roma numismatics auction v

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mailto:[email protected]

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Celtic, Greek and Judaean coins

Roman, Byzantine and Medieval coins

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If you are unable to attend the auction in person, you may submit an absentee bid that will be executed on your

behalf by Roma Numismatics. Roma Numismatics will attempt to obtain the lot for you at the lowest possible

price, and will not purchase the lot for you at a price higher than the maximum you specify. This service is free

and confidential. Absentee bids must be sent and received in good time.

To place absentee bids please submit your list of lots, together with your maximum bids, either by mail, fax,

post using the form provided, or online at www.RomaNumismatics.com. You may also participate live online

during the sale at www.coretech.cc.

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

Bids may be placed by telephone as the auction is in progress, but are accepted only at the discretion of Roma

Numismatics Ltd and at the risk of the customer. Roma Numismatics will not be held responsible for any failure

to execute bids by telephone during the auction resulting from technical issues, miscommunication or any other

reason. Any client wishing to bid by telephone should inform Roma Numismatics no later than 72 hours before

the auction that they wish to bid by phone, and should have a prepared list of all the lots they wish to bid on.

BID ONLINE PRIOR TO THE AUCTION, SEE BIDS UPDATED IN REAL-TIME ON THE ROMA SITE.

Internet bids may be submitted prior to the auction at www.RomaNumismatics.com - these bids will be

automatically executed on the website. These bids will then be carried over into the live auction and executed by

the auctioneer on the day.

BID ONLINE DURING THE AUCTION, HEAR THE AUCTION LIVE ON YOUR COMPUTER.

Real-time bids may be placed at www.coretech.cc on the day of the sale. These bids will be executed live on the

floor. A 2.5% surcharge will apply to lots won through www.coretech.cc. Roma Numismatics is not responsible

for any missed lots or bids due to network speed or down-time. It is advisable to register as early as possible for

this service, since all internet bidder must be manually approved by the auctioneer.

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

published around the same time.

http://www.romanumismatics.com/

http://www.coretech.cc/

http://www.romanumismatics.com/



v

MAIL BID FORM

First Name: Surname:

Company Name (if applicable):

Address:

Post/Zip Code:

Country:

Telephone #: Email Address:

BIDS UNDER 80% OF THE ESTIMATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Lot # Max Bid Lot # Max Bid Lot # Max Bid Lot # Max Bid

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

Preferred Payment

Method please indicate:

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vi

Our next auction will be a mail bid sale hosted on the Roma Numismatics website in April.

Further details will be posted on the site and emailed to clients on our active list in March.

Included will be approximately 1,500 lots of Celtic, Greek, Roman and Byzantine coins.

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I. All estimates are in Pounds Sterling. The opening bids will be 80% of the estimate unless there are existing higher bids. There

will be a 17.5% Buyer’s Fee added to the hammer price.

II. VAT at 20% is due on the Buyer’s Fee only, not the hammer price.

III. The auctioneer guarantees the absolute authenticity of any and all coins sold. There is no expiration to this guarantee. Any coins

subsequently found to be not authentic will be exchanged for a full refund of the purchase price.

IV. Absentee bids should be submitted and received by 20:00 on the day before the auction. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure

that bids have been received by Roma Numismatics.

V. All grades and descriptions are the opinion of the cataloguer. Conditions of all lots are as per the photographs displayed on the

Roma Numismatics website; condition reports are available upon request. It is not possible to note all marks or defects, and thus

customers are encouraged to carefully examine in person all lots that they are interested in bidding on. Bids, once placed, are

final and will not be rescinded. If, however, the attribution is found to be incorrect, the item is returnable within 21 days after the

sale. No other returns will be accepted except on the grounds of non-authenticity. All prospective bidders who exercise the

opportunity to examine lots in hand shall assume all responsibility for any damage they cause in so doing. The auctioneer shall

have sole discretion in determining the value of the damage caused, which shall be promptly paid by the prospective bidder.

VI. The auctioneer will have absolute discretion to accept or decline any bid, withdraw lots from sale at any time until such point as

the purchaser takes physical possession, re-open any lot, even after the hammer has fallen, in which a bidding error has occurred,

and to determine in the event of a dispute, the final winner of a lot or to rescind the sale and put the lot up for sale again.

VII. For the protection of mail or absentee bidders, no ‘unlimited’ or ‘buy’ bids will be accepted. When identical bids are received for

the same lot, preference will be given to the bid received first. A mail bid will take preference over a floor bid.

VIII. Some lots may carry a reserve. The auctioneer reserves the right not to sell an item below the confidential price, or will

repurchase the item on behalf of the consignor or for the account of Roma Numismatics Ltd. If a reserve exists the auctioneer

reserves the right to bid on any lot on behalf of the consignor up to the amount of the reserve against any floor or mail bidders.

The auctioneer also reserves the right to bid on any lot on behalf of Roma Numismatics Ltd.

IX. Title remains with the owner until such time as the customer has paid in full.

X. Invoices are due immediately upon receipt. Roma Numismatics Ltd. reserves the right to charge interest on unpaid invoices at the

rate of 2% per calendar month, except where prior agreement has been made with regards to payment arrangements.

XI. A 3.5% surcharge will be applied to credit card payments or payments made via PayPal. The customer is responsible for paying

all bank charges and shipping and insurance costs.

XII. A 2.5% surcharge will be applied to lots won through www.coretech.cc. Roma Numismatics is not responsible for any missed

lots or bids due to network speed or down-time. The customer is responsible for paying all bank charges and shipping and

insurance costs.

XIII. By making a bid the customer agrees to the above terms and conditions and accepts to be bound by them. These conditions shall

take effect and be construed in accordance with the provisions of English Law.

Any coins in this sale that fall under US import restrictions but may still be legally imported into the US are accompanied by

documentation proving that they were outside of the source country prior to the effective date, or are accompanied by a valid

export certificate issued by the country of origin.

Any coins subject to US import restrictions that may not lawfully be imported into the United States of America will be

clearly indicated as such with the note: ‘not suitable for US market’.

Roma Numismatics will make every effort to ensure that US import restrictions affect our clients as little as possible, and

will carry out all necessary importations and procedures as required on behalf of the client.

Invoices to be settled in Pounds Sterling immediately upon receipt unless previously agreed otherwise.

Bank Transfer:

Barclays Bank, 22 The Borough, Farnham, GU9 7NH, UK | Account Name: Roma Numismatics

IBAN: GB81 BARC 2031 0663 0101 39 | BIC: BARC GB22 | SORT CODE: 20-31-06 | ACC #: 63010139

Cheque: Please make payable to Roma Numismatics Limited

Paypal (add 3.5%): [email protected]

Credit Card (add 3.0%): contact us directly on +44 (0)20 3178 2874

mailto:[email protected]

1

Eastern Celts and Balkan Peoples. Circa 300-200 BC. Imitative AR Drachm of Alexander III of Macedon. Crude head left / Figure seated left, holding bird, another perched on throne behind. Cf. Pink pl. 29, 591-599; OTA 591-599. 3.06g, 15mm, 3h.

Good Very Fine. Unpublished in the standard references. 100

COINS OF THE CELTS

1.

EASTERN CELTS

Gaul, Massalia AR Drachm. Circa 220-49 BC. Draped bust of Artemis right, wearing stephane, bow and quiver over shoulder / Lion standing right, MAΣΣAΛIHTΩN above and below; AAΣ below lion. Depeyrot 3; Brenot-Sais 48. 2.78g, 16mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Rare. 100

3.

GAULCOINS OF THE GREEKS

IBERIA

Spain, Bolskan (Osca) AR Denarius. Circa 150-100 BC. Bearded head right, Iberian script ‘bon’ to left / Warrior on horseback right, holding spear; Iberian ‘bolśkan’ below. ACIP 1417; SNG BM Spain 710-33. 3.74g, 18mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 200

2.

ETRURIA

Etruria, Luca (?) AR 10 Units. Circa 300-250 BC. Hippocamp right; dolphin right and CC above, dolphin left below / Blank reverse. HN Italy 98; Vecchi, EC 1, 8.25 (this coin). 5.05g, 17mm.

Good Very Fine. Very Rare. 2,000

Luca (Modern Lucca) was originally inhabited by a Ligurian population, 20 km inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea and located on an island in the river Auser (Serchio); its territory reached the Arno to the southeast and hence the Etruscan frontier. Numerous recent site finds of Ligurian and Etruscan material excavated by the local superintendency in the surrounding area point to an aggressive confrontation of the two cultures from the fifth century BC, probably with alternating Ligurian and Etruscan occupations. Etruscan coin finds from the nearby Gattaiola near Lucca, Ponte Gini in Orentano and Bora dei Frati in Versilia, make it virtually certain that by the third century BC Luca was an Etruscan city, the remains of which probably lie beneath the subsequent Roman and medieval town.

