lack of children was given the response that Apollo would grant children, but that first Myskellos should found the city of Kroton ‘among fair fields’. After being given directions on how to locate the site, Myskellos travelled to southern Italy to explore the land that he had been assigned, but seeing the territory of the Sybarites and thinking it superior, he returned once more to the oracle to ask whether he would be allowed to change. The answer came back that he should accept the gifts that the god gave him. A further element of the story is that Myskellos was accompanied on his expedition by Archias of Corinth; the Delphic oracle gave the pair the choice between health and wealth. Archias elected wealth, and was assigned the site of Syracuse, while Myskellos chose health: the favourable climate of Kroton, the eminent skill of its physicians and the prowess of its athletes later earned its citizens this reputation for good health.

63. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Tripod surmounted by wreaths, legs terminating in lion’s paws, a pair of serpents above and at base; ϘPO (partially retrograde) upwards to left, crab in right field / Incuse tripod as obverse; ϘPO (partially retrograde) upwards to left, crab in right field. SNG Ashmolean 1466 = SNG Lockett 599 = HN Italy 2085 (same dies); SNG ANS - , cf. 246 (larger planchet); HGC 1, 1446; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 328 (this coin). 7.59g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine.

750

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

64. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 480-430 BC. Tripod-lebes with legs terminating in lion’s feet; ϘPO (retrograde) downwards to right / Incuse eagle flying to right. HN Italy 2108; Gorini 27; Attianese 54; SNG ANS 295 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 601 var. (ethnic); Dewing 500 (same obv. die); McClean 1667 (same obv. die); HGC 1, 1451; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 345 (this coin). 7.59g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

65. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 480-430 BC. Tripod-lebes with legs terminating in lion’s feet; ϘPO (retrograde) upwards to right / Incuse eagle flying to right. HN Italy 2108; SNG ANS 288-90; HGC 1, 1451. 8.09g, 18mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone.

750

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex HD Rauch GmbH, Auction 111, 3 December 2020, lot 425.

66. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 480-430 BC. Tripod-lebes with legs terminating in lion’s feet; ϘPO upwards to left, heron standing to left on right / Incuse tripod as obverse. SNG ANS 257 (same dies); HN Italy 2102; HGC 1, 1450; Voec (forthcoming) prov. no. 389 (this coin). 7.54g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; usual die break to obv.

500

From the Voec Collection: An Important Swiss Collection of Magna Graecian Coinage formed 1892-1945 (publication forthcoming).

Very Rare

67. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 425-350 BC. Eagle standing to left, wings spread and head lowered, on serpent below / Tripod with high neck surmounted by wreaths, legs terminating in lion’s feet; ivy leaf to left, ϘPO upwards to right. HN Italy 2152; SNG ANS 348 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 1782 (same rev. die). 7.71g, 22mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; beautiful, deep iridescent cabinet tone. Very Rare.

5,000

Ex Gasvoda Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXII, 8 January 2019, lot 93; Ex Hess-Divo AG, Auction 327, 22 October 2014, lot 2 (hammer: 6,500 CHF); Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA, Auction 7, 27 November 2012, lot 136 (hammer: 4,200 CHF).

68. Bruttium, Kroton AR Drachm. Circa 280-250 BC. Head of Herakles to right / Owl standing to left, KPO behind, grain ear before. Attianese, Kroton 153; HN Italy 2195 var. (Herakles wearing tainia); SNG ANS 421 var. (same); HGC 1, 1500 var. (same); Bertolami 93, 62 (same obv. die); Solidus 97, 12 (same obv. die). 3.22g, 16mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Rarely noted variant with no tainia.

1,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 111, 29 May 2019, lot 50.

An Exquisite Example

69. Bruttium, Lokroi Epizephyrioi AR Stater. Circa 350-275 BC. Pegasos flying to left; ΛO below / Head of Athena to right, wearing Corinthian helmet. Pegasi 5; SNG ANS 54-6; HN Italy 2338; HGC 1, 1574. 8.64g, 22mm, 9h. Near Mint State; an exquisite example, attractive iridescent tone with underlying lustre.

2,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

70. Bruttium, Rhegion AR Drachm. Circa 494-480 BC. Lion’s head facing / Head of calf to left; RECION (retrograde) around. Robinson 3; SNG Copenhagen 1923; SNG ANS 622; HN Italy 2470; HGC 1, 1630. 5.47g, 17mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; deep old cabinet tone, exceptional for the type. Very Rare.

2,500

From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 262, 13 March 2015, lot 7043.

Apparently Unpublished

71. Bruttium, Rhegion AR Litra. Struck under the tyrant Anaxilas, circa 480-462 BC. Hare springing to right / RE retrograde, pellet below. Caltabiano, - cf. Series II–IV, 113–136 for type (all with REC and no pellet); SNG ANS - cf. 633-4 (same); HN Italy - cf. 2475 (same); HGC 1, - cf. 1649 corr. (weight) (same variants). 0.71g, 10mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Apparently unpublished; no record of this type with only the letters RE and a pellet. From the F. Cruse Collection.

500

72. Bruttium, Rhegion AR Tetradrachm. Anaxilas, Tyrant. Circa 478-476 BC. Mule biga driven to right by seated male charioteer; laurel leaf in exergue / Hare springing to right, RECION (retrograde) around. Caltabiano Series IIB, 99A (D50/R56); SNG Cambridge 831 (same dies); SNG ANS 625-631; HN Italy 2472; HGC 1, 1632. 17.32g, 26mm, 1h. Good Very Fine; pleasant cabinet tone with underlying lustre.

1,500

From the David Freedman Collection; Privately purchased from Art Ancient Ltd, 2 July 2016. Proclaiming himself tyrant of Rhegion in 494 BC, Anaxilas encouraged Samian and other Ionian refugees fleeing west from the Achaemenid Persians to seize Zankle from its absent ruler Skythes. Soon thereafter he besieged Zankle himself and expelled the Samians, populating the city instead with settlers from his native Messene. Renaming the city Messana, Anaxilas left control of Rhegion to his son Leophron and remained in Messana. The biga/hare tetradrachm was the innovation of Anaxilas himself, who soon after conquering Messana began a joint issue of Attic weight coinage from both Rhegion and Messana bearing the same types. We learn from Aristotle that Anaxilas won the mule-biga race at the Olympic games in either 484 or 480, and commemorates it here on his coinage. The use of the hare is almost certainly a joint reference to the abundance of the animal in the vicinity of Rhegion (according to Aristotle, Anaxilas is supposed to have also introduced it to Sicily), and to the cult of Pan that flourished among the Messenians. This hypothesis is supported by the presence of a head identified as Pan as an adjunct to the hare on later tetradrachms of Messana.

73. Bruttium, Rhegion Æ 24mm. Circa 260-218 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left; buckle behind / Tripod; PH[ΓI]-NΩN across fields. HN Italy 2543; SNG ANS 716-8; HGC 1, 1677 corr. (obv. symbol unlisted). 8.26g, 22mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

250

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

A Charming and Highly Accomplished Composition

74. Bruttium, Terina AR Stater. Circa 420-400 BC. Head of the nymph Terina to left, wearing sphendone; [TEPIN]AIΩ[N] before, Π behind / Nike seated to left on plinth, the base shown in perspective, holding kerykeion in right hand; Π to left. Holloway/Jenkins, Terina 58 = Jameson 480 (same dies); HN Italy 2613; HGC 1, 1748. 7.92g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; a charming and highly accomplished composition. Very Rare. From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 163, 7 December 2016, lot 14.

5,000

Ex Sir James Knowles Collection, 1908

75. Bruttium, Terina AR Stater. Signed by unknown die engraver ‘Π’. Circa 420-400 BC. Head of the nymph Terina to right, wearing sphendone; [TEPINAI]O[N] before, small Π behind / Nike seated to left on plinth, the base shown in perspective, holding out hand from which small bird alights. Regling, Terina 65 (EE/δδδ); HN Italy 2617; HGC 1, 1749. 7.38g, 20mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Rollin & Feuardent, 6 June 1910, lot 75; Ex Sir James Knowles Collection, Christie, Manson & Woods, 25 May 1908, lot 126.

76. Bruttium, Terina AR Drachm. Circa 300 BC. Head of the nymph Terina to left, TEPINAIΩN before, triskeles behind / Nike seated to left on plinth, the base shown in perspective, a small bird resting on outstretched right hand, star before. Holloway/Jenkins, Terina 110; HN Italy 2642; HGC 1, 1767. 2.48g, 16mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; attractive deep cabinet tone.

3,000

From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VIII, 28 September 2014, lot 43; Privately purchased from Kirk Davis, 28 May 2011.

An Extraordinary Bronze

77. Bruttium, The Brettii Æ Double or Didrachm. Circa 208-203 BC. Head of Ares to left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin; thunderbolt below / Athena advancing to right, holding spear and shield; BPETTIΩN upwards to left, torch in lower right field. HN Italy 1987; SNG ANS 96; Scheu, Bronze 39. 18.24g, 28mm, 6h. Mint State; an extraordinary example with a glossy brown patina.

2,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group - Numismatica Ars Classica AG - Freeman & Sear, Triton III, 30 November 1999, lot 135.

MAURETANIA The Finest Known

78. Kingdom of Mauretania, Bogud AR Denarius. Uncertain Western Mauretanian mint, circa 47-46 BC. Griffin attacking stag to left / REX BOCVT, griffin standing to right; winged solar disk above, thunderbolt below. RPC I 854; MAA 57 (same dies); Mazard 104 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 536 (same dies). 3.79g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; RPC cites only 5 examples, 3 of which are in museum collections, with the present specimen being the finest known. 4,000 From a private English collection. Bogud, son of King Bocchus I of Mauretania, was joint king of Mauretania with his elder brother Bocchus II, with Bocchus ruling east of the Moulouya River and his brother west. An important ally of Julius Caesar, Bogud later supported Marc Antony in the power struggle between Antony and Octavian. He was deposed by his brother and was killed at the siege of Methone in 31 BC prior to the Battle of Actium.

Unpublished

79. Kingdom of Mauretania, Juba II AR Denarius. Caesarea, circa 20 BC - AD 24. REX IVBA, head of Juba II as Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress; club behind / Turreted head of Tyche to right; CAESAREA before. Mazard -, cf. 237-9; MAA -, cf. 132; SNG Copenhagen -, cf. 555. 2.78g, 17mm, 3h. Mint State; with an attractive cabinet tone over lustrous metal. Unpublished in the standard references.

2,500

From a private English collection. Caesarea Mauretaniae was a new town built by Juba II on the site of ancient Phoenician city of Iol and renamed and dedicated to the memory of Caesar. Caesarea became the capital of the Roman client kingdom of Mauretania, one of the more important client kingdoms in the empire and their dynasty was among the most loyal client vassal rulers.

NORTH AFRICA

80. North Africa, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 350-320 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring and pendant necklace / 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 US collection, acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

81. North Africa, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 350-320 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring and pendant necklace / Horse standing to right on ground line; three pellets before. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIh; MAA 4. 9.49g, 19mm, 10h. Near Mint State; struck from worn obverse die. Very Rare.

7,500

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

82. North Africa, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left, wearing triple-pendant earring and pendant necklace; pellet before / Horse standing to right on ground line; one pellet below. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 257 (same dies); CNP 2.10; MAA 12. 7.41g, 19mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

83. North Africa, Carthage AR Quarter Shekel. Uncertain Punic mint in Bruttium (or Lokris?) under Carthaginian occupation, circa 215-205 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit to left / Horse standing to right. CNP 23; Jenkins, Some L2; Robinson, Second p. 53, 3; HN Italy 2020; SNG Copenhagen 369. 2.00g, 18mm, 3h. Near Mint State.

500

From the inventory of Numismática Lucernae, Jaén.

SICILY A Spectacular Tetradrachm

84. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint (Entella?), circa 350-315 BC. Head of Tanit-Persephone to left, wearing wreath of grain leaves, triple-pendant earring, and necklace; four dolphins around / Horse standing to right, with right foreleg raised, date palm in background. Jenkins, Punic 113 (O39/R102); CNP 197; HGC 2, 276 (same dies as illustration - R2). 17.24g, 25mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; a spectacular specimen, boasting great detail and a delightful old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare from these dies; only three examples cited by Jenkins and a further two found on CoinArchives. 8,500 Ex OGN Numismatique - Pierre Crinon, October 2016 Auction, 19 October 2016, lot 33. The enormously wealthy Carthaginian Republic, first and foremost a commercial thalassocracy, made no use of coined money until the invasion of Sicily in 410 BC brought their armies into a direct confrontation, only for the second time after an earlier conflict in 480 BC, with the great city states of Greek Sicily. Not before then had Carthage experienced the necessity of striking coins, which we must assume arose from the requirement to pay the army which included many Italian and Greek mercenaries. That the techniques and inspiration for the earliest Siculo-Punic coins were Greek (and particularly Syracusan) in origin is obvious from the employment of a head of Tanit closely resembling Arethusa, and the style of the engraving that cannot but have been the work of Greek artists, at least initially. While the casual observer might be forgiven for mistaking the obverse of the present type for a Syracusan issue, the reverse is characteristically Carthaginian in iconography. The horse is commonly believed to allude to the foundation myth of Carthage mentioned by Virgil (Aeneid I, 442ff) and later Justin (Epitome of Pompeius Trogus, 18.5), wherein a horse’s head was discovered in the ground at the foundation of the city and was interpreted as an omen of the future city’s prosperity and military power. Alternative interpretations of this symbol have also been proposed, such as that the horse is a symbol of Baal Hammon, chief god of Carthage and probably associated with warfare and the sun (a theory supported by the depiction on later coins of the horse in conjunction with a solar disc), or that the horse is a more general reference to the military purpose of the coinage. Unambiguous however is the use of the date palm, called ‘phoinix’ by the Greeks. Since this economically important fruit-tree was abundant along the southern Levantine coast, the Greeks already in the time of Homer had come to know the region as Phoenicia (“Land of the Date Palm”). Thus the date palm came to be synonymous with Carthage itself, the greatest of all the Phoenician states. It is unclear what term the Carthaginians used to refer to themselves, however the appropriation of this exonym was evidently considered expedient to visually identify the issuing authority of this coinage to its intended recipients.

Pedigreed to 1913

85. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint (Entella?), circa 350-315 BC. Head of Tanit-Persephone to right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; thymiaterion before / Horse standing to right on exergual line, front leg raised, crowned with wreath by small Nike flying to left before; palm tree in background; upright kerykeion to right, ‘ḤB’ in Punic below. Jenkins, Punic Series 2c, 98 (033/ R89 - this coin cited); Jameson 910 (this coin); CNP 202; SNG Lockett 1041; Gulbenkian 367 (same obv. die); HGC 2, 273 (same dies as illustration). 17.12g, 26mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone.

8,500

This coin published in R. Jameson, Collection R. Jameson, Monnaies Grecques Antiques (Paris, 1913-1932); This coin cited in G.K. Jenkins, Coins of Punic Sicily (SNR 50, 1971); Ex Northern California Collection, Heritage World Coin Auction, ANA Signature Sale 3056, 3 August 2017, lot 30047; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 79, 31 October 2000, lot 454; Ex Adolph Hess AG - Bank Leu & Co. AG, Auction 49, 27 April 1971, lot 77; Ex Adolph Hess AG - Bank Leu & Co. AG, Auction 3, 27 March 1956, lot 231; Ex Robert Jameson Collection (published 1913).

86. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint (Entella?), circa 350-300 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit-Persephone to left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet behind, four dolphins swimming around / Head of horse to left; date palm behind, Punic ‘M’ below. Jenkins, Punic 242 (O75/R205); de Luynes 1466 (same dies); SNG Lockett 1054; Boston MFA -; HGC 2, 289. 16.89g, 28mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; beautifully lustrous metal.

4,000

Acquired from Nomos AG. Struck from dies of particularly fine workmanship, the style of this coin is closer to the work of the Greek engravers in the east of Sicily than most such issues. The head of Tanit-Persephone is both delicate and feminine, reminiscent of the work of Euainetos; no less attention was paid to the head of the horse, which appears noble and vigorous.

A Masterpiece of Punic Die Engraving

87. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint (Entella?), circa 320-315 BC. Female head (Artemis-Tanit or Elissa-Dido?) to left, wearing Phrygian cap and plain diadem / Lion walking to left; palm tree with three date clusters behind, s’mmhnt (‘People of the Camp’) in Punic in exergue. Jenkins, Punic 270 (O83/R224); Gulbenkian 376 (same dies); Jameson 911 (same dies); Rizzo pl. LXVI, 6 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer pl. 73, 209 (same dies); CNP 442; HGC 2, 291. 17.12g, 26mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

45,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 195, 7 March 2011, lot 85; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 133, 11 October 2004, lot 85. Carthage, at the head of considerable commercial empire in the western Mediterranean, like Etruria and Phoenicia, did not adopt the Greek practice of coining until the last decade of the 5th century BC when she came into direct contact with the Greek city states of Sicily such as Naxos, Syracuse and Messana, which had started to produce coins of the highest technical quality in the artistic style of the late archaic Greek school in the last quarter of the 6th century BC. The origin of the so-called Siculo-Punic coinage, often of rather crude style mostly imitating contemporary Syracusan tetradrachms produced at Rash Melkarth (= ‘Promontory of Herakles’, possibly Kephaloidion), Panormos (Ziz, ‘the splendid’), Motya (the ‘spinning factory’) and the ‘people of the camp’ and ‘pay master’ military mint (generally considered that of Entella) for the payment of the army including many Italian and Greek mercenaries, is dated to about 410 BC and the Carthaginian military operations in Sicily. Hannibal, grandson of Hamilcar, taking the opportunity presented by the quarrels of the Greek cities in Sicily and of the mutual exhaustion of Athens and Syracuse, invaded western Sicily with a strong military force and defeated the Greeks at Himera in 409. This remarkable rarity belongs to a very small and isolated issue produced from three pairs of dies and is an undisputed masterpiece of Siculo-Punic coinage. Aspects of the engraving style led Jenkins to conclude that they belonged at the end of his series 2d (head of Kore/horse animated before palm tree) or the beginning of his series 3 (dolphins around the head of Arethusa/horse head and palm tree). This being the case, this coinage may well be associated with the Carthaginian invasion of Sicily in their war against Agathokles. Indeed, Jenkins goes so far as to suggest they may have been specially minted for the 2,000 elite citizens who headed the new Carthaginian armada led by Hamilcar Gisgo. The obverse female figure is wearing an oriental tiara in the form of a Phrygian cap, which in Greek iconography generally denotes personages of oriental origin, including Amazons, Trojans, Phrygians, Persians and the great Anatolian mother goddess Kybele and her youthful lover Attis, as seen on the coinage of Amastris (cf. SNG BM Black Sea 1304). 19th and 20th century numismatists poetically described this head as that of Dido (Virgil) or historically, Elissa (Timaeus), the sister of Pymalion, king of Tyre, who fled Phoenicia to found Carthage in 814 BC (cf. Pierre Straus in Münzen und Medaillon sale 43, 1970, 33-4). However, a realistically more convincing interpretation is that it is the portrait of a goddess also represented in certain terracotta figurines of the latter 4th century found at the archaeological sites of Selinous and Gela, both within the Punic sphere of influence by this time. These terracottas depict a female in a Phrygian cap, sometimes accompanied by a lion and a palm tree. This goddess has been called Artemis-Astarte by some authorities and Kybele by others, but the only certainty is that she was one of the great Asian nature-deities, who were subject to syncretic amalgamation in the Hellenistic period (cf. P. Orlandini, ‘Typologia e cronologia del Materiale archeologico di Gela della nuova fondazione di Timoleonte all’atà di Ierone II,’ in Archeologia Classica 9, 1957, pl. 14, 2). The reverse type combines two of her symbolic attributes. The palm tree is an ancient Semitic fertility symbol, recalling the Carthaginian homeland in Phoenicia. The lion is associated with the Asian mother goddess in her aspect as mistress of wild beasts. The lion is also a solar symbol as is the horse, which appears regularly on Punic coinage. The die engraving of both sides of this coin is of exceptional and restrained classical Greek workmanship. The obverse is graced with a portrait of serene divinity, realistic curly hair below a convincingly soft headdress, reminiscent of the finest 5th century sculpture. The reverse is no less of a masterpiece, depicting a majestic lion with a muscular body, protruding veins, luxuriant mane and emphasis on the power of the animal reminiscent of 4th century funerary lions found in the Kerameikos cemetery in Athens.

Extremely Rare

88. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint (Entella?), circa 320-315 BC. Female head (Artemis-Tanit or Elissa-Dido?) to left, wearing Phrygian cap and plain diadem / Lion walking to left; palm tree with three date clusters behind, s’mmhnt (‘People of the Camp’) in Punic in exergue. Jenkins, Punic 270 (O83/R224); Gulbenkian 376 (same dies); Jameson 911 (same dies); Rizzo pl. LXVI, 6 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer pl. 73, 209 (same dies); CNP 442; HGC 2, 291. 16.37g, 31mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

15,000

From a private British collection; Acquired from Harmers of London.

89. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint (Entella?), circa 320-300 BC. Head of Arethusa to left, wearing grain-wreath, triplependant earring, and necklace; four dolphins around / Horse’s head to left; palm tree behind, Punic script (‘MMHNT = People of the Camp) below. Jenkins, Punic 143 (O46/R129); CNP 267; SNG Lloyd 1630; (same dies); HGC 2, 284. 17.19g, 26mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; bright, lustrous metal. Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG; Ex Swiss collection, formed before 2005.

5,000

Fine Style Dies

90. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint (Entella or Lilybaion?), circa 300-289 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Head of horse to left; palm tree with two date clusters behind, ‘MMHNT’ (= ‘People of the Camp’ in Punic) below. Jenkins, Punic 285 (O91/R234); HGC 2, 293; Roma XXII, 166 (same dies). 16.95g, 25mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive light tone. Rare, and struck from some of the finest style dies in the series, comparable to the example sold in 2021 at Roma XXII, lot 166 (GBP 7,500). 5,000 From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex Nomos AG, Auction 20, 10 July 2020, lot 51; Ex collection in Ticino formed prior to 2000.

91. Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint (Entella or Lilybaion?), circa 300-289 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Head of horse to left; palm tree with two date clusters behind, corn ear before, ‘MMHNT’ (= ‘People of the Camp’ in Punic) below. Jenkins, Punic 287 (O91/R236); SNG Lockett 1055 (same dies); CNP 271b; HGC 2, 293. 16.89g. NGC graded AU 4/5 - 4/5, flan flaw (#6157733-001).

2,500

From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 115, 5 March 2002, lot 1079.

92. Sicily, Panormos (as Ziz) AR Tetradrachm. Circa 340-320 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga to left; above, Nike flying to right, crowning charioteer with wreath she holds with both hands; Punic ṢYṢ in exergue / Head of Arethusa to left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins swimming around, pellet to outer left. Jenkins, Punic 67 (O18/ R54); HGC 2, 1022. 17.20g, 25mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone.

2,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 106, 13 September 2017, lot 40; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 41, 18 October 2015, lot 3; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 31, 23 November 2014, lot 12.

93. Sicily, Abakainon AR Litra. Circa 450-440 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to right, ABAK before / Boar standing to left, AI above, barley grain(?) below, IИ in exergue. Campana, CNAI 5; SNG ANS 896; HGC 2, 5 var. (control); Bertolami 87, 24. 0.58g, 12mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; small edge chip, attractive old cabinet tone. Very Rare.

750

From the F. Cruse Collection.

94. Sicily, Akragas AR Didrachm. Circa 495-478 BC. Sea eagle standing to left, with wings closed; ΑΚΡΑ behind / Crab within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage 217.7 (O76/R143); SNG ANS 941; SNG Copenhagen 26; Dewing 552. 8.72g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; die flaw on obv., otherwise well-centred on a large flan, and with an attractive cabinet tone. From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Dix Noonan Webb Ltd, Auction 158, 24 April 2019, lot 1145; Privately purchased from Coin Galleries New York (Stack’s), December 1958.

1,250

A Highly Attractive Crab

95. Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-450/445 BC. Sea eagle standing to left, with wings closed; AKPACANTOΣ (partially retrograde) around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage 371 (O12/R42); SNG ANS 979-80; HGC 2, 78. 17.45g, 28mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful underlying lustre, well centred and detailed design.

17,500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection. According to Thucydides, Akragas was founded by colonists from Gela and Rhodes in around 582-580 BC (History of the Peloponnesian War, 6.4). The last of the great Greek cities in Sicily to be established, Akragas was situated in a highly favourable location on a plateau overlooking the sea, with a constant supply of water from two nearby rivers, the Akragas (for which the city was named) and the Hypsas. The city’s position benefited it greatly, and it quickly became one of the wealthiest Greek colonies on the island, eclipsing neighbours Gela and rivalling even Syracuse. Under the reign of the tyrant Phalaris (circa 570-554), who Aristotle tells us had seized power in the city after having been entrusted with the building of the temple of Zeus on the citadel (Politics, v.10), the city attained considerable prosperity. Along with expanding his territory through military victories against the indigenous Sikanians, Phalaris also managed to secure favourable trade agreements with Sicilian neighbours and also the great Mediterranean power of the time, Carthage. Such deals allowed the Akragantines to embark on an extensive building program, which saw the construction of intimidating defensive fortifications and grand public buildings. Yet for all this, Phalaris was renowned for his cruelty and sadistic tendencies, which supposedly included cannibalism. His notorious reputation is etched in legend, as it was he who commissioned the so-called ‘Brazen Bull’, a hollow bronze statue invented by the sculptor Perillos of Athens as a novel way to execute criminals, in which the victim would be placed, before a fire was set below the statue. A complex system of tubes converted the victim’s screams into the sounds of a bellowing bull. Perillos, expecting a reward for his service, was instead thrown into the bull to test it. More tyrants followed before a democracy was established in 473, most notable of whom was Theron (ruled 489-472), who played a critical role in the joint Syracusan and Akgragantine victory over the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera in 480, an event which led to the crippling of Punic power in Sicily for many decades. Silver civic coinage was struck at Akragas relatively early, from at least the end of the sixth century BC, with the iconic eagle and crab types emerging almost immediately: the eagle being sacred to Zeus, to whom a vast temple was dedicated on the city’s ‘hill of Athena’, and the crab being a popular local delicacy harvested from the rivers located nearby. The duo continued to feature on Akragantine coinage throughout the fifth century, with the depictions of the eagle(s) in becoming ever more elaborate and impressive (see HGC 2, 81-2), before the crab gave way to Nike/quadriga types just before the turn of the century, a clear indication of the influence of contemporary Syracusan coinage.

96. Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-450/445 BC. Sea eagle standing to left, with wings closed; AKRACANTOΣ (partially retrograde) around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage 317 (O4/R11); SNG ANS 964-80; HGC 2, 78. 17.37g, 28mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

97. Sicily, Akragas AR Litra. Circa 450-440 BC. Sea eagle standing to left on Ionic capital; AK-RA across fields / Crab; IΛ (retrograde, mark of value) below. Westermark, Coinage 512 (O47/R- [unlisted rev. die]); SNG ANS 989-95 var. (ΛI); HGC 2, 121 var. (same). 0.64g, 12mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. A very rare variant.

250

From the F. Cruse Collection.

98. Sicily, Akragas Æ Hemilitron. Circa 420-406 BC. Eagle flying to right, head raised, holding fish in its talons; AKPAΓANTINON before / Crab clutching eel in left claw, conch and octopus below; six pellets (mark of value) around. Westermark, Coinage, Series 2, 635.2 (O6/R14); CNS I, 40; HGC 2, 134. 24.33g, 27mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

750

From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, E-Auction 77, 1 December 2019, lot 53.

99. Sicily, Gela AR Didrachm. Circa 490/85-480/75 BC. Horseman riding to right, preparing to cast javelin / Forepart of man-headed bull to right; CΕΛΑΣ below; within circular incuse. Jenkins, Gela, Group Ib, 65 (O20/R28); BMC 19 (same dies); SNG ANS 11 (same dies); HGC 2, 363. 8.44g, 20mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

Acquired from Jean Vinchon Numismatique.

100. Sicily, Himera Æ Hemilitron. Circa 430-420 BC. Gorgoneion with protruding tongue and furrowed cheeks / Six pellets (mark of value). CNS I, 1-1/2; Calciati I, 24; HGC 2, 463. 14.12g, 23mm. Near Extremely Fine; an attractive example of the type.

500

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 64, 28 November 2019, lot 136.

101. Sicily, ‘Kainon’ Æ 22mm. Circa 360-340 BC. Griffin springing to left / Horse prancing to left, reins loose; KAINON in exergue. Campana 1; CNS 1; SNG ANS 1169-74; HGC 2, 509. 11.00g, 22mm, 1h. About Extremely Fine.

250

From the F. Cruse Collection. Not identifiable with a known mint in Sicily, the Kainon issues have traditionally been attributed to Alaisa. However, the different fabric of several issues suggests that they were struck at more than one mint, perhaps by mercenaries in the employ of Dione of Leontini.

102. Sicily, Kamarina Æ Tetras. Circa 420-405 BC. Facing gorgoneion / Owl standing to right, head facing, holding lizard in talon; KAMA to left, ••• (mark of value) in exergue. Westermark & Jenkins Period 3, Type C, 185; SNG ANS 1221-4; HGC 2, 546. 3.18g, 14mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive brown patina, a superb example.

300

From the F. Cruse Collection.

103. Sicily, Katane AR Drachm. Circa 405-403/2 BC. Female charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to left crowning charioteer with wreath held in outstretched arms; KATANAIΩN in exergue / Horned head of the river-god Amenanos turned slightly to right, fish swimming upwards to left and right. Rizzo pl. XIV, 12; BMC Sicily 36; SNG ANS -; HGC 2, 580 (same dies). 4.00g, 18mm, 9h. Very Fine; cabinet tone. Extremely Rare.

2,250

From the David Freedman Collection; Privately purchased from Mike Vosper Ltd; Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 67, 11 July 2019, lot 87.

An Unsigned Work by Prokles?

104. Sicily, Katane AR Drachm. Circa 405-403/2 BC. Dies in the style of engraver Prokles. Female charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to left, crowning charioteer with wreath held in outstretched arms / Horned head of the river-god Amenanos to left, wearing tainia; crayfish and two dolphins around, AMENANOΣ above. SNG Manchester 384 (same dies); SNG ANS - cf. 1263 for drachm by different engraver; HGC 2, 582 (this coin) corr. (incorrect description copied from 581). 4.20g, 19mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive iridescence around devices. Very Rare.

25,000

This coin published in O.D. Hoover, The Handbook of Greek Coins, Vol. 2 - Coins of Sicily (Lancaster PA, 2012); Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 116, 1 October 2019, lot 44; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIV, 4 January 2011, lot 23. The city of Katane, founded around 729 BC by Chalkidic colonists from Naxos, was established on the site of the archaic village of the same name that was then peopled by the indigenous Sikels, who had named their village after the rugged black lava landscape (katane, meaning sharp stones). The native Sikels were rapidly Hellenised, but the Naxian founders kept the autochthonal name for their new home on the banks of the river Amenanos. During the ill-fated Athenian invasion of Sicily of 415-413 BC, Diodoros reports that Katane was at first in favour of Syracuse, though upon hearing the case of the Athenian strategoi Thucydides relates that the Katanaians were compelled to espouse the alliance of the invaders. Katane thus became the headquarters for the Athenian force, and remained its principal base of operations throughout the campaign. It was to this city that the survivors of the Athenian general Nicias’ massacred army escaped, finding refuge there until they could return to Athens. Despite the utter destruction of their ally’s forces, Katane appears to have emerged from the war largely unscathed, and may indeed have gained some economic benefit from the 300 talents of silver that the Athenian reinforcements brought with them in 414 BC to hire Sicilian cavalry, in addition to the money the Athenians spent within the city. In any case, Katane remained free from Syracusan rule until 403 BC, when a force under Dionysios I was able to seize the city by surprise thanks to the treachery of the strategos Arkesilaos. Dionysios then sold its people into slavery and granted the city itself to his Campanian mercenaries. It is to this period, immediately prior to Katane’s capture, that this drachm belongs. It is a triumph of late classical style, struck during the golden age of Sicilian art when master die-engravers such as Kimon, Euainetos and Herakleidas were active. The obverse type of the victorious quadriga, derived from contemporary issues of Leontinoi and Syracuse, is rendered in a wonderful, dynamic manner which emphasises the thundering motion of the four galloping horses. The presence of Nike, soaring in from above to crown the charioteer, shows victory is assured. On the reverse is depicted the river-god Amenanos, appearing not as a bearded man-faced bull as Sicilian river gods were often portrayed in emulation of their father Acheloos, but in a handsome youthful form. The nature of his divinity is revealed only by the small bull’s horn above his tainia and by the fish and crayfish that float around his face. The double exergual lines, treatment of Amenanos’ hair, upright posture of the charioteer and positioning of the horse’s legs identify it as in the style of Prokles, a die-engraver whose signature appears on several tetradrachms of Katane. Unsigned drachms in his style are a rarity in the Katane drachm series, with drachms signed by Euainetos, Herakleidas and Choirion being more common.

105. Sicily, Katane AR Drachm. Circa 405-403/2 BC. Dies in the style of engraver Prokles. Female charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to left, crowning charioteer with wreath held in outstretched arms / Horned head of the river-god Amenanos to left, wearing tainia; AMENANOΣ and crayfish behind, two fish before. SNG Manchester 384 var. (same obv. die, crayfish before); SNG Fitzwilliam 299 var. (same obv. die, same); SNG Lockett 733 var. (ethnic on obv., retrograde rev. legend, same); SNG ANS -; HGC 2, -; NAC 125, 275 (hammer: 22,000 CHF) = NAC 116, 44 (hammer: 18,000 CHF) = Triton XIV, 23 (hammer: 24,000 USD) var. (same obv. die, same). 4.16g, 17mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

Dies by the ‘Demareteion Master’

106. Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 467-466 BC. Dies by the ‘Demareteion Master’. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking biga to right; Nike above, flying to left to crown charioteer; crouching lion to right in exergue / Laureate head of Apollo to right; ΛEONTINON and three leaves around; below, lion to right. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 29 (same obv. die); SNG ANS 217 (same dies); Randazzo pl. 4, 88-89 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXII, 14 (same dies); Kraay-Hirmer 19 (same dies); Gulbenkian 211 (same dies); Basel 348; HGC 2, 665. 16.89g, 36mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; some corrosion and pitting. Toned and lustrous.

2,500

From the David Freedman Collection; Ex private European collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 52, 10 January 2019, lot 110; Ex Marti Hervera and Soler & Llach, Auction 1095, 23 February 2017, lot 1. The dies for this iconic masterpiece of late archaic numismatic art are confidently attributed as the work of the individual known as the ‘Demareteion Master’, who engraved dekadrachm and tetradrachm dies for Syracuse; the refined style of the Apollo along with the crouching lion link this beautiful coin to that most famous of series. The hand of this individual can be seen in the distinctive style of his portraiture on the coins of both cities - in particular when one compares the eye-brow, eye form, delicate nose, pointed chin and slightly parted lips. The obverse bears obvious similarities to the Syracusan Demareteion issue; indeed the quadriga became almost synonymous with the Deinomenid realm. The exergual lion present on both the issues at Syracuse and Leontinoi is almost certainly an allusion to the Emmenid family and Demarete’s ancestors - the tyrants of Akragas claimed descent from the son of Oedipus, Polyneikes, whose shield device was a lion. The reverse of the piece meanwhile mirrors Arethusa’s four dolphins with laurel leaves, both portraits are laureate, and only in the addition of the lion - a punning allusion to the city itself, does the issue diverge significantly. The occasion of the striking of this type is sometimes suggested as being a celebration of the fall of the Deinomenid tyrant Hieron and the independence of Leontinoi, around 466 BC. Both Holloway and Arnold-Biucchi contradict this, noting the clear associations with the Deinomenids present on the coin. Arnold-Biucchi, citing the hoard evidence of Randazzo, notes that it would be logical for the Syracusan Demareteion types to have been struck some time (perhaps as much as a decade) before those of Leontinoi, given the advances in style present on the latter, and the sometimes significant wear on the former. It is more logical that the first post-Deinomenid coinage of Leontinoi should be the series placing the head of Apollo on the obverse, which also displays a significant degree of artistic distinction while disposing of those types that were so closely associated with the tyrants. The present type should instead be seen to have been minted a short time after the similarly styled issues at Syracuse. This historically, artistically and numismatically important issue was even smaller than that produced at Syracuse, and is rightly considered to be one of the great masterpieces of early 5th century Sicilian coinage.

107. Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 455-430 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Head of roaring lion to right; LEONTINON and four barley grains around. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 46 (same dies); SNG ANS 245 (same dies); Gulbenkian 218 (same dies); Boston MFA 276-8; HGC 2, 667; Stack’s Bowers Jan 2022 NYINC, lot 4119 (same dies - hammer: 8,000 USD); HGC 2, 667. 17.23g, 24mm, 2h. Good Very Fine; area of flat strike. A scarcely seen rev. die.

500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex Guadán Collection, Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 159, 20 July 2021, lot 353.

Ex M&M 32, 1966

108. Sicily, Messana (as Zankle) AR Drachm. Circa 500-493 BC. Dolphin swimming to left within sickle-shaped harbour; DANKLE below / Nine-part incuse square with cockle shell at centre. Gielow 40 (same obv. die); SNG ANS 302; SNG Copenhagen 388; Boston MFA 285; Kraay & Hirmer 49; HGC 2, 766. 5.88g, 24mm. Extremely Fine; deep, old cabinet tone.

4,000

Ex collection of Prof. Robert Gaupp Jr. (1907-1978); Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG, Auction 32, 20 October 1966, lot 44. The circumstances and time of the foundation of Zankle are uncertain, due to conflicting accounts from the historical sources. According to Thucydides, the place was originally settled by the Chalkidian colony of Kyme (Cumae), first as a trading outpost, then as a polis in its own right at a later date, when greater numbers of Chalkidian and other Euboian settlers arrived. According to Ps.-Skymnos 283-86 (possibly drawing on Ephor fr. 137A; cf. Strabo 6.2.2-3) however, Zankle was founded by Naxos as a sub-colony at around the same time as Katane and Leontinoi, i.e. circa 735-730 BC. This date seems to be supported by archaeological evidence, and by the Zanklaian participation in the foundation of Rhegion. Situated new the narrowest point of the straights south of Cape Pelorus on a low coastal plateau facing a natural, sickle-shaped harbour from which the city took its name (ζάγκλον – scythe), the settlement of Zankle lay along the inner harbour and upon the sickle-shaped peninsula that enclosed the harbour. The city appears to have been prosperous until around 488/7 BC, when the Zanklaian forces were laying siege to a native Sikel town, and their undefended city was captured by Samian exiles.

109. Sicily, Messana (as Zankle) AR Tetradrachm. Samian occupation, 494-487 BC. Facing lion’s scalp / Prow of a Samaina (Samian galley) to left. Barron p. 178, 4 (ZA 3/ZP 3) = Pozzi 318; Barron, Silver S5 (SZA4/SZP4); SNG Lloyd 1081 (same dies); Gielow 82; Rizzo pl. 25, 6; HGC 2, 772. 17.00g, 24mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

From the collection of a Scientist.

110. Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. 465-461 BC. Mule biga driven to right by seated male charioteer; bay leaf in exergue / Hare springing to right, MESSENION around. Caltabiano Series V, 225 (D129/R121); Randazzo 146 (same dies); SNG ANS 315-320; HGC 2, 779. 17.25g, 28mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

111. Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. 425-421 BC. The nymph Messana, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving slow biga of mules to right; above, Nike standing to right on reins, crowning horse; olive leaf and berry in exergue / Hare springing to right; MEΣΣANION around, dolphin to right below. Caltabiano Series XIII, 490 (D199/R200); SNG ANS 358 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett -; SNG Ashmolean -; Pozzi 1091 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 290 (same obv. die); HGC 2, 787. 17.29g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; beautifully centred, and featuring a delightful old cabinet tone.

3,500

Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 244, 6 March 2017, lot 77.

Extremely Rare

112. Sicily, Messana AR Hemilitra. Circa 425-421 BC. Hare springing to right; H (mark of value) below / ME within wreath. Caltabiano Series XIII, 506; SNG ANS 355; HGC 2, 821. 0.34g, 8mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only one example recorded by Caltabiano. From the F. Cruse Collection.

750

A Beautiful Example

113. Sicily, Naxos AR Litra. Circa 415-403 BC. Head of bearded Dionysos to right, wearing ivy wreath; NAΞI before / Grape bunch on vine branch with leaves and tendrils. Cahn 144 (V87/R115); SNG ANS 530; SNG Copenhagen 490; HGC 2, 976. 0.78g, 12mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a beautiful example of this highly desirable issue. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

114. Sicily, Segesta AR Didrachm. Circa 412-400 BC. Hound scenting to right, three grain ears behind; ΣEΓEΣTAΞI[B] (retrograde, Γ also inverted) 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 (same dies); Boston MFA 314-5 (same dies); Jameson 710 (same dies); Pozzi 529 (same dies); HGC 2, 1152. 8.39g, 24mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; deep cabinet tone. Rare, and remarkably well preserved for the type. Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

5,000

The Finest Classical Style

115. Sicily, Segesta AR Tetradrachm. Circa 405-400 BC. The hunter Aigestes, nude but for chlamys over left arm and pileus hanging from neck, standing to right, left foot propped on rock, holding two spears over left shoulder and with sword hanging from strap around shoulder; two hunting dogs prowling to right at his feet towards herm standing to left in right field; [ΕΓΕΣΤΑΙ]ΩΝ behind / Head of the nymph Aigeste to right, wearing pendant earring and necklace, with hair bound up in amphyx and sphendone ornamented with stars; grain stalk behind; [Σ]ΕΓΕΣΤΑΞΙA before. Rizzo pl. LXII, 13 (same obv. die); Kraay & Hirmer 203 = BMC 32 = Lederer 6a = L. Mildenberg, ‘Kimon in the manner of Segesta’ in Proceedings of the 8th International Congress of Numismatics (1973), pl. 11, 21 (same dies); Hurter T8; HGC 2, 1108. 16.29g, 27mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; struck from dies of the finest classical style. Very Rare.

25,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction II, 2 October 2011, lot 52; Ex A. Tkalec AG, 17 May 2010, lot 10. This remarkable tetradrachm features a hunter traditionally identified as Aigestes, the mythical founder of Segesta, whom Virgil wrote was the son of the Sicilian river god Krimisos and the nymph Aigeste, who is portrayed in a beautiful portrait on the reverse, rendered with an elaborate curled hairstyle and jewellery. According to Servius, the Trojan nymph was sent by her father to Sicily to avoid the monsters who had infested the territory of Troy during the Trojan war (Comp. Schol. Ad Lycophr. 951). In the Aeneid, Aigestes, called Acestes, appears as king of Segesta and receives Aeneas, his fellow Trojan, on his journey from Troy to Italy to found Rome (Aeneid 5.36). Indeed, Virgil’s description of King Acestes watching for Aeneas’ ships, armed with javelins and dressed in bearskin, holds a striking similarity to the obverse composition of the present tetradrachm, which likely derives from a lost sculpture group that would have been familiar to the citizens of Segesta during the fifth century BC. It depicts a vigilant hunter, heavily armed with two spears and a sword hanging around his shoulder, watchfully gazing into the distance, as two hunting dogs prowl around his feet. A herm stands before him, a traditional Greek sculpture, often erected to mark the boundaries of lands to ward off harm. The image is imbued with a sense of defensive alertness on the part of the city, which had been constantly at war with neighbouring Selinos from as early as 580 BC. Hostilities reached their zenith in the latter decades of the fifth century BC, and spurred on by assistance from first the Athenians and later the Carthaginians, Segesta achieved a decisive victory in 410 BC after which Selinos was destroyed. Thenceforth, Segesta was very much a dependent ally of Carthage. The first tetradrachms were struck at Segesta in circa AD 415, almost certainly due to the military costs associated with the Athenian expedition to Sicily and the assistance from Carthage. The type of ‘Aigestes the hunter’ can be linked to the representation of a hound which adorned the earlier didrachms of Segesta, perhaps an homage to Aigestes’ father Krimisos, who is said to have appeared to his mother Aigeste in the guise of a hound or a bear. It has been suggested that the issue of this particular highly patriotic tetradrachm, which celebrates both the mythical founder and ancestress of the city, could be viewed as an assertion of Segesta’s comparative political independence and pride in its individual history during the time of Dionysius I of Syracuse’s peace treaty with Carthage in 404 BC.

116. Sicily, Selinos AR Didrachm. Circa 540-515 BC. Selinon (wild parsley) leaf; pellets flanking above, two further pellets flanking stem / Dekapartite incuse punch with raised and sunken compartments. Arnold-Biucchi Group I, 4; Selinus Hoard 13-15 (same rev. die); HGC 2, 1209. 8.83g. NGC graded Ch AU★ 5/5 - 4/5 (#4284724-004).

4,000

Ex Mercury Group Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 118, 13 September 2021, lot 71.

117. Sicily, Selinos AR Didrachm. Circa 540-515 BC. Selinon (wild parsley) leaf / Dekapartite incuse punch. Arnold-Biucchi Group I, 2; Selinus Hoard 32ff; SNG ANS 674; HGC 2, 1207. 8.55g, 22m. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex G.M.R.H. Collection (London, UK).

Very Rare

118. Sicily, Selinos AR Didrachm. Circa 540-515 BC. Selinon (wild parsley) leaf; pellets flanking above, two further pellets flanking stem, taking form of eyes of facing panther head design / Oktopartite incuse punch. Arnold-Biucchi Group I, 5; Selinus Hoard 30; SNG ANS 665-6; HGC 2, 1210. 8.97g, 24mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

From Extremely Rare Dies

119. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon I, circa 480-478 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing pearl diadem and necklace; ΣVRΑKΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 83 (V40/R54); SNG ANS 15-25; Jameson 1906 (same dies); HGC 2, 1306. 17.00g, 25mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only the Jameson specimen was known to Boehringer, seemingly no others on CoinArchives from these dies. 2,500 From the F. Cruse Collection.

120. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon I, circa 480-478 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing pearl diadem and necklace; ΣVRΑKΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 112 (V51/R77); Randazzo 267 (same dies); cf. SNG ANS 27-32 (unlisted dies); cf. Boston MFA 344-51 (unlisted dies); HGC 2, 1306. 17.39g, 25mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,500

Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 304, 19 March 2018, lot 167.

121. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon I, circa 480-478 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing pearl diadem and necklace; ΣVRΑKΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 164 (V72/R113); SNG ANS 48 (same dies); HGC 2, 1306. 17.31g, 24mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

122. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon I, circa 480-478 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing pearl diadem and necklace; ΣVRΑKΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 202 (V89/R140); SNG ANS -; HGC 2, 1306. 17.48g, 25mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

123. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing pearl diadem and necklace; ΣVRΑKΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 307 (V147/R1213); SNG ANS -; HGC 2, 1307. 17.21g, 27mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

A Bold and Detailed Portrait of Arethusa

124. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to right, crowning horses with wreath; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing earring, necklace and headband, her hair tied in a krobylos; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 472 (V253/R340); HGC 2, 1311. 17.29g, 27mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive golden iridescence around devices; a bold and finely detailed portrait of Arethusa. From the Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com); Privately purchased from Sabine Bourgey Numismatique, 2017 (sold with export licence issued by the French Republic).

10,000

125. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to right, crowning horses with wreath; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing earring, necklace and headband, her hair tied in a krobylos; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 477 (V255/R342); Randazzo 535-6 (same dies); SNG München 1010 (same dies); cf. SNG ANS 144-53 (unlisted dies); HGC 2, 1311. 17.07g, 27mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; attractively toned with a splendid portrait struck in high relief.

5,000

Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 24, 22 June 2016, lot 168.

126. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to left, crowning charioteer; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing earring and necklace, hair bound with ribbon; ΣVPΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 489 (V258/R351); SNG ANS -; Jameson 762 (same rev. die); HGC 2, 1322. 16.78g, 29mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; worn obv. die.

3,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex AO Collection, Munich, acquired prior to 1973; Reported as ex Bank Leu AG, “I A, 8160”.

127. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 420 BC. Unsigned dies by the unknown master ‘A’. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; above, Nike flying to left, crowning charioteer / Head of Arethusa to right, wearing hook earring, hair enveloped in sakkos drawn together at top and decorated with a maeander pattern above chevrons; and ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣ[ΙΟΝ] and four dolphins around. Boehringer 692 (V342/R471); SNG ANS 229 (same dies); HGC 2, 1322. 17.70g, 24mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

From a private Californian collection.

Signed by Euainetos

128. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 410 BC. Obverse die signed by Euainetos. Charioteer driving fast quadriga to right, holding kentron and reins; above, Nike flying to left, crowning charioteer with wreath held outstretched in both hands and also holding a panel inscribed EYAIN-ETO; two confronted dolphins in exergue / Head of Arethusa to left, her hair delicately bound with an ornamented sakkos, wearing a doublecurved earring and pearl necklace; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ and four dolphins around, two swimming clockwise, and two anticlockwise. Tudeer 42a (V14/R24 this coin); BMC 188; Boston MFA 407 (same dies); Gulbenkian 277 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 101 (same dies); Rizzo pl. 43, 3 (same rev. die). 17.45g, 24mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; magnificent old cabinet tone with iridescent highlights. Very Rare; one of only 31 recorded examples.

17,500

This coin published in Coins, Artists, and Tyrants: Syracuse in the Time of the Peloponnesian War, W. Fischer-Bossert (New York, 2017); Ex Collection I. (USA); Ex A. Tkalec AG, 24 October 2003, lot 37. Syracuse’s huge cultural influence during the prosperous ‘second democracy’ period of the late fifth century BC attracted eminent artists and famous die-engravers from all across the Mediterranean. These masters brought about a stylistic revolution, breathing life into the static, rigid forms of Archaic art and developing new ways of depicting motion on a miniature scale. Among the most famous of these master engravers, who were responsible for an array of magnificent classical tetradrachms, was Euainetos, whose signature can be glimpsed on this example, inscribed on a panel held aloft by Nike over a dramatic depiction of a chariot race. An iconic motif which had evolved from sober, canonical renderings inspired by an Attic vase painting, this highly-energized obverse engraving emphasises the thundering motion of the horses, their legs depicted in sensationally naturalistic style. The image captures a climatic moment of potential catastrophe: while the chariot is pulled forward at full speed, the outside horse is breaking away from the other three, stretching out its neck, the reins trailing dangerously below and threatening to entangle the legs of the rest of the team. It is testament to the quality of this specimen that the fine reins are visible, as they are on the British Museum example. The charioteer stands alert to the danger, poised with tension, pulling back the reins and extending the goad. While Euainetos’ authentic style powerfully engages the viewer in the race, the outcome is never in doubt: the presence of Nike, soaring in from above to crown the charioteer, shows victory is assured. The die is a masterpiece of great subtlety and ambiguity, and became instantly popular as a model for several different issues, including a group of drachms of Katane, which are signed by Euainetos on the reverse, some Syracusan hemidrachms, and an adapted version can also be seen on a tetradrachm of Gela and on the earliest gold staters of Kyrene (W. Fischer-Bossert, Coins, Artists, and Tyrants: Syracuse in the time of the Peloponnesian War, 2017, p.49).

Ex Ars Classica XV, 1930

129. Sicily, Syracuse AV 100 Litrai - Double Dekadrachm. Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Head of Arethusa to left, hair in sphendone ornamented with two stars, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; [ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before], pellets flanking neck / Herakles kneeling to right, strangling the Nemean Lion. Bérend 15,10 (this coin); SNG ANS 329 (same dies); SNG Lockett 985 (same dies); Pozzi 605 (same dies); Jameson 814 (same obv. die); HGC 2, 1275. 5.78g. NGC graded AU 5/5 - 4/5 Fine Style (6158586-002).

25,000

This coin published in D. Bérend, ‘Le monnayage d‘or de Syracuse sous Denys I’ in CCISN 8 (Rome, 1993); Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, ANA Signature Sale 3048, 11 August 2016, lot 32011; Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIX, 5 January 2016, lot 2018; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton VI, 14 January 2003, lot 110; Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 32, 30 November 1983, lot 11; Ex Ars Classica S.A., Auction XV, 2 July 1930, lot 375. Described by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all” (Against Verres, 2.4.52), Syracuse became the major power in Sicily during the late 5th century BC. Its political and cultural power is borne out in its large-scale issues of what is undoubtedly some of the finest coinage in all of antiquity, with its prominence attracting eminent artists and famous die-engravers from all across the Mediterranean. This particular issue dates to circa 405 BC, following the election of Dionysios as supreme military commander of Syracuse in recognition of his achievements in the war against Carthage and his subsequent seizure of total power. Syracuse had only recently repelled an Athenian invasion of Sicily that resulted in the complete destruction of Athens’ expeditionary force and ultimately contributed significantly to Athens’ defeat at the hands of Sparta in the Peloponnesian War. Then under Dionysios in 405 BC, despite the ruin of great cities such as Akragas and Gela, Syracuse overcame a Carthaginian invasion that might have resulted in a comprehensive conquest of the island. Such glory was short-lived, however, as the rule of Dionysios’ son and successor was to bring civil strife that would weaken the power of Syracuse. Never again would the city issue coinage on such a grand scale, and this coin represents part of the last great flourishing of classical numismatic art at Syracuse before two centuries of steady decline and eventual conquest at the hands of the Romans. The wonderful Syracusan 100 litrai or double dekadrachms are considered amongst some of the finest gold coinage of the Greek world, and are associated with the magnificent dekadrachms of Euainetos, whose signature also appears on the earlier dies of the gold denomination issue. The serenely graceful head of the sea-nymph Arethusa, rendered in very similar style to the great die-engraver Euainetos, is presented in delightful contrast to the dynamic rendering of the first labour of Hercules, the slaying of the Nemean lion, on the reverse. The die-engraver’s masterful composition within the bounds of a circular constraint produces a scene of great power and climax, both Herakles’ and the lion’s backs arched as the hero bends to tighten his grip around the lion’s neck and it strains desperately against him to escape. As a great Doric hero and ancestor of the Doric city of Syracuse, Herakles’ defeat of the lion, the symbol of Africa, has powerful connotations for Syracuse’s own conflict with the African city of Carthage.

130. Sicily, Syracuse AV 50 Litrai. Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Youthful bare head of the river-god Anapos to left; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ around / Horse prancing to right, [ΣYRAKOΣIΩN] between two exergual lines. SNG ANS 341 = Bérend 2,27 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 688 (same dies); BMC 169-171; HGC 2, 1281. 2.89g. NGC graded VF 5/5 - 4/5 (#6290614-015).

4,000

Ex Mark (1914-2005) and Lottie (1924-2020) Salton Collection, collector’s tickets included; Reportedly ex Dr. Feori Pipito Collection, Superior Galleries, 12 December 1987, lot [uncertain]. Anapos was the partner of the nymph Cyane, who both witnessed Hades’ abduction of Persephone and tried to prevent it; Hades turned Cyane into a spring on the site of Syracuse, and Anapos into a river (the river Anapo in southern Sicily).

131. Sicily, Syracuse AR Drachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Unsigned dies in the style of Eukleidas. Head of Athena facing three-quarters to left, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet; on either side, two dolphins snout to snout; [ΣΥΡΑΚ]ΟΣΙΟ[Ν] around / Naked Leukaspis advancing to right, wearing crested helmet, holding spear in right hand and oval shield in left; sword suspended by strap over right shoulder; square altar ornamented with garland in background left, and to right, forepart of slain ram on its back; [ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣ]ΙΟΝ around, [ΛΕ]ΥΚΑΣΠ[ΙΣ] in exergue. Boehringer, Essays Thompson pl. 38, 6 (same rev. die); SNG ANS 309-10; Boston MFA 420; HGC 2, 1364. 3.50g, 18mm, 12h. Very Fine; old cleaning marks, subtle hints of blue iridescence around devices.

1,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Pythagoras Collection.

A Miniature Gem

132. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Tetras - Trionkion. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Facing head of the nymph Arethusa, wearing necklace, turned slightly to left / Octopus. CNS 29; SNG ANS 385-8; HGC 2, 1432. 1.78g, 13mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; a magnificent miniature gem.

500

From the F. Cruse Collection.

133. Sicily, Syracuse AR Stater. Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, circa 344-338 BC. Pegasos flying to left / Head of Athena to right, wearing Corinthian helmet; ΣYPAKOΣI[ΩN] around. Pegasi 2; Dewing 930-1; SNG ANS 494-507; SNG Copenhagen 711; HGC 2, 1400. 8.56g, 20mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; exhibiting a highly attractive old cabinet tone.

2,500

Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 67, 11 July 2019, lot 168.

134. Sicily, Syracuse AR Stater. Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, circa 344-317 BC. Pegasos flying to left / Head of Athena to right, wearing Corinthian helmet; AI behind, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around. Pegasi 7/4 (same dies); SNG ANS 508; HGC 2, 1400. 8.54g. NGC graded XF 4/5 - 4/5 (#6290605-012); beautiful rich cabinet tone. Rare.

1,500

From the inventory of an American dealer; Acquired from Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio; Ex Mark (1914-2005) and Lottie (1924-2020) Salton Collection.

135. Sicily, Syracuse AR Hemidrachm. Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, circa 344-317 BC. Helmeted head of Athena facing slightly to left; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩN and three dolphins around / Horseman riding to right; star behind. SNG ANS 520-1 (same dies); HGC 2, 1370. 2.00g, 13mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Rare.

1,000

From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VIII, 28 September 2014, lot 118; Privately purchased from Spink & Son Ltd., 11 October 2012.

136. Sicily, Syracuse AR Hemidrachm. Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, circa 344-317 BC. Helmeted head of Athena facing slightly to left; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩN and three dolphins around / Horseman riding to right; star behind. SNG ANS 520-1 (same dies); HGC 2, 1370. 1.95g, 14mm, 3h. Very Fine. Rare.

250

From the F. Cruse Collection.

A Superb Example

137. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 28mm. Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, circa 339/8-334 BC. ΖΕΥΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ, laureate head of Zeus to left / ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, free horse prancing to left. CNS 80; SNG ANS 533-41; HGC 2, 1439. 20.18g, 28mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; struck from dies of fine style, beautifully centred and unusually complete. From the F. Cruse Collection.

2,500

138. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 27mm. Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, circa 339/8-334 BC. ΖΕΥΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ, laureate head of Zeus to left / ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, free horse prancing to left. CNS 80; SNG ANS 533-41; HGC 2, 1439. 19.44g, 27mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

139. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 28mm. Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, circa 339/8-334 BC. ΖΕΥΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ, laureate head of Zeus to left / ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, free horse prancing to left. CNS 80; SNG ANS 533-41; HGC 2, 1439. 19.33g, 28mm, 3h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

140. Sicily, Syracuse AV Dekadrachm - 50 Litrai. Time of Agathokles, circa 317-311 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left, pellet behind / Charioteer driving fast biga to right; triskeles below, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around. Bérend, ‘De l’or d’Agothocle’ in Studies Price, pl. 9, 1 var. (no pellet); Gulbenkian 327 var. (Σ); SNG ANS 551 var. (same); McClean 2851 var. (ear of barley); NAC 125, 292 (same dies). 4.25g, 15mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare.

3,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

141. Sicily, Syracuse AV Dekadrachm - 50 Litrai. Time of Agathokles, circa 317-311 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left / Charioteer driving fast biga to right; triskeles below, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around. Bérend, ‘De l’or d’Agothocle’ in Studies Price, pl. 9, 1; BAR issue 1; SNG ANS 549-553; HGC 2, 1276. 4.27g, 15mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

2,500

From the F. Cruse Collection.

142. Sicily, Syracuse EL Quarter Stater - 25 Litrai. Time of Agathokles, circa 310-306/5 BC. Wreathed head of Apollo to left / Kithara; ΣYPAKO-ΣIΩN around. Jenkins, Electrum, Group A; BAR Issue 11; SNG ANS 617 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 1295–6 (same dies); HGC 2, 1295. 1.86g, 12mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,200

From the F. Cruse Collection.

143. Sicily, Syracuse AR Stater. Time of Agathokles, circa 305-295 BC. Helmeted head of Athena to right; owl behind / Pegasos flying to left; star above. Pegasi II p. 617, 28 = SNG Ashmolean 2095; HGC 2, 1408. 6.63g, 21mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare variant.

1,000

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVII, 28 March 2019, lot 367.

144

145

146

144. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 22mm. Time of Hiketas II, circa 287-278 BC. Wreathed head of Kore to left, grain ear to right; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before / Nike driving biga to right; [star] above. CNS 123; SNG ANS 768; HGC 2, 1446. 9.70g, 22mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. 200 From the F. Cruse Collection. 145. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 25mm. Time of Hiketas II, circa 287-278 BC. Wreathed head of Kore to left, grain ear to right; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before / Nike driving biga to right; star above. CNS 123; SNG ANS 768; HGC 2, 1446. 10.31g, 25mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. From the F. Cruse Collection.

200

146. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 23mm. Time of Hiketas II, circa 287-278 BC. Wreathed head of Kore to left, grain ear to right; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before / Nike driving biga to right; star above. CNS 123; SNG ANS 768; HGC 2, 1446. 9.23g, 23mm, 1h. About Extremely Fine. 200 From the F. Cruse Collection.

148

147

147. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 25mm. Time of Hiketas II, circa 287-278 BC. Wreathed head of Kore to left, grain ear to right; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before / Nike driving biga to right; star above, AΓ monogram in exergue. CNS -; SNG ANS -; HGC 2, 1466; CNG e357, 30 (hammer: 600 USD). 11.51g, 25mm, 10h. About Extremely Fine. 200 From the F. Cruse Collection. 148. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 20mm. Time of Hiketas II, circa 287-278 BC. ΔΙΟΣ ΕΛΛΑΝΙΟΥ, laureate head of Zeus Hellanios to left / ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, eagle standing to left on thunderbolt. CNS 154; SNG ANS 819-25; HGC 2, 1448. 7.28g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 200 From the F. Cruse Collection.

An Exceedingly Elegant Specimen

149. Sicily, Syracuse AV 60 Litrai - Dekadrachm. Hiketas II, circa 279/8 BC. Head of Persephone to left, wearing grain wreath, pendant earring and pearl necklace; lit torch behind / Nike driving galloping biga to right; moon above; Θ below horses; EPI IKETA in exergue. Buttrey, Morgantina, dies 3/D, j = Jameson 871; BAR issue 41; HGC 2, 1277; BMC 432 (same dies); Hirsch 677-8 (same dies); de Luynes 1340 (same dies); Sartiges 149 (same dies). 4.29g, 16mm, 2h. Near Mint State; an exceedingly elegant specimen of the type.

10,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 273, 14 March 2016, lot; 175; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 248, 14 March 2014, lot 7118. After Agathokles’ assassination by Maenon, the latter put the former tyrant’s grandson to death and seized command of his army that was then besieging Aetna, directing it instead against Syracuse. Hiketas was entrusted with the command of a sizeable force by the Syracusans to defend the city. Despite later seizing supreme power, Hiketas apparently never styled himself as king, as evidenced on the reverse of this coin. During his reign he defeated Phintias of Akragas and took that city, then turning his attention to the Carthaginians. He was however dealt a severe defeat in battle against their forces at the river Terias and as a result was expelled from Syracuse. This coin was produced to pay for this ill-fated campaign of 279 BC. It is interesting that after his defeat the Syracusans continued to issue gold coins of his types but with his name erased in the die.

150. Sicily, Syracuse Æ 19mm. Time of Hieron II, circa 275-215 BC. Wreathed head of Kore to left; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ before / Bull butting to left; club and IA above; IE in exergue. CNS 192; SNG ANS 572-3; HGC 2, 1469. 6.39g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

250

From the F. Cruse Collection.

151. Sicily, Syracuse AV Hemistater. Time of Hieron II, circa 220-217 BC. Wreathed head of Kore-Persephone to left; lit torch behind / Fast biga driven to left by charioteer holding kentron and reins; Π and ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ below. Carroccio 39d (D24/R34); Wolf -; Lorber, NumChron 171, 2011, 1539; SNG Lloyd 1539. 4.28g, 16mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

4,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

152. Sicily, Syracuse AR 2 1/2 Litrai. In the name of the Syrakosioi. Time of Hieron II, circa 216-215/4 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left / Goddess with billowing cloak standing to left, holding scroll and filleted palm; K in left field. CCO 300 (D2/R2); SNG ANS 905; HGC 2, 1420. 2.21g, 14mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the F. Cruse Collection.

153. Sicily, Syracuse AR 16 Litrai. Philistis, wife of Hieron II, circa 240-215 BC. K-, magistrate. Diademed and veiled head of Philistis to left; star behind / Nike holding reins and driving slow quadriga to right; ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣAΣ and star above, ΦΙΛΙΣΤΙΔΟΣ in exergue, K to right. Cf. CCO 129 (D9/R[unlisted rev. die]); BMC 547; SNG ANS 879; BAR Issue 65; HGC 2, 1556 (same obv. die as illustration). 13.36g, 27mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone with multicoloured iridescence to both sides, among the more attractive examples to come to auction in the past decade. 2,000 From the collection of a Scientist.

154. 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.

1,750

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 24 March 2021, lot 51 (hammer: £1,900); 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.

155. Sicily, Syracuse AR 5 Litrai. Hieronymos, circa 215-214 BC. Diademed head to left / BAΣIΛEOΣ IEPΩNYMOY, thunderbolt, MI above. Holloway (O7/R14); HGC 2, 1568. 4.23g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lustrous.

850

Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 236, 7 March 2016, lot 91; Ex Ernste Collection, Düsseldorf, 1970s.

156. 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 coiled serpent on bowl / Artemis standing to left, discharging arrow from bow, hound running to left at her feet; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN to right, ΞA to left. Burnett, Enna Hoard D21 (dies 8/n); McClean 2957 (same dies); SNG ANS 1040; HGC 2, 1412. 10.08g, 26mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

ILLYRIA

157. Illyria, Damastion AR Tetradrachm. Circa 350-340 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Tripod; [Δ]ΑΜΑΣΤΙΝ[ΩΝ] around, kerykeion to inner right. May 79; HGC 3.1, 91. 8.56g, 23mm, 10h. Very Fine.

500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Acquired from Numismatik Naumann.

PAEONIA

158. Kings of Paeonia, Patraos AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain Paeonian mint (Astibus or Damastion?), circa 335-315 BC. Bare head of Apollo or Patraos to right / Warrior on horse rearing to right, spearing enemy who defends himself with raised shield; ΠATPAOY around. Paeonian Hoard, 430 (this obv. die); SNG ANS 1040; SNG Copenhagen 1390; HGC 3.1, 148 (same dies as illustration). 12.38g, 25mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal, impressively complete for the issue.

1,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 78, 26 May 2014, lot 247 (hammer: 2,500 CHF); Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 59, 4 April 2011, lot 1614. 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, 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.

159. Kings of Paeonia, Patraos AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain Paeonian mint (Astibus or Damastion?), circa 335-315 BC. Bare head of Apollo or Patraos to right / Warrior on horse rearing to right, spearing enemy who defends himself with raised shield; [ΠATPA]OY around. Paeonian Hoard 430–3 (same rev. die); Peykov E 2160 (similar style dies); SNG ANS 1040 (similar style dies); HGC 3.1, 148 corr. (some with control marks). 12.60g, 27mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; struck on a broad planchet, beautiful cabinet tone with golden iridescence.

750

From the David Freedman Collection; Acquired from London Coin Galleries Ltd, 7 August 2015.

160. Paeonia, Pelagia AR Tetradrachm. Circa 300-280 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left / Tripod; knife in left field, ΠΕΛΑ[ΓI] downwards in right field. J. M. F. May, The Coinage of Damastion and the lesser Coinages of the Illyro - Paeonian Region (1939), 175, 7 and pl. X, 7a; cf. BMC 2 and Pl. XVI, 10 (same obv. die). 11.85g, 23mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; sharply struck for the issue, and lightly toned. Very Rare.

350

Ex Hess-Divo AG, Auction 338, 3 December 2019, lot 1037.

EPEIROS

161. Epeiros, Ambrakia AR Stater. Circa 404-360 BC. Pegasos flying to right; [A below] / Head of Athena to left, wearing Corinthian helmet; AMΠPAKIOTAN before, chelys behind. Pegasi 67; Ravel 102; Traité IV 279, pl. CCLXXX, 18; HGC 3.1, 208. 7.58g, 23mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; light corrosion to obverse, an attractive reverse.

500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 63, 21 May 2003, lot 295.

AKARNANIA The Third Recorded Example

162. Akarnania, Anaktorion AR Drachm. Circa 350-300 BC. Pegasos flying to right, AN monogram below / Wreathed head of Aktias three-quarters facing; AKTIAΣ to right. BMC p. 115, 7, pl. 31, 7; F. Imhoof-Blumer, ‘Die Münzen Akarnanians’, in NZ 10, 1878, p. 58, 8, pl. 2, 6 (Berlin SM, same dies). 2.55g, 16mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; the third recorded example.

2,500

From the VCV Collection. The important trading polis of Anaktorion was founded by Corinth together with Korkyra in the 7th century BC and was famous for the extramural temple and sanctuary of Apollo Aktaios (‘of the Shore’), which stood in its territory on the Aktian promontory. An important Athletic festival which drew contestants from all over Greece, known as the Aktias in honour of the god, had taken place from at least the Classical period, if not earlier. When in 425 BC a combined force of Akarnanians and Athenians expelled the Corinthians they adopted the cult and festival as their own. In his pioneering study of 1878, Imhoof-Blumer noted that the legends AKTIO, AKTIOY and AKTIAΣ on some of the city’s coinage cannot refer to the town of Aktion (p. 61). The feminine form of the legend AKTIAΣ appears to be a nominative case for the personification of victory in the Aktian games, as it occurs only in conjunction with a female head, usually wearing a wreath. In 216 BC the temple of Apollo Aktion became the federal sanctuary of the Akarnanians and when Augustus built Nikopolis after the naval victory of Aktion, he enlarged the sanctuary and dedicated to it 10 ships of his adversaries Marc Antony and Cleopatra.

163. Akarnania, Argos Amphilochikon AR Stater. Circa 340-300 BC. Pegasos flying to left; A below / Helmeted head of Athena to left, AMΦI above, ABP and spear behind. Pegasi 33; BCD Akarnania 139 var. (rev. legend); HGC 4, 784. 8.52g, 22mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; attractively toned. Scarce with this shortened rev. legend.

1,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - M&M Numismatics Ltd - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles - Sovereign Rarities Ltd, The New York Sale 54, 11 January 2022, lot 29.

164. Akarnania, Leukas AR Stater. Circa 320-280 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Λ below / Helmeted head of Athena to right; behind, Hermes standing to right, holding kerykeion and tying sandal. Pegasi 99; BCD Akarnania 262.2; HGC 4, 826. 8.71g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; hints of attractive iridescence.

1,500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Sheik Saud Al Thani Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 123, 9 May 2021, lot 430; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 87, 18 May 2011, lot 431 (hammer: 2,300 USD).

165. Akarnania, Thyrrheion AR Stater. Circa 320-280 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Θ below / Helmeted head of Athena to left; Λ and earring with pendants behind head, Y below neck. Pegasi 11 corr. (letters on reverse); BCD Akarnania -; HGC 4, 919. 8.44g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; old cleaning marks under attractive cabinet tone.

1,000

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 35, 3 May 2017, lot 110.

THESSALY

166. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 420-400 BC. Thessalos, nude but for chlamys billowing behind him, his petasos having fallen off, holding a band around the head of a bull to right / Bridled horse prancing to right; above and below, [Λ]ΑΡΙ-[Σ]ΑΙ (partly retrograde); all within shallow incuse square. Boston MFA 891; Lorber, Thessalian 58 (same rev. die); BCD Thessaly I 1126; BCD Thessaly II 177 (same dies); HGC 4, 425 (same dies). 6.00g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the VCV Collection.

167. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 420-400. Head of the nymph Larissa to right wearing pearl earring, her hair raised and bound in a sakkos; border of dots / Free horse prancing to left, rein trailing below; above and below, ΛΑΡΙ (left to right)-ΣΑΙΑ (right to left). F. Herrmann, ‘Die Silbermünzen von Larissa in Thessalien’ in ZfN 35, 1925, pl. 4, 5 (same dies); Lorber, Thessalian 62 (same dies); BCD Thessaly I 1130 (same obv. die); BCD Thessaly II 376.4 (same obv. die); cf. HGC 4, 429. 6.16g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; light cabinet tone. Very Rare.

750

From the David Freedman Collection; Acquired from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd, 26 August 2021.

168. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-370 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly to right, with hair in ampyx / Horse standing to right, head to ground; ΛAPI above. Lorber, Early Group 4, Head Type 21 58.1(a) (same obv. die); BCD Thessaly II 240 (same obv. die); HGC 4, -. 5.99g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

1,000

Ex Dr. Guy Sylvain Paul Bastin Collection; Ex Auctiones AG, Auction 29, 12 June 2003, lot 617 (hammer: CHF 900).

Highly Lustrous

169. Thessaly, Larissa AR Stater. Circa 356-342 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly to left, with hair in ampyx / ΛAPIΣ[A]IΩN, bridled horse trotting to right, with tail upright and looped. Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-III, 66 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II 308-11; HGC 4, 409. 12.32g, 23mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; an attractive, highly lustrous example.

3,500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 228, 9 March 2015, lot 88.

Published in Lorber & Shahar

170. Thessaly, Larissa AR Stater. Circa 356-342 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly to left, with hair in ampyx / Bridled horse trotting to right, with tail upright and looped; ΛAPI-[Σ]AIΩ[N] above and in below. L-S Type 2, Series B (O14/R1 - this coin, listed as specimen f); Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-III, 64-8 var. (position of ethnic); BCD Thessaly II 308-11; HGC 4, 409. 12.18g, 25mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

3,000

This coin published in Lorber, C. and Shahar, C., ‘The Silver Facing Head Coins of Larissa’ (2005) (previously available online at: http://www. lightfigures.com/numismat/larissa/index.php); From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 226, 27 January 2010, lot 137; Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd., Buy or Bid Sale 156, 23 October 2007, lot 107; Ex Barry Feinstein Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 39, 16 May 2007, lot 39.

171. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 356-342 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly to left, with hair in ampyx / Horse standing to right, preparing to lie down; ΛAPIΣ-AIΩN above and below. Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-II, 40 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II 316; HGC 4, 454. 6.08g, 20mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone.

750

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

172. Thessaly, Perrhaiboi AR Hemidrachm. Circa 460-440 BC. The hero Thessalos, nude but for petasos and chlamys, seen in background, holding band around the head of a bull charging to right / Forepart of bridled horse to left, ΠE–Я–A (retrograde) around; all within shallow incuse square. BCD Thessaly II 540 = HGC 4, 138 (same dies). 2.90g, 15mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone with iridescent highlights. Extremely Rare.

750

From the VCV Collection.

173. Thessaly, Pharkadon AR Hemidrachm. Circa 420-400 BC. Hero (Thessalos?) advancing to right, wearing cloak and petasos flying behind, holding horns of bull forepart / Forepart of horse to right, ΦAPK(last two letters retrograde) around. BCD Thessaly II 604; HGC 4 292. 2.87g, 16mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 10, 24 October 2021, lot 2067; Ex Bavarian collection, formed in the early 2000s.

Dies Signed by Telephantos and ‘Ip’

174. Thessaly, Pharsalos AR Drachm. Late 5th-mid 4th century BC. Dies signed by the engravers Telephantos and Ip-. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet with raised cheek guards, helmet ornamented with two palmettes; T and IΠ behind / Thessalian cavalryman riding horse prancing to right, wearing petasos, chlamys and chiton, and holding a lagobolon over his left shoulder; ΦΑΡΣ around, ΤΗ below exergual line. Lavva 87c (this coin); BCD Thessaly I -; BCD Thessaly II -. 6.09g, 20mm, 3h. Near Mint State. Very Rare; this variety not represented in the BCD collection.

4,000

This coin published in S. Lavva, Die Münzprägung von Pharsalos. Saarbrücker Studien zur Archäologie und Geschichte 14 (Saarbrück, 2001); Ex Dr. Guy Sylvain Paul Bastin Collection; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 178, 12 May 1993; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 165, 14 February 1990, lot 230.

175. Thessaly, Pharsalos AR Drachm. Late 5th-mid 4th century BC. Dies signed by the engraver Telephantos. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet with raised cheek guards, helmet ornamented with two palmettes; TH behind / Thessalian cavalryman riding horse prancing to right, wearing petasos, chlamys and chiton, and holding a lagobolon over his left shoulder; ΦA[P]Σ around (partly retrograde). Cf. Lavva 98 (V-/R56); BCD Thessaly I -; BCD Thessaly II -. 5.85g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; bright, lustrous metal. Extremely Rare; an apparently unpublished obverse die. From the Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

2,500

176. Thessaly, Skotussa AR Hemidrachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Archaising head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Forepart of bridled horse standing to right, with foreleg rasised, Σ-KO below; all in shallow incuse. BCD Thessaly I 1336; BCD Thessaly II 740; HGC 4, 592. 2.98g, 16mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

177. Thessaly, Skotussa AR Hemidrachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Archaising head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Forepart of bridled horse standing to right, with foreleg rasised, Σ-KO below; all in shallow incuse. BCD Thessaly I 1336 = Jameson 1108 = Traité IV, 627, pl. CCXCV, 7 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II 740 = SNG Lockett 1616 = HGC 4, 592 (same dies); BMC 2 (same dies). 2.82g, 17mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

From the VCV Collection.

178. Thessaly, Trikka AR Hemidrachm. Mid-late 5th century BC. Thessalos, wearing petasos and chlamys, restraining forepart of bull to right by band held around its head / ΤΡΙ-[Κ]-ΚΑΙΩ (retrograde), forepart of bridled horse to right; all in shallow incuse square. BCD Thessaly I 1351 var. (differing ethnic); BCD Thessaly II 776.2 var. (differing ethnic); Traité IV, 546 var. (arrangement of rev. legend); HGC 4, 311. 2.87g, 16mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone.

1,250

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

179. Thessaly, Trikka AR Hemidrachm. Mid-late 5th century BC. Thessalos, wearing petasos and chlamys, restraining forepart of bull to right by band held around its head / TPIKKΑΙΩΝ (retrograde), forepart of bridled horse to right; all within shallow incuse square. BCD Thessaly II 769 var. (arrangement of rev. legend); HGC 4, 311; CNG 424, lot 166 (same dies). 2.90g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; light double strike to rev., otherwise a bright and attractive specimen. From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex Bavarian collection, formed in the early 2000s.

600

LOKRIS Ex M&M, 1963

180. Lokris, Lokri Opuntii AR Stater. Circa 370-360 BC. Wreathed head of Demeter to left, wearing pearl necklace and triple-pendant earring / Ajax, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, advancing to right on rocky ground, holding sword and shield decorated with coiled serpent; round shield between his legs; ΟΠΟΝ-ΤΙΩΝ around. H&D Group 4, 56a (O7/R14 - this coin); BCD Lokris 15; BMC 7; SNG Copenhagen 47; HGC 4, 989. 12.27g, 23mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; minor double strike to obv., otherwise a tremendous example, boasting beautiful iridescent toning and a spectacularly high relief reverse. 10,000 This coin published in J.M. Humphris & D. Delbridge, The Coinage of the Opountian Lokrians (London, 2014); Ex collection of Dr. Hans Krähenbühl; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, FPL 235, August 1963, no. 10. Ajax of Lokris (or Ajax ‘the Lesser’), who is depicted on the reverse of this attractive type, led a fleet of forty ships from Lokris Opuntii against Troy in the Greeks’ great war on that city. At Troy’s fall, he was alleged by Odysseus to have violated a sanctuary of Athena by ravishing Cassandra, who had sought refuge there. He thus brought down the wrath of Athena upon himself and his countrymen: Ajax himself was wrecked and killed in a storm as he made his way home from the war, and the rest of the Opuntians reached home only with great difficulty. Nevertheless, they honoured their former leader annually by launching a ship fitted with black sails and laden with gifts, which they then set alight, and whenever the Lokrian army drew up for battle, one place was always left open for Ajax, whose spirit they believed would stand and fight with them.

Ex Coin Galleries, 1961

181. Lokris, Lokri Opuntii AR Stater. Circa 370-360 BC. Wreathed head of Demeter to left, wearing pearl necklace and triple-pendant earring / Ajax, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, advancing to right on rocky ground, holding sword and shield decorated with coiled serpent; round shield below, ΟΠΟΝ-ΤΙΩΝ around. H&D Group 4, 49b (O4/R12 - this coin); BCD Lokris-Phokis 15; BMC 7; SNG Copenhagen 47; HGC 4, 989. 11.76g, 23mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine; minor double strike, pleasant old cabinet tone.

2,500

This coin published in J.M. Humphris & D. Delbridge, The Coinage of the Opountian Lokrians (London, 2014); From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Jim Gilman Collection, with ticket noting its purchase from Atlantis Ltd., June 2001; Ex Stack’s Bowers, Coin Galleries: The Numismatic Review and Fixed Price List, II.6, 1961, no. A1105.

An Exceptional Specimen

182. Lokris, Lokri Opuntii AR Stater. Circa 360-350 BC. Wreathed head of Demeter to left, wearing pearl necklace and triple-pendant earring / Ajax, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, advancing to right on rocky ground, holding sword and shield decorated with coiled serpent; broken spear on ground behind, ΟΠΟΝ-ΤΙΩΝ around. BCD Lokris-Phokis 41 (same rev. die); SNG Copenhagen 46 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett 1694 (same dies); Dewing 1476; HGC 4, 990. 12.07g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; an exceptional specimen, beautifully centered on the flan with subtle blue iridescence complementing a subtle cabinet tone.

7,500

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 (www.apollotoapollo.com); Ex A. Tkalec AG, Auction February 2001, 19 February 2001, lot 90.

ARKADIA

183. Arkadia, uncertain mint AR Tritetartemorion or Obol. Circa 370-360 BC. Head of nymph to right, wearing sphendone and earring / TTT and three barley grains arranged in a star shape. BCD Peloponnesos I 1772; Traeger 702; Traité III 1255 (Pale mint). 0.66g, 12mm. Good Very Fine; attractive iridescent tone. Extremely Rare; seemingly one of fewer than five known examples.

400

From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 240, 10 October 2016, lot 190.

184. Arkadia, Alea AR Obol. Circa 390-370 BC. Head of Artemis to right, wearing triple pendant earring and with her hair in a bun at the back / Bow; ΑΛ below. BCD Peloponnesos I 1346; BCD Peloponnesos II 2630; Traité III 946, pl. CCXXVI, 22; BMC 1; SNG Copenhagen 213; Traeger 234; Weber 4267; HGC 5, 808. 0.89g, 12mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Nomos AG, Auction 6, 8 May 2012, lot 75.

185. Arkadia, Heraia AR Obol. Circa 430-400 BC. Head of Artemis to left; bow before / Large E; EPA to left. BCD Peloponnesos I 1356; Traité III 1010, pl. CCXXVIII, 11; BMC 13; Traeger 260; HGC 5, 828. 0.78g, 11mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 233, 6 October 2015, lot 1516.

Ex BCD Collection

186. Arkadia, Kaphyai Æ 16mm. Circa 280-240 BC. Wreathed head of Demeter to right / Demeter (or Persephone?) standing to right, holding poppy and grain ears; ΚΑΦΥ behind. Head, HN p. 446; BCD Peloponnesos I 1379 (this coin) = Traeger 295 (this coin) = BCD Peloponnesos II 2643 (this coin) = HGC 5, 847 (this coin). 2.54g, 16mm, 2h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

250

This coin published in B. Traeger, Arkadien, die Münzstätten und Münzen von der archaischen bis zur hellenistischen Epoche (Bremen, 2021); This coin published in O.D. Hoover, The Handbook of Greek Coins, Vol. 5 - Coins of the Peloponnesos (Lancaster PA, 2011); From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 38, 21 June 2015, lot 11; Ex BCD Collection, LHS Numismatik AG, Auction 96, 8 May 2006, lot 1379.

187. Arkadia, Kleitor AR Triobol. Circa 300-270/60 BC. Bust of Helios facing, cloak tied at neck / Bull butting to right; ΚΛΗ and ivy leaf above. BCD Peloponnesos I 1432; BCD Peloponnesos II 2654; Traité III 920, pl. CCXXV, 28; BMC -; SNG Copenhagen 225; Weber 4274; Traeger 324; HGC 5, 867. 2.65g, 16mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine; light cleaning marks. Very Rare.

250

From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 84, 5 May 2010, lot 508; Ex BCD Collection; Ex Cabinet Numismatique Peiresc, 25 November 1995, lot 71 (part of).

188. Arkadia, Megalopolis AR Triobol or Hemidrachm. Circa 100-80 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to left / Pan seated to left on rock, raising hand and holding logobolon; ΜΕΓ behind, eagle flying to left above knee, monogram to lower left. Dengate group III, pp. 84-5, issue 7; BMC 8-9; BCD Peloponnesos I 1554; BCD Peloponnesos II 2675; SNG Copenhagen 259; Weber 4310; Traeger 449; HGC 5, 947. 2.35g, 15mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; pleasant old cabinet tone.

150

From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 387, 30 November 2016, lot 111; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 309, 21 August 2013, lot 51.

Pedigreed to 1894

189. Arkadia, Pheneos AR Stater. Circa 360-340 BC. Wreathed head of Demeter to right, wearing elaborate earring and pearl necklace / Hermes, nude but for petasos and cloak over shoulder, advancing to left with head reverted, holding kerykeion and infant Arkas, who raises right hand; ΦΕ-ΝΕ-ΩΝ below, [APKAΣ] downwards to upper right. BCD Peloponnesos I 1622 (same dies); Schultz 7.1 (V3/R5 - this coin); SNG Lockett 2525 (same dies) = Weber 4322; BMC 13; HGC 5, 976 (same dies as illustration). 12.05g, 23mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine; magnificent old cabinet tone. Of the greatest rarity; a splendid example of one of the most sought-after and admired issues from late Classical Greece. 15,000 This coin published in S. Schultz, Die Staterprägung von Pheneos in SNR 71 (1992); From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 304, 19 March 2018, lot 412 (hammer: 17,000 EUR); Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction XXI, 14 November 1988, lot 112; Ex Myers/Adams, Auction 6, 6 December 1973, lot 156; Ex Adolph Hess AG - Bank Leu & Co. AG, Auction 36, 17 April 1968, lot 229; Ex Jacob Hirsch, Auction XXX, 11 May 1911, lot 543; Ex Consul Eduard Friedrich Weber Collection, Jacob Hirsch, Auction XXI, 16 November 1908, lot 2052, noting “cabinetstück ersten ranges. Prachtvolles exemplar von größter seltenheit.” (“Cabinet coin of the first rank. A magnificent example of the greatest rarity”); Ex Robert Carfrae Collection (Part I), Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 23 May 1894, lot 177. The reverse of this stater shows the mythical ancestor of the Arkadians, the infant Arkas, being carried to safety by Hermes, here identified by his caduceus. Arkas was the son of Zeus by the nymph Kallisto, a follower of the goddess Artemis. Once Kallisto’s pregnancy had been discovered, the virgin goddess, who insisted all her acolytes take vows of abstinence, expelled the girl from her company for her disobedience. As further punishment, after she gave birth she was transformed into a bear either by the outraged Artemis according to Hesiod’s version of the myth, or according to Ovid by a vindictive Hera, the scorned wife of Zeus. However, Hermes rescued her baby son and delivered him to the nymph Maia to raise. Arkas would go on to become king of Arkadia and a great hunter. Whilst out hunting one day Arkas came across Kallisto and tragically unaware that the bear was in fact his mother, went to kill her with an arrow in the sacred sanctuary of Zeus Lykaeos. All versions of the myth concur on the following events: in order to stop this transgression, Zeus intervened and turned the mother and son into the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. Arkas first appears in Greek art in about 370 BC when the Arkadian League was refounded, and this reverse type has many parallels across the Greek visual tradition. It was likely inspired by the near-contemporary statue of Hermes at Olympia by the renowned sculptor Praxiteles. It is comparable both in composition, with the drapery falling from Hermes’ shoulder over the arm with which he carries the child, and also in subject matter, with the sculpted god carrying the infant Dionysos, another illegitimate son of Zeus, to be safely raised by maenads at Nysa. The urgent motion of the reverse type is beautifully offset by the stillness of the magnificent obverse bust of Demeter, her elaborate waved hairstyle elegantly rendered in a manner reminiscent of the exquisite Arethusa of Euainetos, a model which was also adapted by the Opuntians and others. This coin represents one of the great gems of Arkadian coinage, a rarity today originally conceived and produced in a time of great uncertainty and conflict among the Greek city states.

Ex BCD Collection

190. Arkadia, Psophis AR Trihemiobol. Circa 465-440 BC. The Keryneian Hind running to right / Fish swimming to right within dotted square; all within incuse square. BCD Peloponnesos I 1669 (this coin) = Traeger 570 (this coin); BCD Peloponnesos II 2723 (same obv. die); Traité I 1246, pl. XXXVIII, 28 (same dies); BMC 1; HGC 5, 999. 1.24g, 10mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

350

This coin published in B. Traeger, Arkadien, die Münzstätten und Münzen von der archaischen bis zur hellenistischen Epoche (Bremen, 2021); From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 41, 18 October 2015, lot 17; Ex BCD Collection, LHS Numismatik AG, Auction 96, 8 May 2006, lot 1669.

191. Arkadia, Psophis AR Tritetartemorion or Obol. Circa 465-455 BC. Forepart of Keryneian hind galloping to left / Fish swimming to right; spearhead(?) below; all within incuse square. BCD Peloponnesos I 1672 (this coin) = Traeger 574 (this coin) = HGC 5, 1008 (this coin, R2); BMC 2. 0.69g, 9mm. Near Extremely Fine. Exceedingly Rare; no other examples on CoinArchives.

500

This coin published in B. Traeger, Arkadien, die Münzstätten und Münzen von der archaischen bis zur hellenistischen Epoche (Bremen, 2021); This coin published in O.D. Hoover, The Handbook of Greek Coins, Vol. 5 - Coins of the Peloponnesos (Lancaster PA, 2011); From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A., Auction 97, 13 September 2008, lot 96; Ex BCD Collection, LHS Numismatik AG, Auction 96, 8 May 2006, lot 1672 (hammer: 360 CHF).

Ex Kato Klitoria Hoard, 1980

192. Arkadia, Stymphalos AR Obol. Circa 350 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Head of water bird to right; ΣΤΥΜΦΑΛΙΩΝ (retrograde) around. BCD Peloponnesos I 1697-8; Warren, Kato 83 (this coin) = Traeger 603 (this coin); HGC 5, 1028 (R1). 0.78g, 11mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive iridescent tone. Very Rare.