The hippocamp series used a highly original system with value marks CC and C. It is struck on the same weight standard as Populonia’s second Gorgoneion series, but with the 10-units curiously expressed in two multiples of five, CC (5+5 = 10).

4.

Very Rare AR 10 Units of Luca

2

Central Italy, uncertain mint Æ Cast Quadrussis (?). Circa 3rd century BC. Anchor with curved arms and shank topped by large ring, on slightly convex field with rough surface and air holes / Blank. HN Italy –; AG –; TV –; Haeberlin –; I. Vecchi ‘Italian Cast Coinage’ 2013, 268 (this coin). 1225g.

Unique. As cast, with original earthen depostits and patina. 7,500

Ex Astarte XX, 30 October 2009, lot 7;Previously from an Italian collection, found in southern Latium, circa 1885.

The depiction of a simple anchor with a large ring seems to be inspired by the more sophisticated wheel/anchor issues with two rings of an uncertain mint in central Etruria, cf. HN Italy 65-7, or the one ring anchor/tripod currency bar attributed to Rome, cf. NH Italy 263, Crawford 10/1, Vecchi 22. According to Greek tradition (Pliny, H.N. vii. 57), the modern two-armed anchor was first invented around 600 BC by Eupalamos and afterwards improved by Anacharsis and soon became a maritime icon of Greek, Etruscan and Roman art and employed by many cast bronze issuing mints in Etruria, Umbria and Latium, cf. HN Italy 16, 43, 48, 65-7, 202, 217, 263 and 377. The slightly convex obverse and irregular reverse flat fields would indicate that it was cast in an open mould engraved with a simple anchor motive in the concave base resulting in an ingot or coin with an almost hemispherical flan.

5.

CENTRAL ITALY

3

Campania, Cales AR Didrachm. Circa 265-240 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a griffin; star behind, B below / Nike in biga galloping to left, holding reins in both hands, CALENO below. Sambon 887; SNG ANS 170 var. (obv. symbol); HN Italy 434 var. (same). 7.35g, 21mm, 7h.

Truly exceptional condition for the type. Extremely Rare. 2,000

Livy (VIII.16.13-14) relates that a Latin colony, the first in Campania, was establised at Cales in 334 BC. The short series of didrachms and bronze fractions produced by this city is paralleled by similar issues at Suessa Aurunca and Teanum Sidinicum.

6.

Lucania, Poseidonia AR Nomos. Circa 445-420 BC. Poseidon standing right wielding trident, chlamys draped over both arms; POSEI before / Bull standing left, POMESDA (retrograde) above. HN Italy 1116; Lockett 443; SNG ANS 662. 7.87g, 21mm, 10h.

Near Extremely Fine. Rare. 500

7.

Lucania, Thurioi AR Distater. Circa 410-400 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic crested helmet decorated with Skylla / Bull butting right, QOURIWN above, fish in exergue. Noe D18; HN Italy 1804. 15.72g, 26mm, 3h.

Near Extremely Fine. 1,500

Ex NAC 64, 17 May 2012, lot 2046.

8.

Unusually Well Preserved Didrachm of CalesCAMPANIA

LUCANIA

4

Lucania, Thourioi as Copia Æ As. Circa 193 BC. Laureate head of Janus, mark of value above / Cornucopiae, sceptre or staff to left, C·L·Q COPIA around. T. Caruso, La monetazione di Copia Lucaniae, Miscellanea greca e romana 9, pl. 3, 27; HN Italy 1935. 10.21g, 23mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare and in excellent condition for the issue. 2,000

Ex Giancarlo Silingardi collection.

9.

Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 540-510 BC. Eight-grained ear of barley, MET upwards to right / Eight-grained ear of barley in incuse. Noe 117; HN Italy 1479. 8.07g, 28mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning. 2,000

10.

Lucania, Metapontum AR Triobol. Circa 470-440 BC. Ear of barley with six grains / Incuse bukranion. Noe 264; SNG ANS 260; SNG Copenhagen 1176; HN Italy 1487. 1.29g, 13mm, 6h.

Very Fine. Rare. 100

11.

Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 340-330 BC. Head of ‘Tharragoras’ right, wearing Corinthian helmet, Σ behind / Ear of barley with stalk and leaf to right upon which, trophy; Π below, META to left. Johnston A 7.13 (obverse) – A 7.15 (reverse); HN Italy 1567. 7.85g, 22mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare (only one example recorded by Johnston), and an apparently unrecorded die coupling. 5,000

Ex Dr. Roland Maly Collection, LHS 100, 23 April 2007, lot 115.

The obverse portrait of this coin is traditionally identified as the unknown hero Tharragoras, following the attribution by Imhoof-Blumer. In studying the available specimens of the type (of which there were then five), he noted two with visible legends, one reading ‘ΘAPPAΓOPAΣ’, which he illustrated in his ‘Monnaies grecques’ (pl. A,2). Noting also that the portrait on this coin was ‘slightly bearded’, Imhoof-Blumer concluded that it therefore was not Athena, but rather an unknown hero whose name was given on the coin, and who must have been a companion or relation of Leukippos, given the contemporary nature of the two issues and the importance of the Leukippos type.

That the name Tharragoras is nowhere else attested, neither in literature, sculpture nor on other coins, makes Imhoof-Blumer’s identification of this portrait as an unknown hero by that name very difficult to support indeed. Strabo, who does acknowledge Leukippos (6.1), makes no mention of a Tharragoras; the ‘slight beard’ seen by Imhoof-blumer is possibly nothing more than locks of hair that fall from beneath the helmet. No trace of a beard can be discerned meanwhile around the chin or jaw. Where Imhoof-Blumer inferred a connection with Ἄρρα, or Ares, the cataloguer of CNG 81 (106) suggests instead that we should perhaps see a connection with a ‘dialectic form of Θάρσω, a more ancient name for the goddess Athena (schol.IL.5.2).’ ‘Θάρρά’ itself has connotations of ‘courage’, ‘boldness’ or ‘confidence’ - the intended meaning here must have been clear to the people of Metapontum and fitting for the circumstances of its issue, but today neither the legend nor the personage of the reverse is certain, nor will the question likely be resolved easily.

12.

5

Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 333-330 BC. Head of young Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Ear of barley with a leaf on left; META to right, Π-PO to left. Johnston, Class A6.1, pl. 2; de Luynes 471 (these dies); HN Italy 1560. 7.74g, 24mm, 9h.

Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare, one of only five known specimens. 1,250

Ex NAC 64, 17 May 2012, lot 2025.Imported into the UK prior to 19 January 2011.

13.

Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 290-280 BC. Head of Demeter left, wearing grain wreath; Δ behind / Ear of barley with leaf and distaff to right, META to left. Johnston D1.1 (these dies). 7.78g, 21mm, 4h.

Extremely Fine. 1,000

14.

Lucania, Metapontum AR Stater. Circa 290-280 BC. Head of Demeter left, wearing grain wreath, K behind, A Y below neck / Ear of barley with leaf and distaff to right, META to left. Johnston D1.4; SNG ANS 507. 7.72g, 20mm, 4h.

Extremely Fine. 750

15.

Apulia, Arpi Æ15. Circa 325-275 BC. Laureate head of Zeus left / Horse galloping left, eight rayed star above, ARPI monogram below. HN Italy 644; SNG ANS -. 2.86g, 16mm, 4h.

Good Very Fine. Very Rare. 300

Ex Negrini Auction 31, 10 June 2010, lot 27.

16.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 355-340 BC. Warrior on horseback right, shield on left shoulder, |- below / Taras seated astride dolphin left over waves, holding seashell; P below, ΤΑΡΑΣ behind. Vlasto 448; HN Italy 878; SNG France 1750; F.B. 673m (this coin). 7.80g, 21mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine. A reverse of wonderful style. 750

Ex Athos D. Moretti Collection;Ex NAC Auction O, 13 May 2004, lot 1069.

On the coins of Tarentum, the facial features of Taras are usually the first part of the die to wear out or become clogged. On this piece we see a carefully rendered face in which the die cutter must have invested significant care and attention.

17.

APULIA

CALABRIA

6

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 344-334 BC. Nude youth on horse rearing to right, a man standing beside the horse restraining it by the neck, Nike flying above to right to crown the youth on horseback, I below / Taras seated astride dolphin to left, holding a vase in his extended right hand, K to right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 527 (these dies); HN Italy 892; SNG Lloyd 177 (these dies); Fischer-Bossert 715 (V266/R559). 7.83g, 22mm, 4h.

About Extremely Fine. Rare. 1,000

18.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 320-315 BC. Nude youth on horse pacing to right, wreath in outstretched right hand to crown the horse; ΣΑ to left, mask of Pan below / Taras seated astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos; ΦΙ below, TAPAΣ behind. Vlasto 661 (these dies); HN Italy 945; Fischer-Bossert 799. 7.81g, 23mm, 9h.

Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 1,000

Ex NAC 59, 4 April 2011, lot 488.

19.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Drachm. Circa 302-281 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla / Owl standing left with wings spread, head facing; SW in right field. Vlasto 1068; SNG France 1954; HN Italy 1018 var. 3.26g, 16mm, 9h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned. 500

20.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 281-270 BC. Rider on horseback left, holding shield in left hand; ΣΙ in right field, ΦΙΛΟΚΛΗΣ below / Taras seated astride dolphin left, holding wreath in right hand and resting left on dolphin’s back; ΤΑΡΑΣ behind, ΛΥ below. Vlasto 688ff. 7.74g, 21mm, 2h.


21.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 281-270 BC. Rider dismounting from horse left, holding spear and shield; E[Y] in right field, [NIK]ΩΝ below horse / Taras seated astride dolphin left, holding barley ear in right hand and resting left on dolphin’s back; API before, TAPAΣ behind, spearhead below. Vlasto 701; HN Italy 969; SNG ANS 1078. 7.77g, 23mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. Of pleasing style, and nicely toned. 1,500

22.

7

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 280-272 BC. Nude warrior on horseback to right, brandishing spear in right hand and carring shield and javelins in left; before, Nike flying upwards with wreath in outstretched arms, SI to right, LUKWN below / Taras seated astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos and trident; GU to right, TARAS below. Vlasto 730; HN Italy 1004; SNG ANS 1096. 6.23g, 22mm, 4h.

Very Fine. 500

23.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 280-272 BC. The Dioskouroi on horseback riding left; monogram above; ΣΩΔAMOΣ below / Taras seated astride dolphin to left over waves, holding shield and javelins in left hand, Nike bearing crown in right; ΓY to left, TAPAΣ behind. Vlasto 780; HN Italy 1011. 6.48g, 20mm, 4h.

Near Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone. 1,000

24.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 215-212 BC. Bearded strategos on horse walking left, wearing short tunic and chlamys, raising right hand in salutation, parazonium under left arm; ΞΕΝΟΚΡΑΤΗC below, monogram and pileus above / Wreathed Taras seated astride dolphin to left, naked but for chlamys raised in left hand, trident over right shoulder; waves with cuttlefish below, TAPAΣ to left, monogram to right. Vlasto 955-958; HN Italy 1058. 6.48g, 20mm, 8h.

Mint State, beautifully struck and lustrous. From dies of significant artistic merit. 1,000

Ex NAC 8, 1995, lot 39.

The earlier dating of this bellicose issue by Rutter and Vlasto (235-228 BC) does not take into account the fact that this type is found freshly struck in hoards that can be dated to after 215 BC on account of their containing Roman Victoriati, which are securely dated to 211-208. Rome considered Tarentum to be a considerable liability and likely to go over to Hannibal, having only recently been conquered and sacked (272 BC) by Roman forces after the departure of Pyrrhus, and was heavily garrisoned as a result. This issue, with its depiction of a strategos as liberator, denoted by the pileus, may be a thinly veiled declaration of support for the Punic warlord. The presence however of a Greek magistral name as well as the distinct Tarentine style indicates this issue must have been produced prior to the Punic occupation of the city.

25.

Calabria, Tarentum AR Reduced Nomos. Occupation of Hannibal, circa 212-209 BC. Nude youth on horseback right, holding reins and carrying filleted palm; ΣΩKANNAΣ below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding aphlaston in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm; eagle standing with wings spread behind; TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 984 (same rev. die); HN Italy 1082; SNG ANS 1272; SNG Lloyd –; Dewing 320. 3.67g, 19mm, 5h.

Fleur De Coin. 1,000

The climax of the Carthaginian invasion of Italy was reached when Tarentum changed sides in 212 BC. The takeover of the city was a carefully planned coup by Hannibal and members of the city’s democratic faction who opened the gates to Hannibal’s army. The Carthaginians failed to take the citadel, but subsequent fortifications around this enemy stronghold enabled the city to remain under Punic control. Hannibal installed his own magistrates and struck coinage based on the Punic half shekel standard.

26.

Tarentum Under Punic Occupation

8

The Comery Family Collection

Bruttium, Rhegion AR Tetradrachm. Circa 450-445 BC. Lion’s head facing / Iokastos seated left on stool, himation over lower limbs, holding sceptre in right hand and resting left on hip; RECINOS around, all within laurel wreath. Herzfelder 1 (D1/R1); SNG ANS 636; cf. SNG Copenhagen 1928; HN Italy 2477; Randazzo 7-10 (same dies); BMC 8 (same dies); Jameson 452 (same dies); Winterthur 525 (same dies). 17.21g, 28mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine. The usual die breaks on rev. Very Rare. 5,000

From the Comery Collection.

The lion on the obverse of Rhegion’s coinage is the sacred animal of Apollo, patron god of colonisation. The seated figure on the reverse has no distinctive attributes that aid identification, however current interpretations attribute him as being Iokastos, son of Aiolos, who was king over much of the toe of Italy. That he died from the effects of a snake-bite we learn from Heraklides, a pupil of Plato: “Rhegion was founded by Chalkidians who had left Euripas on account of a pestilence; they were aided by Messenians, and settled down first near the grave of Iokastos, one of the sons of Aiolos, whom they say died from the bite of a snake.” The fact that his brothers Pheraimon and Agathurnos were commemorated on coins of Messana and Tyndaris renders it likely that Iokastos should likewise be made the subject of a type, and indeed on Herzfelder 59 we may discern below the throne a coiled serpent, its head raised as though poised to strike at the ankle of the seated figure.

27.

Bruttium, Rhegion AR Drachm. Circa 450-445 BC. Lion’s head facing / Iokastos seated left on stool, himation over lower limbs, holding sceptre in right hand and resting left on hip; RECINON around, all within laurel wreath. Herzfelder 17g; SNG ANS 646 (same dies); HN Italy 2478; SNG Lockett 652; SNG Fitzwilliam -. 4.27g, 17mm, 7h.



28.

The collection from which this coin and 49 others in the sale originate is that of the Comery family, inherited by the present owner S. Comery from his father R. Comery in the early 1980s. Principally assembled by the present owner’s father and grandfather through discreet and highly selective private acquisitions, included are fine examples of several types hailed as masterpieces of the late archaic and early Classical age, including demareteion issues of Syracuse and Leontinoi, several coins of Naxos, and what are without doubt some of the best early issues of Katane in existence. These coins are now offered for sale at public auction, to our knowledge, for the very first time.

BRUTTIUM

9

Bruttium, Rhegion AR Drachm. Circa 450-445 BC. Lion’s head facing / Iokastos seated left on stool, himation over lower limbs, holding sceptre in right hand and resting left on hip; RECINON around, all within laurel wreath. Herzfelder 27e; SNG ANS 648 (same dies); HN Italy 2478; SNG Lockett -; SNG Fitzwilliam -. 4.33g, 18mm, 8h.

Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 500


29.

Bruttium, Rhegion AR Drachm. Circa 450-445 BC. Lion’s head facing / Iokastos seated left on stool, himation over lower limbs, holding sceptre in right hand and resting left on hip; RECINON around, O below throne, all within laurel wreath. Herzfelder 26k; SNG ANS 647 (same dies); SNG Lockett 653; SNG Fitzwilliam 840; HN Italy 2478. 4.21g, 17mm, 3h.

Very Fine - Extremely Fine. Obv. fields smoothed. Rare. 500


30.

Bruttium, Rhegion AR Drachm. Circa 450-445 BC. Lion’s head facing / Iokastos seated left on stool, himation over lower limbs, holding sceptre in right hand and resting left on hip; RECINON around, O below throne, all within laurel wreath. Herzfelder 26k; SNG ANS 647 (same dies); SNG Lockett 653; SNG Fitzwilliam 840; HN Italy 2478. 4.30g, 18mm, 3h.

Good Extremely Fine. Rare. 1,000


31.

Bruttium, Mesma AR Stater. Circa 350-340 BC. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena left wearing Corinthian helmet, M below neck truncation. Pegasi 2 (these dies); HN Italy 2425; SNG ANS 587. 8.63g, 22mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. An excellent example of the type, being well struck on a full flan and beautifully preserved. Very Rare. 2,000

Ex Giancarlo Silingardi Collection;Ex M&M 54, 1978, lot 76.

32.