1,500

This coin published in B. Traeger, Arkadien, die Münzstätten und Münzen von der archaischen bis zur hellenistischen Epoche (Bremen, 2021); This coin published in J. Warren, The 1980 Kato Klitoria Hoard in Kraay-Mørkholm Essays, Numismatic Studies in Memory of C.M. Kraay and O. Mørkholm. (Louvain-la-Neuve, 1989); From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 256, 5 May 2008, lot 136; Ex BCD Collection (not in LHS sale); Ex Kato Klitoria Hoard, 1980.

193. Arkadia, Stymphalos AR Obol. Circa 350 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Head of water bird to right; ΣΤΥΜΦΑΛΙΟΝ around. BCD Peloponnesos I 1697 (same rev. die); Warren, Kato 80; Traeger 605; HGC 5, 1028 (R1). 0.84g, 11mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; light porosity. Very Rare.

1,000

From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 420, 9 May 2018, lot 223; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 78, 14 May 2008, lot 742 (hammer: 850 USD); Ex BCD Collection (not in LHS sale).

194. Arkadia, Tegea AR Trihemiobol. Circa 423-400 BC. Facing gorgoneion; [T] above / Three large Es back to back within shallow incuse circle. BCD Peloponnesos I 1718; Traeger 611; HGC 5, 1047 (R2). 1.23g, 12mm, 11h. About Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

300

From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex J. Cohen Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 394, 29 March 2017, lot 244 (hammer: 400 USD); Ex Hartmann Collection, Dorotheum, May 2016 Auction, 18 May 2016, lot 641 (part of).

Exceedingly Rare

195. Arkadia, Tegea AR Hemidrachm. Circa 350-330 BC. Helmeted head of Athena to right / Kephos, nude but for helmet, advancing to right, holding dagger and shield decorated with griffin; TEΓEATAN upwards to left, K (retrograde) between legs, spear below. BCD Peloponnesos I 1731 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 297 (same obv. die); Weber 4347 (same dies); Traeger 636; HGC 5, 1046 (R2). 2.66g, 11mm, 12h. Very Fine. Exceedingly Rare; the issue seemingly produced using a single obv. die and two rev. dies, no other examples on CoinArchives.

1,000

From the Dr. Burkhard Traeger Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 85, 15 September 2010, lot 383; Ex BCD Collection (not in LHS sale), Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 79, 17 September 2008, lot 298 (hammer: 1,000 USD).

Ex Roma VIII, 2014

196. Arkadia, Arkadian League AR Hemidrachm. Mantinea, circa 460-450 BC. Zeus Lykaios seated to left, holding sceptre; to left, eagle flying to left / Head of Kallisto to left, wearing tainia; ARKA around; all within incuse square. Williams, Confederate, Period III, 238 (O159/R146); BCD Peloponnesos (Mantinea) 1457 (same dies); BCD Peloponnesos II 2581; HGC 5, 913. 2.92g, 14mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; of attractive late archaic style. Very Rare.

750

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction X, 27 September 2015, lot 247; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VIII, 28 September 2014, lot 253.

CORINTH

197. Corinthia, Corinth AR Drachm. Circa 500-450 BC. Pegasos flying to right, Ϙ below / Head of Aphrodite to right within incuse square. BCD Corinth 30-31; HGC 4, 1861. 2.62g, 15mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; of exquisite late archaic style. Very Rare.

500

From the VCV Collection.

198. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 405-345 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to left; palmette behind. Pegasi 111/2 (same rev. die); BCD Corinth -; Ravel 347; HGC 4, 1832. 8.45g, 22mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

Acquired from Nomos AG.

199. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 405-345 BC. Pegasos drinking to right; Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to left; bukranion behind. Pegasi 213; BCD Corinth 61; Ravel 495-6; BMC 175; HGC 4, 1844. 8.39g, 22mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine; slightly porous.

750

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex John Hayes Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VII, 22 March 2014, lot 244 (since cleaned); Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction IV, 30 September 2012, lot 1446.

200. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 405-345 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to left; dolphin swimming downwards above, Σ behind. Pegasi 343; BCD Corinth 88; BMC 386; HGC 4, -. 8.57g, 24mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; minor die shift to obv., beautifully toned with subtle hints of golden iridescence. Rare.

1,250

Acquired from Artemide Aste s.r.l. (San Marino).

201. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 405-345 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to right; double-bodied owl behind, [E]YO before. Pegasi 157; BCD Corinth -; Ravel 597; HGC 4, 1833. 8.71g, 23mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

202. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying to left, Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to right; N and prow of galley behind. Pegasi 381; BCD Corinth -; Ravel 1063; SNG Copenhagen 122; HGC 4, 1846. 8.60g, 22mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; some contact marks, lustrous metal.

1,500

From the Saint Paul Collection.

203. 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 flanking below; behind, eagle standing to left, head reverted. Pegasi 426; BCD Corinth 101; Ravel 1008; SNG Copenhagen 73-4; HGC 4, 1848. 8.55g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

204. 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, plough behind. Pegasi 439; BCD Corinth 107; Ravel 1021; HGC 4, 1848. 8.51g, 20mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine.

500

From the F. Cruse Collection.

205. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to left; Thessalian helmet behind, A before. Pegasi 402; BCD Corinth 115; Ravel 1040; HGC 4, 1848. 8.54g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the F. Cruse Collection.

206. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to left; A-Λ flanking neck truncation, Silenos mask to right. Pegasi 408; BCD Corinth 119; Ravel 1046; HGC 4, 1848. 8.51g, 22mm, 9h. Extremely Fine; faint ΛY graffito on helmet.

1,000

Acquired from Edward J. Waddell Ltd, 30 September 2003.

207. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying to left, Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to right; N and hydria behind. Pegasi 378; BCD Corinth 123; Ravel 1058; HGC 4, 1846. 8.60g, 22mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Saint Paul Collection.

208. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Helmeted head of Athena to left; A before, astragalos behind. Pegasi 400; BCD Corinth -; Ravel 1039; HGC 4, 1848. 8.54g, 21mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the F. Cruse Collection.

209. 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 flanking below, aegis behind. Pegasi 427; BCD Corinth -; Ravel 1009; SNG Copenhagen 71; HGC 4, 1848. 8.59g, 22mm, 2h. About Extremely Fine.

750

From the F. Cruse Collection.

Exquisite Classical Style

210. Corinthia, Corinth AR Drachm. Circa 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying to left; Ϙ below / Wreathed head of Aphrodite to left; AΛ above, cuirass to right. Unpublished in the standard references: for similar legend and symbol, cf. BMC 246 (Stater); for a similar denomination and symbol, cf. Naumann 46, lot 173; for general type, cf. HGC 4, 1866; Roma E-100, lot 96 (same dies). 2.63g, 18mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine; of exquisite classical style. Extremely Rare; the second known example of the type.

750

From the VCV Collection.

SIKYONIA

211. Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Stater. Circa 431-400 BC. Chimaera advancing to right, right paw raised; ΣE below / Dove flying to right within olive wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 200.1; SNG Copenhagen 32; SNG Locket 2324; HGC 5, 191. 11.91g, 25mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 111, 3 December 2020, lot 507.

Extremely Rare

212. Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Stater. Circa 400-330 BC. Chimaera advancing to left, right paw raised; ΣE below / Dove flying to right, A behind; all within laurel wreath. BMC 50; Boston MFA -; BCD Peloponnesos -; Traité III -; cf. HGC 5, 197. 12.24g, 23mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone and appealing multicoloured iridescence prominent on both sides. Previously NGC graded AU★ 5/5 5/5 (#5784000-003). Extremely Rare variant. 5,000 From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

ATHENS Of the Greatest Rarity

213. Attica, Athens AR Trihemiobol. Circa 525-515 BC. Janiform head wearing taeniae / Helmeted head of Athena to right, AΘE to left; all within incuse square. Seltman Group L, p. 200, pl. XXII, δδ; Svoronos -; BMC 29; Traité I 1128-30; SNG Lockett 1830, and cf. 1831 (ethnic to right); Gemini VII, 364; HGC 4, 1646. 1.02g, 9mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. Of the greatest rarity; one of fewer than ten known examples, most of which are in public collections, and only the second example to appear at auction in the past 20 years after the Rockefeller University specimen sold at Gemini VII in 2011 for USD 9,000. 2,500 From the inventory of a UK dealer.

Full Helmet Crest

214. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 515-490 BC. Archaic head of Athena to right, wearing crested helmet decorated with chevron pattern, and round earring with central boss / Owl standing to right, head facing, olive sprig behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. w; cf. Svoronos pl. 6, 12; HGC 4, 1589. 16.46g, 23mm, 7h. Good Very Fine; somewhat rough surfaces, but otherwise very well preserved for this archaic issue, with a full helmet crest.

2,500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

215. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 506-490 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, AΘE before; all within incuse square. Seltman Group M, unlisted dies; Svoronos pl. 4 for similar obverse style, reverses show owls with longer legs than on this coin; 1-2; HGC 4, 1590. 17.32g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; previously encapsulated and graded by NGC, XF 4/5 - 5/5, overstruck (#6323162-002). From a private Californian collection; Acquired from Heritage World Coin Auctions.

5,000

216. 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. 16.43g, 25mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; an outstanding piece of fine style, attractive cabinet tone.

750

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

217. 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. 17.09g, 26mm, 9h. Extremely Fine; struck on a very large planchet of uncommonly lustrous metal. From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

1,500

Ex Gemini XII, 2015

218. 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. 17.17g, 24mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; a few light surface marks.

1,500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 108, 16 May 2018, lot 137 (hammer: USD 2,100); Ex Gemini, LLC, Auction XII, 11 January 2015, lot 122 (hammer: USD 3,000).

A Near Full Helmet Crest

219. 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, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; a near full helmet crest, pleasant cabinet tone.

1,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 90, 7 June 2020, lot 155.

220. 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. NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 4/5 (#4883344-022).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

221. 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. NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 4/5 (#4883344-021).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

222. 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. NGC graded AU 5/5 - 4/5 (#4883344-020).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

223. 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. NGC graded MS 5/5 - 5/5 (#4883344-024).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

224. 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. NGC graded AU 5/5 - 4/5 (#4883344-018).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

225. 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. NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 5/5 (#4883344-019). Light golden tone.

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

226. 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. 17.25g. NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 3/5 (#4883344-023).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

227. 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. NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 4/5 (#4883344-015).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

228. 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. NGC graded MS 4/5 - 5/5 (#4883344-007).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

229. 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. NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 4/5 (#4883344-009).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Full Helmet Crest

230. 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. 17.17g. NGC graded AU 5/5 - 5/5, full crest (#6555701-001).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

231. 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. NGC graded MS 5/5 - 5/5 (#6555701-010).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Full Helmet Crest

232. 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. 17.17g. NGC graded Ch AU★ 5/5 - 5/5, full crest (#6555701-002).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

233. 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. NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 5/5 (#6555701-003).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

234. 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. 17.16g. NGC graded AU★ 5/5 - 5/5 (#6555701-004). Near full crest.

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Ch MS 5/5 -5/5

235. 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. NGC graded Ch MS 5/5 - 5/5 (#6555701-005).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

236. 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. NGC graded MS 5/5 - 4/5 (#6555701-006).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

237. 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. NGC graded MS 4/5 - 5/5 (#6555701-007).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

238. 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. NGC graded MS 5/5 - 5/5 (#6555701-008).

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

239. 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. NGC graded MS 5/5 - 5/5 (#6555701-009). Slight die shift to rev.

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

240. 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

Ex inventory of a German dealer, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 24 March 2021, lot 86.

241. 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

Ex inventory of a German dealer, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 24 March 2021, lot 88.

242. Attica, Athens AR New Style Tetradrachm. Circa 186/5 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with vine tendril and Pegasos / Owl standing facing on amphora; A-ΘE across upper fields, monograms flanking, piloi of the Dioskouroi to lower right; all within wreath. Thompson 56a-d (same obv. die); HGC 4, 1602. 16.41g. NGC graded AU 5/5 - 3/5, Fine Style, Wings approved (#4165401-001).

2,500

Privately purchased from Freeman & Sear, 20 October 2003, inventory no. KVA1548.

Two Very Interesting Countermarks

243. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 470-440 BC. Sea turtle, head in profile, with ‘T’ design in pellets on shell; c/ms: tunny fish tail and winged sphinx seated facing(?) / Large square incuse with skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIa; Milbank Period III, pl. I, 15; Gulbenkian 523; Jameson 1199; SNG Copenhagen 507; HGC 6, 435. 12.25g, 23mm. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Privately purchased from Numismatica Ars Classica AG. 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.

244. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 456-431 BC. Land tortoise with segmented shell / Large square incuse of heavy skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIb; Dewing 1683; HGC 6, 437. 12.24g, 20mm. Extremely Fine; pleasant old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIX, 26 March 2020, lot 349.

EUBOIA Ex BCD, Wallace and Hindamian Collections

245. Euboia, Eretria AR Stater. Circa 500-465 BC. Cow standing to right, head reverted, raising hind leg to scratch self; E below / Octopus facing within incuse square. BMC 23; Traité 1071, pl. XXXII, 2; SNG Stockholm 1431 (same rev. die). 8.51g, 23mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare; no other examples offered at auction in over two decades. Ex BCD Collection, Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 111, 25 November 2002, lot 312; Ex William P. Wallace Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Y.E. Hindamian Collection, P. Ciani - J. Vinchon, 6-8 February 1956, lot 443.

7,500

BOIOTIA

Unpublished and Possibly Unique

246. Boiotia, Orchomenos (Erchomenos) AR Stater. Circa 371-364 BC. Eudoros, magistrate. Boiotian shield / Amphora, EP-XO across fields, branch to left, EVΔΩPO above. BCD Boiotia -, cf .223 (legend above amphora and control symbol); SNG Copenhagen -, cf. 199 (same); cf. BMC -, cf. 23 (same); HGC 4, -, cf. 1237 (same). 12.47g, 26mm. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone, struck on an enormous planchet. Apparently unpublished and possibly unique.

2,500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

Ex BCD Collection

247. Boiotia, Thebes AR Stater. Circa 425-395 BC. Boiotian shield, club across upper half / Bearded head of Dionysos to right, wearing wreath of ivy; Θ-E diagonally across fields. BCD Boiotia 435 (same rev. die); SNG Copenhagen 282-4 var. (placement of legend); HGC 4, 1326; CNG Triton XIII, lot 1164 (hammer: 2,400 USD). 12.08g, 22mm. About Good Very Fine; attractively toned. Extremely Rare with this legend configuration; only two other examples on CoinArchives.

1,250

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex BCD Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 72, 14 June 2006, lot 621.

248. Boiotia, Thebes AR Stater. Circa 379-368 BC. Charo-, magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora; ivy wreaths with berries in upper fields, Ⲯ(archaic X) A-RO across fields; all within incuse concave circle. Hepworth 95; Pozzi 1446 (same rev. die); BCD Boiotia 509 (same rev. die); HGC 4, 1331. 12.21g, 23mm. Near Extremely Fine; some chlorargyrite adhesions on rev., beautiful golden iridescence to obverse. Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 277, 25-26 October 1971, lot 101.

1,500

Ex BCD Collection

249. Boiotia, Thebes AR Stater. Circa 379-368 BC. Asop-, magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora; club above, A-Σ-Ω-Π across fields. Hepworth 17; BCD Boiotia 581 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 322; cf. HGC 4, 1334. 12.24g, 23mm. Good Very Fine. Rare with this magistrate.

750

Ex BCD Collection, Triton IX, 10 January 2006, lot 581.

CRETE

250. Crete, Gortyna AR Stater. Circa 320-270 BC. Europa seated half to right within branches of a tree, with head propped on left hand and resting on a branch below with her right / Cretan bull standing to right, head to left. Svoronos pl. XIV; Dewing 2018. 11.36g, 26mm, 12h. Very Fine; iridescent flashes.

1,000

From the David Freedman Collection; Privately purchased from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd., 30 October 2019; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 1175.

MACEDON A Rare Early Issue

251. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 525-470 BC. Bull collapsing to right, attacked and mauled by lion upon his back to left; floral ornament in exergue / Quadripartite incuse square of swastika pattern. Desneux 2 (D2/R2); SNG ANS 1-2; Boston MFA 515-6; HGC 3.1, 381. 17.22g, 25mm. Near Extremely Fine; attractively toned. Rare.

4,000

Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 111, 3 December 2020, lot 463 (hammer: 4,500 EUR); Ex B. G. Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIII, 14 January 2020, lot 185; Ex J.T.B. Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XI, 7 April 2016, lot 176 (hammer: £3,200); Ex W.B. and R.E. Montgomery Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XI, 8 January 2008, lot 103.

Aggression and Valour

252. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-430 BC. Bull collapsing to left, attacked and mauled by lion upon his back to right; tunny fish to left in exergue / ΑΚΑΝΘΙΟΝ around raised quadripartite square; all within incuse square. Desneux 96ff; Weber 1863; HGC 3.1, 385; Roma E-72, 233 (same dies). 17.15g, 28mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

20,000

From the inventory of a German dealer. 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. The lion and bull motif was apparently adopted early on by Akanthos (c. 530-500 BC), though the lion and the bull were in any case among the earliest figures to appear on coinage - the mid-6th century BC coinage of the Lydian kings Alyattes and Kroisos is the best example of this usage. Already by this time too, the lion attack motif was in popular usage in mainland Greece - see for example the near contemporary Attic black-figure tripod in the manner of the KY Painter (Athens 12688). Persian influence on the design of tetradrachms of Akanthos can perhaps be inferred from an orientalising of style resulting in an appearance more similar to the reliefs at Persepolis (cf. Roma XVI, lot 201, dated circa 480-470 BC); Herodotos (7.116) records the Akanthians officially welcomed the Persians and willingly helped Xerxes: Xerxes... declared the Akanthians his guests and friends, and gave them Median clothing, praising them for the zeal with which he saw them furthering his campaign. Having thus taken part in the Persian campaign against Greece of its own accord, when Xerxes was defeated, Akanthos subsequently become a member of the Delian League. It is tempting to see in the rewesternisation of the style of their coinage a reflection of this political volte-face.

253. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-430 BC. Bull collapsing to left, head half-facing, attacked and mauled by lion upon his back to right; tunny fish to left in exergue / ΑΚΑΝΘΙΟΝ around raised quadripartite square; all within incuse square. Cf. Desneux 95, 97-8, 102 (unlisted dies); AMNG III/2, 21; SNG ANS -; HGC 3.1, 385. 17.05g, 30mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; slight die shift showing on bright, lustrous metal.

7,500

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 75, 23 May 2007, lot 121.

254. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-430 BC. Bull collapsing to left, attacked and mauled by lion upon his back to right; tunny fish to left in exergue / ΑΚΑΝΘΙΟΝ around raised quadripartite square; all within incuse square. Desneux 95-97ff. (unlisted obv. die); SNG ANS -; HGC 3.1, 385. 17.08g, 28mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

3,500

255. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Light Thraco-Macedonian Standard. Circa 430-390 BC. Lion to right, leaping upon and attacking bull kneeling to left / ΑΚΑΝΘΙΟΝ around quadripartite square with dotted quarters; [magistrate name below?]; all within larger incuse square. Desneux 116ff.; SNG ANS 12-5; HGC 3.1, 391. 14.09g, 25mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; slightly porous.

1,500

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 225, 13 January 2010, lot 28.

Extremely Rare

256. Macedon, Ennea-Hodoi (?) AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Heifer standing to right, head turned to left towards calf suckling left below; two annulets above / Irregular quadripartite incuse square. HPM p. 139, 2; AMNG III/2, p. 134, 7 (Uncertain mint); Traité I 1290 (Korkyra); SNG ANS 924-5; BMC -; cf. Rosen 158; Asyut -. 9.15g, 17mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer. The obverse of this coin presents us with a rare georgic scene of a cow suckling its calf; though such scenes relating to rural life are relatively rare in Greek coinage, the motif of the cow with its calf is one that does appear to have captured the imagination of ancient peoples across the Mediterranean, occurring in such diverse places as Ashdod in the Levant, Karia, Mysia, Cyprus, Macedon, Euboia, Epeiros and Illyria. Perhaps the only other design to have won such favour among unrelated ancient peoples is the lion attacking a bull scene, that appears to have spread from Mesopotamia across much of Asia Minor and Europe. The extraordinary prevalence of this type therefore causes inevitable problems in attributing the type to a city or people where no legend is present. What is certain is that the coins originate from the Chalkidian region, within which several possibilities have been proposed, namely Ennea-Hodoi, the Bottiaei, Aineia and Neapolis. The attribution of the present type by Svoronos to the Bottiaei tribe, which others have subsequently copied, should be seen as spurious - his identifying these coins as belonging to the Bottiaei was based solely on the fact that he had not yet assigned any other coins to them. Equally suspect is the assignment of these coins to Aineia, whose early tetrobols and later tetradrachms are distinct both in type (a bull with head reverted) and fabric. The most plausible attribution based on the available evidence is that made by E. S. G. Robinson to Ennea-Hodoi, based on the coins of similar design (though clearly issued some decades later) that bear the abbreviated ethnic EN. This city Ennea-Hodoi, or ‘Nine Roads’, controlled the valley of the Strymon, a strategically important crossing from Macedonia to Thrace that was also rich in dense forests essential for naval construction, and close in proximity to the gold and silver mines of Mount Pangeion. By virtue of this value, a colonisation of Ennea-Hodoi was attempted by Athens in 465 BC which resulted in failure and the loss of the colony, and again in 437 BC under Hagnon, son of Nicias - this new settlement took the name Amphipolis.

257. Macedon, Neapolis AR Hemidrachm. Circa 375-350 BC. Facing gorgoneion with protruding tongue / Head of nymph to right; N-[E]-O-Π around. SNG ANS 440-1; HGC 3.1, 588. 1.62g, 12mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; lightly toned.

250

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

From the Jonathan P. Rosen Collection

258. Macedon, Philippoi AV Stater. Circa 356-345 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Tripod; ΦIΛIΠΠΩN upwards to left; stag head to right in right field. BMC 3; Boston MFA 583 = Warren 593; Bellinger, Philippi 18; AMNG III/2, 3 var. (horse head on rev.); cf. HGC 3.1, 628 (same type, symbol not listed). 8.57g. NGC graded Ch XF 4/5 - 4/5, edge marks (#5873092-003). Extremely Rare.

12,500

Acquired from Vilmar Numismatics; Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, Dallas Signature Sale 3085, 5 August 2020, lot 30007; Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020, lot 192. Originally a Thasian foundation, the town of Daton alternated between Athenian control for most of the fifth century, a brief period of local autonomy in the first half of the fourth century, and once more came under the control on Thasos in circa 360 BC when the local mines were recaptured with Athenian backing and the town was refounded with the new name of Krenides. Shortly thereafter however, in 356 Krenides was threatened by Thracians, and the citizens appealed to the rising power in the area, Philip of Macedon. Philip had conquered Amphipolis the year before, and he now took Krenides under his aegis. The city was strengthened greatly with new fortifications, enlarged with new colonists, and was renamed Philippoi in honour of the king. Having gained command of the Mount Pangeion region and the 1000 talents a year in gold that its mines provided, Philip at first permitted the city to continue striking coinage in its own name, using types that it had previously employed, in both gold and silver - it is to this period of production that the present coin belongs. For a time therefore, the coinage of Philippoi must have circulated alongside Philip’s royal coinage, however with the advent of Philip’s currency reforms of the 340s, gold production at Philippoi came to an end. This stater belongs to the second issue of staters by the city, continuing the Herakles / tripod type which had been employed prior to the Macedonian recolonisation, altering, however, the obverse bust type slightly to exhibit a more conventional style, with the paws of the lion skin closed around the neck of Herakles. The stag’s head variety is particularly rare, with only a handful known, perhaps as a result of the fact that gold production at Philippi was short-lived, and this second series was terminated before the end of the 340s BC. As for the city itself, following its incorporation into the Kingdom of Macedon, it would next feature significantly on the pages of history only centuries later when in October 42 BC, on the plain to the west of the city, the legions of Octavian and Marc Antony faced those Brutus and Cassius to determine the fate of the Roman world.

Extremely Rare

259. Macedon, Stagira or Sermylia (?) AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Four ‘roses’ and archaic bearded head to left (Rhesos?), arrayed around central pellet within circle of dots; four pellets in petals / Stellate pattern in incuse square. Moushmov 6986, pl. 53, 16 (uncertain mint); cf. SNG ANS 730 (Stagira); HPM p. 134, 18, pl. 16, 47 (same obv. die, Pieria in Pangaion, Methone); Traité II, 1850 pl. 59, 9 (uncertain mint of Thrace and Macedon); cf. HGC 3.1, 688 (Stagira). 8.74g, 18mm. Extremely Fine; struck in fine archaic style. Extremely Rare; only the second recorded example with this obv. die.

5,000

From the VCV Collection. This rare variant belongs to an extraordinary series of staters struck on the Euboic-Attic weight standard and attributed by Babelon in 1907 to an uncertain mint of Thrace or Macedon by Svoronos in 1919 to Methone and by Gaebler in 1930 to Stagiros. Gaebler’s attribution was based on the similarity to an issue with a sow and the archaic legend STAΓI (Gaebler 21-2; HGC 3.1, 692), and has been followed by most numismatists since then. In reality it shares more of its design elements with the mint of Sermylia. The so-called roses are probably acanthus flowers, a popular fertility symbol employed by various mints in the mount Pangeion region, historically famous for its flora, while the bearded archaic head might reflect that of the heroic mounted warrior on the tetradrachms and tetrobols of Sermylia (SNG ANS 721-6) and the bearded head obols attributed to the Pangeion region (HPM p. 134, 19-20 pl. 16, 51-6). This representation may well be identified with Rhesos, the mythical Thracian king in the Iliad, Book 10, who fought on the side of Trojans and from whom Diomedes and Odysseus stole a team of fine horses during a night raid on the Trojan camp.

The Second Recorded Example

260. Macedon, Stagira AR Tetrobol. Circa 530-520 BC. Forepart of boar to left and three ‘Roses of Pangaion’ around central pellet; pellets between roses / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, cf. Nomos-obolos sale 16, 2020, 651 (same dies). 2.21g, 12mm. Extremely Fine. Of the highest rarity; the second recorded example.

1,000

From the VCV Collection.

261. Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetrobol. Olynthos, circa 425-420 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left / Kithara with seven strings; ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around. Robinson & Clement Group C, 36 (A29/P20); SNG ANS 518 (same dies); HGC 3.1, 501. 2.47g, 15mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Dr. Guy Sylvain Paul Bastin Collection; Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 21 May 2002.

262. Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 358-348 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Kithara with seven strings; XAΛKIΔEΩN around, [magistrate’s name](?) below. AMNG III/2, 12; SNG ANS 497 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett 1313-5; Boston MFA 581-2; Pozzi 753 (same obv. die); HGC 3.1, 500. 14.52g, 24mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 284, 26 September 2012, lot 2262. The growing influence and expansionist aims of the Chalkidian League led by Olynthos had in 382 BC led to calls from Amyntas of Macedon, as well as Akanthos and Apollonia (who anticipated imminent conquest by the League), for Spartan intervention to check the League’s power. Sparta, keen to reassert its presence in northern Greece, consented and a force of 10,000 was mobilised and dispatched against the League. After several years of protracted but indecisive warfare, Olynthos agreed 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.

263. Kingdom of Macedon, temp. Philip II - Alexander III AV Stater. In the name and types of Philip II. Pella, circa 345-340 or 336-328 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; kantharos below, ΦIΛIΠΠOY in exergue. Le Rider - (D-/R104); SNG ANS 238-143; HGC 3.1, 846. 8.59g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; traces of previous mounting. Obverse die unpublished in Le Rider.

4,000

From a private Californian collection; Acquired from Nomos AG; Ex private collection in Zug, Switzerland, acquired in the 1990s.

264. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV 1/12 Stater. Pella, circa 345-336 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Thunderbolt; below, ΦIΛIΠΠOY above facing lion head. Le Rider pl. 83; SNG ANS 209; SNG Alpha Bank 252-4; HGC 3.1, 857. 0.73g, 9mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Published in Le Rider

265. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. 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 233b (D130/R188 - this coin); de Nanteuil 796; SNG ANS 385; HGC 3.1, 864. 14.47g, 26mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

3,500

This coin published in G. Le Rider, Le Monnayage d’argent et d’or de Philippe II frappé en Macédoine de 359 à 294. (Paris, 1977); Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 87, 18 May 2011, lot 303; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 41, 9 December 1964, lot 46.

266. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Pella, circa 340/36-328 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; trident head to right below, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider - (D186/R376 [unlisted die combination]); SNG ANS 144-157; HGC 3.1, 846. 8.60g, 18mm, 12h. Near Mint State; minor scrape to obverse. Die combination unlisted in Le Rider.

5,000

Acquired from Busso Peus Nachfolger; Ex German private collection, acquired before 1980.

267. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Pella, circa 340/36-328 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; thunderbolt below, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider 97 (D46/R74); SNG ANS 130-7; HGC 3.1, 847. 8.62g, 18mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

3,500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

268. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Pella, circa 340/36-328 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; thunderbolt below, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider 61 (D29/R50); SNG ANS 130-7; HGC 3.1, 847. 8.54g, 18mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine.

3,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

An Exquisite Specimen

269. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Distater. ‘Amphipolis’, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing triple crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and stylis over left shoulder; thunderbolt to left, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right. Price 163a (same dies); Müller 1; for the date, Troxell, Studies Group A, cf. p. 128 for date. 17.25g, 22mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; well-centered and exceptionally well-preserved - an exquisite specimen. Extremely Rare; only one other example offered at auction in the past twenty years. 50,000 From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Alexander’s stunning conquest of the Persian Achaemenid Empire delivered into his hands a vast wealth of proportions so incredible that it was scarcely believable. At the time of the death of Alexander’s father Philip II in 336 BC the Macedonian state was indebted to the sum of five hundred talents of silver. Yet less than five years later Alexander was the wealthiest man on the face of the earth and the Macedonian kingdom spanned some three thousand miles at its greatest length. The treasuries of Susa, Babylon and Persepolis rendered a treasure estimated at some one hundred and eighty thousand talents. A significant quantity of the captured gold was sent back to Amphipolis where a part was used for the striking of the Alexandrine distaters, the heaviest gold coins the world had yet known. Valued at forty silver drachms, this new denomination meant that Alexander’s discharged veteran soldiers could be paid out their one talent in 120 distaters. In practice, the relatively low output of gold distaters compared with the staters seems to suggest that perhaps they fulfilled a more ceremonial than practical role. Nevertheless, mercantile inscriptions from Amphipolis referring to big staters of Alexander (stateres megaloi) alongside regular staters in transactions show that they must have featured in commerce. The iconic Athena-Nike design honours the goddess of wisdom and war at a point at which Alexander’s great military exploits reached a pinnacle. The reverse image of Nike holding a ship’s mast potentially alludes to a naval accomplishment, perhaps recalling the Greek victory over the Persian empire at Salamis in 480 BC and tying Alexander’s own victory into a larger victorious narrative. However, others interpret it as a reference to Alexander’s own naval exploits, such as the crossing of the Hellespont in 334 BC or the siege of Tyre in 332 BC.

Ex Rodolfo Ratto, 1927

270. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Distater. ‘Amphipolis’, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; AΛEΞANΔΡOΥ to right, trident head in left field. Price 171; Müller 104; SNG Copenhagen 622; Troxell, Studies, Group A, 532-3, cf. p. 128 for date; Gulbenkian 841; McClean 3404; Pozzi 863. 17.19g. NGC graded XF 5/5 - 4/5, edge marks (#6157581-008).

30,000

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG; Privately purchased from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd; Ex Rodolfo Ratto, Auction 11, 4 April 1927, lot 565.

271. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Uncertain mint in Western Asia Minor, circa 330/25-320 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, serpent decoration on bowl / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; spearhead in left field, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right. Price 3137 (Salamis); Troxell, New Group 1, (dies 4/c). 8.58g, 18mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

3,500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

272. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Drachm. Struck under Philoxenos. Miletos, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, ΔΗ monogram in left field. Price 2090; Müller 763; ADM I Series I. 4.26g, 17mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; well-detailed and attractively toned

250

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

273. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Menes or Philotas. Myriandros (or Issos?), circa 325-323 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram and club within wreath in left field, monogram below throne. Price 3230; Müller 1298; Newell, Myriandros 27; Newell, Re-attribution 93. 16.76g, 27mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

450

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 106, 9 May 2018, lot 1184.

274. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Menes. Tyre mint, dated RY 25 of ‘Ozmilk = 325/4 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛΞANΔPOY to right, -|O (Phoenician ‘K = ‘Ozmilk [king of Tyre]) above || ||| = (Phoenician date [25]). Price 3262 (Ake); Newell, Dated 22 (Ake; obv. die XVIII [unlisted for year 25]); DCA 736. 16.59g, 27mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

500

The Dekadrachms of Alexander

275. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Dekadrachm. Babylon, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, monogram above M below throne. Price 3600 = Mitchiner, The Early Indo-Greeks and their Antecedents p. 11, illustration 4 = NAC 72, 344 = Price, Mnemata, 6 = Coin Hoard 1975 fig. 6, 2; cf. Price 3618A (same obv. die); cf. Prospero 307 (same obv. die); cf. Sotheby’s 19, June 1990, 102 (same obv. die). 41.62g, 35mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; beautiful cabinet tone over exceptional metal quality for the issue - as such one of the very finest of the exceedingly few surviving dekadrachms of Alexander, engraved in fine style and remarkably well-preserved. 75,000 Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVI, 26 September 2018, lot 221; Ex private European collection. In all of human history, there have been but very few individuals whose accomplishments are recounted again and again undimmed by time, whose legends have grown only brighter with the passing of the years, and whose names can stir fierce emotion and wonder at a distance of millennia. Alexander is perhaps the greatest of all such paragons of humanity, whose life and exploits are the near-incredible stuff of myth and fable. Silver dekadrachms, be they of Athens, Syracuse, Akragas or Carthage, have ever been amongst the most desired and sought-after of ancient coins by virtue of their impressive size and weight, and the large canvas they presented for the showcasing of the engraver’s art. Though considered ‘rare’, the surviving dekadrachms of Syracuse number in the high hundreds or low thousands, and those of Athens in the dozens. Fewer than twenty dekadrachms of Alexander are known to exist today - figurative grains of sand on a beach amidst the hundreds of thousands of surviving tetradrachms, drachms, staters and other fractions. The extreme rarity of Alexander’s dekadrachms has therefore contributed an aura of unobtainability to the mystery of this most iconic coinage. Missing from most of the world’s major institutional collections, the majority of the examples known today originated from the 1973 ‘Babylon’ Hoard (sometimes also referred to as the Mesopotamia Hoard), and a smaller 1989 find that Martin Price believed to be a part of the original 1973 deposit. The eight coins that are known to have come from these two groups form the backbone of the Dekadrachm corpus. Struck in three emissions from a mint generally considered to be at Babylon, but possibly Susa or Ekbatana, the dekadrachms formed part of a massive conversion of bullion seized from the Persian Royal treasuries at Susa and Persepolis - some 180,000 Attic talents (4,680 metric tons) were liberated from those vaults, converted by decree of the King into ready coinage to meet the expenses of his vast empire and to pay his beloved soldiers. That so few examples of this large denomination survive today is potentially indicative of a special significance or purpose for these coins. It is certainly tempting to think - as many often have - that they represent presentation pieces intended for certain men of rank, and that Alexander, who was well known for his love of giving gifts, may have distributed them personally. In reality though, their low survival rate is probably due to the impracticality of the denomination, since the ubiquitous tetradrachm was the more common and more convenient medium of payment. Regardless of its intended purpose, and though it represents only a small splinter that survives of Alexander’s great vision, today his dekadrachms are one of the most tangible artefacts of his reign, and amongst the greatest prizes of ancient Greek numismatics.

276. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Babylon, circa 324/3 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, kylix above M in left field, monogram below throne. Price 3652. 17.20g, 26mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare; from the dekadrachm series.

750

277. Kingdom of Macedon, temp. Alexander III - Philip III AR Tetradrachm. Arados, circa 327-320 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, kerykeion in left field, AP monogram under throne. Price 3332; Müller 1370. 17.21g, 27mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; light mineral deposit on rev. near kerykeion.

1,500

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVII, 28 March 2019, lot 395; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XI, 7 April 2016, lot 237; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 170, 13 October 2008, lot 1264.

278. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AV Stater. Struck under Leonnatos, Arrhidaios, or Antigonos I, in the name and types of Alexander III. Abydos, circa 323-317 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram above pentagram and cornucopiae to left. Price 1524. 8.59g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

From a private UK Collection.

279. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Antipater, in the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis, circa 323320 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to left, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, Macedonian helmet in left field. Price 113; Troxell, Studies, Issue H3. 17.23g, 25mm, 5h. Mint State.

1,750

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

100

280. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Antipater, in the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis, circa 323320 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to left, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, Macedonian helmet in left field. Price 113; Troxell, Studies, Issue H3. 17.23g, 26mm, 1h. Mint State; sharply struck, pleasant light cabinet tone.

1,500

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

281. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Antipater, in the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis, circa 323320 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ upwards in outer left field, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram in left field. Price 121; Troxell, Studies, Issue I3. 17.22g. NGC graded Ch XF★ 5/5 - 5/5 (#4281288-002).

1,500

Privately purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, November 2001, inventory no. 728691.

282. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Antipater or Polyperchon, in the name and types of Alexander III. Pella, circa 323-317 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPO[Y] to right, Θ below throne. Price 214; Müller 197; SNG Copenhagen 710; Newell, Re-attribution 57. 17.16g, 25mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

283. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AR Drachm. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, in the types of Alexander III. Sardes, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ to right, torch in left field, monogram below throne. Price P68; Müller P14; ADM I Series XII. 4.28g, 18mm, 1h. Near Mint State; an expressive portrait.

200

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

101

The Fifth and Finest Example Known

284. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III. Susa, circa 322-320 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, AΛEΞANΔPOY curved upwards to right, ΛA to left, monogram below throne. Price 3847; Müller -. 17.15g, 28mm, 3h. Near Mint State; attractive golden iridescence. Extremely Rare; only two other examples on CoinArchives and only two cited in Pella, this example is considerably superior to these other four. 2,000

Mint State

285. Kingdom of Macedon, temp. Philip III - Antigonos I Monophthalmos Æ 21mm. Uncertain mint in Asia Minor, circa 323-310 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Club and bow in bowcase; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ between, race torch below. Price 2800; HGC 3.1, 951 (Alexander IV) corr. (no monogram, Price ref.). 6.10g, 21mm, 3h. Mint State. Rare in this high grade.

300

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 81, 1 September 2019, lot 84.

286. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos I Monophthalmos AR Tetradrachm. Struck as Strategos or king of Asia, in the name and types of Alexander III. Sardes, circa 319-315 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, monogram above star in left field. Price 2664; ADM I Series XIX. 16.85g, 27mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; well-centered, a portrait of fine style.

500

102

Only 1 Other Sold at Auction in the Last 20 Years

287. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos I Monophthalmos AV Stater. Struck as Strategos or king of Asia under Peithon, in the name and types of Alexander III. Babylon, circa 317-311 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, MHP monogram in wreath in lower left field, monogram in lower right field. Price 3738; Müller -. 8.51g, 18mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only two examples offered at auction in the past two decades.

3,500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

288. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos I Monophthalmos AR Tetradrachm. Struck as Strategos or king of Asia under Aspesias, satrap of Susiana, in the name and types of Alexander III. Susa, circa 316-311 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, wreath in left field, PO above strut, monogram below throne. Price 3855; Müller -. 17.16g, 26mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; a beautifully centred, compact specimen exhibiting a sublime old cabinet tone.

750

289. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos I Monophthalmos AR Drachm. Struck as Strategos or king of Asia, in the name and types of Alexander III. ‘Kolophon’, circa 310-301 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPO[Y] to right, monogram in left field, Φ below throne. Price 1823; Müller 808. 4.35g, 17mm, 2h. Mint State; well-centred and highly lustrous.

200

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

103

104

In the Name of Demetrios

290. Kingdom of Macedon, Demetrios I Poliorketes AV Stater. In the types of Alexander III. Amphipolis, circa 294-293 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left, ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ to right, Z to inner left field, EΘ monogram to inner right field. Newell 93 (T/cc); SNG Berry 334 (same dies); Hirsch 1007 (same dies); HGC 3.2, 1006d (R2). 8.59g, 18mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; light cleaning marks to rev., well-centred on the flan. Extremely Rare; only six noted by Newell, and only one other present on CoinArchives.

8,500

From the inventory of a German dealer; Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

291. Kingdom of Macedon, Demetrios I Poliorketes AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 290-288 BC. Diademed and horned head to right / Poseidon, nude, standing to left, right foot propped on rock, holding trident and resting on leg; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ to left, monograms to inner left and right. Newell 116; HGC 3.1, 1014b. 17.08g, 29mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; a bold portrait of Demetrios.

2,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Tareq Hani Collection.

292. Kingdom of Macedon, Antigonos II Gonatas AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 274-255 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, 151 (O9/R143); HGC 3.1, 1042. 16.93g, 32mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; light mineral adhesions, pleasant light cabinet tone with golden iridescence around devices. From the Saint Paul Collection.

105

1,500

293. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip V AR Didrachm. Pella or Amphipolis mint, circa 200-179 BC. Diademed head to right / Club to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠOY above and below, monogram in upper field and two in lower field; all within oak wreath; trident to outer left. Boston MFA 718; Mamroth, Philip, 22; HGC 3.1, 1059. 8.46g, 24mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,250

Ex J.B. Haarhuis Collection; Ex Hess-Divo AG, Auction 309, 28 April 2008, lot 47; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 133, 11 October 2007, lot 8035; Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A., Auction 91, 24 March 2007, lot 42.

294. Kingdom of Macedon, Perseus AR Tetradrachm. Pella or Amphipolis, circa 171-168 BC. Reduced standard. Au-, mintmaster. Diademed head to right / Eagle, with wings spread, standing to right on thunderbolt; BAΣIΛEΩΣ across upper fields, ΠEP-ΣEΩΣ across lower fields, NK monogram above, AY (mintmaster’s) monogram in right field, ΛΩ monogram between legs; all within oak wreath, plow to left below. F. De Luca, The Tetradrachms of Perseus of Macedonia 294 (O61/R263); Mamroth, Perseus, 20b; SNG Alpha Bank 1133 var. (different monogram); HGC 3.1, 1094. 15.49g. NGC graded XF 5/5 - 3/5 (#6290622-008).

1,500

From the inventory of an American dealer; Acquired from Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio.

A Perfect Specimen

295. Macedon under Roman Rule, First Meris AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 167-149 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis to right, bow and quiver at shoulder, on the boss of a Macedonian shield / Club; MAKEΔONΩN above, ΠPΩTHΣ below, monogram in upper field; all within oak wreath tied at right; thunderbolt to outer left. AMNG III/1 159; SNG Copenhagen 1310; HGC 3.1, 1103. 17.00g, 29mm, 9h. Fleur De Coin; beautifully centred and sharply struck, a perfect specimen of the type. Ex Bavarian collection, formed in the early 2000s.

106

4,500

THRACE

Unique

296. Thraco-Macedonian, Uncertain mint in the lower Strymon valley EL 1/48 Stater. Late 6th century BC under Athenian influence. Owl standing to left, head facing with prominent eyes / Rough incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references; for early Macedonian electrum issues, cf. Svoronos, HPM pp. 183-91 and pl. 16, 1-24. 0.29g, 5mm. Extremely Fine. Unique and unpublished.

2,500

From the VCV Collection. Coinage was introduced into the Thraco-Macedonian region, between the rivers Strymon and Nestos, in the last decades of the sixth century by the early Greek venturers and colonists. The richly wooded landscape could provide timber for shipbuilding as well as the equally attractive gold and silver of Mt. Pangeion, said to have been discovered first by the Phoenicians, then systematically mined by the local Thracian tribes. Athens in particular is well known to have enjoyed a significant income from mines of the Strymon area controlled by the tyrant Pisistratos, who after his exile in 556 BC, returned to Athens and subsequently oversaw the introduction of coinage with the unmistakable owl of Athena symbol from about 545 BC (cf. ACGC 165; HGC 4, 1603). The head facing owl became the standard reverse type of Athens from about 525 BC and during the height of the Delian League led by Athens became the most popular coin type in Asia Minor and the Persian-dominated Near East, universally as known as glaux (γλαύξ, little owl).

297. Thraco-Macedonian Region, Berge AR Stater. Previously identified as either Lete or Siris. Circa 525-480 BC. Ithyphallic satyr standing to right, grasping wrist of nymph fleeing to right, head reverted; three pellets around / Quadripartite incuse square, diagonally divided. Smith Group 5 (Lete); Peykov A0020; cf. SNG ANS 945-65 (‘Lete’); HPM pl. VIII, 1-10 (Siris); HGC 3.1, 531 (‘Lete’). 9.00g, 22mm. Extremely Fine.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer, ticket included. It has been persuasively argued by S. Psoma that the coinage previously attributed to ‘Lete’ and Siris is probably from Berge (See S. Psoma, ‘The “Lete” Coinage Reconsidered’ in Agoranomia. Studies in Money and Exchange Presented to John H. Kroll, (2006) pp. 61-85).

298. Thraco-Macedonian Region, Berge AR Stater. Previously identified as either Lete or Siris. Circa 525-480 BC. Ithyphallic satyr standing to right, grasping wrist of nymph fleeing to right, head reverted; pellet to left and above / Quadripartite incuse square, diagonally divided. Smith Group 5 (Lete); Peykov A0020; cf. SNG ANS 945-65 (‘Lete’); HPM pl. VIII, 1-10 (Siris); HGC 3.1, 531 (‘Lete’). 9.95g, 21mm. Near Extremely Fine; struck on a broad planchet.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

107

108

A Remarkably Advanced Composition

299. Thrace, Abdera AR Stater. Circa 411-385 BC. Magistrate, Aristagores. Griffin springing to left / Dionysos seated to left on back of panther advancing to right, holding kantharos and thyrsos; EΠ APIΣTAΓOPEΩ around, all within incuse square. May, Abdera 398 var. (A278/P- [unlisted rev. die]); Gillet 837 (same obv. die); Chryssanthaki-Nagle p. 123 (dating circa 361 BC); C. Lorber, Amphipolis: The Civic Coinage in Silver and Gold (Los Angeles, 1990), Appendix 3, ‘Two Recent Thracian Hoards of the Mid-Fourth Century’, p. 178 (this coin cited). 12.93g, 23mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone with golden highlights around devices, a remarkably advanced composition engraved by a master die cutter. Extremely Rare; one of only two examples offered at auction in the past two decades - the other having been sold by Hess-Divo (Auction 335, lot 21) for CHF 210,000 in 2018. 35,000 This coin cited in C. Lorber, Amphipolis: The Civic Coinage in Silver and Gold (Los Angeles, 1990); Ex Prospero Collection, The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012, lot 228; Ex Giessener Münzhandlung Dieter Gorny GmbH, Auction 44, 3 April 1989, lot 155. In the sixth and early fifth centuries BC, staters of Abdera featured a quadripartite incuse reverse like many coins of the period, but towards the end of the fifth century BC the explosion of classical artistry into die engraving caused a dramatic evolution of the reverse into a canvas for designs of all kinds. This particular issue depicts Dionysos riding on the back of a panther, holding his characteristic kantharos and thyrsos. The theme has numerous parallels in contemporaneous art, particularly on red figure vases from the early fourth-century BC and a famous mosaic in Pella dating to the later fourth century, pointing perhaps towards a shared original model in Greek painting. The type also superficially resembles that of Dionysos riding an ass on similarly-dated tetradrachms of Mende in Macedon, but which are entirely divergent in character. The best tetradrachms of Mende are laissez-faire in style like their subjects; this rendition of Dionysos meanwhile is controlled, crisp and reveals an extraordinary level of discipline in its design. The figural postures are dignified, even formal, and in this sense the design is thoroughly archaising in character. The composition of the reverse is notably regular, seemingly conceived using geometric principles on a grid layout, suggesting that the die-engraver had been influenced by the Polykleitan Canon. It is widely accepted by art historians that the sculptor Polykleitos, creator of the celebrated Dorphoros figure, developed a framework for creating the perfect proportions of the human body, using Greek number theory and geometric practice of the time, a methodology that has gone on to be hugely influential for artists right up to the present (Tobin R., 1975. The Canon of Polykleitos, American Journal of Archaeology, 79(4), p.307). Whilst Polykleitos was working in three dimensions, the concepts of ratio and symmetria on which he based his sculpture could just as easily be applied in a two dimensional medium in order to convey the same effect of a balanced composition, which appears to be on display on the reverse of this coin. While the coinage of Abdera is renowned for its wide-ranging and highly artistic reverse types, the depiction of a griffin on the obverse of this stater (portrayals of which are seen on the vast majority of its coins) is more informative as to the cultural make-up of this city state. This griffin is directly comparable with the griffins that appear on the coinage of Teos in Ionia, a result of the migration of the people of Teos to Thrace in the middle of the 6th century BC, fleeing from the advances of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great. The earliest issues of Abdera date to very shortly after the arrival of Teian refugees in Thrace, which would suggest that it was indeed their influence that inspired the use of the griffin iconography, which then persisted throughout the following issues. This stater which was produced possibly 150 years after the first Abderan coins highlights exactly this continuation; despite the fact that it seems Teos was in fact re-founded in Ionia not long after its people had fled (Strabo, Geographica, xiv.1.30) the deep connection represented by this symbol remained.

109

300. Thrace, Abdera AR Drachm. 327/6 BC. Ekatonymos, magistrate. Recumbent griffin to left; ABΔ[H]PITEΩN above and below / EΠ[Ι E]K[A] TΩNYMO, laureate head of Apollo to right, within linear frame. May, Abdera 540; HGC 3.2, 1227f. 2.51g, 16mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

Ex Dr. Guy Sylvain Paul Bastin Collection; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 126, 14 October 2003, lot 1164.

Razor Sharp Reverse Details

301. Thrace, Byzantion AV Stater. In the name and types of Lysimachos, circa 175-150 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, wearing horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros enthroned to left, resting elbow on grounded shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, monogram to inner left, BY on throne, ornate trident to left in exergue. Marinescu Issue 131, 421 (O184/R404); Müller 199; Seyrig Monnaies -; HGC 3.2, 1381. 8.49g. Mint State; razor sharp reverse details highlighted by brilliant lustre. Very Rare.

8,500

302. Thrace, Byzantion AV Stater. In the name and types of Lysimachos, circa 110-100 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, wearing horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros enthroned to left, resting elbow on grounded shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ to left, Σ to inner left, BY on throne, ornate trident to left in exergue. Marinescu -; Müller -; Callataÿ p. 142, pl. 38k (same obv. die); CNG, Mail Bid Sale 60, lot 448 (same dies). 8.36g. NGC graded Ch AU 4/5 - 2/5, marks (#6157872-008).

5,000

From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 352, 25 September 2021, lot 1010; Acquired from Julius Jenke (Munich), 1952.

Exceedingly Rare

303. Thrace, Selymbria AR Tetrobol. Circa 492-470 BC. Cockerel standing to left; ΣA above / Quadripartite incuse square. Schönert-Geiss, Bisanthe 19-22 (V-/R- [unlisted dies]); HGC 3.2, 1630 (R2); cf. Roma 58, lot 806 (cockerel to right). 2.88g, 14mm. Near Extremely. Exceedingly Rare; no other examples on CoinArchives and only three such specimens cited by Schönert-Geiss. From the inventory of a German dealer.

110

350

304. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Nude satyr in kneeling-running stance to right, carrying off a protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 5; SNG Copenhagen 1008-9; HGC 6, 331. 10.33g, 22mm. Good Very Fine; of fine early archaic style.

1,500

From the VCV Collection.

305. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Nude satyr in kneeling-running stance to right, carrying off a protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 5; SNG Copenhagen 1008-9; HGC 6, 331. 9.28g, 21mm. Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the VCV Collection.

306. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Stater. Circa 480-463 BC. Nude satyr in kneeling-running stance to right, carrying off a protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 5; HPM pl. X, 14-7; HGC 6, 331. 9.02g, 21mm. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the VCV Collection.

307. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Stater. Circa 480-463 BC. Nude satyr in kneeling-running stance to right, carrying off a protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 5; HPM pl. X, 14-7; HGC 6, 331. 8.88g, 21mm. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the VCV Collection.

111

Beautiful High Classical Artistry

308. 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. 9.00g, 21mm. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone, excellent high classical style.

15,000

From a private UK collection. 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 9.8g and subsequently 8.7g) are quite crude in style, portraying a vigorous and beastly satyr forcibly abducting a very unwilling nymph. By contrast the satyr on this coin 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.

112

Of Beautiful Classical Style

309. 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. Le Rider, Thasiennes 6; HPM pl. X, 27 = Kraay-Hirmer 437 (same obv. die); ACGC 521; HGC 6, 334. 8.98g, 21mm. Extremely Fine; attractively toned and well-struck, of beautiful Classical style.

5,000

From the VCV Collection.

310. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Tetradrachm. ‘Imitative’ series. Circa 148-80 BC. Head of Dionysos to right, wearing ivy wreath / Herakles standing to left, holding club and lion’s skin; HPAKΛEOVΣ to right, ΣΩTHPOΣ to left, monogram to inner left, ΘAΣIΩN below. Prokopov, Silberprägung, Group XVI, 1346-9 (V DD19/ R ?); HGC 6, 359. 15.23g, 34mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Extremely rare from these dies.

500

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

Seemingly Unpublished and Possibly Unique

311. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AV Stater. Uncertain mint (Kallatis or Kalchedon), circa 305-281 BC or later. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, wearing horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros enthroned to left, resting elbow on grounded shield, transverse spear behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ crowned by Nike to right, monogram on throne, grain ear(?) to outer left. Unpublished in the standard references; cf. Müller 240 (Kallatis) for stater with grain ear to outer left and Stack’s, Saint Ludovico and Firth of Clyde Collections, 1067 for an example of this type showing dies of a similar style. 8.45g, 19mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished and possibly unique with this combination of controls. From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

113

3,000

312. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lysimacheia, circa 305-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, small lion head in inner left field, monograms in outer left field and in exergue. For similar lion head to left symbol, but different monograms, cf. Thompson 11-16; cf. Meydancikkale 2591-7 (same obv. die as 2594); cf. Müller 41-7; cf. Nomos 10, 20 (same obv. die). 16.93g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; well-centred on a very broad planchet. Apparently unpublished in the standard references.

2,500

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVII, 28 March 2019, lot 419.

313. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lysimacheia, circa 297-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, herm to outer left, lion head above monogram to inner left, monogram in exergue. Thompson -; Müller -; Seyrig, Trésors p. 15, 50 corr.; Triton XII, 140 (same dies). 16.95g, 30mm, 12h. Mint State. Rare.

2,500

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd. Auction XVII, 28 March 2019, lot 420.

314. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Abydos mint, 297-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩ[Σ] to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, monogram over head of griffin in inner left field. Thompson 72; cf. Müller 127 (Abdera). 17.02g, 28mm, 12h. Mint State. Very Rare.

2,500

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 65, 19 December 2019, lot 337.

114

315. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Magnesia ad Maeandrum, circa 297-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, race torch with fillets in outer left field, monogram in inner left field. Thompson 115; Müller 443a var. (monogram); Ute Wartenberg & Jonathan Kagan, “Some comments on a new hoard from the Balkan area”, Travaux Le Rider, p. 399, 74; HGC 3.2, 1750e. 17.22g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

316. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 288-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, monogram in inner left field, monogram on throne. Thompson -, cf. 204 for monogram in inner left field; Müller 545-6 var. (both with one of the monograms only); cf. Triton XVII (2014), 108 (same obv. die). 17.18g, 30mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; struck in high relief and with attractive golden toning. From the David Freedman Collection; Privately purchased from Sovereign Rarities Ltd, 14 January 2018; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 1, 25 October 2017, lot 26; Ex German collection, assembled since the 1960s.

2,500

317. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Pergamon, circa 287-282 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon; K below neck / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, crescent to outer left, cult statue to inner left, monogram in exergue. Thompson 219; Arnold-Biucchi, Pergamene 29–32 (obv. die O8); Müller -. 17.30g, 28mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

115

Exceedingly Rare

318. Kings of Thrace, Mostis AR Tetradrachm. Circa 125 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, left arm resting on shield; [ΒΑ]ΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΜΟΣΤΙΔΟΣ crowned by Nike to left, ΕΠΙ ΣΑΔΑΛΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ Λ[Η] below, IM monogram to inner left. SNG Black Sea 309; BMC 1; SNG Copenhagen 1172 var. (legend and monogram); de Luynes 1822 var. (same); Hirsch E-Live 6, 575 (same obv. die). 16.65g, 30mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Exceedingly Rare; one of only five tetradrachms of Mostis to come to auction in the past two decades, and the only one with this monogram. 2,000 From the inventory of a German dealer.

GETO-DACIAN DYNASTS

319. Geto-Dacian 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 var. (no monogram on obverse). 8.51g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; slight die shift to obv..

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

THRACIAN CHERSONESOS

320. Thracian Chersonesos, ‘Kardia’ AR Hemidrachm. Circa 357-320 BC. Forepart of lion to right, head reverted / Quadripartite incuse square with alternating raised and sunken quarters; in two sunken quarters: ΑΓ monogram below pellet and cicada. McClean 4093; SNG Berry 503; HGC 3.2, 1437. 2.41g, 13mm. Near Mint State.

250

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

321. Thracian Chersonesos, ‘Kardia’ AR Hemidrachm. Circa 357-320 BC. Forepart of lion to right, head reverted / Quadripartite incuse square with alternating raised and sunken quarters; in two sunken quarters: ΑΓ monogram below pellet and cicada. McClean 4093; SNG Berry 503; HGC 3.2, 1437. 2.46g, 13mm. Near Mint State.

250

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

116

MOESIA Protection Money Paid to Gauls

322. Moesia, Kallatis AV Stater. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Circa 220-225 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; [A]ΛEΞANΔPOY to right, monogram in left field and below left wing tip. Price 916; SNG Berry 191; Müller -. 8.45g, 20mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin; struck from dies by the hand of an accomplished engraver, in particular displaying a beautiful reverse Nike of elegant flowing style with dramatically elongated wings. Extremely Rare; only one other example on CoinArchives besides the two museum examples known to Price. 12,500 From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXII, 7 October 2021, lot 278; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 120, 6 October 2020, lot 345. Price (cf. pp. 176-180) suggests that these late ‘Alexanders’ are likely to represent “protection money paid to the Gauls, similar to that paid by Byzantium. Where Byzantium appears to have paid in posthumous Lysimachus staters, at Callatis, Mesembria and Istrus such payments appear to have led to the introduction of local Alexander coinage.” Polybius (4.46.3) relates the context of this tribute: “These Gauls had left their country with Brennus, and having survived the battle at Delphi and made their way to the Hellespont, instead of crossing to Asia, were captivated by the beauty of the district round Byzantium, and settled there. Then, having conquered the Thracians and erected Tyle into a capital, they placed the Byzantines in extreme danger. In their earlier attacks, made under the command of Comontorius their first king, the Byzantines always bought them off by presents amounting to three, or five, or sometimes even ten thousand gold pieces, on condition of their not devastating their territory: and at last were compelled to agree to pay them a yearly tribute of eighty talents.”

117

SKYTHIA

323. 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.

KIMMERIAN BOSPOROS

324. Kimmerian Bosporos, Gorgippia as Sindikos Limen AR Diobol. Circa 400 BC. Head of young Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Head of horse to right; ΣΙΝΔΩΝ above; all within shallow incuse square. SNG Stancomb 632; SNG BM Black Sea 1008; cf. Frolova 2004, pp. 63-4, Type II, 3-12; MacDonald 80; HGC 7, 2. 1.32g, 13mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare; a highly attractive example.

1,000

From a private North European collection.

325. Kimmerian Bosporos, Pantikapaion Æ 20mm. Circa 325-310 BC. Head of bearded Satyr to right / Π-Α-Ν around forepart of griffin to left; sturgeon to left below. MacDonald 69; SNG BM Black Sea 869-71; SNG Stancomb 542; HGC 7, 113. 6.37g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; wonderfully preserved.

200

From a private UK collection.

118

119

120

PONTOS Mithradates IV of Pontos

326. Kings of Pontos, Mithradates IV AR Tetradrachm. Circa 169-150 BC. Diademed head to right / Perseus standing facing, holding harpa and severed head of Medusa; above, crescent above star; BAΣIΛEΩΣ MIΘPAΔATOY to right, ΦΙΛOΠATOPOΣ KAI ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟY to left, monogram to inner left. Callataÿ, First, [O4 (corr., “O5”), see below/R- (“R7a”, see below)]; SNG von Aulock 6674; Jameson 2153 var. (monogram); Gulbenkian 933-4 var. (same); Mattingly, Studies Price, pl. 56, 11 (same obv. die); HGC 7, 326; NAC 106, 246 (hammer: 220,000 CHF). 16.47g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; a fine late Hellenistic portrait struck in high relief. Extremely Rare, one of only four tetradrachms of Mithradates IV to be offered at auction in the past two decades, struck from an obverse die from which only one other specimen is known (The Royal Collection, Copenhagen), and from a seemingly previously unknown reverse die with a retrograde monogram. 50,000 Callataÿ incorrectly describes both the Hunt and Copenhagen as being specimens struck from the same obverse die (O4/R6 and O4/R7 respectively). This is not the case, and therefore the Copenhagen specimen which shares its obverse die with the present example should properly be described as “O5”, with a new reverse die that may here be referred to as R7a. The Boston coin which Callataÿ assigns to die O5/R8 should necessarily be corrected to O6/R8. Perseus, the famous hero of Greek myth, is instantly recognisable on the reverse of this coin by virtue of the severed head of Medusa he carries. According to the legend, King Akrisios of Argos imprisoned Perseus’ mother Danae to prevent her having children after an oracle foretold he would be killed by her son. When however she bore a son of Zeus, Perseus, he banished them to sea in a wooden box, only for the mother and son to survive, having been washed ashore and taken-in by the fisherman Dictys. As a man, Perseus was instructed by King Polydektes of Seriphos to bring him the head of Medusa, a woman whom Ovid relates was cursed by Athena after being violated by Poseidon in the goddess’s temple, causing her hair to transform into writhing snakes and for her to turn all those upon whom she looked to stone. Perseus, with the help of myriad divine attributes, namely Hades’ helmet of invisibility, a sword from Hephaestus, Hermes’ winged sandals and a mirrored shield from Athena, was able to behead the monster by looking at her through the shield’s reflection, thus avoiding being turned to stone. Upon his return to Seriphos, he turned the head on Polydektes, who was attempting to force Perseus’ mother Danae into marriage. The inclusion of an archetypal Greek hero on this tetradrachm of Mithridates IV should be viewed within the context of the long-standing etymological association, whereby Perseus was considered the mythical ancestor of the Persians. This iconography was employed by King Xerxes I during his invasion of Greece in 480 BC in an attempt to persuade the Argives, whom Perseus ruled over as king after accidentally fulfilling the oracle’s prophecy and killing Akrisios, to surrender to him since they shared a common forefather. Mithridates therefore exploited the shared affiliation to associate the Mithridatic dynasty of Pontus, Persian in heritage, with the wealthy and great Achaemenid empire. This Persian heritage is thus juxtaposed with a reverse design that is thoroughly Greek in character, and further emphasised by the conspicuously Hellenistic portrait style, with the diadem of a contemporary Hellenistic king, and the use of Greek titles Philopator (‘Father-loving’) and Philadelphos (‘Brother-loving’), intended to recall the successes of Mithradates III and Pharnakes I, Mithridates’ father and brother. These Hellenistic influences could be viewed as being in conflict with the long-standing Pontic desire to emulate the Persian empire, yet also serve as a link to the visual tradition of the Argead dynasty of Macedon from which Mithradates was himself also descended, who themselves claimed descendancy from the Argives whom Perseus ruled over as King. The most famous scion of the Argean dynasty, Alexander III ‘the Great’, had achieved a neat historical-mythological circularity when he succeeded in conquering the entirety of the former Achaemenid Persian empire in the late fourth century BC, thus assuming the title King of Persia and uniting the two strands of mythological ancestry from Perseus which Mithridates IV claims here.

121

Ex M&M 1972

327. Kings of Pontos, Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. Dated Bithyno Pontic Era 209 = 89/8 BC. Diademed head to right / Stag grazing to left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, MIΘPAΔATOY EYΠATOPOΣ in two lines below; star-in-crescent to left, ΘΣ (date) above XYA monogram to right; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ, p. 14 and pl. VI (D55/R27d [this coin cited]); SNG BM Black Sea 1034-5; HGC 7, 338. 15.57g. NGC graded XF 5/5 - 2/5 (#4280700-008).

1,250

This coin cited in F. de Callataÿ, L’histoire des guerres mithridatiques vue par les monnaies. (Louvain-La-Neuve, 1997); From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 288, 13 March 2017, lot 166; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, FPL 333, April 1972, no. 17.

328. Kings of Pontos, Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. Pergamon, dated Bithyno Pontic Era 224 BE = December 74/3 BC. Diademed head to right / Stag grazing to left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, MIΘPAΔATOY EYΠATOPOΣ in two lines below, star-crescent above ΔKΣ (date) to left, two monograms to right, Γ (month) below; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ, p. 21 and pl. XI (D61/R- [unlisted rev. die]); SNG Copenhagen 236; DCA 692; HGC 7, 340. 16.78g, 34mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine; previously graded by NGC, Ch AU 5/5 - 4/5 (4535282-019). Rare for this year and month combination.

2,500

Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (& Ponterio), January 2018 NYINC Auction, 11 January 2018, lot 21035.

PAPHLAGONIA

329. Paphlagonia, Sinope AR Drachm. Circa 425-410 BC. Head of sea eagle to left; dolphin to left below / Quadripartite incuse square with two opposing quarters filled; K in one unfilled quarter. SNG Black Sea 1367-72 var. (different symbols in quarters); SNG von Aulock 6837; HGC 7, 388 var. (same). 6.14g, 16mm. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

BITHYNIA

330. Bithynia, Herakleia Pontika EL Hekte. Circa 530-520 BC. Head of Herakles to left, wearing lion skin headdress / Quadripartite incuse square. W. Fischer-Bossert: Die Elektronhekten mit dem Herakleskopf: Herakleia Pontike, nicht Erythrai, in: NZ 126 (2020), Group 2; BMC 7-11 (‘Erythrai’); SNG Kayhan 737-8 (‘Erythrai’); SNG von Aulock 1942 (‘Erythrai’). 2.51g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club. Long attributed to Erythrai in Ionia, W. Fischer-Bossert’s 2020 die-study reassigns the issue to Herakleia Pontika in Bithynia.

122

331. Bithynia, Kalchedon AR Tetradrachm. Circa 387-340 BC. Bull standing to left on grain ear; KAΛX above, kerykeion and A to left / Quadripartite incuse square in mill-sail pattern. SNG BM Black Sea 94; SNG Copenhagen 351; HGC 7, 509; Leu 18, lot 1018 (same dies - hammer: 1,100 CHF). 14.95g, 21mm. About Extremely Fine. Scarce in this condition. From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

750

Third Known for this Magistrate

332. Bithynia, Kios AV Stater. Circa 340-330. Agathokles, magistrate. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Prow of war galley to left, ornamented with a star on fighting platform; club above, [eagle standing to left before], [AΓAΘO]KΛHΣ above and below. Waddington, Recueil Général des Monnaies Grecques d’Asie Mineure, p. 311, 1, pl. XLIX, 1 (same dies) = Traité II, 2850, pl. CLXXX, 1 (same dies); BMC -. 8.51g, 15mm, 1h. Good Very Fine; a little off-centre. Extremely Rare; seemingly the third known example for this magistrate after the Waddington/Traité piece, and that of the Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 2012, lot 434). 7,500 From the Neil Collection.

333. Bithynia, Kios AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Lysimachos of Thrace. Circa 280-250 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, resting left arm on shield, transverse spear in background; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΛYΣIMAXOY crowned by Nike to left; club in outer left field, monogram in inner left field, bow in bowcase and monogram in exergue. Marinescu Issue 38, 135; Müller 410 (Erythrai); HGC 7, 555. 16.86g, 29mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; a stunning old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

334. Bithynia, Kios AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Lysimachos of Thrace. Circa 280-250 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated to left, resting left arm on shield, transverse spear in background; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΛYΣIMAXOY crowned by Nike to left; club in outer left field, monogram in inner left field, bow in bowcase and monogram in exergue. Marinescu Issue 38, 135; Müller 410 (Erythrai); HGC 7, 555. 16.81g, 31mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; perfectly centred on a broad flan, beautiful old cabinet tone with subtle hints of blue iridescence around devices. From the inventory of a German dealer.

123

1,500

An Unpublished Tetradrachm of Nikomedes I

335. Kingdom of Bithynia, Nikomedes I AR Tetradrachm. Nikomedia, circa 265-255 BC. Diademed head to right / Artemis-Bendis seated to left on rock, holding two spears and heavy sword in scabbard, round shield with rings or rivets resting by side; in background, stump of tree with spoils of war; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, [ΝΙ]ΚΟΜΗΔΟΥ to left, monograms in inner left field and exergue. De Luynes 2421 var. (monograms - same obv. die) = RG, pl. XXIX, 1 = EHC 414; SNG Copenhagen -; cf. HGC 7, 606; Roma XVII, lot 537 (same dies). 16.79g, 28mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; featuring a stunning old cabinet tone and bold portrait struck in fine Hellenistic style, somewhat rough surface. Exceedingly Rare; unpublished with these monograms, just the second example to come to auction in at least twenty years. 7,500 From the inventory of a German dealer. Nikomedes I was the second king of the independent kingdom of Bithynia, succeeding his father, Zipoetes I, in 278 BC. He began his reign in ruthless fashion, by executing two of his three brothers. The third was able to escape, however, and rapidly went about raising a insurrection. This brother, known to us as Zipoetes II, succeeded in making himself sovereign master of a considerable portion of the kingdom. In response to this, in 277, Nikomedes forged an alliance with the marauding Celts, led by Leonnorius, who were at that time based in Thrace and had recently besieged Byzantion. After assisting them in crossing the Bosporos, which led to them eventually populating the region that came to be known as Galatia, Nikomedes then engaged many of these Celts as auxiliaries. His army greatly bolstered with capable and battle-hardened warriors, Nikomedes was able to swiftly defeat his brother Zipoetes II and reunite the kingdom (Justinus, ‘Epitome of Pompeius Trogus’, XXV.2). A philhellene ruler of immense energy, ambition, skill, and cunning, Nikomedes greatly expanded his previously landlocked kingdom during his reign (278-255), and is principally remembered today for his founding of Nikomedia, which prospered as one of the most affluent cities in Asia Minor for over six centuries.

IONIA

336. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Trite. Circa 650-600 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Plain type. Plain globular surface / Two incuse square punches. Weidauer 5; Traité I 11 var. (equal-size punches); SNG Kayhan 673; Boston MFA 1749. 4.65g, 11mm. Good Very Fine.

1,500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 66, 19 May 2004, lot 459 (hammer: 1,600 USD).

337. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Hekte. Circa 650-600 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Plain type. Plain smooth surface / Two incuse square punches. Weidauer 4 (rough surface); SNG Kayhan 674-5. 2.28g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG, Premium Auction 2, 15 October 2017, lot 59.

Apparently Unique and Unpublished

338. Ionia, uncertain mint EL 1/3 Stater. Circa 650-600 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Uncertain creature (head of griffin?) to left on raised oval shield / Two incuse squares. Unpublished in the standard references: cf. Weidauer 179 (later style stater). 4.52g, 14mm. Good Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

1,000

124

339. Ionia, uncertain mint EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 650-600 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard, Striated type. Flattened striated surface / Incuse square punch. Weidauer 9; Traité I 13; Rosen 268; SNG Kayhan I 681; SNG von Aulock 7766. 1.19g, 7mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com).

340. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Hekte. Circa 625-600 BC. Phokaic standard. Raised clockwise swastika pattern / Quadripartite incuse square. Rosen 314; Traité I 117-8; SNG von Aulock 1777; Boston MFA 1781. 2.37g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction V, 23 March 2013, lot 309.

341. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Hekte. Circa 600-550 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Facing head of lion or panther within triangular incuse on a raised area / Two square punches with raised lines within. Weidauer 160 = Traité I 30 = Boston MFA 1753 = Warren 1721; SNG Kayhan 711. 2.35g. NGC graded Ch XF 4/5 - 4/5, edge scuffs (#5872643-008). Rare.

2,500

Acquired from Vilmar Numismatics.

The Second Known Example

342. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Hemihekte. Circa 560 BC. Forepart of panther to left, head facing / Incuse punch with irregular surface. Aufhäuser 10, 1993, lot 167 (same dies) = Peus 372, 2002, lot 491 (same dies) = NAC 84, 2015, lot 658 (same dies); otherwise unpublished. 1.11g, 8mm. Extremely Fine; struck on a full flan. Extremely Rare; the second known example of the type.

2,500

From a private English collection. This hemihekte is part of a series of electrum staters, trites, hektes, hemihektes, and twenty-fourth staters (cf. Weidauer 156-65) which all bear types based on the panther on the obverse and have incuse punches with an irregular surface on the reverse. Although they cannot be attributed with certainty to one particular mint, Miletos and Samos are considered likely candidates.

343. Islands off Ionia, Chios AR Drachm. Circa 410-380 BC. Sphinx seated to left; grape bunch above amphora before / Quadripartite incuse square with granulated recesses. Mavrogordato 32-3; SNG Copenhagen 1546; HGC 6, 1124. 7.82g, 17mm. Very Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

350

Ex Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland GmbH, Auction 8, 10 May 2001, lot 181 (hammer: DEM 1,500).

125

Symmachy (Alliance) Coinage

344. Ionia, Ephesos AR Tridrachm. Symmachy coinage. Circa 405/4 BC. The Herakliskos Drakonopnigon: the Infant Herakles, nude, crouching to right, strangling a serpent coiled around each arm; Σ-YN around / Bee with straight wings; E-Φ across upper fields, Π-E across lower fields. Hecatomnus 3 (O2/R3); BMC 25; SNG Kayhan 144 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock 7821 = SNG Lockett 2808 = Weber 5836; Gulbenkian 730 = Weber 5835. 10.76g, 21mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine; some light cleaning marks to fields. Extremely Rare; only four other examples on CoinArchives.

10,000

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection. At some point around the turn of the fifth to fourth century BC several major cities in Asia Minor issued a joint symmachy (alliance) coinage all bearing as the obverse type the figure of the Herakliskos Drakonopnigon, with the letters ΣYN featured prominently, which is generally interpreted as syn[machoi] (allies). Byzantium, Knidos, Kyzikos, Ephesos, Iasos, Lampsakos, Rhodes, and Samos were evidently all participants, and their coins retain their individualistic reverse types - for example, the roaring lion for Kyzikos, the head of Aphrodite for Knidos, and, as seen here, the bee for Ephesos. The dating and purpose of this extraordinarily rare alliance coinage remains a subject of some debate, and its placement in the chronology and events of the age depend partly on the interpretation of the obverse type by various scholars. At this juncture, we may relate the myth from which the type is derived: on the night that Herakles was to be born, Hera, knowing of her husband Zeus’ adultery with the mortal Alkmene, persuaded Zeus to swear an oath that the child born that night to a member of the House of Perseus would be High King. Hera did this knowing that while Herakles was to be born a descendant of Perseus, so too was Eurystheos, son of Sthenelos. Once the oath was sworn, Hera hurried to Alkmene’s dwelling and slowed the birth of Herakles by forcing Ilithyia, goddess of childbirth, to sit cross-legged with her clothing tied in knots, thereby causing Herakles to be trapped in the womb. Meanwhile, Hera caused Eurystheos to be born prematurely, making him High King in place of Herakles. She would have permanently delayed Herakles’ birth had she not been foiled by Galanthis, Alkmene’s servant, who lied to Ilithyia, saying that Alkmene had already delivered the baby. Upon hearing this, she jumped in surprise, untying the knots and thus allowing Alkmene to give birth to Herakles. Having failed to prevent his birth, Hera sent two serpents to kill the baby Herakles as he lay in his cot. While his twin brother Iphikles screamed in terror, Herakles throttled the snakes, one in each hand, and was found by his nurse playing with their limp bodies as if they were toys. Karweise (Lysander as Herakliskos Drakonopnigon, NC 140, 1980, pp. 1-27) proposes interpreting this iconic design as representing Spartan domination over Athens in the Peloponnesian War, referring specifically to the Spartan admiral Lysander (who was of the Heraklidai and thus claimed direct descent from Herakles) who had ‘strangled’ the hegemonic power of Athens with his victory at Aigospotamoi. Certainly this was an overwhelming naval victory, in which the Spartans captured or destroyed nine tenths of the Athenian fleet with minimal losses of their own. It thus ended the war at a stroke since Athens, long reliant on its naval supremacy, could no longer import grain to feed herself nor maintain communication with and control over its empire. The analogy of having strangled Athens into submission is indeed fitting. For Karweise therefore, these coins should have been issued shortly after Aigospotamoi in c. 404 BC. Delrieux (Les ententes monétaires au type et à la légende SYN au début du IVe siècle” in Mecanismes et innovations monetaires dans l’Anatolie Achemenide, Paris, 2000) on the other hand favours attributing this coinage to the period after the ‘shine’ on the Spartan victory had worn off. Following their victory at Aigospotamoi, Spartan relations with Persia deteriorated to the point where Spartan forces began raiding the satrapies of Pharnabazos and Tissaphernes. Led by the Athenian commander Konon, an Athenian-Persian alliance established a base of operations at Rhodes in 395 BC, and the following year in 394 the allied fleet won a decisive naval victory at Knidos. At this point, many cities including Ephesos and Samos joined the alliance, no doubt partly due to the fact that the fear of a resurgent Athenian empire had led the Spartans to offer to ‘hand over’ all of the Greek cities in Asia Minor to the Persians, in the hope of securing their own position in Greece. Then, from 389-387 the Athenian general Thrasyboulos began re-establishing Athenian alliances with the cities in Asia Minor that had previously been their allies (many of them having once once belonged to the Delian League), with the result that Sparta deployed its forces to attack the cities of the Hellespont and the Propontis, driving more cities into the proAthenian alliance. The settlement of the Peace of Antalkidas, or the King’s Peace in 387 BC, confirmed Persian overlordship of the Ionian Greek cities and parts of the Aegean, effectively ending the alliance and its symmachy coinage.

126

345. Ionia, Ephesos AR Drachm. Circa 202-150 BC. Pausanias, magistrate. Bee with straight wings; E-Φ across fields / Stag standing to right, palm tree behind; ΠAYΣANIAΣ downwards to right. Kinns, Attic, p. 89; SNG von Aulock 1850. 4.19g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone. Very Rare with this magistrate.

350

346. Ionia, Ephesos AR Drachm. Circa 202-150 BC. Dioskourides, magistrate. Bee with straight wings; E-Φ across fields / Stag standing to right, palm tree behind; ΔIOΣKOYPIΔ[HΣ] downwards to right. Kinns, Attic, p. 50 and 86; BMC 121-133 var. (unlisted magistrate); SNG Kayhan -. 4.01g, 18mm, 12h. Mint State; highly lustrous.

200

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

Extremely Rare

347. Ionia, Erythrai(?) EL 1/12 Stater. 6th century BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Rosette with central pellet and eight petals / Incuse square. Weidauer -; SNG Kayhan -; cf. SNG von Aulock 7786 (trite); SNG Copenhagen -; Boston MFA -; Elektron -; Rosen -; Traité -; Gorny & Mosch 211, lot 340; CNG 445, lot 142. 1.16g, 7mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; unpublished save for previously auctioned specimens.

350

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 387, 30 November 2016, lot 191.

348. Ionia, Kolophon AR Drachm. Reduced Rhodian standard. Circa 310-294 BC. Aminias, magistrate. Laureate head of Apollo to left / Kithara; ΚΟΛΟΦΩ[Ν] to left, AMINIAΣ to right. Kinns 89; Milne, Kolophon 85; SNG Copenhagen -. 2.94g, 15mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 28, 2 July 2016, lot 131.

349. Ionia, Miletos EL 1/48 Stater. Circa 600-546 BC. Facing head of lion / Scorpion within square incuse. Hilbert Phase 2; SNG Kayhan 925-927; SNG von Aulock 7795-7796; Rosen 302; Weidauer 166. 0.28g, 5mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; in exceptional state of preservation for the issue.

300

127

Ex Triton IX, 2006

350. Ionia, Miletos AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Circa 295-270 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left on low throne, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, MI (civic) monogram in left field. Price 2150 var. (back to throne); SNG Copenhagen 751. 16.96g, 27mm, 1h. Near Mint State; beautifully centered on the flan and featuring a bold portrait struck in excellent, early Hellenistic style.

2,500

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton IX, 10-11 January 2006, lot 783, original auction ticket included.

351. Ionia, Miletos AR Drachm. Circa 225-190 BC. Tychon, magistrate. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Lion standing to right, looking back at star with eight rays; monogram above ME to right, TVXΩN in exergue. Deppert-Lippitz 691-2 (unlisted dies); Waddington 1827. 4.81g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive dark original ‘find’ patina.

500

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 51, 5 March 2017, lot 168.

352. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Archaic female head to left, wearing helmet or close fitting cap; seal downwards behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 31; SNG von Aulock 7943; SNG Kayhan 518. 2.57g, 10mm. Extremely Fine; featuring a splendid archaic portrait. Scarce.

1,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 374, 11 May 2016, lot 252.

353. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Facing head of Silenos / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 43 f/η (these dies); Traité I, pl. IV, 18; BMC 3. 2.58g, 10mm. Extremely Fine; an expressive face in high relief.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 387, 30 November 2016, lot 166.

128

354. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 478-387 BC. Head of lion to left; small seal to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 52; Boston MFA 1898 (same dies); BMC 23; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -. 2.57g, 10mm. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare; four specimens cited by Bodenstedt and only two others on CoinArchives.

1,500

From a private European collection; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Web Auction 15, 27 February 2021, lot 454.

355. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 478-437 BC. Bearded head of Zeus Ammon wearing ram’s horn to left; behind, seal swimming downwards to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 81; Boston MFA -; BMC -; Leu 13, 1975, 239; J. Hirsch 25, 2186. 2.55g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only half a dozen examples auctioned in the past 20 years.

1,500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

356. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 478-387 BC. Head of Hermes to left, wearing winged petasos; [seal swimming downward behind] / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 82; Boston MFA 1915; SNG von Aulock 2125; BMC 35. 2.55g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

357. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 400 BC. Head of nymph to left, her curly hair bound in an ampyx with a net behind, wearing pendant earring / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 94; Boston MFA Suppl. 176; SNG von Aulock 2130. 2.53g, 10mm. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

358. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 387-326 BC. Head of Artemis to left; quiver over shoulder, small seal below / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 99; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -. 2.56g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 236, 7 October 2013, lot 594.

359. Ionia, Phokaia. AR Diobol. Late 6th century BC. Head of griffin to left / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG Kayhan 514-6 (‘hemidrachm’); SNG von Aulock 2116 var. (seal behind griffin). 1.56g, 10mm. Extremely Fine; slightly porous.

250

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

129

360. Islands off Ionia, Samos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 408-366 BC. Chian standard. Uncertain magistrate (Alkmeon?). Lion’s scalp facing / Forepart of ox to right; laurel branch to left, ΣΑ below; all within shallow incuse square. Cf. Barron Class X, 152; HGC 6, 1218. 14.72g, 24mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

Ex Leu 61, 1995

361. Ionia, Teos AR Drachm. Circa 540-510 BC. Griffin seated to right, left forepaw raised / Quadripartite incuse square. Balcer 43 (A-/P67 [unlisted obv. die]); Matzke Group Bc2, 79; Asyut 622; SNG Copenhagen 1433; SNG von Aulock 2255. 5.91g, 16mm. Extremely Fine; an exceptional example with hints of blue iridescence complementing a splendid old cabinet tone.

5,000

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 61, 17 May 1995, lot 145.

TROAS

362. Troas, Abydos AR Drachm. Circa 460-430 BC. Eagle standing to left with wings closed; ABYΔ[HИ]O[И] across fields / Facing gorgoneion, tongue protruding; [A]-B across upper fields; all within incuse square. SNG München 3 = Traité II 2442; SNG Copenhagen 3 var. (no B); BMC 1-2 var. (same); SNG von Aulock 7532 var. (same). 5.32g, 16mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Extremely rare variant with A-B on reverse.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

Attractive and Extremely Rare

363. Troas, Antandros AR Hemidrachm. Circa 440-400 BC. Head of Artemis Astyrene to right / ANTA-N, goat standing to right within incuse square. Boston MFA 1624 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 1492 (same rev. die); SNG Copenhagen 213; Roma 26, lot 194 (same dies). 1.84g, 11mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; the finest of only five Antandros hemidrachms to come to auction in the past twenty years, of which only two others are of this variety. 400 From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

364. Troas, Assos AR Drachm. Circa 500-450 BC. Griffin seated to left, raising right forepaw / Head of roaring lion to right within incuse square. Boston MFA 1626; BMC 1; Traité II 2298, pl. CLXIII, 25; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; Roma XXIII, lot 276 (hammer: £1,300). 3.32g, 12mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; beautifully centred on the flan. Rare; among the very finest specimens to come to auction in the past two decades. From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

130

1,000

131

132

The Second Known

365. Islands off Troas, Tenedos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 100-80 BC. Janiform head of a laureate bearded male to left and female to right, wearing stephanos / Labrys; TENEΔIΩN above, handle flanked by grape bunches; all within laurel wreath. Callataÿ, Tenedos 1 (D1/R1); Sotheby’s 21-22 June 1990 (Nelson Bunker Hunt Coll), lot 475 (same dies, cover coin) = Gitta Kastner, Auction 10, 1976, lot 51 (same dies, cover coin) = Roma XXIII, lot 279 (hammer: £110,000); HGC 6, 390. 16.25g, 36mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; minor edge flaw. Excessively Rare; the second known example after the Nelson Bunker Hunt example recently sold for £110,000 plus premium and against which the present specimen compares favourably, being slightly less worn. 25,000 Struck from the same dies as the Bunker Hunt specimen, the superb style of this issue fully justifies its brother’s appearance on two celebrated auction catalogues. From a private European collection. Tenedos was an island of strategic importance throughout antiquity due to its location at the entrance to the Hellespont, which ensured every ship sailing to or from the Propontis and the Black Sea would pass by. It is referenced in both Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid, in the latter as the place where the Greek fleet was concealed towards the end of their siege of Troy in order to trick the Trojans into taking the fateful Trojan horse within the walls of the city. During the fifth century, Athens used the island as a stronghold to protect their vital shipping routes, but it came under the influence of successive Hellenistic dynasties from the third century onwards: controlled first by the Seleukids, then the Attalids and eventually by Mithridates VI Eupator, who used the island as a naval base in the Third Mithridatic War against the Roman general Lucullus in 73-63 BC. It was during the latter’s long reign that this type and other stephanophoric (wreath-bearing) Tenedian tetradrachms were first minted. On this extremely fine example, the form of the exquisitely detailed janiform head, the proportions and intricate hairstyles of which are finely balanced, is satisfyingly echoed by the symmetrical reverse displaying the labrys, a double-headed axe, and (uniquely for the series) two grape bunches. This labrys is a reference to the Tenedian foundational myth, in which the hero Tenes used an axe to sever the mooring lines of his father’s ship when he attempted to land on the island to reconcile with his son. In Pausanias’ version of the myth, he concludes “for this reason a by-word has arisen, which is used of those who make a stern refusal: so and so has cut whatever it may be with an axe of Tenedos” (Paus. 10.14.4). Indeed, Cicero, writing less than half a century from the time of this coin’s issue jokes to his brother Quintus about Tenedos’ unsuccessful request to the Roman senate to be made a free city: “well then, the liberty of the Tenedians has been chopped by the Tenedian axe” (Letters to his brother Quintus, 2.9).

133

The Second and Finest Known

366. Islands off Troas, Tenedos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 100-80 BC. Janiform head of a laureate bearded male to left and female to right, wearing stephanos / Labrys; TENEΔIΩN above, handle flanked by grape bunch, to right, and thyrsos, to left; all within laurel wreath. Cf. Callataÿ, Tenedos 1 (D1/R[unrecorded with thyrsos to rev.]); HGC 6, 390 var. (same); Sotheby’s 21-22 June 1990 (Nelson Bunker Hunt Coll), lot 475 (same obv. die, cover coin) = Gitta Kastner, Auction 10, 1976, lot 51 (same obv. die, cover coin); Gorny & Mosch 273, lot 179 = CNG 114, lot 243 (same obv. die). 15.86g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractively toned and struck on a broad flan. Exceedingly Rare; unpublished in the standard reference works, seemingly just the second known example, and the undoubted superior of the two. 15,000 From a private European collection.

134

AEOLIS

367. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Stephanophoric type. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Apollo Grynios standing to right, holding phiale in right hand, filleted laurel branch in left; monogram and MYPINAIΩN to left, omphalos and amphora at feet; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 22; SNG von Aulock 1663. 16.50g, 34mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG, Online Auction 39, 22 December 2019, lot 56.

LESBOS

368. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of ram to right; below, cockerel standing to left / Incuse head of lion to left; rectangular punch to right. Bodenstedt 11; SNG von Aulock 7718; SNG Copenhagen 300; HGC 6, 936. 2.49g, 11mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 386, 9 November 2016, lot 213.

369. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of roaring lion to right / Incuse head of calf to right; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 13; SNG Copenhagen 301. 2.54g, 9mm. Extremely Fine.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 31, 26 November 2016, lot 137.

370. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 454-427 BC. Head of aged satyr to right, wearing taenia / Confronted rams’ heads, palmette in upper central field; all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 37; SNG von Aulock 1700; HGC 6, 963. 2.54g, 11mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 62, 4 February 2018, lot 210.

135

371. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 454-427 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Head of calf to right within incuse square. Bodenstedt 56; Traité II 2 pl. 159, 40; SNG von Aulock 7727; HGC 6, 982. 2.56g, 10mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

372. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 454-427 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Head of calf to right within incuse square. Bodenstedt 56; Traité II 2 pl. 159, 40; SNG von Aulock 7727; HGC 6, 982. 2.54g, 10mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; minor contact mark.

500

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Solidus Numismatik, Auction 23, 13 January 2018, lot 144.

373. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Nymph head to right, hair in sphendone / Amphora flanked by two ivy leaves, all within linear rectangle. SNG von Aulock 7733; Bodenstedt Em. 84 = HGC 6, 1010. 2.54g, 11mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only 2 cited in Bodenstedt and 2 others examples in CoinArchives.

1,000

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

374. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Veiled head of Demeter to right, wearing wreath of grain / Tripod decorated with two fillets hanging at sides; all within linear frame. Gulbenkian 885; SNG Von Aulock 1726; Bodenstedt 91; HGC 6, 1017. 2.54g, 10mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

375. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Head of youth to right, with ram’s horn / Eagle standing to right, head reverted, within linear frame; all within shallow incuse square. Bodenstedt 104; SNG von Aulock 1727; HGC 6, 1030. 2.55g, 11mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

136

Unique and Unpublished

376. Lesbos, Mytilene AR Tetradrachm. Circa 160s BC. Laureate head of Zeus-Ammon to right / Xoanon of bearded Dionysos facing, wearing polos; MYTIΛH-NAΩN flanking, monogram to lower right; all within ivy wreath. Unpublished in the standard references with this monogram: cf. EHC 650; cf. CH VIII, pl. LXIV, 2 = Prospero 498; cf. Waddington 1393, pl. III, 8; cf. Leu 22, 129 (same monogram in lower right field). 15.58g, 34mm, 12h. Very Fine; some graffiti to rev. Unique and unpublished, fewer than 10 examples of this series known.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer. The reverse displays a wooden sculpture of Dionysos. According to Pausanias, “certain fishermen of Methymna found that their nets dragged up to the surface of the sea a face made of olive-wood. Its appearance suggested a touch of divinity, but it was outlandish, and unlike the normal features of Greek gods. So the people of Methymna asked the Pythian priestess of what god or hero the figure was a likeness, and she bade them worship Dionysus Phallen. Whereupon the people of Methymna kept for themselves the wooden image out of the sea, worshipping it with sacrifices and prayers, but sent a bronze copy to Delphi.” (10.19.3). There are a few such examples on Hellenistic coinage of presenting xoana or cult statues (see EHC p. 25).

MYSIA

The Second and Finest Known

377. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. 600-450 BC. Heads of three tunny fish on sticks facing outwards from center in radial formation; large pellet below / Rough incuse. Von Fritze I -; Greenwell -; Hurter & Liewald III, 15 var. (denomination); SNG BnF -; Boston MFA -; Rosen -; SNG von Aulock -; Roma XXII, lot 319 . 2.72g, 10mm. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; unpublished in this denomination, the second and finest known example.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

378. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte - 1/12 Stater. Circa 600-550 BC. Head of tunny fish to left on round disk; three pellets above and below / Quadripartite incuse square. Hurter & Liewald III 22.1; Von Fritze I -; Boston MFA -; SNG BN -; SNG von Aulock 7259; CNG E-331, lot 47; Heritage 3051, lot 30093. 1.35g, 9mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only 5 other examples present on CoinArchives.

1,000

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

379. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of roaring lioness to left; tunny fish upward behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 39; Greenwell 115; Boston MFA 1414 = Warren 1537; SNG BnF 178. 15.99g, 19mm. Good Extremely Fine.

4,000

Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 423, 7 November 2018, lot 21.

137

380. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of roaring lioness to left; tunny fish upward behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 39; Greenwell 115; Boston MFA 1414 = Warren 1537; SNG BnF 178. 16.19g, 19mm. Near Extremely Fine.

2,250

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex Siren Collection.

381. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-450 BC. Forepart of hound to left, head reverted; tunny fish upwards to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 50; Boston MFA 1418 = Warren 1567; Waddington 685. 2.65g, 11mm. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

400

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG, Premium Auction 2, 15 October 2017, lot 40.

382. 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 I 75, pl. II, 30; SNG BnF 205; Boston MFA 1448 = Warren 1519. 15.97g, 21mm. Good Very Fine. Scarce.

5,000

Acquired from Harmers of London; Ex A.F. Collection (Germany), Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 219 (hammer: £6,500). The winged figure on this coin of Kyzikos is most frequently simply described as a ‘winged female’, though on occasion numismatists have ventured to suggest that the depiction is that of a harpy, one of the mythical ‘snatchers’ who were sent by the gods to torment Phineos, the blind seer-king of Thrace, for his transgressions. Though in the Homeric poems the harpies are nothing more than the personifications of storm winds, Hesiod (c. 750-650 BC) described them as the daughters of Thaumas by the Oceanid Electra; fair-haired and winged maidens, who surpassed the winds and birds in the rapidity of their flight. Archaic pottery depicts them thus, in a manner that closely resembles the winged figures on the coins of Kaunos in Karia - see in particular Wagner Museum L164 - black figure clay vase. It was only later tradition that portrayed the harpies as hideous half-woman, half-bird creatures, a development resulting from a confusion of harpies with sirens. By the time of Aeschylus (c. 525-455 BC), this transformation was largely complete, though the harpy’s ‘beautiful’ image is still occasionally seen as late as 480 BC - see the J. Paul Getty Museum hydria/kalpis by Kleophrades, on which the harpies are rendered as young winged girls. The identification of the winged figure on this stater as a harpy is therefore possible, though other identifications are equally plausible. Iris, goddess of the rainbow, was depicted as a winged woman with a herald’s staff, as likewise was Nike, though the latter usually carried a wreath or palm. However, none of these beings was associated with flowers, which above all were an attribute of Aphrodite and Kore-Persephone. Only one parallel for the present type exists in surviving Greek art: the 5th century BC funerary stele now known as ‘The Exaltation of the Flower’, held in the Louvre. Carved in a similarly severe archaic style, the stele depicts two female figures holding up flowers; the left figure in a pose very similar to that shown on this coin. Those figures have been identified either as unknown mortals, or as Demeter and her daughter Persephone - the view favoured by its discoverer Léon Heuzey. The wings on our figure clearly identify her as a goddess though, and the flower is most likely the key to understanding her identity. Kore-Persephone, daughter of Demeter, therefore seems to be a logical choice: she was gathering flowers when Hades came to abduct her, and her return to earth each year was heralded by the blossoming of the meadows. Her overwhelming prominence on the later coinage of Kyzikos further strengthens the case for her depiction here. 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.

138

Engraved in Excellent Archaic Style

383. 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 I 77 (fractions); SNG BnF -; Hurter & Liewald I, 77. 16.06g, 19mm. About Extremely Fine. Extremely rare and among the finest known.

15,000

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.

139

An Influential Military Archetype

384. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Corinthian helmet with large crest to left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 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.

385. 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 I 86; SNG BnF 219-20; Boston MFA 1472; Jameson 2175; Rosen 464. 2.69g, 11mm. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

140

386. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Dog standing to left, fore-paw raised; tunny fish to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 93, pl. III, 12; Boston MFA 1469; SNG von Aulock 1192; SNG BnF 230. 16.16g, 21mm. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 78, 17 December 2020, lot 467; Ex inventory of a German dealer.

387. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of griffin to left, with curved wing and long upright ears; tunny fish downward before / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 98; SNG von Aulock 1181 (hekte); Rosen 474 (hekte); SNG BnF -; Boston MFA -. 16.02g, 20mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 78, 17 December 2020, lot 468; Ex inventory of a German dealer.

388. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Roaring griffin standing to left on tunny fish, right foreleg raised and tongue protruding / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 99; SNG BnF 239-40; Boston MFA 1455; Greenwell 143; Gulbenkian 623. 16.02g, 22mm. Good Very Fine. Rare.

3,000

From the collection of GK. A mythical creature of great antiquity, griffins are represented in Egyptian and Persian art from as early as the fourth millennium BC; from the middle bronze age (c.1950-1550 BC) they begin appearing in Syria, the Levant and Anatolia, and they can be found in 15th century BC frescoes in the throne room of the bronze age palace at Knossos. Closely associated with guarding precious possessions and treasure, and so frequently utilised as a motif in such capacities, the griffin came also to be a symbol of divine power and so a guardian of the divine. Half lion and half eagle, and so possessing the power and dignity of both of these majestic animals, these fearsome creatures in time came to be associated with the vast quantities of gold that flowed south out of the vast northern wildernesses into Greek and Persian lands. This seemingly endless source of gold caused a great deal of speculation among the Greeks as to its origin; the myths and fables eventually found form in the idea of a land they called Hyperborea (‘beyond the north wind’). Homer, Pindar, Hesiod and Strabo all make reference to this legendary place, and Herodotus writes of it: “But in the north of Europe there is by far the most gold. In this matter again I cannot say with assurance how the gold is produced, but it is said that one-eyed men called Arimaspians steal it from griffins. But I do not believe this, that there are one-eyed men who have a nature otherwise the same as other men. The most outlying lands, though, as they enclose and wholly surround all the rest of the world, are likely to have those things which we think the finest and the rarest.” (The Histories, 3.116) Though it is generally agreed that Hyperborea never actually existed as any single place, but was rather an amalgam of various fragments of truth and flights of fancy, one possible source for the northern gold may be found in the Altai Mountains of Skythia (straddling modern day Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and Russia), whose name ‘Altai’ in Mongolian literally means ‘Gold Mountain’. It has been further suggested (Mayor, 1991) that this region, rich in gold run-off from the mountains, and which also holds a great many Protoceratops fossils, may have been the ultimate source of the Greek myth of griffin-guarded gold. The sandstone rock formations skirting the gold deposits continually reveal through erosion bleached white, fully articulated skeletons of these prominently beaked quadruped dinosaurs, and being conspicuous against the red sediment would have been noticed by early inhabitants and travellers. Indeed, 5th century BC human remains in the Altai Mountains have been found bearing griffin tattoos, occasionally accompanied by gold griffin artefacts. That this symbol of power should be adopted by Kyzikos for its coinage again and again is hardly surprising then, given that the city possessed a virtual monopoly on gold coinage in the area from Troy to Ionia, in the Propontis, in Bithynia and in the Black Sea regions, and the animal’s fabled reputation as a guardian of the precious metal.

141

Extremely Rare

389. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Head of ephebos to left on disk; tunny fish to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 105; Greenwell 77; cf. Boston MFA 1476 = Warren 1496 (hekte); SNG BN 248; BMC 21; Gulbenkian -; Jameson 2566. 16.08g, 20mm. About Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only four other examples on CoinArchives.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

390. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-450 BC. Nike (or Iris?) advancing to left, head to right, wings spread, holding a tunny fish by the tail and the hem of her chiton / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 121; Greenwell 58; SNG BnF 267; Rosen 494; BMC 25; Boston MFA -; Gulbenkian -; Jameson 2187. 16.17g, 21mm. Good Very Fine; well-centred. Extremely Rare; only three other examples of the type on CoinArchives.

7,500

From the collection of GK.

391. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte. Circa 550-450 BC. Triton reclining to left, holding wreath in raised left hand, leaning on left elbow; tunny fish to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze I 126 (unlisted denomination); cf. Greenwell 11 (same); cf. Hurter & Liewald I 26a (stater); cf. Hurter & Liewald II 78 (Triton holding tunny before); cf. Boston MFA 1425 (hekte); cf. SNG BnF 276 (hekte); cf. BMC 24 (stater); cf. Gulbenkian 614 (hekte); cf. Jameson 2561 (hekte); cf. Rosen 503 (hekte); Traité -; Weber -; Münzen und Medaillen AG 52, lot 168; Triton XI, lot 209. 1.32g, 9mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; particularly in this denomination.

4,500

Ex Siren Collection.

Extremely Rare

392. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 450-350 BC. Helios, radiate, crouching nude to right, holding the reins of two horses, the foreparts of which are visible facing to left and right behind him; tunny fish below to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 148; Jameson 2194; SNG von Aulock 7312; Kraay & Hirmer 715; BMC 106. 2.66g, 10mm. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

5,000

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The sun god Helios and his horses, as seen on this coin, are perhaps most well known in mythology for their role in the myth of Phaethon, found in Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Euripides’ Phaethon. Phaethon was the son of Helios and the mortal Clymene. As he lived solely with his mother, Phaethon’s classmates were sceptical of his lofty paternal claims. Angered and embarrassed by repeated taunting on this topic, Phaethon decided to prove his parenthood once and for all. Visiting his father Helios’ palace in India, where it is rumoured the chariot of the sun started its daily journey, Phaethon tricked Helios into promising to grant him any wish he wanted. With this power Phaethon asked to be allowed to ride the chariot of the sun and drive the four horses, Aethon, Eous, Phlegon, and Pyrois, two of which can been seen depicted on this coin, across the sky for one day. Helios was aware that a small boy would be unable to control these most powerful of all horses and that it would be extremely dangerous to allow him to do so, but he was bound by his promise and had to agree. Therefore at dawn the following day Phaethon boarded the chariot, while many words of warning were spoken by Helios, noting particularly that Phaethon keep a central course through the sky, and not fly too high or too low. Heedless of his father’s warnings Phaethon rode the chariot close to the earth to ensure that his sceptical classmates could see him and stop their teasing forever. The horses of the sun, unused to such inexperienced handling, ran riot and overcame the young Phaethon so he was unable to control them. They scorched the sky creating a permanent mark that we call the Milky Way, before plunging into the land on the continent of Africa and scorching the earth, creating the Sahara Desert. This mythological etymology for geographical and astronomical phenomena was common among the Greeks and helped to explain the world around them. Zeus, king of the gods, looking down from Mount Olympus and seeing the destruction caused by Phaethon, struck the boy down with a thunderbolt, killing him instantly. It is hard when seeing any image of the sun god with his horses not to recall this tragic tale of reckless youth.

142

393. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte - 1/12 Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Kithara; [tunny fish to right below] / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze I 181 (unlisted denomination); SNG BnF 325; cf. Boston MFA 1540 (stater); Gulbenkian 645 (1/24 stater). 1.25g, 9mm. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

394. Mysia, Lampsakos AR Diobol. 4th-3rd century BC. Janiform female head; dolphin to left on neck / Helmeted head of Athena to right; ΛΑΜΨ around. Baldwin, Lampsakos Group B, I, 11; SNG BnF 1193. 1.35g, 12mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

PERGAMON

395. Kingdom of Pergamon, Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Struck in the name of Philetairos. Circa 263-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos to right / Athena seated to left, resting elbow on small sphinx, holding shield and transverse spear; A monogram on throne, ivy leaf to inner left, ΦIΛETAIΡOY and bow to right. SNG BnF 1606-9; SNG von Aulock 1355. 16.87g, 29mm, 12h. Near Mint State; well-detailed and featuring a striking portrait in high relief.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

396. Kingdom of Pergamon, Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Struck in the name of Philetairos. Circa 263-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos to right / Athena seated to left, resting elbow on small sphinx, holding shield and transverse spear; A monogram on throne, ivy leaf to inner left, ΦIΛETAIΡOY and bow to right. SNG BnF 1606-9; SNG von Aulock 1355. 17.15g, 28mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a bold portrait of fine style with intricately detailed hair, struck in high relief. From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

143

1,500

397. Kingdom of Pergamon, Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Struck in the name of Philetairos. Pergamon, circa 255-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos to right / Athena seated to left, resting elbow on shield, holding transverse spear and crowning ΦIΛETAIPOY to left with wreath; ivy leaf in outer left field, monogram in inner left, bow to right. Westermark Group IVA, (V.XLVIII:B/-); SNG BnF 1610-5; SNG von Aulock 1356-7 (Attalos I); Boston MFA 1611-2. 16.94g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from Tradart S.A., Geneva in December 1988.

398. Kingdom of Pergamon, Attalos I AR Tetradrachm. Struck in the name of Philetairos. Pergamon, circa 241-197 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos to right / Athena seated to left, resting elbow on shield, holding transverse spear and crowning ΦIΛETAIPOY to left with wreath; palm branch to outer left, monogram to inner left, bow to right. Westermark Group VIA; BMC 40 (Eumenes II); SNG BnF 1621. 17.04g, 27mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

750

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

LYDIA

399. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite - 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 610-560 BC. Head of roaring lion to right, sunburst with uncertain number of rays on forehead / Two incuse square punches. GRPC Lydia G24-27; Weidauer 59-75, 88-89; ATEC Group C, 9-11 and 14-21. 4.69g, 13mm. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

400. 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. 4.71g, 13mm. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 467, 6 May 2020, lot 176 (hammer: 2,750 USD).

401. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite - 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 600-561 BC. Head of roaring lion to right, sunburst with three rays on forehead / Two incuse square punches. GRPC Lydia G25 var. (fewer rays on sunburst and direction of mane); Weidauer 59-75; Dorotheum November 2021, lot 756. 4.72g, 13mm. Good Very Fine.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

144

402. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Hemihekte - 1/12 Stater. Sardes, circa 600-561 BC. Head of roaring lion to right, sunburst on forehead / Incuse square punch. GRPC Lydia G30; Weidauer group XVI, 90; Traité I 47; SNG Kayhan 1015; Rosen 654; Elektron I 72. 1.17g, 7mm. Good Very Fine.

500

403. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Stater - Double Siglos. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse squares of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S1; Berk 20; Traité I 407; SNG Kayhan 1018; SNG von Aulock 2874; SNG Copenhagen 455; SNG Ashmolean 760. 10.42g, 21mm. Good Very Fine; attractively toned.

2,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from Wolfshead Gallery (USD 4,750); Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 484, 27 January 2021, lot 350.

404. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Stater - Double Siglos. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse squares of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S1; Berk 20; Traité I 407; SNG Kayhan 1018; SNG von Aulock 2874; SNG Copenhagen 455; SNG Ashmolean 760. 10.58g, 18mm. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

405. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Stater - Double Siglos. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse squares of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S1; Berk 20; Traité I 407; SNG Kayhan 1018; SNG von Aulock 2874; SNG Copenhagen 455; SNG Ashmolean 760. 10.33g, 20mm. Near Extremely Fine; minor die shift to obv., otherwise an attractive example.

1,000

406. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Stater - Double Siglos. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse squares of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S1; Berk 20; Traité I 407; SNG Kayhan 1018; SNG von Aulock 2874; SNG Copenhagen 455; SNG Ashmolean 760. 10.37g, 21mm. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

407. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Siglos. Sardes, circa 561-564 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse square punches of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S3; Rosen 663-5; SNG Kayhan 1024-26. 5.06g, 15mm. Good Very Fine.

500

145

408. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Siglos. Sardes, circa 561-564 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse square punches of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S3; Rosen 663-5; SNG Kayhan 1024-26. 5.11g, 18mm. Near Extremely Fine.

500

409. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two irregular incuse squares. GRPC Lydia S5; SNG Keckman 359; Boston MFA 2071; Warren 1291. 3.47g, 12mm. About Good Very Fine.

400

From the inventory of a German dealer.

410. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two irregular incuse squares. GRPC Lydia S5; SNG Keckman 359; Boston MFA 2071; Warren 1291. 3.41g, 14mm. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

411. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two irregular incuse squares. GRPC Lydia S5; SNG Keckman 359; Boston MFA 2071; Warren 1291. 3.38g, 13mm. Extremely Fine.

300

412. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two irregular incuse squares. GRPC Lydia S5; SNG Keckman 359; Boston MFA 2071; Warren 1291. 3.34g, 13mm. Extremely Fine. Rare.

300

413. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/3 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two irregular incuse squares. GRPC Lydia S5; SNG Keckman 359; Boston MFA 2071; Warren 1291. 3.56g, 14mm. Very Fine. Rare.

250

From the inventory of a German dealer.

146

414. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/6 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse square punches of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S6; Rosen 667; SNG Kayhan 1019. 1.67g, 11mm. Extremely Fine.

250

415. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/6 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse square punches of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S6; Rosen 667; SNG Kayhan 1019. 1.64g, 11mm. Extremely Fine

250

416. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/6 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Two incuse square punches of unequal size. GRPC Lydia S6; Rosen 667; SNG Kayhan 1019. 1.67g, 10mm. Good Extremely Fine

250

417. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/12 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Incuse square. GRPC Lydia S8; SNG Kayhan 1020-21; SNG von Aulock 2880. 0.80g, 8mm. Good Extremely Fine.

200

418. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/12 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Incuse square. GRPC Lydia S8; SNG Kayhan 1020-21; SNG von Aulock 2880. 0.81g, 8mm. Extremely Fine.

200

419. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/12 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Incuse square. GRPC Lydia S8; SNG Kayhan 1020-21; SNG von Aulock 2880. 0.83g, 8mm. Good Extremely Fine.

200 2x

420

421

420. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/24 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Incuse punch. GRPC Lydia S10; SNG Tübingen 3652-3. 0.38g, 6mm. Extremely Fine. 200 421. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/24 Stater. Sardes, circa 561-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion to right and bull to left / Incuse punch. GRPC Lydia S10; SNG Tübingen 3652-3. 0.39g, 6mm. Extremely Fine. 150

147

KARIA

422. Satraps of Karia, Hekatomnos AR Stater. Mylasa, circa 395-377 BC. Zeus Labraundos standing to right, holding labrys over shoulder and long sceptre / Lion standing to right, at bay; EKATOM[NΩ] above. SNG von Aulock 2354; Hecatomnos 63-66 (A6/P26). 14.80g, 24mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone.

2,500

Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 111, 3 December 2020, lot 541; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 261, 4 March 2019, lot 335.

423. Satraps of Karia, Maussolos AR Tetradrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 370-360 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly to right / Zeus Labraundos standing to right, holding labrys over shoulder and spear; ΜΑΥΣΣΩΛΛO to right, wreath in left field. Konuk, Identities 21; BMC 6; SNG von Aulock 2359 var. (no wreath, small O on rev.); SNG Kayhan 872 var. (same). 15.22g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; pleasantly toned.

2,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XVII, 7 January 2014, lot 336.

424. Satraps of Karia, Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 341-335 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly to right / Zeus Labraundos standing to right, holding labrys over shoulder and lotus-tipped sceptre; ΠIΞΩΔAPOY to right. Pixodarus 12 (A1/P2); HNO 241 (temporary); Konuk, Identities 30; SNG Keckman 280; SNG Kayhan 891-2. 7.05g, 20mm, 11h Good Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone, struck from dies of the finest style and easily the equal of the example sold at CNG 118, lot 301 in 2021 for USD 7,000. 2,500 From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - M&M Numismatics Ltd - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles - Sovereign Rarities Ltd, The New York Sale XLII, 9 January 2018, lot 213; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIX, 5 January 2016, lot 246.

From the Pixodarus Hoard

425. Satraps of Karia, Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 341-335 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly to right / Zeus Labraundos standing to right, holding labrys over shoulder and lotus-tipped sceptre; ΠIΞΩΔAPOY to right. Pixodarus 26u (A3/P12 - this coin); HNO 241 (temporary); Konuk, Identities 30; SNG Copenhagen 596-7; SNG Kayhan 891; SNG von Aulock 2375-6. 6.64g. NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 3/5, Fine Style (#4167458-008).

1,250

This coin cited in R. H. J. Ashton et al., ‘The Pixodarus Hoard’, in Coin Hoards IX (London, 2002), p. 227; From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Freeman & Sear, Mail Bid Sale 10, 11 February 2004, lot 198; Ex Aretusa, Auction 4, 22 March 1996, lot 297; Ex Pixodarus Hoard (CH IX, 421), 1978.

148

426. Karia, Halikarnassos AR Hekte. 500-495 BC. Head of Ketos to right, with gaping mouth / Incuse geometric pattern with incuse circle at centre. Ashton & Konuk 22-31; HNO 214 (temporary); SNG von Aulock 2341-2; SNG Kayhan 813-5. 1.55g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

250

From the inventory of a German dealer.

427. Karia, Kaunos AR Stater. Circa 430-410 BC. Iris running to left, head reverted, 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). 11.91g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 352, 25 September 2019, lot 89.

Ex Münzhandlung Basel 4, 1935

428. Karia, Knidos AR Drachm. Circa 490-465 BC. Head and foreleg of roaring lion to right / Archaic head of Aphrodite to right, wearing necklace, hair bound in taenia and in queue down neck, within incuse square. HNO 301 (temporary); Cahn, Knidos 64/2 and pl. 15, 64 (V31/R48 - this coin); SNG Copenhagen 217 (same dies). 6.25g, 18mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; featuring an attractive old cabinet tone and a splendid archaic portrait of Aphrodite.

3,000

This coin published in H. Cahn, Knidos - Die Münzen des Sechsten und des Fünften Jahrhunderts (Berlin, 1970); Ex Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland GmbH, Auction 38, 5 June 2013, lot 46; Ex European collection formed in the mid 20th century, privately acquired from Münzhandlung Basel on 3 May 1938; Ex Münzhandlung Basel, Auction 4, 1 October 1935, lot 824, noting “bon style archaïque. Superbe”. Knidos was a city of high antiquity, probably of Lakedaemonian or Megaran colonisation. The cult of Aphrodite was well established there, with no fewer than three temples for the goddess within the city walls - one for Aphrodite Doritis (the oldest), one for Aphrodite Akraia, and one for the Aphrodite called Knidia, which housed the renowned statue of Aphrodite by Praxiteles.

A Charming Miniature Crustacean

429. Islands of Karia, Kos(?) EL 1/48 Stater. Circa 625-600 BC. Crab / Rough incuse square. HNO 2467 (temporary); Rosen 347 var. (denomination, Asia Minor uncertain mint); BMC 29 var. (denomination, Ionia uncertain mint); HGC 6, 1295 var. (denomination); CNG 466, lot 177; Heritage 3099, lot 31161. 0.33g, 5mm. Good Extremely Fine; a charming miniature crustacean. Very Rare; apparently unpublished in this denomination.

1,000

Hoover states in relation to the electrum fractions from this island; “While the attribution to Kos seems probable, production in Ionia or elsewhere in the islands or the Anatolian mainland cannot be excluded.”

149

Cited at Historia Nummorum Online

430. Karia, Myndos AR Drachm. 180-140 BC. Sostratos, magistrate. Laureate head of Serapis to right / Headdress of Isis decorated with serpent set on two grain ears, cornucopiae below; MYNΔΙΩΝ to left, CΩCTPATOC to right. HNO 2658.1 (temporary - this coin); SNG Kayhan -; Myndos 89-90 (A25/ P71). 4.23g, 18mm, 11h. Mint State.

300

This coin cited at Historia Nummorum Online (http://hno.huma-num.fr); Ex Cayón Numismática, Auction December 2006, lot 60; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction P, 12 May 2005, lot 1540.

RHODOS

431. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Didrachm. Circa 305-275 BC. Head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose with bud to right; ΡΟΔΙΟΝ above, E-Y flanking stem, grape bunch in left field. Ashton 158; HGC 6, 1435. 6.72g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Ex Heritage Auctions Europe / MPO Auctions, Auction 70, 25 May 2021, lot 1977.

432. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Didrachm. Circa 250-230 BC. Mnasimachos, magistrate. Head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose with bud to right; MNAΣIMAXOΣ above, P-O flanking stem; in left field, Athena Nikephoros standing to left, holding aphlaston. HNO 395 (temporary); Ashton 208; SNG Keckman 537-9; HGC 6, 1439. 6.66g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; stunning old cabinet tone with iridescence around devices. Ex Nomos AG, Auction 9, 21 October 2014, lot 169; Ex private Swiss collection, acquired in the late 1980s.

1,500

Ex CNG 49, 1999

433. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Drachm. Circa 188-170 BC. Plinthophoric standard. Xenophantos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios to right / Rose with bud to right; ΞΕΝΟΦΑΝΤΟΣ above, P-O flanking, ram’s head to right above kerykeion in left field. Jenkins Rhodian, Group A, 19; HGC 6, 1457; CNG E-406, lot 422. 2.94g, 16mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; well-centred and attractively toned. Scarce with this magistrate.

350

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 49, 17 March 1999, lot 624 (hammer: 300 USD).

434. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Drachm. Circa 88 BC-AD 14. Phainilas, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose seen from above; ΦAINIΛAΣ above, akrostolion below. HNO 1983 (temporary); Ashton & Weiss 312-31; HGC 6, 1456. 4.11g, 19mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; pleasant old cabinet tone.

300

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

150

LYKIA

435. Dynasts of Lykia, uncertain dynast AR Stater. Circa 500-460 BC. Forepart of boar to left / Incuse square divided by large X, with inward curved protuberances on three sides. Müseler II, 1 var. (squared protuberances); Falghera 14-6 var. (same); SNG von Aulock 4049-50 var. (same); BMC 8. 9.69g, 20mm. Good Extremely Fine. Rare variant.

500

Ex Sheik Saud Al Thani Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 123, 9 May 2021, lot 749; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 196, 7 March 2011, lot 1798.

436. Dynasts of Lykia, uncertain dynast (Khinakha?) AR Stater. Circa 470-440 BC. Pegasos flying to left; pellet below; all on raised round shield / Triskeles within circular incuse. Müseler IV, 76-7 var. (monogram not pellet); Traité II, 225; SNG von Aulock 4089. 9.94g, 20mm. About Extremely Fine; attractively toned.

750

Acquired from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd.

437. Dynasts of Lykia, Ddenevele AR Stater. Circa 420-400 BC. Head of dynast to right, wearing kyrbasia; all within dotted circular border / Head of Athena to right, wearing Attic helmet; ΔΔ↑N↑F↑Λ↑ around, within dotted circular border; all within incuse circle. Müseler VI, 69 = Peus 366, 207 = Peus 407, 754 (hammer: 6,500 EUR) = CNG Triton XVIII, 40 (same dies); Traité II 405; SNG von Aulock 4180 (same dies). 8.31g, 22mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

Ex Freeman & Sear 3, 1996

438. Dynasts of Lykia, Mithrapata AR Stater. Circa 390-370 BC. Forepart of lion to right / Bare bearded head to left; M𐊆𐊉𐊕𐊀𐊓𐊀𐊗𐊀 around, triskeles behind; all within shallow incuse square. Podalia Hoard 37 (same dies); Müseler VII, 66-68. 9.92g, 22mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; attractive rainbow iridescence to obv. and golden iridescence to rev. Ex Peter Corcoran Collection (ticket included); Ex Freeman & Sear, Auction 3, 10 December 1996, lot 268.

151

2,500

A Magnificent Portrait

439. Dynasts of Lykia, Mithrapata AR Stater. Uncertain mint (Zagaba or Phellos?), circa 390-370 BC. Facing scalp of a lion; triskeles below / Bare bearded head to left; M𐊆𐊉𐊕𐊀𐊓𐊀𐊗𐊀 around, triskeles behind; all within shallow incuse square. Mildenberg, Mithrapata 10 (O6/R7); Podalia Hoard 75-83 (A7/ P7); Müseler VII, 72; Boston MFA Supp. 225 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 4238-9. 9.82g, 26mm, 2h. Near Mint State; attractive old cabinet tone with hints of golden iridescence accentuating an expressive portrait of Mithrapata, superior to the example sold by Nomos AG in May 2022 (Auction 24, lot 215 - hammer: CHF 15,000). 12,500 Ex Bavarian collection, formed in the early 2000s. The dynasts of Lykia ruled under the suzerainty of the Persian empire and the Persian Great King and, as such, they had little meaningful power of their own. Despite their status as vassals, the Lykians were nevertheless a proud race and were among the first to include portraits of dynasts on their coinage. This innovation occurred in the late fifth century towards the end of the late Classical period, and as artistic style evolved over the next halfcentury from static, idealised forms with no individualising features, coin portraiture also progressed towards realism. This realism is exemplified in the coinage of Mithrapata and Perikles, the last Lykian dynasts to issue coins, in the early-mid fourth century BC. Mithrapata is depicted on the reverse of this coin as an authoritative older statesman; his age highlighted in his prominent brow, cheekbones and aquiline nose, accentuated by somewhat sunken cheeks. The skill of the engraver is also apparent in the great detail with which the intricate curls of his hair and long beard are rendered. Under Perikles, the ruler’s portrait was eventually transposed to the coin’s obverse, a development which would crystallise into a norm that still pervades on coinage today. Unlike earlier Lykian dynasts, neither Mithrapata nor his successor Perikles appear on coinage wearing a bashlyk, the Persian cap which marked out satraps or governors of provinces of the Achaemenid empire and thus referenced the overarching control of the Persian empire. This is doubtless a reflection of an ambition for independence on the part of these last two dynasts, a view firmly reinforced when considered within the context of Perikles’ taking part in the doomed revolt of the Satraps in the 360s BC. Once defeated, Mausolos, satrap of Karia, took control of the area and in doing so abruptly terminated the coinage of the Lykian dynasts.

440. Dynasts of Lykia, Trbbenimi AR Third Stater. Uncertain mint, circa 390-370 BC. Facing lion’s scalp; triskeles below / Triskeles, TPBB𐊚NEME around; all within shallow incuse circle. Müseler VIII, 12; SNG von Aulock 4218; Podalia Hoard 155. 3.10g, 18mm. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Saint Paul Collection.

152

PAMPHYLIA

441. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 465-430 BC. Hoplite advancing to right, wearing crested helmet and holding shield and spear / Triskeles; [E] ΣΠ above; below, lion standing to right; all within incuse square. BMC 9; Boston MFA 2095 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen -; SNG BnF -; SNG von Aulock -; Traité II 869, pl. XXIII, 20 (same dies). 10.95g, 21mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From the Saint Paul Collection.

442. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 465-430 BC. Hoplite advancing to right, wearing crested helmet and holding shield and spear / Triskeles; EΣTFΔII above; below, lion standing to left above ΠΦ; all within incuse square. SNG BnF 12 = Traité II 870, pl. XXIII, 21 (same rev. die); SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; Roma XVII, lot 521 (same rev. die - hammer: £6,000). 10.90g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; pleasant light cabinet tone.

750

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

Extremely Rare

443. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 380-325 BC. Two wrestlers grappling; BΛ between legs, all within pelleted circle / Slinger in throwing stance to right; EΣTFEΔIIYΣ to left, triskeles to right; all within pelleted square. Tekin Series 4; SNG BnF -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; Naumann 89, lot 166 (same obv. die); Pecunem & Naumann 27, lot 328 (same obv. die). 10.93g, 25mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; minor planchet flaw to rev., beautiful old cabinet tone. Extremely rare with these letters; unrecorded by all major publications besides Tekin, only two other examples on CoinArchives. 1,000 Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 155, 5 March 2007, lot 136 (hammer: 900 EUR).

444. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 380-325 BC. Two wrestlers grappling; all within pelleted circle / Slinger in throwing stance to right; [EΣ] TFEΔIIY[Σ] to left, triskeles above eagle to right; all within pelleted square. Tekin Series 4; SNG BnF 78 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock 4519; SNG Copenhagen 206-8. 10.90g, 23mm, 2h. Near Mint State; well-detailed and wonderfully lustrous.

750

Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 155, 10 December 2012, lot 289.

153

445. Pamphylia, Side AR Tetradrachm. Circa 205-100 BC. Attic standard. Deino-, magistrate. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing to left, holding wreath; pomegranate to left, ΔEI-NO across fields. Seyrig, Side 8; SNG BnF 677-81; BMC 27-8 var. (ΔEI-N). 16.71g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; highly lustrous.

500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

446. Pamphylia, Side AR Tetradrachm. Circa 205-100 BC. Attic standard. Chry-, magistrate. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing to left, holding wreath; pomegranate above XPY in left field. Seyrig, Side 25; SNG BnF 702. 16.78g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; highly lustrous. Rare with this magistrate.

500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

CILICIA Unpublished and Possibly Unique

447. Cilicia, uncertain mint AR Obol. Circa 4th century BC. Helmeted head of Athena facing slightly to right / Facing head of female (Aphrodite?) wearing cap. SNG Levante -; SNG Levante supp. -; BMC -; SNG BnF -; cf. Peus 8, 115 for similar type (no cap) attributed to Nagidos; Leu 17, 1206 for similar type (no cap) but with legend and controls, attributed to Poseidion. 0.60g, 10mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished; the headgear on the reverse in particular seems to be unique to this coin.

250

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

448. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 410-375 BC. Nude youth, holding whip, dismounting from horse rearing to right / Goat kneeling to right, head reverted; KEΛEN above. Casabonne type 4; SNG BnF 70 = Traité II 1473 = De Luynes 2774; SNG Levante 26. 10.61g, 21mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,000

154

449. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 410-375 BC. Nude youth, holding whip in right hand, dismounting from horse rearing to right / Goat kneeling to right, head reverted; KEΛEN above, monogram in exergue. Kraay -; Casabonne type 4; SNG BnF -; SNG Levante -; SNG von Aulock 5639 var. (monogram). 10.59g, 22mm, 10h. Extremely Fine; struck from a somewhat worn obv. die. Extremely Rare.

500

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 35, 3 May 2017, lot 318.

450. Cilicia, Mallos AR Obol. Time of Artaxerxes II-Darios III, circa 390-333 BC. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running stance to right, holding spear over shoulder and strung bow / Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running stance to right, holding spear over shoulder and strung bow. Göktürk 34; Sunrise 88; SNG BnF 401; cf. Casabonne series 7-8. 0.65g, 11mm, 10h. Extremely Fine; a very attractive example of the type.

250

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

451. Cilicia, Nagidos AR Stater. Circa 400-384 BC. Aphrodite enthroned to left, sacrificing out of phiale over lit altar; behind, Eros standing to left, crowning her with wreath held aloft in right hand / Dionysos standing to left, holding grape bunch on vine in right hand and thyrsos in left; NAΓIΔΕΩN around. Lederer 25 (same dies); Casabonne Type 4; BMC 12 (same dies); SNG BnF -; SNG Levante -. 10.83g, 23mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone with stunning rainbow iridescence to both sides.

1,250

This coin published in H.B. Andersen, Apollo to Apollo: The Hunt for the Divine and Eternal Beauty (2019); Ex Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com); Ex Bruun Rasmussen, Auction 901, 3 May 2021, lot 338.

452. Cilicia, Nagidos AR Stater. Circa 400-384 BC. Aphrodite enthroned to left, sacrificing out of phiale over lit altar; behind, Eros standing to left, crowning her with wreath held aloft in right hand / Dionysos standing to left, holding grape bunch on vine in right hand and thyrsos in left; NAΓIΔEΩN around. Lederer 25 (same dies); Casabonne Type 4; BMC 12 (same dies); SNG BnF -; SNG Levante -. 10.67g, 24mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine; highly unusual and interesting planchet void, an attractively toned specimen. From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Acquired from Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH.

155

500

453. Cilicia, Soloi AR Stater. Circa 385-350 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin on the bowl / Grape bunch and T-I within incuse square; ΣOΛEΩN around, tendril and leaf outside. SNG Levante 44 = SNG von Aulock 5865 = CNG 41, lot 631; SNG BnF 172 var. (arrangement of legend); Traité II, 1422. 10.68g, 24mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; a sharply struck rev. and pleasant old cabinet tone. Rare.

2,000

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

Signed by Apatorios

454. Cilicia, Soloi AR Stater. Signed by Apatorios. Circa 385-350 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin on the bowl; [AΠATOPIΩΣ EΓΛYΨEN] before / Grape bunch flanked by AI-P within incuse square; ΣOΛEΩN and tendril around. Leu Web 14, 484 (same dies); SNG BnF 175 (same dies); SNG Levante -; SNG von Aulock -. 10.64g, 23mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; struck from worn obv. die, test cut.

250

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Web Auction 9, 7 September 2019, lot 435. AΠATOPIΩΣ EΓΛYΨEN translates to ‘Apatorios has engraved’, indicating that it is a signature of a die engraver named Apatorios. His signature can also be found on staters struck at Issos (cf. SNG BnF 175 note).

455. Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater. Circa 400-386 BC. Persian Satrap on horseback riding to left; bee (horsefly?) in upper right field / TRZ (Tarsus), hoplite, wearing Corinthian helmet, kneeling to right in defensive position, holding spear and shield. SNG BnF 211-212; Chanson 635-636; Traité -; BMC -. 10.32g, 23mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

156

456. Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater. Balakros, satrap of Cilicia under Alexander III. Circa 333-323 BC. Facing bust of Athena, draped, wearing triple-crested helmet and necklace / Baaltars seated to left, holding lotus-tipped sceptre; grain ear and grape bunch to left, [B] above ivy leaf to right, T under throne. SNG Levante Suppl. 21; SNG BnF 368; SNG von Aulock 5964. 10.63g, 25mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; dark cabinet tone.

1,000

From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction IV, 30 September 2012, lot 398.

CAPPADOCIA

457. Kings of Cappadocia, Ariarathes I AR Drachm. Gaziura mint, circa 333-322 BC. Baal of Gaziura seated to left, torso facing, holding grapes, grain ear, and eagle in extended right hand, lotus-tipped sceptre in left; monogram to lower left, B’L GZYR (“Baal-Gazur” in Aramaic) to right / Griffin to left attacking stag kneeling to left; wreath above. Simonetta 2; Simonetta, Coins 1d; BMC 2 var. (no wreath); HGC 7, 791 var. (same). 5.29g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; only 4 examples known to Simonetta.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

458. Kings of Cappadocia, Ariarathes I AR Drachm. Gaziura mint, circa 333-322 BC. Baal of Gaziura seated to left, torso facing, holding grapes, grain ear, and eagle in extended right hand, lotus-tipped sceptre in left; monogram to lower left, B’L GZYR (“Baal-Gazur” in Aramaic) to right / Griffin to left attacking stag kneeling to left; wreath above. Simonetta 2; Simonetta, Coins 1d; BMC 2 var. (no wreath); HGC 7, 791 var. (same). 5.29g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; excellent metal. Very Rare; particularly with the wreath on the rev. From the inventory of a German dealer.

157

1,500

158

One of the Greatest Rarities of Hellenistic Portraiture

459. Kings of Cappadocia, Orophernes AR Tetradrachm. Priene, circa 159-157 BC. Diademed head to right / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΟΡΟΦΕΡΝΟ[Υ] to left, [ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ] in exergue, to inner left, owl standing to left, head facing, on round altar, above monogram. Simonetta 1; BMC 1; Gulbenkian 1018; Kraay-Hirmer 768; HGC 7, 815; NAC 106, lot 331 (hammer: 220,000 CHF); Lanz 158, lot 290; Gemini II, lot 129. 15.64g, 33mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; somewhat crystallised metal. One of the greatest rarities of Hellenistic portraiture and only the fourth to appear at auction in the past two decades. 50,000 “He who on the tetradrachms / appears to be smiling / with a delicate beautiful face / is Orophernes.” These words begin a poem by the modern Alexandrian poet C. P. Cavafy (1866-1933) which is testament to the superlative artistry of this rare gem of numismatic Hellenistic portraiture. The enigmatic Orophernes was one of two illegitimate sons of Antiochis and Ariarathes IV Eusebes, whom ancient accounts report were unable to conceive a child naturally. In an effort to secure their dynasty, Antiochis presented him with baby boys and claimed they were his legitimate children. However, when she later gave birth to the future Ariarathes V Eusebes, she revealed the truth and sent the suppositious sons out of Cappadocia to prevent them from challenging the succession of the legitimate heir to the throne. Orophernes was sent off to the Ionian city of Priene, while his brother was sent to Rome. After the death of Ariarathes IV in 163 BC, Ariarathes V became king and soon after refused a marriage alliance with the Seleukid king Demetrios I Soter, who ruled in Syria without the sanction of the Roman senate, in an effort to maintain his good relations with Rome. Scorned, Demetrios I happily provided Orophernes with an army to invade and claim the throne of Cappadocia for himself in 158 BC. He succeeded in this ambition, but his time on the throne was brief and characterised by greed and oppression. He reportedly deposited 400 talents at Priene as security against any attempt to overthrow him, but he did not have to wait long for his rule to be contested. The deposed Ariarathes appealed to the Roman senate for support in restoring his throne, and Orophernes was ultimately forced to flee and sought safety with Demetrios I in Syria, where, in an extraordinary display of hubris, he also conspired to overthrow his protector. Demetrios I punished him with perpetual imprisonment in order to hold the threat of his potential release against Ariarathes V. Upon his return to power, Ariarathes V demanded the return of the 400 talents Orophernes had drained from the kingdom and placed at Priene. The Prieneans refused, unwilling to betray Orophernes, and endured a brutal attack in retaliation. Six tetradrachms were found at Priene beneath the pedestal of the cult statue of Athena in 1870, and were thought to form part of Orophernes’ deposit. It has been suggested that the reverse type, with an owl, the symbol of Athena, standing on an altar may indicate that this findspot was the intended location for the coins, thus suggesting that the coins were minted at Priene also. The reverse design is a particular variation on a traditional and oft-repeated reverse type depicting Nike crowning the king’s name, which was ultimate derived from Lysimachos’ coins (323-281 BC) but here serves to reflect Orophernes’ title Nikephoros.

CYPRUS

460. Cyprus, uncertain mint AR Stater. Early 5th century BC. Lion at bay to right; Λ in exergue / Bull standing to left; Λ in exergue; all in dotted border within shallow incuse square. Zapiti & Michaelidou 1; Traité II 1354; BMC 2. 10.76g, 24mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

159

The Only Example in Private Hands

461. Cyprus, Kition AR Tetrobol. Uncertain ruler, circa 425-392 BC. Herakles in fighting stance to right, holding lion with left hand and club in upraised right hand; ankh to left / Lion with open jaws seated to left, with left foreleg raised over small bull which stands to left beside it; all in dotted border within shallow incuse square. Tziambazis -; BMC 83, pl. IV, 25 (same dies); J.P. Six, ‘Monnaies Grecques, Inédites et Incertaines’, The Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Numismatic Society Vol. 8 (1888), p. 131, no. 26, pl. V, 13 (same dies). 3.20g, 15mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone over lustrous metal. Extremely Rare; possibly only the third known example, and the only one in private hands. 1,000

462. Cyprus, Paphos AR Stater. Onasioikos, circa 450-440 BC. [Bull standing to left, Cypriot character ‘pa’ on its flank, winged solar disk above, ankh to left; below, Cypriot script ‘pa-si-le’] / Eagle flying to left; Cypriot characters ‘pa’ and ‘o’ behind, astragalos below to left; all within incuse square. Roma XVI, lot 350 (same dies); BMC -, cf. pl. XXII, 2 (Fitzwilliam) var. (characters); Traité II -; Tziambazis -. 11.12g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; struck from a heavily used obv. die, as usual. Extremely Rare.

1,000

463. 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. 11.12g, 23mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; beautiful mint lustre. Very Rare.

3,000

From the collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s. Paphos was 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 (Le monnaies frappées à Paphos (Chypre) durant la deuxième moitié du Ve siècle et leur apport à l’histoire de l’île” in Proceedings of the 12th International Numismatic Congress, Berlin 2000, pp. 194-8), proposes a sequence of kings based on the available numismatic evidence which securely places Onasioikos prior to the reign of Stasandros, who is in turn succeeded by at least two other kings, Mineos and Zoalios, who are known to history only from their inscriptions on re-engraved coins of Stasandros. The evidence presented by Destrooper-Georgiades demonstrates with a high degree of probability that the issues attributed to Onasioikos bearing the flying eagle reverse (generally dated to 400 BC without supporting evidence) are in fact an earlier issue of the same king named on the present type, and that his flying-eagle coinage should clearly be 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 standing-eagle reverse type of Onasioikos is so similar to archaic style issues of Stasandros that it appears to conclusively demonstrate that this king Onasioikos was the immediate predecessor of Stasandros, 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. DestrooperGeorgiades 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.

464. 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. 11.00g, 23mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 56, 9 May 2019, lot 461.

160

161

162

A Spectacular Stater of Pnytagoras

465. Cyprus, Salamis AV Stater. Pnytagoras, circa 351-332 BC. Diademed head of Aphrodite(?) to left; BA behind / Turreted head of Aphrodite to left; ΠN behind. Tziambazis 132; BMC 76; Gulbenkian 813; Jameson 1631; Pozzi 2899. 8.34g, 17mm, 12h. Near Mint State; highly lustrous metal. Extremely Rare; the finest example offered at auction in over twenty years.

30,000

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Pnytagoras became king in 351 BC, following the deposition of his uncle Evagoras II from the throne of Salamis as a result of his refusal to join a pan-Cypriot revolt against the Persian king Artaxerxes III. The revolt was unsuccessful however and Pnytagoras submitted to the Persian king, who magnanimously confirmed him in his position. After Alexander III ‘the Great’ invaded Persia and won the Battle of Issos in 333 BC, Pnytagoras allied himself with the Macedonians and participated in the siege of Tyre in 332 BC with his fleet, receiving the city of Tamassos as a reward. He died the same year, and was succeeded by his son Nikokreon. This remarkable stater unusually features the goddess Aphrodite on both its obverse and reverse. The Greeks believed she had been born from the sea at Paphos in Cyprus and she, therefore, was considered to be the patron goddess of the island. The sanctuary of Aphrodite Paphia was arguably the most sacred of her shrines and attracted worshippers from across Cyprus and the wider ancient Greek world. Homer refers to a holy altar of Aphrodite at Paphos in the Odyssey (8.362), indicating that the sanctuary had existed at least as far back as the eighth century BC. Archaeological finds have corroborated its existence at that time and, furthermore, some of female figures found have been dated to the third millennium BC, suggesting that worship of a female deity of one form or another had centred on that location since the mid-Bronze age. Beyond the permanent site at Paphos, Aphrodite was honoured with a magnificent annual festival and worshipped in her various different guises across the island, two of these being represented on either side of this stater. On the obverse she appears as an oriental goddess with long hair in tight curls, wearing a diadem and earring, in a style that highlights the pervasive visual influence of the Achaemenid Persian empire on the island of Cyprus. On the reverse, however, her turreted crown assimilates her to the civic goddess Tyche as protectress of Salamis. Nikokreon would go on to reuse the same types for his own staters after Pnytagoras’ death.

163

PHOENICIA Rare and Attractive

466. Phoenicia, Byblos AR Shekel. ‘Urimilk III. Circa 365-350 BC. Galley, with prow terminating in lion’s head, on waves to left, carrying three hoplites, each holding shield; below, `K (in Phoenician script) and hippocamp to left, above murex shell / Lion attacking bull to left; ‘WRMLK MLK GBL (‘Urimilk, king of Gebal’ in Phoenician script) above. E&E-B Group IV.3.1, 775-814 (O2/R2); Betlyon 18 corr. (three hoplites in galley); Kraay & Hirmer 685 (same dies); HGC 10, 136 (‘Addirmilk’ - same dies as illustration). 13.22g, 27mm, 3h. Near Mint State; obv. struck slightly off-centre, attractively toned and retaining much of its remarkably elaborate design. Rare; particularly so in this condition. 5,000 Ex collection of Dr. Hans Krähenbühl, privately purchased from Bank Leu AG, 25 November 1970.

Exceptionally Rare

467. Phoenicia, Sidon AR Dishekel. Evagoras II of Salamis(?), dated RY 2 = 345/4 BC. Phoenician galley to left; || (date, in Phoenician) above, waves below / Persian king and driver in chariot to left; to right, king of Sidon, in Egyptian style garments and holding cultic sceptre, walking to left; OO (‘’ in Aramaic) above. E&E-S Group IV.4.1.b; Cf. Betlyon 40-1 (`Abd`aštart II); DCA 862; HGC 10, 258. 25.17g, 26mm, 12h. Very Fine. Exceptionally rare with this date; no other examples on CoinArchives.

1,000

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

KYRENAIKA

Only One Other on CoinArchives

468. Kyrenaika, Barke AR Drachm. Circa 475-425 BC. Silphium plant / Head of Zeus Ammon to right, T before; within dotted circular border; BAPK around; all within incuse square. BMC 13; Traité III 1945, pl. CCLXIX, 4; SNG Copenhagen -; Baldwin’s 75, lot 2248. 3.07g, 15mm, 9h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; seemingly only one other on CoinArchives.

500

A Magnificent Type

469. Kyrenaika, Kyrene AV Quarter Stater - Hemidrachm. Circa 322-313 BC. Chairios, moneyer. Triple silphium; KYP around / Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; XAIPI above. Naville 111; BMC intro 135a; BM 1955,0408.2 (same dies); Traité III 1860 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen -; CNG Triton XX, lot 398 (hammer: 4,250 USD). 2.14g, 11mm. Good Very Fine; small test punches on obv. and rev. Extremely Rare; only one other on CoinArchives.

164

2,000

The Finest Known

470. Kyrenaika, Kyrene AV 1/10 Stater. Circa 322-313 BC. Polianthes, moneyer. Head of Zeus Ammon to left; ΠO upwards behind, all within linear circular border / Female head (Kyrene?) to right; KY upwards before. Naville 125 = BMC 159 (same dies); Traité III 1872 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen -. 0.88g, 8mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; the finest (by a considerable margin) auctioned in the past 20 years and superior to the specimens in both the BM and BnF, making this arguably the finest known. 2,000

471. Kyrenaika, Kyrene AV 1/10 Stater. Circa 322-313 BC. Polianthes, moneyer. Head of Zeus Ammon to left; ΠO upwards behind, all within dotted circular border / Female head (Libya?) to right; KY downwards behind. Naville 115; BMC 154-5 (same dies); Traité III 1864 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 1214 var. (ΠOΛI). 0.85g, 7mm, 10h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

472. Kyrenaika, Kyrene AV 1/10 Stater. Second Revolt of the Kyrenaikans, circa 305-300 BC. Head of Zeus-Ammon to right / Upright thunderbolt; stars flanking. Naville 183-217; SNG Copenhagen 1233; BMC 216-220; Boston MFA 1342 = Warren 1366; Jameson 2535; Pozzi 3281; Weber 8444; Traité III 1879, pl. CCLXVI, 12. 0.72g, 8mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex Lighthill Collection, Nomos AG, Auction 5, 25 October 2011, lot 212.

473. Kyrenaika, Kyrene AR Didrachm. Time of Magas, as Ptolemaic governor, circa 300-275 BC. Horned head of Zeus Karneios to right / Silphium plant; KY-PA across upper fields, tripod and monogram flanking below. BMC 252; SNG Copenhagen 1242 var. (position of controls); CNG E-519, lot 267 (same dies); Roma 64, lot 439 (same dies). 7.57g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare with head to right.

1,000

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Acquired from Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung. Magas received the governorship of Kyrenaika from his stepfather, Ptolemy I, in circa 300 BC, when he was just twenty years old, as a reward for having assisted the reconquest of the region following a five-year revolt. Following Ptolemy’s death in 283, however, Magas attempted to wrestle Kyrenaika from Ptolemaic control, eventually succeeding in 275 and declaring himself king.

EGYPT

Extremely Rare

474. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Salamis, circa 315-300 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, two monograms and rudder in left field. Price 3168; Müller 633; Newell, Some 26; CNG 404, lot 302 (same dies). 16.95g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare; only two examples cited by PELLA and a further three found on CoinArchives, this being the first to come to auction in five years. 1,000

165

166

One of Four in Private Hands

475. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter, as satrap, AV Stater. Alexandria, circa 312/11 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander to right, wearing elephant skin and aegis, horn of Ammon over ear / Prow of galley to right, adorned with one large and one small protective eye. CPE 38; Svoronos 25; Zervos Type V, Issue 87; Gulbenkian 1071 = Jameson 999; Saida 41; Triton XIX, 2076 = Nomos 7, 149 = NAC 46, 303. 8.54g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; some flattening around the edge and rims, ex-jewellery. Extremely Rare; one of only seven known, and one of only four in private hands (the others in Athens, Lisbon, and Paris). 25,000 Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVII, 28 March 2019, lot 552. One of the great rarities of the Ptolemaic coinage, this type is not only wonderful in its simplicity but stunningly beautiful in its execution. Bearing neither inscription nor control symbols – a unique feature that makes it stand out from the rest of Ptolemy’s coinage – the type nonetheless is inextricably linked to the Athena Promachos and Zeus Aëtophoros tetradrachms and a unique gold stater (NAC 66, 77) which all use the deified head of Alexander wearing an elephant skin headdress as the obverse type, as well as small bronzes which feature a portrait of Ptolemy I and a prow on the reverse. Lorber notes that the obverse portrait closely parallels that of a transitional tetradrachm minted at Alexandria and argues this, along with find site information, provides a terminus post quem for the issue of 312. Zervos, in his study of the early coinage of Ptolemy I, although certain that the type was contemporary to the Attic weight silver coins and minted at Alexandria, was unable to ascribe it to a historical context. The occasion for the striking of this coin may have been the reconquest of Cyprus in 313/312 from cities who had switched their allegiance to Antigonus Monophthalmos and thus, a celebration of Ptolemy’s naval exploits. Although his own Cypriot allies had been conducting operations against those aligned with Antigonos for several years with some success, Ptolemy himself proceeded to Cyprus at the head of a significant army and fleet. Once there he swiftly eliminated the pro-Antigonid factions, capturing and killing the king of Kition, and subduing Marion and Lapithos-Kyrenia, the former of which was destroyed. Many of the formerly independent kingdoms of Cyprus were subjugated or absorbed by his local allies. The use of the head of Alexander on the obverse of this coin and others mentioned above is a clear illustration of Ptolemy’s claim to be the legitimate successor to the legacy of Alexander. Intercepting the body of Alexander in 322/1 in Syria as it was being moved from Babylon to Macedon and diverting it to Memphis was a very direct statement of this claim, since by custom, Macedonian kings asserted their right to the throne by burying their predecessor. Lorber points out that the dating of the coin corresponds to the transfer of Ptolemy’s capital from Memphis to Alexandria and the minting of the coin there may commemorate the new base of the Egyptian fleet within a city sacred to Alexander.

476. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter AV Tetarte - ‘Triobol or 1/10 Trichryson’. Alexandria, circa 294-285 BC. Diademed head to right, wearing aegis around neck / ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, eagle standing to left on thunderbolt; monogram to left. CPE 144; Svoronos 223. 1.79g. NGC graded Ch AU★ 5/5 - 4/5 (#6156597-001). A highly attractive example. Very Rare; a magnificent example of the type. From a private US collection; Acquired from Heritage World Coin Auctions.

167

5,000

477. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 294-285 BC. Diademed head to right, wearing aegis; tiny Δ behind ear / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ, eagle standing to left on thunderbolt; P above AP monogram in left field. CPE 158; Svoronos 248; SNG Copenhagen 68. 14.24g, 27mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; almost invisible flan crack to 12/11h, otherwise an exceptional example.

1,000

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

478. 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. 27.74g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; traces of mounting.

5,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Aurea Numismatika, Auction 87,19 May 2018, lot 1359; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 204, 12 March 2012, lot 384.

479. 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 diademed and draped, Arsinöe diademed and veiled; AΔEΛΦΩN above, Galatian shield behind / Jugate busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I to right; Ptolemy 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. 13.79g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

4,000

From the collection of Z.P., Austria.

An Extremely Rare Fractional Issue

480. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Arsinöe II Philadelphos (adopted mother of Ptolemy III) AV Hemidrachm (1/16 Mnaieion). Perhaps Uncertain mint 32 (Seleukeia in Piereia?), circa 246-222 BC. Veiled and draped bust to right, wearing stephane and ram’s horn around ear / ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ, double cornucopiae bound with fillet. CPE 808 (Ptolemy III); Svoronos 935 (Ptolemy III). 1.55g, 10mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only two listed by Svoronos and one other on CoinArchives. From the inventory of a German dealer.

168

5,000

481. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy III Euergetes AV Mnaieion (Oktadrachm). Commemorative issue struck under Ptolemy IV. Alexandria, circa 219-217 BC. Radiate and diademed bust of deified Ptolemy III to right, wearing aegis; trident over shoulder, middle prong ending in lotus finial / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, radiate and filleted cornucopiae, grape bunch hanging to left; ΔI below. CPE 888; Svoronos 1117; SNG Copenhagen 196; Olivier & Lorber dies 3/8; BMC 103 (same obv. die); Pozzi 3239 (same dies). 27.76g. NGC graded Ch VF 5/5 - 3/5, Fine Style, brushed (#6157602-001).

12,500

From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 118, 13 September 2021, lot 626.

482. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos (Auletes) AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, dated RY 15 = 67/6 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I to right, wearing aegis / ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, eagle standing to left on thunderbolt, with wings closed; LIE (date) to left, ΠA to right. Svoronos 1862; SNG Copenhagen 386; DCA 69. 13.53g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; highly lustrous. From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

350

An Excessively Rare Silver Drachm of Kleopatra

483. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Kleopatra VII Thea Neotera AR Drachm. Paphos, dated RY 11 = 42/1 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / KΛEOΠATPAC BACIΛICCHC, eagle with closed wings standing to left on thunderbolt, palm behind; L IA (date) to left, ΠΑ to right. Svoronos 1853 var. (this date unlisted); SNG Copenhagen -; DCA 71 = CNG 34, lot 240. 3.05g, 16mm, 12h. Very Fine. Of the highest rarity; the second known example and the first to appear at auction since 1995.

5,000

From a private North American collection.

NABATAEA

Of Great Numismatic Interest

2x 484. Nabataea, Aretas IV(?) Æ ‘Positive Matrix or Hub’ for Die Production (Hubbing). Circa 9 BC - AD 40. Two crossed cornucopiae; X between, H-O flanking. Cf. Younis Al-Qatanani, Nabataean Coins, 168 t1 (same arrangement of controls; cf. O. Hoover, The Royal Nabataean Collection of Uri Mizrahi, 155 (same controls, but O-H reversed)); cf. Meshorer, Nabataean 57. For a similar (Roman) ‘hub’, cf. CNG 63, 1276. 9.12g, diameter 14mm, die face diameter 10mm, length 16mm. Condition as seen. Of the greatest rarity and numismatic interest.

5,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXII, 7 October 2021, lot 414 (sold for £6,500 but buyer defaulted). The present object is proposed to be a positive matrix or ‘hub’ with design in relief, which is posited to then have been used to create multiple negative dies for faster die (and therefore coin) production, not requiring that each die be hand engraved from scratch. On the general subject of hubbing: J.F. Healy, Mint practice at Mytilene: Evidence for the use of hubs, in: M.M. Archibald and M.P. Cowell (eds.), Metallurgy in Numismatics III (London 1993), pp. 7-19; G.F. Hill, Ancient methods of coining, NC (1922), p. 38; G. Le Rider, Deux tresors de monnaies grecques de la Propontide (Paris 1993), p. 12f.

169

ARABIA An Arabian Tetradrachm of Beautiful Style

485. Arabia, Mleiha. Abi’el AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. 3rd - 2nd centuries BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Male figure seated to left, holding sceptre and horse protome in outstretched hand; palm tree and alif in Aramaic to left, ‘b’l brt lbš (‘Abi’el daughter of Labaš) in Aramaic and vertical row of dots to right. MacDonald, ‘Abiel’, Group A.3.1, pl. 5; Van Alfen, Die, 8-11 (O-/R-); Huth 11; Potts 1991, Class II, 4-5; Arnold-Biucchi pl. 19, 11 var. (no alif below palm tree); HGC 10, 686. 16.57g, 28mm, 8h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; reverse die unknown to MacDonald.

10,000

There is no historical evidence about the society or form of government who issued this remarkable tetradrachm in the region we now call the Oman Peninsula. The coinage types are obviously derived from the Herakles - Zeus Aëtophoros types of Alexander the Great and the Seleukid successor issues which circulated throughout the Gulf region after the Greek invasion of the Persian Empire in the late 4th century BC. In about 205/4 BC, Antiochos III even threatened to conquer nearby Gerrha, but resisted when offered a ransom of 500 talents of silver, 1000 talents of frankincense and 200 talents of myrrh. The inscriptions on the coinage are in Aramaic, the international language of the Achaemenid and Parthian administration, as well as some dynasts nominally under Seleucid rule in the East. The intriguing Aramaic legend ‘by’l brt lbš is also a mystery; it literally means ‘Abi’el son/daughter of Lab’, but we do not know if Abi’el was a man or a woman, king or queen. Setting aside the story of the Queen of Sheba in what is now Yemen, Eastern Arabia is remarkable for its succession of priestess-queens, known as the ‘queens of the Arabs’ in Assyrian records of the 8th to 7th centuries BC. After this, there are no more references to queens in Arabia until the ‘sister-queens’ that appear on the neighbouring Nabataean coinage of Obodas III from about 30 BC. The Assyrian records and Nabataean numismatic evidence indicates that, in contrast to the rest of the ancient Near East, the concept of ruling queens existed in northern Arabia from a very early date and lasted until recorded historical times.

170

AXUM

486. Kingdom of Axum, Ousanas II AV Unit. Circa AD 500-510. ⧾ OVCAC BACIΛЄVC (“King Ousana”), crowned and draped bust to right, holding rod, flanked by wheat stalks; within circular border / ⧾ ΘЄOVЄV XAPICTIA (“thanks be to God”), draped bust to right, wearing headcloth, holding fly whisk, flanked by wheat stalks; within circular border. Hahn & Keck 60.2, 6, 21-22; SACAM -; H 37a; AC 85. 1.63g, 18mm, 12h. 500

Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare. From a private North American collection.

487. Kingdom of Axum, Ousanas II AV Unit. Circa AD 500-510. ⧾ OVCΛNΛ BΛCIΛЄVC (“King Ousana”), crowned and draped bust to right, holding rod, flanked by wheat stalks; H above crown / ⧾ BЄΔVЄ XΛΓIC (“thanks be to God”), draped bust to right, wearing headcloth, holding fly whisk, flanked by wheat stalks. Hahn & Keck 56; SACAM 349; H 37d; AC 89. 1.49g, 17mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare; only one other example on CoinArchives.

500

From a private North American collection.

488. Kingdom of Axum, Kaleb AV Unit. Circa AD 510-540. XAΛHB BACIΛЄVC (“King Kaleb”, retrograde), crowned and draped bust to right, holding spear, flanked by wheat stalks; within circular border; Ge’ez monogram ‘klb’ above / ⧾ VIOC ΘЄZЄNA ⧾ (“son of Thezena”, retrograde), draped bust to right, wearing headcloth, holding fly whisk, flanked by wheat stalks; within circular border. Hahn & Keck 64.23; cf. SACAM 354-8; H 41b; AC 916. 1.61g, 17mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Rare.

750

From a private North American collection.

PERSIA

Extremely Rare and Unpublished

489. Persia, Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Time of Darios I to Xerxes II. Sardes, circa 485-420 BC. Persian Great King or hero, wearing [kidaris] and kandys, in kneeling-running attitude to right, holding spear and strung bow, quiver over shoulder; cross below / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XIII, 27) var. (no cross below, instead exergual line); BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26 var. (same); Sunrise 24 var. (same); GRPC Lydia G61 var. (same). 8.31g. NGC graded AU 4/5 - 4/5 (#6154662-020). Extremely Rare and unpublished; one of only three known examples with a cross on the obverse.

5,000

Acquired from Vilmar Numismatics; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021, lot 794.

490. 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 attitude on exergual line to right, holding apple-tipped spear and strung bow; quiver over shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group C (pl. XIV, 42); BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 15; Sunrise 28. 8.35g, 16mm. Good Very Fine.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 68, 27 February 2020, lot 641; Ex inventory of a German dealer.

171

491. Persia, Achaemenid Empire AR Siglos. Time of Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II. Sardes, circa 420-375 BC. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys and with quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance to right, holding spear over shoulder and strung bow / Incuse punch. BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 15; Sunrise 29; Carradice Type IIIb, Group C. 5.53g, 15mm. Near Extremely Fine; well-centered and attractively toned.

300

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

Attractive and Extremely Rare

492. Persia, Alexandrine Empire AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain satraps of Babylon, time of Stamenes - Seleukos, circa 328-311 BC. Baaltars seated to left, torso facing, holding short sceptre in right hand and with left placed on throne / Lion advancing to left; eight-pointed star above. Nicolet-Pierre 16 var. (star of a different style); BMC 39-41 var. (same); SNG Copenhagen 265 var. (same); Roma 76, lot 494. 17.01g, 24mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; beautifully struck on a thick, weighty flan, and exhibiting a smoky old cabinet tone. Extremely rare with this rev. symbol; seemingly just the second specimen to come to auction in the past two decades.

1,500

Ex Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd, Auction 50, 24 April 2007, lot 62.

SELEUKID EMPIRE

Ex Crédit Suisse & Lanz, 1987

493. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Laodikeia, circa 300-281 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, ΣEΛEYKOY to right, dolphin to left above monogram in left field, monogram below throne. SC 36.6a; Houghton, Early, Series II, Group 7 (A9/P7 - this coin); WSM 1204; HGC 9, 9b. 16.76g, 31mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,250

This coin published in A. Houghton, The Early Seleucid Mint of Laodicea ad Mare (c. 300-246 BC), Travaux de Numismatique Grecque offerts a Georges Le Rider (London. 1999); Ex Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (Crédit Suisse), Auction 8, 27 October 1987, lot 859; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 40, 25 May 1987, lot 380.

494. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AV Stater. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon mint, circa 320-315 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with sphinx seated to right with forepaw raised / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to left, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, monograms in inner fields. Unpublished; for control linkage, cf. SC Ad 44.1 = Price 3336 (both controls, Babylon mint, tetradrachm in the name of Alexander, struck under Seleukos I Nikator as satrap) and P154 (one control, Arados, stater struck in the name of Philip III Arrhidaios). 8.61g, 19mm, 10h. NGC graded Ch AU, 4/5 - 4/5, flan flaw (#6555672-001). Extremely Rare; seemingly unpublished and possibly unique. From a private European collection.

172

5,000

495. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AV Stater. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon, circa 311-300 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath and stylis; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, MI to left, monogram in wreath to right. SC 81.2; Price 3748; Müller 731. 8.55g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

4,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, E-Auction 495, 7 July 2021, lot 221.

496. 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, AΛEΞANΔPO[Y] to right, monogram within wreath in left field, H below throne. SC 82.6; Price 3704; Müller 714; HGC 9, 10f. 17.08g, 28mm, 5h. Near Mint State; sharply struck and featuring a portrait of fine style.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

497. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Seleukia II mint, circa 296-281 BC. Laureate head of Zeus to right / Athena, brandishing spear and with shield on left arm, advancing in quadriga of elephants to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ upwards to left, ΣEΛEYKOY in exergue, anchor and monogram above. SC 130.25a; WSM 1626; Jameson 2343; HGC 9, 18a. 17.13g, 26mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; well-centred on the flan. Very rare with this monogram.

2,500

498. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Susa, 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, wreath above horned horse’s head to left in left field, ΔI above strut and Ξ below throne. SC 164.3; Price 3863; ESM 284; Müller 1486; HGC 9, 10g. 17.21g, 26mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; highly attractive old cabinet tone and a bold portrait. Scarce.

173

750

Seleukos I Victorious

499. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Susa, circa 305-295 BC. Head 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, monogram to lower left and in lower central field. SC 173.4; ESM 426; HGC 9, 20. 17.05g, 27mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

10,000

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.

174

500. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Susa, circa 305-295 BC. Head 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, monograms to lower left and lower central fields. SC 173.4; ESM 426; ESMS Tr.7 (A4/P1); HGC 9, 20. 17.03g, 28mm, 8h. About Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

4,000

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

501. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Susa, circa 305-295 BC. Head 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 ΣΕΛΕYΚΟY around; H below left wing, AX in lower middle field. SC 173.12; ESM 417; Marest-Caffey Group 1.9, 129-146 (A21/P- [unlisted rev. die]); SNG Spaer -; Houghton -; HGC 9, 20. 17.04g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

502. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Ekbatana, circa 311-295 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram over anchor in left field, monogram under throne. Price 3918; SC 202.8; ESM 464. 17.10g, 26mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

175

176

The Fourth Known Example

503. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator with Antiochos I Soter AV Stater. Coregency issue, in the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Indian standard. Aï Khanoum, circa 294-281 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing hoop earring, necklace, and triple-crested Corinthian helmet adorned with a coiled serpent / Nike standing to left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling staff or sceptre in left arm; [ΣEΛEYKOY K]AI ANTIOXO[Y] to right, Δ-in-circle above horned helmet to left in left field, BAΣIΛEYΩN below. Roma XXII, lot 420; CNG 120, lot 415; CNG 117, lot 263; otherwise unpublished. 7.08g, 17mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Of the greatest rarity; only the fourth known example and the first to reveal the lower legend. Arguably finer, or at least on par with the example sold in May 2022 by CNG (Auction 120, lot 415) for USD 70,000. 25,000 From the Oxus Collection. In 312 BC Seleukos I regained Babylonia, which he had been allocated following the assassination of Perdikkas but had lost to Antigonos Monophthalmos, regent of Macedon, and set out from this place to build a vast kingdom. His control soon had spread over Susiana, Media and Persis, whereupon he decided to turn his attention to the lands in the east of Alexander’s former empire. Over the course of nine years (311-302) Seleukos brought the whole of this eastern part of the Alexandrine dominions as far as the Jaxartes and Indus rivers under his control. Appian (History of Rome, the Syrian Wars 55) reports that “he acquired Mesopotamia, Armenia, ‘Seleukid’ Cappadocia, Persis, Parthia, Baktria, Arabia, Tapouria, Sogdia, Arachosia, Hyrkania, and other adjacent peoples that had been subdued by Alexander... so that the boundaries of his empire were the most extensive in Asia after that of Alexander. The whole region from Phrygia to the Indus was subject to Seleukos.” The nascent Indian Mauryan Empire that had come into being under Chandragupta had meanwhile expanded its control up to the Indus river. Justin (15.4.12-13) reports that “after the death of Alexander, [India] had shaken, as it were, the yoke of servitude from its neck, and put his governors to death. The author of this liberation was [Chandragupta]”. Now being faced with a powerful rival empire on his back doorstep, Seleukos waged war against Chandragupta but eventually reached a favourable treaty by which in surrendering territories he could not securely hold he obtained a force of five hundred Indian war elephants that would later play a decisive role in battle with his rival diadochi, particularly at Ipsos against Antigonos and Demetrios. The Aï Khanoum mint, in the east towards India, issued a series of coinage struck on the lighter Indian standard in silver and gold (though of the latter, only two examples are known), the likely purpose of which must have been to facilitate cross border trade. Uniquely, this series presents together the names of both Seleukos I and his son Antiochos, who had been made co-regent with his father and viceroy of the eastern provinces following some difficulties with a rebellion in the satrapy of Persis. As coregent in the east, Antiochos governed well, pursuing a policy of colonisation and the improvement of existing cities. Contact between the Seleukid kingdom and the Mauryan empire seems to have remained cordial and stable well after Seleukos’ reign, with Antiochos maintaining a friendly relationship with the Mauryan ruler Bindusara, who had succeeded his father in c. 297. Athenaeus, (Deipnosophistae, XIV) relates an episode in which Bindusara entreats Antiochos to “buy and send him some sweet wine, and some dried figs, and a sophist” (for, as Aristophanes says “there’s really nothing nicer than dried figs”) and that Antiochos wrote to him in answer: “The dried figs and the sweet wine we will send you; but it is not lawful for a sophist to be sold in Greece”.

504. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AR Drachm. Aï Khanoum, circa 280-271 BC. Diademed head to right / Horned and bridled horse’s head to right; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ behind, [ΑΝ]ΤΙΟΧΟΥ below; Δ within circle before. SC 432.2; SMAK A1DH, 27 (A14/P16); HGC 9, 136. 3.79g, 16mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

500

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

177

178

An Extremely Rare Stater of Antiochos II

505. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos II Theos AV Stater. Aï Khanoum, 261-246 BC. Diademed head to right / 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, star above arm, monogram below, kithara before legs. SC 616.2; ESM 709; SMAK A2S-16 (A9/P9) = BM 1888,1208.46; Pozzi 2951; Houghton 1291-2; SNG ANS 70-3; HGC 9, 229e. 8.47g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin, perfect satin surfaces, with remarkable preservation of detail. Extremely Rare; one of only four examples offered at auction since 1999, of which it is easily the finest both in terms of preservation state and artistry of the die engraving. An outstanding example, immensely superior to the example from the same collection sold at Roma XXII (lot 428) in 2021 for GBP 19,000. 25,000 From the Oxus Collection. The sole reign of Antiochos II Theos, following the death of his father Antiochos I in 261 BC, demonstrates well the instability of the so-called Successor kingdoms which carved up Alexander the Great’s empire in the wake of the power vacuum created by his untimely demise, as they continued to struggle between themselves for overall mastery of the vast territories the Macedonians had conquered. The defining feature of Antiochos II’s sole reign lies in the waging of the Second Syrian War, a legacy of the ongoing hostility and friction between the Ptolemaic and Seleukid kingdoms that had led to conflict in the First Syrian War of 274-271 BC. With assistance from Antigonos II Gonatas, then ruler of the Macedonian homelands, Antiochos II now made significant territorial gains against Ptolemy’s empire in Asia Minor including the major cities of Ephesos, Samos and Miletos. The latter acclaimed Antiochos ‘Theos’ (God) for delivering them from the tyrannical rule of the Ptolemaic vassal Timarchos. The war was concluded with a peace treaty in 253, in which Ptolemy conceded considerable territory in Asia Minor, and the treaty was sealed by the marriage of Antiochos to the daughter of Ptolemy, Berenike, with the understanding that the offspring of this union would inherit the Seleukid throne. Antiochos duly divorced his former wife Laodike, but she was treated with great honour and remained a powerful and influential figure. Laodike moved to Ephesos, and after Ptolemy II’s death in 246 Antiochos appears to have reverted to Laodike, himself passing away shortly thereafter in 246, with rumours that he had been poisoned by the former queen. In the ensuing succession crisis partisans of Laodike murdered Berenike and her son before the new Ptolemaic king, Berenike’s brother Ptolemy III, could bring support to her. Thus Laodike’s son Seleukos II succeeded to the throne of his father after all, providing the casus belli for the Third Syrian War, which resulted in a significant weakening of the Seleukid kingdom and major Ptolemaic conquests that brought the Ptolemaic empire to the zenith of its power. The Seleukid kingdom had been struggling for some time at this point, having lost considerable territories during the reign of Antiochos II despite their gains from the Second Syrian War. The dynasts of Cappadocia had successfully won independence for themselves by around 255 BC, and at this time a similar secession was under way in the satrapy of Baktria, where this coin was issued. A history of the mints there demonstrate the gradual loss of control of the Seleukid kings to the local satrap, Diodotos. While this stater dates to the period in which the Aï Khanoum mint was issuing coins made of precious metal on behalf Antiochos II, several years into his sole reign however, the mint began to issue only in bronze, and Diodotos soon began to produced coinage which named Antiochos but featured portraits of himself or his son, Diodotos II, and reverse types of their own choosing. Finally around 235 BC ‘the name of Diodotos appeared on the reverse of the coinage as issuing authority, signalling the formal inception of an independent Diodotid kingdom in Baktria’ (SC I.I p.167).

179

Unpublished and Possibly Unique

506. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Uncertain mint, circa 222-187 BC. Diademed head to right / 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, two monograms to outer left. SC -, cf. 988 (uncertain mint 988), 1127 (Nisibis), 1159 (Seleukia on the Tigris), 1208 (Susa); HGC 9, 442 (lists only the SC references above); cf. Roma 96, 508 for an unpublished tetradrachm with the same monograms. 8.59g, 18mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Apparently unpublished and possibly unique.

5,000

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Ex Bank Leu - Spink, 1987

507. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Antioch on the Orontes, from 197 BC. Diademed head to right / 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, ANTIOΧOY to left, bow in bowcase to left. SC 1045.2; WSM 1116; HGC 9, 447a. 16.98g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; Ex Bank Leu AG - Spink Zurich, 26 September 1987, lot 148.

508. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos III ‘the Great’ AR Drachm. Apameia on the Orontes(?), 222-187 BC. Diademed head to right / Elephant standing to right; monograms above and below; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ in exergue. SC 1065.2 corr. (exergual monogram); Houghton, Elephants, 106 corr. (same); HGC 9, 453a. 4.26g, 17mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

509. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos III ‘the Great’ AR Drachm. Apameia on the Orontes(?), 222-187 BC. Diademed head to right / Elephant standing to right; monograms above and below; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ in exergue. SC 1065.6; Houghton, Elephants, Type B; HGC 9, 453a. 4.10g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

180

510. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in Commagene or Northern Syria, circa 211-187 BC. Diademed head to right / Apollo Delphios seated to left on omphalos, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ to left, monograms in outer left and right fields. SC 1101.1; WSM 1238. 16.57g, 29mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Very rare with this combination of controls. Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

1,500

Very Rare

511. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Susa, 162-150 BC. Diademed head to right / 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, ΔHMHTPIOY to left, monogram in outer right field and exergue. SC 1711.1; CSE 1967 = Leu 6, 274 (same dies, hammer: 2,400 CHF); HGC 9, 790c. 16.80g, 28mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; seemingly only one example on CoinArchives and three in the SCO database.

1,000

From a private European collection.

512. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos IV Epiphanes AR Tetradrachm. Ake-Ptolemais, 167-164 BC. Diademed head to right; monogram behind / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY to right, ΘEOY EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKHΦOPOY to left, palm in outer left field, AΣ in exergue. SC 1476.1d; HGC 9, 620c. 17.09g, 30mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A., Auction 135, 9 December 2017, lot 32 (hammer: 1,200 EUR).

513. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Antioch on the Orontes, circa 162-154 BC. Diademed head to right; within laurel wreath border / Tyche seated to left on throne supported by winged Tritoness, holding short sceptre and cornucopiae; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY to left, monogram to outer left. SC 1635a; HGC 9, 795f; Roma 99, lot 535 (hammer: £800). 15.98g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a tremendously bright and detailed specimen. Very rare with this monogram.

181

500

Unpublished and Unique

514. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Ekbatana, circa 162-150 BC. Diademed head to right; before, head of horse to right; all within fillet border / Apollo seated to left on omphalos, testing arrow and resting left hand on grounded bow; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY to left, ΣΩTHPOΣ in exergue, KΛ to inner left, ΣP to outer right. SC -, but cf. 1719 and CNG 109, 303 (same obv. die, Tyche rev. type); for another unpublished example with this obv. control symbol, cf. Heritage Long Beach 3049, 30178; cf. HGC 9, 790d. 16.49g, 30mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; traces of overstriking. Unpublished and seemingly unique.

2,500

This issue can be confidently attributed to Ekbatana due to the presence of the horse head mintmark on the obverse. Whilst well-attested on the coinage struck for Demetrios at Ekbatana, it is unusual to find this mintmark on the obverse except for the bronze issues (SC 1742ff). Only one other, also unique, tetradrachm has been recorded with this obverse mintmark (see references). Remarkably this coin shares the same obverse die as a another unique specimen sold by CNG in 2018 (see references, also illustrated in SC for entry 1719) with a Tyche reverse type. No obverse mintmark is visible on this example however and therefore it is evident that the die was later recut to include the mintmark. The existence of this specimen therefore allows us to attribute SC 1719 (and possibly also 1720) with near certainty to the mint of Ekbatana.

515. Seleukid Empire. Alexander I Balas AR Hemidrachm. Antioch on the Orontes, 152-145 BC. Radiate head to right / Apollo standing to left, holding arrow and resting hand on shield set on ground; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to left. SC 1786.5f; HGC 9, 891. 1.73g, 14mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; hairline flan crack at 10h. Very Rare.

100

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

516. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos VI Dionysos AR Tetradrachm. Apameia, dated SE 168 = 145/4 BC. Radiate and diademed head to right / The Dioskouroi riding to left, holding couched lances; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ in two lines above, ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΔΙΟΝΥΣΟΥ in two lines below; TPY above monogram to right; HΞP (date) below horses; all within wreath of lily, ivy, and grain ears. SC 2009.1c; DCA 177; HGC 9, 1032. 16.40g, 31mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Saint Paul Collection; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 4, 25 May 2019, lot 378.

182

Extremely Rare

517. Seleukid Empire, Alexander II Zabinas AR Drachm. Antioch on the Orontes, circa 128-122 BC. Diademed head to right / Filleted cornucopiae; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to left, monogram above Δ to inner left. SC 2221.1a; HGC 9, 1154. 4.02g, 17mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone with hints of rainbow iridescence. Extremely Rare.

500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 462, 26 February 2020, lot 157.

518. Seleukid Empire, Kleopatra Thea and Antiochos VIII AR Tetradrachm. Damascus, dated SE 192 = 121/0 BC. Jugate busts of Kleopatra, wearing diadem, veil, and stephane, and Antiochos VIII, wearing diadem, to right / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ to right, KAI ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟXΟY to left, IE (date) in left field, C over Π below throne. SC 2262.1a; HGC 9, 1182c. 16.02g, 30mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

519. Seleukid Empire, Kleopatra Thea and Antiochos VIII AR Tetradrachm. Ake-Ptolemais, 125-120 BC. Jugate busts of Kleopatra, wearing diadem, veil, and stephane, and Antiochos VIII, wearing diadem, to right / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΘΕΑΣ to right, KAI ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟXΟY to left, monogram in outer left field. SC 2271.1; Boston MFA 2182; HGC 9, 1182g. 16.28g, 28mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Very Rare

520. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios III Eukairos AR Tetradrachm. Antioch on the Orontes, circa 88-87 BC. Diademed head to right / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; [Β]ΑΣΛΙΕΩ[Σ] ΔΗΜΗΤΡIΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ to right, ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ ΣΟΤΗΡΟΣ to left, N above [A] in outer left field, monogram below throne. SC 2445; SNG Spaer 2823; SMA 435; HGC 9, 1302. 15.62g, 27mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,500

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

183

184

The Twin Kings

521. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos XI Epiphanes Philadelphos, with Philip I, AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint 127 in Cilicia (Tarsos?), circa 94-93 BC. Diademed, bearded and jugate heads of Antiochos and Philip to right; within filleted border / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding long lotustipped sceptre; [Β]ΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟXΟΥ to right, ΚΑΙ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ to left, C-Φ-ω-(monogram) arranged vertically to outer left, further monogram under throne; all within laurel wreath border. SC 2437 (same obv. die as illustration); Houghton, ‘The Double Portrait Coins’, 5 (A3/[unlisted rev. die] - Beroea mint?); Jameson 1761 (same obv. die); HGC 9, 1296 (same obv. die as illustration); Heritage 3064, lot 30182 (same obv. die). 15.12g, 28mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; exhibiting a marvellous old cabinet tone. Exceedingly rare and of significant numismatic and historical interest; among the most coveted of Seleukid coins and arguably the finest of the five specimens to have come to auction in the past twenty years. 20,000 This exceedingly rare and much sought-after coin of the twin kings Antiochos XI and Philip I Philadelphoi (‘brother-loving’) marks a rare moment of kinship and unity amidst the tumultuous familial politics of the later Seleukid Kingdom. The twins were two of many children born to Antiochos VIII Grypos, who spent the majority of his reign (121-96 BC) in constant civil war with his half-brother Antiochos IX Kyzikenos (114-95 BC). After their elder brother Seleukos VI was murdered in Mopsos in 94 BC by a mob encouraged by their cousin Antiochos X, the twins raised a rebellion likely based at Tarsos and vengefully sacked the city of Mopsos. They then proclaimed their joint kingship with a series of silver tetradrachms depicting a jugate portrait, powerfully emphasising their similarity and unity, as they prepared for civil war against their cousin. However when the invasion of Syria went ahead it seems to have been driven by Antiochos XI acting alone, since his coins struck at Antioch bear only his portrait and legend. Antiochos X reclaimed this city in early 93 BC, in a battle which saw Antiochos XI fall into the Orontes river and drown. His twin Philip I would have better fortune: after waging war against his cousin and two other brothers, Demetrios III and Antiochos XII in Phoenicia and Judaea, he ultimately saw off his rivals and ruled the greater part of a divided and ever-diminishing Seleukid realm until his death sometime between 83 BC (according to Appian) or 76-75 BC (as proposed by O. Hoover, ‘Anomalous Tetradrachms’, 2004, p. 296).

185

A Key Seleukid Rarity

522. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos XI Epiphanes Philadelphos AR Tetradrachm. Antioch on the Orontes, circa 95-93 BC. Diademed head to right / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY to right, EΠIΦANOYΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY and monogram over A to left, monogram below throne, all within wreath. SC pl. 55, 2440 (same dies). 15.08g, 27mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; light surface erosion. Of the greatest rarity and among the finest known.

5,000

CHARAKENE KINGDOM

523. Kings of Charakene, Hyspaosines AR Tetradrachm. Charax-Spasinu mint, dated SE 190 = 123/2 BC. Diademed head to right / Herakles seated to left on rock, holding club on knee; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΥΣΠΑΟΣΙΝΟΥ to right, A to outer left, ϘP (date) below. Dr. G.R.F. Assar, ‘Recent Studies in Parthian History: Part II’ in Celator 15.1, pp. 17-27, fig. 16; Alram 491.2; DCA 479; CNG MB 63, 889. 15.34g, 32mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

From a private UK collection.

524. Kings of Charakene, Apodakos AR Tetradrachm. Charax-Spasinu mint, dated SE 207 = 106/5 BC. Diademed head to right / Herakles seated to left on rock, holding club on knee; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, AΠΠΟΔAKΟΥ to left; monogram in outer left field, ZΣ (date) in exergue. Alram 496.1 var. (control); Sunrise 464 var. (date); DCA 480. 15.37g, 30mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

From a private UK collection. All we know of Apodakos is learned from his coins, and as such our understanding is extremely limited. It is uncertain whether he was the son of Hyspaosines, who the latter’s widow Thalassia tried to install on the throne after the king’s death, or whether he was a usurper.

186

ELYMAIS

525. Kings of Elymais, Kamnaskires III, with Anzaze, AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Hedyphon, 82-72 BC. Conjoined busts of Kamnaskires and Queen Anzaze to left; Seleukid anchor terminating in monogram behind / Zeus seated to left, holding sceptre and Nike, who crowns him; IΛCIΛEΩC KΛMNΛCKIPOY IΛCIΛHCH ANZAZH around, MAKEΔΩN to inner left, [uncertain date] in exergue. van’t Haaff Type 7.1. 1-2; Alram 454; Sunrise -; DCA 518. 15.84g, 27mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; unusually sound metal quality for the issue.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

526. Kings of Elymais, Kamnaskires III, with Anzaze, AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Hedyphon, 82-72 BC. Conjoined busts of Kamnaskires and Queen Anzaze to left; Seleukid anchor terminating in monogram behind / Zeus seated to left, holding sceptre and Nike, who crowns him; IΛCIΛEΩC KΛMNΛCKIPOY IΛCIΛHCH ANZAZH around, MAKEΔΩN to inner left, [uncertain date] in exergue. van’t Haaff Type 7.1. 1-2; Alram 454; Sunrise -; DCA 518. 16.08g, 30mm, 12h. Near Mint State; exceptional metal quality and strike for the issue.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

527. Kings of Elymais, Kamnaskires V AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Hedyphon, dated SE 259 = 54/3 BC. Diademed and draped bust to left, with pointed beard; star and anchor behind / Diademed and draped bust to left; degraded legend around, [Θ]ΞΣ (date) in exergue. van’t Haaff Type 9.1.1-1 var. (monogram on rev.); Alram 463; Sunrise -. 15.86g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very rare with date visible.