Bruttium, Mesma AR Stater. Circa 350-340 BC. Pegasos flying left, monogram of Mesma below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet. Pegasi 6. 8.65g, 22mm, 9h.

Mint State. Very Rare. 500

33.

11

The Epitome of Classical Numismatic Art

Bruttium, Terina AR Stater. Circa 400-356 BC. Head of the nymph Terina right, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; TEPINAIΩN before / Nike, wearing a long chiton and himation, sits left on a cippus shown in perspective, her feet crossed, the folds of her himation fall between her legs, draping the cippus; upon her outstretched right hand, held palm down, a dove alights; her left rests on the cippus. Regling, Terina 78 (dies MM/οοο); Holloway & Jenkins 84 (same obv. die); HN Italy 2629; SNG ANS 852 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 761-2 (same obv. die); BMC 41 = GPCG p. 46, 25 (same dies); Basel 242; Gulbenkian 154 (same obv. die); Kraay-Hirmer pl. 97, 280. 7.75g, 21mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine, and among the finest known. Rare. 25,000

Ex Leu 22, 9 May 1979, lot 12;Ex Hess-Leu 31, 7 December 1966, lot 88.

Little is known of Terina; even its location is lost, though it is thought to have been in the vicinity of S. Eufemia Lamezia. The city was founded sometime before 460 BC by settlers from Kroton, probably after the Krotoniate defeat of Sybaris c.510. It was regarded as the burial place of the siren Ligeia, which suggests a more ancient settlement at this spot predating the Krotoniate colony. The city appears little in the histories of Magna Graecia, though we learn from an incidental note in Polyaenos’ Strategems (2.10.1) that the city was engaged in war with Thourioi under Kleandridas a few years after 444/3 - proof that Terina was significant in both size and power. That it was an important centre of trade, culture and wealth is further attested by the quality, diversity and number of its coins, as well as by evidence that a citizen of Terina was victorious at Olympia in 392 (Olympionikai 376).

Diodoros (16.15.2) reports that Terina was conquered by the Bruttians in 356, noting that it was the first Greek city to fall to the rising power of that people. Though it was recovered from them by Alexander of Epeiros, after the king’s death it is likely that it quickly fell again under their dominion.

The present coin hails from the age of prosperity and power of Terina, and is directly influenced by the works on the coinage of both Olympia and Syracuse. The nymph Terina’s form is evidently inspired by Euainetos’ Arethusa (see lot 131), while the reverse is a direct evolution of the die dated c.410-405 which is signed by ‘P’ (Regling 43), and which Harlan J. Berk suggests as being a possible work of the master Polykrates. That die had been undoubtedly inspired by the coinage of Elis for the 87th Olympiad in 432 (Seltman 133), which in its turn was a celebration of the masterful Nike balustrade in the Temple of Athena Nike on the Athenian Acropolis.

The reverse die of the present piece, though unsigned, is by a hand far more skilled than Regling 43, and can be considered not only to rank on a par with the famed issue of the 87th Olympiad, but even to have surpassed it. The boldness of the artist’s creation cannot be fully comprehended until this piece is held in the hand, at which point the sheer depth of the design becomes immediately apparent. The cippus, and Nike seated upon it, are rendered in remarkably high relief; the delicate folds and pleats of Nike’s chiton convey a sense of delicacy and fluidity as is seldom seen in numismatic art, being most akin to those rendered on the Nike of Samothrace.

The previous owner of this coin called it ‘the epitome of classical numismatic art’. This cataloguer concurs.

34.

12

Bruttium, Lokroi Epizephyrioi AR Didrachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right; thunderbolt behind / Eagle flying left, holding hare in its talons. HN Italy 2327; SNG ANS 519 corr. (thunderbolt not noted); SNG Lockett 640. 7.59g, 21mm, 3h.


35.

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

Good Very Fine. Attractive old tone. 1,500

36.

Bruttium, Kroton AR Didrachm. Circa 480-430 BC. Tripod, heron standing to right, QPO to left / Incuse tripod. SNG ANS 273; SNG Copenhagen 1754; HN Italy 2102. 8.00g, 22mm, 12h.

Near Extremely Fine. Pleasing old tone. 1,000

37.

Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 400-325 BC. Head of Hera Lakinia facing slightly to right, wearing necklace and stephane decorated with palmettes / Young Herakles, nude, holding cup while reclining left on lion skin draped over rock; bow, quiver, and club above, ME to left, uncertain letter and bukranion below, KPOT[ΩΗΙΑΤΑΣ] around. HN Italy 2163; SNG Lloyd 615 (same dies); Gulbenkian 130 (same dies). 7.84g, 21mm, 5h.


Ex Hagen Tronnier Collection, Künker 94, 27 September 2004, lot 208. The type depicted on the reverse of this coin is that of Herakles Epitrapezios (Herakles at the table), a rare glimpse of the hero at rest, enjoying a cup of wine. The inspiration for the design is probably the same as that of a series of later statues in the manner of Lysippos, which could possibly have been a statue at the temple of Hera Lakinia, not far from Kroton.

38.

13

Bruttium, The Brettii Æ Double Unit. Circa 208-203 BC. Head of Ares left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin / Athena advancing right holding spear and shield, head facing; wreath below shield, BRETTIWN in left field. HN Italy 2003; SNG ANS 83. 14.52g, 28mm, 9h.

Near Extremely Fine. Superb emerald green patina. Very rare in this grade. 2,000

Ex Giancarlo Silingardi Collection.

39.

Bruttium, Carthaginian occupation AR Quarter-Shekel. Circa 215-205 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left / Horse standing right. Jenkins, Some Q14; SNG Copenhagen 335-9; HN Italy 2015. 1.77g, 14mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 200

40.

Kings of Mauretania, Juba II AR Denarius. Mauretanian mint, AD 16. Head of Juba as Herakles, club behind, REX IVBA before / Capricorn with cornucopiae, rudder and globe right, R XXXXI below. SNG Copenhagen 587. 3.29g, 19mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Pleasant iridescent toning. 1,000

Ex Hauck & Aufhäuser 18, 5 October 2004, lot 406.

41.

NORTH AFRICAA Stunning Denarius of Juba II

Zeugitania, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 350-330 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace / Horse standing right on single ground line; trefoil of pellets in lower right field. Jenkins & Lewis, Group IIIh, 82 (same dies); Alexandropoulos 4. 9.37g, 19mm, 5h.

Scattered marks, otherwise Extremely Fine. Struck from an obverse die of great beauty. Rare. 4,000

42.

Fine Style Portrait of Tanit

14

Zeugitania, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 350-310 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace / Horse standing right on single ground line, on which two pellets. Jenkins & Lewis, Group IV D, 328-329. 7.52g, 19mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Attractive red tone around the devices. 1,000

43.

Zeugitania, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; pellet in field before forelegs. Jenkins & Lewis, Group V, 253 (these dies). 7.53g, 17mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 500

44.

Zeugitania, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-290 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earrring and necklace, pellet before / Horse standing right on single ground line, two pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis, Group V, 259-279. 7.51g, 19mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Struck in high relief and well detailed. 1,500

45.

Zeugitania, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; two pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis, Group V, 273. 7.37g, 21mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 500

46.

Zeugitania, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; two pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis, Group V, 273. 7.39g, 19mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 500

47.

15

Zeugitania, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace / Horse standing right on single ground line; on which three pellets. Jenkins & Lewis, Group VI, 317ff. 7.39g, 19mm, 12h.


48.

Zeugitania, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace / Horse standing right on single ground line. Jenkins & Lewis, Group VI, 328. 7.56g, 18mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 500

49.

Zeugitania, Carthage Æ 13. Time of Hannibal. Carthago Nova, circa 221-218 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left / Crested Thracian helmet left. Villaronga 1973, 114; CNH p. 69, 46. 1.91g, 13mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 200

50.

Zeugitania, Carthage AR Shekel. Time of Hannibal. Carthago Nova, circa 218-206 BC. Bare male head (Hannibal?) left / Horse right, palm tree behind. Villaronga 1973, 142; CNH p. 71, 64; BMC 104. 7.26g, 20mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 500

51.

Zeugitania, Carthage AR Half-Shekel. Time of Hannibal. Uncertain mint, circa 214-210 BC. Head of Melkart left, wearing laurel wreath / Elephant advancing right; aleph in exergue. Burnett, Enna 129; SNG Copenhagen 383. 3.95g, 19mm, 7h.


Ex Sternberg 20, 1992, lot 1250;Ex Numismatica Ars Classica B, 1992, lot 5250.

52.

16

Zeugitania, Carthage AR Half-Shekel. Punic occupied Akragas, circa 214-210 BC. Wreathed head of Triptolemos right / Horse prancing to right within wreath. SNG ANS 1233; HGC 2, 172. 3.14g, 19mm, 3h.


Ex Sternberg 20, 1988, lot 518.

53.

Zeugitania, Carthage AR Quarter-Shekel. Punic occupied Akragas, circa 214-210 BC. Wreathed head of Triptolemos right / Horse prancing to right; Punic script ‘ht’ below. SNG ANS 1233; HGC 2, 173. 1.82g, 14mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. Rare. 200

Ex Sternberg 19, 1987, lot 83.

54.

Zeugitania, Carthage AR Quarter-Shekel. Punic occupied Akragas, circa 214-210 BC. Wreathed head of Triptolemos right / Horse prancing to right; Punic script ‘ht’ below. SNG ANS 1233; HGC 2, 173. 1.81g, 14mm, 11h.


Ex Münzen und Medaillen list 552, 1992, lot 253.

55.

SICILY

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Panormos (as Ziz), circa 370-360 BC. Charioteer holding reins and kentron, driving galloping quadriga to left, Punic ‘ṢYṢ’ below double exergual line / Head of Tanit right, wearing amypx, necklace and pendant earring; four dolphins around. Jenkins, SNR 57, Addenda p.57, 29a (this coin). 17.25g, 27mm, 9h.

About Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 5,000

Ex Leu 20, 25 April 1978, lot 37.

56.

Published by Jenkins

17

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Lilybaion, circa 350-320 BC. Head of Tanit left, wearing grain wreath, necklace and triple pendant earring; four dolphins around / Horse prancing left; behind, palm tree with cluster of dates. De Luynes 1434 (these dies); Jenkins, Punic Sicily, 141. 17.09g, 25mm, 7h.

About Extremely Fine. 5,000

57.

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Lilybaion, circa 330-305 BC. Head of Tanit right, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace, two dolphins before, grain behind / Charioteer driving galloping quadriga to left, holding kentron and reins; Nike above, flying right to crown charioteer, Punic script ‘RShMLQRT’ in exergue. Jenkins, Punic Sicily, 17; SNG Lockett 739. 16.79g, 26mm, 4h.

Very Fine. 1,000

58.

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint, circa 320-315 BC. Head of Tanit left, wearing grain wreath, triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; four dolphins around / Horse’s head left, palm tree behind; Punic legend ‘MMHNT’ below. Jenkins, Punic Sicily, pl. 11, 171 (these dies). 17.17g, 27mm, 7h.

Near Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. 4,000

59.

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint, circa 320-300 BC. Head of Tanit left, wearing grain wreath, triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; four dolphins around / Horse’s head left, palm tree behind; Punic legend below. Jenkins, Punic Sicily, pl. 14, 186 (these dies). 17.39g, 23mm, 6h.

Bold types, attractively toned. Extremely Fine. 2,000

Ex Stack’s, The Golden Horn Collection, 12 January 2009, lot 2086.

60.

18

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint, circa 320-315 BC. Head of Tanit left, wearing grain wreath; dolphin and caduceus before / Horse’s head left; palm tree with clusters of dates behind, ‘MM’ in Punic characters beneath neck truncation. Boston 495 (this obverse die); Jenkins, Punic Sicily, O68/R192. 16.68g, 26mm, 9h.

Near Extremely Fine. This die-pairing apparently unpublished. 5,000

Privately purchased from Spink & Son in 2008.

63.

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint, circa 320-315 BC. Head of Tanit left, wearing grain wreath, earring and necklace, three dolphins around / Horse’s head left, palm tree behind with clusters of dates, ‘MM’ in Punic characters below neck truncation. Weber 1774 (these dies); Jenkins, Punic Sicily, 215 (O55/R165). 16.93g, 24mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Of fine style; attractively toned with underlying lustre. 3,000

Ex Heritage 3012, 2 January 2011, lot 24408.

62.

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint, circa 320-315 BC. Head of Tanit left, wearing grain wreath; four dolphins around / Horse’s head left, palm tree with clusters of dates behind, ‘MMHNT’ in Punic characters beneath neck truncation. SNG Fitzwilliam 1493 (these dies); SNG Lloyd 1638 (these dies); Jenkins, Punic Sicily, 188. 17.14g, 26mm, 12h.


Ex NAC 52, 7 October 2009, lot 90.

61.

Beautifully Toned Siculo-Punic Tetradrachm

19

Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. ‘People of the Camp’ mint, circa 320-315 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Horse’s head left, palm tree with date clusters behind; ‘MHMHNT’ in Punic characters below. Jenkins, Punic Sicily, 323; SNG Lloyd 2162 (these dies); SNG Ashmolean 2162 (these dies). 16.55g, 26mm, 10h.

Extremely Fine. Fine style and well struck on a large flan. 2,500

Ex Leu 83, May 2002, lot 125;Ex NFA MBS, October 1990, lot 523.

64.

Sicily, Selinos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 450 BC. Artemis driving walking quadriga to left, Apollo standing beside her and drawing bow; ΣEΛINONTIOΣ (retrograde) around / The river-god Selinos, nude, standing to left, holding a branch upwards in his left hand, pouring phiale over altar with his right; cockerel standing to left in front of altar, to right, selinon leaf and bull standing left on base. Schwabacher 1 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 597 (same dies). 17.22g, 26mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Rare. 3,000

65.

Sicily, Selinos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 455-409 BC. Artemis driving walking quadriga to left, Apollo standing beside her and drawing bow; ΣEΛINONTIOΣ (retrograde) around / The river-god Selinos, nude, standing to left, holding a branch upwards in his left hand, pouring phiale over altar with his right; cockerel standing to left in front of altar, to right, selinon leaf and bull standing left on base. Schwabacher 7; SNG ANS 689; BMC 23; McClean 2575; Hunterian 4; Pozzi 539 (all from the same dies). 16.95g, 28mm, 8h.

Good Very Fine. 1,500

66.

Sicily, Akragas AR Didrachm. Circa 485-470 BC. Sea eagle standing left, AKRA around / Crab, small male head below to right, all within shallow incuse circle. SNG ANS 958 var. (eagle r.), SNG Copenhagen 37 var. (same); cf. Stack’s Auction, 14 January 2008, lot 2060. 8.58g, 19mm, 11h.

Very Fine. The crab with small head didrachms almost all feature an eagle to right. Very Rare. 1,000

67.

20

Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-450 BC. Sea eagle standing left, AKRACANTOΣ around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. SNG ANS 980. 17.57g, 25mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 3,000 From the Comery Collection.

69.

Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-446 BC. Sea eagle standing left on Ionic capital, AKRACANTOΣ around / Crab; spiral floral ornament below; all within shallow incuse circle. SNG ANS 982 var.; Lee Group II; SNG Lockett 696. 17.23g, 25mm, 2h.

Near Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Rare. 3,000

Ex Tkalec Auction, 17 May 2010, lot 3.

70.

Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-450 BC. Sea eagle standing left, AKPACΑΝΤΟΣ around / Crab within incuse circle. SNG ANS 973 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 41 (same obverse die). 17.19g, 28mm, 8h.


From a private Austrian collection.

68.

21

Sicily, Akragas AV ‘Diobol’. Emergency issue, circa 406 BC. Eagle with closed wings perching on rock to right, tearing at serpent; on rock, two pellets / Crab; SILANOS below. Dewing 569-571 var. (eagle left); Gulbenkian 171 var. (eagle left); Rizzo, pl. III, 8 (same dies); SNG ANS 998-999 var. (eagle left). 1.36g, 11mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, one of possibly as few as three known examples. 6,000

The vast majority of the known gold pieces of Akragas display an eagle facing left. On the reverse we see the magistrate’s signature, Silanos, which is also found on tetradrachms (SNG ANS 1000). Gold coinage in Sicily was usually issued only in extremis, and we can tie this, the last issue of Akragas, to the period shortly before the capture and sack of the city by the Carthaginians in 406 BC. The exodus of refugees from the Punic-ravaged cities including Akragas led directly to the rise of the tyrant Dionysios the Elder, the establishment of Syracusan hegemony over much of Sicily, and the striking of gold coinage for the first time at Syracuse.

71.

Akragas Emergency Gold Issue

Sicily, Akragas AR Drachm or Half Shekel. Punic occupation, circa 213-211 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Sea eagle standing right with spread wings; Γ to right, ΑΚΡΑΓΑΝΤΙΝΩΝ around. SNG Copenhagen 107; Burnett, “The Enna Hoard,” in SNR 62, 7. 3.17g, 19mm, 10h.


Ex Nomos 5, 25 October 2011, lot 112.

72.

Sicily, Gela AR Didrachm. Circa 490-480 BC. Man-headed bull to right with long beard, ΓΕΛΑ above / Nude horseman galloping right, wearing crested helmet and brandishing spear held high. Jenkins Group I, 11. 8.34g, 21mm, 12h.