500

187

PERSIS

528. Kings of Persis, Ardaxšir (Artaxerxes) I AR Tetradrachm. Istakhr (Persepolis), 3rd century BC. Diademed head to right, wearing kyrbasia and earring / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; to left, king standing to right, hands raised in adoration; standard to right, Aramaic legend around. Alram 520; cf. Sunrise 562. 17.00g, 26mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; a bold portrait, lustrous surfaces. Rare.

4,000

PARTHIA

529. Parthia, Andragoras AR Tetradrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246-238 BC. Attic standard. 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. 16.99g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,500

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

530. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246-238 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. 8.00g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

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

188

531. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246-238 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. 8.08g, 18mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

1,000

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

532. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246-238 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. 8.04g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

1,000

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

533. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246-238 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. 8.03g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

1,000

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

534. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Hekatompylos(?), circa 246-238 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. 8.12g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

750

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

189

535. 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; behind, grape cluster on vine with leaf, kerykeion above. Roma XIV, 335; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64; HGC 12, 8. 3.73g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; slightly off-centre strike, light cabinet tone. Very Rare.

350

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

536. 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; behind, grape cluster on vine with leaf, kerykeion above. Roma XIV, 335; Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64; HGC 12, 8. 3.48g, 15mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

350

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

UNCERTAIN EASTERN SATRAPY

537. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. 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 and grape bunch on the bowl / Owl standing to right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before; all within incuse square. Cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; cf. Roma XIV, 341 corr. (grape bunch on rev.); Roma XV, 337. 16.86g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

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

BAKTRIA

538. 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. 17.03g, 25mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

750

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

190

191

192

Of Considerable Numismatic Interest

539. Baktria, Sophytes AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 246-235 BC. Attic standard. Head of Seleukos(?) to right, wearing laurelwreathed Attic helmet decorated with spiral pattern on crest and eagle wings on cheek-guard, tied under chin; M 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 var. (no M under truncation, sold for £44,000). 16.83g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; a bold and expressive portrait, with a beautiful old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare; an issue of considerable numismatic interest. 20,000 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 circa 305 BC. 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 forward, 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 BC, 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?

193

540. 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; MNA on bust truncation / Cockerel standing to right; kerykeion behind, ΣΩΦYΤΟΥ to right. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 3A, pl. I, 2 = Alpha Bank 7461; for type cf. SNG ANS 21-23 (drachm); Mitchiner 29 (drachm); Whitehead NC 1943, p. 64, 1 and pl. III, 7-8 (drachm); Roma XIV, 366. 7.98g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

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

Among the Finest Known

541. Baktria, Sophytes AR Hemidrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 246-235 BC. Attic standard. Head of Seleukos(?) to right, wearing laurelwreathed Attic helmet decorated with spiral pattern on crest and eagle wings on cheek-guard / Cockerel standing to right; kerykeion behind, ΣΩΦYΤΟΥ to right. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 3a; SNG ANS 25; Mitchiner 30; Roma 69, lot 626 (sold for £1,200). 1.75g, 12h, 6h. About Extremely Fine; a charming specimen, attractive cabinet tone. Very Rare; among the finest known examples.

750

From the Professor Shir Mohammad Collection.

542. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Mint A (near Aï Khanoum), circa 210-206 BC. Diademed head to right / Herakles seated to left on rocks, holding club set on rocky outcrop; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Glenn, Group II (O49/R- [unlisted rev. die]); Kritt A14; Bopearachchi 5B; SNG ANS 131; Mitchiner 85c; HGC 12, 40. 16.50g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; well-centred on a broad planchet.

2,500

From the Oxus Collection.

194

The Second Known Example

543. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Mint B (“Baktra”), circa 210-206 BC. Diademed head to right / Herakles seated to left on lion skin draped over rocks, holding club set on right leg; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, monogram to outer right. Glenn, Group IV (O-/R-[unlisted rev. die]) var. (location of monogram); Kritt B13 var. (same); Bopearachchi 9A var. (same); SNG ANS 136 var. (same); HGC 12, 42 var. (same); CNG Triton VI, 531 (same dies). 16.62g, 31mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; apparently the second known example with the monogram in this location.

4,000

From the Oxus Collection.

544. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Mint B (“Baktra”), circa 210-206 BC. Diademed head to right / Herakles seated to left on lion skin draped over rocks, holding club set on right leg; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Glenn, Group IV (O94/R-[unlisted rev. die]); Kritt B13; Bopearachchi 9A; SNG ANS 136; HGC 12, 42. 16.36g, 30mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; minor planchet flaws, attractive cabinet tone.

2,500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Lampasas Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Sale 484, 27 January 2021, lot 471 (hammer: 3,250 USD); Ex Peter K. Tompa Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 112, 11 September 2019, lot 396; Acquired from Frank Kovacs, 19 November 2004.

545. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Mint B (“Baktra”), circa 215-210 BC. Diademed head to right / Herakles seated to left on lion skin draped over rocks, holding club set on right leg; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Glenn, Group IV, 352-5 (O105/R- [unlisted rev. die]); Kritt B13; Bopearachchi 10A; SNG ANS 137-8; HGC 12, 42. 16.60g, 31mm, 12h. Mint State; sharply struck.

5,000

From the Oxus Collection.

195

546. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Mint B (“Baktra”), circa 215-210 BC. Diademed head to right / Herakles seated to left on lion skin draped over rocks, holding club set on right leg; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Glenn, Group IV, 352-5 (O101/R- [unlisted rev. die]); Kritt B13; Bopearachchi 10A; SNG ANS 137-8; HGC 12, 42. 16.60g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; an attractive, well-centred portrait.

3,000

From the Oxus Collection.

547. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Mint B (“Baktra”), circa 206-200 BC. Diademed head to right / Herakles seated to left on lion skin draped over rocks, holding club set on right leg; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Glenn, Group VII (O160/R382); Kritt B17; Bopearachchi 12A; SNG ANS 141-2; HGC 12, 43. 16.57g, 28mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

2,500

From the Oxus Collection.

Very Rare with this Monogram

548. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Mint A, circa 200-185 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing elephant skin headdress / Herakles standing facing, crowning himself with right hand, holding club and lion’s skin in left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY to left, monogram to inner left. Glenn, Group I (O1/R6); Bopearachchi 1B; Mitchiner 103b; SNG ANS 186; HGC 12, 63. 16.63g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very rare with this monogram.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection.

196

In an Excellent State of Preservation

549. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Mint B, circa 200-185 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing elephant skin headdress / Herakles standing facing, crowning himself with right hand, holding club and lion’s skin in left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY to left, monogram to inner left. Glenn, Group IIIA (O70/R160); Bopearachchi 1C; Mitchiner 103d; SNG ANS 188-9; HGC 12, 63. 16.96g, 35mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; sharply struck and in an excellent state of preservation.

15,000

From the Oxus Collection.

550. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Mint B, circa 200-185 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing elephant skin headdress / Herakles standing facing, crowning himself with right hand, holding club and lion’s skin in left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY to left, monogram to inner left. Glenn, Group IIIA, (O64/R- [unlisted rev. die]); Bopearachchi 1C; Mitchiner 103d; SNG ANS 188-9; HGC 12, 63. 16.93g, 34mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection.

197

A Magnificent Portrait

551. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos II AR Tetradrachm. Circa 185-180 BC. Diademed bust to right / Herakles standing facing, crowned with leaves, holding wreath and carrying club and lion skin; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, monogram to inner left. Glenn, Group IV (O30/R[unlisted rev. die]); Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman 142; SNG ANS 216; HGC 12, 72. 16.95g, 34mm, 12h. Near Mint State; a magnificent and wonderfully pensive portrait, struck on a broad planchet. Rare; among the finest known and superior to the example sold at Leu Numismatik AG for CHF 14,000 in October 2021 (Auction 10, lot 2263). 5,000 From the Oxus Collection.

552. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos II AR Tetradrachm. Circa 185-180 BC. Diademed bust to right / Herakles standing facing, crowned with leaves, holding wreath in right hand and carrying club and lion skin with left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, monogram to inner left. Glenn, Group I (O2/R14); Bopearachchi 1d; SNG ANS 217-8; HGC 12, 72. 16.84g, 32mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection.

553. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos II AR Tetradrachm. Circa 185-180 BC. Diademed bust to right / Herakles standing facing, crowned with leaves, holding wreath in right hand and carrying club and lion skin with left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, monogram to inner left. Glenn, Group I, (O3/R - [unlisted rev. die]); Bopearachchi 1D; SNG ANS 217-8; HGC 12, 72. 16.89g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; minor die shift to each side, well-centred obverse with full border visible. From the Oxus Collection.

198

1,000

554. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos II AR Drachm. Circa 185-180 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Herakles standing facing, holding wreath, club and lion’s skin; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 2B; SNG ANS 219; HGC 12, 73. 4.22g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only two other examples on CoinArchives.

500

From the Oxus Collection.

555. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos II AR Drachm. Circa 185-180 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Herakles standing facing, holding wreath, club and lion’s skin; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 2C; SNG ANS -; HGC 12, 73. 4.29g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

556. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Circa 185-175 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Zeus standing facing, holding figure of Hekate with torches in outstretched right hand, and sceptre in left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕOYΣ to left, monogram in inner left field. Glenn, Series 1, Group 1, (O1/R7); Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 137a; SNG ANS 230; HGC 12, 81. 16.89g, 31mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

500

From a private UK collection.

Only 1 Cited by Bopearachchi

557. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles Dikaios AR Drachm. Circa 185-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Zeus standing facing, holding figure of Hekate with torches in outstretched right hand, and sceptre in left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕOYΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ below, monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 4A; SNG ANS 233; HGC 12, 91. 4.19g, 18mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; no other examples on CoinArchives of this issue with nominal epithet and only one cited in Bopearachchi. 1,000 From the Oxus Collection.

199

One of the Finest Known

558. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Commemorative issue struck in the name of Antiochos Nikator. Circa 185-170 BC. Diademed head to right; ANTIOXOY to right, NIKATOPOΣ to left / Zeus Bremetes advancing to left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; BAΣIΛEYONTOΣ to right, ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ in exergue; in left field, wreath above eagle standing to left, wings outstretched; monogram in right field. Glenn 121-8 (O21bis/R-); Bopearachchi 13A; Mitchiner 143 var. (this monogram unlisted); SNG ANS 258 var. (monogram); HGC 12, 84. 16.63g, 33mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Very Rare; one of the finest known specimens, easily the best to appear at auction in the past twenty years.

10,000

From the Oxus Collection.

559. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Commemorative issue struck in the name of Antiochos Nikator. Circa 185-170 BC. Diademed head to right; ANTIOXOY to right, NIKATOPOΣ to left / Zeus Bremetes advancing to left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; BAΣIΛEYONTOΣ to right, ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ in exergue; in left field, wreath above eagle standing to left, wings outstretched; monogram in right field. Glenn 121-8 (O21bis/R-); Bopearachchi 13A; Mitchiner 143 var. (this monogram unlisted); SNG ANS 258 var. (monogram); HGC 12, 84. 14.62g, 32mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

From a private UK collection.

200

Commemorative Issue Struck for Diodotos I

560. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Commemorative issue struck for Diodotos I. Circa 185-175 BC. Diademed head of Diodotos to right, ΔIOΔOTOY to right, ΣΩTHPOΣ to left / Zeus Bremetes advancing to left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; BAΣIΛEYONTOΣ to right, ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ in exergue; in left field, wreath above eagle standing to left, wings outstretched; monogram in right field. Glenn, Diodotus Soter Commemorative Group I, (O27bis/R-); Bopearachchi 14a; Mitchiner 144a; SNG ANS 259; HGC 12, 85. 15.94g, 31mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

15,000

Acquired from Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung; Ex KG Collection, Rhineland, acquired in the 1960’s to 2003. This coin is part of an interesting issue of a so-called ‘pedigree’ series by the Greco-Baktrian king Agathokles Dikaios (‘the Just’), containing coins which combine depictions of gods and the legend ‘[minted] in the reign of Agathokles Dikaios’ on their reverses with obverse portraits commemorating assumed royal predecessors: starting with Alexander the Great and followed by the Greco-Baktrian kings Diodotos I (founder of the kingdom), Diodotos II, Euthydemos I, Demetrius I and Pantaleon. The series also includes a ruler named Antiochos Nikator (see lot 558), who has traditionally been interpreted as the Seleukid king Antiochos II (despite his title being ‘Theos’ not ‘Nikator’), during whose reign Diodotos I began the secession of the Baktrian kingdom (see F. L. Holt, Thundering Zeus: The Making of Hellenistic Bactria (Berkeley, 1999), p. 97, note 21 and B. Kritt, New Discoveries in Bactrian Numismatics (Lancaster 2015), chapter 5). More recently, the theory of a previously unknown Baktrian ruler called Antiochos Nikator has gained traction (see J. Jakobsson, ‘Antiochus Nicator, the Third King of Bactria?’, The Numismatic Chronicle, vol. 170 (2010), pp. 17-33 and J. Jakobsson “Dating Bactria’s Independence to 246/5 BC?” in R. Mairs, (ed.), The Graeco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek world (Abingdon, 2021). pp. 499-509) but unfortunately the mystery of Antiochos’ identity remains unsolved. Since the theory that Agathokles struck these ‘pedigree’ coins to trace his lineage has been disproven, 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 the exceptional similarity of their 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’ succession to the kingdom inherited from his father, but rather on his firm placement in this line of kings, aiming to quell any sense that this was not a legitimate passage of power. He therefore strengthened his claim through his association with the rule and merits of his predecessors, by connection with Alexander ‘the Great’ and lastly as a ruler of a proud and well-established Greco-Baktrian kingdom.

201

Commemorative Issue for Euthydemos I

561. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Commemorative issue struck for Euthydemos I. Circa 185-180 BC. 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. Glenn, Euthydemos Group I, (O31bis/R93); Bopearachchi 16B; SNG ANS 261; Mitchiner 145a; HGC 12, 87. 16.95g, 31mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; minor die shift. Very Rare.

4,000

From a private UK collection.

562. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY to right, ANTIMAXOY to left, monogram to inner right. Glenn, Group III; Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 124b; SNG ANS 276-7; HGC 12, 345. 16.75g, 31mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection.

563. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY to right, ANTIMAXOY to left, monogram to inner right. Glenn, Group III; Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 124b; SNG ANS 276-7; HGC 12, 345. 16.79g, 32mm, 12h. 1,750

Extremely Fine; attractive cabinet tone. Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; Purchased privately from Frank Kovacs, July 1998.

202

564. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY to right, ANTIMAXOY to left, monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 124b; SNG ANS 276-7; Glenn, Group III; HGC 12, 106. 16.83g, 35mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection.

Ex M&M 53, 1977

565. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; [B]AΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY to right, ANTIMAXOY to left, monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 124b; SNG ANS 276-7; Glenn, Group III; HGC 12, 106. 16.62g, 31mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Harald Salvesen Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 1228; Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 53, 29 November 1977, lot 158.

566. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY to right, ANTIMAXOY to left, monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 124b; SNG ANS 276-7; Glenn, Group III; HGC 12, 106. 17.10g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; an attractive example.

1,000

From a private UK collection.

203

567. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Drachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right, wearing kausia / Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm frond; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY to right, ANTIMAXOY to left, monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 2B; Bopearachchi & Rahman 183; Mitchiner 125a; SNG ANS 280-281; Glenn, Group III; HGC 12, 109. 4.13g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Oxus Collection.

Extremely Rare

568. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; BΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1A; Mitchiner 168 var. (monogram not listed); SNG ANS 430; HGC 12, 130. 16.59g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely rare with this monogram; no other examples on CoinArchives.

2,000

From the Rubellite Collection.

569. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped 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 -; Mitchiner 168f; SNG ANS 431; HGC 12, 130. 16.99g, 34mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection.

570. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped 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 -; Mitchiner 168f; SNG ANS 431; HGC 12, 130. 16.97g, 32mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection.

204

205

206

A Pentadrachm of Eukratides

571. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Pentadrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Attic standard. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, E (mark of value) in left field, monogram in lower right field. Unpublished. 21.14g, 34mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a bold portrait, beautiful light cabinet tone with golden iridescence around the devices. Unique, of considerable numismatic and historical importance, and the only definitive pentadrachm known to have ever been produced. 50,000 This incredible novum with an unambiguous denominational mark E (=5) immediately invites comparison to the Eukratidion, the 20 stater gold coin preserved in the Cabinet des Médailles in Paris (cf. Bopearachchi Série 4; HGC 12, 128), and like the Eukratidion it seems almost certain to have played a ceremonial role rather than a functionally monetary one. Yet it is also unlike that ‘numismatic monster’ as it has been called, in that it was evidently produced very early, possibly even at the outset of Eukratides’ reign before he had earned for himself the title of ‘Megas’. It is struck from a reverse die that displays very careful consideration of geometry, symmetry and balance; it is in short a reverse die of extraordinarily accomplished style. One need look no further than the leftmost Dioskouros to understand the enormous difference between this die and those employed for the vast number of tetradrachms. Yet further observation will draw the viewer’s attention to the exceedingly well-balanced symmetry and geometry of the design, with the Dioskouroi centrally placed between the two lines of uncommonly neat parallel legend of equal length, the tail of one acting as a counterweight to the lance and hoofs of the other, with monogram and mark of value equipoised in lower right and upper left quadrants. The employment of the denominational mark E on this coin has allowed for identification of similar denominational marks of Δ (=4) and A (=1) on other early issues of Eukratides (see successive lots). The only other supposed issue of the silver πεντάδραχμον or five drachma coin is the very rare issue in the name of Berenike II, sister/wife of Ptolemy III in c. 244/3-221 BC (CPE 742; Svoronos 989), which has been described as Attic weight (ideally 21.5g), but which are problematically typically lighter at around 19.4 grams on average. Though nobody has seriously questioned the type’s attribution as a pentadrachm, the denomination is far from certain. Firstly, the Ptolemaic weight standard at that time was based on a tetradrachm of 14.2g (the Attic standard having been discontinued decades earlier), and the heavier immediate counterpart to the issue (Svoronos 988) is now generally referred to as a Ptolemaic-standard ‘pentakaidekadrachm’. If one accepts the latter, it becomes very hard to support the attribution of Svoronos 989 as a completely anomalous Attic-weight pentadrachm. ‘Pentedrachmia’ were mentioned by Xenophon (Hellenica 1.6.12) in the context of payments made to soldiers at Chios in 406 BC, but no such coins are now extant and scholars believe he was not referring to a singular coin. (W. E. Thompson, ‘Gold and Silver Ratios at Athens during the Fifth Century’, The Numismatic Chronicle 4 (1964), p.121, cf. Gardner, A History of Ancient Coinage, 700-300 BC (1918), p.250ff.) According to Pollyx’s Onomasticon there was a coin denominated pentadrachm at Kyrene and in the Delphic inscriptions such a denomination was referenced for the time of Alexander III, but these are also unknown and presumed to refer to calculations based on lighter Asian standards or gold issues based on the drachm as the unit of weight from which it originally evolved. Polyaenus in Stratagems also informs us that Timotheos debased metal when campaigning in northern Greece in 364 BC and contrasted these coins with so-called ‘old pentadrachms’, probably an erroneous assumption made on calculating the lighter weight issues introduced by Archelaos (HGC 3.1, 794-5) in 413-399 BC.

207

Newly Identified Mark of Value

572. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, Δ (mark of value) in lower right field, monogram in upper left field. Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman 231; Mitchiner 168f var. (no Δ and monogram to right); SNG ANS -; Qunduz 115-6 var. (different monogram, location of Δ and monogram swapped); HGC 12, 130. 17.00g, 37mm, 12h. Near Mint State; stunning cabinet tone, struck on a massive planchet of medallic proportions. Very Rare; one of fewer than a dozen specimens offered at auction in the past twenty years. 5,000 From the Oxus Collection. In light of the discovery of a previously unknown pentadrachm of Eukratides (the previous lot in this sale) bearing the denominational mark E (=5), it seems inescapable that the Δ present on this issue and the A on lots 578-9 must be marks of value (Δ=4, A =1).

573. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, Δ (mark of value) in lower right field, monogram in upper left field. Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman 231; Mitchiner 168f var. (no Δ and monogram to right); SNG ANS -; Qunduz 115-6 var. (different monogram, location of Δ and monogram swapped); HGC 12, 130. 16.89g, 33mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare; one of fewer than a dozen specimens offered at auction in the past twenty years.

500

From a private UK collection.

574. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; BΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 168a; SNG ANS 432; HGC 12, 130. 16.97g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; portrait in high relief.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection.

208

575. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; BΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 168a; SNG ANS 432; HGC 12, 130. 17.06g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; well-centred strike on lustrous metal.

750

From a private UK collection.

576. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; BΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 168a; SNG ANS 432; HGC 12, 130. 15.98g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

750

From a private UK collection.

577. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Drachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped 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 2B; Mitchiner 169b; SNG ANS 437-8; HGC 12, 135. 4.22g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; well-centred on the flan and featuring a finely detailed portrait.

209

750

Newly Identified Mark of Value

578. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Drachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram to lower right, A (mark of value) to upper left. Bopearachchi 2C; Mitchiner 169a; SNG ANS 439-41; HGC 12, 135. 4.24g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; minor planchet void, pleasant cabinet tone. Scarce.

750

579. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Drachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram to lower right, A (mark of value) to upper left. Bopearachchi 2D; Mitchiner 169a var. (different monogram); SNG ANS 439-42 var. (monogram); HGC 12, 135. 4.25g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State; attractive golden toning around devices.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

210

The Transitional Tetradrachm

580. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY in straight line above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower left field. Cf. Bopearachchi 6I (curved legend); Bopearachchi & Rahman 239; Mitchiner 177aa (plates show only curved legend); SNG ANS -; cf. HGC 12, 131 (curved legend). 17.03g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; the finest of one of fewer than half a dozen known examples.

15,000

From the Oxus Collection. The casual observer could perhaps be forgiven for not immediately realising the importance of this type within the framework of Eukratides’ vast coinage. The upper reverse legend however marks it out as being of great importance within the series. While the legend ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY EYKPATIΔOY is used extensively on the massive later issues of this ruler, it is always employed with a curved upper legend rather than the straight line evidenced here. In reconsidering the early coinage of Eukratides in light of the discovery of the above hitherto unkown pentadrachm, we have already established that Eukratides coinage was unusual in that it explicitly (albeit briefly) employed denominational marks. What we must now consider is the obvious link between the geometrically idealised reverse designs of the pentadrachm along with its contemporary tetradrachms and drachms, and the present type which makes use of the same fine geometry and compact, balanced design. This issue, which may have before seemed to collectors like a rare curiosity due to its unusual legend arrangement and desirable for no greater reason than this, is celebrated now for what it most obviously is – the transitional issue between the bare headed coins of Eukratides’ early reign, and the helmeted coins of Eukratides after he adopts the title of ‘Megas’ (Great). The reason for Eukratides’ adoption of the title of ‘Megas’ is unfortunately unknown, but that it can only have been both earned and military in nature is undisputed. The coinciding shift to a curved upper legend was likely due to the necessary compression of the lettering caused by the minimal space available for horizontal legends of equal length being deemed unacceptable.

581. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in right field. Bopearachchi 6E; Mitchiner 177ee; SNG ANS 465; HGC 12, 131. 16.96g, 35mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

1,500

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

211

582. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6O; Mitchiner 177a; SNG ANS 467; HGC 12, 131. 16.99g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful cabinet tone. Scarce.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

583. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6O; Mitchiner 177a; SNG ANS 467; HGC 12, 131. 16.87g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

500

From a private UK collection.

584. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6T; Mitchiner 177i; SNG ANS 468; HGC 12, 131. 16.98g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; traces of overstriking on rev., an attractive example struck on a broad flan.

1,500

Ex Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - M&M Numismatics Ltd - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles - Sovereign Rarities Ltd, The New York Sale XLVIII, 14 January 2020, lot 158 (hammer: USD 2,000).

212

585. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6T; Mitchiner 177i; SNG ANS 468; HGC 12, 131. 16.95g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; magnificent old cabinet tone.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

586. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6T; Mitchiner 177i; SNG ANS 468; HGC 12, 131. 17.07g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

587. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6W; Mitchiner 177f; SNG ANS 469-71; HGC 12, 131. 16.99g, 34mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection.

213

588. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6W; Mitchiner 177f; SNG ANS 469-71; HGC 12, 131. 16.90g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From a private UK collection.

589. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6W; Mitchiner 177f; SNG ANS 469-71; HGC 12, 131. 16.98g, 34mm, 12h. Near Mint State; beautiful cabinet tone.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

590. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6W; Mitchiner 177f; SNG ANS 469-71; HGC 12, 131. 16.98g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; tiny planchet flaw under chin.

750

From a private UK collection.

214

591. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6X; Mitchiner 177e; SNG ANS 472; HGC 12, 131. 16.99g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

750

From a private UK collection.

592. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6Z; Mitchiner 177l; SNG ANS 473; HGC 12, 131. 16.96g, 34mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection.

593. 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 / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ MEΓAΛOY above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower left field. Bopearachchi 6Z; Mitchiner 177l; SNG ANS 473 var. (placement of rev. monogram); HGC 12, 131. 16.98g, 35mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful cabinet tone. Scarce with monogram to left. From the Oxus Collection.

215

1,000

594. 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; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; Mitchiner 178d; SNG ANS 483; HGC 12, 136. 4.23g, 20mm, 11h. Mint State. Very Rare.

1,000

From the Oxus Collection.

595. 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; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; Mitchiner 178d; SNG ANS 483; HGC 12, 136. 4.23g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

596. 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 left field. Bopearachchi 7I; Bopearachchi & Rahman 249; Mitchiner 178c; SNG ANS -; HGC 12, 136. 4.21g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare with this monogram in left field.

1,000

From the inventory of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

216

Sculptural Heroic Bust

597. 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 prancing to right, each holding spear and palm; BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY above, EYKPATIΔOY below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 8A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 252-4; Mitchiner 179a (Mitchiner doesn’t differentiate between monograms A and B in Bopearachchi but the plates show both); SNG ANS 484; HGC 12, 132. 16.99g, 32mm, 12h. Near Mint State; wonderfully sculptural heroic bust, lustrous silver beneath a satin grey tone.

10,000

From the Oxus Collection.

The Third and Finest Known

598. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Drachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Dynastic pedigree issue. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; BAΣIΛEYΣ MEΓAΣ above, EYKPATIΔHΣ below / Jugate, draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, to right; HΛIOKΛEOYΣ above, KAI ΛAOΔIKHΣ in exergue, monogram to left. Bopearachchi 14A = BMC 2; SNG ANS -; CNG MBS 76, 947 = HGC 12, 137. 4.26g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; the third and finest known, only the second to come to auction in the past 20 years, with the other specimen in the British Museum. 5,000 From the Oxus Collection.

217

Dynastic Pedigree Issue

599. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Dynastic pedigree issue. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; BAΣIΛEYΣ MEΓAΣ above, EYKPATIΔHΣ below / Jugate, draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, to right; HΛIOKΛEOYΣ above, KAI ΛAOΔIKHΣ in exergue, monogram to left. Bopearachchi 15A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 263; SNG ANS 526-7; Mitchiner 182a; HGC 12, 133. 16.97g, 33mm, 12h. Mint State. Rare; a superb example of the type, comparable to the example of Roma XVII, lot 608 (sold for £22,000).

15,000

From the Oxus Collection. 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 (A. Cunningham, ‘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 reverse 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.

218

600. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Dynastic pedigree issue. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; BAΣIΛEYΣ MEΓAΣ above, EYKPATIΔHΣ below / Jugate, draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, to right; HΛIOKΛEOYΣ above, KAI ΛAOΔIKHΣ in exergue, monogram to left. Bopearachchi 15A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 263; SNG ANS 526-7; Mitchiner 182a; HGC 12, 133; Roma XVII, lot 608 (same rev. die; hammer: £22,000). 16.96g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a superb example of this desirable dynastic pedigree issue. Rare; and among the best of few examples offered at auction in the past twenty years. 7,500 From the Oxus Collection.

601. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Dynastic pedigree issue. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; BAΣIΛEYΣ MEΓAΣ above, EYKPATIΔHΣ below / Jugate, draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, to right; HΛIOKΛEOYΣ above, KAI ΛAOΔIKHΣ in exergue, monogram to left. Bopearachchi 15A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 263; SNG ANS 526-7; Mitchiner 182a; HGC 12, 133. 16.91g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

5,000

From a private UK collection.

602. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Dynastic pedigree issue. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; BAΣIΛEYΣ MEΓAΣ above, EYKPATIΔHΣ below / Jugate, draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, to right; HΛIOKΛEOYΣ above, KAI ΛAOΔIKHΣ in exergue, monogram to left. Bopearachchi 15A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 263; SNG ANS 526-7; Mitchiner 182a; HGC 12, 133. 16.93g, 31mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

4,000

From a private UK collection.

219

220

Plato of Baktria

603. 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 / Helios, radiate, standing facing in quadriga galloping to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ ΠΛATΩNOΣ above, monogram in upper right field, MZ in exergue. Bopearachchi 3A; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; Mitchiner 197a; SNG ANS 631; Qunduz 381; HGC 12, 167. 16.87g, 33mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

25,000

From a private UK 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. While all of Plato’s coins are considered extremely rare, the helmeted tetradrachms stand apart as being rarer by another order of magnitude. 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.

604. 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 / Helios, radiate, standing facing in quadriga galloping to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ ΠΛATΩNOΣ above, monogram in upper right field, MZ in exergue. Bopearachchi 3A; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; Mitchiner 197a; SNG ANS 631; Qunduz 381; HGC 12, 167. 16.46g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

15,000

From the Neil Collection.

221

Unique and Unpublished

605. 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 / Helios, radiate, standing facing in quadriga galloping to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ ΠΛATΩNOΣ above, monogram in lower right field, ИZ in exergue. Unpublished; for type, cf. Bopearachchi 3, Mitchiner 197, SNG ANS 631 and HGC 12, 167; cf. Qunduz 382 (diademed bust, described as MZ but appears to read ИZ); cf. Roma XXII, 495 (hammer: 34,000 GBP). 16.94g, 34mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Unique and unpublished; apparently only the second recorded example with the monogram in the lower rev. field and the first with a retrograde control letter. 20,000 From a private European collection.

606. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Plato AR Tetradrachm. Circa 145-140 BC. Diademed and draped bust to right / Helios, radiate, standing facing in quadriga; BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ ΠΛATΩNOΣ above, monogram to left. Bopearachchi 1; Mitchiner 198; SNG ANS 628; Qunduz 388; HGC 12, 165. 16.91g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

15,000

From the Oxus Collection.

222

Extremely Rare

607. 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; [B]AΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYKPATIΔOY and monogram to left. Bopearachchi 1A; Mitchiner 164a; SNG ANS 618-624 var. (different monogram); HGC 12, 161; Roma XXI, lot 353 (hammer: £7,000). 16.85g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only three other examples on CoinArchives.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection.

608. 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 ΣΩTHPOΣ EYKPATIΔOY above, monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 3B; SNG ANS 625-626; HGC 12, 162. 16.90g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; wonderful metal quality.

1,000

From a private UK collection.

609. 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 ΣΩTHPOΣ EYKPATIΔOY above, monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 3B; SNG ANS 625-626; HGC 12, 162. 16.81g, 35mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; small planchet flaw on rev.; struck on a broad, medallic module. From a private UK collection.

223

750

610. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Heliokles I 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 and lotus-tipped sceptre in left; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΗΛΙΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ in exergue, monogram in left field. Bopearachchi 1G; Mitchiner 284k; SNG ANS 635; HGC 12, 169. 17.13g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection.

611. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Heliokles I 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 and lotus-tipped sceptre in left; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΗΛΙΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ in exergue, monogram in left field. Bopearachchi 1Q; Mitchiner 284f; SNG ANS 641; HGC 12, 169. 17.02g, 34mm, 11h. Near Mint State; slight die shift to obv.

2,000

From the Oxus Collection.

612. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Heliokles I 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 and lotus-tipped sceptre in left; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΗΛΙΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ in exergue, monogram in left field. Bopearachchi 1U; Mitchiner 284o; SNG ANS 642-48; HGC 12, 169. 16.95g, 33mm, 12h. Mint State; minor delamination on arm.

3,000

From the Oxus Collection.

224

613. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Heliokles I 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 and lotus-tipped sceptre in left; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΗΛΙΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ to left, ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ in exergue, monogram in left field. Bopearachchi 1U; Mitchiner 284o; SNG ANS 642-48; HGC 12, 169. 16.98g, 33mm, 12h. Mint State; attractive underlying lustre.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection.

INDO-GREEK KINGDOM Very Rare

614. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Zoilos I Dikaios AR Drachm. Circa 150-130 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ ZΩIΛΟΥ, diademed and draped bust to right / Herakles standing facing, holding wreath, club and lion’s skin; monogram to left, ‘Maharajasa Dhramikasa Jhoilasa’ in Kharosthi around. Bopearachchi 3B; SNG ANS 968-972; HGC 12, 218. 2.46g, 18mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive iridescence; wonderfully detailed reverse. Very Rare.

1,750

Acquired from Nomos AG.

Very Rare

615. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Strato I Soter AR Drachm. Circa 105-80 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ ΣTPATΩNOΣ, diademed and draped bust to right / Athena Alkidemos standing to left, wielding thunderbolt and shield; monogram to left, ‘Maharajasa prakashasa tratarasa Stratasa’ in Kharosthi around. Bopearachchi 27D; Mitchiner 331c; SNG ANS 1008; HGC 12, 346. 2.31g, 18mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Very Rare with this obverse legend and monogram, the only example on CoinArchives. Ex J.B. Haarhuis Collection; Ex Hess-Divo AG, Auction 328, 22 May 2015, lot 121; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 1356.

225

1,500

PARTHIAN KINGDOM

616. Kingdom of Parthia, Phriapatios to Mithradates I AR Drachm. Hekatompylos mint, circa 185-132 BC. Head to left, wearing bashlyk / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑPΣΑΚΟΥ, archer (Arsakes I) seated to right on omphalos, holding bow. Sellwood 10.1 (Mithradates I); Sunrise 254; Shore 12-13 (Mithradates I). 4.08g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; obv. strike slightly off-centre, attractive light cabinet tone.

200

617. Kingdom of Parthia, Phraates II AR Drachm. Nisa mint, circa 128/7 BC. Diademed bust to left; ИI behind / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥΣ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ, archer (Arsakes I) seated to right on throne, holding bow. Sellwood 16.6; Sunrise 271; Shore 45. 3.56g, 19mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Rare; not recorded in Sellwood with retrograde N.

500

From the Oxus Collection.

The Fourth Known

618. Kingdom of Parthia, Mithradates II Æ 19mm. Uncertain (Hekatompylos?) mint, circa 121-91 BC. Diademed bust to left / BAΣIΛЄΩΣ BAΣIΛЄΩN MЄГAΛOY around, male figure (Apollo or Arsakes) standing to right, wearing cape, drawing arrow from quiver and holding bow set on ground; APΣAKOY in left field, H to right. Sellwood -, but cf. Type 27 for possible placement of issue; Sunrise -; Shore -; De Morgan -; CNG 90, 786. 3.47g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; the fourth known and considerably finer than the CNG 90 example which sold in 2012 for USD 1,800.

1,000

From the Neil Collection.

619. Kingdom of Parthia, Phraates III AR Drachm. Rhagai mint, circa 62 BC. Diademed facing bust, wearing necklace with medallion / Archer (Arsakes I) seated to right on throne, holding bow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ ΘΕΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗ[ΝΟΣ] around, monogram below bow. Sellwood 35.7; Sunrise 330-1; Shore 165. 4.09g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

From the Oxus Collection.

226

620. Kingdom of Parthia, Mithradates V AR Drachm. Ekbatana mint, circa AD 140. Diademed bust to left, with long pointed beard / Archer (Arsakes I) seated to right on throne, holding bow; degraded legend around, monogram below bow. Sellwood 82.1 (Mithradates IV); Sunrise 450; Shore 425 (Mithradates IV). 3.85g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State; well-centred and struck on lustrous metal, with an attractive light cabinet tone.

250

621. Kingdom of Parthia, Vologases V AR Drachm. Ekbatana mint, circa AD 191-208. Diademed facing bust, wearing long beard and with hair in bunches above head and over ears / Archer (Arsakes I) seated to right on throne, holding bow; degraded legend around, monogram below bow. Sellwood 86.3; Sunrise 455; Shore 448. 3.37g, 18mm, 1h. Mint State.

750

From the Oxus Collection.

622. Kingdom of Parthia, Vologases V AR Drachm. Ekbatana mint, circa AD 191-208. Diademed facing bust, wearing long beard and with hair in bunches above head and over ears / Archer (Arsakes I) seated to right on throne, holding bow; degraded legend around, monogram below bow. Sellwood 86.3; Sunrise 455; Shore 448. 3.74g, 19mm, 12h. Mint State.

750

From the Oxus Collection.

INDO-SKYTHIANS

623. Indo-Skythians, Maues AR Tetradrachm. Taxila mint, circa 95-57 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ BAΣIΛEΩN MEΓΛΛOY MAYOY, Zeus standing to left, extending right hand and holding long sceptre / ‘Rajadirajasa mahatasa Moasa’ in Kharosthi, Nike standing to right, holding wreath and palm over shoulder; monogram to right. Senior 1.1T; Mitchiner 729a; HGC 12, 524. 9.65g, 26mm, 12h. Near Mint State; a highly attractive example.

750

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 475, 26 August 2020, lot 435. Maues is considered to be the first Indo-Skythian king in India to strike coins bearing his own name. He styles himself a grandiose sounding title which may be on account of the clan nature of Skythian society, Maues being the supreme ruler over his fellow clan chiefs. His rise to power seems to have been sudden, judging by the quality of his coinage and the lack of any issues predating his assumption of a royal title. Maues established Skythian power in Gandhara (modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan region) by seizing Taxila and Sirkap from the Indo-Greek kingdom, and gradually he extended his rule over swathes of north-western India. His coins clearly show an adoption of the Greek language, as well as many Greek deities and types. This seems to suggest a policy of assimilation towards the Greeks conquered by Maues, a hypothesis supported by the existence of a coin naming ‘Artemidoros, son of the King of Kings, Maues’.

227

KUSHAN EMPIRE

624. Kushan Empire, Kanishka I AV Dinar. Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?), circa AD 127-151. Emperor standing facing, diademed, wearing peaked Iranian cap, head to left, flames at shoulder, sacrificing over altar, holding goad and sceptre / Mao standing facing, head to left, crescent at shoulders, extending right arm in gesture of blessing and resting left on sword at hip; tamgha to left. MK 58 (unlisted dies); ANS Kushan -; Donum Burns 128 (same obv. die). 7.97g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Archytas Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 118, 13 September 2021, lot 666.

625. Kushan Empire, Vasudeva I AV Dinar. Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?), circa AD 190-230. Vasudeva standing facing, diademed and crowned, head to left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; flames at right shoulder, filleted trident to left, nandipada to right / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing to left, three pellets below neck; tamgha flanked by two pellets to left, OESHO in Baktrian to right. MK 641 (unlisted dies, Vasudeva II); ANS Kushan 1091-93 var. (no pellets); Donum Burns 458. 7.98g, 22mm, 12h. Mint State.

1,250

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

KUSHANO-SASANIANS

626. Kushano-Sasanians, temp. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) - Pērōz (Fīrūz) I AV Dinar. In the name of Vasudeva I. Uncertain Baktrian mint, AD 230-270. King standing facing, nimbate, diademed and crowned, head to left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; flames at shoulder, filleted trident to left, tamgha to right, pellet to right of altar / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing to left; three pellets below neck, tamgha flanked by pellets to upper left. MK 644 (O25/R1); ANS Kushan -; Donum Burns -; for attribution, cf. Cribb, Kidarites pp. 98-100. 8.00g, 22mm, 12h. Mint State. Extremely Rare; only four examples known to Göbl and seemingly no others on CoinArchives. From a private European collection.

228

2,000

627. Kushano-Sasanians, temp. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) - Pērōz (Fīrūz) I AV Dinar. In the name of Vasudeva I. Uncertain Baktrian mint, AD 230-270. King standing facing, nimbate, diademed and crowned, head to left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; flames at shoulder, filleted trident to left, nandipana to right, Brahmi letter to left, swastika between legs / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing to left; tamgha to upper left, OHPO to right. MK 692 (Vasudeva II); ANS Kushan 1698; Donum Burns 474. 8.11g, 28mm, 12h. Mint State; in a wonderful state of preservation.

1,500

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

628. Kushano-Sasanians, temp. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) - Pērōz (Fīrūz) I AV Dinar. In the name of Vasudeva I. Uncertain Baktrian mint, AD 230-270. King standing facing, nimbate, diademed and crowned, head to left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; flames at shoulder, filleted trident to left, nandipana to right, Brahmi letter to left, swastika between legs / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing to left; tamgha to upper left, OHPO to right. MK 692 (O90/ R-, Vasudeva II); ANS Kushan 1698; Donum Burns 474. 7.99g, 27mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; minor dies shift to obv.

1,250

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

629. Kushano-Sasanians, temp. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) - Pērōz (Fīrūz) I AV Dinar. In the name of Vasudeva I. Uncertain Baktrian mint, AD 255-310. King standing facing, nimbate, diademed and crowned, head to left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; flames at shoulder, filleted trident and symbol to left, swastika between legs, tamgha to right / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing to left; tamgha and pellet to upper left, OHPO to right. MK 692 (O92/R5); ANS Kushan 1698; Donum Burns 474. 8.08g, 27mm, 12h. Mint State.

1,750

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

630. Kushano-Sasanians, temp. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) - Pērōz (Fīrūz) I AV Dinar. In the name of Vasudeva I. Uncertain Baktrian mint, AD 255-310. King standing facing, nimbate, diademed and crowned, head to left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; flames at shoulder, filleted trident and symbol to left, pellet to right of altar, pellet above swastika between legs, symbol to right of leg, three pellets below arm, tamgha to right / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing to left; tamgha and pellet to upper left, three pellets below, OHPO to right. MK 688 (unlisted dies); ANS Kushan 1702 corr. (MK ref. given); Donum Burns -. 8.08g, 27mm, 12h. Mint State; reverse partially double struck. Rare.

1,500

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

229

SASANIAN KINGDOM

631. Sasanian Kingdom, Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) I, with Papag (King of Persis) AR Hemidrachm. Mint A (“Stakhr”), phase 1, circa AD 205/6-223/4. Facing head, wearing diadem and tiara, Pahlawi script to left and right / Head of Papag to left, wearing diadem and tiara, Pahlawi script to left and right. SNS type I(1)/1(1) (pl. 1, 4); Göbl type I/1; Saeedi 8; Sunrise 693. 2.14g, 16mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; slight dies shift to rev. Rare.

1,000

632. Sasanian Kingdom, Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) I AR Drachm. Mint C (“Ctesiphon”), Phase 3, circa AD 233-239. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem with plain ends (type G) and close-fitting headdress with korymbos and no earflaps / Fire altar (flames 2) with plain diadem ends (type G). SNS type IIIa(4a)/3a(2b); Sunrise -. 4.29g, 27mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 84, 27 January 2015, lot 3097.

633. Sasanian Kingdom, Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) I AR Drachm. Mint B (“Hamadan”), Phase 3, circa AD 233-239. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem with decorated ends (type R) and close-fitting headdress with korymbos and earflaps / Fire altar (flames 2) with decorated diadem ends (type R); pellets flanking base. SNS type IIIb(4a)/3e(2b), cf. 210; Sunrise -. 4.31g, 26mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. A rare variant.

200

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 130, 8 March 2004, lot 1515; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 175, 23 September 1992, lot 562.

634. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur I AR Drachm. Mint I (“Ctesiphon”), Phase 1a, circa AD 240-244. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos / Fire altar flanked by two attendants wearing diadems (type 2) and mural crowns, pellet to lower left. SNS type IIa1/1a, pl. 20, unlisted style; Göbl type II/1; Sunrise -; MACW 810 (this coin). 4.31g, 25mm, 9h. Good Very Fine; area of weak striking in the centre, attractive old cabinet tone. Of a style unlisted with this bust type by SNS. This coin published in M. Mitchiner, Oriental Coins and Their Values: The Ancient and Classical World: 600 BC-AD 650 (London, 1978); From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Bellaria Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 102, 24 November 2004, lot 80.

230

250

635. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur I AV Dinar. Mint I (“Ctesiphon”), Phase Ib, circa AD 244-253. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem and 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; taurus symbol on altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style A, indeterminate group, cf. A18; Göbl type I/1; Saeedi -; Sunrise -. 7.45g, 22mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine; slight die rust on obv. Very Rare.

3,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 102, 18 May 2016, lot 716.

636. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur I AR Drachm. Mint I (“Ctesiphon”), phase 1c, circa AD 252/3-272. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos / Fire altar flanked by two attendants wearing diadems and mural crowns. SNS type IIc/1a, style N; Göbl type I/1; Saeedi -; Sunrise -. 4.25g, 27mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

250

637. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur I AV Dinar. Mint I (“Ctesiphon”), Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem and mural crown surmounted by korymbos / Fire-altar flanked by two attendants, each wearing mural crown with ribbons and korymbos and holding staff surmounted by pellet-in-crescent; symbol to left of flames, two pellets to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group d/2, pl. 32, A45-6 var. (pellets on rev.); Göbl type I/1; Saeedi AV6 var. (pellets on rev.); Sunrise 740 var. (decoration of ribbons and symbols on reverse). 7.39g, 22mm, 3h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

3,500

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

638. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur I AV Dinar. Mint I (“Ctesiphon”), Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem and mural crown surmounted by korymbos / Fire-altar flanked by two attendants, each wearing mural crown with ribbons and korymbos and holding staff surmounted by pellet-in-crescent; symbol to left of flames, two pellets to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group d/2, pl. 32, A45-6 var. (pellets on rev.); Göbl type I/1; Saeedi AV6 var. (pellets on rev.); Sunrise 740 var. (decoration of ribbons and symbols on reverse). 7.40g, 22mm, 3h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

3,000

231

639. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur I AV Dinar. Mint I (“Ctesiphon”), Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem and mural crown surmounted by korymbos / Fire-altar flanked by two attendants, each wearing mural crown with ribbons and korymbos and holding staff surmounted by pellet-in-crescent; three pellets to right of altar shaft. SNS type IIc/1b, style P; Göbl type I/1; Saeedi AV4 var. (no pellets on rev.); Sunrise 739 var. (same). 7.39g, 20mm, 3h. Near Mint State.

3,000

From a private European collection.

640. Sasanian Kingdom. Vahrām (Bahram) II AV Dinar. Hamadan mint, phase I, after AD 276. Bust to right, wearing winged crown with korymbos / Fire altar flanked by two attendants; the left wearing winged crown with korymbos, the right wearing mural crown. SNS type I(1)/1(1a), style B, A42 (same dies?); Göbl 1/1; Saeedi -; Sunrise -. 7.45g, 20mm, 3h. 4,000

Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

641. Sasanian Kingdom, Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Prince 3, AR Drachm. HWPY (Herat) mint, phase I, after AD 276. Confronted busts of Vahrām, wearing winged crown with korymbos, and Prince 3, wearing Kolah with boar’s head / Fire altar flanked by two attendants, the right wearing winged crown with korymbos, the other wearing mural crown; hw-py in Pahlavi flanking flames. SNS type III(1)/1(1a), style I, pl. 24, 64; Göbl type IV/1; Sunrise 776. 4.21g, 28mm, 2h. Very Fine; areas of weak strike. Rare.

500

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 354, 1 July 2015, lot 296.

Very Rare

642. Sasanian Kingdom, Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Queen and Prince 4, AR Obol. Central mint, phase II, AD 276-293. Jugate busts of Vahrām (Bahram), wearing winged crown with korymbos, and his queen, wearing kolah with boar’s head to right, vis-a-vis bust of Prince 4 wearing kolah with eagle’s head to left, holding out wreath / Fire altar flanked by attendants, one holding wreath; fravahr symbol to left of flames; degraded Pahlavi legend to left and right. SNS type VIa/2, style A (denomination not listed for this type); Göbl type VII/2 (unlisted combination); Saeedi -; Sunrise -. 0.65g, 14mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine; dark old cabinet tone. Very Rare unpublished variant.

232

500

643. Sasanian Kingdom, Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Queen and Prince 4, AR Drachm. Central mint, phase III, AD 276-293. Jugate busts of Vahrām (Bahram), wearing winged crown with korymbos, and his queen, wearing kolah with boar’s head to right, vis-a-vis bust of Prince 4 wearing kolah with eagle’s head to left, holding out wreath / Fire altar flanked by attendants, one holding wreath; fravahr symbol to left of flames; degraded Pahlavi legend to left and right. SNS VIIa(1a)/5(1a), style A, 34; Göbl type X/3; Saeedi 168; Sunrise 789. 3.91g, 27mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; dark cabinet toning.

400

644. Sasanian Kingdom, Narseh (Narsē) AR Drachm. Uncertain mint, phase 3, AD 293-303. Diademed and cuirassed bust to right, wearing arcaded crown and korymbos / Fire altar with ribbons and two attendants either side. SNS type II/5b, style A; Göbl type I/1; Saeedi 182-3; Sunrise -, cf, 801. 3.62g, 27mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone. Very Rare.

300

645. Sasanian Kingdom, Narseh (Narsē) AR Drachm. Phase 1, Circa AD 293-303. Draped bust to right, wearing crown with arcades, three branches and korymbos set atop / Fire altar, two attendants to either side, each holding sword, one on left wearing crown with a korymbos, one on right, mural crown, symbols above to right and left. SNS Ia/1a; Göbl II/2 var. (ribbon on altar); Saeedi 177; Sunrise 803. 4.20g, 26mm, 3h. Good Very Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

200

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from Pegasi Numismatics, 17 January 2004.

646. Sasanian Kingdom, Ohrmazd (Hormizd) II AR Drachm. Circa AD 303-309. Draped bust to right, wearing eagle crown topped with korymbos / Fire altar with facing bust in flames, face turned to left, two attendants to either side, each holding sword, one on left wearing crown with a korymbos, one on right, mural crown. SNS type 1a/4a; Göbl Ia.1a; Saeedi 188 corr. (SNS type); Sunrise 820-21 corr. (SNS type) var. (legend under altar). 3.69g, 26mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare - this type often misattributed to SNS type 1a/3a. From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Triskeles, Auction 9, 24 October 2013, lot 56.

233

200

647. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur II AR Obol. Mint IX (“Kabul”), circa AD 320. Draped bust to right, wearing diadem and mural crown surmounted by a korymbos / Fire altar with ribbons. SNS type Ib1/2a; Göbl type Ia/7; Saeedi -; Sunrise 844. 0.71g, 13mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

750

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

648. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur III AR Drachm. Mint VII (ART), AD 383-388. Draped and crowned bust to right, korymbos on top / Fire altar, crowned head to right on top, two attendants either side, each holding long sword, ribbon ends flanking altar. SNS Ib1/1b, 21-23; Göbl I/1; Saeedi 220; cf. Sunrise 875 (Kabul mint). 4.11g, 25mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine.

250

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - old collector’s ticket included; Ex Triskeles, Auction 9, 24 October 2013, lot 66.

649. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur III AR Drachm. Mint X, AD 383-388. Draped and crowned bust to right, korymbos on top / Fire altar, crowned head to right on top, two attendants either side, each holding long sword, suspended ribbon ends flanking altar. SNS Ib1/1b, A21 var. (legend spacing on obv. and style of ribbon ends on rev.) ; Göbl -; Saeedi -; Sunrise -; CNG 90, 909. 3.48g, 22mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare - apparently unpublished with these stylistic variants.

250

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 81, 20 May 2009, lot 745.

650. Sasanian Kingdom, Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) III AR Drachm. BYŠ (Bišābuhr) mint, dated RY 2 = AD 629. Bust to right wearing mural crown (2nd type) with frontal crescent and korymbos set on crescent / Fire altar with ribbons, flanked by two attendants, star and crescent flanking flames; date to left, mint to right. Göbl II/1; Saeedi 293ff. var. (mint not listed); Sunrise 994. 4.16g, 32mm, 3h. About Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet toning. Very Rare from this mint. From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 204, 5 March 2012, lot 1650.

234

150

651. Sasanian Kingdom, Queen Bōrān (Buran) AR Drachm. SK (Sakastan) mint, dated RY 2 = AD 630/1. Bust to right, wearing crown with two wings and korymbos set on crescent; star and star-in-crescent flanking crown / Fire altar with ribbons, flanked by attendants; star and crescent flanking flames. Malek & Curtis 29-73, pl. 34, 61; Göbl type I/1; Sunrise 1006. 4.11g, 31mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

1,000

From a private European collection.

HUNNIC TRIBES

652. Hunnic Tribes, Nezak Huns BI Drachm. Anonymous Napki Malik coinage, circa AD 484/90-500/15. Vondrovec š-group (late style). Bust to right, wearing winged crown surmounted by bull’s head / Fire altar flanked by attendants; wheel above each attendant. Vondrovec [Göbl, Hunnen] Type 222 (early style). 3.24g, 26mm, 3h. Good Very Fine.

From the JTB Numismatic Collection - collector’s ticket included; Ex Archytas Collection.

JUDAEAN First Jewish War Shekel

653. Judaea. First Jewish War AR Shekel. Temple (Jerusalem) mint, dated year 2 = April 67 CE - March 68 CE. Omer cup with beaded rim, date above; “Shekel of Israel” in Paleo-Hebrew script around / Sprig of three pomegranates; “Jerusalem the Holy” in Paleo-Hebrew script around. Deutsch 180-94 var. (O14/R- [unlisted rev. die]); Hendin GBC 6, 6387; TJC 193; Sofaer 5-8; Roma 90, lot 691 (hammer: £6,500). 14.03g, 24mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

Acquired from Edward J. Waddell Ltd, 19 December 2005.

235

236

ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINS Ex Sternberg, 1992

654. Marc Antony and Octavia AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Ephesus, Ionia. Circa 39 BC. M•ANTONIVS•IMP•COS•DESIG•ITER•ET•TERT, head of Antony to right, wearing ivy wreath, lituus below; all within wreath of ivy and flowers / III•VIR• R•P•C, head of Octavia atop cista mystica, between twisting snakes. RPC I 2201; CRI 262; BMCRR East 133; RSC 2. 11.93g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

3,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 100, 29 May 2017, lot 1673; Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction XXVI, 16 November 1992, lot 263.

655. Marc Antony and Octavia AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Ephesus, Ionia. Circa 39 BC. M•ANTONIVS•IMP•COS•DESIG•ITER•ET•TERT, head of Antony to right, wearing ivy wreath, lituus below; all within wreath of ivy and flowers / III•VIR• R•P•C, head of Octavia atop cista mystica, between twisting snakes. RPC I 2201; CRI 262; BMCRR East 133; RSC 2. 11.94g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful cabinet tone.

3,000

Acquired from Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung.

237

238

Ex Hess-Leu 7, 1957

656. Marc Antony and Cleopatra VII AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. Circa 36 BC. BACIΛICCA K[ΛЄOΠATPA ΘЄA N]ЄѠTЄPA, diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra to right / ANTѠNIOC AVTOKPATѠP TPITON TPIѠN ANΔPѠN, bare head of Marc Antony to right. RPC I 4094; McAlee 174; Prieur 27. 14.93g, 27mm, 1h. Good Very Fine; excellent portraits. Rare in this condition.

35,000

Ex Michel Prieur Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXII, 8 January 2019, lot 552; Ex Moreira Collection (Part 2), Superior Coin and Stamp Auctions, Auction 75, 10 December 1988, lot 2245; Ex Hess-Leu AG, Auction 7, 16 April 1957, lot 336. This tetradrachm, struck after the return of Antony to the East, proclaims the new political alliance between the triumvir and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Antony’s choice to leave the sister of his rival Octavian was a bold move which completely separated him from his homeland, though the many titles and honours he received when he made this transition are symptomatic of the irresistible allure of the luxurious Eastern world. Despite Antony having been away for four years, during which time he had married another woman and fathered two daughters, Cleopatra eagerly accepted Antony’s invitation to join him in Antioch, where the two were married and made ostentatious display of their partnership. She had already borne twins for Antony, and the difficulty of maintaining the Ptolemaic Kingdom intact while Rome eyed up her rich and bountiful, but weak, country was no doubt the prime motivating factor. Though this coin confirms their political union, the individual sovereignty of both Cleopatra and Antony is distinctly maintained by their placement on obverse and reverse respectively rather than displaying them in a conjoined bust format. This issue has been traditionally assigned to Antioch, however R. McAlee points out that the letter forms (C for Σ and ω for Ω) are inconsistent with those on contemporary Antiochene issues. Moreover, Antioch remained in Roman rule despite Antony granting vast tracts of territory to Cleopatra. The placement of Cleopatra, not Antony, on the obverse also points to a mint within Egyptian territory, perhaps in Phoenicia. For this same reason, a military mint moving with Antony appears unlikely. Nonetheless, the dating of the coin suggests that it may well have been issued in support of Antony, and in particular of his Parthian campaign, a great undertaking involving more than 100,000 Roman and allied troops which ultimately proved to be a complete failure that cost the lives of about 25,000 men. This joint issue coinage (along with the similar denarius type) no doubt contributed to the increasingly prevalent view in Rome that Antony had deserted his Roman values and indeed the Roman people; a view that was shortly thereafter firmly cemented by the Donations of Alexandria, in which ceremony Antony paraded himself dressed as Dionysus and proceeded to distribute Rome’s eastern territories to the children of Cleopatra and grant them many titles. When Octavian obtained Marc Antony’s will from the temple of Vesta, distaste turned to outrage as it was read out in the Senate that Antony wished to be buried with Cleopatra in Alexandria. When the second term of the Second Triumvirate expired on the last day of 33 BC, the Roman world again found itself at war.

239

657. Augustus Æ As of uncertain mint, North-Western(?) Spain. Circa 27-23 BC. IMP AVG DIVI F, bare head to left; palm to left, winged caduceus to right / Celt-Iberian shield. RPC I 3 (same dies as illustration); ACIP 3301 (same dies); Vives 118-2. 9.76g, 24mm. Good Very Fine.

250

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

658. Augustus AR Cistophorus of Ephesus, Ionia. Circa 28-20 BC. IMP•CAESAR•DIVI•F•COS•VI•LIBERTATIS•P•R•VINDEX, laureate head to right / Pax standing to left on parazonium, holding caduceus, snake emerging from cista mystica in right field, PAX in left field; all within laurel-wreath. RIC I 476; RPC I 2203; BMCRE 691; RSC 218. 11.95g, 28mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,000

Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVII, 28 March 2019, lot 628.

659. Augustus AR Drachm of Masicytus, Lycia. Circa 27-20 BC. Bare head of Augustus assimilating features of Agrippa to right; Λ-Y across fields / Two citharas; MA below. RPC I 3309c; SNG von Aulock -; BMC -; Troxell, Lycian League, Period IV, 121.3 (same obv. die); Nomos 24, 391 (same obv. die). 3.36g, 19mm, 12h. Mint State. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

An Unpublished Drachm of the Lycian League

660. Augustus AR Drachm of Masicytus, Lycia. Circa 27-20 BC. Bare head of Augustus assimilating features of Agrippa to right; Λ-Υ across fields / Two citharas, pellet between, M-A across outer fields. RPC I 3309; SNG von Aulock -; BMC -; Troxell, Lycian League -, cf. Period IV, 121 (differing placement of ethnic on rev.); Roma E-30, lot 211 (same obv. die). 3.33g, 20mm, 1h. Mint State; minor die break on obv., attractive light cabinet tone. Extremely Rare, possibly the second known example with this variant rev. type. 1,000 From the inventory of a German dealer.

240

661. Augustus AR Drachm of Masicytus, Lycia. Circa 27-20 BC. Bare head to right; Λ-Y flanking / Two citharas, grain ear between; MA below. RPC I 3309c.1; Troxell, Lycian League, Period IV, 122.6-13; SNG von Aulock 4352. 3.54g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

The Second Known Example

662. Augustus AR Drachm of Masicytus, Lycia. Circa 27-20 BC. Bare head to right; Λ-Y flanking / Cithara; aplustre in left field, M above A in right field. RPC I, 3308A (additional coin-type added post publication); Troxell, Lycian League -, cf. 116 for example with two citharas; SNG von Aulock -; BMC -. 3.57g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Apparently the second known example and the first to come to auction since 2008.

400

From the inventory of a German dealer.

663. Britannicus (son of Claudius) Æ 19mm of Aegae, Aeolis. AD 50-54. Chaleos, magistrate. BPЄTANNIKOC KAICAP, bare head to right / Zeus standing to left, holding eagle and sceptre; AIΓAЄѠN downwards on right. RPC I 2431.7 (this coin) = Aufhäuser 20, lot 255; Gadoury 2012, lot 112 (this coin). 3.30g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare variety lacking the magistrate’s name.

600

From a private European collection; This coin published at Roman Provincial Coinage Online (rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk); Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 755; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, Auction 2012, 1 December 2012, lot 112 (hammer: EUR 1,500); Ex Hauck & Aufhäuser, Auction 20, 16 October 2007, lot 255.

Ex CNG 57, 2001

664. Nero, as Caesar, AR Cistophorus of Ephesus, Ionia. AD 50-54. NERONI • CLAVD • CAES • DRVSO • GERM, bare-headed and draped bust of young Nero to left / Round shield (clipeus virtutis) inscribed COS DES PRINC IVVENT in three lines within laurel wreath. RPC I 2225; RIC I 121 corr. (rev. legend; Claudius); BMCRE 307 (Pergamum); RSC 82; SNG von Aulock 6576. 11.25g, 26mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; attractive light cabinet tone. Rare.

1,500

Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 57, 4 April 2001, lot 1088.

241

665. Nero BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 13 = AD 66/7. ΝΕΡΩ ΚΛΑY ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕB ΓΕΡ AY, radiate bust to left, wearing aegis; L IΓ (date) in left field / ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣ, galley sailing to right; dolphins swimming below. RPC I 5296; Dattari (Savio) 263; Köln 186; Geissen 184; K&G 14.99 corr. (obverse legend). 13.62g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

One of the Finest of All Surviving Alexandrian Bronzes

666. Hadrian Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 16 = AD 131/2. AVT KAI TPAI AΔPIA CЄB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / Laureate and togate emperor standing in car of slow quadriga to right, holding eagle-tipped sceptre in left hand and laurel branch in extended right hand; L Iς (date) in exergue. RPC III 5790; Dattari (Savio) 1591 (same obv. die); Geissen 1047; Emmett 960.16. 29.13g, 37mm, 12h. Near Mint State; a bold and striking portrait. Rare, particularly so in this condition; one of the very finest of all surviving Alexandrian bronzes.

8,000

Ex Hess-Divo AG, Auction 339, 22 October 2020, lot 58; Ex Walter Niggeler Collection Part II, Bank Leu AG - Münzen und Medaillen AG, 21-22 October 1966, lot 707; Ex Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Collection Part III, P. & P. Santamaria, 26 June 1950, lot 943; Ex Dr. Hans Steger Collection, Münzhandlung Basel, Auction 6, 18 March 1936, lot 486.

Ex Dattari Collection

667. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 10 = AD 146/7. AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTѠNЄINOC 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. 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.

242

2,500

668. Marcus Aurelius Æ 24mm of Cyrene, Cyrenaica. AD 170/1. Μ ΑΥΡΗΛ ΑΝΤѠΝЄΙΝΟϹ ϹЄΒ, radiate and cuirassed bust to right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧΙΚ ЄΞΟΥϹ ΚΔ, head of Zeus Ammon to right. RPC IV.1 Online 6849 (temporary); Sydenham, Caesarea 342; BMC 186; Roma e92, 780; CNG e417, 401; CNG e381, 351. 10.39g, 24mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; spots of corrosion. Very Rare, and among the finest known.

500

669. Julia Domna (wife of S. Severus) Æ 23mm of Eumenea, Phrygia. AD 193-211. ΙΟΥΛΑ ϹЄΒΑϹ, draped bust to right / ЄΥΜЄΝЄΩ ΑΧΑΙΩΝ, Dionysus standing to left, holding cantharus over panther and thyrsus; N in left field. BMC -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; The Weber Collection -. 8.27g, 23mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references.

300

670. Geta, as Caesar, Æ 30mm of Germe, Mysia. AD 198-209. Glykon, magistrate. Π ϹЄΠΤΙΜΙΟϹ ΓЄΤΑϹ ΚΑΙϹΑ, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / ЄΠΙ ΓΛΥΚΩΝΟϹ ΓЄΡΜΗΝΩΝ, Apollo standing to right, legs crossed, raising hand to head and resting arm on column surmounted by lyre; serpent-entwined tree behind. SNG BnF 991; SNG von Aulock 1115; Ehling 170. 15.62g, 30mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

671. Severus Alexander Medallic Æ 42mm of Perinthus, Thrace. AD 222-235. AV K M AVP CEVH AΛEΞANΔPOC AVΓ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust to right / ΠEPINΘIWN ΔIC, emperor standing to left on galley sailing to left, raising right hand and holding sceptre in left, Isis Pharia standing before, holding billowing sail, Serapis standing behind, placing wreath on emperor’s head; NEWKOPWN in exergue. Schönert, Perinthos 782 (same dies); Varbanov 460. 37.17g, 42mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only three others auctioned in the past 20 years, with none finer. From the inventory of a German dealer.

243

3,000

The Finest of 4 Known

672. Trajan Decius Æ 40mm of Isinda, Pisidia. AD 249-251. AY KAI ΓΑ ΜЄ ΚΥ ΤΡΑ ΔЄΚΙON ЄΥT, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / ΙϹΙΝΔЄΩΝ, draped ‘philosopher’ bust of the Demos to right, touching his beard; ΔΗΜΟϹ below. RPC IX 996; Von Aulock, Pisidiens 890 = R. E. Hecht, ‘Some Greek Imperial coins in my collection’, NC (1968), p. 33, 18 = ANS 1973.191.86; Heidelberger 71, lot 1583 (EUR 4,100). 29.31g, 40mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; the finest known. Extremely Rare; only two known to RPC, and a further one in CoinArchives.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Likely the Finest Known

673. Claudius II Gothicus Æ Dekassarion of Sagalassus, Pisidia. AD 268-270. ΑΥ Κ Μ ΑΥΡ ΚΛΑΥΔΙΟΝ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / ϹΑΓΑΛΑϹЄЄΩΝ, Hermes alighting to right, wearing petasos and winged sandals, holding kerykeion and lit torch; I (= ten) and branch before. SNG von Aulock 5202. 21.44g, 35mm, 12h. Near Mint State; in exceptional condition for the type. Extremely Rare; the first example to come to auction since 2005, and likely the finest known. 2,000

244

SELECTIONS FROM THE ANDREW MCCABE COLLECTION

674. Anonymous Cast Æ Uncia. Rome, circa 265 BC. Astragalus (knucklebone) seen from outside; • (mark of value) below / Astragalus (knucklebone) seen from inside. ICC 46; Crawford 21/6; HN Italy 293; RBW 27 var. (mark of value above). 20.96g, 24mm, 12h. Very Fine.

250

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Privately purchased from Baldwin’s Thomas Curtis, September 1998.

675. Anonymous AR Drachm (Half-Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-212 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter, holding sceptre and brandishing thunderbolt, in fast quadriga driven to left by Victory; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 28/4; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 110; RSC 25. 3.22g, 16mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

750

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex private European collection (outside of Italy prior to December 1992), Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XVIII, 29 September 2019, lot 782.

676. Anonymous Cast Æ Triens. Rome, circa 215-212 BC. Helmeted head of Minerva to left; •••• (mark of value) below / Prow to left; •••• (mark of value) below. ICC 95; Crawford 38/3; RBW -. 82.91g, 42mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Central European Aes Grave Collection, Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 18006, 25 September 2018, lot 1053, cabinet annotations note as “ex Andrea Morello FPL 2004, lot 83”.

245

Published in RBW and Ex NAC 9, 1996

677. Anonymous Cast Æ As. Rome, 215-212 BC. Laureate head of Janus; all on a raised disk / Prow of galley to right; I (mark of value) above; all on a raised disk. ICC 106; Crawford 41/5b; RBW 116 (this coin). 61.25g, 37mm. Extremely Fine; types in remarkably high relief. Very rare with prow to right.

1,000

This coin published in Roberto Russo ‘The RBW Collection of Roman Republican Coins’ (NAC, 2013); From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex RBW Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 61, 5 October 2011, lot 51; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 9, 16 April 1996, lot 500.

Unpublished and Possibly Unique

678. Anonymous Cast Æ Quadrans. Rome, circa 215-212 BC. Head of Hercules to left, wearing lion skin headdress; ••• (mark of value) behind / Prow to left; ••• (mark of value) below. ICC 112 var. (position of obv. mark of value); Crawford 41/8a var. (same); HN Italy 340 var. (same); RBW 128 var. (same). 38.96g, 33mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Of the highest rarity; the only known example with the mark of value behind the head of Hercules.

300

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex JD collection of Roman Republican Coins, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 64, 17 May 2012, lot 929.

679. Anonymous AR Victoriatus. Rome, after 211 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Victory standing to right, crowning trophy; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 53/1; BMCRR Rome 296; RSC 9. 3.00g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; beautifully centred.

300

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from Steve Peterson, 2017; Ex Professor James R. Easton Collection.

246

Ex Vecchi 3, 1996

680. Anonymous Ӕ As. Rome, circa 170-160 BC. Laureate head of Janus; I (mark above) above / Prow of galley to right; I (mark of value) to right, ROMA in exergue. McCabe Group K2.As.1; cf. Crawford 198B/1a and 182-4 (gryphon-wolf-butterfly series). 27.15g, 33mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

150

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Fallani Collection, Italo Vecchi Ltd., Auction 3, 13 September 1996, lot 380.

Published in Essays Russo, 2013

681. Anonymous Æ Semis. Rome, 206-195 BC. Laureate head of Saturn to right; S (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; S (mark of value) above, ROMA in exergue. McCabe Group J1.Sm.1, p. 190 (this coin); cf. Crawford 113-4 (star-rostrum series). 17.48g, 28mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

250

This coin published in A. McCabe, ‘The Anonymous Struck Bronze Coinage of the Roman Republic’ in P.G. van Alfen and R.B. Witschonke, Essays in Honour of Roberto Russo (NAC, 2013); From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Privately acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 2010.

682. Anonymous Æ Triens. South Italian mint, circa 218-201 BC. Helmeted head of Minerva to right; •••• (mark of value) above / Prow of galley to right; •••• (mark of value) below. McCabe Group C1 (this denomination unlisted); cf. Crawford 89/5 (club series). 5.48g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; traces of overstriking, likely on a Poseidon/trident type of Syracuse (cf. HGC 2, 1550), attractive brown patina. Extremely Rare.

200

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Gerhard Hirsch, Auction 202, 25 November 1998, lot 328 (per Schaefer files at ANS).

Ex M&M DE 2, 1998

683. Anonymous Æ Quadrans. Rome, circa 218-201 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing lion skin headdress; ••• (mark of value) to left / Prow of galley to right; ••• (mark of value) below, ROMA above. McCabe Group G1.Qd; Crawford 56/5. 11.20g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine.

200

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Münzen und Medaillen Deutschland, Auction 2, 27 March 1998, lot 425.

247

684. Anonymous Æ Semuncia. Rome, 215-212 BC. Draped bust of Mercury to right / Prow of galley to right; ROMA above. McCabe Group A2.Su; Crawford 41/11. 2.72g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive green patina.

200

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex English Amateur Scholar Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 24 May 2016, lot 1548; Acquired in January 1992.

Ex De Nicola FPL March 1964

685. Corn Ear Series AR Quinarius. Sicily, 211-210 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; V (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri galloping to right holding spears levelled, two stars above; corn-ear below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 72/4; King 11; RSC 21. 1.85g, 14mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

300

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s ticket; Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Auction 179, 21 September 1993, lot 735; Ex De Nicola, FPL March 1964, lot 222.

686. Dolphin Series Æ As. Sicily, 209-208 BC. Laureate head of Janus; I (mark of value) above / Prow to right; I (mark of value) above, dolphin before, ROMA below. Crawford 80/2; BMCRR Rome 331-3; RBW 220 (this coin). 39.75g, 34mm, 3h. Very Fine. Rare.

250

This coin published in Roberto Russo ‘The RBW Collection of Roman Republican Coins’ (NAC, 2013); From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex RBW Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 61, 5 October 2011, lot 336; Privately purchased from Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 26 February 1995.

687. Spearhead Series Æ Uncia. Apulia, circa 209 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; • (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; ROMA above, spearhead before, • (mark of value) below. Crawford 88/8; Russo, Essays Hersh, 48; RBW 380. 3.59g, 17mm, 12h. Very Fine; irregularly shaped planchet (intact). Very Rare; the first example to appear at auction since 2013. From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex RBW Collection; Ex Fallani Collection, Italo Vecchi Ltd., Auction 3, 13 September 1996, lot 211.

248

250

688. L Series Æ Uncia. Luceria, 214-212 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; • (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; ROMA above, L and • (mark of value) below. Crawford 97/15; BMCRR Italy 173; RBW 410. 4.34g, 17mm, 3h. Good Very Fine; attractive brown patina. Rare.

200

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Gibboni Collection, Münzen und Medaillen Deutschland, Auction 19, 16 May 2006, lot 596; Ex Goodman Collection; Reportedly Ex Luis Llana March 2002 (Schaefer files at ANS).

689. Sow Series AR Victoriatus. Rome, 206-195 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Victory standing to right, crowning trophy; between, sow standing to right, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 121/1; BMCRR Rome 481; RSC 24i. 2.34g, 17mm, 9h. Good Very Fine; well-centred, attractive cabinet tone. Very Rare.

250

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from Tom Cederlind, 2001.

690. Dog Series AR Denarius. Rome, 206-195 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, each holding spear, star above each head; below, dog standing to right; ROMA in linear frame in exergue. Crawford 122/2; BMCRR Rome 486; RSC 20j. 3.72g, 19mm, 9h. Very Fine; attractive light cabinet tone. Rare.

300

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex RBW Collection, purchased 11 December 1987; Ex Charles Hersh Collection, per RBW ticket included.

691. ME Series AR Victoriatus. Rome, 194-190 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Victory standing to right, crowning trophy; ME between, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 132/1; BMCRR Rome 533-5; RSC Caecilia 2. 2.87g, 17mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

200

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from Harlan J. Berk.

249

692. L. Mamilius Æ As. Rome, 189-180 BC. Laureate head of Janus; I (mark of value) above / Prow to right; above, Ulysses standing to right, holding staff; I (mark of value) to right, ROMA upwards before, L•MAMILI below. Crawford 149/1a; BMCRR Rome 485; RBW 660. 28.41g, 32mm, 9h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

200

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, E-Auction 27, 27 May 2015, lot 352.

Only Two Others on CoinArchives

693. Dolphin Series Æ Quadrans. Rome, 179-170 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing lion skin headdress; ••• (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; dolphin above, ••• (mark of value) before, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 160/4; BMCRR Rome 430; RBW 702 = NAC 61, 697; InAsta 32, 72 = Rauch 87, 234 = Bertolami 4, 766 = Roma e11, 117. 8.00g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; areas of flat strike, attractive brown patina. Very Rare; seemingly just the third specimen to come to auction in the past twenty years. 150 From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Privately purchased from Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 2010.

694. P. Juventius Thalna Æ Quadrans. Rome, 179-170 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing lion skin headdress; ••• (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; ROMA above, TAL (ligate) before, ••• (mark of value) below. Crawford 161/5; BMCRR Italy 132; RBW 707 (this coin). 7.61g, 20mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

150

This coin published in Roberto Russo ‘The RBW Collection of Roman Republican Coins’ (NAC, 2013); From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex RBW Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 61, 5 October 2011, lot 702; Privately purchased from Frank Kovacs, August 2001.

Only Four Others on CoinArchives

695. L. Cornelius Cinna Æ Semis. Rome, circa 169-158 BC. Laureate head of Saturn to right; S (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; CINA above, S (mark of value) before, ROMA below. Crawford 178/2; BMCRR -; RBW 753 = NAC 61, 749; Astarte XXII, 101; NAC 78, 1680 (part of); Naville 18, 351 = Naville 26, 216. 12.05g, 25mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare; one of only five examples on CoinArchives.

500

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG, Online Auction 23, 17 June 2018, lot 344 (hammer: EUR 550).

250

Ex JD Collection and NAC 7, 1994

696. Ass Series Æ Quadrans. Rome, circa 169-158 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing lion skin headdress; ••• (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; above, ass standing to right; ••• (mark of value) before, ROMA below. Crawford 195/4; BMCRR Rome 527-8; RBW 840. 8.04g, 20mm, 3h. 200

Near Extremely Fine. Scarce. From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex JD collection of Roman Republican Coins, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 78, 26 May 2014, lot 401; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 7, 1 March 1994, lot 518.

697. Q. Caecilius Metellus Æ Quadrans. Rome, 130 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing lion skin headdress; ••• (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; Q•METE above, ••• (mark of value) before, ROMA below. Crawford 256/4a; BMCRR Rome 1061-5; RBW 1045. 5.56g, 19mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

100

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from Lance Chaplin (United Kingdom).

698. Elephant Head Series Æ Semis. Rome, circa 128 BC. Laureate head of Saturn to right; S (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; elephant head above, S (mark of value) before; ROMA below. Crawford 262/2; BMCRR Rome 1048-50; RBW 1061. 8.59g, 23mm, 9h. Very Fine; well-centred.

150

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex A.K. Collection (item B104, assembled 1930s onwards), Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XII, 6 January 2009, lot 463 (part of).

699. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 115-114 BC. Head of Roma to right, wearing winged and crested helmet; X (mark of value) behind, ROMA below / Helmeted Roma seated to right on two shields, holding spear; wolf standing to right at her feet, head reverted, suckling Romulus and Remus; in left and right fields, two birds flying towards her. Crawford 287/1; BMCRR Italy 562-5; RSC 176. 3.92g, 20mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Nomisma S.p.a. (San Marino), E-Auction 7, 11 November 2018, lot 3016.

251

700. C. Coelius Caldus AR Denarius. Rome, 104 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to left / Victory driving galloping biga to left, holding reins; CALD below, :E• (control mark) in exergue. Crawford 318/1b; BMCRR Rome 1469; RSC Coelia 3. 3.96g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

300

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Privately purchased from Barry Murphy; Ex Southern California Collection, assembled 1960s-1970s.

701. C. Egnatuleius C. f. AR Quinarius. Rome, 97 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; C•EGNATVLEI•C•F• downwards, Q (mark of value) below / Victory standing to left, inscribing shield attached to trophy with carnyx at base to left; Q (mark of value) in field, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 333/1; BMCRR 1076; King 36; RSC Egnatuleia 1. 1.88g, 17mm, 10h. Extremely Fine; superb condition for the type.

250

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd; Ex Emporium Hamburg, Auction 8, 23 April 1987, lot 281.

702. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Quinarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; bucranium behind / Victory standing to right, holding palm over shoulder; FRVGI downwards to left; L•PISO upwards to right. Crawford 340/2b; King 38; RSC Calpurnia 13a. 1.82g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive deep old cabinet tone, exceptional for the issue.

500

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Artemide Aste s.r.l., Auction LVI, 23 October 2021, lot 253.

Ex Peus 308, 1983

703. 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; C (control mark) above, VER below, GAR•OGVL in exergue. Crawford 350A/1e; BMCRR 2616; RSC Virgilia 1. 3.92g, 18mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone with iridescence around the devices. From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex RBW Collection; Ex Dr. Busso Peus, Auction 308, 19 October 1983, lot 300 (DM 330).

252

750

704. Anonymous Æ Semis. Rome, 86 BC. Laureate head of Saturn to right; S (mark of value) behind / Prow to left; ROMA above, S (mark of value) before. Crawford 350B/1; BMCRR Rome 2205; RBW 1342. 6.35g, 19mm, 3h. Very Fine. Scarce.

100

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Privately purchased from Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 2010.

705. C. Cassius and L. Julius Salinator Æ As. Rome, 84 BC. Laureate head of Janus; crescent (mark of value) above / Prow to right inscribed D•S•S; L•SALI[N or •] C•CASSI in two lines above. Crawford 355/1f-g; BMCRR Rome -; RBW 1360. 11.05g, 26mm, 10h. Very Fine.

250

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Goodman Collection, Classical Numismatic Group - Numismatica Ars Classica - Freeman & Sear, Triton I, 2 December 1997, lot 1165; Ex Aretusa, Auction 1, 18 September 1993, lot 188 (hammer: CHF 250) ‘Important Private Collection’ (Aretusa catalogue notes).

706. L. Rustius AR Denarius. Rome, 76 BC. Helmeted head of Mars to right; S•C behind, mark of value before / Ram standing to right; L•RVSTI in exergue. Crawford 389/1; BMCRR Rome 3271; RSC Rustia 1. 3.87g, 18mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Tauler & Fau, Auction 95, 2 November 2021, lot 194 (Poinssot sale).

Ex CNG Triton XII, 2009

707. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Bust of ‘Vacuna’ to right, wearing a wreathed and crested helmet, bow and quiver on shoulder; cornucopiae below chin, CESTIANVS behind, S•C before / Eagle standing to right on thunderbolt, head to left; M• PLAETORIVS M•F•AED•CVR around. Crawford 409/1; BMCRR Rome 3596; RSC Plaetoria 4. 3.97g, 19mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

500

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction V, 23 March 2013, lot 570; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIII, 5 January 2010, lot 1416; Ex A.K. Collection (item A154, assembled 1930s onwards), Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XII, 6 January 2009, lot 462 (part of).

253

708. 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. 3.77g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex ‘Old Collection’ (formed in 1960s), Stephen Album Rare Coins, Auction 35, 12 September 2019, lot 490, collector’s Clarke box included.

709. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Bust of Hercules to right, wearing lion skin headdress; S•C behind / Globe surrounded by four wreaths; aplustre below left, corn ear below right. Crawford 426/4b; BMCRR Rome 3914; RSC Cornelia 62. 3.78g, 20mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Áureo & Calico, Auction 285, 14 December 2016, lot 1047.

710. Mn. Cordius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 46 BC. Jugate heads of Dioscuri to right; RVFVS•III•VIR downwards behind / Venus Verticordia standing to left, holding scales and sceptre, Cupid at shoulder; MN•CORDIVS downwards behind. Crawford 463/1a; BMCRR Rome 4037-8; RSC Cordia 2. 3.66g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; areas of flat strike, well-centered on a broad planchet.

150

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Acquired from Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG.

Extremely Rare

711. Mn. Cordius Rufus AR Quinarius. Rome, 46 BC. Radiate head of Sol to right, crown of short parallel rays; MN•CORDIVS below / Eagle standing to left, head reverted; RVFVS below. Crawford 463/4c; King 56; BMCRR Rome 4044 var. (radiate crown type); RSC Cordia 5b; CNG e321, 488 (hammer: 1,500 USD, incorrect Crawford ref.). 1.27g, 14mm, 6h. Very Fine; banker’s marks to obv. Extremely Rare; only two specimens cited by King, both in public collections, one on CoinArchives. From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 2, 10 December 2010, lot 157.

254

250

712. C. Considius Paetus AR Quinarius. Rome, 46 BC. Laureate and diademed head of Venus to right; PAETI behind / Victory advancing to right, head to left, carrying trophy; C•CONSIDI to right. Crawford 465/7b; King 64; BMCRR Rome 4095; RSC Considia 8; NAC R, 1361; NAC 63, 406 (hammer: 750 CHF); CNG e318, 576 (hammer: 700 USD). 1.50g, 13mm, 8h. Near Very Fine; banker’s marks to obv. Very Rare; only five examples cited by King, three on CoinArchives.

250

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from York Coins (USA), 2008.

A Superb Example

713. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 46 BC. Head of Ceres to right, wearing grain-ear wreath; COS•TERT downwards behind, DICT•ITER upwards before / Emblems of the augurate and pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, capis, and lituus; M to right, AVGVR above, PONT•MAX below. Crawford 467/1b; CRI 57a; RSC 4. 3.80g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State; well-centred and complete, attractive light cabinet tone with hints of golden iridescence.

1,000

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Privately purchased from Herb Kreindler at NYINC 2018; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92 Part 1, 23 May 2016, lot 389 (hammer: CHF 1,300).

One of the Rarest of All Republican Denarii

714. L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right; acisculus and ACISCVLVS behind; all within laurel wreath / Anguipedic giant facing, holding thunderbolt that has pierced his side, and raising other hand overhead; L•VALERIVS in exergue. Crawford 474/4; CRI 93; BMCRR Rome 4114; RBW -; RSC Valeria 21. 3.38g, 18mm, 3h. Near Very Fine; banker’s marks to obv., Roman numerals graffitied on rev. Extremely Rare; one of the rarest of all Republican denarii.

5,000

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Privately purchased from John Jencek for USD 5,000, 2014. This extremely rare denarius highlights a climactic moment in the myth of the Gigantomachy, the cataclysmic battle between the Olympian gods and the earth-born Giants that took place when the former established themselves as the new rulers of the cosmos. The giants, who were depicted in iconographic tradition inherited from the Ancient Greeks as anguipedic - with serpents for legs as a sign of their origin as sons of Gaia - were led by their king Porphyrion, who is likely depicted on the reverse. According to the Roman version of the myth, Porphyrion attacked Hercules and Juno and was on the point of destroying them when Jupiter inspired a desire for Juno in the giant, and struck him down with a thunderbolt while Hercules shot him with an arrow. This dynamic reverse image shows the blazing thunderbolt striking the giant’s side as he weakly raises a hand to his face to protect himself from Hercules’ arrow, his serpent legs flailing in pain. The obverse identifies his slayer as Jupiter, the king of the Olympian gods, with a stern and commanding portrait with a full curled beard and long hair crowned with a laurel wreath. Both the obverse legend and the accompanying pick-axe (acisculus) symbol identify the moneyer L. Valerius Acisculus, in a punning reference to his cognomen. That this type is so extremely rare may not be surprising: Sear suggests that it may have been interpreted (perhaps rightly) as an allegory for Julius Caesar’s intention to overthrow the old order in which the Senate was supreme and establish himself as a Jupiter on earth to rule the Roman empire as king (Sear, The History and Coinage of the Roman Imperators, p.56). Caesar had already cemented his position as dictator, having decisively defeated Pompey and his other opponents in a series of bloody battles a few years earlier; it is well known that Caesar’s apparent inclinations towards kingship and divinity pushed the senatorial liberatores to assassinate him on the Ides of March of 44 BC, and Sear hints that these coin types, which seem to have been abruptly terminated, may have been a contributing factor. Desnier, on the other hand, gives a more backward-looking interpretation, seeing the type as simply the expression of the defeat of dark forces after several years of brutal civic strife. He notes that coins of Acisculus feature the figure of Victory with double cornucopiae, suggesting that this moneyer’s issues simply celebrate peace after cataclysmic warfare, without any pretension on Caesar’s part to future kingship or deification (Desnier, L. Valerius Acisculus et le corbeau combattant Chouette ou corbeau? in Latomus, p.814). Whichever interpretation seems more likely, this coin is one of the rarest of all Republican denarii, minted during (and perhaps contributing towards) a turbulent and pivotal moment for the Roman Republic.

255

715. Marc Antony AR Quinarius. Lugdunum, early 42 BC. Winged bust of Victory to right, with the likeness of Fulvia; III•VIR•R•P•C around / Lion walking to right; A-XLI across fields (‘aetas 41’ = the age of Antony at the time), ANTONI above, IMP in exergue. Crawford 489/6; King 76; CRI 126; BMCRE Gaul 48; Woytek, Arma et Nummi p. 480; RBW 1713; RSC 3. 1.61g, 13mm, 3h. Good Very Fine; cleaning marks beneath attractive old cabinet tone.

200

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Privately purchased from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd; Ex A. H. “Fred” Baldwin (1895-1970) Collection, Glendining’s, 20 November 1969, lot 16.

716. 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 4240; RSC 29. 3.81g, 20mm, 7h, Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Previously NGC graded XF 4/5 - 5/5 (4241933-001).

3,000

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3061, 8 January 2018, lot 29334.

Victory Over the Rhodian Fleet

717. C. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. M. Servilius, legate. Military mint moving with Brutus and Cassius, 43-42 BC. Laureate head of Libertas to right; C•CASSI•IMP behind / Aplustre, the branches ending in flowers; M•SERVILIVS to left, LEG to right. Crawford 505/2; CRI 225; RSC 9. 3.79g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; unobtrusive banker’s mark and Roman numerals graffitied in obv. field. Very Rare; unusually, this denarius is rarer than the 3,000 corresponding aureus (Crawford 505/1). From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 530; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92 Part 2, 24 May 2016, lot 1930 (hammer: CHF 4,000). Cassius, along with Brutus, was one of the main conspirators in the tyrannicide of Julius Caesar. The two formed an allegiance against the combined forces of Marc Antony and Octavian; however Plutarch suggests that there was a great deal of tension between them. He also presents Cassius as an unpopular man, who used fear to keep his soldiers in check. He is described as “a man of violent temper” whose character was “not so sincere” as his allies’s. Despite shortcomings in his personality, Cassius did prove to be a successful general, subduing the Rhodians after they had refused to support himself and Brutus against the Triumvirs. It is to this that the reverse imagery of the type refers - the aplustre to his naval command, and the floral decorations likely allude to the rose associated with Rhodes. This military prowess, however, was to be short-lived; soon after this type was issued, Cassius, along with Brutus, met with Antony and Octavian at Philippi, and seeing that their cause was lost, committed suicide.

256

718. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. MAG PIVS IMP ITER, diademed and bearded head of Neptune to right; trident over shoulder / Naval trophy set on anchor, top of trident visible above helmet, the arms composed of the stem of a prow in right and aplustre in left, two heads of Scylla at base; PRAEF CLAS ET ORAE MARIT EX S C around. Crawford 511/2a; CRI 333; BMCRR Sicily 15; RSC 1c. 3.84g, 19mm, 12h. About Good Very Fine.

1,000

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s ticket included; Ex UBS Gold & Numismatics, Auction 78, 9 September 2008, lot 1163 (dated provenances for the collector range from 1924 to 1963, with the collector’s purchase notes extending no later than 1962); Ex Maison Platt stock.

719. 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•ORÆ•MAR IT•ET•CLAS•S•C around. Crawford 511/4d; CRI 335b; BMCRR Sicily 20; RSC 3. 3.71g, 20mm, 3h. Very Fine; struck on a broad planchet and unusually complete for the type.