Some areas of corrosion, otherwise Extremely Fine. 3,000

73.

Sicily, Gela Æ Tetras. Circa 420-405 BC. Bull standing left, olive-branch above, three pellets in exergue / Head of young river-god right, ΓΕΛΑΣ before. SNG ANS 119-122; Calciati III, 46. 3.47g, 17mm, 10h.

Extremely Fine. 300

74.

22

Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 480-470 BC. Charioteer holding reins and kentron, driving walking quadriga to right; Nike above, flying right to crown horses / Head of roaring lion right, ΛΕΟΝΤΙΝΟ around, four barley grains inside legend. Boehringer, Studies Price, pl. 10, 3 = Boston 272 (same dies); Rizzo pl. xxii, 7 (same dies). 16.64g, 25mm, 3h.


Ex Gemini IV, 8 January 2008, lot 39.

77.

Sicily, Leontinoi AR Litra. Circa 465-460 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Barley grain, LEON around. SNG ANS 262; SNG Lloyd 1068. 0.74g, 13mm, 10h.


78.

Attractive Early Leontinoi Tetradrachm

Sicily, Kamarina AR Litra. Circa 461-435 BC. Nike flying left, swan below, all within wreath / Athena standing left holding spear, shield at feet. SNG ANS 1212 (these dies); McClean 2149 (these dies). 0.69g, 13mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine; beautifully toned. Rare. 1,000

Ex Hess-Divo 314, 4 May 2009, lot 1025.

Certainly among the finest known examples of this type, which are remarkably difficult to find in good condition.

76.

Sicily, Herbessos Æ Drachm. Circa 339-336 BC. Head of Sikelia right, hair adorned with myrtle wreath / Forepart of man-headed bull right. Castrizio series II, 1 (D1/R1); CNS 4; SNG Morcom 593; SNG ANS -; SNG Lloyd 1002; Rizzo pl. LIX, 17 (same rev. die); Basel 297. 28.13g, 31mm, 3h.

Very Fine. Rare, and very well preserved for the type. 500

75.

24

Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 467-466 BC. Dies by the Demareteion Master. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer; crouching lion to right in exergue / Laureate head of Apollo right; LEONTINON and three leaves around; below, lion to right. 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. 17.10g, 28mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. 15,000


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 (see lot 108) 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, Polyneices, 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.

79.

Dies by the Demareteion Master

25

Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 467-466 BC. Dies by the Demareteion Master. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer; crouching lion to right in exergue / Laureate head of Apollo right; LEONTINON and three leaves around; below, lion to right. SNG ANS 218 (same dies); Randazzo pl. 4, 90 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXII, O14/R15; Kraay-Hirmer O19/R18; Gulbenkian pl. XXII, O210/R211; Basel 348 (same reverse die). 17.25g, 30mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. 15,000


80.

79 80

26

Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 440 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Lion’s head right, with open jaws and tongue protruding; four barley grains and LEONTINON around. Rizzo pl. XXIII, 1 (this obverse die); SNG ANS 222 (this obverse die); SNG Lloyd 1055 (this obverse die); Gulbenkian 217; Boehringer, Leontini 41 (this obverse die). 17.37g, 24mm, 5h.

Good Extremely Fine. Superb, lustrous metal with iridescent flashes. 10,000

Ex Athos D. Moretti Collection;Ex NAC 38, 24 March 2010, lot 38.

81.

Ex Moretti Collection

Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 430-420 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Lion’s head left, with open jaws and tongue protruding; four barley grains and LEONTINON around. Rizzo pl. XXIIII, 4 (these dies); SNG ANS 257 (these dies); SNG München 559 (these dies). 17.46g, 25mm, 4h.

Good Extremely Fine. Sound, lustrous metal with attractive iridescence. 4,000

83.

Sicily, Piakos Æ Onkia. Circa 425-420 BC. Laureate head of river-god left, ΠIAK before / Hound crouching right, two oak leaves above. CNS III p. 199, 3; SNG ANS -. 0.73g, 11mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. A few spots of bronze disease. Extremely Rare - only two examples known to Calciati. 500

84.

Sicily, Leontinoi AR Tetradrachm. Circa 440-430 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Lion’s head left, with open jaws and tongue protruding, three barley grains and LEONTINON around, leaf behind. SNG ANS 240; BMC 39. 17.54g, 26mm, 6h.

About Extremely Fine. Attractive surfaces and pleasantly toned. 3,000

82.

28

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull swimming to right; branch above, fish below / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand; KATANE around. SNG ANS 1235; Jameson 1891; SNG Copenhagen 175; Randazzo pl. 3, 48-53; Rizzo pl. IX, 3 (all from the same dies). 17.33g, 26mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Extraordinary metal quality for this issue. Very Rare. 5,000


85.

87.

Remarkable Katanes from the Comery Collection

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull swimming to right; branch above, fish below / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand; KATANE around. SNG ANS 1235; Jameson 1891; SNG Copenhagen 175; Randazzo pl. 3, 48-53; Rizzo pl. IX, 3 (all from the same dies). 17.32g, 28mm, 9h.



86.

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull kneeling to right on ground line; above, a nude horse-tailed Silenos kneeling to right on left knee, stretching left hand over the god’s head; ketos to right in exergue / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand; KATANAION around. SNG ANS -; Jameson -; SNG Copenhagen -; Randazzo pl. 3, 60 (same dies); Rizzo -. 17.27g, 28mm, 3h.



29

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull kneeling to right on ground line; above, a nude horse-tailed Silenos kneeling to right on left knee, stretching left hand over the god’s head; ketos to right in exergue / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand; KATANAION around. SNG ANS -; Jameson -; SNG Copenhagen -; Randazzo pl. 3, 62-66 (same dies); Rizzo pl. IX, 13 (same dies). 17.36g, 26mm, 12h.



88.

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull standing to right on ground line, Nike above flying to right holding wreath / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand, wreath in left; H to left, KATANAION around. SNG ANS -; Jameson 533 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen -; Randazzo pl. 4, 73 (same dies); Rizzo pl. IX, (O8/R6). 17.39g, 28mm, 6h.

Near Mint State. Very Rare. 7,500


90.

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull standing to right on ground line, Nike above flying to right holding wreath / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand, vine in left; H to left, KATANAION around. SNG ANS -; Jameson 533 (same dies); Randazzo pl. 4, O73/R72; Rizzo pl. IX, 8 (same dies). 17.06g, 25mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare. 10,000


89.

30

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull standing to right on ground line, Nike above flying to right holding taenia / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand, wreath in left; H to left, KATANAION around. SNG ANS -; Jameson -; SNG Copenhagen 174 (same obv. die); Randazzo pl. 4, (O72/R73); Rizzo pl. IX, 6 (same dies). 17.18g, 30mm, 9h.

Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare. Probably the finest such issue of Katane in existence. 30,000


The city of Katane, founded around 729 BC by Chalkidic colonists from Naxos, was established on the site of the archaic village of the same name that was then peopled by the indigenous Sikels, who had named their village after the rugged black lava landscape (katane, meaning sharp stones). The native Sikels were rapidly hellenized, but the Naxian founders kept the autochthonal name for their new home on the banks of the river Amenanos. This outstanding coin, and those others present in this catalogue, were all struck within a few years of the refoundation of the city, issued in celebration of the return of the Chalkidic inhabitants of Katane to their homeland following the Aitna episode. Hieron, tyrant of Syracuse, had forcibly transferred the populations of Katane and Naxos, Katane’s parent city, to Leontinoi, renamed Katane as Aitna and settled it with 5000 colonists from Syracuse and 5000 Dorians from the Pelopponese. However, after the death of Hieron in 466 and the overthrow of his brother Thrasybulos less than a year later, relations between the newly democratic Syracuse and its former colony soured, leading to war in 461. Allied with the Sikels under Douketios, Syracuse through several battles compelled the newly settled inhabitants to retire to the fortress of Inessa (to which they gave the name of Aitna), while the old Chalkidic citizens were reinstated in the possession of the city. The obverse depicts clear civic types referencing both the life-giving river by which Katane was sited, and other types (see lot 87) the wine-grapes that must have been key to the city’s prosperity through use of the type of Silenos. The taenia borne by Nike on the reverse here almost certainly alludes to the fall of the Deinomenid tyranny that, with the aid of Syracuse and the native Sikels, allowed the displaced people to return to their ancestral home. The earliest coins of Katane were evidently minted in great haste following the re-occupation of the city, and over what apears to have been a relatively short space of time - a conclusion supported by the die-linkages present in the Randazzo hoard. These tetradrachms are today nearly without exception seen in poor condition, being corroded, poorly struck, off centre, double struck and over struck, from dies that were used to destruction. This example is not just remarkable for its state of preservation - it is little short of miraculous.