1,000

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Privately purchased from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 84, 20 May 2015, lot 865 (hammer: CHF 1,100); Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction R, 17 May 2007, lot 1398 (hammer: CHF 1,200).

Ex Kunst und Münzen 3, 1969

720. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Struck under Octavian, southern or central Italian mint, late 40-early 39 BC. Bare head to right; ANTONIVS upwards to left, IMP downwards to right / Winged caduceus; CAESAR IMP around below. Crawford 529/3; CRI 303; BMCRR Gaul 94; CNR II 38/1 (this coin cited); RSC 5. 3.81g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; graffito on rev., attractive iridescent cabinet tone.

750

This coin cited in A. Banti and L. Simonetti, Corpus Nummorum Romanorum Vol. II (Florence, 1973); From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 100, 29 May 2017, lot 1671; Ex Numismatica Varesi, Auction 43, 20 April 2004, lot 14 (hammer: EUR 850); Ex Kunst und Münzen, FPL 4, 1970, lot 117; Ex Kunst und Münzen, Auction 3, 6 November 1969, lot 201 (est. CHF 900). This remarkable type forms part of the issue struck by Octavian to mark the reconciliation between himself and Marc Antony, an event which took place at Brundisium late in 40 BC. In contrast to his triumviral colleague however, Octavian gave the prominence of the obverse to Antony with the type bearing his portrait alone; on Antony’s coinage of the same period, Octavian is only noted in a subsidiary capacity.

257

Ex Leu 25, 1980

721. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Bare head to right / Single span triumphal arch surmounted by Octavian in facing quadriga; IMP•CAESAR on architrave. RIC I 267 (Augustus); CRI 422; BMCRE 624 (Augustus) = BMCRR Rome 4348; RSC 123 (Augustus). 4.00g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive iridescent cabinet tone.

1,500

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Alan J. Harlan Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXII, 8 January 2019, lot 974 (hammer: USD 2,250); Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 78, 26 May 2014, lot 782; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, FPL Autumn 1998, no. 221; Ex Bank Aufhäuser, Auction 12, 1 October 1996, lot 419; Ex Bank Leu AG, Auction 25, 23 April 1980, lot 228.

722. Octavian AR Denarius. Uncertain Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Helmeted head of Mars to right; IMP below / Round shield with eight-pointed star in centre, lying over sword and spear in saltire; CAESAR on rim of shield. RIC I 274 (Augustus); CRI 428; BMCRE 644 (Augustus) = BMCRR Rome 4368; RSC 44 (Augustus). 3.51g, 18mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; hairlines on obv., beautiful old cabinet tone.

500

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Alba Longa Collection, Áureo & Calicó, Auction 339, 14 November 2019, lot 1176.

Octavian’s Annexation of Egypt

723. Octavian AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 28 BC. CAESAR • DIVI • F COS • VI, bare head to right; capricorn to right below bust truncation / AEGYPTO CAPTA in two lines, crocodile to right between. RIC I 545 (Augustus); CRI 432; BMCRE 653 (Augustus) = BMCRR East 246; RSC 4 (Augustus). 3.54g, 19mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

1,500

From the Andrew McCabe Collection, collector’s tickets included; Ex Goldman Roman Imperatorial Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 294, 16 January 2013, lot 625; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 170, 13 October 2008, lot 1910; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 112, 20 June 2006, lot 48; Ex Lanz, Auction 128, 22 May 2006, lot 212; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction O, 13 May 2004, lot 1815. Bearing the Nile crocodile as the sole element of the reverse design, and with the simple legend conveying a succinct message, this coin proudly announces Octavian’s annexation of Egypt to the Empire. After the Battle of Actium, Octavian invaded Egypt in August 30 BC and with the conquest that followed both assured his supremacy by the death of Marc Antony and Cleopatra, and guaranteed his power through the great wealth of Egypt and the grain supply that could be harnessed for Rome. The Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, the last of the great Hellenistic kingdoms, had been reduced to the status of a Roman province. However, this coin is more than just a propagandistic type proclaiming the achievements of Rome’s de-facto ruler to the masses, as the subtle imagery makes an important statement about Octavian himself. In contrast to the issues of this type minted in Italy, which bear a lituus on the obverse in reference to Octavian’s membership of the priestly College of Augurs, those struck in the East bear the Zodiac sign of the Capricorn under the bust truncation. Appropriately for this reverse type, in ancient mythology the origins of the Capricorn could be found in Egypt. Represented as a goat with a fish tail, it is often thought to be a representation of Pan escaping an attack by the monster Typhon for, having jumped into the Nile, the half of Pan’s body which was submerged was transformed into a fish.

258

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DAY TWO - 23 SEPTEMBER, 1:00 PM THE VOGELBERG COLLECTION Likely the Finest Known

724. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, 269-266 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing taenia, with club and lion-skin over shoulder / Shewolf standing to right, head to left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus; ROMANO in exergue. Crawford 20/1; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 28; RSC 8. 7.20g, 23mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; perfectly centred on a well-prepared and broad planchet of high purity metal, and likely the finest surviving specimen of this much sought-after issue which is normally plagued by planchet flaws, poor centring and corrosion. 10,000 From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. While Pliny writes “the Roman people did not even use silver coin before the defeat of Pyrrhus” which took place in 275 BC, modern scholars can scarcely hope to be as categorical as the ancient author (NH xxxiii, 42). It is clear, however, that the silver didrachm emerged at some point during the early 3rd century BC, weighing around 6.8g or six scruples, consistent with the weight of a south Italian Greek didrachm. Thomsen suggested that this Hercules / Wolf type can be conclusively dated to 269 BC, since the type alludes to the consuls of that year, C. Fabius Pictor, of whom Hercules was the patron, and Q. Ogulnius L. f. Q. n. Gallus, whose ancestors Gnaeus and Quintus Ogulnius had as curule aediles used fines collected from violators of usury laws to erect a statue of the she-wolf in 296 BC (ERC III, p. 120). Mitchell, however, assigns the date of this issue much earlier, to the date of the statue’s erection, and argues that the legend ROMANO, which appears on four early didrachms, indicates that this coinage was struck outside Rome, as opposed to the later didrachms which bear the legend ROMA (‘A New Chronology for the Romano-Campanian Coins’, NC 1966, pp.66-7). Mattingly had suggested earlier that the latter legend “might seem to indicate the sovereignty of Rome more explicitly” (‘The Various Styles of the Roman Republican Coinage’, NC 1949, p.63.). Crawford meanwhile believes that although basing the date upon the family histories of the consuls is misconceived, since he argues that it was in fact the censors who were responsible for issues of the didrachm (RRC p.714), he nonetheless also dates it to 269 BC noting that of the four issues of silver didrachms it is the first to bear distinctly Roman imagery. He suggests the portrait of Hercules may be that of Hercules Victor, which would be “highly suitable for a coinage struck from the spoils of war and perhaps reflecting the Roman ideology of military prowess” after the victory against Pyrrhus (RRC p.714). Following the sporadic didrachm issues, the so-called Quadrigati emerged in the latter half of the 3rd century and were eventually issued in large quantities throughout the Punic Wars. At some point circa 214-212 the denomination was replaced by the denarius, a shift that would prove decisive and would dominate Roman coinage for centuries to come. Nevertheless, the wolf type, which is rendered for the first time so masterfully on this early didrachm, would endure as an iconic and patriotic symbol of Rome on coinage well into the imperial period and beyond, eventually achieving a satisfying historical circularity when it was employed on the municipal coinage of Rome under the Ostrogoths for what was to be the last issue of coinage struck by the ancient Romans in their own name.

260

725. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, 241-235 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars to right / Horse’s head to right; sickle behind, ROMA below. Crawford 25/1; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 57; RSC 34. 6.67g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone. Rare.

7,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

726. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter standing in galloping quadriga driven by Victory to right, holding sceptre and reins, brandishing thunderbolt overhead; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 78-99; RSC 23. 6.41g, 24mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; traces of original mineral adhesions, pleasant cabinet tone with attractive iridescence on reverse devices.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Ex Stack’s 1978

727. Anonymous AR Drachm (Half-Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-212 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter, holding sceptre and brandishing thunderbolt, in fast quadriga driven to left by Victory; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 28/4; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 110; RSC 25. 3.36g, 17mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Frederick S. Knobloch Collection, Stack’s, 3 May 1978, lot 46.

728. Ti. Veturius AR Denarius. Rome, 137 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Mars to right; TI•VET (ligate) downwards and X (mark of value) behind / Two soldiers face each other, each holding spear and touching pig held by figure kneeling between them with sword; ROMA above. Crawford 234/1; BMCRR Italy 550; RSC Veturia 1. 4.04g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

261

Published in Banti, Corpus Nummorum Romanorum

729. P. Cornelius Lentulus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 100 BC. Bust of Hercules to right, seen from behind, holding club; shield in left field, K (control mark) before, ROMA below / Roma standing facing, holding spear and wearing triple-crested helmet, crowned by Genius of the Roman People standing to left and holding cornucopiae; K (control mark) in left field, LENT•MAR•F (partially ligate) in exergue; all within laurel wreath. Crawford 329/1b; BMCRR Rome 1717; CNR Cornelia 38/9 (this coin); RSC Cornelia 25a. 3.94g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone with golden iridescence around the devices.

750

This coin published in A. Banti. Corpus Nummorum Romanorum, Monetazione Repubblicana (Firenze, 1980-1982); From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

730. L. Pomponius Molo AR Denarius. Rome, 97 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; L•P[OM]PON•MOLO around / Numa Pompilius standing to right, holding lituus behind lit altar to which victimarius leads goat to left for sacrifice; NVMA•POMPIL below. Crawford 334/1; BMCRR Italy 733; RSC Pomponia 6. 3.91g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

731. A. Albinus Sp. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 96 BC. Bust of Diana to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; ROMA below / Three horsemen galloping to left, trampling fallen warrior; A•ALBINVS•S•F in exergue. Crawford 335/9; BMCRR Italy 713; RSC Postumia 4. 3.77g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; uncommonly complete and well-struck for the issue. From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

262

750

732. D. Silanus L. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 91 BC. Mask of Silenus to right; plough below, all within ornamented torque / Victory driving biga to right, holding palm, reins and whip; carnyx (Gallic trumpet) below, D•SILANVS•L•F in exergue. Crawford 337/1a; BMCRR Rome 1841; RSC Junia 19. 4.02g, 19mm, 3h. Mint State; die clash on obverse with SILANVS retrograde seen in upper right field (cf. Banti Junia 26/2 for another example).

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Cited in Campana, Monetazione

733. The Social War, Marsic Confederation AR Denarius. Corfinium, circa 90 BC. Laureate head of Italia to left; ITALIA upwards behind / Oath-taking scene: eight soldiers, four on each side, pointing their swords at pig held by kneeling youth; standard with pennant in the background, [M] in exergue. Campana 69m (D42/R59, this coin); Sydenham 621; HN Italy 408. 3.83g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone. Rare.

2,000

This coin cited in A. Campana. La monetazione degli insorti Italici durante la guerra sociale (91-87 A.C.). Modena, 1987; From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Hess-Leu AG, Auction 36, 17 April 1968, lot 395.

734. The Social War, Marsic Confederation AR Denarius. Corfinium, circa 89 BC. Laureate head of Italia to right; X before / Victory standing to left, crowning Italia seated to left on three stacked shield, holding spear and sword; Oscan C before, ITALIA in exergue. Campana 106 (D71/R93); Sydenham 624; HN Italy 412b; RBW 1216. 3.85g, 20mm, 9h. Extremely Fine; scuff on obv., attractive old cabinet tone. Very Rare.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

263

A Paragon of Marsic Confederation Coinage

735. The Social War, Marsic Confederation AR Denarius. Corfinium, circa 89 BC. Laureate and draped bust of Italia to right; ITALIA downwards behind, XVI upwards before / Victory standing to left, crowning Italia seated to left on three stacked shields, holding spear and sword; B in exergue. Campana 109a (D74/R96, this coin); Sydenham 622; HN Italy 412a; RBW 1215. 3.95g, 20mm, 2h. Fleur De Coin. Very Rare; and in extraordinary condition for an Italic denarius, struck on a broad planchet of sound metal - a real paragon of the Marsic Confederation’s coinage. 10,000 This coin cited in A. Campana. La monetazione degli insorti Italici durante la guerra sociale (91-87 A.C.). Modena, 1987; From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Bank Leu AG, Auction 10, 29 May 1974, lot 3. The question of the aims and motives of the Italian states who rebelled against Roman rule in the Social War of 91-87 BC has been a subject of much debate in historical discourse, which coalesced into two polarised arguments, which assert that either they were motivated by a desire for citizenship and inclusion within the Roman state, or, alternatively, it was a desire for independence from, and ultimate destruction of, that state. Scholars have often viewed the ultimate enfranchisement of the rebel Italian states as indication that the rebels sought only Roman citizenship, an interpretation reinforced by the Romano-centric commentary of ancient historians such as Diodorus Siculus, Velleius Paterculus, Appian and Cicero. However, the formation of an Italian league and the construction of a new political centre at Corfinium, dubbed ‘Italica’, with its own senate, suggests a genuine and long-standing desire for independence, despite the fact that it was conceived with an almost identical political structure to Rome. Numismatic evidence supports this idea: while minting a substantial new coinage was a firm assertion of authority, it was still minted along Roman models, denominations and types, often, as in this case, simply replacing a personification of Rome with that of Italy, and the minting authority ‘ROMA’ with a Latin inscription ‘ITALIA’ proclaiming the new state. The reverse type of Victory crowning Italia emphatically demonstrates opposition to Rome, yet however revolutionary, these coins were compatible with and intended for use within the Roman system. Pobjoy has remarked upon the use of different languages on rebel coinage, interpreting the use of Latin script as another demonstration of the reliance on Roman models due to the fact that, ironically, Latin was the principle language of the Italian rebel states. It was often combined with Oscan (such as on lot 734), the language of the states who had historically formed the core of resistance against Rome since the fourth century BC, the use of which is “best seen as a direct assertion of non-Roman identity”, since it held resonant associations of independence after its appearance on the coinage of the rebel Italian states who joined Hannibal in the Punic wars (Pobjoy 2000, p.200). This example is preserved in extraordinary condition for a type struck during such a turbulent period, in which more legions were raised than at any time since the invasion of Hannibal, and indeed more denarii were struck in 90 BC than in any year of the Republic. This led to a reduction in the purity of silver to slightly less than 95%. By 87 BC the Italian allies were enfranchised, and the figure of Italia would be employed on Roman coinage again in 70 BC, the year of the census of enfranchisement, clasping hands with Roma in a gesture of partnership (Crawford 403/1).

264

736. The Social War, Marsic Confederation AR Denarius. Bovianum(?), 89 BC. Laureate head of Italia to left, Oscan script behind / Soldier standing facing, head to right, foot on uncertain object, holding spear and sword, bull lying on right; Oscan I in exergue. Campana 136 (D93/R116); Sydenham 627; HN Italy 407; RBW 1218. 4.14g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Very Rare.

2,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

737. C. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Massalia, 82 BC. Draped and winged bust of Victory to right; star (control symbol) before / Legionary eagle between two standards inscribed H (Hastati) and P (Principes); C•VAL•FLA (ligate) upwards to left, IMPERAT upwards to right, EX• S•C below. Crawford 365/1c; BMCRR Gaul 10 var. (control symbol position); RSC Valeria 12a. 4.03g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive iridescence around devices.

1,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

738. C. Servilius Vatia AR Denarius. Restored issue. Rome, 82-80 BC. Head of Apollo to right; B (control letter) and lituus behind, mark of value before, ROMA below / Battle on horseback between two warriors, the shield of horseman on right inscribed M; C•SERVEIL in exergue. Crawford 370/1b; BMCRR Rome 1169; RSC Servilia 7. 3.92g, 17mm, 9h. Near Mint State; beautiful old cabinet tone. Scarce.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

739. C. Servilius Vatia AR Denarius. Restored issue. Rome, 82-80 BC. Head of Apollo to right; B (control letter) and lituus behind, mark of value before, ROMA below / Battle on horseback between two warriors, the shield of horseman on right inscribed M; C•SERVEIL in exergue. Crawford 370/1b; BMCRR Rome 1169; RSC Servilia 7. 3.96g, 17mm, 8h. Mint State. Scarce.

750

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Spectacularly Sharp

740. L. Cornelius Sulla Felix AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Italy, 81 BC. Diademed head of Venus to right, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Filleted double cornucopiae; Q below. Crawford 375/2; BMCRR East 17; RSC Cornelia 33. 3.66g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State; beautiful old cabinet tone, a spectacularly sharp example of the type. From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

265

1,000

741. C. Poblicius Q. f. AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Roma to right; O (control letter) above, ROMA downwards behind / Hercules standing to left, strangling the Nemean lion; club at feet, bow and arrows in bowcase on lower left, O (control letter) on upper left, C•POBLICI•Q•F upwards on right. Crawford 380/1; BMCRR Rome 2909; RSC Poblicia 9 corr. (reverse legend). 3.92g, 20mm, 2h. Fleur De Coin; wonderful old cabinet tone.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

742. L. Papius AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 79 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat skin headdress; candelabrum (control symbol) behind / Griffin springing to right; fire-dog (control symbol) below, L•PAPI in exergue. Crawford 384/1; BMCRR Rome 2992; RSC Papia 1. 4.00g, 19mm, 4h. Mint State.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

743. Q. Crepereius M. f. Rocus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 72 BC. Bust of Amphitrite to right, seen from behind; fish behind, D (control letter) before / Neptune driving biga of sea-horses to right, holding reins and brandishing trident; D (control letter) above, Q•CREPERE[I] ROCVS in two lines below. Crawford 399/1a; BMCRR Rome 3338; RSC Crepereia 1. 3.78g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; magnificent old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

744. L. Axius L. f. Naso AR Denarius. Rome, 71 BC. Head of young beardless Mars to right, wearing helmet ornamented with plumes; XVI (control number) behind, S•C before, NASO below / Diana driving biga of stags to right, holding reins and spear, two dogs behind, one dog below; XVI (control numeral) behind, [L•]AXSIV[S•L•F] in exergue. Crawford 400/1a; BMCRR Rome 3355; RSC Axia 1. 4.01g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Rare.

1,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

745. C. Hosidius C. f. Geta AR Denarius. Rome, 68 BC. Draped bust of Diana to right, wearing stephane, bow and quiver over shoulder; III•VIR downwards to left, GETA downwards to right / The Calydonian boar standing to right, its front legs thrust forward, pierced through by a spear and harried by a hound below; C•HOSIDI•C•F in exergue. Crawford 407/2; BMCRR Rome 3388; RSC Hosidia 1. 4.04g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; beautiful rainbow iridescence around obv. devices.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

266

746. C. Calpurnius L. f. Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Head of Apollo to right, hair tied with taenia; control mark behind / Horseman galloping to right, carrying palm over shoulder; C•PISO•L•F•FRV and O (control letter) below. Crawford 408/1a; BMCRR Rome 3654ff.; RSC Calpurnia 24. 4.06g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; a superb example with attractive flashes of iridescence and lustrous mirror-like surfaces.

1,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Ex Mario Ratto FPL 1967

747. 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. 4.35g, 18mm, 10h. Near Mint State; a marvellously well-detailed example.

4,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Mario Ratto, FPL 1-1967, no. 176. 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 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.

748. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; wreath behind / Polyhymnia standing to left, head facing, wearing wreath; Q•POMPONI downwards to right, MVSA downwards to left. Crawford 410/10a; BMCRR Rome 3617; RSC Pomponia 15. 4.07g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

749. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo to right; two crossed flutes behind / Euterpe, the Muse of Lyric Poetry, standing to right, supporting chin with arm resting on column to right, and holding two tibiae (a form of flute); Q•POMPONI behind; MVSA before. Crawford 410/5; BMCRR Rome 3613; RSC Pomponia 13; RBW 1487. 4.37g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

267

750. 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. 3.45g, 19mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; lustrous surfaces.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

751. 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. 3.45g, 19mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Ex Carlo Crippa FPL 2, 1971

752. M. Aemilius Lepidus AR Denarius. Rome, 61 BC. Laureate and diademed female head to right; palm behind / Equestrian statue of M. Aemilius Lepidus to right, holding trophy over shoulder; AN•XV•PR•H•O•C•S• around; M•LEPIDVS in exergue. Crawford 419/1c; BMCRR Rome 3644; RSC Aemilia 22a. 3.89g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone. Rare.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Carlo Crippa, FPL 2, 1971, no. 166; Ex Giuseppe de Falco, FPL 51, December 1960, no. 203.

753. M. Aemilius Lepidus AR Denarius. Rome, 61 BC. Turreted head of Alexandria to right, ALEXANDREA below / Lepidus standing to left, crowning Ptolemy V, standing facing, holding sceptre; S•C high in central field, PONF•MAX•[TV]TOR•REG around, M•LEPIDVS in exergue. Crawford 419/2; BMCRR Rome 3648; RSC Aemilia 23. 4.00g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State; a wonderful portrait. Rare.

3,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

268

754. M. Nonius Sufenas AR Denarius. Rome, 59 BC. Bearded head of Saturn to right; harpa, baetyl and S•C upwards behind, SVFENAS downwards before / Roma seated to left on cuirass and shields, holding sceptre and sword, being crowned by Victory standing to left behind, holding palm frond; •PR•L•V•P•F around, SEX•NONI in exergue. Crawford 421/1; BMCRR Rome 3820; RSC Nonia 1. 4.05g, 18mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine; slight obv. scuff, golden iridescence around devices.

300

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

755. 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 3831; CNR Considia 4/1 (this coin); RSC Considia 1a. 3.74g, 19mm, 12h. Near Mint State; somewhat weakly struck, but lustrous with traces of original mineral adhesions.

1,000

This coin published in A. Banti. Corpus Nummorum Romanorum, Monetazione Repubblicana (Firenze, 1980-1982); From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Kunst und Münzen, Auction 5, 18 November 1970, lot 51.

756. C. Memmius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Head of Ceres to right, wearing wreath of grain ears; C•MEMMI•C•F downwards before / Naked captive, his hands tied behind his back, kneeling to right at foot of trophy of arms with a Greek shield; C•MEMMIVS downwards to right, IMPERATOR downwards to left. Crawford 427/1; BMCRR Rome 3937; RSC Memmia 10. 3.91g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive golden iridescence around the devices.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. This type records the principal military achievement of the moneyer’s father, C. Memmius L. f. Gemellus, who has been succinctly described by John N. Rauk (Catullus, Memmius, and Bithynia, CAMWS 2018) as “the son-in-law of Sulla, an orator who won backhanded praise from Cicero (Brut. 247), seducer of the wife of Marcus Lucullus (Cic. Att. 1. 18. 3) and a fierce adversary of his brother (Plut. Cat. Mi. 29. 5-8), a poet whose immodesty impressed Ovid (Tr. 2. 433), a praetor (Cic. Q. fr. 1. 2. 16), a candidate for the consulship, a disgraced exile, the probable but imperfect patron of Lucretius, and a perfect villain for Catullus, and a successful military commander.” The victory that preceded Memmius being hailed imperator by his troops is unknown, even the date is a matter of debate. Of the moneyer himself, little is known concerning his career, save that he was appointed suffect consul in 34 BC, replacing Lucius Scribonius Libo and was later appointed proconsular governor of Asia sometime after 30 BC. During his governorship, Memmius set up a monument honouring himself, his father, and his grandfather Sulla, which still survives today.

757. C. Memmius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Head of Ceres to right, wearing wreath of grain ears; C•MEMMI•C•F downwards before / Naked captive, his hands tied behind his back, kneeling to right at foot of trophy of arms with a Greek shield; C•MEMMIVS downwards to right, IMPERATOR downwards to left. Crawford 427/1; BMCRR Rome 3937; RSC Memmia 10. 3.96g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; attractive iridescence and lustre.

750

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

269

758. C. Memmius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Laureate head of Quirinus to right; QVRINVS behind, C•MEMMI•C•F before / Ceres seated to right, holding torch and corn-ears, serpent before; MEMMIVS AED•CERIALIA•PREIMVS•FECIT around. Crawford 427/2; BMCRR Rome 3940; RSC Memmia 9. 3.99g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Ex Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Collection

759. 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. 3.82g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; pleasant old cabinet tone, traces of original mineral adhesions.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Collection, P. & P. Santamaria, Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Part II, 14 October 1949, lot 232.

760. Cn. Plancius AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Head of Diana Planciana to right, wearing petasus; CN•PLANCIVS AED•CVR•S•C around / Cretan ibex standing to right, bow and quiver behind. Crawford 432/1; BMCRR Rome 3920; RSC Plancia 1. 4.05g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; obv. planchet flaw.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Ex Glendining, 1975

761. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Bare head of L. Junius Brutus to right; BRVTVS downwards to left / Bare head of C. Servilius Ahala right; AHAL[A] downwards to left. Crawford 433/2; BMCRR Rome 3864; RSC Junia 30. 3.82g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; two finely detailed portraits engraved in masterly style.

5,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Glendining & Co. Ltd. (with Spink & Son Ltd.), Auction 23, 11 December 1975, lot 166. Caius Servilius Ahala served as magister equitum in 439 BC, when Cincinnatus was appointed dictator on the supposition that Spurius Maelius was styling himself a king and plotting against the state. During the night on which the dictator was appointed, the capitol and all the strong posts were garrisoned by the partisans of the patricians. In the morning, when the people assembled in the forum, with Spurius Maelius among them, Ahala summoned the latter to appear before the dictator; and upon Maelius disobeying and taking refuge in the crowd, Ahala rushed into the throng and killed him. Though considered an act of murder at the time, Ahala was regarded by later writers as a hero.

270

762. Q. Pompeius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Head of Sulla to right, SVLLA•COS downwards before / Head of Q. Pompeius Rufus to right, Q•POM•RVFI downwards before, RVFVS•COS downwards behind. Crawford 434/1; BMCRR Rome 3883; RSC Pompeia 4 & Cornelia 48. 3.62g, 18mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

763. 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 and S behind, circular Macedonian shield before and [CALDVS•III•VIR] to right. Crawford 437/1b; BMCRR Rome 3835; RSC Coelia 5. 4.02g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

764. 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; CRI 1; BMCRR Rome 3947; RSC Sicinia 5. 3.98g, 17mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive iridescent cabinet tone.

300

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. 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 Pompey’s Eastern fleet, commanded by Coponius. 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 initiated the Civil War by crossing the Rubicon in the same year that this coin was struck.

765. 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 and eagle; LENT MAR (partially ligate) upwards to left, COS upwards to right. Crawford 445/1b; CRI 4; BMCRR Sicily 1; Sydenham 1029; RSC Cornelia 64a. 4.01g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; flan crack at 12h.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

271

Among the Finest Known

766. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Asia, 49 BC. Head of Jupiter to right / Cult statue of Ephesian Artemis with hands extended, ornamented with fillet hanging; L•LENTVLVS downwards to right, MAR COS (partially ligate) upwards to left. Crawford 445/3b; CRI 6; BMCRR East 23; RSC Cornelia 66. 3.87g, 20mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Very Rare; one of the finest known specimens.

3,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

767. Cnaeus Pompey Magnus AR Denarius. Mint in Greece, 49-48 BC. Diademed terminal bust of Jupiter to right; VARRO•PRO•Q downwards around / Sceptre between dolphin and eagle; MAGN•PRO COS in two lines in exergue. Crawford 447/1a; BMCRR Spain 64; CRI 8; Sydenham 1033; RSC 3. 3.88g, 19mm, 8h. Near Mint State; superficial planchet crack on rev., areas of weak strike, beautiful old cabinet tone with blue iridescence surrounding obv. devices. Rare. 3,000 From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

768. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Head of Gallic captive to right; Gallic shield behind / Two warriors in biga to right; one driving, holding whip and reins, and the other, facing backward, holding shield and brandishing spear; L•HOSTIL[IVS] above, SASERN below. Crawford 448/2b; CRI 18; BMCRR Rome 3993; RSC Hostilia 2. 4.14g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; sharply struck with a beautiful old cabinet tone.

5,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. The portrait of the Gallic warrior (in captivity) is believed to be Vercingetorix, leader of the great Gallic rebellion against Caesar in 55-54 BC.

769. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Female head to right; carnyx behind / Artemis standing facing, holding spear and placing hand on head of stag; SASERNA upwards on left; [L]•HOSTILIVS downwards to right. Crawford 448/3; CRI 19; BMCRR Rome 3996; RSC Hostilia 4. 3.97g, 19mm, 9h. Near Mint State; some mineral adhesions, lustrous metal.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

272

770. D. Junius Brutus Albinus AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Bare head of the consul Aulus Postumius Albinus to right; A•POSTVMIVS•COS around / ALBINVS BRVTI•F in two lines within wreath of grain ears. Crawford 450/3a; CRI 27; BMCRR Rome 3966; Sydenham 943a; RBW 1578; RSC Postumia 14. 4.05g, 18mm, 8h. Mint State; wonderful rainbow iridescence on obv.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

771. L. Plautius Plancus AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Head of Medusa facing, with coiled snake on either side; L•PLAVTIVS below / Aurora flying to right, conducting the four horses of the sun and holding palm frond; PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1a; CRI 29; BMCRR Rome 4004; RSC Plautia 15. 3.87g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State; weak rev. strike, original mineral adhesions.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Ex Sternberg XIV, 1984

772. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Scipio in Africa, 47-46 BC. Eppius, legate. Head of Africa to right, wearing elephant skin headdress; grain ear before, plough below, [Q]•METELL downwards to right, SCIPIO•IMP upwards to left / Hercules standing facing, right hand on hip, leaning on club draped with lion skin and set on rock; [L]EG•F•C upwards to left, EPPIV[S] downwards to right. Crawford 461/1; CRI 44; BMCRR Africa 10; RBW 1605; RSC Caecilia 50 and Eppia 1. 3.90g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; preserved with original hoard patina.

750

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction XIV, 24 May 1984, lot 223. Scipio disclosed to Cicero the Catiline conspiracy, was consul with Pompey in 52 BC and governor of Syria in 49 BC. He commanded the centre line of Pompey’s army at Pharsalus, after which he fled to Africa and formed an alliance with Juba, king of Numidia. This coin was struck during his African campaigns and the type refers to Africa and the fertility of that province. He was defeated by Caesar at Thapsus, and when cornered in flight by the fleet of Publius Sittius he committed suicide, famously departing from his soldiers with a nonchalant Imperator se bene habet – ‘Your general is just fine.’ Scipio, from a long and illustrious line of generals and statesmen, was the last man of any consequence to bear that famous name.

273

773. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Scipio in Africa, 47-46 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right, in archaic style with beard and hair in ringlets; Q•METEL PIVS around / Elephant standing to right; SCIPIO above, IMP below. Crawford 459/1; CRI 45; BMCRR Africa 1-3; RSC Caecilia 47. 3.84g, 20mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. Metellus Scipio born in 98 BC, could trace his illustrious ancestry back to Scipio Africanus. He was one of Rome’s more prominent politicians by the time of the Civil War (49-45), having previously served as curule aedile in 57, praetor in 55, and consul in 52 (alongside Pompey the Great). Ostensibly a staunch defender of Republican values, Scipio emerged as one of Caesar’s most vociferous detractors and, in early 49, managed to persuade the senate into issuing him with the ultimatum that made war inevitable. He swiftly aligned himself with the Pompey-led Optimates (senatorial faction) as war broke out, and commanded the centre of their army at the Battle of Pharsalus (48), in which they were decisively beaten. This specimen was struck in North Africa between 47-46, after Scipio had fled to the continent in a futile attempt to regenerate optimate support. The laureate head of Jupiter dominates the obverse, with Q METEL PIVS in the legend, whilst the reverse features a large African elephant and the words SCIPIO and IMP. It was minted, like so many others during the late Republican period, in order to pay surviving troops and entice new ones. Ultimately, however, Scipio was unable to garner enough popular support in either Africa or in Rome, and his army was crushed in routine fashion by Caesar’s tactically superior legions at the Battle of Thapsus (46). Staring down the barrel, and having seen an escape attempt to the Iberian Peninsula fail spectacularly, Scipio elected to commit suicide rather than fall at the hands of his enemies.

774. Cnaeus Pompey Junior AR Denarius. Corduba (Cordoba) mint, summer 46 - spring 45 BC. M. Poblicius, legate pro praetore. Helmeted head of Roma to right; M•POBLICI•LEG PRO•PR around / Female figure standing to right, with shield slung on back, holding two spears and giving palm-branch to soldier standing to left on prow of ship; CN•MAGNVS•IMP upwards to right. Crawford 469/1a; CRI 48; BMCRR Spain 72; RSC 1 (Pompey the Great). 3.95g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

750

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Stunning Iridescence

775. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 47-46 BC. Diademed head of Venus to right / Aeneas advancing to left, carrying palladium and Anchises on shoulder; CAESAR downwards to right. Crawford 458/1; CRI 55; BMCRR East 31; RSC 12. 3.88g, 18mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin; highly attractive old cabinet tone with arresting rainbow iridescence to both sides.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. The reverse of this coin features a scene from Virgil’s Aeneid. Aeneas is depicted carrying his lame father, Anchises, from the destroyed city of Troy to find new dwellings to the west. According to Virgil, Aeneas and his entourage eventually settled in Italy and their descendants, Romulus and Remus, went on to play a key role in founding the city of Rome. As a member of the Julian clan, which claimed to trace its ancestry back to Romulus, Remus and Aeneas, Caesar is here emphasising his connection to the mythical founders of Rome and demonstrating his divine right to rule.

274

776. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 46 BC. Head of Ceres to right, wearing grain ear wreath; COS•TERT downwards behind, DICT•ITER upwards before / Emblems of the augurate and pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, capis, and lituus; D to right, AVGVR above, PONT•MAX below. Crawford 467/1a; CRI 57; Sydenham 1023; RBW 1637; RSC 4a. 3.64g, 20mm, 2h. Near Mint State; beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Mario Ratto, FPL 3-1972, July-September 1972, no. 128.

777. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar in Spain, 46-45 BC. Draped bust of Venus to left, wearing stephane; small Cupid at point of bust; lituus to left, sceptre to right / Trophy of Gallic arms, holding shield and carnyx in each hand; on left, bearded male captive kneeling to left, looking to right; on right, female captive seated to right, resting head in hand; CAESAR in exergue. Crawford 468/2; CRI 59; BMCRR Spain 86; Sydenham 1015; RBW 1640; RSC 14. 4.01g, 19mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive iridescence, especially prominent around rev. devices.

1,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Jupiter and Europa

778. L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Head of Apollo to right; star above, acisculus and ACISCVLVS downwards behind / Europa seated on bull walking to right, holding billowing veil above with both hands; L•VALERIV[S] in exergue. Crawford 474/1a; CRI 90; BMCRR Rome 4099; RBW 1656; RSC Valeria 17. 3.68g, 20mm, 2h. Mint State.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. This coin’s reverse depicts the myth of Jupiter and Europa. Transforming into a white bull to join the herd of Europa’s father, the king of the gods abducted the maiden and carried her across the sea to Crete, where according to legend she was made the first queen of the island. As commonly depicted in ancient art, Europa is seen here seated on the bull’s back with her drapery billowing in the wind. The myth is featured in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (II.873-5) who describes Europa’s emotions as she is carried away by the god: Fear filled her heart as, gazing back, she saw The fast receding sands. Her right hand grasped A horn, the other lent upon his back Her fluttering tunic floated in the breeze.

275

A Beautiful Lifetime Issue

779. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, February-March 44 BC. Cossutius Maridianus, moneyer. Wreathed and veiled head to right; CAESAR before, DICT•IN•PERPETVO behind / Venus standing to left, holding Victory in right hand, and resting arm on shield set on globe; C•MARIDIANVS behind. Crawford 480/15; Alföldi Caesar, pl. CXXXVII, 12; CRI 111a; Sydenham 1068; BMCRR Rome 4186; RSC 10. 3.82g, 17mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; featuring a wonderful old cabinet tone and an impressive portrait of Caesar (only two obv. dies for this type have this fine style). Rare; 480/15 is the rarest of the standing Venus types of this series. 10,000 From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. 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 descendants 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.

276

Extremely Rare Long Hair Variant

780. P. Accoleius Lariscolus AR Denarius. Rome, 43 BC. Draped bust of Diana Nemorensis to right; P•ACCOLEIVS upwards to left, LARISCOLVS downwards to right / Triple cult statue of Diana Nemorensis facing, supporting on their hands and shoulders a beam, above which are five cypress trees; the figure on the left holding a poppy, that on the right holding a lily. Crawford 486/1; CRI 172; BMCRR Rome 4211-3; RSC Accoleia 1. 3.81g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; stunning old cabinet tone. Extremely rare long hair variant.

750

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

781. L. Livineius Regulus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Head of L. Regulus to right; L•REGVLVS behind, P•R• before / Curule chair, with fasces on either side; REGVLVS•F above, PRAEF•VR below. Crawford 494/31; CRI 180; BMCRR Rome 4261; RSC Livineia 8. 3.76g, 19mm, 4h. Near Mint State; attractive iridescence around devices. Scarce variant.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

782. P. Clodius M. f. Turrinus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; lyre behind / Diana standing facing, head to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding two lighted long torches; P•CLODIV[S] downwards on right, M•F downwards on left. Crawford 494/23; CRI 184; BMCRR Rome 4290; RSC Claudia 15. 3.94g, 21mm, 2h. Mint State; an attractive portrait.

750

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

A Wonderful Portrait of Fulvia

783. L. Mussidius Longus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Draped bust of Victory, with the features of Fulvia, to right / Victory driving prancing biga to right; L•MVSSIDIVS above, [LONG]VS below. Crawford 494/40; CRI 186; BMCRR Rome 4229; RSC Mussidia 4. 3.88g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State; a wonderful portrait. Very rare, and in terms of preservation the finest to be offered at auction in the past two decades. From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. This rare type has long been recognised to depict Fulvia, the aristocratic and politically ambitious wife of Marc Antony. She was the first nonmythological Roman woman to ever appear on a Roman coin.

277

5,000

784. L. Mussidius Longus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Radiate and draped facing bust of Sol / The shrine of Venus Cloacina; a low circular platform surmounted by two statues of the goddess, each resting right hand on cippus, the platform inscribed CLOAC and ornamented with trellis-pattern balustrade, with flight of steps and portico on left; L•MVSSIDIVS•LONGVS above. Crawford 494/43b; CRI 189a; BMCRR Rome 4252; RSC Mussidia 7a. 3.88g, 19mm, 5h. About Good Extremely Fine. Rare variant with direct facing head of Sol and legend CLOAC, most obverse dies have the head turned slightly to right. 1,000 From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. This reverse commemorates the building of the great drain of Rome; The Cloaca Maxima.

785. C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Laureate and bearded head of Hercules to right / Minerva standing to right, holding spear and Victory, shield set on ground before; VARVS downwards to left, C•VIBIVS downwards to right. Crawford 494/37; CRI 193; BMCRR Rome 4301-2; RSC Vibia 23. 3.96g, 18mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; an attractive portrait and beautiful old cabinet tone. Rare.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

786. C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Bust of Minerva to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis / Hercules standing to left, resting hand on club set on ground and holding lion skin; C•VIBIVS downwards on right, VARVS downwards on left. Crawford 494/38; CRI 194; BMCRR Rome 4303; RSC Vibia 26. 3.73g, 17mm, 7h. About Extremely Fine.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

787. 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; BMCRR East 80; RSC 6. 3.85g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

788. 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; BMCRR East 41; RSC 11. 3.85g, 18mm, 12h. Near Mint State; stunning old cabinet tone adorned with rich iridescent colours. From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

278

2,000

789. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Brutus in Lycia, 42 BC. C. Flavius Hemicullus, legatus pro praetore. Draped bust of Apollo to right; lyre before, C•FLAV•HEMIC•LEG•PRO•PR around / Victory standing to left, crowning trophy with wreath; IMP•Q•CAEP•BRVT• around. Crawford 504/1; CRI 205; Sydenham 1294; RBW 1771; RSC 7. 3.58g, 19mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin; vivid iridescent cabinet tone.

3,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

790. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus with P. Servilius Casca Longus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece, summer - autumn 42 BC. CASCA LONGVS, laureate bust of Neptune to right, trident below / BRVTVS IMP, Victory in long tunic walking to right, palm branch over shoulder and breaking diadem with both hands, broken sceptre on ground. Crawford 507/2; CRI 212; BMCRR East 63-65; RSC 3. 3.99g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; deep old cabinet tone. Rare.

4,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

791. C. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Military mint (Smyrna?), 42 BC. P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legate. Veiled and draped bust of Libertas to right; LEIBERTAS upwards before, C•CASSI•IMP upwards behind / Capis and lituus; LENTVLVS SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/5; CRI 223; Sydenham 1305; RBW 1764; RSC 6. 3.71g, 17mm, 6h. Near Mint State; wonderful old cabinet tone.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

792. Marcus Arrius Secundus AR Denarius. Rome, 41 BC. Young, bare, male head to right, with slight beard (Octavian or Quintus Arrius?); M•ARRIVS upwards behind, SECVNDVS downwards before / Hasta pura (vertical spear) between wreath to left and rectangular phalera (military decoration) to right. Crawford 513/2; CRI 319; BMCRR Rome 4210; Sydenham 1084, RBW 1791; RSC Arria 2. 3.76g, 20mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. The Perusine War of 41-40 BC, fought between the forces raised by Marc Antony’s wife and brother, Fulvia and Lucius Antony, and Octavian brought about an unusual development in the coinage of the late Republic, and heralded the demise of the tradition of moneyers producing currency at the Capitoline mint (save for a brief restoration early in the principate of Augustus). The obverse portrait of this coin, despite being identified as the moneyer’s father, Quintus Arrius, looks notably similar to Octavian. Similarly, C. Numonius Vaala’s aurei (Crawford 514/1) bears a head of Victory with a striking resemblance to Fulvia. It has been postulated that, owing to the uncertainties of the political climate, these types were produced with deliberately ambiguous meanings which could be aligned with whichever side should be victorious.

279

A Magnificent Example of the Type

793. C. Numonius Vaala AR Denarius. Rome, 41 BC. Bare head of Numonius Vaala to right; C•NVMONIVS downwards before, VAALA upwards behind / Soldier advancing to left, holding sword and shield, attacking vallum defended by two soldiers; VAALA in exergue. Crawford 514/2; CRI 322; BMCRR Rome 4216; Sydenham 1087; RSC Numonia 2. 3.87g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful flashes of iridescent colour around a bold portrait and reverse design. A magnificent example of the type.

7,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

Divus Julius Caesar

794. 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. 3.70g, 22mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; banker’s mark on obv., attractive old cabinet tone.

7,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. 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, but 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.

280

795. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. MAG PIVS IMP ITER, diademed and bearded head of Neptune to right; trident over shoulder / Naval trophy set on anchor, top of trident visible above helmet; the arms composed of the stem of a prow in right and aplustre in left; two heads of Scylla at base; [PRAEF] CLAS ET ORAE MARIT EX S C (partially ligate) around. Crawford 511/2a; CRI 333; BMCRR Sicily 15; RSC 1c. 3.92g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; banker’s mark on obv.

3,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. It has been remarked that the coinage of Sextus Pompey was a step towards the propagandistic issues of the Roman emperors. Having decided upon an affinity with Neptune, he minted a series of coins depicting the god and continuing his theme of pietas. This virtue was highly valued in Roman society; the city’s founder Aeneas’ epithet is pius and tradition details that his piety was three-fold; to his father, his homeland and the gods. Pompey was not the only imperator to draw upon the Aeneas myth on his coinage (see Crawford 458/1), however he was unique in commandeering a theme and using it repeatedly. His earliest denarii feature a personification of the goddess Pietas (Crawford 477/1a), but references become subtler and more complex on later issues as per the present example. Here, Pompey Magnus is remembered within the obverse legend, with Pietas also explicitly referenced. Sextus Pompey does not allow us to forget that it was the Senate who declared him praefectus classis et orae maritima, tying his patriotism in neatly. This military title lends itself obviously to Neptune, whose portrait is displayed on the obverse. The naval trophy not only alludes to Pompey’s naval victories but also to his piety towards Neptune to whom he is reported to have sacrificed 100 bulls and in whose honour a live horse was flung into the sea, along with an offering of gold (Florus 2.18.3).

796. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. MAG•PIVS•IMP•ITER, bare head of Pompey Magnus to right; capis behind, lituus before / Neptune standing to left, holding aplustre and with foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus advancing in opposite directions and carrying their parents on their shoulders; PRÆF (ligate) above, CLAS•ET•[ORÆ•MARIT•EX•S•C] (partially ligate) in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; BMCRR Sicily 7; CRI 334; RSC 17 (Pompey the Great). 3.97g, 19mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone over lustrous metal displaying original mineral adhesions.

3,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. This coin of Sextus Pompey is rich with symbolism. The reverse alludes not only to Sextus’ command of the seas and the probable location of the mint through the legend of Amphinomus and Anapias, but is also a reference to the piety of Sextus Pompey in upholding the Republican ideals of his late father, who is depicted on the obverse.

281

Pedigreed to 1894

797. Quintus Labienus AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Syria or south-eastern Asia Minor, early 40 BC. Q•LABIENVS•PARTHICVS•IMP, bare head to right / Horse standing to right on ground line, wearing saddle with quiver attached and bridle. Crawford 524/2; CRI 341; Hersh Labienus 11a (E/10, this coin); BMCRR East 132; Sydenham 1357; RBW 1809; S. Bourgey and G. Depeyrot. La République romaine: fonds Bourgey, p. 199, 527 (this coin); CNR 4 (this coin); RSC 2. 3.78g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; an exquisite specimen, exhibiting a wonderful old cabinet tone and a striking portrait of Labienus. Very Rare in this condition; certainly among the finer specimens to come to auction in the past decade. 40,000 This coin published in S. Bourgey and G. Depeyrot. La République romaine: fonds Bourgey (Paris, 1988); This coin published in A. Banti. Corpus Nummorum Romanorum, Monetazione Repubblicana (Firenze, 1980-1982); This coin cited in C. Hersh. “The Coinage of Quintus Labienus Parthicus” in SNR 59 (1980); From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Manuel Vidal Quadras y Ramón Collection (1818-1894), Bourgey, 4 November 1913, lot 707. It should perhaps not come as a surprise that Quintus Labienus, the son of Titus Labienus who was an important general to Caesar during the Gaul Campaign and then broke ties with him to form an alliance with Pompey, also became a traitor during his lifetime. After the assassination of Caesar, the younger Labienus joined Cassius and Brutus who sent him as an ambassador to Parthia to request support from King Orodes II. This mission proved to be unsuccessful and thus contributed to Cassius and Brutus being defeated in the battle of Philippi by Octavian and Antony in 42 BC. It is at this point that some may call Labienus a coward, and some an opportunist. He knew if he returned home he would face punishment, and the chances of advancement for himself would all but disappear. However, if he stayed with the Parthians he could perhaps have the opportunity to fulfil his military ambitions. Labienus therefore decided to stay and convince Orodes to invade Syria on the pretence that several areas under Antony and Octavian were not well protected. In 40 BC he jointly commanded forces with Orodes’ son Pacorus II that invaded areas of Syria and Asia Minor. Labienus and Pacorus were able to achieve much success and overtook Apameia, Antioch, and Cilicia. His success was short lived though, as in 39 BC he was defeated, captured and executed in an attack orchestrated by Antony and Octavian and carried out by Publius Ventidius. It is around the time of his military victories that he began striking coinage to pay the many soldiers he was acquiring through his conquests. This coin in particular strikes a balance between Roman and Parthian characteristics. The obverse depicts a very serious, yet commanding portrait in Roman style, but with a legend naming him PARTHICVS. The reverse depicts a horse with a bridled saddle and quiver, making reference to the infamous Parthian soldiers who were known for their accuracy and efficiency as horse archers.

282

283

798. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG-IV across fields. Crawford 544/17; CRI 352; BMCRR East 195; Sydenham 1219; RSC 30. 3.68g, 17mm, 6h. Near Mint State; minor planchet flaw, a well-detailed and attractively toned example.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

799. Octavian AR Denarius. Uncertain Italian mint (Brundisium or Rome?), 32-31 BC. Bare head to right / CAESAR DIVI F, Pax, draped, standing to left, holding olive-branch and cornucopiae. CRI 399; RIC I 252 (Augustus); BMCRE 605 (Augustus) = BMCRR East 236; RSC 69 (Augustus). 3.64g, 20mm, 5h. 3,000 Near Mint State; banker’s mark to obv., a fine portrait and lustrous, shimmering fields. From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. Not listed by either Crawford or Sydenham as being issued under the Republic, the CAESAR DIVI F series was re-evaluated by Sutherland and placed firmly in this period, the present piece being struck for Octavian before the Battle of Actium.

800. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Italian mint, 29-27 BC. Helmeted head of Mars; IMP below / Circular shield with eight-rayed star inscribed CAESAR, lying on spear and sword. RIC I 274; BMCRE 644; RSC 44. 3.34g, 21mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

801. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?), 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, oak-wreathed head to right / Eight-tailed comet with tail upwards; [D]IVVS IVLIVS across fields. RIC I 37a; BMCRE 323-325 = BMCRR Gaul 135-7; RSC 98. 3.82g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; banker’s marks on obv., beautiful cabinet tone.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

284

Very Rare and Among the Finest Known

802. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19-4 BC. M. Durmius, moneyer. M DVRMIVS III VIR, diademed bust of young Hercules to right, with club and lion-skin / CAESAR [AVGV]STVS SIGN RECE, Parthian kneeling to right, extending standard marked X. RIC I 314; BMCRE 59; RSC 433b. 3.87g, 19mm, 9h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Very Rare, and among the finest known examples - comparable to the specimen sold at Triton XI in 2008 for USD 18,000. 5,000 From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

In Superb Condition for the Type

803. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19-4 BC. M. Durmius, moneyer. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head to right / M DVRMIVS III VIR, lion attacking stag to left. RIC I 318; BMCRE 63; RSC 431. 3.93g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; unobtrusive flan crack at 2/10h, splendid old cabinet tone, in superb condition for the type.

3,500

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

804. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Eastern mint, 17 BC. Young, male head to right (Gaius Caesar?); CAESAR below; all within oak-wreath / Candelabrum ornamented with rams’ heads; AVG-VST across fields; all within wreath entwined with bucrania and paterae. RIC I 540; BMCRE 684; RSC 2. 3.79g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. Often thought to depict a ‘rejuvenated’ Augustus, in ‘Roman Coins and their Values’ David Sear reasserts the identification first proposed by Henri Cohen: that this is in fact Gaius. Bearing little resemblance to other portraits of Octavian/Augustus, and struck in the same year that Gaius and his newborn brother Lucius were adopted by Augustus as his heirs, this attribution seems most likely.

285

Ex Vautier & Collignon Collection, Naville 1922

805. Augustus, with Agrippa, AR Denarius. Rome, 13 BC. C. Sulpicius Platorinus, moneyer. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head of Augustus to right / M AGRIPPA PLATORINVS III VIR, bare head of Agrippa to right. RIC I 408; BMCRE 112-4; RSC 3 (Agrippa and Augustus). 3.97g, 18mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; banker’s mark to obv, beautiful old cabinet tone with two bold, distinctive portraits. Rare and arguably the finest known example. 10,000 From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, FPL 100, February 1951, no. 47; Ex Henry Platt Hall Collection, Glendining & Co., 19 July 1950, lot 873; Ex Dr. Bonazzi Collection, Rodolfo Ratto, Auction 1, 23 January 1924, lot 1548; Ex M. P. Vautier & Prof. M. Collignon Collection, Naville & Cie., Auction II, 12 June 1922, lot 198. Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Augustus met in boyhood, but their relationship was cemented after the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, when Agrippa was elected tribune of the plebs and served alongside Octavian and Mark Antony as a military commander at the Battle of Philippi. During the subsequent years, he swiftly rose through the political system as Urban Prefect, Governor of Transalpine Gaul, Consul and Curule Aedile and commanded Octavian’s fleet at the decisive Battle of Actium in 31 BC, after which Octavian became sole ruler of the Roman empire and assumed the title of Augustus. Virgil paints a dramatic picture of the clash: “Agrippa, favoured by the winds and the gods, leads his towering column of ships, his brow shines with the beaks of the naval crown, his proud battle distinction.” (Aeneid 8.682-3). Indeed, although Agrippa is shown bare-headed here, other denarii (e.g. RIC I 414) depict him with a composite mural and rostral crown to represent his dizzying array of military achievements on land and sea. His distinctive heavy features and furrowed brow mark him out both as the experienced military commander and intellectual thinker he was. In reward for his role in Augustus’ rise to power, Agrippa received two more consulships and the hand in marriage of Augustus’ niece in 28 BC, which would closely bind him to the imperial family. However, after the death of Augustus’ son-in-law and heir apparent Marcellus in 23 BC, the emperor remarried Agrippa to his daughter Julia and heaped long-lasting military imperium and tribunician power upon him, firmly establishing his position as an integral part of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. They had five children, including the two princes Lucius and Gaius Caesar and one of his daughters from his first marriage went on to marry the future emperor Tiberius. Augustus would formally adopt Agrippa in 17 BC, declaring him his intended successor. The coinage of 13 BC celebrates both men with bold twin portraits upon the occasion of the renewal of their tribunician powers. It was marked by a ceremony in Rome, to which both had freshly returned from campaign, Augustus in Gaul and Agrippa in the East. This moment of celebration was quickly overshadowed by tragedy: Agrippa died in Campania in 12 BC, and was honoured in a manner befitting his status as heir and longstanding companion of Augustus, with a lavish funeral and a final resting place in the Mausoleum of Augustus.

286

806. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 12 BC. L. Caninius Gallus, moneyer. AVGVSTVS, bare head to right / L•CANINIVS GALLVS•III•VIR, German kneeling to right, offering up vexillum and extending hand below left knee. RIC I 416; BMCRE 127; RSC 383. 3.88g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.

An Extremely Rare Restoration Issue

807. Trajan AR Denarius. Restoration issue. Rome, AD 112-113. MONETA, draped bust of Juno Moneta to right, wearing earring and necklace / IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG [GER DAC] P P REST CARISIVS, anvil between tongs and hammer, cap of Vulcan above; within laurel wreath. RIC II 805; BMCRE 688; Woytek 838 (same dies as illustration); Heritage 3071, lot 32090 (hammer: 9,000 USD). 3.41g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone, light mineral adhesions. Extremely Rare restoration issue; only two other examples on CoinArchives, of which this is by a considerable margin the finest. 5,000 From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985. Though ‘restored’ coinage was nothing new to the Romans in Trajan’s time - they had made their first appearance under the Flavians, and been continued under Nerva - previous restorations had confined themselves only to the bronzes of certain well-remembered emperors. Trajan’s great restoration, however, consisted entirely of aurei and denarii, and went much further, by restoring Republican types, and effectively inventing wholly new ones. The occasion for this ‘restitution’ series issued under Trajan may have been the melting down of old coinage as mentioned in Cassius Dio (67.15), for Mattingly and Sydenham (RIC II, p. 303) proposed that “since the Romans regarded their coins with a certain amount of reverence as products of the Sacra Moneta it is not unnatural to conclude that they valued them also as historical monuments. The dominating trait in the character of Trajan was a desire to emphasise and expand the glory of Rome. It seems reasonable, therefore, to suggest that this was his motive for issuing the Restored Coins; and, by thus placing together a series of types illustrative of the development of Rome, Trajan may not ineptly be regarded as one of the first to recognize Numismatics as an aid to History.”

Published in Banti, Corpus Nummorum Romanorum

808. Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Restitution issue of Marc Antony legionary type. Rome, AD 165-166. ANTONINVS AVGVR, praetorian galley to left; III VIR R P C in exergue / ANTONINVS ET VERVS AVG REST, aquila between two signa; LEG-VI across fields. RIC III 443 (Aurelius and Verus); BMCRE 501 (Aurelius and Verus); CNR 139 (Antony, this coin); RSC 83 (Antony). 3.44g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

This coin published in A. Banti. Corpus Nummorum Romanorum, Monetazione Repubblicana (Firenze, 1980-1982); From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985; Ex Mario Ratto, FPL 3-1969, July-September 1969, no. 145.

287

COINS OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

809. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter standing in galloping quadriga driven by Victory to right, holding sceptre and reins, brandishing thunderbolt overhead; ROMA in tablet below. Crawford 28/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 78-99; RSC 24. 6.49g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; well-centred and struck from dies of very refined style.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer, ticket included.

Dies of Beautiful, Refined Style

810. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter standing in galloping quadriga driven by Victory to right, holding sceptre and reins, brandishing thunderbolt overhead; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 78-99; RSC 23. 6.63g, 22mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; struck from dies of beautiful, refined style.

1,750

Acquired from Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung.

811. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter standing in galloping quadriga driven by Victory to right, holding sceptre and reins, brandishing thunderbolt overhead; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 78-99; RSC 23. 6.65g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; struck on large planchet, with a beautiful old cabinet tone.

1,000

Ex Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

812. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter standing in galloping quadriga driven by Victory to right, holding sceptre and reins, brandishing thunderbolt overhead; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 78-99; RSC 23. 6.70g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; struck on a very broad planchet.

1,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

288

813. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter standing in galloping quadriga driven by Victory to right, holding sceptre and reins, brandishing thunderbolt overhead; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 78-99; RSC 23. 6.69g, 21mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

1,000

From the Saint Paul Collection, privately purchased in Berlin.

814. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter standing in galloping quadriga driven by Victory to right, holding sceptre and reins, brandishing thunderbolt overhead; ROMA in tablet below. Crawford 29/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 78-99; RSC 23. 6.86g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

815. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter standing in galloping quadriga driven by Victory to right, holding sceptre and reins, brandishing thunderbolt overhead; ROMA in tablet below. Crawford 29/3; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 78-99; RSC 23. 6.67g, 26mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; struck on a huge planchet of medallic proportions.

1,000

From the F. Cruse Collection.

816. Anonymous Æ Quadrans. Rome, circa 217-215 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing boar-skin; ••• (mark of value) behind / Bull charging to right, snake below; ••• (mark of value) above, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 39/2; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 116; RBW 106. 41.44g, 35mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine; exceedingly well detailed for the type.

1,000

Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 351, 25 September 2021, lot 248 (since professionally conserved).

289

817. Anonymous Æ Quadrans. Rome, circa 217-215 BC. Head of Hercules to right, wearing boar-skin; ••• (mark of value) behind / Bull charging to right, snake below; ••• (mark of value) above, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 39/2; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 116; RBW 106. 39.28g, 35mm, 5h. Good Very Fine; areas of weak strike. Rare.

500

From a private Swiss collection.

818. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 211-208 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear, star above each head; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 44/5; BMCRR Rome 1; RSC 2. 4.08g, 19mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone.

300

From a private European collection.

The Elusive C Mint Quinarius

819. C Mint AR Quinarius. Sardinia, 211 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; V (mark of value) behind / Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; C below, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 63/1; King 5; RSC 33a. 1.78g, 16mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; the fourth known, and the only example in private hands.

4,000

From the VCV Collection; Acquired from London Ancient Coins Ltd.

One of Very Few Known

820. Corn-ear series AR Denarius. Sicily, 209-208 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; corn-ear and crooked staff below horses, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 77/1; RSC 20m*. 3.59g, 19mm, 2h. Good Very Fine; pleasant old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare, one of very few known, and considerably superior to the last auctioned example sold at ACR Auctions in 2020 (E-Auction 92, lot 646, £2,000). 1,000 From a private European collection.

290

821. Wheel series AR Serrate Denarius. Sicily(?), 209-208 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right, X (mark of value) behind / Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; six-spoked wheel below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 79/1; BMCRR Italy 308; RSC 20kk. 3.69g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; rough surface.

100

From a private European collection.

822. Dolphin Series AR Denarius. Sicily, 209-208 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X behind / The Dioscuri, each holding spear, riding to right; dolphin to right below, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 80/1a; BMCRR Rome 423; RSC 20k. 3.54g, 19mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; pleasant light cabinet tone.

150

From a private European collection.

The Third Recorded Example

823. V series Æ Uncia. South East Italy, circa 211-210 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; • (mark of value) behind / Prow to right; ROMA above, V in right field, • (mark of value) in exergue. R. Russo, ‘Unpublished Roman Republican Bronze Coins’ in Essays in Honour of Charles Hersh, 1918, p.142, 44; Crawford 87/-; NAC 7, 476 (CHF 4,000). 3.05g, 17mm, 4h. Very Fine; dark green patina. Extremely Rare; the third recorded example.

750

From a private English collection; Acquired from Bertolami Fine Arts.

824. Spearhead series AR Denarius. South east Italian mint, 209 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; spearhead below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 88/2b; BMCRR Rome 318; RSC 20aa. 4.09g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

500

From a private European collection.

825. VB series AR Victoriatus. 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; Sydenham 113; RSC 36m. 3.32g, 18mm, 12h. Mint State. Previously NGC graded MS (4374450-056).

1,000

291

826. VB series AR Victoriatus. 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; Sydenham 113; RSC 36m. 3.37g, 18mm, 3h. Mint State. Previously NGC graded MS (4374443-092).

1,000

827. VB series AR Victoriatus. 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; Sydenham 113; RSC 36m. 3.37g, 18mm, 4h. Mint State. Previously NGC graded MS (4374450-070).

1,000

828. VB series AR Victoriatus. 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 95/1b; RBW 390; RSC 36m. NGC graded Ch MS, 5/5 - 5/5 (4374460-137). Lustrous metal.

1,000

An Extremely Rare Type

829. Anonymous AR Victoriatus. Uncertain Spanish mint, 211 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Victory to right, holding wreath to crown trophy before her; ROMA incuse on rectangular tablet below. Crawford 96/1; ACIP 4001; RSC 8. 3.34g, 17mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; the finest of just seven examples offered at auction in the last 20 years.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

830. L series AR Victoriatus. Luceria, 211-208 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Victory standing to right, crowning trophy with wreath; ⇂ between, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 97/1a; BMCRR Italy 159; RSC 36e*. 3.12g, 16mm, 7h. 1,000

Mint State. Previously NGC graded MS (4374448-132).

831. Q series AR Victoriatus. Apulia, circa 211-210 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Victory standing to right, crowning trophy; Q between, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 102/1; BMCRR Italy 219; RSC 36k. 2.94g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Previously NGC graded Ch AU (4374477-186).

750

292

832. Trident Series AR Denarius. Rome, 206-195 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri, each holding spear, riding to right; trident below horses, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 115/1; BMCRR Rome 442-5 = BMCRR Italy 302-3; RSC 20ii. 3.57g, 20mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

From a private European collection.

833. Rudder series AR Denarius. Rome, 206-195 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; rudder below horses, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 117A/1; BMCRR Rome 446; RSC 20y. 4.05g, 21mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive hints of iridescence around devices. Rare.

300

From a private European collection.

834. Female Head Series AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 206-200 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri, each holding spear, riding to right; female head to right below, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 127/1; BMCRR Italy 314; RBW 578; RSC Horatia 1. 3.76g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

700

From a private European collection.

835. Pentagram Series AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 206-200 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri, each holding spear, riding to right; pentagram below, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 129/1; BMCRR Italy 293; RSC 20w. 3.32g, 18mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; attractive hints of iridescence around rev. devices. Scarce.

400

From a private European collection.

836. Staff and Feather Series AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 206-200 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; staff before, X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri, each holding spear, riding to right; feather below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 130/1a; BMCRR Italy 305; RSC 20ee. 3.08g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; pleasant light cabinet tone.

200

From a private European collection.

293

837. Owl Series AR Denarius. Rome, 194-190 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri, each holding spear, riding to right; owl below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 135/1; BMCRR Italy 323; RSC 20v. 3.56g, 19mm, 10h. Good Very Fine; pleasant light cabinet tone. Rare.

300

From a private European collection.

838. Bird and TOD series AR Denarius. Rome, 189-180 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Diana driving biga to right; bird and TOD below; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 141/1; BMCRR Rome 589; RSC 35. 4.07g, 20mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

500

From a private European collection.

839. Prawn Series AR Denarius. Rome, 179-170 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Diana driving biga to right; prawn below, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 156/1; BMCRR Rome 585; RSC 22. 3.76g, 19mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

From a private European collection.

840. Cornucopiae series AR Denarius. Rome, 179-170 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right, X (mark of value) behind / Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; cornucopiae below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 157/1; BMCRR Rome 583; Sydenham 340; RBW 691; RSC 20h. 3.12g, 18mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Very Rare.

300

From a private European collection.

841. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 179-170 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / Diana, wearing crescent, driving biga to right; feather below, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 163/1; BMCRR Italy 394; Sydenham 325; RSC 22a. 3.42g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare, and very well preserved for the type.

150

From a private European collection.

294

842. Anchor series AR Denarius. Rome, 179-170 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; anchor below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 165/1a; BMCRR Italy 296; RSC 20a. 3.91g, 19mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

200

From a private European collection.

843. Helmet series AR Denarius. Rome, 179-170 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; helmet below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 168/2; BMCRR Italy 371; RSC 20q. 3.73g, 21mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine; areas of flatness, beautiful old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare; very well preserved for the type.

400

From a private European collection.

844. Ear series AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 199-170 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; ear below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 170/1; BMCRR Italy 304; RSC 201. 3.98g, 21mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From a private European collection.

The Finest in 20 Years

845. MA series AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 199-170 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X (mark of value) behind / The Dioscuri riding to right, each holding spear; MA (ligate) below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 172/1; BMCRR Italy 117; RSC 32e. 3.86g, 20mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone with attractive hints of iridescence around devices. Very Rare, the finest example to be offered at auction for over twenty years. 500 From a private European collection.

846. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; wreath and mark of value behind, ROMA below / The Dioscuri galloping in opposite directions, heads reverted, holding spears; two stars above, C•SERVEILI• M•[F] in exergue. Crawford 239/1; BMCRR Italy 540; RSC Servilia 1. 3.98g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; obv. die break, a magnificent reverse.

1,000

From a private European collection.

295

847. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; wreath and mark of value behind, ROMA below / The Dioscuri galloping in opposite directions, heads reverted, holding spears; two stars above, C•SERVEILI• M•F in exergue. Crawford 239/1; BMCRR Italy 540; RSC Servilia 1. 3.93g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; a superbly well-detailed reverse.

850

Ex Scipio Collection; Acquired from José A. Herrero, November 1993; Sold with export license from Spain.

848. P. Maenius Antiaticus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; mark of value behind / Victory driving quadriga to right, holding reins, palm branch and wreath; P•MAE ANT (partially ligate) below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 249/1; BMCRR Rome 988; RSC Maenia 7. 3.84g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State; attractive cabinet tone.

500

From a private European collection; Ex Nomisma S.p.a., Auction 61, 29 October 2019, lot 543.

849. P. Maenius Antiaticus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; mark of value behind / Victory driving quadriga to right, holding reins, palm branch and wreath; P•MAE ANT (partially ligate) below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 249/1; BMCRR Rome 988; RSC Maenia 7. 3.91g, 20mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

850. C. Caecilius Metellus AR Denarius. Rome, 125 BC. Head of Roma to right, wearing helmet surmounted by eagle’s head; ROMA downwards behind, monogram below chin / Jupiter, being crowned by Victory flying to right, driving biga of elephants to left, holding [thunderbolt] and reins; C•METELL[VS] in exergue. Crawford 269/1; BMCRR Rome 1180; RBW 1085; RSC Caecilia 14. 3.98g, 18mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

500

From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Acquired from Tauler & Fau.

851. Q. Minucius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 122 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X below, RVF behind / The Dioscuri riding to right; Q•MINV below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 277/1; BMCRR Italy 464; RSC Minucia 1. 3.96g, 19mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Acquired from Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG.

296

852. C. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 114-113 BC. Laureate janiform heads of the Dioscuri; C (control letter) in left field, mark of value in right field / Galley sailing to left with three rowers, gubernator at stern; C•FONT (partially ligate) above, ROMA below. Crawford 290/1; BMCRR Italy 598; RSC Fonteia 1. 3.96g, 20mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

750

Acquired from Cayón Numismática. In his oration Pro Fonteio, Cicero mentions that the Fonteii came originally from Tusculum, of which municipium it was one of the most distinguished families. The Fonteii claimed descent from Fontus, the son of Janus. A two-faced head appears on a coin of Gaius Fonteius, which Jean Foy Vaillant and others suppose to be the head of Fontus or Janus, in reference to this tradition. But as Janus is always represented in later times with a beard, Eckhel maintains that the two heads refer to the Dioscuri, who were worshipped at Tusculum with special honours, and who may be regarded as the Di Penates of the gens. Michael Crawford likewise favours a depiction of the Dioscuri as they appear on other coins of the Fonteii. The galley on the reverse meanwhile is a reference to Telegonus, son of Ulysses and according to myth the founder of Tusculum.

853. C. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 114-113 BC. Laureate, janiform heads of the Dioscuri; X (control letter) in left field, mark of value in right field, [pellet(s?)] below / Galley to left with three rowers, gubernator at stern; C•FONT above, ROMA below. Crawford 290/1; BMCRR Italy 616; RSC Fonteia 1. 3.86g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

Ex Scipio Collection.

854. L. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Draped bust of Victory to right; mark of value below / 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.

855. M. n. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Jugate and laureate heads of the Dioscuri to right; P P upwards before, two stars above, mark of value below / Ship to right; MN•FONTEI (partially ligate) above; C (control letter) below. Crawford 307/1a; BMCRR Rome 1230; RSC Fonteia 7. 4.02g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

750

Acquired from Cayón Numismática.

297

856. M. Herennius AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Head of Pietas to right, wearing stephane; PIETAS (partially ligate) downwards behind, B (control letter) before / Amphinomus, running to right, carrying his father Nisos; M•HERENNI downwards behind. Crawford 308/1a; BMCRR Rome 1234; RSC Herennia 1. 3.96g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,250

From a private European collection; Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 19004, 27 March 2019, lot 174.

857. L. Thorius Balbus AR Denarius. Rome, 105 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat skin; I•S•M•R downwards behind / Bull charging to right; L (control letter) above, L•THORIVS below, BALBVS in exergue. Crawford 316/1; BMCRR Rome 1627; RSC Thoria 1. 3.90g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

300

Ex Scipio Collection.

EX CNG 50, 1999

858. L. Sentius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 101 BC. Helmeted head of Roma to right; ARG•PVB (partially ligate) downwards behind / Jupiter in quadriga to right, holding thunderbolt, reins and sceptre, Q (control letter) above; L•SENTI•C•F. below. Crawford 325/1a; BMCRR Rome 1648; RSC Sentia 1a. 3.93g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

200

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 50, 23 June 1999, lot 1293.

859. A. Albinus Sp. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 96 BC. Bust of Diana to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; ROMA below / Three horsemen galloping to left, trampling fallen warrior; A•ALBINVS•S•F in exergue. Crawford 335/9; BMCRR Italy 716; RSC Postumia 4a. 3.90g, 19mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

350

Ex Scipio Collection.

298

860. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; [F] (control letter) below / Horseman galloping to right, holding reins and whip; head of satyr (control symbol) above, L•PISO•FRVGI ROMA in two lines below. Crawford 340/1; BMCRR Rome 2130; RSC Calpurnia 12b. 3.88g, 20mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.

150

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

861. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; XXVIII (control numeral) downwards behind / Horseman galloping to right, holding reins and whip; XXIII (control numeral) above, L•PISO•FRVGI and monogram in two lines below. Crawford 340/1; cf. BMCRR Rome 1902 (different control numerals) var. (whip); RSC Calpurnia 11 var. (whip). 3.89g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

100

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Ex Rockport Collection, privately purchased from Heritage Auctions in the 1980s.

862. Q. Titius AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Head of young Bacchus to right, wearing ivy wreath / Pegasus springing to right from tablet inscribed Q•TITI. Crawford 341/2; BMCRR Rome 2225; RSC Titia 2. 3.96g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

Ex Scipio Collection.

863. C. Vibius C. f. Pansa AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; control mark below chin, PANSA behind / Ceres advancing to right, holding lit torch in each hand, pig at feet to right; C•VIBIVS•C•F downwards to left. Crawford 342/3b; BMCRE 2239; RSC Vibia 6. 4.12g, 19mm, 9h. Extremely Fine; minor obv. die break, a portrait of fine style.

500

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex José A. Herrero, 10 October 2002, lot 299. The reverse of this coin illustrates the goddess Ceres seeking the path by which her daughter Proserpina was taken down to Hades. The cult of Ceres and Proserpina was of the greatest importance in Southern Italy, and given that this gens is reputed to have come from Bruttium it is therefore not unexpected that Ceres should figure prominently on its coinage.

299

864. C. Vibius C. f. Pansa AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; control mark below chin, PANSA behind / Minerva driving galloping quadriga to right, holding trophy, reins and spear; C•VIBIVS•C•F in exergue. Crawford 342/5b; BMCRR Rome 2244ff.; RSC Vibia 1. 4.06g, 19mm, 9h. Mint State; lustrous metal.

300

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 18, 29-30 March 2000, lot 1437.

865. L. Julius Bursio AR Denarius. Rome, 85 BC. Male head to right, with attributes of Apollo, Mercury and Neptune; bird (control symbol) behind / Victory driving quadriga to right, holding reins and wreath; L•IVLI•BVRSIO in exergue. Crawford 352/1a; BMCRR Rome 2487; RSC Julia 5. 3.94g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

250

Ex Scipio Collection.

866. P. Crepusius AR Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; sceptre and control letter behind, control symbol below chin / Horseman riding to right, brandishing spear; CCXXXV (control numeral) behind, P•CREPVSI in exergue. Crawford 361/1c; BMCRR Rome 2673ff.; RSC Crepusia 1. 4.04g, 19mm, 7h. Near Mint State. Previously NGC graded Ch AU 5/5 - 4/5 (#4282926-010).

1,000

Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA.

867. C. Marius C. f. Capito AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Draped bust of Ceres to right; CAPIT•CXXXIII (control numeral) behind, broad fibula (control mark) below chin / Ploughman driving yoke of oxen to left; CXXXIII (control numeral) above, C•MARI•C•F S•C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 378/1c; BMCRR 2855ff. (different control marks); RSC Maria 9. 4.03g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; lustrous metal with hints of iridescence around devices.

500

From a private European collection; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, Auction 2019, 15 November 2019, lot 311.

300

868. C. Poblicius Q. f. AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Roma to right; E (control letter) above, ROMA downwards behind / Hercules standing to left, strangling the Nemean lion; club at feet, bow and arrows in bowcase on lower left, E (control letter) on upper left, C•POBLICI•Q•F upwards on right. Crawford 380/1; BMCRR Rome 2900; RSC Poblicia 9 corr. (reverse legend). 3.80g, 20mm, 10h. Near Mint State.

1,000

From a private European collection; Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 19004, 27 March 2019, lot 206.

869. C. Poblicius Q. f. AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Roma to right; H (control letter) above, ROMA downwards behind / Hercules standing to left, strangling the Nemean lion; club at feet, bow and arrows in bowcase on lower left, H (control letter) on upper left, C•POBLICI•Q•F upwards on right. Crawford 380/1; BMCRR Rome 2903; RSC Poblicia 9 corr. (reverse legend). 3.91g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

850

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex José A. Herrero, 14 Nov 1996, lot 94; Sold with export license from Spain.

870. L. Papius AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 79 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goatskin headdress; serpent (control symbol) behind / Griffin springing to right; hound (control symbol) below, L•PAPI in exergue. Crawford 384/1; BMCRR Rome 2977ff.; RSC Papia 1. 3.51g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

Acquired from Soler & Llach.

Likely the Finest Known

871. M. Volteius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Tetrastyle temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, with closed doors, winged thunderbolt in pediment; M•VOLTEI•M•F in exergue. Crawford 385/1; BMCRR Rome 3154; Sydenham 77; RBW 1414; RSC Volteia 1. 3.84g, 18mm, 8h. Fleur De Coin; wonderful old cabinet tone, with one of the most detailed depictions of the second temple of Jupiter on Roman coinage, and likely the finest of the type. From a private European collection; Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 19004, 27 March 2019, lot 212; Purchased from Spink & Son Ltd, 2 August 1972.

301

5,000

872. Cn. Egnatius Cn. f. Cn. n. Maxsumus AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Libertas to right; pileus and MAXSVMVS downwards behind / Roma and Venus standing facing, each holding staff; Roma on left, holding sword and placing foot on wolf’s head; Cupid alighting on Venus’ shoulder on right, together flanked by rudders standing on prow; C•EGNATIVS•CN•F (partially ligate) below, CN•N upwards to right, [control letter] in left field. Crawford 391/3; BMCRR Rome 3285ff.; RSC Egnatia 2. 3.82g, 18mm, 6h. 1,000 Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone. Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 12, 29 April 1998, lot 1666. 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 Egnatius, 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.

873. Q. Fufius Kalenus and Mucius Cordus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 70 BC. Jugate heads of Honos, laureate, and Virtus, wearing crested helmet, to right; KALENI below, HO behind, VIRT (ligate) before / Italia standing to right and holding cornucopiae, clasping hands with Roma standing to left, foot on globe and holding sceptre, clasping hands; winged caduceus and ITAL monogram on left, RO on right, CORDI in exergue. Crawford 403/1; BMCRR Rome 3358; RSC Fufia 1. 3.90g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive hints of iridescence.

500

From a private European collection; Ex Nomisma S.p.a., Auction 58, 6 November 2018, lot 105.

874. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Female draped bust to right; shield (control mark) behind / Jug and lighted torch; M•PLAETO[RI] downwards to right; CEST•EX•S•C downwards to left. Crawford 405/4b; BMCRR Rome 3542; Sydenham 803; Plaetoria 7. 3.94g, 20mm, 5h. Near Mint State; beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,000

From a private European collection.

875. C. Hosidius C. f. Geta AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 68 BC. Draped bust of Diana to right, bow and quiver over shoulder; III•VIR downwards to left, GETA downwards to right / The Calydonian boar standing to right, its front legs thrust forward, pierced through by spear and harried by hound below; C•HOSIDI•C•F in exergue. Crawford 407/1; BMCRR Rome 3386; RSC Hosidia 2. 3.90g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; pleasant light cabinet tone with attractive hints of iridescence. From a private European collection; Ex Spink & Son Ltd, Auction 19004, 27 March 2019, lot 219.

302

1,000

876. C. Calpurnius L. f. Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Head of Apollo to right, hair tied with taenia; C⊥X (control numeral) behind / Horseman galloping to right, carrying palm over shoulder; control symbol above, C•PISO•L•F•FRV below. Crawford 408/1b; BMCRR Rome 3695 for obv. control numeral; RSC Calpurnia 24. 4.00g, 20mm, 7h. 300

Near Mint State. Acquired from Cayón Numismática.

877. M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Turreted bust of Cybele to right; CESTIANVS and forepart of lion behind, globe before / Curule chair; wing (control symbol) to left, M•PLAETORIVS•AED•CVR•EX•S•C• around. Crawford 409/2; BMCRR Rome 3595; RSC Plaetoria 3. 3.87g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive red-gold iridescence around the devices.

500

Ex Scipio Collection.

878. M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Turreted bust of Cybele to right; CESTIANVS and forepart of lion behind, globe before / Curule chair; control symbol to left, M•PLAETORIVS•AED•CVR•EX•S•C• around. Crawford 409/2; BMCRR Rome 3574ff.; RSC Plaetoria 3. 3.86g, 19mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone.

400

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd, E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020, lot 865; Ex Thesaurus s.r.l. (San Marino), Auction 15, 8 November 2019. lot 144.

879. M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Turreted bust of Cybele to right; CESTIANVS and forepart of lion behind, globe before / Curule chair; trident (control symbol) to left, M•PLAETORIVS•AED•CVR•EX•S•C• around. Crawford 409/2; BMCRE Rome 3588; RSC Plaetoria 3. 3.81g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

350

Ex José A. Herrero, 8 May 1997, lot 123.

303

Ex CNG XXXIV, 1995

880. 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.

1,500

Ex Dix Noonan Webb Ltd., Auction 182, 16 September 2020, lot 572; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction XXXIV, 6 May 1995, lot 261.

881. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right, scroll behind / Clio (Muse of History) standing to left, holding scroll and resting elbow on column; Q•POMPONI downwards to right, MVSA downwards to left. Crawford 410/3; BMCRR Rome 3610; RSC Pomponia 11. 4.03g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State; attractive hints of iridescence around devices.

1,500

Acquired from Artemide Aste s.r.l. (San Marino); Ex Nomisma S.p.a., Auction 63, 1 July 2021, lot 204.

882. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; sceptre behind / Melpomene (Muse of Tragedy) standing facing, head to right, wearing sword and holding club and [tragic mask]; [Q•P]OMPONI downwards to right, [M]VSA downwards to left. Crawford 410/4; Sydenham 817; BMCRR Rome 3615; RSC Pomponia 14. 4.14g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

300

From a private European collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd, E-Sale 63, 7 November 2019, lot 645.

883. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right; star behind / Urania (Muse of Astronomy) standing to left, wearing long flowing tunic and peplum, holding wand touching globe resting on 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.

304

Ex Jacquier FPL 17, 1995

884. L. Roscius Fabatus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 64 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat-skin headdress; control symbol behind, [L•ROSCI] below / Female standing to right, feeding serpent out of dress; control symbol to left, FABATI in exergue. Crawford 412/1 (symbols 174); BMCRR Rome -; RSC Roscia 3; Lanz 135, 434; NAC A, 1647. 3.91g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State. Very rare with these control symbols; one of three recorded in the Schaefer’s RRDP.

1,750

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Paul-Francis Jacquier, FPL 17, Autumn 1995, no. 360.

EX NAC 7, 1994

885. L. Roscius Fabatus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 64 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat-skin headdress; elephant head (control symbol) behind, [L•]ROSCI below / Female standing to right, feeding serpent out of dress; control symbol in left field, FABATI in exergue. Crawford 412/1; BMCRR Rome 3394ff; Sydenham 915; RSC Roscia 3. 3.99g, 18mm, 7h. Mint State; highly lustrous.

1,000

Ex Scipio Collection; Purchased from J. Fernandez in 1998; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 7, 2 March 1994, lot 612.

886. L. Roscius Fabatus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 64 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat-skin headdress; olive branch (control symbol) behind, L•ROSCI below / Female standing to right, feeding serpent out of dress; control symbol to left, FABATI in exergue. Crawford 412/1; BMCRR Rome 3413; RSC Roscia 3. 3.90g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; lustrous.

500

Ex Scipio Collection.

887. L. Roscius Fabatus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 64 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat-skin headdress; Pegasus (control symbol) behind, L•ROSCI below / Female standing to right, feeding serpent out of dress; control symbol to left, FABATI in exergue. Crawford 412/1; BMCRR Rome 3394ff.; Sydenham 915; RSC Roscia 3. 3.90g, 18mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

500

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Áureo & Calicó, 15 December 2004, lot 103.

305

888. L. Roscius Fabatus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 64 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat-skin headdress; crested helmet (control symbol) behind, [L•ROSCI] below / Female standing to right, feeding serpent out of dress; control symbol to left, FABAT[I] in exergue. Crawford 412/1; BMCRR Rome 3442; Sydenham 915; RSC Roscia 3. 3.95g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

300

From a private European collection.

889. M. Aemilius Scaurus and P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 58 BC. Kneeling figure to right (King Aretas of Nabataea), holding olive branch and reins of camel beside him; M•SCAVR AED•CVR in two lines above, EX-SC across fields, [R]EX ARETA[S] in exergue / Jupiter in quadriga to left, holding reins and hurling thunderbolt; scorpion below horses, [P H]VPSAE AED CVR in two lines above, CAPTV on right, C HVPSAE COS PREIVE in two lines in exergue. Crawford 422/1b; RSC Aemilia 8 and Plautia 8. 3.86g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

From a private European collection.

890. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Head of Ancus Marcius to right, wearing diadem; lituus behind, ANCVS below / Aqueduct on which stands equestrian statue, flower at horse’s feet; PHILIPPVS to left, AQVA MAR (partially ligate) within arches of aqueduct. Crawford 425/1; BMCRR Rome 3890; Sydenham 919; RBW 1524; RSC Marcia 28. 4.01g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; an outstanding example boasting a wonderful old cabinet tone and highly expressive portrait.

750

From the Vitangelo Collection, collector’s ticket included.

891. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Head of Ancus Marcius to right, wearing diadem; lituus behind, ANCVS below / Aqueduct on which stands equestrian statue, flower at horse’s feet; PHILIPPVS to left, AQVA MAR (partially ligate) within arches of aqueduct. Crawford 425/1; BMCRR Rome 3890; Sydenham 919; RBW 1524; RSC Marcia 28. 3.86g, 28mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; well-centred.

500

Ex Dr. Hans Krähenbühl Collection, privately purchased from Schweizerische Kreditanstalt Bern, 19 September 1975.

892. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Head of Ancus Marcius to right, wearing diadem; lituus behind, ANCVS below / Aqueduct on which stands equestrian statue, flower at horse’s feet; PHILIPPVS to left, AQVA MAR (partially ligate) within arches of aqueduct. Crawford 425/1; BMCRR Rome 3890; Sydenham 919; RBW 1524; RSC Marcia 28. 3.98g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; stunning old cabinet tone with underlying lustre.

300

From the inventory of a European dealer.

306

893. P. Fonteius P. f. Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Mars to right; trophy behind, P•FONTEIVS•P•F•CAPITO•III•VIR around / Warrior on horseback galloping to right, thrusting spear downwards at kneeling enemy in Gallic helmet, who holds sword and shield; another enemy warrior kneeling to right to lower left, Gallic helmet and shield to lower right, MN•FONT•TR•MIL (partially ligate) above. Crawford 429/1; BMCRR Rome 3851; Sydenham 900; RSC Fonteia 17. 4.08g, 19mm, 3h. Near Mint State.

750

Ex Inasta s.p.a. (San Marino), Auction 80, 23 March 2019, lot 98.

894. Cn. Plancius AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Head of Diana Planciana to right, wearing petasus; CN•PLANCIVS AED•CVR•S•C around / Cretan ibex standing to right, bow and quiver behind. Crawford 432/1; BMCRR Rome 3920; RSC Plancia 1. 4.09g, 20mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

300

Ex Scipio Collection.

895. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Bust of Libertas right; LIBERTAS downward behind / Consul L. Junius Brutus, between two lictors, preceded by accensus, all walking to left; BRVTVS in exergue. Crawford 433/1; BMCRR Rome 3862; RSC Junia 31. 3.88g, 19mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

Ex Gitbud & Naumann, E-Auction 9, 3 November 2013, lot 399. Struck a decade before the assassination of Julius Caesar and recalling the legendary expulsion of the Tarquins from Rome in 509 BC by L. Junius Brutus, his ancestor and the consul of that year, Brutus here uses the reverse type to illustrate his strong republican views, while the presence of the goddess Libertas on the obverse was particularly prescient of his participation in the events of 44 BC, the word ‘libertas’ reportedly being the watchword with which Brutus signalled the all-clear to his fellow conspirators. When he became consul in 54, Brutus’ full name was Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus, on account of his having been adopted by his uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio. Having reverted to his birth name for a time, following Caesar’s assassination Brutus revived his adoptive name in order to illustrate his links to another famous tyrannicide, Gaius Servilius Ahala, from whom he was also descended.

896. 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. 4.08g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; areas of weak strike.

1,000

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 193, 26 September 2011, lot 456.

307

COINS OF THE ROMAN IMPERATORIAL PERIOD

897. Cnaeus Pompey Magnus AR Denarius. Mint in Greece, 49-48 BC. Varro, proquaestor. Diademed terminal bust of Jupiter to right, VARRO•PRO•Q downwards behind / Sceptre between dolphin and eagle; MAGN•PR[O] COS in two lines in exergue. Crawford 447/1a; CRI 8; BMCRR Spain 64; RSC 3. 3.80g, 18mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine; some light hairlines.

1,500

Ex Thomas A. Palmer Collection; Privately purchased from Freeman & Sear, August 2001.

898. 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. 3.94g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 234, 9 June 2010, lot 195.

899. 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. 3.88g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; cleaning marks in outer rev. field.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

900. 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. 3.81g, 18mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

308

901. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 48-47 BC. Diademed female head to right, wearing oak-wreath; LII (Caesar’s age) behind / Trophy of Gallic arms, wearing horned helmet, holding oval shield ornamented with thunderbolt and carnyx; securis to right, CAE-SAR across lower field. Crawford 452/2; CRI 11; BMCRR Rome 3955; RSC 18. 3.98g, 17mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; attractive golden iridescence around devices.

500

From the inventory of a European dealer. Caesar’s conquest of Gaul, which the reverse of this coin alludes to, with its captured Gallic spoils (the typical shield, the Gallic ‘carnyx’ or war horn, and axe), was the springboard from which he was to take control of the Republic and become its Dictator. It allowed him to grow his power base through both fame as the conqueror of so vast a region and of so many peoples, and through strength as the commander of an army that grew ever more experienced and fiercely loyal. His allocation of the provinces of Gaul also granted him a magistrate’s immunity from the prosecution his enemies intended to conduct upon his return to Rome, which would undoubtedly have stunted his career. It was from his province of Cisalpine Gaul that he invaded Italy across the Rubicon, and he did so with the Legio XIII Gemina, who had fought for him in the major battles of his conquest of Gaul. The importance of this conquest of Gaul to Caesar’s career, and his awareness of this, is demonstrated by this coin. It was minted some time after he had left Gaul behind, by the mint which had moved with his army across the Mediterranean and beyond as it chased down the Optimates, most likely in Greece shortly after the victory over Pompey in Pharsalus. Yet the type harks back to these Gallic victories, reminding those he paid with these coins of his past as a Roman hero - a conqueror not of his own people, but of his people’s enemies.

902. Man. Acilius Glabrio AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Laureate head of Salus to right; SALVTIS upwards behind / Valetudo standing to left, resting arm on column and holding serpent; III•VIR•VALETV (partially ligate) before, MN•ACILIVS (partially ligate) behind. Crawford 442/1a; CRI 16; BMCRR Rome 3944; Sydenham 922; RBW 1556; RSC Acilia 8. 3.88g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

300

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

903. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Female head to right, wearing oak wreath / Victory walking to right, holding caduceus and trophy over shoulder; L•HOSTILI[VS] downwards before, SASERNA upwards behind. Crawford 448/1a; CRI 17; BMCRR Rome 3989; RSC Hostilia 5. 3.98g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

500

From a private US collection.

309

Ex NFA 1990

904. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Head of Gallic captive to right; [Gallic shield] behind / Two warriors in biga to right: one driving, holding whip and reins, [and the other, facing backward, holding shield] and brandishing spear; [L•H]OSTILIVS above, SASERN below. Crawford 448/2a; CRI 18; BMCRR Rome 3994-5; RSC Hostilia 2. 3.87g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; slight area of weak strike, lustrous metal.

2,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd, Auction XVI, 26 September 2018, lot 585; Ex Randy Haviland Collection, Gemini X, 13 January 2013, lot 183; Ex Hess-Divo 317, 27 October 2010, lot 755; Ex Philip Davis Collection, Harlan J. Berk 94, 16 January 1997, lot 326; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts Fall Mail Bid Sale, 18 October 1990, lot 1335. With the help of his political allies, Caesar had succeeded in making himself the governor of Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum, with Transalpine Gaul later added, giving him command of four legions. The term of this governorship, and therefore his immunity from prosecution, was set at an extraordinary five years, instead of the usual one. Deeply in debt, Caesar wasted little time in taking advantage of the unstable situation in Gaul to expand his territory through conquest, and thicken his holdings with plunder. What eventually became known as Caesar’s Gallic campaign was initially a piecemeal affair, but within six years he had expanded Roman rule over the whole of Gaul. Following years of relative success, mainly thanks to the disconnected nature of the tribes allowing him to take them on separately, he was faced with the chief of the Arverni tribe, Vercingetorix, who too late had built a confederation to stand against Caesar. In 52 BC, despite formidable resistance, Caesar finally defeated Vercingetorix at the Battle (or Siege) of Alesia. This illegal war which by Caesar’s own account had left a million dead, was instrumental in elevating him to a position of supreme power among the statesmen of the late Republic, making him incredibly wealthy through war booty, and also making him dangerously popular with the plebs. Struck in the course of Caesar’s war against the Senatorial faction led by Pompey and later Metellus Scipio, Caesar’s triumphant coinage trumpets his military achievements and conquest in Gaul. The portrait of the Gallic warrior is believed to be Vercingetorix, leader of the great Gallic rebellion against Caesar: the carefully rendered details of the image, from the prominent brow to the sunken eyes and hollow cheeks, are highly suggestive of an individualised portrait. In 48/7 BC the defeated Gallic chieftain still languished in the Tullianum, the underground prison beneath the Comitium. He would be hauled out for Caesar’s triumph in 46, then returned to his cell and strangled.

905. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Female head to right; carnyx behind / Artemis standing facing, holding spear and placing hand on head of stag; SASERNA upwards on left, L•HOSTILIVS downwards to right. Crawford 448/3; CRI 19; BMCRR Rome 3996; RSC Hostilia 4. 4.00g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; highly lustrous.

1,500

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 8, 3 March 1995, lot 584.

310

311

906. D. Iunius Brutus Albinus AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Head of Pietas to right; PIETAS behind / Two hands clasped around winged caduceus; ALBINVS•BRVTI•F• around below. Crawford 450/2; CRI 26; BMCRR Rome 3964; RSC Junia 25 and Postumia 10. 4.08g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

Ex Scipio Collection.

907. 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; G•T•A above / 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; CRI 43; RSC Caecilia 51. 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).”

908. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Scipio in Africa, 47-46 BC. Eppius, legate. Head of Africa to right, wearing elephant-skin headdress; grain ear before, plough below, Q•METELL downwards to right, [SCIPIO•IMP] upwards to left / Hercules standing facing, hand on hip, leaning on club draped with lion skin and set on rock; [L]EG•F•C upwards to left, EPPIVS downwards to right. Crawford 461/1; CRI 44; RSC Caecilia 50 and Eppia 1; RBW 1605. 3.87g, 18mm, 6h. Near Mint State; in an excellent state of preservation for the type.

500

312

909. Cnaeus Pompey Junior AR Denarius. Corduba (Cordoba) mint, summer 46 - spring 45 BC. M. Poblicius, legate pro praetore. Helmeted head of Roma to right; M•POBLICI•LEG PRO•PR around / Female figure standing to right, with shield slung on back, holding two spears and giving palm-branch to soldier standing to left on prow of ship; [C]N•MAGNVS•IMP upwards to right. Crawford 469/1a; CRI 48; BMCRR Spain 72; RSC 1 (Pompey the Great). 3.94g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

910. Cnaeus Pompey Junior AR Denarius. Corduba (Cordoba) mint, summer 46 - spring 45 BC. M. Poblicius, legate pro praetore. Helmeted head of Roma to right; M•POBLICI•LEG PRO•PR around / Female figure standing to right, with shield slung on back, holding two spears and giving palm-branch to soldier standing to left on prow of ship; CN•MA[GNVS•IMP] upwards to right. Crawford 469/1a; CRI 48; BMCRR Spain 72; RSC 1 (Pompey the Great). 4.12g, 19mm, 7h. Mint State; somewhat off-centre, otherwise an attractive example.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

911. Cnaeus Pompey Junior AR Denarius. Corduba (Cordoba) mint, summer 46 - spring 45 BC. M. Poblicius, legate pro praetore. Helmeted head of Roma to right; M•POBLICI•LEG PRO•PR around / Female figure standing to right, with shield slung on back, holding two spears and giving palm-branch to soldier standing to left on prow of ship; CN•MAGNVS•IMP upwards to right. Crawford 469/1a; CRI 48; BMCRR Spain 72; RSC 1 (Pompey the Great). 3.87g, 23mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

750

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

313

In Extraordinary Condition for the Type

912. 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 and welcoming Pompeian soldier who debarks from stern of 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; in extraordinary condition for the type. Very Rare.

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’, 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.

314

315

913. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 47-46 BC. Diademed head of Venus to right / Aeneas advancing to left, carrying palladium and Anchises on shoulder; CAESAR downwards to right. Crawford 458/1; CRI 55; BMCRR East 31; RSC 12. 3.89g, 17mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

1,000

From a private European collection. The reverse of this coin features a scene from Virgil’s Aeneid. Aeneas is depicted carrying his lame father, Anchises, from the destroyed city of Troy to find new dwellings to the west. According to Virgil, Aeneas and his entourage eventually settled in Italy and their descendants, Romulus and Remus, went on to play a key role in founding the city of Rome. As a member of the Julian clan, which claimed to trace its ancestry back to Romulus, Remus and Aeneas, Caesar is here emphasising his connection to the mythical founders of Rome and demonstrating his divine right to rule.

914. 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. 8.09g, 20mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

From a private Swiss collection. 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. 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. Juba was cast as the main enemy of the recently successful African campaign, for 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.

316

915. 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; CAESAR in exergue. Crawford 468/1; CRI 58; BMCRR Spain 89; RSC 13. 4.00g, 23mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

916. L. Papius Celsius AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goat-skin headdress / She-wolf standing to right, placing stick on fire, eagle standing to left before, fanning the flames; CELSVS•III•VIR above, L•PAPIVS in exergue. Crawford 472/1; CRI 82; Sydenham 964; Kestner 3649-50; BMCRR Rome 4018; RSC Papia 2. 4.02g, 20mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; pleasant old cabinet tone.

500

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

917. Lollius Palikanus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Pearl-diademed head of Libertas to right; LIBERT[AT]IS downwards behind / Rostra, on which stands subsellium (tribune’s bench); PALIKANVS above. Crawford 473/1; Sydenham 960; CRI 86; BMCRR Rome 4011; RSC Lollia 2. 3.78g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 2 March 1994, lot 646. This type, like the others issued by Lollius, may relate to the vigorous and successful exertions of the tribune M. Lollius Palikanus (possibly the moneyer’s father) to obtain for the tribunes the restoration of those powers and privileges of which they had been deprived by Sulla.

918. P. Accoleius Lariscolus AR Denarius. Rome, 43 BC. P•ACCOLEIVS LARISCOLVS, draped bust of Diana Nemorensis to right / Triple cult statue of Diana Nemorensis facing, supporting on their hands and shoulders a beam, above which are five cypress trees; the figure on the left holding a poppy, that on the right holding a lily. Crawford 486/1; CRI 172; BMCRR Rome 4211; RSC Accoleia 1. 3.88g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; areas of flatness.

300

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

317

Of the Greatest Rarity

919. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint (Sardis?), summer 42 BC. M. Servilius, legate. Laureate head of Libertas to right; M•SERVILIVS upwards behind, [LEG] upwards before / Trophy with two spears and shield; Q•CAEPIO upwards to left, BRVTVS•IMP upwards on right. Crawford 505/5; CRI 207; BMCRR East, p.485 note; RSC 9a. 3.62g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Of the greatest rarity, one of only a handful in private hands.

10,000

From a private UK Collection. The representation of the goddess Libertas had been a feature of the obverse of Brutus’ coins well before his participation in the events of 44 BC, doubtless originally in reference to his ancestor Lucius Junius Brutus, the tyrannicide who liberated the citizens of Rome from the kings and was thus credited as the founder of the Republic. However, the goddess’ presence on Brutus’ coins was imbued with a more personal significance after his involvement in the plot to assassinate Caesar, and indeed the word ‘libertas’ was reportedly the watchword with which Brutus signalled the all-clear to his fellow conspirators. It seems that Brutus was very mindful of the importance of his personal propaganda, particularly in the turbulent months that followed the assassination, a view reinforced by his decision to also change his name. When he became consul in 54, Brutus’ full name was Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus, on account of his having been adopted by his uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio. Having reverted to his birth name for a time, in the aftermath of Caesar’s death, when this denarius was stuck, Brutus revived his adoptive name in order to illustrate his links to another famous ancestor, Gaius Servilius Ahala, a highly controversial supposed ‘tyrannicide’ in his own time, but widely regarded by later Romans as a hero. The reverse of this coin possibly alludes to Brutus’ military conquests in Lycia – having requested military and financial support at the point of a sword from the Lycian League and having been refused, Brutus besieged the principal city of Xanthus and after its ruination he thoroughly sacked it, carrying off a great quantity of plunder. Contemporary histories recorded that though the Xanthians fought valiantly against the superior Roman force, defeat was inevitable and when they were at last cornered they once again (as had similarly occurred five hundred years before when their ancestors were faced with defeat at the hands of the Persians) slew their women and children, set fire to their city, and fought to the last, with only 150 Xanthian men thought to have survived. The present type was very possibly struck with the proceeds of Brutus’ Xanthian plunder.

920. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus, with P. Servilius Casca Longus, AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece, summer - autumn 42 BC. CASCA LONGVS, laureate bust of Neptune to right, trident below / BRVTVS IMP, Victory in long tunic walking to right, palm branch over shoulder and breaking diadem with both hands, broken sceptre on ground. Crawford 507/2; CRI 212; BMCRR East 63-65; RSC 3. 3.81g, 18mm, 12h. 2,000 Extremely Fine. Rare. From a private UK collection.

318

319

Cassius’ Counterpart to the EID MAR Aureus of Brutus

921. C. Cassius Longinus AV Aureus. Military mint (Smyrna?), spring 42 BC. Diademed head of Libertas to right; M•AQVINVS•LEG•LIBERTAS (TA ligate) around / Tripod surmounted by cortina and two laurel-branches, fillet on either side; C•CASSI upwards on left, IMP• upwards on right. Crawford 499/1; CRI 218; BMCRR East 72; Calicó 64 = Biaggi 42 (same obv. die); RBW 1760 (same dies). 7.88g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare; only 10 examples were known to Crawford, 7 of which are in museums.

40,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton X, 9-10 January 2007, lot 545. “Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much, such men are dangerous.” With these words Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar describes Cassius Longinus, the man who would shortly become a ringleader in his assassination on the Ides of March of 44 BC. The so-called ‘liberatores’ saw themselves as restoring freedom to the Roman people subjugated under the dictatorship-for-life of Julius Caesar, who had dismissed the checks and balances of the Roman Republican political system to achieve unprecedented power and complete control of the Roman state. In the tumultuous aftermath of the assassination, Cassius, along with Brutus, formed an allegiance against the second triumvirate of Marc Antony, Octavian and Lepidus. A man with a lengthy and illustrious military record, Cassius had initial success in subduing the wealthy island of Rhodes in order to raise funds to prepare for the approaching confrontation. In 42 BC he rejoined Brutus at Sardis. The two thereupon resolved to confront their enemies and with their armies they crossed the Hellespont, marched through Thrace and encamped near Philippi in Macedon. There they would meet the combined armies of Antony and Octavian to determine the fate of the known world. Whereas Brutus’ armies routed those of Octavian, Cassius was defeated by Marc Antony, and, unaware of his colleague’s success, he thought the battle lost and committed suicide. This remarkably rare issue which bears the bust of Libertas proclaims Cassius’ intent to restore the proper system of rule embodied by the Roman Republic after the dictatorship of Caesar. The reverse is an allusion to Apollo and his role in prophecy, and potentially also references Cassius’ membership in the college of the quindecimviri sacris faciundis. The college had custody of the sacred Sibylline Books, whose role in the Roman state at times of national crisis was the stuff of legend. The type was likely struck in Smyrna in the spring, prior to the Battle of Philippi, to celebrate the meeting of the two leaders and should be viewed as Cassius’ counterpart to the EID MAR aureus of Brutus in its bold declaration of freedom. It is the first of Cassius’ coinage to designate him imperator, (the traditional acclamation for victorious commanders that was needed to make the general eligible for a triumph) which Sear suggests was an attempt to assert his seniority over Brutus, who was only styled imperator shortly before their second meeting in the summer of 42 BC at Sardis (CRI, p.130).

922. C. Cassius Longinus and P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius, probably at Smyrna, early 42 BC. Diademed head of Libertas to right; LEIBERTAS upwards before, C•CASSI•IMP upwards behind / Capis and lituus; LENTVLVS SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/3; CRI 221; BMCRR East 77; RSC 4. 3.93g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; a well-centred example with a beautiful old cabinet tone. Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Lucien Birkler, January 1992.

320

2,500

321

Of the Greatest Rarity

923. Q. Cornuficius AR Denarius. North African mint, possibly Utica, spring-early summer 42 BC. Head of Jupiter Ammon to left / Q. Cornuficius standing to left, wearing veil and holding lituus, crowned by Juno Sospita standing to left, holding spear and shield, with crow perching on shoulder; Q•CORN downwards to left, VFICI in exergue, AVGVR•IMP upwards to right. Crawford 509/2; CRI 228; BMCRR Africa 26. 3.20g, 19mm, 12h. Near Very Fine; wonderful old cabinet tone. Of the greatest rarity - a solid silver (not plated) example of one of the most elusive of Roman Republican denarii, and the only intact such specimen to have been offered at auction in over twenty years. 10,000 From a private North European collection. In the summer of 42 BC, tensions were escalating towards the final clash between the forces of Octavian and Mark Antony leading the Caesarian faction and those of the liberatores Brutus and Cassius, which was to take place at Philippi in October of that year. Meanwhile Quintus Cornuficius, the pro-republican governor of Africa Vetus was waging his own war for regional control. By the time he was appointed governor of Africa Vetus (the ‘old’ province) in 44 BC, Quintus Cornuficius had already enjoyed a distinguished career as a general, orator and poet. He counted among his friends Catullus and Cicero, and had been a loyal ally of Julius Caesar in his struggle against the Pompeians. After the murder of Caesar, Cornuficius voiced his opposition to the Triumvirs: he sided with the senate in the War of Mutina (43 BC), refused to allow Antony’s nominee to replace him as governor, and thus was named in the Triumviral proscriptions. From his base in Africa, he aided Sextus Pompey and allowed many of those who also had been proscribed to take refuge in his territory. Cornuficius’ opposition to the Triumvirs proved to be his undoing, for in 42 BC he was attacked by Titus Sextius, governor of neighbouring Africa Nova (the ‘new’ province). The fact that Cornuficius was hailed Imperator and was able to produce an intriguing coinage with his title suggests his defence was initially successful but his army was eventually defeated near Utica in the early summer of 42 BC with Cornuficius himself slain on the field. This type, like the rest of Cornuficius’ rare coinage, relates to the province of Africa Vetus: the obverse portrait is that of Jupiter Ammon, a syncretic god, assimilating the Roman god with a deity of Egyptian or Libyan origin, who frequently appeared on Greek coins of Cyrenaica and on bronzes of the Ptolemaic kings of Egypt. It is combined with a reverse type which depicts Cornuficius himself in the robes of an augur, a position to which he had been appointed by Julius Caesar in 47 BC. He is being crowned by Juno Sospita, a goddess especially worshipped by the area of Lanuvium in Italy, which should be viewed as a reference to his likely Lanuvine family origin. Owing to a paucity of silver in his coffers, many of Cornuficius’ coins were plated. Those like the present example which are struck in solid silver are considered an extreme rarity within an extreme rarity.

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

924. 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.

322

The Rare 528/2a Issue

925. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Southern or central Italian mint, late 40 - early 39 BC. M•ANTON•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C, bare head of Antony to right, star below / CAESAR•IMP•III•VIR•R•P•C•, bare head of Octavian to right. Crawford 528/2a; CRI 261; BMCRR East 121; RSC 1. 3.85g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State; highly lustrous. Rare; in exceptional condition for the issue and the best preserved example present in CoinArchives.

5,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Acquired from Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG.

926. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain Sicilian mint, 42 BC. [MA]G PIVS IMP ITER, diademed and bearded head of Neptune to right; trident over shoulder / Naval trophy set on anchor, top of trident visible above helmet, the arms composed of the stem of a prow in right and aplustre in left, two heads of Scylla at base; P[RAEF] CLAS ET ORA[E MA]RIT EX S C around. Crawford 511/2a; CRI 333; BMCRR Sicily 15; RSC 1a. 3.79g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger.

927. Cn. Domitius L. f. Ahenobarbus AR Denarius. Uncertain mint along the Adriatic or Ionian Sea, 41-40 BC. Bare head of Ahenobarbus to right, wearing short beard; AHENOBAR before / Prow to right surmounted by military trophy; CN•DOMITIVS•IMP below. Crawford 519/2; CRI 339; BMCRR East 94-97; RSC Domitia 21. 3.95g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; sharply struck and lustrous.

4,500

Acquired from Numismatica Ars Classica AG.

323

Very Rare

928. Quintus Labienus AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in south-eastern Asia Minor, early 40 BC. Bare head to right; Q•LABIENVS•PARTHICVS•IMP around / Horse standing to right, wearing saddle with quiver attached and bridle. Crawford 524/2; CRI 341; BMCRR East 132; Hersh 15; RSC 2. 3.85g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; flan crack at 12h, light iridescent tone. Very Rare.

30,000

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It should perhaps not come as a surprise that Quintus Labienus, the son of Titus Labienus who was an important general to Caesar during the Gaul Campaign and then broke ties with him to form an alliance with Pompey, also became a traitor during his lifetime. After the assassination of Caesar, the younger Labienus joined Cassius and Brutus who sent him as an ambassador to Parthia to request support from King Orodes II. This mission proved to be unsuccessful and thus contributed to Cassius and Brutus being defeated in the battle of Philippi by Octavian and Antony in 42 BC. It is at this point that some may call Labienus a coward, and some an opportunist. He knew if he returned home he would face punishment, and the chances of advancement for himself would all but disappear. However, if he stayed with the Parthians he could perhaps have the opportunity to fulfil his military ambitions. Labienus therefore decided to stay and convince Orodes to invade Syria on the pretence that several areas under Antony and Octavian were not well protected. In 40 BC he jointly commanded forces with Orodes’ son Pacorus II that invaded areas of Syria and Asia Minor. Labienus and Pacorus were able to achieve much success and overtook Apameia, Antioch, and Cilicia. His success was short lived though, as in 39 BC he was defeated, captured and executed in an attack orchestrated by Antony and Octavian and carried out by Publius Ventidius. It is around the time of his military victories that he began striking coinage to pay the many soldiers he was acquiring through his conquests. This coin in particular strikes a balance between Roman and Parthian characteristics. The obverse depicts a very serious, yet commanding portrait in Roman style, but with a legend naming him PARTHICVS. The reverse depicts a horse with a bridled saddle and quiver, making reference to the infamous Parthian soldiers who were known for their accuracy and efficiency as horse archers. After Labienus was killed most of his coinage was melted down, making surviving examples very rare indeed.

929. Quintus Labienus AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in south-eastern Asia Minor, early 40 BC. Bare head to right; Q•LABIENVS•PARTHICVS•IMP around / Horse standing to right, wearing saddle with quiver attached and bridle. Crawford 524/2; CRI 341; BMCRR East 132; Hersh 15; RSC 2. 3.66g, 19mm, 5h. Near Very Fine; banker’s mark on obverse. Rare.

8,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Acquired from Numismatik Naumann.

324

325

COINS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

930. Augustus AR Denarius. Samos or Pergamum(?), 21-20 BC. CAESAR, bare head to right / AVGVSTVS, bull standing to right. RIC I 475 (Samos?); BMCRE 663 (uncertain mint in the East); RSC 28; Sutherland, “L’attribution des deniers augustéens aux types du temple, de la couronne et du jeune taureau” in RN 1974, 61f; BN 943 (Pergamum). 3.94g, 22mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

750

From a private UK Collection.

Ex NAC 18, 2000

931. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19-4 BC. L. Aquillius Florus, moneyer. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head to right / L • AQVILLIVS • FLORVS • III • VIR •, open flower with six petals. RIC I 309; BMCRE 47; RSC 364. 4.06g, 19mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Scarce.

1,250

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 18, 29 March 2000, lot 376; Sold with export license from Spain.

Ex Prince Waldeck Collection, 1935

932. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head to right / Mars, helmeted and with chlamys behind, standing to left, head to right, holding aquila and signa; SIGNIS downwards to left, RECEPTIS upwards to right. RIC I 82a; BMCRE 414; RSC 259. 3.89g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; an outstanding portrait, beautiful old cabinet tone.

3,250

Ex Numismatic Fine Arts, Auction IV, 24 March 1977, lot 548; Ex August Voirol Collection, Münzen und Medaillen AG, Auction 38, 7 December 1968, lot 333; Ex Münzhandlung Basel, Auction 6, 18 March 1936, lot 1530; Ex Prince Christian August of Waldeck and Pyrmont Collection (1744-1798), Münzhandlung Basel, Auction 3, 4 March 1935, lot 1538.

326

933. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain 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. 3.35g, 20mm, 5h. Near Mint State; a wonderful example.

1,500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

934. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), July 18-16 BC. S P Q R CAESAR[I] AVGVSTO, bare head to right / VOT•P•S VSC•PRO•SAL•ET•RED•I•O•M•SACR, Mars standing facing, head to left, helmeted and cloaked, holding vexillum and parazonium. RIC I 150a; BMCRE 438-9 = BMCRR Rome 4459-60; BN 1242-1246; RSC 325. 3.92g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; banker’s mark on obv.

350

From a private UK Collection.

935. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head to right / Bull butting to right; IMP•X in exergue. RIC I 167a; BMCRE 451; Lyon 19; RSC 137. 3.62g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive golden iridescence around the devices.

1,750

Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger.

936. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15 BC. AVGVSTVS [DIVI•F], bare head to right / Apollo Citharoedus of Actium standing to left, holding plectrum and lyre; IMP-X across fields, ACT in exergue. RIC I 171a; Lyon 28; BMCRE 461-2 var. = BMCRR Gaul 175-6; RSC 144; BN 1396-401. 3.85g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; minor edge marks, wonderful old cabinet tone.

1,500

Ex Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 93, 6 September 2016, lot 1582. Apollo Actius is honoured by Augustus in this reverse type for his victory at the Battle of Actium, where an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo overlooked the sea. Augustus also had the temple enlarged and renovated as an expression of his gratitude, and he similarly dedicated the Actian Games in further celebration.

327

Ex NAC 4, 1991

937. Augustus AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 11-10 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head to right / Bull butting to right; IMP XII in exergue. RIC I 176a; C. 152; BMCRE 468; Calicó 220 (obv. die match). 7.84g, 19mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 4, 27 February 1991, lot 1711.

938. Divus Augustus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 36-37. Deified Augustus, holding laurel-branch and long sceptre, seated to left on car pulled to left by quadriga of elephants with riders; DIVO AVGVSTO S•P•Q•R in three lines above / TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXXIIX around large S•C. RIC I 68 (Tiberius); C. 308; BMCRE 125-127 (Tiberius). 32.11g, 36mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Scarce.

4,000

From a private European collection; Ex V.L. Nummus OG, Floor Auction 10, 9 September 2018, lot 14.

Ex Dr. Hans Krähenbühl Collection

939. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 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 olive branch; double exergual line below. RIC I 25; C. 15; BMCRE 30; Calicó 305e. 7.86g, 19mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

8,000

Ex Dr. Hans Krähenbühl Collection, privately purchased from Bank Leu AG, 7 April 1967.

328

329

A Truly Spectacular Example

940. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 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. 7.79g, 19mm, 4h. Mint State; a truly spectacular example.

20,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd, Auction XXII, 7 October 2021, lot 676. 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 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.

330

331

Well-Centered on a Broad Planchet

941. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 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; C. 15; BMCRE 46; Lyon 147; Calicó 305c. 7.78g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; minor surface marks, well centred on a broad planchet.

7,500

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

942. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 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; Biaggi 168; Calicó 305b. 7.74g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; lustrous.

4,000

From the Vitangelo Collection.

943

944

943. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 36-37. 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 30 corr. (ornamented legs); BMCRE 48; RSC 16a. 3.67g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. 750 From the inventory of a German dealer. 944. Tiberius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 36-37. 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; double exergual line below. RIC I 28 var. (double line); BMCRE 42 var. (same); RSC 16b var. (same). 3.81g, 20mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. 750 From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection.

945. Germanicus (father of Caligula) Ӕ As. Rome, AD 37-38. 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). 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).

332

3,500

946. Nero and Drusus Caesars (brothers of Caligula) Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 40-41. NERO ET DRVSVS CAESARES, Nero and Drusus Caesar on horseback riding to right, cloaks flying / C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P IIII P P around large S•C. RIC I 49 (Gaius) corr. (rev. legend); BMCRE 70. 13.19g, 29mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine; attractive black patina.

1,500

Ex Hess-Divo AG, eLive Auction 16, 13 July 2017, lot 1011.

947. 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; BMCRE 38; BN 50. 29.90g, 35mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; light cleaning/buffing in obv. field.

7,500

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex private Spanish Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XX, 29 October 2020, lot 543.

948. Caligula, with Divus Augustus, AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 37. C • CAESAR • AVG GERM P M TR POT COS, bare head of Gaius ‘Caligula’ to right / Radiate head of Augustus to right, flanked by two stars. RIC I 2; BMCRE 4; RSC 11; Lyon 157; BN 3-8. 3.73g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; minor contact on rev., attractive cabinet tone.

3,000

From a private Belgian collection.

949. Antonia (mother of Claudius) AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 41-42. ANTONIA AVGVSTA, draped bust to right, wearing wreath of grain ears / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Antonia, as Constantia, standing facing, holding long torch and filleted cornucopiae. RIC I 66 (Claudius); BMCRE 111 (Claudius); RSC 2. 3.76g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

2,000

Acquired from Cayón Numismática.

333

950. Nero Claudius Drusus (father of Claudius) 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 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 (at least three) Germanic 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.

951. Nero Claudius Drusus (father of Claudius) 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). 3.69g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; attractive hints of iridescence around obv. devices.

3,000

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group; Ex Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Superior Galleries, June 1994.

952. Nero Claudius Drusus (father of Claudius) Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 41-50. NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP, bare head to right / TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, Emperor seated to left on curule chair, holding branch, arms at base; S C below. RIC I 93 (Claudius); C. 8; BMCRE 157 (Claudius) corr. (reverse type). 27.94g, 36mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; a marvellously well-detailed reverse. Rare.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer; Acquired from Jesus Vico S.A.

334

335

The Praetorian Camp

953. Claudius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 41-42. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P, laureate head to right / IMPER RECEPT inscribed across the wall of the Praetorian Camp, which has ramparts and two gates at front and behind; within the camp, Fides Praetorianorum (the Loyalty of the Praetorians) seated to left in temple, holding sceptre, legionary aquila before. RIC I 7; C. 40; BMCRE 5; Biaggi 205; Calicó 359. 7.68g, 20mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine; unobtrusive evidence of clashed dies(?) to both sides, a sublime example of this highly desirable architectural type, wonderfully lustrous metal and featuring a striking portrait. Scarce.

30,000

From the inventory of a German dealer. This aureus, minted in the first year of Claudius’ reign, celebrates the precise circumstances of his becoming emperor. After the assassination of his predecessor Caligula by members of the Praetorian Guard, the terrified Claudius, the last adult male of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, was notoriously found hiding behind a curtain in the palace by a soldier. Suetonius writes that the man immediately saluted Claudius as emperor and the Praetorian Guards conducted him in a litter to their camp, which features on the reverse of this coin, “sad and trembling: the people who met him pitied him, as if the poor innocent man was being carried to execution.” (Suetonius, Claudius 10.2) Although the senate quickly met to take advantage of the chaos and to debate a return to a republican form of government, proceedings descended into an argument about which of them would assume the role of princeps. The Praetorian Guard, who, as a result of their function as an imperial bodyguard, relied on the imperial system for their prestige and relative wealth, swiftly declared Claudius emperor. In return, as Suetonius ominously notes, he “promised them fifteen thousand sestertii each, being the first of the Caesars who purchased the submission of the soldiers with money.” (10.4) This type commemorates this reception of the emperor, and implicitly the role of the Praetorian Guard in Claudius’ accession, with the legend IMPER RECEPT emblazoned on a wonderful architectural rendering of the Praetorian Camp. Built by Sejanus under Tiberius in AD 22/3 in a blatant manifestation of military might, the camp lay outside the city walls in a concession to the ancient pomerium, a religious boundary within which weapons were historically prohibited. It was later incorporated into the Aurelian wall and continued to serve as the Praetorian base until AD 312, when Constantine the Great disbanded the unit and had the camp destroyed. This type also celebrates and rewards the Praetorian Guard with a statue of Fides Praetorianorum (the Loyalty of the Praetorians), but the emphasis placed on their loyalty serves as a stark reminder that Claudius relied on his kingmakers for his continued rule and safety. Both this and another type PRAETOR RECEPT (RIC I 11ff.) celebrating the unit were employed on aurei and denarii throughout the first three years of Claudius’ reign, and may ironically have even featured in the payments by which the emperor ensured the continued loyalty of the Praetorian Guard.

336

337

954. Claudius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 44. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P IIII, laureate head to right / PACI AVGVSTAE, Pax/Nemesis advancing to right, holding drapery and pointing caduceus at snake to right before her. RIC I 27; C. 55; BMCRE 26; Calicó 366. 7.71g, 19mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine.

7,500

Ex DMS Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXII, 8 January 2019, lot 1007; Originally acquired from Classical Numismatic Review XXI.2, Fall 1996, no. 37.

A Rare Variant

955. Claudius Æ As. Rome, AD 50-54. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head to left / LIBERTAS AVGVSTA, Libertas standing to right, holding pileus and extending hand. RIC I 113 var. (no S-C across fields); C. 47 var. (same); BMCRE 202 var. (same). 11.16g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. A rare variant.

1,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 100, 29 May 2017, lot 1760.

956. Claudius Æ Sestertius. Restitution issue struck under Titus. Rome, AD 80-81. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head to left / IMP T VESP AVG REST, Spes standing to left, holding flower and raising skirt; S-C across fields. RIC II.1 475 (Titus); C. 104 (Claudius); BMCRE 298 (Titus). 23.54g, 36mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

957. Nero, with Agrippina II, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 54. AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER, bare-headed bust of Nero to right and draped bust of Agrippina II to left / NERONI CLAVD DIVI [F CAES AVG G]ERM IMP TR P, oak-wreath enclosing EX SC. RIC I 2; C. 7; BMCRE 3. 3.51g, 20mm, 9h. Good Very Fine; attractive light cabinet tone.

500

From the Dr Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection; Ex Naville Numismatics Ltd., Auction 52, 22 September 2019, lot 481.

338

958. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 58-59. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, bare head to right / PONTIF MAX TR P V P P, oak wreath enclosing EX SC. RIC I 17; BMCRE 20; RSC 211. 3.59g, 18mm, 4h. Extremely Fine; lustrous surfaces.

2,500

Acquired from Cayón Numismática.

959. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head to right / DECVRSIO, Emperor prancing to right on horseback, holding spear; soldier behind riding to right, holding vexillum; S-C across fields. RIC I 396 and 436; C. 86; BMCRE 311. 25.66g, 36mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; a wonderful portrait.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

960. Nero Æ Semis. Rome, AD 66. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT, bare head to left, globe at point of bust / CER QVINQ ROMAE CON, table bearing urn and wreath, on front of left panel, two griffins standing facing one another, round shield rests against leg; SC in exergue. RIC I 561; BMCRE 395; WCN 632. 6.28g, 21mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

961. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, 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 Emperor in facing quadriga escorted on right by Victory holding wreath and palm and on left by Pax holding caduceus and cornucopiae; two small figures of soldiers below the quadriga on extreme left and right; 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.

339

962. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, AD 67. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR POT P P, laureate head to left, globe at point of bust / DECVRSIO, Emperor prancing to right on horseback, holding spear; soldier behind riding to right, holding vexillum; S-C across fields. RIC I 582; WCN 469. 24.70g, 36mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; original earthen accretions.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer; Acquired from Tauler & Fau; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd, E-Sale 86, 8 July 2021, lot 923.

Achilles and Penthesilea

963. Nero Æ Contorniate. Rome, late 4th century AD. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P M X (sic), laureate head of Nero to right; silver inlay palm-branch in right field / ACILLES PENTISILEA, Achilles, with sword and shield, advancing to right in the act of knocking the Amazon queen Penthesilea to the ground in order to kill her; horse to right and fallen arms in exergue. Mittag Nero XVIII/78; Alföldi 12. 39.03g, 42mm, 6h. Very Fine; pierced with part of suspension loop still in hole. Extremely Rare.

4,000

From a private American collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 8, 31 May 2014, lot 862. Penthesilea was an Amazonian queen in Greek mythology, the daughter of Ares and Otrera and the sister of Hippolyta, Antiope and Melanippe. While hunting deer, Penthesilea accidentally killed her sister Hippolyta with a spear; this accident caused Penthesilea so much grief that she wished only to die, but, as a warrior and an Amazon, she had to do so honourably and in battle. She therefore was easily convinced to join in the Trojan War, fighting on the side of Troy’s defenders. Penthesilea arrived in Troy the night before the fighting was due to recommence following Hector’s death and funeral. She arrived with twelve companions and promised the Trojans that she would kill Achilles. On her first and only day of fighting, Penthesilea killed many men and tried to fight Telamonian Ajax, but he had merely laughed off her attempts, thinking her an unfit opponent. Ajax summoned Achilles, who with only one blow to her breastplate, knocked her to the ground. Penthesilea begged for her life, but an unmoved Achilles killed her and mocked her corpse; upon removing her helmet however he was struck by her beauty and felt a great remorse, whereupon he cradled the body of Penthesilea and lamented her death. The Greek Thersites jeered at Achilles’s treatment of Penthesilea’s body, whereupon Achilles killed him. Thersites’ cousin Diomedes, enraged at Achilles’ action, harnessed Penthesilea’s corpse behind his chariot, dragged it and cast it into the Scamander. Achilles retrieved the body and gave it a decent burial.

340

Ex Ponterio 129, 2004

964. Civil War AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, AD 68-69. SALVS GENERIS HVMANI, Victory standing to right on globe, holding wreath and palm / S P Q R within oak wreath. RIC I 73b; BMCRE 31; Martin 78; RSC 421. 3.60g, 18mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Ponterio & Associates, Sale 129, 16 January 2004, lot 459; Sold with export license from Spain.

965. Civil War AR Denarius. Gaul, AD 68-69. MARS [VL]TOR, helmeted head of Mars to right / Aquila and altar between two standards; [P]-R across fields, [SI]GNA in exergue. RIC I 51; BMCRE 39; Martin 59; RSC 406. 3.28g, 17mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare; uncommonly well preserved for the type.

1,000

Ex Scipio Collection; Acquired from José A. Herrero, March 2002; Sold with export license from Spain.

966. Galba AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Tarraco?), AD 68. GALBA IMP, Emperor, bare-headed, riding to left, with hand raised / HISPANIA, laureate and draped bust of Hispania to right; two javelins behind, round shield below, two corn-ears in front. RIC I 2; ACIP 4173a; BMCRE 162; RSC 77. 3.51g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; minor flan crack, portrait struck in high relief. Scarce.

1,500

From a private UK Collection.

967. Galba AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Spain or southern Gaul, AD 68. SER•GALBA IMPERATOR, laureate head to right / CONCORDIA PROVINCIARVM, Concordia standing to left, holding branch and cornucopiae. RIC I 49 (Spain, Tarraco?); BMCRE 217 (Gaul, Narbo?); RSC 34. 2.68g, 17mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

341

968. Galba AR Denarius. Tarraco, AD 68. SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P, laureate head to right, with globe at point of bust / RENASC ROMA, Roma advancing to right, helmeted and in military dress, holding Victory on globe and transverse spear. RIC I 57; BMCRE 181; RSC 197. 3.59g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive light cabinet tone. Very Rare; in exceptional condition for the type.

2,750

Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 252, 28 May 2013, lot 39.

969. Galba AR Denarius. Tarraco, AD 68-69. SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P, laureate head to right, globe at point of bust / S P Q R OB C S in three lines within oak wreath; pellet between two stars at apex. RIC I 62; BMCRE 191 note; RSC 288. 3.49g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; lustrous metal. Very Rare.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 379, 15 December 2021, lot 1140.

970. Galba Æ As. Tarraco, AD 68-69. SER GALBA IMP AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right, globe at point of bust / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, Libertas standing to left, holding pileus and rod. RIC I 70; BMCRE 203. 11.21g, 29mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine; preserved in exceptional condition for one of Galba’s Spanish bronzes. Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

971. Galba AR Denarius. Rome, AD 68-69. IMP SER GALBA AVG, bare head to right / S P Q R OB C S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 167; BMCRE 34 corr. (bust type); RSC 287. 3.49g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 159, 2007, lot 386 (hammer: USD 3,500).

342

Extremely Rare

972. Galba AV Aureus. Rome, July - August AD 68. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG, laureate head to right / SALVS GEN HVMANI, draped female figure (Salus?) advancing to left with right foot on globe, sacrificing from patera over lit altar and holding rudder. RIC I 206; C. 237; BMCRE 38; Calicó 504. 7.21g, 19mm, 6h. NGC Graded VF 5/5 - 3/5, graffito. Extremely Rare.

12,500

From the inventory of a US dealer; Ex Kingsdown Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXII, 7 October 2021, lot 691 (hammer: GBP 17,000). Whilst Galba was proconsul of Nearer Spain, he became an ally of Vindex, the governor of Gaul, in his revolt against Nero. Following Nero’s suicide, Galba marched on Rome and was declared emperor by the Senate at the advanced aged of 70, the first princeps from outside of the Julio-Claudian family. Cassius Dio relates that Galba put great emphasis on how the Senate had bestowed power on him, that “he did not adopt the name Caesar until the senate’s envoys had come to him... or hitherto even styled himself emperor in any communication.” After his accession, Cassius Dio continues, some citizens “even wore liberty caps, signifying that they had now become free... and voted to Galba the prerogatives pertaining to the imperial office.” (Epitome LXIII.29.1) His portrait, a venerable image of an elder statesman with a deep frown, craggy nose and serious, determined expression, represents a return to the veristic mode of portraiture popular in the height of the Republic. Under that structure, authority derived from age, rank and experience, qualities which were emphasised in sculptural portraits of senators at the time, against which the idealised Hellenistic style adopted by Augustus and the later JulioClaudian emperors appears in marked contrast. This reverse type also represents an innovation in Roman Imperial coinage, marking the first time the figure of Salus Generis Humani, invoking the health of humanity, appeared. Indeed, Suetonius writes that Galba received a letter from Vindex requesting him to become the “restorer of the liberty of the human race” (humano generi assertorem) in the fight against Nero. (Galba, 9.2) Sutherland argues that Suetonius’ summary highlights this key phrase used in the revolt, which gave rise to a conspicuous new coin type of Salus Generis Humani, which was struck for Vindex in Gaul as an antiNeronian slogan from early AD 68, and for Galba in Rome by the summer. (C. H. V. Sutherland, ‘The concepts Adsertor and Salus as used by Vindex and Galba’, The Numismatic Chronicle 144, 1984, p.32)

973. Vitellius AV Aureus. Tarraco(?), AD 69. A VITELLIVS IMP GERMANICVS, laureate head to right, globe at point of bust / LIBERTAS RESTITVTA, Libertas standing facing, head to right, holding pileus and rod. RIC I 9; C. 50; BMCRE 88; Calicó 564. 7.18g, 19mm, 6h. NGC graded VF, 5/5 - 2/5 (6158333-001).

7,500

Ex Harmers of London, Auction 2, 27 September 2021, lot 98.

974. Vitellius AR Denarius. Tarraco, AD 69. A VITELLIVS IMP GERMANICVS, laureate bust to left / CLEMENTIA IMP GERMAN, Clementia seated to left, holding olive branch and long sceptre. RIC I 18 var. (obv. legend); BMCRE 80 var. (same); ACIP 4235a (this coin); RCV 2189 (this coin). 3.60g, 19mm, 6h. 3,750 Near Mint State. Very Rare; and in exceptional condition for the type. This coin published in L. Villaronga and J. Benages, Ancient Coinage of the Iberian Peninsula (Barcelona, 2011); This coin published in D. Sear, Roman Coins and their Values. The Millenium Edition. (London, 2000-2006); Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 150,13 December 2010, lot 249 (hammer: EUR 4,000); Ex David Dougherty Collection, Ponterio & Associates, 13 January 2007, lot 1641; Ex John Whitney Walter Collection, Stack’s, 29 November 1990, lot 33.

343

Rated R3 By RIC

975. Vitellius AV Aureus. Tarraco(?), AD 69. A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, laureate head to left, globe at point of bust; palm frond before / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory, draped, advancing to left, holding shield inscribed [S P Q R] in right hand. RIC I 35; BMCRE 91 var. (no palm frond); Biaggi 284; Calicó 576a. 7.44g, 18mm, 7h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; rated R3 by RIC and R2 by Calicó, only 6 examples offered at auction since 1999.

5,000

From the Pinewood Collection.

976. Vitellius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 69. A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, laureate head of Vitellius to right, with globe at point of bust / FIDES EXERCITVVM, clasped hands. RIC I 53; BMCRE 114; RSC 33a. 3.48g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal, and in excellent condition for the type.

750

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

977. Vitellius AV Aureus. Rome, late April - 20 December AD 69. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head to right / LIBERI • IMP • GERM • AVG •, confronted draped busts of Vitellius’ son on the left and daughter on the right. RIC I 100; C. 3; BMCRE 27; Calicó 557a. 7.22g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine; considerably superior to the example of Roma XXII, lot 697 (hammer: GBP 18,000). Very Rare.

5,000

From the Pinewood Collection.

978. Vitellius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 69. [A] VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR [P], laureate head to right / XV VIR SACR FAC, tripod lebes on which lies a dolphin to right; raven to right beneath. RIC I 108; C. 110; BMCRE 38; Calicó 584. 7.20g, 18mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From the Pinewood Collection.

344

Published in Carradice, Sanahuja & Benages

979. Vespasian AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Spain(?), AD 69-70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / VICTORIA IMP VESPASIANI, Victory standing to left on globe, holding wreath and palm. RIC II.1 1340; BMCRE 362; CSB D-11.33 (A3/Rvi3, this coin); RSC 630. 3.14g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

800

This coin published in I. Carradice, X. Sanahuja, & J. Benages, Les Monedes de Vespasià de la Provincia Tarraconensis 69-70 dC (Barcelona, 2010); Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection, Gemini LLC, Auction X, 14 January 2013, lot 734.

Ex Steinberg Collection, 1994

980. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / CAESAR AVG F COS CAESAR AVG F PR, confronted bare heads of Titus to right and Domitian to left. RIC II.1 16; BMCRE 3; RSC 5 (Vespasian, Titus and Domitian). 3.17g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection of Roman Coins, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 16 November 1994, lot 280; Sold with export license from Spain.

Ex NAC 25, 2003

981. Vespasian AR Denarius. Ephesus, AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head to right / AVG EPHE (partially ligate) in two lines within oak wreath. RIC II.1 1427; RPC II 829; BMCRE 451; RSC 40. 3.20g, 18mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

750

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 25, 25 June 2003, lot 407; Sold with export license from Spain.

982. Vespasian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head to right / FORTVNAE REDVC[I], Fortuna standing to left, holding branch and rudder on globe and cornucopiae; SC in exergue. RIC II.1 230; C. 188 corr. (obv. legend); BMCRE 529. 24.70g, 32mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

From a private Swiss collection.

345

983. Vespasian, with Titus and Domitian, as Caesars, AR Denarius. Ephesus, AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head to right / Confronted bare heads of Titus and Domitian; AVG VESPAS above, LIBERI IMP below, EPHE (ligate) in central field. RIC II.1 1429; BMCRE 455; RPC II 831; RSC 2a. 3.24g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

2,000

Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 24, 2 November 2014, lot 392.

984. Vespasian AR Denarius. Ephesus, AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head to right / [PACI] AVGVSTAE, Victory advancing to right, holding wreath and palm; EPHE (ligate) in right field. RIC II.1 1431; RPC II 833; BMCRE 457; RSC 276. 3.45g, 17mm, 12h. Mint State; lustrous.

750

Ex Scipio Collection; Acquired from José A. Herrero, October 2003; Sold with export license from Spain.

985. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 72-73. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head to right / NEP RED, Neptune standing to left, foot on globe, holding acrostolium and sceptre. RIC II.1 358; C. 273; BMCRE 68; Calicó 654. 7.34g, 20mm, 6h. About Good Very Fine.

2,500

Judaea Capta Issue

986. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 72-73. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head to right / Judaea seated to right, leaning against palm tree; Emperor standing to right behind, holding spear and parazonium, foot on helmet. RIC II.1 363; C. 644; BMCRE 78; Calicó 587. 7.17g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only six other examples present on CoinArchives. From the Pinewood Collection.

346

7,500

987. Vespasian AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 72-73. IMP CAES [VESP] AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head to right / CONCORDIA AVGVSTI, Concordia enthroned to left, holding patera and cornucopiae. RIC II.1 1554; RPC II 1927; BMCRE 505; RSC 74. 3.54g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, E-Auction 447, 3 July 2019, lot 448.

Ex Sternberg 1992

988. Vespasian AR Quinarius. Rome, AD 75. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head to left / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory advancing to right, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC II.1 798; BMCRE 288; King 3A; RSC 615a. 1.70g, 15mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone. Very rare with left-facing bust.

2,250

Ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection; Ex F. Sternberg AG, Auction XXVI, 16 November 1992, lot 300.

989. Divus Vespasian AV Aureus. Struck under Titus. Rome, AD 80-81. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate head to right / Victory standing to left, placing shield on trophy with mourning Judaea seated to left at base; [EX]-SC across fields. RIC II.2 363 (Titus); C. 143; BMCRE 112 note (Titus); BN 89; Calicó 628. 7.15g, 20mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; old spade mark to rev. Very Rare.

5,000

990. Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 77-78. T CAESAR VESPASIANVS, laureate head to right / ANNONA AVG, Annona enthroned to left, holding sack of corn-ears in lap. RIC II.1 971 (Vespasian); C. 16; BMCRE 316 (Vespasian); Calicó 726. 7.27g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine.

2,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd, Auction 101, 20 November 2012, lot 3329.

347

Rated R2 by RIC

991. Titus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 79. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head to right / TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P, Venus standing to right, resting on column, holding helmet and spear. RIC II.1 32; C. 167; BMCRE 8; Calicó 755. 7.23g, 19mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare; rated R2 by RIC.

10,000

Struck within the first few months of Titus’ reign, the iconic reverse of this rare aureus depicts Venus Victrix holding a crested Corinthian helmet and spear. She had been the patron deity of Julius Caesar, who traced his ancestry from the goddess through Aeneas, son of Venus and of Anchises, and she had been greatly venerated in the last years of the Republic by generals such as Sulla and Pompey, with the latter dedicating a temple to her within his monumental theatre-temple complex in 55 BC. This reverse composition closely resembles the statue of Venus Callipyge, a first or second century BC Roman marble statue of Venus which portrays her in the same contrapposto pose, although in the marble she turns her head to look over her shoulder down her bare back, drawing the viewer’s gaze to her shapely derrière; ‘callipyge’ literally meaning ‘of the beautiful buttocks’. The statue, which now stands in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples was thought to have been based on a lost Hellenistic bronze original from around 300 BC. The iconography emphasises both Venus’ beautiful form and her status as ancestral goddess and protectress of the bellicose Romans by virtue of her military attributes. In addition, it serves as a reference to Julius Caesar, Augustus and to the Julio-Claudian dynasty as a whole, and thus forms part of the overt theme employed by the Flavians in their re-use of Julio-Claudian coin types to establish greater legitimacy for their dynasty through promoting a sense of continuity with the past.

348

992. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head to right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, dolphin coiled around anchor. RIC II.1 112; BMCRE 72; RSC 309. 3.49g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

750

Acquired from Soler & Llach; Ex Scipio Collection; Sold with export license from Spain.

993. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 86. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI, laureate head to right / IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P, Minerva standing to left, holding thunderbolt and spear; shield at side. RIC II.1 447; BMCRE 97; RSC 204a. 3.44g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

Ex Scipio Collection; Ex José A. Herrero 1 December 2005, lot 213; Sold with export license from Spain.

994. Domitian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 90-91. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P, laureate head to right / IOVI VICTORI, Jupiter seated to left, holding Victory and sceptre; SC in exergue. RIC II.1 702; C. 314; BMCRE 439. 27.85g, 37mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine; struck on a broad planchet.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 89, 3 May 2020, lot 423 (hammer: EUR 1,210).

Ex Leu 2, 1972

995. Domitia (wife of Domitian) AR Denarius. Rome, AD 82-83. DOMITIA AVGVSTA IMP DOMIT, draped bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGVST, peacock standing to right. RIC II.1 151 (Domitian); BMCRE 61 (Domitian); RSC 2; BN 65 (Domitian; same rev. die). 3.40g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; well-centered with a lovely deep old cabinet tone. Rare. Ex Thomas A. Palmer Collection; Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 71, 24 October 1997, lot 354; Ex Bank Leu AG, Auction 2, 25 April 1972, lot 384.

349

2,500

The Circus Maximus

996. 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 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. 15,000

Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare; only 9 other examples on CoinArchives. 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).

350

997. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 107. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI in three lines within oak wreath. RIC II 150; C. 581; BMCRE 253-6; Woytek 224f; Calicó 1121. 7.33g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

5,000

From the Vitangelo Collection.

998. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 108-110. 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, 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.

A Rare Issue

999. 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. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

15,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 24 March 2021, lot 583.

351

The Portum Traiani

1000. 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 (same rev. die); Nudelman Numismatica - CIP Invest Ltd, Auction 10, 99 (same rev. die) = NAC 64, lot 1164 (same rev. die). 24.31g, 33mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; an outstanding example of this important and sought-after reverse type.

10,000

From the inventory of a central European dealer. 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.

“For the Defender of the Father of the Country”

1001. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 113-114. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONSERVATORI PATRIS PATRIAE, Jupiter standing to left, holding sceptre and thunderbolt and protecting Emperor standing to left and holding branch. RIC II 249 var. (bust type); BMCRE 494; Woytek 428f-2; Calicó 991. 7.21g, 19mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

From a private European collection.

352

1002. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 113-114. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate head to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Felicitas standing to left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC II 272; BMCRE 421; Woytek 422b; RSC 404a. 3.19g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

1003. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate and draped bust to right / 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 318; BMCRE 578; Woytek 526v; RSC 154. 4.13g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State; lustrous metal. 250 From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

An Attractive Example

1004. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 116-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, radiate and draped bust of Sol to right. RIC II 329; Woytek 572f; BMCRE 621-623; BN 880–882; Biaggi 499; Calicó 1038. 7.21g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive lustre around the devices.

15,000

From a private European collection. In AD 113, Trajan left Rome to embark upon his Parthian campaign. Osroes despatched an embassy from the Parthian court which finally met the Emperor in Athens, by which point it was too late for him to turn back, and as R. P. Longden so eloquently writes, ‘their apprehensive humility would have no doubt only sharpened his zest for the enterprise’. (Cf. Longden, R.P., ‘Notes on the Parthian Campaigns of Trajan’, The Journal of Roman Studies 21, (1931), pp.1-35). The following year, Trajan invaded Armenia, deposed its king Parthamasiris, and annexed it as a Roman province. In 115, Trajan also annexed Northern Mesopotamia, and later the same year he captured the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon. Following the conquest of Ctesiphon, Trajan accepted the title ‘Parthicus’ in 115-116, which features as the reverse legend on the types of this lot; the bust of Sol, who rises in the East, may symbolise Roman dominance over the region.Trajan’s glory was short-lived, however, since in late 116 revolts broke out in Armenia and Northern Mesopotamia, forcing Trajan to abandon his campaign to increase the territory of the Rome and consolidate that which he had already gained. Dio Cassius relates that on looking out towards India, Trajan lamented that his age prevented him from following in the footsteps of Alexander. (28.1)

353

1005. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 116-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC, laureate bust to right, wearing aegis / PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Felicitas standing to left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC II 333; BMCRE 629; Woytek 570t; RSC 192. 3.28g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine; a superb ‘heroic’ type bust.

300

From a private English collection.

Attractive Lustre

1006. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 118. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS II, Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; FORT RED in exergue. RIC II.2 113; C. 746; BMCRE 72; Calicó 1259 (same dies). 7.30g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; lustrous surfaces.

7,500

From a private European collection.

354

Extremely Fine

1007. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 119-120. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS III, Jupiter standing slightly to right, head facing and with cloak over shoulder, holding thunderbolt and long sceptre. RIC II.3 211; C. 1058; BMCRE 101; Biaggi 629; Calicó 1301. 7.16g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

10,000

From a private European collection.

1008. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 120-121. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / P M TR P COS III, Emperor seated to left on platform, extending hand towards attendant seated to left, distributing to citizen ascending steps to right, statue(?) of Liberalitas in background, holding up coin scoop; LIBERAL AVG III in two lines in exergue. RIC II.3 316; BMCRE 300 note; RSC 913. 3.21g, 18mm, 7h. Near Mint State. Scarce.

300

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

355

The Finest Example in Over 20 Years

1009. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 120-121. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS III, Mars standing facing, holding inverted spear and resting hand on shield. RIC II.3 319; C. 1071; BMCRE 109; Calicó 1312. 7.36g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; well centered and attractive example. Very Rare; the finest example offered at auction in over 20 years.

10,000

From the Pinewood Collection.

1010. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 120-121. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS III, Mars, helmeted, standing facing with foot on helmet, holding inverted spear and parazonium. RIC II.3 326; C. 1146 corr. (Mars not Virtus); BMCRE 110; Biaggi 645; Calicó 1339 corr. (same); Roma XXII, 766 (sold for £36,000). 7.34g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; only seven examples offered at auction in the past two decades.

7,500

From the Pinewood Collection.

1011. Hadrian AR Quinarius. Rome, AD 120-121. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / P M TR P COS III, Victory seated to left, holding wreath and palm. RIC II.3 337; BMCRE 234; King 47; RSC 1136. 1.50g, 14mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

450

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 221, 16 December 2009, lot 46.

356

An Attractive Portrait

1012. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 120-121. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS III, Libertas seated to left, holding branch in right hand and sceptre in left; LIB PVB in exergue. RIC II.3 361; C. 902; BMCRE 281; Calicó 1284. 7.32g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

10,000

From the Pinewood Collection.

The Very Rare Janus Type

1013. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS III, Janus standing facing, holding sceptre. RIC II.3 509; Calicó 1311; BMCRE 100 (same obv. die); Biaggi 633; Mazzini 1070. 7.30g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare; one of only nine examples offered at auction in the past 20 years.

7,500

From the F. Cruse Collection.

1014. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS III, Janus standing facing, holding sceptre. RIC II.3 509; Calicó 1311; BMCRE 100 (same obv. die); Biaggi 633; Mazzini 1070. 7.23g, 19mm, 6h. NGC graded XF, 5/5 - 5/5, fine style (6555956-003). Very Rare; one of only nine examples offered at auction in the past 20 years. From the inventory of a North American dealer; Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

357

4,000

An Iconic Reverse Type

1015. 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, Roma seated to left on pile of arms, holding Victory and sceptre. RIC II.3 538; BMCRE 133; Biaggi -; Calicó 1334. 7.29g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

12,500

From a private European collection.

A Wonderful Portrait of Hadrian

1016. 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, Roma seated to left on cuirass, holding Victory and spear; shield at side. RIC II.3 538; BMCRE -; Strack 121; Calicó 1333b. 7.30g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; graffiti.

7,500

From the Pinewood Collection.

358

1017. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 124-125. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS, she-wolf standing to left, suckling Romulus and Remus seated below; III in exergue. RIC II.3 709; C. -; BMCRE 448; Biaggi 598; Calicó 1233b (same dies). 7.37g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.

7,500

From the Pinewood Collection.

Ex NAC 92, 2016

1018. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 125-127. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS III, Emperor on horseback to right, holding spear. RIC II.3 772; C. 414 var. (bust type); BMCRE 437; Calicó 1224. 7.22g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

2,500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Sale 92, 2016, lot 2206.

359

Among the Finest Known

1019. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 125-127. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust to right, drapery on far shoulder / COS III, Emperor on horseback to right, raising hand. RIC II.3 781; C. 406; BMCRE 430; Calicó 1215a. 7.47g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State; tiny scuff, highly lustrous and among the finest known examples of the type.

20,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 25 March 2021, lot 605. 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.

1020. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 125-127. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust to right, drapery on far shoulder / COS III, Emperor on horseback to right, raising hand. RIC II.3 781; C. 406; BMCRE 430; Calicó 1215a. 7.27g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

5,000

From the Pinewood Collection.

360

361

A Magnificent Portrait

1021. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 125-127. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / COS III, Emperor on horseback to right, raising hand. RIC II.3 782; C. 406; BMCRE 434; Calicó 1216. 7.36g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; a magnificent portrait on a large planchet. Rare.

20,000

From the inventory of a German dealer. For his new coinage struck after his triumphant return to Rome, 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.

1022. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 125-127. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right, drapery on far shoulder / COS III, Hercules seated to right on cuirass, holding club resting on shield and Victory. RIC II.3 786; BMCRE 339; RSC 332. 3.32g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From a private European collection, local dealer’s ticket included.

362

363

1023. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 128-129. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, laureate bust to right, drapery on far shoulder / LIBERALITAS AVG, Liberalitas standing to right, emptying cornucopiae; COS III in exergue. RIC II.3 959; BMCRE 523 var. (bust type); RSC 917 var. (bust type). 3.50g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lustrous. Very Rare.

200

From the inventory of a European dealer.

1024. Hadrian Æ Dupondius/ As. Rome, AD 129-130. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / COS III P P, Emperor on horseback to right, holding spear; S C in exergue. RIC II.3 1365; C. 495 var. (bust type); BMCRE 1452 note. 9.88g, 28mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

1,000

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

Seemingly No Other Examples on CoinArchives

1025. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 130. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VENERI GENETRICI, Venus standing to left, holding Victory and spear, resting shield depicting Gorgon on ground. RIC II.3 1432; C. 1444; BMCRE p.334, *; Calicó 1390. NGC graded Ch VF, 5/5 - 2/5, edge filing, Fine Style (6158807-001). Extremely Rare; seemingly no other examples on CoinArchives.

4,000

ADVENTVI AVG AFRICAE

1026. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 130. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed and draped bust to left / ADVENTVI AVG AFRICAE, Emperor standing to right, raising hand and holding scroll; Africa, wearing elephant headdress, standing to left, holding patera and corn ears; altar between them, with bull at foot. RIC II.3 1554; C. -; BMCRE 786 var. (bust type); Calicó 1170 (same dies). NGC graded XF, 4/5 - 2/5, edge filing, Fine Style (6158807-011). Extremely Rare.

364

6,000

The Work of the ‘Alphaeus Master’

1027. Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 133-135. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed and draped bust to right / PAX AVG, Pax standing to left, holding branch and cornucopiae; S-C across fields. RIC II.3 2167 (same dies); C. 1016; BMCRE 1528; NAC 54, lot 432; NGSA 5, lot 233 = Sotheby’s (Hunt), lot 134 = M&M 52, lot 617 (same dies); Glendining (Ryan V), lot 2548 = Naville II (Vautier-Collignon), lot 732 = J. Hirsch XXXI, lot 1325 (same dies); M&M XVII, lot 451 = Hess (Trau), lot 1267 = Toynbee pl. I.4 = BMFA Roman Medallions no. 24 (same dies); Lanz 94, lot 498 = M&M Basel, 12-13 November 1970, lot 343 (same dies). 21.24g, 34mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; somewhat corroded surfaces, cuprite gently levelled out in parts. Excessively Rare; the work of the ‘Alphaeus master’, one of only six examples known.

10,000

From a private Swiss collection; Ex Numismatik Lanz München, Auction 94, 22 November 1999, lot 498; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 318, 12 November 1970, lot 343. It is the quality of engraving employed for the dies used to strike this sestertius of Hadrian that mark it out for high praise: only one die pair is known for the type and is attributed to the work of a medallion engraver whom Charles Seltman dubbed the ‘Alphaeus master’ and declared “a brilliant man”. This enigmatic die-engraver has been identified with the sculptor Antonianus of Aphrodisias, whose superb classical style embodied the revival of Greek art and culture under Hadrian and with whose reliefs stylistic parallels can be drawn. Equally, Seltman argued that the “strong characteristic gemengraver’s manner” with which this die was engraved perhaps identifies the Alphaeus master as a gem-engraver working within the imperial court, as the gem-engraver Dioskourides worked for Augustus. (1948, p.83) In her seminal work on Roman Medallions (1944, p.32), Toynbee described this type as a “medallic coin” which paired a standard, albeit highly elegant, reverse die engraved for a sestertius (with SC inscribed) with an obverse die intended for a larger bronze medallion. Indeed, she ascribes two bronze medallions of Hadrian in Gnecchi to the Alphaeus master, the second of which (pl. 42, no. 4) is remarkably close to (and Toynbee thought perhaps the same die as) the obverse die of the present sestertius. Just as medallions were minted on occasions of great importance in the reign of a Roman emperor, P. V. Hill suggests this medallic sestertius was minted to mark Hadrian’s vicennalia or twentieth anniversary as Roman emperor in AD 135. (1970, p.167) The impressive authoritative portrait of the veteran emperor is carved with astonishing delicacy and precision, particularly notable in the wave-like hair which curls forward around the temples, his angular features, and full cropped beard.

1028. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 133-135. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate head to right / TELLVS STABIL, Tellus standing to left, holding plough and hoe; two corn ears growing on right. RIC II.3 2052; BMCRE 743; RSC 1427. 3.04g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

600

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Acquired from Áureo & Calicó.

365

Aelius Caesar

1029. 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 and leaning 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.

15,000

Ex Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 25 March 2021, lot 614; 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 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.

1030. Antoninus Pius, with Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 140. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right / AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F COS, bare head of Marcus Aurelius to right. RIC III 417a; BMCRE 155; RSC 15. 3.41g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive hints of iridescence around devices.

750

Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 20, 17 November 2013, lot 88.

366

1031. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145-161. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS IIII, laureate head to right / Emperor seated to left on platform, Liberalitas standing to left before, holding account board and cornucopiae; citizen standing to right before, holding out fold of toga, LIB IIII in exergue. RIC III 141; C. 496; BMCRE 546 note; Calicó 1571. NGC graded XF, 5/5 - 2/5, edge filing (6158807-009). Very Rare.

4,000

1032. Faustina II (daughter of A. Pius) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145-161. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust to left/ AVGVSTI PII FIL, Diana standing to left, holding arrow and bow. RIC III 494b (Pius); C. 19; BMCRE 1097 (Pius); Calicó 2039. NGC graded AU 5/5 - 3/5, edge filing (6158807-014).

4,000

1033. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 158-159. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / TR POT XIII COS II, Virtus standing to right, holding spear and parazonium, foot on helmet. RIC III 480b (Pius); C. -; BMCRE 962 (Pius); Calicó 1969 (same rev. die). 6.86g, 20mm, 6h. NGC graded Ch XF, 5/5 - 3/5, edge smoothing (6555956-002).

4,000

From the inventory of a North American dealer; Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.

1035

1034

1034. Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 163-164. ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS, laureate head to right / P M TR P XVIII IMP II COS III, Armenia seated to left on ground in mournful attitude, hand resting on bow, vexillum and shield before; ARMEN in exergue. RIC III 81; BMCRE 274; RSC 7. 3.21g, 17mm, 5h. Near Mint State. 350 From a private UK collection. 1035. Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 164-165. ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS, bare head to right / P M TR P XIX IMP II COS III, Armenia seated to left on ground in mourning attitude, resting on bow, vexillum and shield before; ARMEN in exergue. RIC III 121; BMCRE 365; RSC 10. 3.61g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. 200 From a private UK collection.

367

Ex Hirsch, 1966

1036. Lucilla (daughter of M. Aurelius) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161-162. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust to right / VENVS, Venus standing to left, holding apple and long sceptre. RIC III 783 (Aurelius); C. 69; BMCRE 320 (Aurelius); Calicó 2218. 7.24g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a beautiful portrait in high relief.

17,500

Ex Dr. Hans Krähenbühl Collection; Ex Gerhard Hirsch, Auction XLVIII, 22-24 June 1966, lot 39. Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla was the second of six daughters born to Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger. In AD 161, at the age of twelve, she was betrothed to Lucius Verus, her father’s adoptive brother and co-Emperor, and was married in AD 164 in Ephesus while Lucius Verus was on campaign against the Parthians. After her husband’s sudden death in AD 169, she was remarried to an elderly senator, Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus. When her brother Commodus succeeded their father as Emperor in AD 180, Lucilla reportedly became involved in a plot to assassinate him. The plot was foiled, and Commodus exiled his sister to the island of Capri, where she was supposedly executed.

1037. Lucilla (daughter of M. Aurelius) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 164-180. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust to right / PIETAS, Pietas standing to left, raising hand above lit altar on left and holding perfume box. RIC III 774 (Aurelius); C. 49; BMCRE 316; Calicó 2214a (same dies). NGC graded AU 5/5 - 3/5, edge filing (6158807-015).

5,000

1038. Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 165. L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head to right / TR P V IMP III COS II, Parthian seated to right on ground, hands bound behind back; quiver, bow and weapons on right. RIC III 540 (Aurelius); BMCRE 385; RSC 273. 3.43g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From a private UK collection.

368

369

Ex Victor Adda Collection, Christie’s 1984

1039. Lucius Verus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 166. L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / TR P VI IMP IIII COS II, Victory standing to right, holding palm branch and placing on palm tree a shield inscribed VIC PAR. RIC III 564 (Aurelius); C. 278; BMCRE 430 note; Faces of Power 349 (this coin); Calicó 2190 (same obv. die). 7.34g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; a perfect coin in every respect, struck from dies of elegant and refined style.

25,000

This coin published in H. Gitler & G. Gambash, Faces of Power - Roman Gold Coins from the Victor A. Adda Collection (Jerusalem, 2017); Privately purchased from B & H Kreindler; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 119, 6 October 2020, lot 127; Ex Victor A. Adda Collection, Christie’s, Highly Important Ancient Coins, 9 October 1984, lot 85. Shortly after Lucius Verus succeeded to the position of co-Emperor in AD 161, a position he shared with Marcus Aurelius, the peace Antoninus Pius had negotiated with the Parthians collapsed. The Parthian king Vologases IV invaded the Kingdom of Armenia, then a Roman client state, expelling the king and installing his own. Both initial attempts to recover the territory of Armenia by the Governor of Cappadocia, Marcus Sedatius Severianus, and the Governor of Syria, L. Attidius Cornelianus, were unsuccessful. Marcus Aurelius took the decision to send his imperial colleague Lucius Verus to defend the Eastern territories in person. This aureus was struck following the successful invasion of Armenia and capture of Artaxata in AD 163 by M. Statius Priscus, the former Governor of Britain who had been sent to replace Severianus as the Governor of Cappadocia. The following year, Roman forces captured the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon. The obverse proudly boasts the titles Armeniacus and Parthicus, which were granted to Verus in AD 163 and AD 164 despite him having never seen combat. He is believed to have spent the majority of the campaign in Antioch, where his contribution to military matters is one of historical dispute. Nevertheless, he received a hero’s welcome in Rome in AD 166 and basked in the glow of a triumph. The recovery of Armenia into the Empire as a subordinate client kingdom saw the end of the limited themes which had featured on the early gold issues of the two Augusti in favour of the new Minerva, Felicitas, Pax and Victory, who is depicted on the reverse of this coin.

370

371

Extremely Rare

1040. Commodus Æ Medallion. Uncertain mint, AD 176-192. M AVREL ANTONINVS COMMODVS AVG, laureate head to right / TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P, Emperor standing to left, holding patera over altar; two soldiers standing to left behind, one holding spear and shield; soldier standing to right before, holding spear and leaning against stone, two trees behind; PROVIDENTIA DEORVM in two lines in exergue. Gnecchi 123, Tav. 86, 5-6. 50.51g, 28mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; in excellent condition. Extremely Rare; only one other on CoinArchives, and Gnecchi cites only two examples.

5,000

Unpublished and Seemingly Unique

1041. Commodus Æ Bimetallic Medallion. Uncertain mint, AD 176-192. M COMMODVS ANTONINVS PIVS FELIX AVG BRIT, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to left / COLL ANCOM P M TR P XV IMP VIII; COS VI P P, figure driving two oxen to right. C. -; Gnecchi -. 59.76g, 42mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Unpublished and seemingly unique.

5,000

From a private Swiss collection, collector’s ticket included; Acquired from Bank Leu AG, 3 May 1983.

372

Mint State and Extremely Rare

1042. Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 186-187. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT, laureate and draped bust to right / HILAR AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P, Hilaritas, draped, standing to left, holding branch and long palm. RIC III 150 var. (also cuirassed); C. -; BMCRE 210 note; Biaggi 992 var. (same, same rev. die); Calicó 2263a (same dies). 7.31g, 20mm, 12h. Mint State. Extremely Rare with this bust type.

10,000

From the Altstetten Collection, kept in the vault of Credit Suisse Geneva (documentation available upon request) since 26 November 1969. This coin was struck at least a decade into Commodus’ rule as co-Augustus and more than five years after the death of his father, the esteemed Marcus Aurelius, had left him as sole ruler of the Roman Empire. The reverse type is one of optimism and cheerfulness, with an image of Hilaritas, the personification of gaiety. While the name ‘hilaria’ was originally a general term given to any holiday or festival, by the time of Commodus it had come to be associated specifically with the honouring of Cybele at the March equinox. The employment of HILAR before Commodus’ imperial titles and offices is indicative of the type being employed in a spirit of public rejoicing. Indeed, this period of Commodus’ reign was marked by positive developments: a victory in Britain in AD 185 (for which he received the title Britannicus) and the celebration of his decennalia marked by the Primi Decennales games and advertised as the dawn of a new golden age. On the obverse a magnificent high-relief portrait of Commodus, with painstakingly deeply-carved and intricate curls, gazes out serenely in the characteristic mode of Antonine Emperors. The prosperous image of Commodus’ rule proclaimed by this coin was, however, only one side of a highly perilous rule. A recent revolt by the praetorian prefect Perennis, who reportedly intended to proclaim his own son as Emperor, threatened the Emperor’s position. He reacted with a spate of executions and a distribution of largesse to the army to ensure loyalty. This event was quickly followed by an attempted assassination by a deserter named Maternus in AD 187. Maternus conceived of killing Commodus during the festival of the Hilaria, an annual festival celebrated at the spring equinox in the honour of Cybele. Herodian reports that Maternus was betrayed by a follower and subsequently beheaded, after which Commodus made sacrifices to Cybele in gratitude and celebrated the festival with particular splendour along with the people who continued to rejoice the emperor’s deliverance after the event (Herodian RH 10.1). It is likely no coincidence that there are no Hilaritas types of Commodus before AD 186-187 save for those struck when he was Caesar under Marcus Aurelius in AD 175-6 a decade earlier. Mattingly and Sydenham suggest in RIC that the introduction of this type, along with that of Salus (the personification of welfare), attests to the validity of Herodian’s account and may be in fact a reference to it (p. 359). Sestertii struck during the same year depicting Pietas sacrificing describe Commodus as the ‘auctor pietatis’ suggesting the emperor is not only ‘pious’ but has given the gods more than their normal due. In the BMCRE catalogue, Mattingly argues that the Hilaritas type must be understood in close connection with this description of the emperor as the auctor pietatis and the fall of Maternus (Vol. IV, p. clxiii). Another interesting allusion to this event can be found on a medallion depicting Hilaritas and Salus and dating AD 187-188 (Gnecchi II 99, pl. 84, 9). It has been argued that this medallion is a direct reference to Commodus’ escape at the Hilaria (RIC and BMCRE) and may have been given as a New Year gift by the emperor, who was recording the most important event of the previous year (Toynbee, Roman Medallions, end note 139). Commodus was eventually assassinated in AD 192 and thereafter immediately declared a public enemy by the senate; the serene positivity of this coin belies the atmosphere of treachery, paranoia and complex political manoeuvring around the man himself.

373

A Perfect Aureus of Crispina

1043. Crispina (wife of Commodus) AV Aureus. Rome, AD 180-183. CRISPINA AVGVSTA, draped bust to right / VENVS•FELIX, Venus seated to left, holding Cupid, who grasps open diadem, and sceptre; dove standing to left below chair. RIC III 287 (Commodus) corr. (Cupid, not Victory); C. 39; BMCRE 49 (Commodus) corr. (same); Biaggi 1034; Calicó 2377 corr. (same). 7.26g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; a portrait of marvellous style and the last of the Altstetten Collection coins, easily the equal of the Roma XXIII example that hammered for £95,000. Scarce. 25,000 From the Altstetten Collection, kept in the vault of Crédit Suisse Geneva (documentation available upon request) since 26 November 1969. At first glance this sensually draped portrait of the goddess Venus - associated with beauty, love and sexuality - seems an appropriate reverse type for a coin minted in the name of Bruttia Crispina, the young wife of Commodus. From an illustrious aristocratic family closely associated with the imperial family since the time of Trajan and able to count her father as well as maternal and paternal grandfathers as former consuls, she was reportedly exceptionally beautiful as her youthful profile and intricate, elegant hairstyle in this portrait suggest. Crispina was fourteen when she was married to Commodus, then Caesar and around two years her senior, in AD 178. The first legitimate biological son to be born to an Emperor since Vespasian, Commodus succeeded his father as sole ruler in 180, whereupon Crispina was given the title of Augusta. Conspicuous on the Roman coinage, Antonine empresses followed the extensive Hadrianic issues in the name of his wife Sabina - a significant divergence from the Flavian and Trajanic coinage, on which the imperial women only had a token presence. Beyond her youthful good looks the similarities with Venus, the mythical mother of Aeneas (and by extension the Roman people), quickly begin to diminish. ‘Felix’ can mean both ‘lucky’ or ‘fruitful’ - a title highlighting Venus’s association with fertility and prosperity as also represented by the presence of Cupid, her son, and a dove in her portrait. Neither of these traits characterise either Commodus’ reign or Bruttia’s life: Commodus, a megalomaniac, grew ever more capricious and often had prominent citizens tortured or murdered in horrific ways; Crispina meanwhile remained childless, causing a dynastic succession crisis. The marriage was plagued by Commodus’ extravagant extramarital indiscretions, yet in 182 it was Crispina who was (falsely) accused of adultery and banished by the emperor to the island of Capri, divorced a year later, and eventually strangled on his orders. The Historia Augusta notes her adulterous behaviour as the cause, but historians often associate her demise with implication in her sister-in-law Lucilla’s plot to assassinate Commodus.

374

375

A Powerful Portrait

1044. Pertinax AV Aureus. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head to right / PROVID DEOR COS II, Providentia standing to left, holding out hand to star in left field. RIC IV 11a; Lempereur Type 10, 146 (D36/R88); C. 42; BMCRE 11; Calicó 2389a. 7.22g, 21mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin; lustrous metal, a powerful and sharply engraved portrait.

65,000

Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group (inventory no. 595027). Pertinax was the first Emperor in the tumultuous ‘Year of Five Emperors’. His early life and career is well documented in the Historia Augusta: 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 sent 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 reached an apex 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 powerful portrait of this magnificent aureus shows the furrowed brow and weathered face of a man who had 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.

376

377

Ex John Work Garrett Collection

1045. Didius Julianus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES M DID SEVER IVLIAN AVG, laureate head to right / RECTOR ORBIS, emperor 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 the both Emperor and Empire; however she was as equally dedicated to ensuring life’s capriciousness, as it must quickly have become apparent to Julianus.

1046. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193-194. [IMP CA]ES C PESCE NIGER IVSTI AV (sic), laureate head to right / BONAE SPEI, Spes walking to left, holding flower and raising skirt. RIC IV 3a var. (obv. legend); BMCRE 298 (Wars) var. (obv. legend); RSC 7 var. (obv. legend); Naumann 78, 775 (same obv. die). 3.23g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

1047. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193-194. IMP CAES C PESC NIGER IVST AVG, laureate head to right / MARTI VICTOR, Mars standing to left, holding reversed spear and leaning on shield. RIC IV 54; BMCRE p. 79* note; RSC 50. 2.72g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone with rainbow iridescence.

3,500

From a private European collection.

378

1048. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193-194. [IMP CAES] C PESC NIGER IVS AVG COS II, laureate head to right / MONETAE AVG, Moneta standing to left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC IV 64c; BMCRE p.73, ǁ note; RSC 56c. 3.09g, 18mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare; uncommonly well preserved for the type.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Acquired from Tauler & Fau.

1049. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193-194. IMP CAES C PESC NIGER [IVST AVG], laureate head to right / ROMAE AETERN, Roma seated to left, holding Victory and spear; shield at feet. RIC IV 69 var. (obv. legend); BMCRE p. 80, * var. (same); RSC 62 var. (same). 2.95g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely rare with this combination of legends.

1,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Acquired from Numismatik Naumann.

1050. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193-194. IMP CAES C PES NIGER IVS AV, laureate head to right / VICTORIAE AVG, Victory walking to left, holding wreath and palm. RIC IV 88b; BMCRE 314 note (wars); RSC 75e. 2.61g, 18mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; seemingly only one other example on CoinArchives.

2,000

Acquired from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 280, 11 October 2021, lot 636.

1051. Septimius Severus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 202-210. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head to right / LAETITIA, the central spina of the Circus Maximus, shown as vessel with sail raised, animals below, four quadrigae above moving to left; TEMPORVM below. RIC IV 274; BMCRE 343; RSC 253. 3.38g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; pleasant light cabinet tone. Scarce.

3,000

Acquired from Nomos AG; collector’s ticket included.

379

1052. Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 206-209. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate head to right / SOSPITATORI, Jupiter Sospitatori standing facing, polos on head, holding sceptre, in tetrastyle shrine; IOVI in exergue. RIC IV 156; BMCRE 507; RSC 108. 3.43g, 19mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; edge planchet flaw, attractive hints of iridescence around devices. Rare.

1,000

Ex Viggo Collection; Ex Artemide Aste, Auction LIII, 2 May 2020, lot 357. This rare reverse type was struck by both Caracalla and his father and predecessor, Septimius Severus, and marks the only appearances of Jupiter Sospitator, or Rescuer, on Roman coinage.

1053. Caracalla Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 211. M AVREL ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head to right, slight drapery on far shoulder / FORT RED P M TR P XIIII COS III P P, Fortuna seated to left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; wheel under seat, SC in exergue. RIC IV 479b; C. 85 var. (bust type); BMCRE 31. 23.26g, 33mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex Nomos AG, Obolos 9, 25 March 2018, lot 349; Ex W. F. Stoecklin Collection, Amriswil, Switzerland, acquired from Münzen und Medaillen in Basel prior to 1975.

1054. Maximus, as Caesar, Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 236-238. MAXIMVS CAES GERM, bare-headed and draped bust to right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Prince standing to left, holding baton and transverse spear, two standards behind; S-C across fields. RIC IV 13; C. 14; BMCRE 213 (Maximinus). 24.01g, 31mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; in exceptional condition.

1,000

Ex Freeman & Sear, Mail Bid Sale 14, 21 June 2007, lot 442.

1055. Gordian II AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVS AVGG, Virtus standing to left, holding spear and resting shield on ground. RIC IV 3; BMCRE 30; RSC 14. 2.77g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.

380

NGC Graded MS

1056. 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 hand and holding globe. RIC IV 97; C. 37 var. (bust type); Calicó 3186 (same dies). 4.97g, 19mm, 12h. NGC graded MS, 5/5 - 4/5 (#6066349-061).

6,500

Ex Paramount Collection, Heritage Auctions, Auction 3096, 25 March 2021, lot 30061 (USD 20,000).

The Usurper Jotapian

1057. Jotapian BI Antoninianus. Nicopolis Seleuciae, AD 248-249. [IMP C M] F RV IOTAPIANVS, radiate and cuirassed bust to right / VI[CTOR]RIA AVG, Victory advancing to left, holding wreath and palm. RIC IV 2c; Bland 6 (same dies); RSC 2. 3.51g, 23mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; rough surfaces. Extremely Rare.

2,500

From the inventory of a German 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.

A Majestic Portrait

1058. Trajan Decius Æ Double Sestertius. Rome, AD 249-251. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust to right, slight drapery over far shoulder / FELICITAS SAECVLI, Felicitas standing to left, holding long caduceus and cornucopiae; S-C across fields. RIC IV 115a; Banti 9. 37.15g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; medallic in appearance and featuring a portrait of majestic style. From the Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal collection.

381

2,500

Mint State

1059. Trajan Decius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 250. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / PANNONIAE, the two Pannoniae standing to left and to right, each holding standard. RIC IV 21 var. (bust type); Calicó 3295. 4.43g, 19mm, 12h. NGC graded MS, 5/5 - 4/5 (#5873094-008).

10,000

From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020, lot 825. Trajan Decius was acclaimed Emperor by his troops while campaigning in Moesia and Pannonia on behalf of Philip I ‘the Arab’. He had been sent to quell the revolt of the usurper Pacatian, who had been proclaimed Emperor himself by his troops but was, ultimately, also killed by them before the intervention of Decius. According to Zosimus, Decius was apparently reluctant and unwilling to take power. However, having taken the purple, Philip advanced against Decius and the two met in battle near Verona, though he was routed and killed. Subsequently, Decius’ accession was recognised by the Senate, who conferred on him the name Traianus in reference to his predecessor Trajan, the optimus princeps (‘best ruler’) of the Roman Empire. Taking the name of Trajan was more than simple vainglory - in the first Dacian War of AD 101-102 Trajan had reduced the Danube region to the status of a client kingdom, later absorbing it into the Empire after the second Dacian War in 105-106. The new Emperor, who hailed from the very same region, was seen to have already quelled a revolt in the troubled frontier area, and it was hoped he would restore the strength of the State. This however was not to be. Barbarian incursions into the Empire were becoming more frequent and more daring, while internally the Empire was weakened and unable to secure its frontiers. In 250-251 a major Gothic incursion crossed the Danube and raided parts of Moesia and Thrace. Decius surprised the Goths as they were laying siege to Nicopolis, and while they at first made to retreat, they doubled back and in turn caught Decius unprepared, dispersing the Roman army and sacking their camp. Once the Roman army had reformed, Decius again marched to confront the Gothic invaders along with his son Herennius Etruscus and the general Trebonianus Gallus. At the Battle of Abritus in the second week of June 251 on a swampy patch of ground the Roman army initially routed the Goths’ front line, but made the mistake of pursuing their opponents into the swamp where they were ambushed and destroyed under a barrage of missiles. Both Herennius Etruscus and Decius were slain, their bodies never recovered. Decius’ paychests amounting to several tons of gold, along with many weapons, were despoiled by the Goths and have since been discovered hoarded in many locations throughout the historic Gothic territories (The Battle of Abritus, the Imperial Treasury and Aurei in Barbaricum, Numismatic Chronicle 173, 2013, p. 151). Trajan Decius thus earned for himself the dubious distinction of becoming the first reigning Augustus to be killed in battle by a foreign enemy. Trebonianus Gallus became Emperor on Decius’ death, and adopted his predecessor’s younger son, Hostilianus, as joint Emperor despite the latter’s young age, preventing him from ruling in his own right.

Extremely Rare

1060. Cornelia Supera (wife of Aemilian) AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 253. C CORNEL SVPERA AVG, draped bust to right, set on crescent, wearing stephane / VESTA, Vesta standing facing, veiled head to left, holding patera and cradling sceptre. RIC IV 30 (Aemilian); RSC 5; Hunter 1. 3.40g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone with underlying lustre. Extremely Rare.

382

5,000

A Rare Type

1061. Valerian I AV Aureus. Samosata, AD 255-256. IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIAE, Victory driving galloping biga to right, holding whip; AVGG in exergue. RIC V.1 276 (Antioch) var. (bust type); C. 239; MIR 1680c; Calicó 3449a. 3.83g, 19mm, 12h. Near Mint State; minor contacts. Rare.

10,000

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Unlike many of the men who vied to rule the Roman Empire during the third century AD, Valerian came from a noble senatorial family and had held the consulship and been princeps senatus under the fateful Year of the Six Emperors. He was given significant control over affairs both civil and military by Trajan Decius and Trebonianus Gallus, and when Gallus was killed by his own troops in AD 253, Valerian was proclaimed Emperor by his soldiers and swiftly acknowledged by the Senate. He quickly appointed his son Gallienus as Caesar and sent him to shore up the western frontier while he focused on the threats posed by the Persians and Goths in the east. While he enjoyed initial success against the Goths, his long and futile campaign against the Persian king Shapur I ended with his capture, an unprecedented blow which marked the Empire’s darkest hour. He allegedly endured such humiliations as being forced to serve as Shapur’s footstool for many years, until he died in captivity and was flayed and stuffed. In this context, the confidence asserted by the celebratory reverse type of Victory and legend VICTORIAE AVGG seems bitterly ironic.

1062. Diva Mariniana (wife of Valerian I) AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 254. DIVAE MARINIANAE, veiled bust to right, set on crescent / CONSECRATIO, peacock flying to right, carrying Empress, seated to left, to heaven. RIC V.1 6; RSC 16. 3.89g, 22mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer; Privately purchased from Numismática Barcala.

383

An Extremely Rare Quinarius of Gallienus

1063. Gallienus AR Quinarius. Rome, AD 260-268. IMP GALLIENVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory walking to left, holding wreath, palm over 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.

Exceedingly Rare

1064. Salonina (wife of Gallienus) AV Aureus. Viminacium, AD 256-257. CORN SALONINA AVG, diademed and draped bust to right / VENERI GENETRICI, Venus standing to left, holding apple and sceptre. RIC V.1 56 (Mediolanum, joint reign); C. 111; MIR 856a; Calicó 3679. 3.42g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; slight bend, lustrous surfaces. Exceedingly Rare; MIR cites only one example and there are seemingly no examples on CoinArchives.

5,000

From a private North European collection.

A Rare Quinarius of Salonina

1065. Salonina (wife of Gallienus) AR Quinarius. Rome, AD 256-257. SALONINA AVG, diademed and draped bust to right / PIETAS AVGG, Empress seated to left, holding sceptre; two children before her, another beside chair. RIC V.1 41 (joint reign); MIR 229c; King 43; RSC 85. 1.24g, 15mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

From a private European collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 92, 24 May 2016, lot 2397.

1066. 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.

384

1067. Carausius Æ Radiate. ‘C’ mint, AD 286-293. IMP C CARAVSIVS P F AVG, jugate busts of Carausius, radiate and mantled, and Sol, to left / PROVIDEN AVG, Providentia standing to left, holding staff and cornucopiae; S in left field, C in exergue. RIC V.2 -; Webb -; Lanz 109, 830; DNW 152, 1414. 3.28g, 24mm, 7h. Very Fine; areas of flatness. Unpublished and Extremely Rare; possibly the fifth known, four examples known to Sam Moorhead to be included in a revised RIC. 3,000 Acquired from Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers.

1068. Carausius Æ Radiate. ‘C’ mint(?) AD 286-293. IMP C CARAVSIVS P F I AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / LAETIT AVG, Laetitia standing facing, head to left, holding wreath and anchor; S-C across fields. RIC V.2 -, cf. 456 var. (obv. legend and Laetitia to left); Webb -. 3.79g, 23mm, 6h. Mint State. Apparently unpublished and possibly unique.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex Münzzentrum Rheinland, Auction 194, 15 September 2021, lot 903.

1069. Carausius BI Radiate. London, AD 286-293. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / PAX AVG, Pax standing to left, holding olive branch and sceptre; F-O across fields, ML in exergue. RIC V.2 101; Webb 128. 4.29g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

From a private European collection; Ex InAsta s.p.a. (San Marino), Auction 90, 6 November 2020, lot 154.

1070. Carausius Æ Radiate. ‘C’ mint, AD 286-293. [INVICTO ET CARAVSIO] AVG, jugate busts of Carausius, radiate and cuirassed, and Sol, to left / FORTVNA, Fortuna seated to left on wheel, holding rudder and cornucopiae; IIC in exergue. Cf. RIC V.2 234; Webb 284. 2.65g, 21mm, 6h. Near Very Fine. Exceedingly Rare; possibly only the second known example after the Webb specimen. Acquired from Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers.

385

400

A Magnificent Military Portrait

1071. Probus AV Aureus. Serdica, AD 276-282. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust to left, holding spear and shield / VICTORIAE AVG, Victory driving slow quadriga to left, holding wreath and palm. RIC V.2 833; C. 784; Calicó 4229 (same dies). 6.23g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State; a magnificent military portrait well-centred on a large planchet. Very Rare, and comparable in quality to the example sold at NAC in 2010 (Auction 54, lot 585 - hammer: CHF 80,000). 35,000 Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 269, 9 March 2020, lot 1189; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 824 (hammer: CHF 43,000, there described as “virtually as struck and almost Fdc”). Raised to power by the army, Marcus Aurelius Probus was a product of the Third Century Crisis that saw a marked shift in the paradigm of imperial leadership. No longer did an emperor emerge from a system of succession, either as son or inherited heir of a sitting emperor, instead emperors were chosen by the military based on factors that included popularity, generosity towards the troops and their ability to produce measurable outcomes. “As a youth Probus became so famed for his bodily strength that by approval of Valerian he received a tribuneship almost before his beard was grown” (Historia Augusta, 3.1). From this early recognition Probus went from strength to strength, becoming one of the highest placed lieutenants of the emperor Aurelian and then supreme commander of the East under the emperor Tacitus. Upon the death of Tacitus, Probus was made emperor by the army of Syria in AD 276, having defeated Florianus who too had attempted to ascend the imperial throne. The senate duly acknowledged the exploits of Probus and conferred upon him the names: Caesar, Augustus, pontifex maximus as well as granting him tribunitian power and proconsular command. However, the apparent stability granted to Probus by the affirmation of his leadership was not enough to quell the economic and social unrest that continuously threatened peace across the empire. Probus’ rule was marked by the threat of both usurpation and of advances from invaders along the borders. This instability made it all the more important for Probus to deliver, at all times, a composite vision of the ‘emperor victorious’ and we can see this reflected in his coinage. This magnificent and very rare specimen encapsulates this idea across both its obverse and reverse. Probus coinage is noteworthy for presenting the emperor’s portrait in excessive military attire on a scale not seen previously. Here, Probus is presented as an emperor poised for battle in full helmet and armour, carrying a spear and shield at the ready, emphasising his military origins and nature of his reign. On the reverse, the legend and type of Victory carrying the trappings of success indicates the likely outcome of any military action. The composition draws direct parallels with triumphal and consular processions and thereby contributes a formal ritualistic facet to the image of the emperor victorious.