91.

Fleur De Coin Katane on a Huge Flan

32

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull swimming to right; fish below, stork above / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding wreath in her outstretched right hand; KATANAION around. SNG ANS -; Jameson -; SNG Copenhagen -; Randazzo -; Rizzo pl. IX, 15 (same dies); Kraay-Hirmer pl. 11, 32 (these dies). 17.22g, 26mm, 4h.

Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 15,000


93.

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull kneeling to right on ground line, floral design in exergue / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand, wreath in left; H to left, KATANAION around. SNG ANS 1236 (same dies); Jameson -; SNG Copenhagen -; Randazzo pl. 3, 74-76 (same reverse die); Rizzo -. 17.12g, 26mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare. An outstanding masterpiece of late archaic numismatic art. 20,000


92.

33

Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 461-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull kneeling to right on ground line, floral design in exergue / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand, wreath in left; H to left, KATANAION around. SNG ANS 1236 (same dies); Jameson -; SNG Copenhagen -; Randazzo pl. 4, 74-6 (same dies); Rizzo -. 17.20g, 29mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 7,500


94.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Didrachm. First Democracy, circa 510-490 BC. Nude rider on horseback walking to right, leading a second riderless horse by the reins on the far side of him / Quadripartite incuse square, head of Arethusa left within small incuse circle. Boehringer 32; Jameson 1904; Rizzo pl. XXXIV, 6; Kraay-Hirmer pl. 23, 73. 8.24g, 22mm, 12h.

Very Fine, surfaces smoothed. Extremely Rare, one of only 6 known examples. 3,000


97.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. First Democracy, circa 510-490 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; ΣΥΡΑQΟΣΙΟΝ in two lines above / Quadripartite incuse square, with circular incuse in centre containing diademed head of Arethusa to left. Boehringer 6. 17.12g, 28mm, 2h.

Very Fine. Of the highest rarity. 5,000


96.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. First Democracy, circa 510-490 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; ΣΥΡΑQΟΣΙΟΝ in two lines above / Quadripartite incuse square, with circular incuse in centre containing diademed head of Arethusa to left. Boehringer 4. 16.99g, 27mm, 8h.

Good Very Fine. Of the highest rarity. 5,000


The first issue of coinage at Syracuse features an obverse nearly identical to that of the present piece, but with a plain quadripartite incuse square. This design had been inspired by the first issue of Olynthos (see lot 222), whose coinage had come to Sicily along with that of many other cities from Greece and Macedon as trade payments. Indeed, it was the silver from these trade payments that provided Syracuse with the bullion to strike their own coins. The second issue of the Syracusan series, of which the present and following piece are examples, included a small head of Arethusa within an incuse circle. As the Deinomenids came to power, the coinage of Syracuse diverged much more decisively from that of Olynthos, by making the head of Arethusa the principal element of the reverse design.

95.

The Earliest Coinage of Syracuse

34

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon, circa 490-485 BC. Dies by the ‘Master of the Large Arethusa Heads’. Charioteer, wearing long chiton and holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga left; Nike above, flying right to crown charioteer, ΣVRA in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair in long corded ringlets, tied with band; ΣVRAQOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 37 (V25/R21); Jameson 737 (these dies); D. Knoepfler, SNR 71, 1992, pl. 2, 9 (these dies); Scharmer, pl. 28, 4. 16.98g, 28mm, 6h.



99.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon, circa 490-485 BC. Dies by the ‘Master of the Large Arethusa Heads’. Charioteer, wearing long chiton and holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga left; Nike above, flying right to crown charioteer, ΣVRA in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair in long corded ringlets, tied with band; ΣVRAQOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 35 (V25/R19); Jameson -; Rizzo -; Basel -; H. Scharmer, “Die Meister der spatarchaischen Arethusakopfe,” AK 10 (1967), pp. 94-95, pl. 28, 2. 17.10g, 28mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine. Of the highest rarity. Superb late archaic style. 15,000


98.

Dies by the Master of the Large Arethusa Heads

35

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon, circa 485-480 BC. Charioteer driving quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike flying above to right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl headband; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 59 (V31/R38) = SNG Fitzwilliam 1174; SNG ANS 13 (same dies); Randazzo 242 (same dies). 17.41g, 25mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. Struck from a beautiful obverse die featuring a most graceful Nike with wings spread over the quadriga. 2,000


101.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon, circa 485-479 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton and holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying right to crown horses / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl band; SVRAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 62 (V32/R41); SNG ANS 15 (same dies); SNG Lockett 876 (same dies). 17.12g, 27mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine, obv. lightly smoothed. Rare. 2,000


102.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon, circa 490-485 BC. Dies by the ‘Master of the Large Arethusa Heads’. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above to right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring, necklace and headband; ΣVRΑQΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 47; Rizzo pl. 34, 13 (these dies); Scharmer, pl. 28, 5. 17.34g, 25mm, 8h.



100.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Gelon, circa 485-479 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike above, flying right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl headband; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 84 (V41/R54). 17.34g, 28mm, 3h.



103.

36

Sicily, Syracuse AR Litra. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 475-470 BC. Head of Arethusa right / Wheel with four spokes. Boehringer 362-70. 0.57g, 10mm, 10h.

Very Fine. 100

106.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying right, crowning horses with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl headband, earrings, and necklace; SVRAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 305 (V146/R212); Randazzo Hoard 470 (these dies); H. Troxell, The Norman Davis Collection, ANS 1969, 50 (this coin). 17.43g, 24mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone. 4,000

Ex Norman Davis Collection, Gemini VII, 9 January 2011, lot 158.

104.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike above, flying right, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl headband; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 353 (V175/R246); Randazzo 521 (same dies); SNG ANS 113 (same dies). 17.29g, 24mm, 6h.



107.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying right, crowning horses with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl headband, earrings, and necklace; SVRAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 337 (V166/R237); SNG ANS 108. 17.23g, 25mm, 8h.



105.

37

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 475-470 BC. Dies by the Demareteion Master. Charioteer wearing a long chiton and holding a goad in his right hand and the reins in his left, driving a walking quadriga to right; Nike above, flying right to crown the horses; below, lion springing to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right within linear circle, wearing olive wreath, pendant earring and necklace; her hair waved at the front and tied at the back with a ribbon; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 380; Rizzo pl. XXXV, 4; Kunstfreund 380 (all from same dies). 17.08g, 28mm, 10h.



The series of coins known as the Demareteia are among the most famous and revered of all the ancient coins, being acclaimed as masterpieces of late archaic art. The engraver responsible for the series, the ‘Demareteion Master’ is rightly placed among the first rank of accomplished artists.

The series takes its name from queen Demarete, wife of the Syracusan tyrant Gelon, who Diodoros (XI. 26) reports as having intervened on behalf of the defeated Carthaginians at the peace negotiations following the Battle of Himera: ‘For when the ambassadors who had been dispatched from Carthage came to him and begged him with tears to treat them humanely, he granted them peace, exacting of them the expense he had incurred for the war, two thousand talents of silver, and requiring them further to build two temples in which they should place copies of the treaty. The Carthaginians, having unexpectedly gained their deliverance, not only agreed to all this but also promised to give in addition a gold crown to Damaretê, the wife of Gelon. For Damaretê at their request had contributed the greatest aid toward the conclusion of the peace, and when she had received the crown of one hundred gold talents from them, she struck a coin which was called from her a Damareteion. This was worth ten Attic drachmas and was called by the Sicilian Greeks, according to its weight, a pentekontalitron.’

The identity of the coin Diodoros mentions has long presented a mystery, fiercely debated, since the crown was said to be of gold and there were no known gold coins of Syracuse until many years later. At various times it has been claimed that Diodoros must have been referring to a gold issue of which no specimens survive, or another silver coin with which we are not familiar. Yet he specifically mentions the denomination and standard of the coin, and the case for the Companion dekadrachm of this type being the coin referred to by Diodoros can no longer be seriously disputed. Though we shall not present here arguments relating to the dating of the series, the consensus is that the coin was struck some time after the Battle of Himera, most likely under Hieron, with the date range proposed by Alföldi, E. Boehringer and Arnold-Biucchi of 475-470 seming the most plausible.

The superior style and workmanship of the coin certainly appears to commemorate a victory, noting in particular the extraordinary presence of a laurel wreath adorning Arethusa; yet a purely commemorative nature for this coin is probably a simplistic and naive interpretation. The dekadrachms struck by Dionysios I are now agreed to have been intended to pay for mercenaries; the theory that the Athenian dekadrachms were struck in commemoration of the victory over the Persians at Marathon or Salamis too has been discredited. We should see in the Demareteion series a product of expedience - a means of paying mercenary soldiers - which though presented in a remarkable form is nonetheless an economic solution rather than a commemorative frivolity.