386

387

Unique and Unpublished

1072. Probus AV Aureus. Siscia, AD 277-278. IMP C PROBVS PIVS F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory standing to right on globe between two captives, holding wreath and palm. RIC V.2 599 var. (bust type); Calicó 4214 var. (bust type). 6.30g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a wonderful portrait. Seemingly unique and unpublished with this bust type.

20,000

From a private European collection. The iconography of this seemingly unique aureus is thoroughly in-keeping with the general theme of Probus’ coinage: the emphatically triumphant and militaristic imagery is ubiquitous on the coins struck in his name. While it is not surprising that any emperor should choose to promote ideals of strength and control, Probus’ coinage does so to such an extent that it betrays the frightening reality of the socio-economic instability and grave military peril of the empire at the time along with the precariousness of this accomplished general-emperor’s own hold on power. 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; it presents the emperor in a highly stylised and orthodox manner, dispensing with the rounded and more individualistic features of some his early portraits and instead showing a lean, straight-nosed soldier-emperor in military attire. Though this portrait is not so militarised as certain types struck under Probus, which often portray him fully armoured and helmeted, carrying spear and shield at the ready, the origin of this emperor and the nature of his reign is still very much explicit in the combination of a familiar Victory reverse type with the laureate and simply cuirassed bust suggestive of a battle-tested commander.

388

389

Good Extremely Fine

1073. Diocletian AV Aureus. Nicomedia, AD 294. DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head to right / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing facing, head to left, holding thunderbolt and spear; SMN in exergue. RIC VI 5a; C. 251; Depeyrot 2/4; Calicó 4494. 5.33g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

7,500

Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG, 1962

1074. Maximian AV Aureus. Cyzicus, AD 286-287. IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVTI HERCVLIS, Hercules standing facing, head to right, leaning on club set on rock, lion-skin draped over club; SC* in exergue. RIC VI 605 var. (mintmark); C. -; Depeyrot 6/4; Calico 4758a corr. (bust type) (same dies). 5.30g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a powerful rendering of Hercules. Extremely Rare, and the only example on CoinArchives with this mintmark. This coin published in G. Depeyrot, L’or du Bas-Empire, Inventaire justificatif des tomes 1 et 2, 2004, p.133, 6/4. Ex Dr. Hans Krähenbühl Collection; Purchased from Münzen & Medaillen AG, 25 October 1963; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG, Auction XXV, 17 November 1962, lot 644.

390

15,000

Extremely Rare

1075. Maximian AV Aureus. Cyzicus, AD 287. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / VIRTVS AVGG N N, emperor, cuirassed and holding shield and spear, 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

Ex Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 25 March 2021, lot 724; 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.

391

“Hercules the Victor”

1076. 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, 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.

392

393

A Desirable Dynamic Type

1077. Maximian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 294. MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, head to right, wearing lion-skin headdress / HERCVLI DEBELLAT, Hercules standing facing, head to left, holding club raised, preparing to strike Hydra coiled around his leg, which he grips with left hand; PROM in exergue. RIC -; C. 254; Calicó 4661; Depeyrot 9/6. 5.24g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; a very desirable and dynamic type. Extremely Rare; only three examples on CoinArchives.

25,000

From a private European collection. This coin was struck as a donative on the occasion of the first consulates of the new Caesars Constantius and Galerius; Diocletian well understood the necessity of sharing power and dividing responsibility for the Empire among capable leaders who could defend it from the multitude of enemies, both internal and external, that it faced. Maximian’s Caesar, Constantius, was immediately tasked with the recovery of the lands ruled over by the rebel Carausius who had revolted in late 286 or early 287. By the end of 293 all of the usurper’s continental possessions had been captured, and Britannia was finally retaken in 296. The reverse type of this coin may be seen as an allegorical reference to the emperors’ constant struggle against the many enemies of Rome, symbolised by the Hydra - and most especially Carausius, who had proven to be such an embarrassment for Maximian after the failed campaign of 289. The particular manner in which Hercules and the hydra are here depicted is extremely similar to the imagery found on the late 4th century BC coinage of Phaistos in Crete. It has been repeatedly suggested that those later designs of Phaistos copy a now lost masterpiece of sculpture or painting, perhaps even a statue group by the great sculptor Lysippos (see Lehmann, ‘Statues on Coins’, New York 1946; see also Lacroix, ‘Les Reproductions de Statues sur les Monnaies Grecques’, Liege 1949; see also S. Lattimore, ‘Lysippian Sculpture on Greek Coins’, California Studies in Classical Antiquity Vol. 5 1972). Lattimore makes a plausible and convincing argument for the Herakles-Hydra confrontation as depicted on that coinage (and seemingly reproduced on this aureus of Maximian) being copied from a sculpture; in particular he notes that a sculptural prototype is strongly suggested by “a feature that is rare, possibly unique, in Greek numismatic design: the group of combatants is shown from both sides, not in mirror reversal, but as two profile views of a three-dimensional group” (cf. Svoronos pl. XXIV, 17 and 22, and Wroth pl. XV, 6).

Mint State

1078. Maximian AV Aureus. Ticinum, AD 303-304. MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / XX MAXIMIANI AVG SMT in five lines within wreath. RIC VI 11b; C. 705; Depeyrot 7/2; Calicó 4770. 5.68g, 19mm, 12h. NGC graded MS, 5/5 - 4/5 (#4530008-001). A very rare issue commemorating the twentieth anniversary of Maximian’s rule. Ex Continental Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XX, 10 January 2017, lot 850.

394

15,000

395

The Apples of the Hesperides

1079. Constantius I, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Antioch, AD 293-295. CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, laureate head to right / HERCVLI CONS CAES, Hercules standing to right, head to left, resting on grounded club and holding three apples of the Hesperides, with lion skin draped over shoulder; SMAΣ✷(Σ = 60 to the pound of gold) in exergue. RIC VI 8; C -; Depeyrot 9/4; Calicó 4833 (same obv. die). 5.35g, 19mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; a bold portrait struck in high relief and of fine style. Rare.

15,000

The garden of the Hesperides, nymphs of the evening and golden light of sunset, is Hera’s garden in the west, where an apple tree grows which produces golden apples conferring immortality when eaten. Planted from the fruited branches that Gaia gave to Hera as a wedding gift when she wed Zeus, the garden and tree were tended by the Hesperides. After Hercules had completed his ten labours, Eurystheus gave him two more, claiming that neither the Hydra counted (because Iolaus helped him) nor the Augean stables either (because he received payment for the job or because the rivers did the work). Thus the first of these two additional labours was to steal the apples from the garden of the Hesperides. During this labour, Hercules had to take the vault of the heavens on his shoulders to relieve Atlas, who was the father of the Hesperides and could therefore persuade them to give up the apples. Having obtained the apples Atlas, relieved of his burden, was unwilling to take it back and offered to deliver the apples in Hercules’ stead. Hercules however tricked him by agreeing to take his place on condition that Atlas relieve him temporarily so that he could make his cloak more comfortable. Hercules was thus able to complete the task; as for the apples, as property of the gods, they had to be returned to the garden from which they had been removed, a task that Athena completed on Hercules’ behalf. In later years it was thought that the ‘golden apples’ might have actually been oranges, a fruit unknown to Europe and the Mediterranean before the Middle Ages. Under this assumption, the Greek botanical name chosen for all citrus species was Hesperidoeide (‘hesperidoids’) and even today the Greek word for the orange fruit is ‘Portokali’ after the country of Portugal in Iberia near where the Garden of the Hesperides was thought to grow.

Unpublished and Seemingly Unique

1080. Constantius I, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Treveri(?), circa AD 295-305. CONSTANTIVS CAESAR, laureate head to right / MARTI PROPVGNATORI, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Mars to right. Cf. RIC VI 61 (different obv. legend and mintmark); Calicó 4856 (same). 6.13g, 20mm, 6h. Near Very Fine. Unpublished and seemingly unique.

2,000

From a private North European collection.

396

1081. Galeria Valeria (wife of Galerius) BI Nummus. Alexandria, AD 311. GALER VALERIA AVG, diademed and draped bust to right / VENERI VICTRICI, Venus standing facing, head to left, holding apple and raising drapery over shoulder; (crescent) over K in left field, Γ over P in right field, ALE in exergue. RIC VI 129. 7.36g, 26mm, 6h. Near Mint State; full silvering remaining.

150

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

Extremely Rare

1082. Maximinus II, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Nicomedia, AD 307-308. MAXIMINVS CAESAR, laureate head to right / SOLI INVICTO NKYLXC (partially ligate), Sol standing to left with raised hand, holding globe and whip; SMN in exergue. RIC VI 46; C. 164; Depeyrot 11/3; Calicó 5044. 5.32g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; some faint hairlines. Extremely Rare; rated R4 in Calicó and RIC, better preserved than the example sold by Hess-Divo in 2014 (Auction 327, lot 149) for CHF 28,000.

15,000

From the inventory of a central European dealer. According to Sutherland and Carson, no convincing explanation for the reverse legend suffix NKYLXC has been offered (RIC VI, p. 104n and 547). It is generally accepted however that the monogram NK represents the mint and YLXC a numerical notation connected with it. Born of Dacian peasant stock to the sister of Galerius, Maximinus rose to high distinction in the army thanks to his uncle’s influence as Caesar under Diocletian. In 305, according to Lactantius, Galerius forced Diocletian to abdicate, and through coercion and threats convinced Diocletian to fill the two vacated positions of Caesar with men compliant to his will. Thus, with the abdication of Diocletian and Maximianus, Galerius was raised to Augustus and immediately appointed his nephew Maximinus to the rank of Caesar along with an old friend, Severus. Portrayed by contemporary writers as vulgar, cruel and ignorant, Maximinus II gained eternal notoriety for his persecution of Christians in open defiance of the Edict of Toleration issued by Galerius. In 313, having imprudently allied himself to Maxentius, the enemy of Constantine and Licinius, Maximinus found himself at war with Licinius, who marched against him and defeated him in a decisive battle at Tirizallum, despite Maximinus’ army being a veteran force that outnumbered Licinius by more than two to one. Pursued and besieged by Licinius, he poisoned himself at Tarsus in Cilicia in AD 313, eight years after being named Caesar, and five and a half after assuming the purple. His children were put to death and his wife was thrown into the Orontes at Antioch where by her orders a great number of Christian women had been drowned.

397

Decennalia Issue

1083. Licinius I AV Aureus. Nicomedia, AD 317. LICINIVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head to right / IOVI CONS LICINI AVG, laureate and bearded Jupiter, enthroned to left, holding sceptre, Victory on globe, palm and wreath; at his feet, eagle to left with head reverted and wreath in beak; all on high podium with frontispiece inscribed 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.

7,500

Ex Collection of GK, Ukrainian Emigrant, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 24 March 2021, lot 734; 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.

1084. 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, draped, advancing to left, holding trophy and palm; VOT XXX in two lines in right field, SMAN in exergue. RIC VII 96; C. 604; Depeyrot 46/1; Biaggi 2013. 4.42g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; beautifully centred. Rare.

7,500

From a private Swiss collection.

398

A Unique Nummus of Valerius Valens

1085. Valerius Valens Æ Nummus. Alexandria, AD 316-317. IMP C AVR VAL VALENS P F AVG, laureate head to right / IOVI CONSERVATORI AVG (sic), Jupiter standing to left, wearing chlamys across left shoulder, holding sceptre and Victory on globe; eagle at feet to left with wreath in beak; K to left, wreath over X B to right, ALE in exergue. RIC VII 19 var. (reverse legend, officina not recorded); C. 2 var. (same). 4.18g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; light cleaning marks in fields. Apparently unique with this legend variation: an intriguing legend error, without the additional ‘G’ to signify two Augusti reigning together.

10,000

From a private North American collection. Very much a pawn in the civil war between the two Augusti Licinius I and Constantine, the extremely short reign of Valerius Valens ended with his death at the hands of Licinius I after only three months as Augustus. Having previously been a general in Licinius’ army, Valens was elevated during the civil war against Constantine and was subsequently executed once a truce had been agreed between Licinius and Constantine. According to the later work Excerpta de legationibus ad gentes, Constantine’s reaction to Licinius’ messenger regarding the appointment of Valerius Valens was as follows: “The Emperor made clear the extent of his rage by his facial expression and by the contortion of his body. Almost unable to speak, he said, “We have not come to this present state of affairs, nor have we fought and triumphed from the ocean till where we have now arrived, just so that we should refuse to have our own brother-in-law as joint ruler because of his abominable behaviour, and so that we should deny his close kinship, but accept that vile slave. [Valens] with him into imperial college”. (Excerpta de legationibus ad gentes at N.C. Lieu, D. Montserrat, 1996 p.58). Civil war had begun when Constantine invaded Licinius’ Balkan provinces in 316. Valerius was one of Licinius’ generals and fought at the battle of Cibalae on October 8 316 which ended in an overwhelming defeat for Licinius, who was forced to retreat to Adrianople. It is possible that it was there, or even at Cibalae, that Licinius symbolically deposed Constantine and declared Valens nominal co-Emperor in the west. Constantine’s army pursued Licinius and the resulting battle saw heavy casualties on both sides, ending indecisively. Since victory was unobtainable for either side, a truce was agreed and finalized at Serdica on 1 March 317. The conditions included Licinius recognising Constantine as Senior Augustus, his ceding of much of the Balkans to Constantine and to depose Valens from his position as Augustus in the east. It is unclear whether it was a condition of the truce for Valens to be executed or if this was Licinius’ idea as a sign of his faith in the new arrangement. During this short period, coinage was struck in identical style to Licinius’ coins with only the name changed for Valerius Valens at Cyzicus and Alexandria - these coins are some of the rarest of the late Roman Empire.

1086. Commemorative Series AR Third Siliqua. Struck under Constantine I. Constantinople, circa AD 330. Helmeted and draped bust of Roma to right / Large P. Bendall Type 2; RIC -; J.P.C. Kent, Urbs Roma and Constantinopolis Medallions at the mint of Rome, Essays Sutherland, p. 112, pl. 13, 29; RSC -; Vagi 3039; cf. Roma VII, 1299. 1.05g, 13mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; unusually well-preserved for the type.

500

From a private European collection.

399

Ex Ambrose, Dimitriadis and Dreesmann Collections

1087. 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 and globe; 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.

400

1088. Constantius II AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 337-340. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, laurel-and-rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA CONSTANTI AVG, Victory seated to right on cuirass, with shield behind, supporting on her knee a shield inscribed VOT X held by small winged Genius standing to left; SMNT in exergue. RIC VIII 1; Depeyrot 1/1 (same dies). 4.26g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; highly lustrous surfaces. Extremely Rare; no other examples on CoinArchives.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIX, 26 March 2020, lot 955.

1089. 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 spear and 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. Near Mint State.

2,000

Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XIX, 26 March 2020, lot 959.

1090. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 355-361. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma enthroned facing, holding spear and Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding sceptre, foot on prow, holding between them shield inscribed VOT XXX MVLT XXXX in four lines; SMANS in exergue. RIC VIII 165; Depeyrot 10/1. 4.51g, 22mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine; somewhat weakly struck.

1,500

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

1091. Constantius II AR Reduced Siliqua. Thessalonica, AD 355-361. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / SPES REIPVBLICE, Emperor standing to left, holding globe and spear; TES in exergue. RIC VIII 207; RSC 187. 2.11g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; irregularly shaped planchet (but intact).

300

401

Rated R3 in RIC

1092. Julian II AV Solidus. Sirmium, AD 360-363. FL CL IVLIANVS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS ROMANORVM, soldier advancing to right, head to left, holding trophy and dragging kneeling captive; *SIRM(wreath) in exergue. RIC VIII 95; Depeyrot 21/1. 4.49g, 21mm, 7h. Near Mint State. Rated R3 in RIC.

15,000

Ex Dr. Hans Krähenbühl Collection, privately purchased from Bank Leu AG, 3 July 1965. 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 AD 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 AD 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 AD 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 AD 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 AD 351, but he was executed in 354 after a breakdown in his relationship with Constantius II. In AD 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. 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. This type aptly celebrates the virtue of the Roman army with a military type of a soldier dragging a captive. As emperor in his own right, however, his invasion of Persia in AD 363 was much less successful, and Julian II was killed in battle while retreating from Ctesiphon. His successor, Jovian, signed a humiliating peace treaty in order to save the rest of the invading force.

402

1093. Julian II Æ 27mm. Sirmium, AD 361-363. D N FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / SECVRITAS REIPVB, bull standing to right, two stars above; *BSIRM(palm) in exergue. RIC VIII 107; LRBC 1622. 8.78g, 27mm, 12h. Mint State; an impressive and very finely detailed portrait.

1,250

Ex DMS Collection; Privately purchased from Brian Kritt, 17 November 2009, inventory no. 40030.

1094. Valentinian II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 388-392. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / CONCORDIA AVGGGS, Constantinopolis enthroned facing, head to right, on throne, holding long sceptre and globe, foot on prow; CONOB in exergue. RIC IX 69a/b (obverse/reverse); Depeyrot 48/5 var. (unlisted officina). 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Rare with this unlisted officina letter.

2,000

Ex Bolaffi Spa, Auction 33, 29 November 2018, lot 561.

1095. Theodosius I, with Arcadius and Honorius, Æ Exagium Solidi Weight. Constantinople, AD 402-408. DDD NNN GGG, pearl-diademed and draped facing busts of Honorius, Theodosius and Arcadius respectively / EXAGIVM SOLIDI, Moneta standing to left, holding scales and cornucopiae. Bendall, Byzantine Weights 8; cf. Göbl, Antike 228-9; RIC X, p. 8. 4.16g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; some small areas of corrosion and cleaning marks, but in exceptional condition. Extremely Rare; unaltered by piercing or plugging. 1,000 From the inventory of a German dealer. Official solidus weights, based on a standard ‘imperial pound’, came into being with the law of Julian of AD 363, which established a zygostates - an official weigher of solidi in each city - to restore confidence in the solidus, which had become subject to widespread clipping. Exagium derives from the Latin exigere, “to drive out” - in this case, the underweight solidi, thereby maintaining an acceptable weight standard necessary for the imperial gold coinage to circulate at full value. Many such exagia display holes and/or plugs to bring the exagium to the correct weight, so unmodified exagia are thus a rarity.

403

1096. Theodosius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 425-430. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / GLOR ORVIS TERRAR Є, Emperor standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 232; Depeyrot 77/1. 4.25g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 249, 11 October 2017, lot 977; Ex Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 90, 4 June 2012, lot 1021.

1097. Flavius Victor AR Siliqua. Mediolanum, AD 387-388. D N FL VICTOR P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma enthroned facing, head to left, holding globe and spear; MDPS in exergue. RIC IX 19b; RSC 6Ac. 1.61g, 19mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; well-centered on a lustrous flan with attractive hints of iridescence around devices - superb for the type.

1,500

From a private European collection.

A Stunning Example

1098. Honorius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 408-420. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / CONCORDIA AVGG A, Constantinople seated facing, head to right, holding sceptre and Victory on globe, foot on prow; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 201; Depeyrot 73/1. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State; a stunning example, sharply struck on lustrous metal.

4,000

Ex Dr. Hans Krähenbühl Collection, privately purchased from Bank Leu AG, 2 July 1968.

404

Constantius III, Emperor for 7 Months

1099. Constantius III AV Solidus. Ravenna, AD 421. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, emperor standing to right, holding standard and Victory on globe, foot on bound captive lying on right below; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1325; Depeyrot 7/4. 4.48g, 22mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare; rated R3 in RIC.

15,000

Not to be confused with Constantine III, the usurper in Britain of AD 407, Constantius III served as a general under Honorius, rising to prominence as magister militum by 411. He was dispatched to put down the revolt of the aforementioned Constantine III, who he compelled to surrender, imprisoned and beheaded during his return to Ravenna. Constantius further initiated a campaign against the Visigoths in Northern Hispania in 416, and starving them into submission accepted the surrender of their king Wallia, in the process securing the return of the emperor’s half-sister Galla Placidia, who had been captured by Alaric around the time of the sack of Rome years earlier, and forced into marriage with Athaulf, successor to Alaric. In recognition Honorius bestowed many honours on him, appointing him consul three times and arranging for him to marry his rescued sister Galla Placidia in AD 417. A little over four years later, Honorius made him co-emperor, an elevation well-received by the army, but not acknowledged by Theodosius II in the East. This tension was swiftly resolved by Constantius’ death at Ravenna in September AD 421 after a mere seven months in power. Largely by virtue of the brevity of his reign, the coinage of Constantius III is only represented by a small number of extremely rare gold solidi and tremisses struck in Ravenna. This particularly fine type, of which there have been only a handful of examples auctioned in the preceding twenty years, constitutes a rare opportunity to acquire a coin of this elusive and short-lived emperor.

1100. Theodosius II AV Aureus. Constantinople, AD 402-450. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / IMP XXXXII COS XVII P P, Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, shield at side, foot on prow; star in left field, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 285; Depeyrot 84/1. 4.51g, 21mm, 5h. NGC graded MS, 5/5 - 4/5 (#6057014-011).

1,000

From the inventory of an American dealer; Ex Heritage Auctions, Platinum Night 3091, 7 May 2021, lot 32205.

1101. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-440. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXXI, Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding cross on globe and sceptre, foot on prow, shield leaning on throne; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1. 4.38g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lustrous and well-centered.

500

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

405

1102. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 462 or 466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC Є, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 605; Depeyrot 93/1. 4.50g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

Olympias and Nektanebos

1103. Alexander III ‘the Great’ of Macedon Æ Contorniate. Rome, late 4th - early 5th century. ALEXANDER MAGNVS MACEDON, bust to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Olympias reclining to left on couch, feeding coiled serpent; dolphin to right, OLYMPIAS above, REGINA in exergue. Mittag Alexander II; Alföldi 3.1; Stutzinger 188; BM R.4803. 27.03g, 37mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; contact mark at 11h. Very Rare.

5,000

The term ‘contorniate’ refers to late antique coin-like objects which can be distinguished from other coins and medallions by their raised edge and deepened groove on the inside of the rim. The ancient term for these objects is unknown to us and several different interpretations have been proposed as to their origin and intended purpose. Alföldi argued that contorniates such as this were produced in the state mint of Rome and concluded that, due to the frequent use of pagan imagery, they were intended for pagan city prefects. They were therefore a means of propaganda for a senatorial anti-Christian agenda and represented a less than cohesive relationship between pagans and Christians in the late antique (Mitagg, pp. 1-2). Others have argued however that there is a strong connection between the representations found on contorniates with the circus and amphitheatre (Mitagg, ibid). There are many reverse types which depict chariot races and contests in the amphitheatre, but also the Emperors who are most frequently depicted are known to have given enthusiastic patronage to contests in the circus (Nero, Trajan and Caracalla). Contorniates therefore may have played a functional role at sporting contests and given as gifts to spectators. There are various notable figures of Greek and Roman history and literature depicted on contorniates, such as Alexander the Great and his mother Olympias represented on this example. Mitagg has argued that there is case to be made for both the obverse and reverse of this contorniate serving as an amulet (p. 165). The legacy of Alexander is difficult to exaggerate and there may have been a magical appreciation of his image in the late Roman period. Ausonius, the Roman poet and rhetor, reports that old Macedonian gold coins were given away the imperial court on New Year’s day (epigram 18,5-6). Whilst Macedonian coins may have been appreciated as being particularly valuable, an episode recorded in the Historia Augusta specifically makes mention of the magical power of Alexander’s image was believed to bestow. In the ‘thirty tyrants’ it is reported that the Macriani family decorated jewellery, clothes and objects with the head of Alexander because it was believed this aided them in everything they attempted (Tyranni XXX, 14). The reverse depiction of Olympias with a serpent possibly alludes to a myth of Alexander’s conception as told in the so-called Alexander Romance. The original Greek text is believed to date from the third century BC and was translated into Latin in the fourth century by Julius Valerius Alexander Polemius. This apocryphal story describes how Alexander was fathered by a refugee Egyptian Pharaoh, Nektanebo II, who was also a great magician. Whilst King Philip was absent on a campaign, the exiled Nektanebo succeeded in deceiving Olympias into receiving his advances by taking the form of a serpent. Anticipating Philip’s anger at finding his wife pregnant upon his return, Nektanebo sent him a magical dream which convinced him that the father of his child was a god and Olympias was therefore blameless. Philip however was not totally convinced and was overheard by Nektanebos accusing Olympias of adultery with a human creature. Later Nektanebo appeared at a banquet in the form of a serpent and brought fear and confusion to the diners. Olympias however recognised the serpent and sat upright on her couch to greet it with her outstretched right hand. Nektanebos placed his jaw in the palm of her hand and projecting his forked tongue kissed her, and then transformed into an eagle and flew to the sky. Upon seeing this Philip was reconciled with Olympias and congratulated himself because he would be called the father of a child divinely begotten (see W. Kroll, Historia Alexandri Magni I, Berlin, 1958, pp. 10-11). The scene depicted therefore could be interpreted as the moment just before Olympias receives redemption from Philip. For Mittag, this can be interpreted as an example of the connection between gods and human beings with the help of magical practices. Furthermore, the redemption Olympias receives via the magic of Nektanebo symbolises the personal benefits amulets secure for the wearer through their supernatural powers (pp. 165-6).

406

THE MARE NOSTRUM HOARD

1104. Honorius AV Solidus. Ravenna, AD 402-406. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing facing, holding labarum and victory on globe, treading on captive seated to left; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 1287; Depeyrot 7/1. 4.42g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; slightly wavy.

500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1105. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-440. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX A, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, foot on prow, shield by throne, star in right field; CONOB in exergue. RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1106. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-440. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX I, Constantinopolis seated to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, foot on prow, shield by throne, star in right field; CONOB in exergue. RIC X 257; Depeyrot 81/1. 4.20g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1107. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 441-450. D N THEODOSIVS P F • AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, 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, foot on prow, shield by throne, star in left field; COMOB in exergue. RIC X 300; Depeyrot 84/1 var. (CONOB). 4.49g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; graffito in obv. field.

500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

407

Unpublished

1108. Pseudo-Imperial, uncertain AV Solidus. In the name of Theodosius II, after AD 423. 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 / VOT XX MVLT XXX Z (sic), Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in upper left field, COИOB in exergue. Lacam -; MEC -; for prototype, cf. RIC X 225 and Depeyrot 75/a. 4.48g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Unpublished and possibly unique.

1,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1109. Valentinian III AV Solidus. Ravenna, AD 426-430. 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, foot on head of human-headed coiled serpent; R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 2010; Depeyrot 17/1. 4.40g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1110. Marcian AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 450. D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Z, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 510; Depeyrot 87/1. 4.42g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1111. Marcian AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 450. D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Z, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 510; Depeyrot 87/1. 4.35g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

408

1112. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 462 or 466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG H, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 605; Depeyrot 93/1. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1113. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 462 or 466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG H, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 605; Depeyrot 93/1. 4.40g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1114. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 462 or 466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG S, Victory standing to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 605; Depeyrot 93/1. 4.40g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; ‘X’ graffito in obv. field.

500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1115. Leo II and Zeno AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 474. D N LEO EƮ ZENO P P AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / SALVS REIPVBLICAE Θ, Leo and Zeno seated facing on double throne, each holding mappa in right hand; star and cross above, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 803; Depeyrot 98/1; DOC 601-3 var. (officina). 4.38g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

409

1116. Julius Nepos AV Solidus. In the name of Zeno. Rome, 24 June AD 474 - 28 August AD 475. D N ZENO PERP F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG :, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, COMOB• in exergue. RIC X 3205 var. (COMOB); Baldi 1 var. (same); Depeyrot 78/2 var. (same); Lacam pl. 42, 97-101; NAC 52, 669 (hammer: 7,500 CHF) = Hess-Divo AG 336, 303. 4.33g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1117. Julius Nepos AV Solidus. In the name of Zeno. Uncertain mint (Milan?), AD 474-475. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORA AVGGG S, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; pellet in left field, star in right field, COMOB in exergue. Lacam pl. 44, 134 (Nepos in the name of Zeno, Arles Mint) = Vedrin Hoard 55. 4.32g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; flan crack 12/6h.

2,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954). There is a strong stylistic similarity between this coin and a group of coins recorded by Lacam struck in both the name of Nepos and Zeno (cf. pls. CLXXVII-III). Lacam found the coins so uniform in style that he argued they were the product of the same mint despite the fact they bear mintmarks for Milan and Ravenna in the reverse fields. For this reason, Lacam tentatively attributes this group of coins to the mint of Salona, the capital of Dalmatia where Nepos spent his period of exile, and assumes them to be copies of official issues. Lacam followed the attribution of Ulrich-Bansa of the Vedrin Hoard specimen to the mint of Arles however it is noted in the catalogue that it was more likely to have been minted in Milan and modelled on the solidi of Nepos (p. 676-8, cf. pl. CLXIII).

A Second CONOR Solidus of Basiliscus

1118. Basiliscus AV Solidus. Unidentified imperial mint (?), 9 January - August AD 475. D N bASILISCµS P P AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG S, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOR in exergue. RIC X -; Lacam -, cf. pl. CCII for CONOR solidi in the name of Zeno; Depeyrot -; MEC -; cf. UBS 85, lot 69 var. (CONOR, but VV AVG on obv.); cf. DNW A7, lot 1304 var. (same); cf. CNG e361, lot 26 var. (same). 4.40g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Apparently the second known example, and of considerable numismatic interest, further supporting the theory of an unidentified 1,000 imperial mint. This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954). Although the CONOR mintmark was assigned by Lacam to the reign of the Ostrogothic king Theoderic (AD 475/493-526), Metlich in COI (2004) states that no solidi in the name of Zeno can be attributed to Theoderic, implying that such issues must be official coinages of the Emperor. P. Grierson furthermore notes a Zeno with Leo tremissis with the CONOR mintmark in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection (DOCLR 628), which he assigned to Constantinople. The CONOR mintmark has been hitherto largely considered to be an unofficial issue, however an argument has been made (see CNG 106, lot 861) for these being the product of an unknown but well-structured official mint whose identity has not been yet established, based on the recorded employment of at least eight officina letters, this being incompatible with known contemporary Germanic pseudo-imperial coinage. Exceedingly rare pseudo-imperial coins in the name of Basiliscus are known with the CONOR mintmark, however those examples are all struck from the same die pair, and are clearly imitations, being stylistically distinct and displaying an obverse legend ending in VV AVG rather than the normal PP AVG. An example of this type was presented in Roma Numismatics Auction XXIII, which like the present specimen is certainly official in style, and is evidently the prototype for the above mentioned pseudo-imperial issues struck in Basilicus’ name. Now known from 2 obverse and 2 reverse dies, the existence of these two coins support the theory of an unidentified official mint which also struck coinage for Zeno with the CONOR mintmark.

410

1119. Basiliscus AV Solidus. Constantinople, 9 January - August AD 475. D N bASILISCµS P P AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG H, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 1003; Depeyrot 101/1; DOC 611. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1120. Basiliscus AV Solidus. Constantinople, 9 January - August AD 475. D N bASILISCµS P P AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 1003; Depeyrot 101/1; DOC 607; Roma XXIII, 1146 (same dies). 4.40g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1121. Basiliscus and Marcus AV Solidus. Constantinople, autumn AD 475 - August AD 476. D N bASILISCI EƮ MARC P AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / SALVS REIPVRLICAE Δ, Basiliscus and Marcus seated facing on double throne, each nimbate, holding mappa and globus; cross in field between, star above, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 1022; Depeyrot 104/1; DOC 621 var. (officina). 4.49g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

411

A Fascinating Issue

1122. Zeno AV Solidus. Unidentified imperial mint, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGT Z, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 927 (Constantinople); Depeyrot 112/1 (Constantinople); MIRB 8 (Constantinople); Lacam pl. 54, 10 (same dies, attributed to Ticinum under Theoderic) = BM R.367. 4.39g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954). This issue has been variously attributed by numismatists due to the reverse formula ‘AVGGT A’ to Ticinum and Thessalonica. Tolstoi attributed a coin with the officina I to Ticinum on the basis of the reading TI (Monnaies Byzantines, St Petersburg, 1912). This attribution was developed by Lederer (‘La zecca di “Ticinum” Pavia sotto Odoacro’ in AIIN, 1934) and Lacam (La fin de L’Empire Romain et le monnayage or en Italie Vol. II, Lucern, 1983), both of whom were aware of the existence other officinae. Lacam interpreted the letter T as Theodoric’s initial rather than a mint mark and attributed to Pavia (Ticinum) on the basis that this was the headquarters of the Ostrogothic king during the winter of 489/90. Metlich later stated that “no solidi in the name of Zeno can be attributed to Theodoric’s reign” (The Coinage of Ostrogothic Italy, London, 2004, p. 13). Ulrich-Bansa (Moneta Mediolanensis 352-498, Venice, 1949) and subsequently Lallemand (Sou d’or de Zenon frappe a Trèves in BCEN I:49-51, 1964b) preferred Thessalonica on the basis that the series was Constantinopolitan in style and the use of CONOB favoured an Eastern mint. In RIC X (1994), Kent argues that a Western mint could be discredited on the basis of style and Thessalonica had a distinct series of its own at this time (p. 117). For Depeyrot, the attribution to Constantinople is certain on the basis that many coins from this series were contained within a hoard found at Abritus (Les Monnaies D’or de Constantin II a Zenon 337-491, Wetteren, 1996, p. 263). Grierson and Mays however have suggested that this is the first of two series struck in Thessalonica - the first being struck from dies imported from Constantinople, the second from dies made in Thessalonica itself bearing no officina letter and distinguished by two stars in the reverse field (DOC, 1992, p. 184). This issue however is undoubtedly linked stylistically to the coins bearing the CONOR mintmark and reverse formula ‘AVGGG A’ attributed by Lacam to Ticinum (see Class I, pl. CCIII). The stylistic similarities led Lacam to question whether the B in CONOB was actually an R which had been joined at the bottom of the letterform by mistake (p. 860). An argument was made (see CNG 106, lot 861 and Roma XXIII, lot 1145) for the CONOR solidi being the product of an unknown but well-structured official mint whose identity has not yet been properly established, based on the recorded employment of so many officina letters - this being inconsistent with known contemporary Germanic pseudo-imperial coinage which utilised very few.

1123. Zeno AV Solidus. Unidentified imperial mint, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Θ, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 911 and 930 (Constantinople); Depeyrot 108/1 (Constantinople); Lacam pl. 54, 15 and cf. 13 (same obv. die, Δ/CONOR, Ticinum). 4.45g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954). Die-linked to the CONOR series of solidi which may be the product of an unknown but well-structured official mint whose identity has not yet been properly established (for discussion, see lot 1118).

1124. Zeno AV Solidus. Unidentified imperial mint, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Z, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOR in exergue. RIC X 911 and 930 (Constantinople); Depeyrot 108/1 (Constantinople); Roma e77, 1451 (same obv. die, Δ officina). 4.47g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State; a superb portrait.

1,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

412

1125. Zeno AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG B, 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. 4.36g, 21mm, 5h. Near Mint State.

1,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

Thessalonica Mint

1126. Zeno AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, star in left field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 939; Depeyrot 62/1; DOC 666-8; MIRB 19. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; well-centred. Very Rare.

1,500

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1127. Pseudo-Imperial, Odovacar (Odoacer) AV Solidus. In the name of Zeno. Ravenna, AD 476-489. D N ZENO PERP F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOBRV in exergue. RIC X 3634; Depeyrot 42/1; DOC -; BMC Vandals 2; cf. Lacam pl. 51, 32 and pl. CXCVII-A, 7 (same dies); Roma XXIII, 1150; NAC 93, 1100 (same obv. die, hammer: CHF 7,000); Künker 104, 679 = Künker 97, 2014 = Künker 89, 2810. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare; only three other examples on CoinArchives.

3,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1128. Pseudo-Imperial, Odovacar (Odoacer) AV Solidus. In the name of Zeno. Rome, AD 476-489. D N ZENO PERP F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG R, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, COMOB in exergue. RIC X 3653; Ladich p. 11; MEC 1, -; BMC Vandals -; DOC 686 = Lacam pl. 58, 72; Roma XXIII, 1151 and cf. 1152 (same obv. die, officina Γ). 4.33g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only the second example to be offered at auction in at least the past 20 years. This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954). In RIC X, Kent argues that the Rome solidi struck at the behest of Odovacar can be divided into two series. The first series bearing the mint mark COMOB and :, R or Γ at the end of the reverse legend, and the second with •COMOB• and Γ• or Ä (see p. 216).

413

2,000

1129. Pseudo-Imperial, Odovacar (Odoacer) AV Solidus. In the name of Zeno. Rome, AD 476-489. D N ZENO PERP F AVG (Z retrograde), helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Γ•, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, •COMOB• in exergue. RIC X 3656; Ladich p. 11; MEC 1, -; BMC Vandals -; DOC -; Lacam pls. 50-1, 10-24; Roma e71, 1362; NAC 93, 1097. 4.38g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only two other examples offered at auction in the past 20 years.

2,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

Unpublished

1130. Pseudo-Imperial, Odovacar (Odoacer) AV Solidus. In the name of Zeno, uncertain mint, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, pearldiademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Ƨ, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, COMOB in exergue. Unpublished in the standard references; cf. Roma XXIII, 1153 (PEPR, S/COMOB); CNG 57, 1455 (S/COMOB); Michel Dürr, 8 November 1999, 237. 4.26g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; unpublished in the standard references.

2,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

1131. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 491-498. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, cross on helmet, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Є, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 4a; DOC -, but cf. 3e (trefoil ornament on helmet) and 5a (no ornament); Sear 3. 4.41g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce type with the Emperor’s helmet decorated with a cross rather than a trefoil ornament. This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

414

1,000

1132. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 491-498. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, cross on helmet, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Γ, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 4a; DOC 4a; Sear 3. 4.49g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Scarce type with the Emperor’s helmet decorated with a cross rather than a trefoil ornament.

1,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

Unique and Unpublished

1133. Pseudo-Imperial, uncertain AV Solidus. In the name of Anastasius I. Uncertain mint, AD 491-518. D N ANASTASIVS PERP AVG, helmeted, pearldiademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Θ, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Unpublished in the standard references; for another example of similar style, cf. Roma XXIII, 1156 (Ɐ officina, hammer: 4,600 GBP). 4.48g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Apparently unique and unpublished.

2,000

This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

One of Seven Known

1134. Ostrogoths, Theoderic AV Solidus. In the name of Anastasius I. Rome, AD 493-518. D N ANASTASIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG ☧, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, COMOB in exergue. Metlich 4; Ladich 31; MEC 1, 13; BMC Vandals 62; Lacam p. 917, Type 2, pl. 58, 86 = pl. CCXIX, 3; NAC 25, 643; Roma XXIII, 1155 (hammer: 7,000 GBP). 4.39g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare; Arslan & Metlich cited the existence of only five specimens of this type. This coin published in I. Vecchi, R. Beale and S. Parkin, The Mare Nostrum Hoard (forthcoming); From the Mare Nostrum Hoard (1954).

415

2,000

COINS OF THE MIGRATIONARY PERIOD

1135. Burgundians, Sigismund. Pseudo-Imperial AV Solidus. In the name of Justin I. AD 518-524. D N IVSTINVS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC I S, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MEC I, 340 (same dies); Hunter 2 (these dies); Belfort 5154 (these dies). 4.45g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare; one of approximately 20 known examples.

5,000

From a private Swiss collection, collector’s ticket included. All the known examples of this type, which seemingly share the same dies, were apparently found together in the Gourdon hoard in 1845. This hoard contained 104 gold coins as well as a paten and chalice, and has been speculated to have been buried by a local monastery in fear of an attack by the Franks.

Apparently Unpublished

1136. Ostrogoths, uncertain ruler AV Solidus. Uncertain mint, temp. Athalaric - Witigis, AD 527- 536. D N IVSTINIANVS PΓ A V(struck over A below), pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, spear over shoulder, holding shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC •(?), Victory standing to left, holding long voided cross, star to left, COWOB (sic) in exergue. Cf. Ladich 4 (Athalaric, Rome), 8 (Athalaric, Ravenna), 3 (Theodahad, Rome), 1 (Witigis, Ravenna); cf. COI 34 (Athalaric, Rome), 36b (Athalaric, Theodahad & Witigis, Ravenna); 38 (Baduila, Ticinum). 4.32g, 22mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished - a variant with possible pellet at the end of the legend or unformed letter.

1,000

From the collection of Z.P., Austria; Acquired from Numismatik Lanz München, May 1999.

Ex M&M 43, 1970

1137. Ostrogoths, Athalaric AV Solidus. In the name of Justinian I. Ravenna or Rome, circa AD 530-539. D N IVSTINIANVS P Γ AV(ligate)C, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif on arm / VICTORIA AVCCC (pellet)A, Victory standing to left, holding long voided cross, star to left, COMOB in exergue, pellets at end of exergual line. Ladich 4 var. (no pellet in legend, Rome); COI 36b2 (this coin, Ravenna); MEC I 122 var. (Rome, no pellet in legend); BMC Vandals 4 (Ravenna). 4.41g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,500

This coin published in M.A. Metlich, The Coinage of Ostrogothic Italy (London, 2004); From the collection of Z.P., Austria; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 93, 24 May 2016, lot 1177; Ex Lacam Collection, Dürr, M & Michel, R, 8 November 1999, lot 269; Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 43, 12 November 1970, lot 540.

416

1138. Ostrogoths, Athalaric AV Solidus. In the name of Justinian I. Ravenna or Rome, circa AD 530-539. D N IVSTINIANVS P Γ AVC, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif on arm / VICTORIA AVCCC Λ, Victory standing to left, holding long voided cross, star to left, COMOB in exergue, pellets at end of exergual line. Ladich 3 (Rome); COI 36 (Ravenna) or 34 var. (Rome, diadem ties hanging down); MEC I 122 (Rome, AV ligate); BMC Vandals 1 (Ravenna, AV ligate). 4.37g, 4.37g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the collection of Z.P., Austria; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 93, 24 May 2016, lot 1178; Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A, Auction 71, 20 September 2002, lot 1801.

1139. Ostrogoths, Athalaric AV Solidus. In the name of Justinian I. Ravenna or Rome, circa AD 530-539. D N IVSTINIANVS P Γ AVC, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif on arm / VICTORIA AVCCC (pellet)A, Victory standing to left, holding long voided cross, star to left, COMOB in exergue, pellets at end of exergual line. Ladich 4 var. (no pellet in rev. legend and AV not ligate in obv. legend, Rome); COI 36b2 (Ravenna); MEC I 122 var. (no pellet in rev. legend and AV not ligate, Rome); BMC Vandals 4 (AV not ligate, Ravenna). 4.35g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the collection of Z.P., Austria; Ex Ponterio & Associates, Auction 145, 11 January 2008, lot 98.

1140. Ostrogoths, Athalaric AV Solidus. In the name of Justin I. Rome, circa AD 530-539. D N IVSTINVS P Γ AVC, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin I facing slightly to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif on arm / VICTORIA AVCCC Λ, Victory standing to left, holding long voided cross, star to left, COMOB in exergue, pellets at end of exergual line. Ladich 1 (Rome, AV ligate); COI 32 (Rome); MEC I - ; BMC Vandals 12-14 (Ravenna, Theodoric). 4.37g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; graffito to obv. Very Rare.

1,000

From the collection of Z.P., Austria; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 51, 5 March 2009, lot 1127.

1141. Ostrogoths, Theodahad Æ 40 Nummi. Rome, circa AD 535. D N THEODAHATVS REX, helmeted bust to right, wearing imperial mantle / VICTORIA PRIИCIPVM, Victory standing to right on prow, holding wreath and palm; S-C across fields. Ladich 21; Metlich 89b (C1-L12); MEC 143; MIB I 81; BMC Vandals 19 = Baldi, Ostrogothic Coins in the British Museum, 133.1 (same obv. die). 10.51g, 26mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare and in very good condition for the issue.

4,000

From a private Swiss collection.

417

Only 4 Examples Recorded by Depeyrot

1142. Merovingians, Pseudo-imperial AV Solidus. In the name of Phocas. Massilia, AD 602-620. D II FOCΛS • bCVbVΛC (some letters retrograde and inverted), pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORI (wreath) ΛΛCCV around wreath enclosing cross potent set on globe, flanked by M - Λ and X - XI; in exergue, CONOB. G. Depeyrot, Le Numéraire Mmérovingian IV, Type 8-3A, pl. 28, 30; S.E. Rigold, “An imperial coinage in Southern Gaul in the sixth and seventh centuries” in NC 1954, 71; Belfort 2458; MEC I -. 3.85g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only four examples recorded by Depeyrot.

15,000

From a private English collection; Privately purchased from Numismatica Genevensis SA in 2010. The later Roman Emperors had never formally abandoned Gaul and Provence after the barbaric invasions and continued to consider the minting of coins as an imperial monopoly. The most jealously guarded imperial privilege was that of the appearance of the Emperor’s portrait and title on the gold coinage, which for the most part was respected by the Merovingian Frankish rulers of Gaul in the 6th century. However, there was one notable exception: Theodebert I, who in about 538 had the audacity to issue a series of gold solidi and tremisses at Massilia in his own name along with an imperial title and portrait in a bid to overrun Italy, shocking the Byzantine establishment and its historian Procopius. The great port of Massilia, which had always enjoyed a large degree of independence, issued a remarkable series of pseudo-imperial solidi and tremisses from about 565 in the names of the legitimate Emperors: Justin II, Tiberius II, Maurice Tiberius, Phocas and Heraclius. These issues were subsequently complemented with, and ultimately supplanted by, similar types in the name of the Merovingian kings: Chlotar II from c. 600, Dagobert I from c. 620, Dagobert II, Sigisbert III, Clovis II, Childeric II and Childeric I in about 640-680. This was a significant assertion of Frankish independence from the Empire, the end of outmoded imperial privileges and the mass introduction of mint magistrates names such as of Bishop and St Eligius, who famously minted gold for Dagobert I (cf. Depeyrot 43-5) and is venerated by the Catholic Church as the patron saint of goldsmiths, metalworkers and coin collectors. It is thought that the gold for the coinage of Massilia and adjacent mints along the Rhône of Arelate, Ucetia and Vivaria, came from trade and the imperial exchequer in the form of Constantinopolitan solidi. The purpose of these substantial subsidies was the financing of Merovingian military action against the neighbouring Lombardic Kingdom, involved in long standing warfare with Imperial and Papal interests in central Italy. It is significant that the despicable Phocas (soon to be deposed) was honoured with the last imperial monument to be erected in the Roman Forum, for having presented Pope Boniface IV with the Pantheon in 608, which was transformed into the church of St. Mary and the Martyrs one year later.These extraordinary coins were not just crude imitations of imperial prototypes, but it would seem that upon arriving at the Provençal ports they were immediately reminted at 84 to the Roman pound and re-tariffed with a clear mark of weight: XXI and VII, signifying 21 and 7 siliquae, to distinguish them from well established imperial solidus weight standard of 24 siliquae and tremisses of 8, struck at 72 to the Roman pound, a little over 4.45g.

1143. Merovingians, Pseudo-imperial AV Solidus. In the name of Justin I, circa AD 518-527. ƆI IVSTINVS P F AVC (sic), pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTORA AVCCCΛ, Victory standing to left, holding long cross, star to left; CONOB in exergue. Belfort 5152 var. (I instead of N in obv. legend, P of christogram not present); MEC I -; Subjak Collection -; cf. CNG 72, 2272. 3.89g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,500

From the collection of Z.P., Austria; Ex Argenor Numismatique, 17 April 2008, lot 72.

418

Extremely Rare

1144. Merovingians, Childeric II AV Tremissis. Massalia (Marseille) mint, AD 662-675. [C]HILDIRICVS R, cuirassed bust to right, wearing diadem with cross; reversed P before / MASILIE CIVITATIS, cross on base, M-A across fields within pelleted circle. MEC I -, cf. 408 (denomination and obv. control); Numista #328422 var. (control mark); cf. Belfort 2547. 1.04g, 14mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; particularly with this control symbol - no other examples on CoinArchives.

5,000

From a private European collection; Acquired from cgb.fr. The period of Merovingian rule saw the kingdom of the Franks, which covered most of modern-day France and Germany, divided into four distinct but supposedly united territories: Austrasia, Neustria, Burgundy and Aquitaine. The decision to split the kingdom was taken after the death in 511 of the founder of the Merovingian dynasty Clovis I to allow his four sons to rule simultaneously, one region for each son, however it appears to have ultimately resulted in the fracturing of relations between subsequent rulers and the waning of their power. When the subject of the present coin Childeric II became king of Austrasia as a child in 673, the role of the Frankish kings had devolved to be less one of authoritative rule and more one of figurehead for the kingdom, with the real responsibility of leadership falling to the so-called ‘maior domus’, the highest-ranking palace official. Indeed, the succession of Merovingian kings from the mid-6th century to the mid-8th century have become known as the ‘rois fainéants’, characterising their inability or unwillingness to take up the responsibilities of their office. Childeric’s accession to the rule of Austrasia coincided with that of his brother Theuderic III to the rule of both Neustria and Burgundy, as had become convention within the Merovingian dynasty. His brother’s rule was short-lived however: illustrating how fractured and unsettled relations between the Frankish territories were, a group of Burgundian nobles invited Childeric to become their king in Neustria and Burgundy instead, to which he agreed, invading and overthrowing his brother and removing the ‘maior domus’ to replace him with his own from Austrasia. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the circumstances of his own rise, Childeric himself was assassinated by a group of disaffected lords in 675.

Extremely Rare

1145. Merovingians, uncertain ruler AV Triens. Civitas Augusta (Aosta), 7th-8th centuries AD. [AVGVS]TA FIT, diademed and cuirassed bust to right / SANTOLV∾ MON[IT...], cross on two steps, A-V across fields. Prou, Merovingians 1653 for obv. and 1652 for rev.; Belfort -; MEC I -. 1.18g, 12mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; areas of flat strike. Extremely Rare; unpublished with this obverse and reverse combination.

2,000

From the collection of Z.P., Austria; Ex Editions V. Gadoury, Auction 2015, 14 November 2015, lot 114.

1146. Lombards, Beneventum. Adelchis AR Denar. AD 853-867. ✠ ADELHIS PRI, Carolingian temple / ✠ S•CA M••ARIA, cross potent on three steps. LBSI 93; MEC 1, 1113-4. 1.00g, 17mm, 6h. 500

Extremely Fine; a superb example of the type. Very Rare. From the Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com); Ex Bruun Rasmussen, Auction 885, 7 May 2019, lot 321.

419

COINS OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE A Rare Variant

1147. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 491-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVC, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing three-quarters to right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVCCC A, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding voided cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 4a; DOC 5 var. (unlisted officina); Sear 3. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare variant with no helmet ornament.

500

1148. Justinian I AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 527-565. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVI, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing to right, head to left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 19; DOC 19; Sear 145. 1.52g, 15mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; in excellent condition for the type.

500

1149. Justin II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 565-578. D N IVSTINVS P P AVI, helmeted, pearl-diademed, and cuirassed bust facing, holding Victory on globe and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Δ, Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, head to right, holding spear and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 5; DOC 4c; Sear 345. 4.22g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; clipped.

300

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

A Rare Date

1150. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Carthage, dated IY 1, 2nd cycle = AD 597/8. D N MAVRIC Tb P P AN A, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORIA AVGG A, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIBE 25b; DOC 230; Sear 549. 4.51g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lustrous metal. Rare with this date.

1,250

Acquired from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd.

420

An Unpublished Half Tremissis of Phocas

1151. Phocas AV Half Tremissis. Spanish mint (Carthago Spartaria?), AD 602-610. D N FOCO P P AVG, bust to right, wearing double diadem topped with cross on circlet, cuirass and paludamentum / VICTORIA AV, large Christogram; CONOB in exergue. Unpublished in the standard references; for mint identification, cf. P Grierson, ‘Una ceca bizantina en España’, Numario Hispanico 4, pp. 305-14; for other Spanish issues in the name of Phocas, cf. DOC 136, MIBE 36, Sear 709, and BnF p. 244; for Half Tremisses, cf. DOC 20, MIBE 28-9, and Sear 635-635A. 0.75g, 13mm, 5h. Near Mint State. Unique and unpublished.

15,000

Ex Teutoburger Münzauktion 142, 28 February 2022, lot 6 (erroneously catalogued as a ‘Fantasieprägung’). Philip Grierson’s article of 1955 is to be credited with the identification of a Byzantine mint in southern Spain. All of the then known examples of this mint until now were pale gold tremisses that resemble in general style, fineness, spread flans, fabric and letter forms to the near contemporary Visigothic issues of Leovigild (cf. MEC I, 209-10 and Miles 1-45). The only recorded examples include: 3 tremisses in the name of Justinian I (MIBE 27; DOC 376; Sear 343); 4 tremisses in the name of Justin II (MIBE 19; Sear 416i); 6 tremisses in the name of Maurice (MIBE 27; Sear 612); 5 specimens in the name of Phocas (MIBE 36; DOC 136; Sear 709); and 4 tremisses in the name of Heraclius (MIB 96; DOC 312; Sear 927). The weight standard is exactly compatible with that of a Half Tremissis, i.e. 1/6 Solidus = 1/144 pound. According to Isidore of Sevilla in his History of the Goths, Provincia Spaniae became a province of the Byzantine Empire from about AD 552 after a general revolt in southern Spain against the Arian rule of the Visigothic King Agila I, led by a nobleman named Athanagild who asked Justinian for help. The help came in the form of a fleet with a small army of 2,000 led by the octogenarian patrician Petrus Marcellinus Felix Liberius, which prevailed and Athanagild was crown king of the Visigoths in 554. However, the Romans kept most of their new possessions loosely attached to the African prefecture, but there are very few details as to the extent of the Byzantine province. It never extended very far inland and received relatively little attention from East Roman authorities, probably because it was designed as a defensive bulwark against a Visigothic invasion of Africa, an unnecessary distraction at a time when the Sasanian Empire was a larger threat in the East. It comprised districts and towns of the southern littoral of the old province of Baetica and Carthaginensis and included the principal cities of Gades, Malaca, Corduba and New Carthage, renamed Carthago Spartaria, the likely seat of the imperial mint.

421

Very Rare

1152. Heraclius AV Tremissis. Ravenna, AD 610/611. D N HERACLI PERP AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right, cross at top of diadem / VICTORI HERACLI AVG, cross potent, CONOB in exergue. MIB 124; DOC 275; Sear 900. 1.27g, 15mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com).

1153. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 629-631. ∂∂ NN ҺЄRACLIЧS ЄƮ ҺЄRA CONST P P AVc, facing bust of Heraclius with long beard, and facing bust of Heraclius Constantine, both wearing chlamys and crown with cross; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ θ, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 29; DOC 26i; Sear 749. 4.39g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; minor surface marks on reverse.

300

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 300, 10 April 2013, lot 336.

1154. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 641-646. ∂ N CONSƮANƮINЧS P P AV, bust facing, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ I, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 3; DOC 1j; Sear 938. 4.35g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

500

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

1155. Constans II, with Constantine IV, Heraclius, and Tiberius, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 659-661. ∂ N CONIƮANƮIN, crowned and facing busts of Constans, wearing plumed helmet, and Constantine; cross between / VICTORIA AVςЧ A, cross potent on globus, between Heraclius and Tiberius standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. MIB 29; DOC 28 var. (unlisted officina); Sear 962. 4.47g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

400

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

422

1156. Justinian II AV Solidus. First reign. Constantinople, AD 692-695. IҺS CRISƮOS RЄX RЄӠNANƮIЧM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / D IЧSƮINIANЧS SЄRЧ CҺRISƮI Є, Justinian standing facing, wearing crown and loros, holding cross potent on two steps and akakia; CONOP in exergue. MIB 8a; DOC 7e; Sear 1248. 4.46g, 22mm, 6h. Mint State; double struck.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1157. Justinian II AV Solidus. First reign. Constantinople, AD 692-695. IҺS CRISƮOS RЄX RЄϚNANƮ[IЧM], bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / D IЧSƮINI[ANЧS SЄRЧ CҺRISƮI] H, Justinian standing facing, wearing crown and loros, holding cross potent on two steps and akakia; CONOP in exergue. MIB 8a; DOC 7f; Sear 1248. 4.41g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1158. Justinian II AV Tremissis. First reign. Constantinople, AD 692-695. [IҺ]S CR[ISTOS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM], bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / D IЧST[INIANЧS S]ERЧ CҺRISTI, Justinian standing facing, wearing loros and crown, holding cross potent on globe on step and akakia. MIB 16; DOC 14; Sear 1256. 1.37g, 15mm, 6h. Near Mint State; some areas of flat strike, highly lustrous metal. Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1159. Leontius AV Tremissis. Constantinople, circa AD 695-698. D LЄON PЄ AV, crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧS, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIB 5; DOC 4; Sear 1333. 1.44g, 16mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1160. Leontius AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 695-698. D LЄON PЄ AV, crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧS, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIB 5; DOC 4; Sear 1333. 1.40g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

423

1161. 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 decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧ Γ, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1 var. (unlisted officina); Sear 1360. 4.44g, 20mm, 5h. Mint State.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1162. 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 decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧ Δ, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; DOC 1c; Sear 1360. 4.46g, 19mm, 7h. Mint State.

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

Extremely Rare

1163. 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 decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧ B I, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB -, cf. N4; DOC -, cf. 2; Sear 1361c var. (unlisted officina); Gemini VII, 992. 4.44g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare; unpublished in the standard references with this officina.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1164. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 698-705. D ƮIbЄRIЧS PЄ AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, with short beard, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧ IC, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 3 var. (officina not listed); DOC 2 var. (same); Sear 1361A var. (same); Roma XXIII, 1175 (same dies). 4.44g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State. Apparently unpublished with this officina.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1165. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 698-705. D ƮIbЄRIЧS PЄ AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, with short beard, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧS, cross potent on globe. MIB 7; DOC 3; Sear 1362. 2.10g, 16mm, 7h. Near Mint State. Rare.

750

From the inventory of a German dealer.

424

1166. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 698-705. D ƮIbЄRIЧS PЄ AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, with short beard, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧS, cross potent on globe. MIB 7; DOC 3; Sear 1362. 2.13g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; die-shift on reverse. Rare.

400

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1167. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 698-705. D ƮIbЄRIЧS P[Є AV], crowned and cuirassed bust facing, with short beard, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧS, cross potent; CONOB in exergue. MIB 8; DOC 4; Sear 1363. 1.36g, 16mm, 6h. Mint State; lustrous metal.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1168. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 698-705. D ƮIbЄRIЧS PЄ AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, with short beard, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVςЧS, cross potent; CONOB below. MIB 8; DOC 4; Sear 1363. 1.29g, 15mm, 6h. Mint State.

300

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1169. Justinian II AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, circa AD 705. ∂ N IҺS CҺS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ∂ N IVSTINIANVS MЧLTЧS AN, facing bust of Justinian, wearing crown and loros, holding cross potent on three steps and globus cruciger inscribed PAX. MIB 1; DOC 1; Sear 1413. 4.38g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

4,000

Ex Sarmas Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XXI, 24 March 2021, lot 946.

1170. Justinian II AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, circa AD 705. ∂ N IҺS CҺS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ∂ N IVSTINIANЧS MЧLTЧS AN, facing bust of Justinian, wearing crown and loros, holding cross potent on three steps and globus cruciger inscribed PAX. MIB 1; DOC 1; Sear 1413. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; minor graffito on reverse.

4,000

Acquired from Morton and Eden Ltd; Ex European Ambassador Collection, formed in the 1950s and 1960s.

425

1171. Justinian II AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, circa AD 705. ∂ N IҺS CҺS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / ∂ N IVSTINIANЧS MЧLTЧS AN, facing bust of Justinian, wearing crown and loros, holding cross potent on three steps and globus cruciger inscribed PAX. MIB 1; DOC 1; Sear 1413. 4.45g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; a well-centered and attractive example.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1172. Justinian II AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, circa AD 705. [∂ N IҺS C]ҺS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / [∂ N] IVSTINIANЧS MЧLTЧS AN, facing bust of Justinian, wearing crown and loros, holding cross potent on three steps and globus cruciger inscribed PAX. MIB 1; DOC 1; Sear 1413. 4.33g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State; highly lustrous.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1173. 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 Δ, cross potent on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Füeg 2.D; MIB 2; DOC 2; Sear 1463. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1174. Leo III ‘the Isaurian’, with Constantine V, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 724-731. ∂ ND LЄON P A MЧ’, crowned bust of Leo facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia / ∂ N CONSƮANƮINЧS M, crowned bust of Constantine facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia. Füeg 5.C.2; DOC 5.5; Sear 1504. 4.43g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; a slightly wavy flan.

1,500

From the Apollo to Apollo Collection (www.apollotoapollo.com).

426

Extremely Rare

1175. Leo III ‘the Isaurian’ AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 717-741. ∂NO LEON [P A MЧL], crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger and akakia / VIC[TOR]IA AVςЧ S, cross potent set on globe. DOC 8; MIB 3; Sear 1505. 2.15g, 18mm, 6h. Near Mint State; some flatness, obv. slightly double struck and with hairline scratch, highly lustrous metal. Extremely Rare; only three other examples on CoinArchives. 1,000 From the inventory of a German dealer.

1176. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 742-745. C N CONSƮANƮINЧ, 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 2.B.9 var. (breaks in rev. legend); DOC 1 var. (unlisted legend combination); Sear 1550. 4.40g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare with this combination of legends.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1177. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 745-750. B 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.7; DOC 1 var. (rev. legend not listed); Sear 1550. 4.44g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; double struck.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1178. 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; cross above / C LЄON P A MЧL, crowned facing bust of Leo III, wearing loros, holding cross potent. Füeg 4.B.3; DOC 2a.1; Sear 1551. 4.40g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1179. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III, AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 764-773. 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 Θ, crowned facing bust of Leo III, wearing loros, holding cross potent. Füeg 6.B.2; DOC 2e; Sear 1551. 4.41g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

427

1180. Leo IV ‘the Khazar’, with Constantine VI, Leo III, and Constantine V, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 778-780. LЄOҺ VS S ЄςςOҺ COҺSTAҺTIҺOS O ҺЄOS Θ, crowned facing busts of Leo IV and Constantine VI, each wearing chlamys; cross above, pellet between / LЄOҺ PAP’ COҺSTAҺTIҺOS PATHR, crowned busts of Leo III and Constantine V facing, each wearing loros; cross above, pellet between. Füeg 2.A.1; DOC 1b; Sear 1583. 4.43g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1181. Constantine VI, with Leo III, Constantine V, and Leo IV, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 780-787. LЄOҺ VS S ЄςςOҺ COҺSƮAҺƮIҺOS O ҺЄOS, Leo IV and Constantine VI enthroned facing, each wearing crown and chlamys and holding akakia; cross above / LЄOҺ PAP COҺSƮAҺƮIҺOS PAƮHR, crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, each wearing loros; cross above, pellet between. Füeg 1.A.1; DOC 2 (Leo IV); Sear 1584 (Leo IV). 4.42g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

An Uncommonly Well Struck Example

1182. Constantine VI and Irene, with Leo III, Constantine V, and Leo IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 792-793. SV IRIҺI AΓ’ M’AX VƮOV, Constantine V, Leo III, and Leo IV seated facing, each crowned and wearing chlamys / COҺSTAҺTIҺOS Ь’Δ’, crowned facing busts of Constantine IV, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger, and Irene, wearing loros and holding cruciform sceptre; cross above, pellet between. Füeg 4; DOC 2a.2; Sear 1591. 4.49g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; an uncommonly well struck and well preserved example, with full legends visible on both sides.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1183. Constantine VI, with Irene, 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. 4.38g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

428

1184. Irene AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 797-802. ЄIRIҺH ЬASILISSH, crowned bust of Irene facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre / • ЄIPIҺH ЬASILISSH X, crowned bust of Irene facing, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and cruciform sceptre. Füeg 1.C.1; DOC 1c; Sear 1599. 4.38g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State. Rare.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1185. Nicephorus I, with Stauracius, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 803-811. ҺICIFOROS ЬASILЄ’, crowned facing bust of Nicephorus, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / SƮAVRACIS ∂ЄSPOS Θ, crowned facing bust of Stauracius, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia. Füeg 2.A.1; DOC 2b.3; Sear 1604. 4.46g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1186. Leo VI ‘the Wise’, with Constantine VII AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 908-912. [+ IҺS] XPS REX REςNANTIЧm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / [LEOҺ ET COҺS]ƮAҺƮ’ AVςς’ ROm’, Leo and Constantine standing facing, both crowned and wearing loros decorated with a cross at end, each holding globus cruciger and supporting long patriarchal cross between them. Füeg 3.B.1; DOC 2; Sear 1725. 4.42g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

2,500

1187. Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, with Romanus I Lecapenus, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 931-944. + IҺS XPS RЄX RЄςNANTIЧm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / + COҺSƮAҺƮIҺOS CЄ RΟmAҺ’ ЄҺ’ XѠ Ь’ R’, Romanus, crowned and draped, and Constantine, crowned and wearing loros, standing facing, each holding globus cruciger and patriarchal cross between. Füeg 10.2; DOC 10.1; Sear 1749. 4.52g, 22mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,000

429

1188. Romanus I, with Christopher, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 924-931. + IҺS 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.A.1; DOC 7 (Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus); Sear 1745. 4.44g, 21mm, 6h. 750

Good Extremely Fine. In 919 Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus 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 was relegated in the line of succession behind the sons of Romanus: Christopher, Stephen and Constantine. Unlike previous issues of Romanus I, this present series does not include the name of Constantine VII, suggesting that it was struck following the ousting of the legitimate emperor, making way for the sons of Romanus I.

1189. Constantine VIII AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1025-1028. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / + CƜҺƮAҺƮIҺ ЬASILЄЧS ROm, bust facing, with long beard, wearing crown with pendilia and loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and akakia. DOC 2; Sear 1815. 4.41g, 25mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex J.B. Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 455, 30 October 2019, lot 439; Privately purchased from Pars Coins (San Jose, CA), 13 February 2009.

1190. Michael IV ‘the Paphlagonian’ AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1034-1041. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / + MIXAHL ЬASILЄЧS Rm, bust facing, with short beard, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum and globus cruciger; manus Dei above. DOC 1a; Sear 1824. 4.44g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

1191. Constantine IX Monomachus AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1042-1055. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / + CƜҺSƮAƮҺ bASILЄЧS R’, bearded bust facing, wearing crown and loros, holding long cross and globe surmounted by pelleted cross. DOC 3; Sear 1830. 4.38g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

430

1192. Constantine IX Monomachus AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1042-1055. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / + CƜҺSƮΛƮҺ bASILЄЧS Rm, bearded bust facing, wearing crown and loros, holding long cross and globe surmounted by pelleted cross. DOC 3.10; Sear 1830. 4.36g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

From a private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

1193. Constantine IX Monomachus AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1042-1055. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / + CѠҺSƮAҺƮҺOC’ LЄ RM, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum-headed sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 6; Sear 1833. 4.04g, 17mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1194. Constantine IX Monomachus AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1042-1055. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / + CѠҺSƮAҺƮҺOC’ LЄ RM, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum-headed sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 6; Sear 1833. 4.04g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1195. Constantine IX Monomachus AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1042-1055. + IҺ(retrograde)S XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺM, bust of Christ Pantokrator facing / + CѠҺSƮAҺƮҺOC’ LЄ RM, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing jewelled chlamys, holding labarum-headed sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 6; Sear 1833. 4.00g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1196. Theodora AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1055-1056. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / + ΘЄOΔѠP AVΓOVC, bust of Theodora facing, wearing crown, saccos and loros, holding jewelled sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 2; Sear 1838. 3.97g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

431

1197. Theodora AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1055-1056. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / + ΘЄOΔѠP AVΓOVC, bust of Theodora facing, wearing crown, saccos and loros, holding jewelled sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 2; Sear 1838. 4.05g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

3,000

1198. Theodora AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1055-1056. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / + ΘЄOΔѠP AVΓOVC, bust of Theodora facing, wearing crown, saccos and loros, holding jewelled sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 2; Sear 1838. 3.97g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Rare.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1199. Theodora AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1055-1056. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / + ΘЄOΔѠP AVΓOVC, bust of Theodora facing, wearing crown, saccos and loros, holding jewelled sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 2; Sear 1838. 3.96g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1200. Theodora AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1055-1056. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / + ΘЄOΔѠP AVΓOVC, bust of Theodora facing, wearing crown, saccos and loros, holding jewelled sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 2; Sear 1838. 4.02g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1201. Theodora AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1055-1056. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / + ΘЄOΔѠP AVΓOVC, bust of Theodora facing, wearing crown, saccos and loros, holding jewelled sceptre and globus cruciger. DOC 2; Sear 1838. 4.06g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

432

Extremely Rare

1202. Isaac I Comnenus AR Two-Thirds Miliaresion. Constantinople, AD 1057-1059. Bust of Christ Pantokrator facing; IC-XC across fields / – + – KЄ ROHΘ’ ICAAKIѠ OPΘO∆ZѠ ∆ЄCΠOTH TѠ KOMNH • NѠ • in seven lines. DOC 4; Sear 1846. 1.63g, 25mm, 6h. Mint State; struck on a full sized planchet of sound metal. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1203. Constantine X Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. + IҺ(retrograde)S IXS RЄX RЄGNANTIҺM, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / + KѠN RAC [Λ O ΔOVK]AC, the Virgin standing facing, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, crowning 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. 4.38g, 29mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

350

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1204. Constantine X Ducas AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. + IhS IXS RЄX RЄGNANTIҺM, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / + KѠN RAC Λ O ΔOVKAC, the Virgin standing facing, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorium, crowning 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. 4.39g, 25mm, 6h. Mint State.

300

1205. Constantine X Ducas AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. Facing bust of the Virgin, nimbate and orans, wearing pallium and maphorium; MP-ΘV across fields / KѠN RACIΛ O ΔVK, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and akakia. DOC 3; Sear 1849. 4.06g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

433

An Astonishingly Rare Type

1206. Empire of Trebizond, Manuel I Comnenus AR Trachy. Trebizond mint, AD 1238-1263. The Virgin enthroned facing, holding head of the infant Christ facing on breast; MHP-ΘV across fields / Manuel standing facing, holding long labarum and akakia; Manus Dei in upper right field, MNHΛ O KMN across fields. Bendall, Trebizond 19; Retowski 1-10 pl. 1, 1-7; BMCV 1-7 pl. 32, 6-10; Sear 2600. 2.07g, 24mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the inventory of a German dealer. While the aspron of Manuel I is relatively common, the present trachy issue which immediately preceded it is astonishingly rare. D. Sear’s ‘Byzantine Coins and Their Values’ values this excessively rare issue of Manuel at £350 in VF condition, with the type apparently sufficiently unavailable that no price is suggested for EF grade. By comparison, Sear rates SB 2148 of Andronicus I Gidon, of which type just over a hundred auction records are present on CoinArchives, at £400 in VF condition and £850 in EF condition.

1207. Andronicus II Palaeologus, with Michael IX, AV Hyperpyron. Thessalonica(?), AD 1303-1320. Half-length figure of the Virgin, orans, within city walls with four towers; Κ-Λ to left and right of Mary / Christ standing facing, blessing Andronicus II and Michael IX kneeling to either side. DOC 480-7; Sear 2396 (Constantinople mint). 4.69g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; planchet cracks.

200

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

434

COINS OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD ABBASIDS

1208. Abbasids, time of al-Mansur AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 152 = AD 769. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Continuation of kalima in three lines; pellet to left, mint and date formula around. Album 212; Bernardi 51(Ab2). 3.97g, 18mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine; clipped.

175

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 64, 1 April 2018, lot 656.

1209. Abbasids, time of al-Mansur AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 154 = AD 771. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Continuation of kalima in three lines; pellet to left, mint and date formula around. Album 212; Bernardi 51(Ab2). 4.11g, 19mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 55, 2 July 2017, lot 874.

1210. Abbasids, time of al-Mahdi AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 167 = AD 783. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Continuation of kalima in three lines; crescent above, pellet between 2nd and 3rd line, mint and date formula around. Album 214; Bernardi 51. 4.01g, 19mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; some surface scratches.

150

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 180.

1211. Abbasids, time of al-Rashid AV Dinar. Unnamed mint in Misr (Cairo), AH 192 = AD 808. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Continuation of kalima in three lines; “li’l-khalifa” below, mint and date formula around. Album 218.13; Bernardi 73. 4.23g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 187.

1212. Abbasids, time of al-Ma’mun AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 205 = AD 821. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Continuation of kalima in three lines; mint and date formula around. Album 222.14; Bernardi 109. 4.28g, 18mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Scarce.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 191.

435

Rare

1213. Abbasids, al-Mu’tamid AV Dinar. Madinat al-Salam mint, AH 278 = AD 891. Kalima in three lines, citing the future 16th Caliph “al-Mu’tadid billah” below; mint and date formula in inner margin, Quran XXX, 4-5 in outer margin / Continuation of Kalima in three lines; “al-Mu’tamid ‘ala Allah” below, Quran IX, 33 in outer margin. Album 239.8; Bernardi 187jh. 4.37g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 202.

Only 2 Recorded by Bernardi

1214. Abbasids, al-Mu’tadid billah `AV Dinar. Madinat al-Salam mint, AH 284 = AD 897. Kalima in three lines; mint and date formula in inner margin; Quran XXX, 3-4 in outer margin / Continuation of kalima in three lines; “al-Mu’tadid” below. Album 241; Bernardi 211Jh. 4.04g, 23mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only two examples recorded by Bernardi.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 205.

1215. Abbasids, al-Mu’tadid billah AV Dinar. Harran mint, AH 285 = AD 898. Kalima in three lines; mint and date formula in inner margin; Quran XXX, 3-4 in outer margin / Continuation of kalima in three lines; “al-Mu’tadid” below. Album 241; Bernardi 211Hj. 3.77g, 24mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 32. The obverse margin of this coin has a minor engraving error, and reads thaman (eight) instead of thamanin (eighty).

1216. Abbasids, al-Muktafi AV Dinar. Harran mint, AH 290 = AD 902. Kalima in three lines; mint and date formula in inner margin, Quran XXX, 4-5 in outer margin / Continuation of Kalima in three lines; “al-Muktafi billah” below, Quran IX, 33 around. Album 243.1; Bernardi 226Hj; 3.69g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 41 (hammer: GBP 1,400).

436

1217. Abbasids, al-Radi AV Dinar. Filastin mint, AH 323 = AD 934. Kalima in three lines; mint and date formula in inner margin, Quran XXX, 4-5 in outer margin / Continuation of kalima in three lines, “al-Radi billah” below; Quran IX, 33 in outer margin. Album 254.1; Bernardi 285Gn. 3.41g, 25mm, 11h. Good Fine; some areas of weakness. Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 48.

ABBADIDS OF SEVILLE Very Rare

1218. Abbadids of Seville, Spanish Muluk al-Tawa’if. Muhammad al-Mu’tadid AV Dinar. Al-Andalus mint, AH 441 = AD 1048. Kalima in three lines, citing al-Hajib Isma’il; mint and date formula around / Citing the Imam Hisham II as “amir al-mu’minin”, in three lines, “al-Mu’tadid billah” above and below; Quran IX, 33 around. Album 401; Vives 895; Prieto 397l, ‘ejemplar único’. 3.86g, 24mm, 6h. Very Fine; edge filed. Very Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 51.

1219. Abbadids of Seville, Spanish Muluk al-Tawa’if. Muhammad al-Mu’tamid AV 1/4 Dinar. Madinat Qurtuba mint, AH 468-469 = AD 1075-1077. Kalima in two lines, citing al-Hajib al-Ma’mum; letter ‘ayn below / Citing the Imam ‘Abd Allah as “amir al-mu’minin” in three lines, “al-Mu’tamid ‘ala Allah” above. Album 403a; Prieto 421e; Vives 978, 1.03g, 13mm, 3h. Very Fine. Rare.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 593.

437

Extremely Rare

1220. Abbadids of Seville, Spanish Muluk al-Tawa’if. Muhammad al-Mu’tamid AV Dinar. Qurtuba mint, AH 471 = AD 1078. Kalima in three lines; mint and date formula around, letter ‘ayn below / Citing the Imam ‘Abd Allah as “amir al-mu’minin”, in three lines, “al-Mu’tamid ‘ala Allah” above. Album 403; Prieto 412b; Vives 973. 3.99g, 26mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 324, 24 January 2019, lot 59 (hammer: EUR 3,000).

1221. Abbadids of Seville, Spanish Muluk al-Tawa’if. Muhammad al-Mu’tamid AV Dinar. Madinat Qurtuba mint, AH 474 = AD 1081. Kalima in two lines, citing al-Rashid above; mint and date formula around, letter ‘ayn below / Citing the Imam ‘Abd Allah as “amir al-mu’minin”, in three lines, “alMu’tamid ‘ala Allah” above. Album 403; Prieto 412e; Vives 976. 5.92g, 29mm, 1h. Very Fine; light crease. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 599 (hammer: EUR 1,850).

AGHLABIDS

1222. Aghlabids, Ibrahim II AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, possibly Qairawan, AH 289 = AD 892. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Continuation of kalima in three lines; “Ghalab” above, “Ibrahim” below, date formula around. Album 447; Bernardi 138. 4.16g, 18mm, 12h. Near Very Fine.

150

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 842.

Unpublished

1223. Aghlabids, Ziyadat Allah III AV 1/4 Dinar. Uncertain mint, date unclear, possibly AH (29)5 = AD 907. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Continuation of Kalima in three lines; “Ghalab” above, “Ziyadat Allah” below, date formula around. Album -; Bernardi - ; Al-`Ush -. 1.03g, 13mm, 2h. Near Very Fine. Apparently Unpublished.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 323, 23 January 2019, lot 1220.

438

ALAWI SHARIFS OF MOROCCO Very Rare

1224. Alawi Sharifs of Morocco, Muhammad III AV 10 Mitqals. Madrid mint, dated AH 1201 = AD 1786. “’am 1201” (Year 1201) in Arabic / “zarb bimadrid” (struck in Madrid) in Arabic. Album -; KM PnA1; Friedberg 4. 16.69g, 24mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

10,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Münzenonline Live Auctions, Auction 11, Part 1, 25 October 2019, lot 129. The first machine-struck coin of Morocco. This coin, which was not produced as a pattern, but for circulation, immediately went into decline. The minting of 10,000 pieces was established by royal decree on January 13, 1787, but these were delivered late, after the death of Muhammad III. The new sovereign did not want to circulate a coin emblazoned with the name of his predecessor. Moreover, it was not accepted by the population who did not look favourably on a coin minted in Madrid, given the strained relations between the two countries during that time. About 10-15 pieces remain today and therefore constitutes a coin of great importance.

ALMOHADS

1225. Almohads, `Abd al-Mu’min AV 1/2 Dinar. Fas mint, AH 524-558 = AD 1130-1163. Kalima in three lines; citing the founder of the dynasty ‘Abd al-Mu’min ibn ‘Ali in margins / Citing al-Mahdi as “imam al-umma” in three lines; name and titles in margins. Album 478; Hazard 460; Vives 2050. 2.31g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

400

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 351, 17 September 2020, lot 345.

439

1226. Almohads, `Abd al-Mu’min AV 1/2 Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 524-558 = AD 1130-1163. Kalima in three lines; citing the founder of the dynasty ‘Abd al-Mu’min ibn ‘Ali in margins / Citing al-Mahdi as “imam al-umma” in three lines; name and titles in margins. Album 478; Hazard 466; Vives 2047. 2.27g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 311,31 May 2018, lot 110.

1227. Almohads, Abu ‘Abd Allah Muhammad, as heir, AV 1/2 Dinar. Marrakesh mint, AH 558 = AD 1162. Name and titles as “amir al-mu’minin” in four lines; legends in margins / Basmala, kalima, citing al-Mahdi as “imam al-umma”; legends in margins. Album 482; Hazard 478; Vives 2070. 2.34g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

500

From the inventory of a German dealer.

1228. Almohads, Abu Yaqub Yusuf AV 1/2 Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 558-580 = AD 1163-1184. Basmala, kalima, citing al-Mahdi as “imam al-umma”; legends in margins / Name and titles in four lines; legends in margins. Album 483; Hazard 495; Vives 2061. 2.32g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK.

1229. Almohads, Abu Yaqub Yusuf AV 1/2 Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 558-580 = AD 1163-1184. Basmala, kalima, citing al-Mahdi as “imam al-umma”; legends in margins / Name and titles in four lines; legends in margins. Album 483; Hazard 495; Vives 2061. 2.39g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; some surface scratches to reverse.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 144, 3 March 2016, lot 352.

1230. Almohads, Abu Yaqub Yusuf AV 1/4 Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 558-580 = AD 1163-1184. Kalima in three lines; citing the founder of the dynasty ‘Abd al-Mu’min ibn ‘Ali in margins / “al-Mahdi Khalifa Allah” in three lines; name and titles in margins. Album 483A; Hazard 496; Vives 2060 var. 1.19g, 16mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

350

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 610.

440

1231. Almohads, Abu ‘Abd Allah Muhammad AV Double Dinar (Dobla). Uncertain mint, AH 595-610 = AD 1199-1213. Basmala, kalima, citing al-Mahdi as “imam al-umma” in five lines; legends in margins / Name and titles citing the founder of the dynasty ‘Abd al-Mu’min ibn ‘Ali in five lines; legends in margins. Album 485; Hazard 506; Vives 2073. 4.64g, 29mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; slightly wavy planchet. Scarce.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 413, 29 October 2014, lot 759.

ALMORAVIDS

1232. Almoravids, Yusuf b. Tashfin AV Dinar. Sijilmassa mint, AH 488 = AD 1095. Kalima, “al-amir Yusuf b. Tashfin” in four lines; Quran III, 85 around / “The Imam Abd Allah Commander of the faithful” in four lines; mint and date formula around. CMA (Eustache) 58; Hazard 82; Vives -. 4.16g, 26mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 601.

1233. Almoravids, ‘Ali b. Yusuf AV Dinar. Al-Mariya mint, AH 518 = AD 1124. Kalima, “Commander of the Muslims ‘Ali bin Yusuf” in four lines; Quran III, 85 around / “The Imam Abd Allah Commander of the faithful” in four lines; mint and date formula around. CMA (Eustache) 456; Hazard 286; Vives 1649. 3.96g, 24mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the collection of GK.

Very Rare

1234. Almoravids, ‘Ali b. Yusuf, with his heir Sir b. ‘Alì AV Dinar. Nul Lamta mint, AH 524 = AD 1129. Kalima, “Commander of the Muslims ‘Ali bin Yusuf and his heir the prince Tashfin” in five lines; Quran III, 85 around / “The Imam Abd Allah Commander of the faithful” in four lines; mint and date formula around. CMA (Eustache) 275; Hazard 333; Vives -. 4.15g, 25mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 311, 31 May 2018, lot 108.

441

1235. Almoravids, ‘Ali b. Yusuf, with his heir Sir b. ‘Ali AV Dinar. Madinat Fas mint, AH 536 = AD 1141. Kalima, “Commander of the Muslims ‘Ali bin Yusuf and his heir the prince Sir” in five lines; Quran III, 85 around / “The Imam Abd Allah Commander of the faithful” in four lines; mint and date formula around. CMA (Eustache) 231; Hazard -; Vives -. 4.13g, 27mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 609.

1236. Almoravids, Tashfin b. ‘Ali AV Dinar. Marrakesh mint, AH 537 = AD 1142. Kalima, Tasliya, name and titles in five lines; Quran III, 85 around / “The Imam Abd Allah Commander of the faithful” in four lines; mint and date formula around. CMA (Eustache) 532; Hazard 411; Vives -. 4.19g, 26mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the collection of GK.

AYYUBIDS

1237. Ayyubids, Al-Aziz Uthman AV Dinar. Al-Qahira mint, AH 588 = AD 1192. “al-Imam/Ahmad” in two lines; citing the Abbasid caliph “Abu l-Ábbas al-Nasir li-din Allah, Commander of the faithful” in inner margin; mint and date formula in outer margin / “Uthman / bin Yusuf” in two lines; “alin alMalik ghaya al-Aziz” in inner margin; Kalima and Quran IX 33 in outer margin. Album 794; Balog 48. 3.93g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex WAG Online oHG, Auction 93, 13 January 2019, lot 24.

1238. Ayyubids, Al-Kamil Muhammad I AV Heavy Dinar. Misr mint, AH 623 = AD 1226. Citing al-Zahir with his titles and “amir al-mu’minin” in four lines; mint and date formula around / “al-Mulk al-Kamil Abu Ma´alli Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr” in four lines; Quran IX, 33 around. Album 811.2; Balog 383. 6.98g, 21mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 73; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 85, 27 April 2017, lot 100.

442

BAHRI MAMLUKS

1239. Bahri Mamluks. Rukn al-din Baybars I AV Dinar. Al-Iskandariya mint, AH 658-676 = AD 1260-1277. Kalima; mint in field and also around with date in margin / Name and title of Baybars; below heraldic lion passant to left. Album 880; Balog, Mamluks, - . 3.44g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; areas of weak strike. Rare.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 388 (misdescribed).

A Very Rare Heavy Dinar

1240. Bahri Mamluks, Nasir al-Din Sha’ban II AV Heavy Dinar. Al-Qahira mint, AH 77[6] = AD 1374. Name and titles of Sha’ban II in four lines; mint and date below / Invocation and quranic verses in five lines. Album 955; Balog, Mamluks 406. 12.23g, 26mm, 4h. Very Fine. Very Rare; seemingly the heaviest specimen offered at auction in over 20 years.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 55, 2 July 2017, lot 842.

BURIDS

Extremely Rare

1241. Burids, Atabegs of Damascus. Abaq AV 1/4 Dinar. Dimashq mint, AH 534-549 = AD 1140-1154. Citing the caliph “Imam al-Muqtafi” in two lines; kalima around / ‘al ghaya in two lines; citing the Great Seljuk ruler Sanjar; mint formula in outer margin. Album N784; SICA -. 1.12g, 14mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 76; Ex Stephen Album Rare Coins - Wilkes & Curtis Ltd, Horizon Auction I, 2 October 2016, lot 409.

BURJI MAMLUKS

1242. Burji Mamluks, al-Zahir Sayf al-Din Barquq (1st reign) AV Heavy Dinar. Al-Qahira mint, AH (78)4 = AD 1382(?). Kalima and titles in five lines / Ruler cited as “al-Sultan al-Malik al-Zahir Sayf al-Dunya w’al-Din Abu Sa’id Barquq” in five lines. Album 972; cf. Balog 535. 8.19g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 389.

443

1243. Burji Mamluks, Al-Ashraf Barsbay AV Ashrafi. Al-Qahira mint, AH 852-841 = AD 1422-1438. Kalima in two lines divided by cables; mint below / Name and title in two lines divided by cables; date below. Album 998; Balog 705-712. 3.47g, 16mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 102, 2 May 2021, lot 916.

BUYIDS

Obv. Die Signed by Engraver

1244. Buyids, Rukn al-Dawla AV Dinar. Isbahan mint, AH 354 = AD 965. Kalima in three lines, citing the caliph al-Muti below; mint and date formula in inner margin; Quran XXX, 4-5 in outer margin, at 9 o’clock in tiny lettering, die-engraver’s signature: ‘amal al-Hasan b. Muhammad / Continuation of kalima, “Rukn al-dawla Abu ‘Ala al-Buwayh”, in three lines; Quran IX, 33 in outer margin. Album 1546; Treadwell Ha 355G. 4.13g, 25mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 95-96, 24 October 2018, lot 174. The engraver al-Hasan b. Muhammad, whose signature appears on this coin, produced dies for a several Buyid mints between the 330s and 360s. His career has been studied in detail by Luke Treadwell in Craftsmen and Coins: Signed Dies in the Iranian World (third to fifth centuries AH).

1245. Buyids, Baha al-Dawla AV Dinar. Suq al-Ahwaz mint, dated AH 398 = AD 1010. Kalima, name and title in five lines; mint and date formula in inner margin; Quran XXX, 3-4 in outer margin / Continuation of kalima, citing the caliph al-Qadir in four lines; Quran IX, 33 around. Album 1573; ICV 1613. 4.68g, 26mm, 3h. Good Very Fine.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 118.

1246. Buyids, Baha al-Dawla AV Dinar. Suq al-Ahwaz mint, dated AH 399 = AD 1009. Kalima, name and title in five lines; mint and date formula in inner margin; Quran XXX, 3-4 in outer margin / Continuation of kalima, citing the caliph al-Qadir in four lines; Quran IX, 33 around. Album 1573; ICV 1613. 4.42g, 26mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

250

From the collection of GK.

444

DURRANI SHAHS

1247. Durrani Shahs, Shah Zaman AV Mohur. Peshawar mint, AH 1216, RY 9 = AD 1801. Persian couplet citing name and titles; AH date to upper left / Mint formula and RY date set on ornate field; all within ornate linear and pelleted circular border within wreath. Album 3106; KM 445; ICV 3955. 10.94g, 22mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine; circular indentation to each side. Rare.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Auktionen Münzhandlung Sonntag, Auction 18, 25 November 2013, lot 111.

FATIMIDS

1248. Fatimids, al-Mahdi billah AV 1/4 Dinar. Uncertain mint (Qayrawan?), dated AH 320 = AD 905. Kalima and titles in four lines; Quran IX, 33 in outer margin / Continuation of Kalima and name and titles of al-Mahdi in four lines; mint formula in outer margin. Cf. Nicol 101 (for type); Album 689. 1.06g, 13mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

200

From the collection of GK.

1249. Fatimids, al-Mu’izz li-din Allah AV Dinar. Al-Mansuriya mint, AH 362 = AD 972. Four concentric rings containing three marginal inscriptions with mint formula, titles and religious content, with pellet in centre / Four concentric rings containing three marginal inscriptions with Kalima, Quran IX, 33 and religious content, with pellet in centre. Nicol’s type A, 423; Album 697.1. 4.14g, 21mm. Good Very Fine.

300

From the collection of GK.

1250. Fatimids, al-’Aziz AV Dinar. Misr mint, AH 366 = AD 976. Name and titles in two concentric circles / Kalima, mint and date formula in two concentric circles. Nicol’s type A, 700; Album 703. PCGS graded AU55 (#32088134).

250

From the collection of GK.

445

1251. Fatimids, al-Hakim AV Dinar. Mahdiya mint, AH 405 = AD 1015. Shi’ite kalima in four lines; mint and date formula in outer margin, letter ‘ayn below / Full titling, citing ‘Abd al-Rahman, the heir apparent as “wali ‘ahd al-muslimin”, in four lines; letter “Ain” above; Quran IX, 33 in outer margin. Nicol type N3, 1090; Album 709.2. 4.02g, 21mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 92, 2 August 2020, lot 1051.

1252. Fatimids, al-Zahir AV Dinar. Mansuriya mint, AH 411-427 = AD 1021-1036. Shi’ite Kalima distributed in inner margin and across field in two lines / Name and titles distributed in inner margin and across field in two lines. Nicol’s type A2. 3.54g, 20mm, 11h. Very Fine; traces of welding and clipped.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 92, 2 August 2020, lot 1052; Reportedly ex Diego Suárez Hoard, from a group of gold coins forged into a gold belt which was found by divers off Diego Suárez (Antsiranana), Madagascar in circa 1955-1965.

Date Unknown to Nicol

1253. Fatimids, al-Zahir AV 1/4 Dinar. Al-Mansuriya mint, AH 420 = AD 1029. Shi’ite Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Name and title Commander of the Faithful in three lines; mint and date formula around. Nicol type C1 (this year not reported by Nicol); Friedberg 27. 0.84g, 12mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

100

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 62, 4 February 2018, lot 986.

1254. Fatimids, Al-Mustansir AV Dinar. Misr mint, AH 439 = AD 1048. Kalima in three lines and ‘Ali wali Allah; Quran IX, 33 in outer margin / “Ma’ad Abd Allah wa walihi al-Imam Abu Tamim al-Mustansir billah amir al-mu’minin” in five lines. Album 719.2; Nicol 2119.. 4.26g, 22mm, 2h. Mint State.

350

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 351, 17 September 2020, lot 354.

1255. Fatimids, Al-Mustansir AV 1/4 Dinar. Siqilliya mint (Palermo), AH 447 = AD 1055. Stellate type. Kufic inscription arranged in six lines forming a starlike pattern / As on obverse. Album 722; Nicol X3, 1785; cf. Spahr 41. 1.00g, 15mm. Good Extremely Fine.

250

From the collection of GK.

446

1256. Fatimids, al-Amir al-Mansur AV Dinar. al-Mu’izziya al-Qahira mint, AH 518 = AD 1124. “al ghaya” in two lines within a central medallion; Quran IX, 33 in inner margin; kalima in outer margin / “al-imam/al-Mansur” in two lines within a central medallion; continuation of name and title of al-Amir in inner margin; mint-date formula in outer margin. Nicol type A, 2559; Album 729. 4.21g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

400

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 95-96, 24 October 2018, lot 148.

GOLDEN HORDE

1257. Golden Horde, Toqta Khan AR Dirham. Saray Al-Makhrusa mint, AH 710 = AD 1310. Name and titles in four lines / Mint in two lines; date below. Album 2023.3. 1.12g, 15mm, 12h. Very Fine. Scarce.

From the collection of GK; Ex Katz Coins Notes & Supplies Europe s.r.o., E-Auction 8, 13 September 2017, lot 158.

1258. Golden Horde, Uzbek Khan AR Dirham. Saray Al-Makhrusa mint, AH 734-737 = AD 1334-1337. Name and titles; [mint and date around] / Kalima; [continuation of title around]. Sagdeeva 203; Album 2025. 1.35g, 15mm, 12h. Very Fine.

From the collection of GK; Ex Katz Coins Notes & Supplies Europe s.r.o., E-Auction 8, 13 September 2017, lot 164.

GREAT SELJUKS

1259. Great Seljuks, Tughril Beg AV Dinar. Isfahan mint, AH 441 = AD 1050. Kalima in three lines, citing the caliph al-Qa’im below; mint and date formula in inner margin; Quran XXX, 4-5 in outer margin / Continuation of kalima, with his titles “al-sultan al-mu’azzam shahanshah rukn al-dawla abu talib” in four lines; Quran IX, 33 in inner margin, bow and arrow tamgha above. Album 1665; ICV 1811. 4.05g, 22mm, 7h. Very Fine.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 309.

447

HAFSIDS

1260. Hafsids, Abu Zakariya Yahya I AV 1/2 Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 627-647 = AD 1230-1249. Kalima in three lines; Basmala, tasliya in margins / Citing al-Mahdi as “Imam al-umma” and “al-Qa’im bi-amr llah” in three lines; name and titles in margins. Album 500.2; Hazard 546. 2.38g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex WAG Online oHG, Auction 73, 12 March 2017, lot 565.

1261. Hafsids, Abu ‘Abd Allah Muhammad I AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, AH 647-675 = AD 1249-1277. Hafside motto in three lines with an exquisite ornamental kufic calligraphy / Name and title in three lines with an exquisite ornamental kufic calligraphy. Album 501; Hazard 564. 4.79g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine, minor areas of weakness.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex WAG Online oHG, Auction 73, 12 March 2017, lot 567.

HAMDANIDS

1262. Hamdanids, Nasir al-Dawla, with Sayf al-Dawla,ww AV Dinar. Madinat al-Salam mint, dated AH 331 = AD 943. Kalima in two lines, citing alMuttaqi’s son Abu-Mansur and Sayf al-Dawla; mint and date formula in inner margin / Continuation of Kalima, citing the caliph al-Muttaqi; Quran IX, 33 in outer margin. Album 747. 4.01g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

448

ILKHANIDS

1263. Ilkhanids, Arghun AV Dinar. Baghdad mint, AH 691 = AD 1292. Kalima in three lines inscribed in a polylobe; mint and date around / Bilingual name and titles of Arghun, in Uighur and Arabic script in five lines. Album 2144; Diler A-155 var. 4.61g, 24mm, 9h. Good Very Fine; weakness around the perimeter. Rare.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 315.

1264. Ilkhanids, Ghazan Mahmud I AV Heavy Dinar. Qays mint, double dated on both sides, AH 701 = AD 1302. Kalima in three lines within a polylobe, mint below; date in margins / Name and titles in Uighur script, Phags-Pa script, and Kufic script; date around. Album 2170; Diler 281. 10.21g, 26mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 95-96, 24 October 2018, lot 183 (hammer: GBP 1,500). This is one of the rarest Ilkhanids mints. Qays, the modern day island of Kish in the Persian Gulf, is best known from dinars of Abu Sa’id and some very rare dinars of Ghazan Mahmud like this coin.

449

Exquisite and Unique 10 Dinars

1265. Ilkhanids, Uljaytu Donative AV 10 Dinars. Madinat al-salam (Baghdād) mint, AH 716 = AD 1316. Duriba fī, dawlat al-mawlà al-sulṭān, al-a’ẓam mālik riqāb, al-imām ghayāth al-dunyā wa-l-dīn, Ūlujāytū sulṭān Muḥammad, khallada Allāh mulkahu, within the central heptafoil; ḍuriba, bi-madīnat alsalām, Baghdād, sanat sitt, ‘ashr wa, saba’ mi’a, in inner margin; Quran IX, 112 in outer margin / Ṣallà Allāh lā ilāh illā Allāh al-malik al-ḥaqq al-mubīn Muḥammad rasūl Allāh al-ṣādiq al-wa’d al-amīn ‘Alī wālī Allāh ṣallà Allāh ‘alayhi, within the central hexafoil; outer margin citing the the Twelve Shi’te Imams . Unpublished: cf. Album’s Type C. 42.48g, 38mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; minor areas of weakness. Unique and unpublished, probably the rarest Ilkhanid coin ever seen.

25,000

From the inventory of a German dealer; Ex Maison Palombo, Auction 18, 17 November 2019, lot 86 (hammer: CHF 76,000). This donative coin of 10 Dinars is one of the most exquisite examples of Uljaitu’s coinage, a demonstration of the authority and legitimacy of the dynasty. This exceptionally heavy gold piece, struck in Baghdad, was perhaps issued as a gift on the occasion of important ceremonies. The Ilkhan sultan Uljaytu converted to Shi‘ism in AH 709 (AD 1309) and thereafter used Shi‘ite inscriptions rather than the Uighur script used by his processor Ghazan Mahmud. Uljaitu was also the first to name the twelve Shi‘ite Imams on his coins, a tradition continued by many later Shi‘ite rulers.

450

451

1266. Ilkhanids, Abu Sa’id AV Dinar. Type D. Baghdad mint, AH 722 = AD 1317. Kalima in three lines; mint in field / “The greatest Sultan Abu Sa’id God gave his kingdom”, in three lines, inscribed in a pointed pentagon. Album 2202; Diler Ab-502. 4.28g, 20mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 318.

1267. Ilkhanids, Abu Sa’id AV Dinar. Type F. Irbil mint, AH 725 = AD 1320. Kalima in three lines inscribed in plain square; with text “al-mulku lillah - al wahid al qahhar” around / “The greatest Sultan Abu Sa’id God gave His kingdom”, in three lines, inscribed in inner circle; mint name in margin followed by “wa dhalika fi sana” and the date. Apparently unrecorded type in gold for this mint: Diler -; cf. Album 2210B (for a similar type from the same mint but in silver [2 Dirhams]). 4.99g, 22mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare mint especially in gold (no other sold examples found online).

500

1268. Ilkhanids, Abu Sa’id AV Dinar. Type G. Tabriz mint, AH 733 = AD 1328. Kalima in three lines inscribed in looped octagon / “The greatest Sultan Abu Sa’id God gave his kingdom”, in three lines, inscribed in plain octofoil. Album 2212; Diler Ab-525. 6.91g, 22mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 55, 2 July 2017, lot 851.

INDIA

1269. India, Delhi (Sultanate). Qutb al-din Mubarakshah I AV Square Tanka. Hadrat Dar al Khilafa Mint, AH 717 = AD 1217. Titles as “al-imam al-a’zam khalifa rabb al-alamin Qutb al-dunya wa’l din Abu’l Muzaffar Mubarak Shah” in four lines / Citing himself as the Imam and with the title “al-sultan al-wathiq billah amir al-mu’minin” in three lines; mint and date formula around. G&G, D247; Rajgor Type 1046. 10.84g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; well struck on a broad planchet. Extremely Rare.

1,500

From the collection of GK; Ex Marudhar Arts, Auction 28, 19 October 2019, lot 63.

452

1270. India, Delhi (Sultanate), Muhammad bin Tughluq AV Heavy Dinar. Hadrat Delhi mint, AH 727 = AD 1327. Quran III, 18 in four lines / Name and titles in four lines; mint and date formula in outer margin. G&G, D331. 12.84g, 23mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine; broad flan. Rare.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Marudhar Arts, e-Auction 40, 11 January 2020, lot 133.

Very Rare

1271. India, Mughal Empire. Jalal al-Din Muhammad Akbar AV Mohur. Hadrat Delhi dar al-mulk mint, AH 979 = AD 1572. Kalima with interlace within wavy pentagon; khilafa al-rashidun’s names around / Name and titles of Akbar in four lines; AH date in field. KM 106.3. 10.89g, 22mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Marudhar Arts, Auction 28, 19 October 2019, lot 91.

1272. India, Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb Alamgir AV Mohur. Multan mint, dated AH 1073, RY 5 = AD 1662. “Mihr munir” couplet with name and titles; AH date above / Julus formula with mint epithet; regnal year in field. KM 315.36; Hull 1698. 10.94g, 24mm, 2h. Good Very Fine.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Marudhar Arts, e-Auction 40, 11 January 2020, lot 296.

Extremely Rare

1273. India, Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb Alamgir AV Mohur. Alamgirpur mint, dated AH 1079, RY 12 = AD 1669. “Mihr munir” couplet with name and titles; AH date above / Julus formula with mint; regnal year in field. KM 315.7, date not listed. 10.97g, 20mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Marudhar Arts, Auction 28, 19 October 2019, lot 107.

453

1274. India, Mysore (Kingdom). Tipu Sultan AV Pagoda. Khurshed Sawad (Dharwar) mint, dated AH 1217, RY 7 = AD 1788. Name and titles in four lines; AM date in field / Mint name and RY date. KM 99a; Friedberg 1356. 3.43g, 14mm, 12h. Mint State.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Marudhar Arts, Auction 28, 19 October 2019, lot 137.

1275. India, British Colonial. Bengal Presidency AV Mohur. Struck in the name of Shah ‘Alam II. Murshidabad (Calcutta) mint, AH 1202, frozen RY 19 of Shah Alam II = AD 1787/8. Persian legend with poetical couplet; AH date / Mint, fixed regnal year and flower. KM 103; Friedberg 1537; Pridmore 62. 12.19g, 26mm, 12h. Very Fine; possibly ex-mount. Rare.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatica Ranieri, Auction 14, 9 November 2019, lot 1194.

MANGHIT OF BUKHARA

1276. Manghit of Bukhara, ‘Abd al-Ahad AV Tilla. Bukhara-yi Sharif mint, AH 1327 = AD 1898. Couplet in four lines on floral background; date in field / Mint name in three lines on floral background; date in field. Album 3038. 4.55g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; superb condition for the type.

400

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 67, 15 March 2020, lot 133.

MERINIDS

1277. Merinids, Abu Sa’id Uthman AV Double Dinar (Dobla). Fas mint, AH 710-731 = AD 1310-1331. Basmala, tasliya and kalima in five lines / Name and titles in five lines; mint name split. Album 545; Hazard 735. 4.66g, 32mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 844.

454

MERINIDS / ZIYANIDS

1278. Merinids/Ziyanids, Anonymous, time of Abu’l-Hassan ‘Ali AV Dinar. Fas mint, AH 731-752 = AD 1331-1351. Merinid motto in five lines, “ma aqraba faraj Allah” below / Invocations in five lines. Album 528.1; Hazard 767. 4.52g, 31mm, 12h. Very Fine.

400

From the collection of GK.

OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1279. Ottoman Empire, Sulayman I ‘The Magnificent’ AV Sultani. Amid mint, dated AH 926 = AD 1520. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in five lines. Album 1317; Pere 157. 3.49g, 20mm, 9h. About Extremely Fine.

220

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1280. Ottoman Empire, Sulayman I ‘The Magnificent’ AV Sultani. Halab (Aleppo) mint, AH 926 = AD 1520. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in six lines. Album 1317; Pere 171; Damali 10-HP-A2. 3.45g, 20mm, 9h. Good Very Fine; flan crack.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 379.

1281. Ottoman Empire, Sulayman I ‘The Magnificent’ AV Sultani. Halab (Aleppo) mint, AH 926 = AD 1520. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in six lines. Album 1317; Pere 171. 3.49g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; slight wave to planchet.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 64, 1 April 2018, lot 794.

455

1282. Ottoman Empire, Sulayman I ‘The Magnificent’ AV Sultani. Misr mint, AH 926 = AD 1520. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in six lines. Album 1317; Pere 180. 3.36g, 21mm, 1h. Very Fine; planchet flaw.

150

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 43, 23 October 2017, lot 3808 (part of).

1283. Ottoman Empire, Sulayman I ‘The Magnificent’ AV Sultani. Qustantiniya mint, AH 926 = AD 1520. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in six lines. Album 1317; Pere 178. 3.53g, 20mm, 2h. Good Very Fine.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex WAG Online oHG, Auction 115, 10 January 2021, lot 430.

1284. Ottoman Empire, Sulayman I ‘The Magnificent’ AV Sultani. Sidre Qapsi mint, AH 926 = AD 1520. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in four lines. Album 1317; Pere 187. 3.54g, 20mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 64, 1 April 2018, lot 793.

1285. Ottoman Empire, Selim II AV Sultani. Halab (Aleppo) mint, AH 974 = AD 1566. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in five lines. Album 1324; Pere 235. 3.38g, 19mm, 9h. Very Fine.

150

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 43, 23 October 2017, lot 3808.2 (part of).

1286. Ottoman Empire, Selim II AV Sultani. Misr mint, AH 974 = AD 1566. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in five lines. Album 1324; Pere 239. 3.37g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine.

150

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 43, 23 October 2017, lot 3808.2 (part lot).

456

Only Two Others in CoinArchives

1287. Ottoman Empire, Murad III AV Sultani. Qûcayna (Kovnica) mint, AH 982 = AD 1574. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in five lines. Album 1332; Pere 270. 3.54g, 20mm, 12h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only two other examples in CoinArchives.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 59, 22 October 2019, lot 2239.

1288. Ottoman Empire, Murad III AV Sultani. Jazair mint, AH 982 = AD 1574. Name, titles, mint and date in four lines / Titles in four lines. Album 1332.1; Pere 264. 3.48g, 18mm, 9h. Very Fine. Rare.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61,16 September 2018, lot 382.

1289. Ottoman Empire, Murad III AV Sultani. Trablus mint, AH 982 = AD 1574. Name, titles, mint and date in five lines / Titles in five lines. Album 1332; Pere 282 var. 3.41g, 22mm, 8h. Extremely Fine; well centered and with a fine style. Very Rare, particularly in this condition.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 43, 23 October 2017, lot 3810.

1290. Ottoman Empire, Murad III AV Dinar. Ziyanid style. Tilimsan mint, AH 995 = AD 1586. Standard legends with name and titles in five lines; date around / Continuation of titles in four lines; date around. Album 1331; ICV-3174; Pere -. 3.89g, 33mm, 1h. Very Fine; minor marginal weakness and light flan crack. Rare.

350

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 323, 23 January 2019, lot 1224. These Ottoman dinars from Tilimsan were struck to the same weight standard as contemporary Ziyanid dinars rather than to the weight of the Ottoman sultani.

457

1291. Ottoman Empire, Mehmet III AV Sultani. Halab (Aleppo) mint, AH 1003 = AD 1595. Name and titles in four lines / Titles in four lines. Album 1340; Pere 320. 3.46g, 20mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

250

From the collection of GK.

1292. Ottoman Empire, Mehmed III AV Sultani. Jazair mint (in Algeria). Date not visible, [AH 1003 = AD 1595?]. Name, titles, mint and date in four lines across field / “Darb al-nadr” legend in four lines across field. Album 1340.1; Pere 318. 3.46g, 18mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; areas of weakness. Rare.

400

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 74, 3 February 2019, lot 654.

1293. Ottoman Empire, Mahmud I AV Zeri Mahbub. Misr mint, AH 1143 = AD 1730. Toughra; lotus to right, mint and date below / Name and titles in four lines. KM 86; Pere 561. 2.56g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; traces of mounting.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 391.

1294. Ottoman Empire, Mahmud I AV Zeri Mahbub. Islambul mint, AH 1143 = AD 1730. Toughra; small arabesque between two arrows to right, mint and date below / Name and titles in four lines. KM 222; Pere 555. 2.58g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; very well struck, scarce in this condition.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 55, 2 July 2017, lot 950.

458

1295. Ottoman Empire, Ali Bey al-Kabir (Mamluk usurper in Egypt) AV Zeri Mahbub. Struck in the name of the Ottoman sultan Mustafa III. Misr mint, dually dated AH 1171/[11]86 = AD 1769. Citing Mustafa III with his titles in four lines; mint and accession date of Mustafa’s reign below / Titles and actual date in four lines. KM 119; Pere 626. 2.59g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; light flan crack. Scarce.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 393.

Very Rare

1296. Ottoman Empire, Mustafa IV AV Sultani. Jazair mint (in Algeria), AH 1172 = AD 1758. Name, titles, mint and date in four lines within a star-shaped border / Name and titles in four lines; Solomon’s seal above the letter sîn at the beginning of the third line. KM 57; Pere 723 var. (date and decoration); Artuk 1932. 3.35g, 23mm, 2h. Good Very Fine; some areas of weakness. Very rare late North African gold type.

2,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 50, 5 February 2017, lot 827 (hammer: EUR 3,000).

1297. Ottoman Empire, Abdul Hamid I AV Zeri Mahbub. Islâmbûl (Istanbul) mint, AH 1187, RY 11 = AD 1785. Toughra, mint and date below / Name and titles in four lines. KM 407; Pere 660 var. 2.64g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

100

From the collection of GK; Ex WAG Online oHG, Auction 73, 12 March 2017, lot 564.

459

1298. Ottoman Empire, Selim III AV Zeri Mahbub. Islâmbûl (Istanbul) mint, AH 1203, RY 17 = AD 1804. Toughra, mint and date below / Name and titles in four lines. KM 523; Pere 697. 2.29g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine; repaired hole, minor area of smoothing.

100

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 33, 25 October 2016, lot 3291.

1299. Ottoman Empire, Mustafa IV AV Findik. Qustantiniya (Constantinople) mint, AH 1222, RY 1 = AD 1807. Toughra / Mint and date across fields. KM 546; Pere 726. 3.21g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 55, 2 July 2017, lot 955.

1300. Ottoman Empire, Mahmud II AV Rumi Altin. Qustantiniya (Constantinople) mint, AH 1223, RY 15 = AD 1822. Toughra within wreath; legend around / Mint and date within wreath; legend around. KM 616; Pere 759. 2.43g, 22mm, 12h. 200

Near Mint State; some areas of weak strike. From the collection of GK; Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA, Auction 7, 23 October 2016, lot 891.

1301. Ottoman Empire, Mahmud II AV jadid ‘Adli Altin. Qustantiniya (Constantinople) mint, AH 1223, RY 19 = AD 1827. Toughra within circle; legend around / Mint and date within circle; legend around. KM 635; Pere 769. 1.48g, 19mm, 12h. Very Fine; previously pierced and then plugged.

From the collection of GK.

460

1302. Ottoman Empire, Mahmud II AV 2 Hayriye. Qustantiniya (Constantinople) mint, AH 1223, RY 21 = AD 1829. Toughra within circle surrounded by titles in oval frames, branches between / Mint and date within circle surrounded by titles in oval frames, branches between. KM 639; Pere 745. 3.31g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

120

From the collection of GK.

1303. Ottoman Empire, ‘Abdul Mejid I AV 100 Kurush. Misr mint, AH 1255/RY 1 = AD 1839. Toughra and denomination in field, plant to right / Legend and date in field. Pere 881; Sultan 110. 8.49g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare regnal year.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 43, 23 October 2017, lot 3812.

QAJARS

1304. Qajars, Fath ‘Ali Shah AV Toman. Type W. Dar al-Sultana Tehran mint, AH 1233 = AD 1818. Name and titles in four lines within decorative floral border / Mint in four lines on a floral background; date below. Album 2865; KM 753.12. 4.61g, 24mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; broad planchet.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Auktionen Münzhandlung Sonntag, Auction 31, 25 November 2019, lot 252.

461

Extremely Rare

1305. Qajars, Nasir al-Din Shah Medallic AV 10 Toman. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Nasir’s reign. Tehran mint, dated AH 1313 = AD 1896. Uniformed bust facing slightly to left / Mint name, ruler, date and denomination in four lines within floral border. KM X14; Friedberg 59. 28.79g, 36mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; considerable original mint lustre, a magnificent piece. Extremely Rare.

10,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA, Auction 12, 18 November 2019, lot 769. This issue was struck to commemorate the 50 years of reign, but was recalled after the assassination of Naser al-Din Shah.

1306. Qajars, Nasir al-Din Shah AV Toman. Dar al-Marz Rasht mint, AH 1277 = AD 1860. Name and titles in four lines within decorative border / Mint in four lines within decorative border; date below. Album 2921; KM 853.8. 3.49g, 17mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

300

From the collection of GK.

1307. Qajars, Nasir al-Din Shah AV 1/2 Toman. Tehran mint, AH 1297 = AD 1880. Uniformed bust facing slightly to left / Name and title of Nasir al-Din Shah within wreath. Album 2926; KM 927. 1.44g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 296, 21 September 2017, lot 1971.

462

1308. Qajars, Muzaffar al-din Shah AV 1/2 Toman. Tehran mint, AH 1314 = AD 1896. Uniformed bust facing slightly to right / Name and titles in three lines within wreath. KM 994.1 (this date unlisted); Friedberg 71. 1.44g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 296, 21 September 2017, lot 1972.

1309. Qajars, Ahmad Shah AV 1/2 Toman. Tehran mint, AH 1335 = AD 1916. Uniformed bust facing slightly to left / Name and titles in three lines within wreath. KM 1071; Friedberg 85. 1.51g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

125

From the collection of GK; Acquired from Hermes Numismatics.

1310. Qajars, Ahmad Shah AV Toman. Tehran mint, AH 1340 = AD 1921. Uniformed bust facing slightly to left / Name and titles in three lines within wreath. KM 1074; Friedberg 84. 2.89g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

250

From the collection of GK.

SA’DIAN SHARIFS

1311. Sa’dian Sharifs, Abu’l-’Abbas Ahmad AV Dinar. Hadrat Marrakesh mint, AH 1008 = AD 1599. Basmala, name and titles in five lines; part of Quran XXXIII, 33 around in the segments / Citing the founder of the dynasty Muhammad al-Shaykh with his titles. Album 565.2; cf. Brèthes 1511. 4.59g, 28mm, 12h. Very Fine; pierced twice. Rare. From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 399. This coin follows the second weight standard. The reason for this change in weight can be explained by the Sa’dian victory over the Songhay in Timbuktu which allowed them to fully control the gold mines in that area.

463

500

SALGHURIDS

1312. Salghurids, Queen Abish bint Sa’d AV Dinar. Shiraz mint, AH 663-684 = AD 1265-1285. Kalima in three lines; Abish bint Sa’d below / Citing the Ilkhanid ruler Abaqa as overlord in five lines. Album 1928.1; Diler 115 var. 6.69g, 24mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

350

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 375.

SELJUQS OF RUM

1313. Seljuqs of Rum, the Three Brothers, Kayka’us II, Qilij Arslan II and Ali al-din Kaykubad II AV Dinar. Qunya mint, dated AH 648 = AD 1250. Name and titles in five lines / Kalima, citing the Abbasid caliph al-Mustansir billah as “amir al-mu’minin”, mint and date in five lines. Album A1227; ICV 1348; cf. Roma E-74, lot 1502 (same dies). 4.94g, 25mm, 1h. Mint State.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 56, 6 August 2017, lot 860.

SULAYHIDS

1314. Sulayhids, Queen ‘Arwa bint Ahmad AV 1/2 Dinar. Dhu Jibla mint, AH 487(?) = AD 1094. Shiite Kalima in three lines; blundered mint and date formula around / The name of her deceased husband, al-Mukarram Ahmad b. ‘Ali with his title in four lines; citing the Fatimid caliph al-Mustansir with his title as “amir al-muminin”. Album 1078.1; ICV 1107. 1.19g, 17mm, 7h. Very Fine.

150

From the collection of GK.

464

TIMURIDS Of the Greatest Rarity

1315. Timurids, Sultan Husayn Bayqara AV Donative/Presentation Ashrafi. Herat mint, AH 910 = AD 1504. Kalima in three lines; the names of the four ‘Rightly Guided’ Caliphs with their epithets, “Abu Bakr the Faithful”, “Umar who Distinguishes Truth from Falsehood”, “Uthman the Defender” and “Ali the Chosen One” all around in cartouches / “Bih bud Harat” (prosperity Herat) within a central polylobed cartouche; “the great Sultan, Abu’lGhazi Husayn Sultan the Brave, may Allah preserve and bless his sovereignty and sultanate” all around. Album A2431; cf. NGSA 8, lot 293; cf. Leu Numismatics 7, lot 2086. 4.79g, 23mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine. Of the greatest rarity, only a very few specimens known.

12,000

This donative or presentation ashrafi is, in the opinion of this cataloguer, one of the most elegant and exquisite examples of Husayn’s coinage, a projection of the authority and legitimacy of the dynasty. The Timurids, in fact, considered themselves heir to the Chinghizid line, but with the need to balance the Turco-Mongolian and Islamic traditions against the evolving political situation. Husayn’s rise to power began after the Aq Qoyunlu leader Jahanshah defeated the Timurid Abu Sa‘id in AH 873 / AD 1469. Becoming the Timurid ruler of Khorasan, he immediately set out for Herat, where he defeated Abu Sa‘id’s son. Husayn Bayqara presided over a flourishing cultural life in Herat: he is remembered as a patron of the arts who encouraged the intellectual life of the capital, and thus it is appropriate that his “bih bud” (prosperity) is rightly proclaimed on the reverse of this beautiful coin.

TUNISIA

1316. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. ‘Abdul Mejid I (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammad Bey AV 100 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1272 = AD 1855. Sultan name in three lines within wreath / Bey name, mint, Arabic date and denomination within wreath. KM 129; Friedberg 1. 19.61g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; minor surface marks. Extremely Rare; one of only three examples auctioned in the past 20 years. From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 97.

465

2,000

Extremely Rare

1317. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. ‘Abdul Mejid I (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammad Bey AV 100 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1273 = AD 1856. Sultan name in three lines within wreath / Bey name, mint, Arabic date and denomination within wreath. KM 130; Friedberg 1. 19.45g, 33mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; minor surface marks. Extremely Rare; the only example to have been offered at auction in the past 20 years.

2,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 99.

1318. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. ‘Abdul Mejid I (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Mohammed Bey AV 50 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1273 = AD 1856. Sultan name in three lines within wreath / Bey name, mint, Arabic date and denomination within wreath. KM 127; Friedberg 3. 9.78g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

600

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 102.

1319. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. ‘Abdul Mejid I (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammad Bey AV 100 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1274 = AD 1858. Sultan name in three lines within wreath / Bey name, mint, Arabic date and denomination within wreath. KM 130; Friedberg 1 var. (no branch on obv.) 19.61g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,250

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 100; Ex Schweizerischer Bankverein (Basel), Auction 32, 26 January 1993, lot 2931.

Possibly Unpublished Date

1320. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. ‘Abdul Mejid I (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammad Bey AV 5 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1276 = AD 1859. Sultan name in three lines / Bey name, mint and Arabic date in three lines. KM 122; Friedberg 8. 0.95g, 12mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare, possibly unpublished date.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 105.

466

The Extremely Rare AH 1277

1321. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. ‘Abdul Mejid I (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammed Bey AV 100 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1277 = AD 1861. Sultan name in three lines within wreath / Bey name, mint, Arabic date and denomination within wreath. KM 130; Friedberg 1. 19.74g, 33mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; no other examples on CoinArchives.

5,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 121. On the basis of archived documents from the Tunis Mint, A. Fenina determined that the mintage of the 100 piastres coin did not exceed 220 pieces in the year AH 1277. It thus appears to have been a presentational issue, of which most were no doubt subsequently melted.

1322. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. Abdul Aziz (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammad al-Sadiq AV 25 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1279 = AD 1862. Sultan name in three lines within wreath / Bey name, mint, Arabic date and denomination within wreath. KM 148; Friedberg -. 4.79g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

400

Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 128; Ex Schweizerischer Bankverein (Basel), Auction 34, 25 January 1994, lot 2943. Probably struck on a badly resurfaced blank of 20 Francs of the French Empire.

1323. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. Abdul Aziz (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammad al-Sadiq AV 10 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1280 = AD 1863. Name and titles of Muhammad, denomination and AH date / Denomination and AD date within wreath. KM 150; Friedberg 7. 1.86g, 18mm, 12h. Mint State.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 136.

1324. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. Abdul Aziz (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammed al-Sadiq AV 5 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1281 = AD 1864. Sultan name in three lines / Bey name, mint, denomination and Arabic date. KM 162; Friedberg 8. 0.92g, 13mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

100

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 138.

467

1325. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. Abdul Hamid II (Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) with Muhammad al-Sadiq AV 25 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1295 = AD 1878. Sultan name within wreath / Bey name, mint and Arabic date within wreath. KM 196. 4.81g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; ex-mount.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 165.

1326. Tunisia, Beylik of Tunis. Muhammad al-Sadiq AV 25 Piastres. Tunis mint, AH 1298 = AD 1881. Name and title within wreath / Mint and date within wreath. KM 200; Lec 58; Friedberg 5. PCGS graded MS63 (#29475129). Only one example graded higher by PCGS.

200

From the collection of GK.

UMAYYADS

1327. Umayyads, time of ‘Abd al-Malik AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, possibly Damascus, AH 79 = AD 698. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Quran CXII in three lines; date formula around. Album 125; Bernardi 43. 4.21g, 18mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

350

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 118.

1328. Umayyads, time of ‘Abd al-Malik AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, possibly Damascus, AH 82 = AD 701. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Quran CXII in three lines; date formula around. Album 125; Bernardi 43. 4.28g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 121.

1329. Umayyads, time of al-Walid I AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, possibly Damascus, AH 92 = AD 711. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Quran CXII in three lines; date formula around. Album 127; Bernardi 43. 4.29g, 20mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 130.

468

1330. Umayyads, time of al-Walid I or Suleyman AV 1/2 Dinar or Semissis. Arab-Byzantine type. Uncertain North African mint, struck circa AH 95-98 = AD 713-717. NN ЄƧ σƧ NIƧV σƧCVI N Ƨ A, blundered form of “non est Deus nisi unus Deus cui non Socius Alius”; cippus with globe on three steps / [...] Ƨ σƧ NIƧVNƧ CV (NN) [...] around ƧIMIΛIƧ, blundered form of “non est Deus nisi unus cui non est alius, similis”. Album 120.1; Bernardi 24; Walker p.64, 168. 1.92g, 11mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; rev. legend blundered and partially off flan. Rare.

3,000

From the inventory of a German dealer. This is one of the earliest coins struck in North Africa after the Arab conquest, and possibly derives from the Byzantine coins struck at Carthage. Recent studies have suggested that they were minted at Qayrawan, the capital of the newly conquered province, between AH 85 and 95.

Very Rare

1331. Umayyads, time of Umar II AV Dinar. Ifriqiya mint, dated AH 101 = AD 719. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / “In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate” in three lines; mint and date formula around. Album 134A; Bernardi 44Ca. 4.28g, 16mm, 6h Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

From a private European collection. The second earliest Umayyad post-reform dinar struck at Ifriqiya during the short reign of Caliph Umar II (AH 99-101) and an attractive example of the smaller diameter planchets used by the mint in AH 101.

1332. Umayyads, time of Yazid II AV Dinar. Uncertain mint (Damascus?), AH 105 = AD 724. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Quran, CXII in three lines; date formula around. Album 125; Bernardi 43. 4.28g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare key date.

1,000

1333. Umayyads, time of Hisham AV Dinar. Uncertain mint, (Damascus?), AH 106 = AD 725. Kalima in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around / Quran, CXII in three lines; date formula around. Album 136; Bernardi 43. 4.27g, 20mm, 6h. Mint State; a highly attractive example.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 145.

469

UMAYYADS OF SPAIN

Rare; Not in Vives

1334. Umayyads of Spain, ‘Abd al-Rahman III al-Nasir AV Dinar. Al-Andalus mint, AH 321 = AD 933. Basmala, Kalima in four lines, citing Muhammad below; Quran IX, 33 around / “The Imam al-Nasir li-din Allah Commander of the faithful” in four lines; mint and date formula around. Album 348; Miles 200a; Vives -. 3.94g, 20mm, 10h. About Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Soler y Llach, Auction 1112, 27 February 2020, lot 214 (hammer: EUR 1,500).

Rare

1335. Umayyads of Spain, ‘Abd al-Rahman III al-Nasir AV Dinar. Al-Andalus mint, AH 321 = AD 933. Basmala, kalima in four lines, citing Muhammad below; Quran IX, 33 around / “The Imam al-Nasir li-din Allah Commander of the faithful” in four lines; mint and date formula around. Album 348; Miles 200a; Vives -. 4.12g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,500

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 581 (hammer: EUR 2,100).

Very Rare

1336. Umayyads of Spain, ‘Abd al-Rahman III al-Nasir AV Dinar. Al-Andalus mint, AH 321 = AD 933. Kalima in four lines, citing Muhammad below; Quran IX, 33 around / “The Imam al-Nasir li-din Allah Commander of the faithful” in four lines; mint and date formula around. Album 348; Miles 200a; Vives 376. 4.19g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; perfectly centred. Very Rare.

1,250

From the collection of GK; Ex Morton & Eden, Auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 50.

470

1337. Umayyads of Spain, Hisham II (2nd reign) AV Dinar. Al-Andalus mint, AH 401 = AD 1011. Kalima in three lines, citing the official al-Bakri below; mint and date formula around / “The Imam Hisham, Commander of the Faithful, al-Mu’ayyad”, in three lines; Quran IX, 33 around. Album 359; Miles 345 (ornament not described); Vives 698. 3.56g, 23mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 592.

ZIYADIDS

Ex Diego Suárez Hoard

1338. Ziyadids, Al-Muzaffar b. ‘Ali AV Dinar. Contemporary east African (Madagascar?) imitation of ‘Adan mint, AH 406 = AD 1016. Garbled inscription in concentric circles / Garbled inscription in concentric circles. Album A1192. 3.82g, 19mm. Extremely Fine; mount removed (as on all known examples). Extremely Rare; one of 14 known.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 92, 2 August 2020, lot 1073; Ex Diego Suárez Hoard - from a group of gold coins mounted into a gold belt which was found by divers off Diego Suárez (Antsiranana), Madagascar circa 1955-1965. The Diego Suarez hoard contained 14 specimens of this type, nearly all in similarly good condition. Steven Album noted (Auction 36, 2020) that “given the similarity to the Madagascar find pieces derived from the type of the Fatimid base (as these are as well, via the Ma’nid type based thereon), these should also be of Madagascar origin in the period ca. 1025-1050”.

ZIYANIDS

1339. Ziyanids, Abu Tashfin ‘Abd al-Rahman I AV Double Dinar. Tilimsan mint, AH 718-737 = AD 1318-1337. Basmala, tasliya, name and titles in five lines; mint name around / Kalima and Ziyanid motto in five lines; Quranic legend around in the margins. Album 515.2; Hazard 648. 4.63g, 31mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

From the collection of GK; Ex Áureo & Calicó, Auction 351, 17 September 2020, lot 353.

471

MEDIEVAL AND WORLD COINS ANGLO-SAXON Very Rare

1340. Anglo-Saxon, Early Period AR Thrymsa. Post-Crondall, ‘Pada’ type, 655-675. Laureate head to right, uncertain legend around ending in TIIC / ‘PADA’ in runes to centre, blundered legend around. SCBC 769; Numista #117392; Metcalf p. 73. 1.01g, 12mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

1,000

From a private European collection.

CHINA

1341. China, Zhōnghuá Mínguó (Republic of China). Sun Yat-Sen AR Yuán - “Junk” Dollar. Dated year 23 = 1934. 年三十二國民華中, bust to left / Twomasted ship (a junk) sailing to right; denomination flanking. KM Y345; L&M 109. 200

NGC graded MS 62 (#6320087-016). Lustrous. From the inventory of a UK dealer.

1342. China, Zhōnghuá Mínguó (Republic of China). Temp. Chiang Kai-shek AV 1000 Yuan. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat Sen. Year 54 = 1965. Bare head of Sun Yat Sen to left; 念紀辰誕年百生先山中孫父國年四十五國民華中日二十月一十 (Centennial Birth of Sun Yat Sen Father of the Nation, Fifty-four years of the Republic of China, November 12th) in three lines below / Denomination within wreath comprised of branches. Friedberg 16. 14.60g, 25mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex WAG Online oHG, Auction 81, 3 December 2017, lot 425.

472

CRUSADER STATES

1343. Crusader States, Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Anonymous AV Bezant. Acre mint, 1st phase, struck before 1148-1159. Imitating a dinar of the Fatimid caliph al-Amir. Beginning of caliphal titles in two lines, continuation of name and titles in inner margin; mint formula in outer margin / al/ghaya in two lines across field, Kalima in inner margin, Second Symbol” (Quran 9: 33) in outer margin. Balog & Yvon 26a-b; Metcalf, Crusades, -; CCS 1. 4.38g, 23mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex J.B. Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 455, 30 October 2019, lot 471; Privately purchased from Calgary Coin, Autumn 2005.

DENMARK

1344. Denmark, Kingdom. Frederik III AV 2 Ducat. Royal Danish mint, 1658. ❀ FRIDERICUS : III : D : G : DANIÆ : NORWEGIÆ, crowned and mantled bust to right / VANDALOR : GOTHOR : Q : REX, ship with three masts sailing to left in roaring sea; fan-dem across fields, date in exergue divided by mintmark. Aagaard 20.3; KM 216.1; Friedberg 112. 6.88g, 28mm, 9h. 2,000

Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only 100 specimens minted.

Extremely Rare

1345. Denmark, Kingdom. Christian V AV Ducat. 1696. CHRISTIANVS • V • D : G REX DAN : & NORV :, armoured bust to right, wearing band with pedant of the Order of the Elephant / PIETATE ET IUSTITIA •, three entwined crowned monograms of Christian V; C • date • W • below. KM 415.2; Friedberg 156. 3.41g, 22mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; seemingly no others present on CoinArchives with this date.

4,500

From a private UK collection.

1346. Denmark, Kingdom. Christian IX AV 10 Kroner. Copenhagen mint, 1900. CHRISTIAN IX KONGE AF DANMARK, head to right; HC incuse on truncation, date and mintmarks below / Denomination around seated mother of Denmark, leaning on shield, porpoise to left. Friedberg 296; KM 790.2. 4.46g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

473

FRANCE A Perfect Example

1347. France, Kingdom. Philippe IV le Bel (the Fair) AV Petit royal d’or. Struck from Autumn 1290. PһILIPPVS DЄI GRACIA, Philippe enthroned facing on lion head throne, holding lis-tipped sceptre in right hand and lis in left / ✠ FRACORVᙏ RЄX, cross feuillue and fleuronnée; lis in each quarter. Duplessy 207; Ciani 193; Lafaurie 211; Friedberg 255. 3.52g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Very Rare; the finest example to be offered at auction in over two decades, and considerably superior to the example sold at MDC sarl in June 2021 (Auction 7, lot 214, EUR 32,000). 25,000 Acquired from Burgan Numismatique. The reign of Philip IV of France was marred by several expensive wars, which caused significant financial difficulty for the monarch, characterised by rising deficits, debasement of the currency and emergency taxation. This petit royal d’or, however, struck only 5 years after he ascended to the French throne, predates most of these wars and, as such, also predates the subsequent devaluation of the currency, hence its composition of pure gold. Indeed, it was created to directly match the size, weight and purity of the Florentine gold florin, which had by then become the de facto currency of international commerce. The circumstances of Philip’s ascension to the throne had initially seemed to be auspicious; through his marriage to Joan I of Navarre in 1284 he had also become king of Navarre and had annexed her inherited lands of Champagne and Brie. Primarily as a result of the trade fairs known as the ‘Champagne Fairs’, which were centres of European mercantile exchange at the time, Champagne was a particularly wealthy province and was therefore a significant financial asset for Philip, boosting the income of the royal demesne when he became king. Although not financially profitable, the Kingdom of Navarre was also a worthwhile territory to have gained through his marriage, as it was strategically important both geographically and politically. This advantageous political landscape may go some way to explain how Philip was able to produce gold denominations en masse for the first time in the history of the coinage of the Kingdom of France (gold coins only having been previously minted in very small numbers by Louis IX), of which this coin is an exceptional example. Due to the increased revenues, Philip was able to pay off debt that he had inherited from his father’s wars with Aragon and by 1287 the crown was completely solvent. His good fortune was however not to last and in 1294, after a series of failed negotiations and broken treaties surrounding the English King Edward I’s French lands, war became inevitable and this was ultimately to be the longest ongoing conflict of Philip’s rule. The costly campaigns against England were compounded by ongoing hostilities with Aragon and Flanders, which declared its independence in 1297. The financial buffer that Philip had built-up was rapidly depleted and the remainder of his rule was dominated by a constant need to raise funds. All the promise of a fruitful reign embodied in this coin as part of the first significant diffusion of gold coins into the French economy was ultimately undermined by the persistent wars that dominated this period of European history.

474

475

A Spectacular Example

1348. France, Kingdom. Philippe VI de Valois AV Parisis d’or. Struck from 6 September 1329. ✠ PHILLIPPVS ⁑ DЄI ⫶ GRA ⫶ FRANCORVM ⫶ RЄX, Philippe seated facing on Gothic throne with baldaquin, holding lis-tipped sceptre in right hand and Main de Justice in left; lions at feet / ✠ XP’C ⁝ VIИCIT ⁝ XP’C ⁝ RЄGИAT ⁝ XP’C ⁝ IMPЄRAT, cross feuillue and fleuronnée with quadrilobe at centre; lis in each quarter, all within quadrilobe, leaf in each spandrel. Duplessy 248; Ciani 268; Lafaurie 252; Friedberg 264. 7.00g, 31mm, 3h. 20,000

Near Mint State. Rare. Acquired from Burgan Numismatique.

Fleur De Coin

1349. France, Kingdom. Philippe VI de Valois AV Écu d’or à la chaise. First emission, struck from 1 January 1337. ✠ PҺILLIPPVS ⁑ DЄI ˣ ˣ GRA ˣ FRAꞂCORVM ⁑ RЄX, Philippe seated facing on Gothic throne, holding sword, left hand resting on coat-of-arms to right; all within tressure of arches with trefoil in each spandrel, and four saltires below foot of throne / ✠ ◦ XP’C ⦂ VIꞂCIT ⦂ XP’C ⦂ RЄGNAT ⦂ XP’C ⦂ INPЄRAT, cross quadrilobée and fleuronnée; leaves in quarters, all within quadrilobe, trefoil in each spandrel. Duplessy 249; Ciani 282; Lafaurie 262; Friedberg 270. 4.47g, 30mm, 3h. Fleur De Coin; in magnificent condition for the issue.

5,000

Acquired from Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co.

476

477

The Finest Example in Over 20 Years

1350. France, Kingdom. Philippe VI de Valois AV Ange d’or. Third emission, struck from 26 June 1342. PHILLIPPVS ⁑ D GRA ⁑ FRAC ⁑ RЄX, Archangel Michael standing beneath baldaquin facing, holding long cross resting on the head of a defeated dragon and resting on coat-of-arms / ✠ XP ⁑ C ⁑ VINCIT ⁑ XP ⁑ C ⁑ REGИAT ⁑ XP ⁑ C ⁑ IMPERAT, cross quadrilobée and fleuronnée; all within quadrilobe with inward-facing lis in each angle, crown in each spandrel. Duplessy 255B; Ciani -; Lafaurie 258b; Friedberg 273. 5.48g, 32mm, 5h. Mint State; a magnificent example of this prestigious type. Rare, and the finest example to be offered at auction in over twenty years.

35,000

Acquired from Burgan Numismatique; Privately purchased from Jean Vinchon Numismatique on 18/12/2000. Philip VI’s position as king of France was precarious from the very beginning of his reign in 1328, indeed his succession was by no means guaranteed. After Charles IV died without a son, debate raged amongst the French prelates and barons as to who was his legal heir. The two claimants were Philip de Valois and Edward III of England; while Edward had the closer familial relation to the deceased king as his nephew by Charles’s sister Isabella, it was determined that his claim should be disregarded due to its being transmitted through a female line. Thus Philip, a grandson of Philip III, was appointed king and was immediately eager to emphasise the legitimacy of his accession against that of his rival, an endeavour that would occupy him for the entirety of his reign. As had been the case with their predecessors, relations between the French and English kings deteriorated as a result of seemingly superficial slights that masked the more profound, existential questions of who had the greater claim to the French throne. By virtue of his duchies of Aquitaine and Gascony, Edward III was officially a vassal to any king of France and, as such, due to pay homage, but this was an unstable hierarchy. Summons to attend the French court shortly after Philip assumed power were greeted with disdain by Edward, who, when he did arrive at the cathedral of Amiens in 1329, was not sufficiently deferential as far as Philip perceived. The offence caused during this interaction set the precedent for the tone of their relationship henceforth and their disputes regarding the duchy of Aquitaine would eventually worsen to the point of war being declared in 1337, when Edward declared himself the rightful king of France. By 1342, the year in which this coin was struck, there had been no lessening of hostilities, indeed two years prior the French, having enjoyed initial success on the battlefield, suffered their first significant defeat at the naval battle of Sluys, which exacerbated Philip’s anxiety about his hold on power. The explicit religious and regal imagery on Philip’s coinage, as exemplified in the present coin, should be seen as a direct attempt to convey both his divine and legal right to his throne within the context of repeated challenges to his legitimacy.

478

479

1351. France, Kingdom. Philippe VI de Valois AV Chaise d’or. Struck from 17 July 1346. ✠ PҺILLIPPVS ⁑ DЄI ⁑ GRACIA ⁑ FRAꞂCORVM ⁑ RЄX, Philippe seated facing on 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 ⁝ VIИCIT ⁝ XP’C ⁝ RЄGИAT ⁝ XP’C ⁝ IMPЄRAT, cross feuillue and fleurdelisée; all within quadrilobe with inward-facing lis in each angle, crown in each spandrel. Duplessy 258; Ciani 290; Lafaurie -; Friedberg 269. 4.72g, 29mm, 9h. 7,500

Mint State. Acquired from Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co; Privately purchased in the early 1930s from Julius Jenke, Munich.

1352. France, Kingdom. Jean II le Bon (the Good) AV Franc à cheval. Paris mint, struck from 5 January 1360. ⚜ IOҺANЄS : DЄI : GRACIA : FRANCORV : RЄX, Jean, crowned and in full armour, holding sword and riding to left on caparisoned horse / ✠ XPC * VIꞂCIT * XPC * RЄGNAT * XPC * IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée and feuillue; • within quadrilobed at centre; all within quadrilobe, trefoil fleurée at end of each arc; trilobe in each spandrel. Duplessy 294; Ciani 361; Lafaurie 297; Friedberg 279. 3.83g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 111, 29 May 2019, lot 928. Grierson (Coins of Medieval Europe, 1991) notes that the Franc à cheval was a new type introduced for Jean II in 1360, “having as its type the king charging into battle on a richly caparisoned horse. The name was applied to the coin because it was by its use in paying his ransom the king [captured by the English at the Battle of Poitiers] became free (franc).”

1353. France, Kingdom. Charles V le Sage (the Wise) AV Franc à pied. Paris mint, struck from 20 April 1365. KAROLVS ˣ DI ˣ GR FRAꞂCORV 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 ∗ VIꞂCIT ∗ XPC ∗ RЄGꞂAT ∗ XPC ∗ IMPЄRAT, cross tréflée, pellet within angled quadrilobe at centre, cantoned with lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe, lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. 3.75g, 27mm, 3h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

480

1354. France, Kingdom. Charles VI ‘le Bien-Aimé/le Fol’ (the Well-Beloved/the Mad) AV Écu d’or. Saint-André de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon mint, 2nd emission, struck from 1391-1418. ✠ KAROLVS ⁑ DЄI ⁑ GRACIA ⁑ FRAꞂCORVᙏ ⁑ RЄX, crowned coat-of-arms / ✠ XPC’ ★ VIИCIT ★ XPC’ ★ RЄGИAT ★ XPC’ ★ IИPЄRAT ★, pellet beneath 20th letter (mintmark), cross fleurdelisée and feuillue, star in centre; all within quadrilobe with lis at end of each arc, crown in each spandrel. Duplessy 369a; Ciani 486; Friedberg 291. 3.91g, 29mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection, Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 455, 30 October 2019, lot 479.

1355. France, Kingdom. Louis XIV AV Louis d’or à la mèche longue. Paris mint, 1649. Long curl variety. • LVD • XIIII • D • G • FR • ET • NAV • REX •, bust to right; mintmark (marigold flower = Jean Boin) above, date below / CHRS • REGN • VINC • IMP •, crowned cruciform double L monogram, with fleur-de-lis in each angle; at centre, A within annulet. Duplessy 1422; Friedberg 418; Gadoury 245. 6.71g, 25mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1356. France, Kingdom. Louis XV AV Louis d’or au bandeau. Lille mint, 1744W. Dies by J-C Röettiers. LUD • XV • D • G • FR • ET NAV • REX •, diademed head to left; mintmark below / CHRS • REGN • VINC • IMPER (date), crowned oval coats-of-arms; mintmark below. Duplessy 1643; Friedberg 464; Gadoury 341; KM 513.22. 8.17g, 24mm, 6h. Near Mint State; some contact marks.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1357. France, Kingdom. Louis XVI AV Double Louis d’or à la tête nu. Nantes mint, 1786T. Dies by Pierre-Benjamin Duvivier. LUD • XVI • D • G • FR • ET NAV • REX •, bust to left; DUVIV on neck truncation, mintmark below / CHRS • REGN • VINC • IMPER, crowned coats-of-arms; mintmark below, mintmark and date above to left. Duplessy 1706; Friedberg 474. 15,26g, 29mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

481

1358. France, First Republic. Napoléon Bonaparte, as Premier Consul, AR Medal. Celebrating the Peace of Amiens. Dated 25th March 1802 (later restrike). Dies by Abramson. PAX RESVSCITAT IVSTITIAM, the Genius of Peace, standing facing, head to right, holding palm and resting hand on shoulder of Justitia standing facing, head to left, holding scales and sceptre; AMBIANI in exergue / ET LEGES IMPERANT, Pallas seated to left, holding tablets of law; shield, spear and owl to right; D. XXV MARTII MDCCCII in two lines in exergue. Bramsen 2167. 12.56g, 34mm, 12h. Mint State; appears as though a privy mark on edge has been removed. Very Rare.

1,000

From the R. T. Collection of Napoleonic Medals from the First French Republic and Empire; Ex Westfälische Auktionsgesellschaft, Auction 78, 11 September 2017, lot 1390.

1359. France, First Republic. Napoleon Bonaparte, as Premier Consul, AV 40 Francs. Paris mint, AN 12 = 1804A. Obverse die by Pierre-Joseph Tiolier. BONAPARTE PREMIER CONSUL., bare head to left; Tiolier signature below bust truncation / REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, denomination within laurel wreath, date and mintmarks below. KM 652; Friedberg 479. 12.88g, 26mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1360. France, First Empire. Napoléon I AR Medal. Commemorating the Peace of Pressburg. Dated 26 December 1805. Dies by Andrieu; Denon, mintmaster. NAPOLEON EMP. ET. ROI., laureate head to right; ANDRIEU F. on truncation / Tetrastyle temple on three steps with TEMPLVM JANI on architrave and triple-faced head of Janus atop; PAIX DE PRESBOURG XXVI. DECEMBRE MDCCCV. in three lines in exergue, ANDRIEU FT. DENON DT. below. Bramsen 455. 40.48g, 40mm, 12h. Mint State; tiny rectangular punch on edge at 6h, stunning iridescent cabinet tone. From the R. T. Collection of Napoleonic Medals from the First French Republic and Empire; Ex Auktionen Münzhandlung Sonntag, Auction 30, 4 June 2019, lot 138.

482

800

1361. France, First Empire. Napoleon I AR 5 Francs. Lille mint, 1811W. Dies by Nicolas-Antoine Brenet. NAPOLEON EMPEREUR., laureate head to right; small BRENET on neck truncation, signature of Tiolier below / EMPIRE FRANÇAIS., denomination within wreath; mintmarks and date below. Edge inscription: DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE. Le Franc 307; Gadoury 584; KM 694.16. NGC Graded AU 58 (#6320089-002; lustrous, only 3 examples graded higher at NGC.

250

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

1362. France, First Empire. Napoleon I AV 20 Francs. Paris mint, 1812A. Designs by Jean-Pierre Droz. NAPOLEON EMPEREUR •, laureate head to left; incuse DROZ F on truncation, signature of Tiolier below / EMPIRE FRANÇAIS •, denomination within wreath; mintmarks and date below. Edge inscription: DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE. Friedberg 511; KM 695.1; Gadoury 1025. 6.35g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

300

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1363. France, Second Empire. Napoleon III AV 50 Francs. Paris mint, 1865A. Dies by Désiré-Albert Barre. NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR, laureate head to right, BARRE and mintmark below / EMPIRE FRANÇAIS, coat-of-arms in crowned mantle, denomination across fields, mintmarks and date below. Edge description: DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE. Friedberg 548; KM 804.1. 16.13g, 28mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1364. France, Third Republic AV 10 Francs. Paris mint, 1895A. Dies by Louis Merley. REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, head of Ceres to right, wearing wreath of corn; fasces to left, olive branch to right, star above, L.MERLEY below / LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE, denomination in two lines within wreath; date and mintmarks below. Friedberg 594; KM 830; Gadoury 1016. 3.22g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

200

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

483

1365. France, Third Republic AV 50 Francs. Paris mint, 1904. Dies by Augustin Dupré. RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, Genius standing to right, inscribing CONSTITUTION onto a tablet resting on column; fasces to left, cockerel to right, A.B. and Dupré in cursive in exergue / LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ, denomination and date in three lines within wreath; A and mintmarks below. Edge inscription: DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE. Friedberg 591; KM 831. 16.12g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; scattered marks.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1366. France, Third Republic AV 20 Francs. Paris mint, 1907. Jules-Clément Chaplain, engraver. RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE•, draped bust of Marianne to right, wearing Phrygian cap and oak wreath; J.C. CHAPLAIN in lower right field / LIBERTE•EGALITE•FRATERNITE•, cockerel advancing to left; denomination across lower fields, date in exergue. Edge inscription: *++*LIBERTÉ+*ÉGALITÉ+*FRATERNITÉ. KM 857; Friedberg 596a. 6.45g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

200

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

GERMANY

1367. German States, Brandenberg-Franken (Markgrafschaft). Friedrich der Ältere (the Elder) and Sigismund AV Goldgulden. Schwabach mint, circa 14861495. FRID ⦂ Ƶ ⦂ SIGISᙏ’ ᙏΛRCҺ ⦂ BRΛꞂD, St. Johann standing facing, head lowered to right, holding Gospel book surmounted by Agnus Dei standing to left with head to right / ✠ ᙏOꞂЄTA ⦂ ꞂOVΛ ⦂ ΛVR’ ⦂ SWOBΛCҺ’, cross fleurée in saltire with coats-of-arms of Brandenburg, Pommern, Nürnberg and Zollern in angles. Friedberg 305; von Schrötter 363. 3.27g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Aurea Numismatika, Auction 33, 22 May 2010, lot 367.

484

GREAT BRITAIN

1368. 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. 7.64g, 34mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

3,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 251, 3 July 2014, lot 3062.

1369. Great Britain, Tudor. Henry VII AV Angel. Tower (London) mint, 1505-1509. Type V. (pheon) ҺЄꞂRIC ʔ ⁑ DI ⁑ GRΛ’* RЄX ⁑ ΛꞂGL’⁑ Z ⁑ FR’ ⁑, 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. SCBI 23 (Ashmolean) 66; Schneider -; North 1698; SCBC 2187; Friedberg 151. 5.10g, 29mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 112, 11 September 2019, lot 820.

1370. Great Britain, Tudor. Philip and Mary Hammered AR Shilling. Tower (London) mint, 1555. PHILIP • ET • MARIA • D • G • REX • ET • REGINA • ANG •, 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. 5.81g, 32mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; officially pierced, pleasant cabinet tone.

1,200

From the David Freedman Collection; Privately purchased from London Coin Galleries Ltd, 20 March 2015.

485

Ex Richard Cyril Lockett Collection

1371. Great Britain, Tudor. Elizabeth I AV Angel. Tower (London) mint. Second ‘Restoration’ Coinage, Third and Fourth Issue, 1 November 1573 - 25 May 1574. (acorn over ermine) ELIZABETH : D ‘. G ‘. ANG .’ FR .’ ET : HI ‘ REGINA, the Archangel Michael slaying dragon with cross-pommelled lance / (acorn over ermine) A : DNO : FACTVM : EST : ISTVD : ET : EST : MIRABI .’ ship bearing coat-of-arms and cross over waves below; E - 🏵 across fields. SCBC 2515; HCN 341; North 1991/2; Montagu -; Murdoch -; Lockett 4091 (this coin); Brown & Comber C12, and pl. IX (this coin; cf. Comber I, 15; Schneider I, 765 (the overmark unrepresented). 5.03g, 28mm, 7h. NGC graded UNC Details, reverse graffiti, in limited edition black ‘Alderman Horace Hird’ holder (6135299-006). Very Rare.

10,000

This coin published in I.D. Brown & C.H. Comber, Notes on the gold coinage of Elizabeth I (BNJ 59, 1989); Ex Alderman Horace Hird (1899-1973) Collection, with old collector’s ticket; Ex “The Celebrated Collection formed by the late Richard Cyril Lockett Esq”, Glendining & Co., 26-27 April 1960, lot 4091 (hammer: £130). Brown and Comber record nine instances of this privy mark for denomination [not accounting for duplication] as listed in the Spink Numismatic Circular and Seaby Bulletin between 1937 and 1983. Challis records the mint output for this Pyx Period at £8,143, the lowest for the Second Restoration Coinage.

Ex Alderman Horace Hird Collection

1372. Great Britain, Tudor. Elizabeth I AV Angel. Tower (London) mint. Third ‘Restoration’ Coinage, Sixth Issue, 1 February 1592- 8 May 1594. (tun) ELIZABETH : D .’ G .’ ANG .’ FR ‘• ET • HI .’ REGINA, the Archangel Michael slaying dragon with cross-pommelled lance / (tun) A : DNO : FACTVM : EST : ISTVD : ET : EST ‘ MIRARI ‘, ship bearing coat-of-arms and cross over waves below; E - 🏵 across fields. SCBC 2531; HCN 110; North 2005; Montagu -; Murdoch -; Lockett 4092; Brown & Comber C42; Comber II, 125; Schneider I, 786-790 (this mintmark unrepresented). 5.13g, 30mm, 9h. NGC graded MS 62, in limited edition black ‘Alderman Horace Hird’ holder (6135299-008).

12,500

Ex Alderman Horace Hird (1899-1973) Collection, with old collector’s ticket; Privately purchased from A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd, 31 August 1959 (£18). Brown and Comber record twelve instances of this privy mark for denomination (not accounting for duplication) as listed in the Spink Numismatic Circular and Seaby Bulletin between 1937 and 1983. Challis records the mint output for this Pyx Period at £46,973.

486

1373. Great Britain, Hanover. George II AR Halfcrown. 1743. John Tanner and Johann Ochs, engravers. GEORGIUS • II • DEI • GRATIA •, laureate bust to left, wearing lion faced armour on shoulder / M • F • ET • H • REX • F • D • B • ET • L • D • S • R • I • A • T • ET • E • date divided by crown at top, four crowned shields in cruciform design, radiate cross in centre, roses in quarters. Edge inscription: DECUS • ET • TVTATAM • ANNO • REGNI • DECIMO • SEPTIMO. SCBC 3694; KM 584.1. 15.03g, 34mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Scarce.

1,000

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

1374. Great Britain, Hanover. George IV AV 2 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).

1375. Great Britain, Hanover. William IV CU Coronation Medal. 1831. WILLIAM THE FOURTH CROWNED SEP: 8 1831., head to right; C on truncation, W. WYON S. below / ADELAIDE. QUEEN CONSORT. CROWNED SEP: 8 1831., head to right; C on truncation, W. WYON S. below. BHM 1475; Eimer 1251. 18.71g, 33mm, 12h. Mint State. Sold with original box of issue. Scarce.

240

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

487

1376. Great Britain, Hanover. Victoria CU Halfpenny. Royal mint (Tower Hill), 1862. Dies by Leonard Charles Wyon. VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, laureate and draped bust to left / Denomination around, Britannia seated to right, holding trident and resting hand on shield emblazoned with union flag; ship to right on sea and lighthouse to left, die letter C to left of lighthouse, date in exergue. Freeman 288A; SCBC 3956; KM 748.2 var (toothed border). 5.67g, 25mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Excessively Rare; Freeman suggests only 5 examples struck with rarity rating of R17. The finest to appear at auction.

2,500

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

1377. Great Britain, Hanover. Victoria AV 5 Pounds. London mint, 1887. 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. SCBC 3864; Friedberg 390; KM 769.39. 39.74g, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; scattered marks.

1,500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

1378. Great Britain, Hanover. Temp. Victoria AR Trade Dollar. Bombay mint, 1899B. Draped and helmeted Britannia standing facing, head to left, holding trident (with small incuse B in centre point) and shield decorated with the Union Flag, three-masted merchant clipper sailing to left behind, denomination above, date below; all within maeander pattern border / Denomination in Chinese characters and Malay script in decorative border of ‘Oriental’ style, with Chinese symbol at centre; all within maeander pattern border. KM T5. NGC graded MS 63 (#6318923-004). Lustrous.

250

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

1379. Great Britain, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Edward VII AV Sovereign. London mint, 1908. Design by George William de Saulles and Benedetto Pistrucci. EDWARDVS VII D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: bare head to right, small DeS under bust / 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 400; SCBC 3969; KM 805. 7.99g, 22mm, 12h. 350 Extremely Fine. From the collection of GK.

488

1380. Great Britain, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. George V AV Sovereign. London mint, 1925. Design by Edgar Bertram MacKennal and Benedetto Pistrucci. GEORGIVS V D. G. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. 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 404; KM 820; SCBC 3996. 8.00g, 22mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

350

From the collection of GK.

1381. Great Britain, Windsor. Elizabeth II AV Matte Proof Sovereign. Llantrisant (Royal) mint, 1980. Design by Arnold Machin and Benedetto Pistrucci. ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F: D:, crowned and draped bust to right / 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. SCBC 4204; Friedberg 418. 8.00g, 22mm, 12h. Mint State.

300

From the collection of GK.

1382. Great Britain, Windsor. Elizabeth II AR Proof 10oz £10 Pound. Three Graces “The Great Engravers” series. 2020. • ELIZABETH II • D • G • REG • F• D • 10 POUNDS • date, frosted bust to right, initials J.C below truncation / FOEDUS INVIOLABILE, W.WYON, three graces standing with arms of Ireland, England & Scotland, design in exergue. 312.69g, 65mm, 12h. NGC Graded PROOF 69 Ultra Cameo. (No presentation box or original COA). One of only 175 minted.

2,500

From the inventory of a UK dealer. These coins are some of the most sought-after issues produced by the Royal Mint for many years, with the latest ‘Three Graces’ coin selling out in less than one minute after going on sale to the public. Within hours of the launch these coins were trading for many times their initial sale price, causing collectors worldwide to question such low mintages.

489

GREECE

1383. Greece, Kingdom. Otto CU 10 Lepta. Athens mint, 1857. Dies by K. Lange. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ, crowned coat-of-arms / Denomination and date within wreath. KM 29. NGC Graded MS 63 BN (#6320872-017); only 4 examples graded higher. Scarce.

750

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

1384. Greece, Kingdom. George I AV 20 Drachmai. Paris mint, 1884 A. Dies by Jean-Auguste Barre. ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ Α: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ, bare head to right; mintmark, date and signature BAPPE below / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ, crowned and mantled coat-of-arms; denomination flanked by privy marks below. KM 56; Friedberg 18. 6.45g, 21mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

250

From the collection of GK.

HUNGARY

1385. Hungary, Kingdom. Leopold I AV Dukát. Kremnica mint, 1696. LEOPOLD : D : G : R : I S : A : G : H : B : REX, king in elaborate imperial dress facing, head to right, holding sceptre and orb; K-B across fields / AR : AV : DV : BV : M : MO : CO : TY : (date), crowned and radiant Madonna holding sceptre and baby Christ to right, coat-of-arms below. Friedberg 128; KM 151. 3.48g, 23mm, 7h. About Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

INDIA

1386. India, Southern Deccan. Gangas of Talakad (Western Gangas) AV Gajapati Pagoda. Uncertain ruler, circa 1080-1138. Caparisoned elephant standing to right / Floral scroll. Ganesh & Girijapathy, Karnataka –; cf. Mitchiner, South I 192-3; cf. MNI 702. 3.92g, 14mm. Extremely Fine.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatica Ranieri, Auction 14, 9 November 2019, lot 1191.

490

1387. India, Gahadavalas of Kanauj. Govinda Chandra AV Dinar. 1114-1154. Lakshmi seated facing / Devanagari inscription. Friedberg 213; Mitchiner, India, 490. 3.97g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

150

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 910.

1388. India, Vijayanagara (Empire). Harihara I AV Pagoda. 1336-1356. Hanuman running to right / Legend in three lines. Mitchiner, South I, 378. 3.41g, 12mm, 3h. Good Very Fine.

200

From the collection of GK.

Extremely Rare Denomination

1389. India, Assam Kingdom. Rajesvara Simha AV octagonal 1/8 Mohur. Dated SE 1674 = AD 1752. Assamese legend “Sri Sri Ra, je svara singh, nrupasya” / Assamese legend “Sake 1674”. KM 139. 2.91g, 15mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; one of very few examples of this denomination.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatica Ranieri, Auction 14, 9 November 2019, lot 1193. Rajesvara Simha, with his monetary reform, introduces a new model based on the idea of striking fractional denominations, namely the 1/16th, 1/8th, 1/4th & 1/2 mohur, already used in the neighbouring Kingdom of Tripura.

1390. India, Princely States. Bikaner. 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. 8.53g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatics Ranieri, Auction 12, 9 December 2017, lot 1843.

1391. India, Princely States. Mysore. Krishna Raja Wodeyar III AV Pagoda. 1810-1868. Shiva and Parvathi seated facing, holding trident and damaru / Devanagari legend “Sri Pratapa Krishnaray”. Mitchiner, India, 1090; Friedberg 1358. 3.43g, 12mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 149, 16 November 2017, lot 911.

491

1392. India, Princely States, Nawanagar. Vibhaji AV Kori. Imitating Muzaffar III of Gujarat with frozen date AH [9]78. Struck circa 1850s-1860s or later. Schematised name and titles of Muzaffar III; AH date to right; sri jamji in Devanagari below / Schematised Persian legend. KM 12; Friedberg 1363. 6.43g, 15mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 113, 6 February 2022, lot 1092.

1393. India, British Colonial. East India Company AV Mohur. Madras Presidency. Madras mint, issued 1819. ENGLISH EAST INDIA COMPANY, coat-ofarms with leonine supporters, flags, armour and further lion above, banner inscribed AVSP REGIS SENAT ANGLIAE below / “shrafi (or Mohur) of the Honourable English Company”, in Persian. KM 421; Pridmore 241. 11.67g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

1,250

From the collection of GK; Ex Auktionen Münzhandlung Sonntag, Auction 34, 31 May 2021, lot 145.

1394. India, British Colonial. Victoria AV Mohur. Calcutta mint, 1885. Obverse die by William Wyon. VICTORIA EMPRESS, crowned and draped bust to left, miniature V at edge of bust / Denomination above INDIA and date within circular floral pattern. KM 496; Pridmore 21; S&W-6.13. 11.69g, 26mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Marudhar Arts, Auction 28, 19 October 2019, lot 284.

IRELAND

1395. Ireland, Stuart. James I AR Sixpence. First coinage. Tower (London) mint, struck 1603-4. • IACOBVS • D • G • ANG • SCO • FRA • ET • HIB • REX •, crowned bust to right; mintmark bell above / • TVEATVR • VNITA • DEVS •, crowned harp; bell to upper right. D&F 260; SCBC 6514. 2.29g, 23mm, 3h. Good Very Fine; slight flatness, hairline scratch to rev., deep old cabinet tone. Very Rare. From the David Freedman Collection; Acquired from Bonhams, 25 October 2012.

492

750

ITALY

1396. Italian States, Napoli (Naples, Kingdom). Filippo II di Spagna AR Mezzo Ducato. 1st phase, as King of England, France and Naples, and Prince of Spain. Giovanni Battista Ravaschiero, mintmaster. 1554-1556. PHILIP • R • ANG • FR • NEAP • PR • HISPA •, crowned, draped and cuirassed bust to right; IBR monogram behind / POSVMIVS • DEVM •ADIVTOREM • NOST, crowned conjoined royal coat-of-arms of England and Spain emblazoned on ornate escutcheon. MIR 3; CNI XX pg. 19, 153; Pannuti 3. 14.60g, 35mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine; typical spots of flat strike, deep old cabinet tone.

400

From the David Freedman Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 67, 22 September 2004, lot 1954.

1397. Italian States, Parma & Piacenza (Duchy). Ranuccio I Farnese AV 2 Doppie. 1618. RANVT • FAIR (sic) • PLA • P • DVX • IV • S • R • E • CONF • P, head to left, wearing armour on nearest shoulder / PLACENTIA FLORET, she-wolf to left, plant topped by crown behind, P·(date)P· below. CNI IX 36; MIR 1152/18; Friedberg 907; Numista #105621 var. (P.P. below wolf). 13.05g, 29mm, 6h. Good Very Fine; die shift to both sides creating some confusion with legends.

1,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club; Ex Bolaffi Spa, Auction 34, 30 May 2019, lot 877.

1398. Italian States, Parma, Piacenza & Guastalla (Duchy). Maria Luigia AV 40 Lire. Milan mint, 1815. MARIA LUIGIA PRINC. IMP. ARCID. D’AUSTRIA, diademed bust to left, mintmarks flanking date below / PER LA GR • DI DIO DUCH • DI PARMA PIAC • E GUAST •, crowned and mantled arms, denomination below. Edge inscription: DIRIGE ME DOMINE. MIR 1091/1; Pagani 1; C. 32; Friedberg 933. 12.86g, 26mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

493

Of the Greatest Rarity and Numismatic Importance

1399. Italian States, Sicilia (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, 23mm. Mint State. Of the greatest rarity and numismatic importance.

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.

1400. Italian States, Venezia (Venice, Republic). Francesco Foscari AV Ducat. Doge LXV, 1423-1457. FRAC FOSCARI • S • M • VЄNЄTI, St. Marco standing to right, holding Gospels and presenting flag to Doge kneeling to left; DVX downwards in field / • SIT • T • XPE • DAT • Q • TV • REGIS • ISTE • DVCAT •, Christ standing facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels, surrounded by mandorla containing 9 stars. Papadopoli 1; Paolucci 1; Friedberg 1232. 3.34g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

494

1401. Italian States, Venezia (Venice, Republic). Andrea Gritti AV Scudo d’oro. Doge LXXVII, 1523-1539. + ANDREAS GRITI DVX VENETIAR, cross with ornate ends / SANCTVS MARCVS VENETVS, shield decorated with lion of St. Mark. CNI VII 323; Paolucci 3; Friedberg 1448. 3.39g, 26mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex Richard L. Horst Collection; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 102, 18 May 2016, lot 1341.

1402. Italian States, Stato Pontificio (Papal States). Anonymous AV Fiorino. Avignon mint, circa 1362-1370. SANT PETRH, fleur-de-lis / S IOHANNES B, St. John the Baptist standing facing, tiara to upper left. MIR 223/2; Muntoni 2 (Urban V); Friedberg 29; Berman 201. 3.51g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

750

1403. Italian States, 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.

1404. Italian States, 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.

1,250

From the Vitangelo Collection.

495

1405. Italian States, Napoleonic Kingdom. Napoleon I AV 40 Lire. Milan mint, 1810M. NAPOLEONE IMPERATORE E RE, bare head to left; date and mintmark below / REGNO D’ITALIA, coat-of-arms on breast of eagle facing, with spread wings and head to left, before crowned mantle; denomination below. Edge inscription: DIO PROTEGGE L’ITALIA. KM 12; Friedberg 5. 12.86g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

MOROCCO

1406. Morocco, Kingdom. Hassan II AV proof 250 Dirhams. Royal Mint (Llantrisant, UK), AH 1395 = AD 1975. Dies by David Wynne. Celebrating the kings birthday. King’s head to left, legend around / Moroccan shield, denomination and dates around. KM 66; Friedberg 6. 6.62g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur de Coin.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 315, 11 October 2018, lot 7438.

1407. Morocco, Kingdom. Hassan II AV proof 250 Dirhams. Royal Mint (Llantrisant, UK), AH 1398 = AD 1978. Dies by David Wynne. Celebrating the kings birthday. King’s head to left, legend around / Moroccan shield, denomination and dates around. KM 66; Friedberg 6. 6.58g, 21mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; proof.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex WAG Online oHG, Auction 93,13 January 2019, lot 222.

NEPAL

1408. Nepal, Shah dynasty. Rajendra Vikrama AV Mohar. Dated SE 1764 = AD 1842. Legend within quadrate around central ornate design; additional designs around; SE date in exergue / Legend and design in three lines within center of floral design; additional legend in petals. KM 580; Friedberg 8. 5.49g, 27mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

From the collection of GK; Ex Auktionen Frühwald, Auction 126, 8 July 2017, lot 38.

496

PORTUGAL

1409. Portugal, Kingdom. Pedro V AV 5000 Réis. Lisbon mint, 1860. PETRUS • V • PORTUG: ET • ALGARB: REX, head to right; T B F incuse on neck truncation, • date • below / Crowned coat-of-arms within wreath, denomination below. Gomes 12.01; KM 505; Friedberg 147. 8.87g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK.

1410. Portugal, Kingdom. Pedro V AV 5000 Réis. Lisbon mint, 1861. PETRUS • V • PORTUG: ET • ALGARB: REX, head to right; T B F incuse on neck truncation, • date • below / Crowned coat-of-arms within wreath, denomination below. Gomes 12.02; KM 505; Friedberg 147. 8.88g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

1411. Portugal, Kingdom. Luís I AV 5000 Réis. Lisbon mint, 1863. LUDOVICUS • I • PORTUG: ET • ALGARB: REX, head to left, T B F incuse on neck truncation, date between two stars below / Crowned coat-of-arms within wreath, denomination below. Gomes 15.02; Friedberg 150. 8.79g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; scratch to obv. Very Rare; this type only struck from 2 years, of which 1863 was the scarcer year.

300

From the collection of GK.

1412. Portugal, Kingdom. Luís I AV 5000 Réis. Lisbon mint, 1868. Engraved by Frederico Augusto de Campos. LUDOVICUS • I • PORTUG: ET • ALGARB: REX, head to left, F.A.C below neck, date below / Coat-of-arms set upon crowned drapery frame, denomination below. Gomes 16.02; Friedberg 153; KM 516. 8.86g, 24mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK.

497

1413. Portugal, Kingdom. Luís I AV 10,000 Réis. Lisbon mint, 1882. Engraved by Frederico Augusto de Campos. LUDOVICUS • I • PORTUG: ET • ALGARB: REX, head to left, F.A.C below neck, date below / Coat-of-arms set upon crowned drapery frame, denomination below. Gomes 17.05; Friedberg 152; KM 520. 17.72g, 29mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

From the collection of GK.

1414. Portugal, Kingdom. Luís I AV 5000 Réis. Lisbon mint, 1889. Engraved by Frederico Augusto de Campos. LUDOVICUS • I • PORTUG: ET • ALGARB: REX, head to left, F.A.C below neck, date below / Coat-of-arms set upon crowned drapery frame, denomination below. Gomes 16.17; Friedberg 153; KM 516. 8.79g, 24mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

350

From the collection of GK.

RUSSIA Extremely Rare

1415. Russia, Tsardom. Alexei Mikhailovich AV 1/4 Ducat (1/4 Ugorsky). 1654. Crowned double headed eagle, date above / АЛЕЛСЪІМИХЯІЛОВИ ЧЬВСЕЯРУСИІСЯМОЖЕРЖЕЦЬ (Tsar and Grand Duke Alexei Mikhailovich of all Russia) in six lines on reverse. Friedberg 46; cf. KM 40. 0.86g, 14mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

Unpublished Reverse Die

1416. Russia, Empire. Elizabeth I AV 2 Roubles. Krasny (Red) mint, 1756. Б • М • ЕЛИСАВЕТЪ • IIМПIСАМОДВСЕРОС:, draped bust to right, wearing crown / • МОН • ЦЕНА • ДВА • РУБЛИ •, crowned imperial double-headed eagle with Moscow coat of arms on the chest, date above. Bitkin 54 (obv. die known to Bitkin but not illustrated, rev. die not published); Friedberg 115. 3.23g, 18mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

498

1417. Russia, Empire. Nikolai I Pavlovich AR Marriage Ruble (Medal). Saint Petersburg mint, 1841. Nikolai Grachev, mintmaster. Design by H. Gube. ❃ В∙К∙ МАРIЯ АΛЕКСАНДРОВНА ❃ В∙К∙ АΛЕКСАНДРЪ НИКОΛАЕВИЧЬ, jugate heads of Crown Prince Aleksandr Nikolaevich and Crown Princess Maria Alexandrovna, wearing rose wreath; РѢЗАΛЪ ГУБЕ below / Psyche, winged and holding lily, and Cupid, holding bow, standing facing and supporting ornate crowned shield inscribed with script AM monogram; H-Г flanking base; 16 AПPҌЛЯ 1841 Г. in two lines in exergue, С.П.Б. to left. Bitkin 898 (edged reeded). 20.73g, 35mm, 12h. Near Mint State; proof-like surfaces, minor contact marks in fields, beautiful light cabinet tone. Very Rare.

6,500

From the GK Collection; Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XX, 30 October 2020, lot 1013. Often referred to as the Marriage Ruble, this very rare piece is actually a commemorative medal for the marriage in 1841 of Nicholas I and Maria Alexandrovna (Marie of Hesse-Darmstadt).

1418. Russia, Empire. Nicholas II AV 7 Roubles and 50 Kopecks. St. Petersburg, 1897. Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС (By God’s grace Nikolai II Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia), head to left / Crowned two headed eagle, carrying sceptre and globe, denomination, date and Г below. Edge inscription: ЧИСТАГО ЗОЛОТА 1 ЗОЛОТНИКЪ 34,68 ДОЛЕЙ ( А • Г ) (Pure Gold 1 zolotnik 34.68 dolyas (parts) (A G)). Bitkin 17; Friedberg 178. 6.43g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

SCOTLAND

1419. Scotland, Perthshire. St. John’s Church Æ Halfpenny Token. 1797. PERTH HALF-PENNY date •, view of the church; seal below flanked by ST.JOHN’S - CHURCH / 46 WATER:MILLS FOR BLEACHING. PRINTING. COTTON:WORKS. CORN & c. WITHIN 4 MILES OF PERTH, view of a watermill and trees; WRIGHT. DES:. in exergue. Edge inscription: PAYABLE ON DEMAND BY JOHN FERRIER [uncertain number of crosses]. D&H 4. NGC Graded MS 66 BN (#6320091-001); the finest known example available. Excessively Rare; one of only 72 pieces known. Actually a bronzed proof, but not alighted to by NGC and incorrectly listed as plain edged. 250 From the inventory of a UK dealer.

499

SPAIN

1420. Spain, Kingdom. Alfonso XII AV 25 Pesetas. Madrid mint, 1880 MSM. M. Morejón, P. Sala and A. Mendoza, mint officials; Gregorio Sellán González, engraver. ALFONSO XII POR LA G • DE DIOS, head to right, date between two small stars embossed with half the date on each side / REY CONSTL. DE ESPAÑA, crowned and mantled coat-of-arms, denomination between M.S. to left and .M. to right. KM 673; Calicó 10. 8.07g, 24mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

350

From the collection of GK.

1421. Spain, Kingdom. Alfonso XII AV 25 Pesetas. Madrid mint, 1881 MSM. M. Morejón, P. Sala and A. Mendoza, mint officials; Gregorio Sellán González, engraver. ALFONSO XII POR LA G • DE DIOS, head to right; small GS on neck truncation, date between two small stars embossed with half the date on each side / REY CONSTL. DE ESPAÑA, crowned and mantled coat-of-arms, denomination between M.S. to left and .M. to right. KM 673; Friedberg 344; AC 82. 8.05g, 24mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

350

From the collection of GK.

THAILAND

1422. Thailand, Kingdom. Rama V Silvered Æ Golden Name Tablets Medallion. RS 110 = 1891. Thai inscription: “Golden Name Tablet of Prince Paripatra and Chakrabongs”, busts of Prince & Princess in Sokan attire with names and titles around / Two shields over the Mana Chakri collar, Thai inscription: To Commemorate the Royal Ceremony of Blessing the Golden Name Tablets. Stephen Album 40, 1501; Stack’s Bowers Galleries September 2021 Hong Kong Auction, 30064. 40.11g, 47mm, 12h. Near Mint State; some silvering worn on high points.

300

From the inventory of a UK dealer.

500

TRANSYLVANIA The Extremely Rare Karlsburg 1759 Issue

1423. Transylvania (Hapsburg rule). Maria Theresia AR Taler. Karlsburg mint, 1759. M THERESIA D:G T IMP GE HU BO REG, draped bust to right, wearing a tiara / TRAN CO TY (date) AR AU DUX BU ME PR, double-headed eagle with crown above and coat-of-arms on chest. Edge inscription: IUSTITIA ET CLEMENTIA. Davenport 1145; KM 628; Eypeltauer 362. 37.73g, 43mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only three examples offered at auction in the past two decades.

3,000

From a private UK collection.

TUNISIA

1424. Tunisia, French Protectorate. ‘Ali III AV Proof 15 Francs - 25 Piastres. Paris mint, AH 1308 = AD 1890A. Name and titles of Ali, and denomination; all within wreath / Denomination, country and AH date in three lines; mintmark below; all within wreath. KM 214; Friedberg 11. NGC graded PF 66 (#2710164-005). A magnificent example.

1,000

From the collection of GK.

1425. Tunisia, French Protectorate. ‘Ali III AV 20 Francs. Paris mint, AH 1309 = AD 1892A. Engraved by Jean Lagrange. Name and titles of Ali, denomination and AH date; all within wreath / Country, denomination, AD date and mintmarks. KM 227; Lecompte 444; Friedberg 12. 6.44g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 206.02 (part lot).

1426. Tunisia, French Protectorate. ‘Ali III AV 10 Francs. Paris mint, AH 1322 = AD 1904A. Name and titles of Ali, denomination and AH date; all within wreath / Country, denomination, AD date and mintmarks. KM 233; Friedberg 13. 3.24g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 206.03 (part lot).

501

1427. Tunisia, French Protectorate. ‘Ali III AV 20 Francs. Paris mint, AH 1322 = AD 1904A. Name and titles of Ali, denomination and AH date; all within wreath / Country, denomination, AD date and mintmarks. KM 234; Friedberg 12. 6.48g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 206.01 (part lot).

1428. Tunisia, French Protectorate. ‘Ali III AV 20 Francs. Paris mint, AH 1322 = AD 1904A. Name and titles of Ali, denomination and AH date; all within wreath / Country, denomination, AD date and mintmarks. KM 234; Friedberg 12. 6.51g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

250

From the collection of GK.

1429. Tunisia, French Protectorate. ‘Ali III AV 20 Francs. Paris mint, AH 1322 = AD 1904A. Name and titles of Ali, denomination and AH date; all within wreath / Country, denomination, AD date and mintmarks. KM 234; Friedberg 12. 6.46g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Auctiones GmbH, eAuction 61, 16 September 2018, lot 408.

1430. Tunisia, French Protectorate. Ahmad II AV 100 Francs. Paris mint, AH 1349 = AD 1930A. Name and titles of Ahmad, denomination and AH date within cartouche flanked by wreath / Country, denomination, AD date and mintmarks. KM 257; Friedberg 14; Lecompte 489. 6.54g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Scarce; only 3000 minted.

250

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31, 24 October 2016, lot 247.

1431. Tunisia, French Protectorate. Ahmad II AV 100 Francs. Paris mint, dated AH 1351 = AD 1932A. Name and titles of Ahmad, denomination and AH date within cartouche flanked by wreath / Country, denomination, AD date and mintmarks. KM 257; Friedberg 14; Lecompte 491. 6.57g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

400

From the collection of GK.

502

Only 33 Struck

1432. Tunisia, French Protectorate. Ahmad II AV 100 Francs. Paris mint, dually dated AH 1361 = AD 1942. Name and titles of Ahmad, and AH date within cartouche flanked by wreath / Country and AD date. KM X-4; Friedberg 15; Lecompte 505. 6.61g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare; a very low mintage, only 33 examples struck.

1,500

From the collection of GK.

Extremely Rare

1433. Tunisia, French Protectorate. Muhammad VIII AV 100 Francs. Paris mint, 1945. Name and titles of Muhammad, and AH date within cartouche flanked by wreath / Country and AD date. KM X 6; Friedberg 15; Lecompte 521. 6.56g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State. Extremely Rare; Friedberg notes that “only about 30 pieces were struck in each year”, with only one other example present in CoinArchives.

1,500

From the collection of GK.

1434. Tunisia, Republic. Habib Bourguiba AV Proof 75 Dinars. Valcambi mint, 1982 “Year of the Child”. HABIB BOURGUIBA PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE TUNISIENNE, head to left, date below, Arabic legend to outer edge / L’ANNÉE INTERNATIONALE DE L’ENFANT, two children playing drums walking to left, denomination and CHI (mint) below in Latin and Arabic script. KM 317. 15.61g, 26mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

500

From the collection of GK; Ex Sincona AG, Auction 31,24 October 2016, lot 348.

UNITED STATES

1435. United States AV 5 Dollars. Philadelphia mint, 1899. Dies by Christian Gobrecht. Head of Liberty to left, wearing a coronet inscribed with LIBERTY, 13 stars around, date below / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, heraldic eagle with union shield on chest, holding three arrows and olive-branch below, IN GOD WE TRUST on banner above; denomination below. Friedburg 143; KM 101. 8.34g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

503

1436. United States “Saint-Gaudens - Double Eagle” AV 20 Dollars. Philadelphia mint, 1908. Dies by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. LIBERTY, Liberty standing facing, holding torch and olive branch, foot on rock in foreground, rays behind; date and engravers monogram to right / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and denomination in two lines above eagle flying to left before sun and rays. Edge inscription: E PLURIBUS UNUM. Friedberg 183; KM 127. 33.41g, 34mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

From the Coins of 100 Generations Collection, published online at http://www.goldencollection.club.

YEMEN

1437. Yemen, Mutawakkilite Kingdom. Yahya Muhammad Hamid ed-Din, as Imam and King, AV Presentation Imadi Riyal. Sana’a mint, dated AH 1344 = AD 1926. Full name and titles as ‘ahya bin Muhammad Hamid al-din, commander of the faithful, the mutawakkil from Allah, Lord of the worlds within three overlapping circles; star below flanked by floral and grain-ear sprays / Kalima in two lines within circle; value in Arabic above, mint and date formula below; floral designs in upper fields. KM Y F10; Friedberg 2. 40.94g, 39mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; some scratches, ex mount(?). Very Rare.

4,000

From a private North American collection.

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