108.

The Demareteion Tetradrachm

38

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike above, flying right, crowning horses, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl headband; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 412; SNG ANS 142. 17.08g, 28mm, 9h.



111.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving slow quadriga right; Nike above, flying to right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands; ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, hair in pearl band, wearing loop earring with single pendant and pearl necklace; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 408 (V211/R288); SNG ANS 128; Hunterian 20; Bement 1050 (all from the same dies). 17.50g, 26mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Rare. 4,000


109.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike above, flying right, crowning horses, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl headband; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 409. 17.27g, 26mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 5,000


110.

Superb Quality and Style

39

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding reins with both hands; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied at back with pearl headband; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 435; Jameson -; Rizzo -; SNG ANS -. 17.20g, 25mm, 9h.

Weakly struck, but Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, Boehringer recorded only one example, in the BM. 3,000


113.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying left, crowning charioteer, ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied at back with pearl hairband; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 434; de Nanteuil 331 (these dies); Boston 360 (these dies). 17.51g, 27mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare and among the finest known specimens. A masterful portrait of the severe style. 7,500


112.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding reins with both hands; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied at back with pearl headband; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 435; Jameson -; Rizzo -; SNG ANS -. 17.62g, 25mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Planchet defect. Extremely Rare. 3,000


114.

40

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding reins with both hands; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right within linear circle, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied at back with pearl headband; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 447 (V235/R313); SNG ANS -; Rizzo -; Jameson 757. 17.42g, 25mm, 11h.

Near Mint State. Extremely Rare. A beautiful composition. 10,000


116.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding reins with both hands; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied at back with pearl headband; ΣVRAKOΣION and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer 446 (V234/R320); Gulbenkian 258 (same dies); Randazzo 529 var. 17.35g, 25mm, 9h.



115.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 466-460 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike flying right above, crowning horses, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl headband; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 471; Dewing 788; Gulbenkian 261; SNG ANS 145 (all from same dies). 17.31g, 26mm, 11h.



117.

Superb Quality and Style

41

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 466-460 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right, Nike flying right above, crowning horses, ketos swimming right in exergue / Diademed head of Arethusa right, four dolphins and ΣVΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ around. Boehringer 477 (V255/R342); SNG ANS 148 (same obv. die); SNG München 1010 (same dies); Ward 254 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 208 (same obv. die). 17.14g, 30mm, 9h.



118.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair bound with ribbon; ΣVPΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 489; SNG ANS -; Jameson 762 (same reverse die). 17.44g, 25mm, 4h.

Extremely Fine. Rare. 1,500


119.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair bound with ribbon; ΣΥPΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 489; SNG ANS -; Jameson 762 (same reverse die). 17.30g, 25mm, 5h.



120.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl headband; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 491 (V259/R347). 17.31g, 29mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine, obv. slightly smoothed. Broad flan, attractive style and lustre. Very Rare. 3,000


121.

42

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos swimming to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair bound with ribbon; ΣΥPΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 499; SNG ANS 158. 17.61g, 26mm, 8h.

Obverse struck from rusted die, but otherwise Mint State. Highly lustrous reverse. Rare. 1,500


123.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 450-440 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving walking quadriga right, Nike above, flying to right, crowning horses; ketos in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing headband, pendant earring, and pearl necklace with pendant; ΣΥRAΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 554; SNG ANS 180 (same obverse die); Rizzo plate 37, 13 (same obverse die). 17.35g, 27mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine; very difficult to find in this grade. Rare. 7,500

124.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike above, flying left to crown charioteer, ketos to right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair bound with ribbon; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 492 (V259/R348). 17.39g, 28mm, 11h.

Good Extremely Fine. Well struck on a broad flan. 5,000


122.

43

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 430-420 BC. Charioteer, wearing a long chiton and holding reins in both hands, driving walking quadriga right, Nike flying to right above, crowning the horses / Head of Arethusa right, her hair tied with a taenia, wearing earring and necklace; ΣYRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 628 (V319/R432); SNG ANS 200 (these dies); BMC 101 (these dies); Boston 385-6 (these dies). 17.24g, 24mm, 4h.


A coin of arrestingly beautiful style, lightly toned with golden iridescent highlights about the portrait of Arethusa. Arguably a far more attractive specimen than the Prospero example sold in January 2012.

125.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 415-405 BC. Unsigned work by Sosion. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga left, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; Nike flying above to right, crowning charioteer with wreath; two dolphins confronted in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, wearing earring and necklace, crowned by decorated ampyx; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ and four dolphins around. Tudeer 5 (V2/R3); BMC 154 (these dies); SNG ANS -. 17.28g, 31mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. Attractively toned with hints of iridescence. Well centred and struck on an exceptionally broad flan for the issue. Very Rare. 7,500

In his 1913 study of Syracusan tetradrachms from the period of signed masterworks at that city, Lauri Tudeer commenced with the group of Sosion and Eumenes, to which this coin belongs. Tudeer’s first group has four obverse and six reverse dies; the obverses are all unsigned, but half of the reverses bear signatures at the top of the Arethusa’s ampyx - one for Sosion and two for Eumenes. For reasons unknown, Sosion signed only one die, but this coin can be attributed to him on the basis of the distinct similarity in style of the Arethusa here to his other work, and because of the obverse which is die linked to his signed type.

126.

Unsigned Work by Sosion

44

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 415-405 BC. Unsigned work by Parmenides. Galloping quadriga driven left by charioteer who looks sideways, holding reins and kentron in left hand and raising right arm; Nike above, flying right to crown him, ear of grain in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing double-hook earring and necklace, hair in ampyx and sphendone decorated with stars; SURAKOSIWN and four dolphins around. Tudeer 54, 76 (these dies); SNG ANS 290; Rizzo pl. 47, 21 (obv. same die) and 22 (rev., same die). 16.70g, 26mm, 1h.

Very Fine. Extremely Rare - Tudeer knew of only one specimen. 4,000

From a private Belgian collection.

127.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 415-405 BC. Reverse die signed by Parmenides. Galloping quadriga driven left by charioteer who looks sideways, holding reins and kentron in left hand and raising right arm; Nike above, flying right to crown him, ear of grain in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, hair in ornate ampyx, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN above, ΠAPME below; four dolphins around, one emanating from below her neck. Kreutzer Parme I b; Tudeer 77 (V27/R49); SNG ANS 287; Basel 472; BMC 212-3; Boston MFA 416 = Warren 378; SNG Lockett 976; Jameson 836; Ward 297 (all from the same dies). 17.46g, 24mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine. An Arethusa portrait of great beauty with a clear signature. Very Rare. 10,000

128.

Unsigned Dies by Parmenides

Signed Die by Parmenides

45

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga left, wearing long chiton, holding kentron and reins; Nike above flying right to crown him, dolphin to left in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, wearing double-hook earring and necklace, hair bound with sphendone over which several tresses fly back; SURAKOSIWN and four dolphins around. Boston 443; Dewing 860; Tudeer 99. 17.04g, 26mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Attractively toned and of fine style. 2,000

Ex BVH Collection.

131.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Hemidrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga right; Nike above, crowning him with wreath, two confronted dolphins in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, hair bound in sakkos and sphendone; SURAKOSION below, dolphins before and behind. SNG ANS 305; SNG München 1093-4. 2.01g, 17mm, 3h.


130.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Galloping quadriga driven left by charioteer who looks sideways, holding reins and kentron in left hand and raising right arm; Nike above flying right to crown him, ear of grain in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, hair bound with ampyx and sphendone; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN and four dolphins around. Rizzo pl. 47, 20 (this obverse die) and 13 (this reverse die); Gulbenkian 288 (this reverse die); AMB 471 (this reverse die); Tudeer 27 (obverse) and 47 (reverse); NAC 33, 6 April 2006, 95 = Stack’s, 14 January 2008, 2116 (same dies). 17.27g, 27mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine. Beautiful style. An extremely rare die coupling for an extremely rare type. 12,000

From a private Belgian collection; purchased in Munich, March 2007.

129.

A Fine Style Portrait of Arethusa

47

The Admiration of The Ancient and Modern World

Sicily, Syracuse AR Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 400-370 BC. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga to left, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; above, Nike flies to right, a wreath in her outstretched arms to crown the charioteer; in the exergue, a panoply of arms is set on two steps: a cuirass, two greaves, and a Phrygian helmet / Head of the nymph Arethusa to left, wearing a reed wreath, triple-pendant earring, and a pearl necklace; below her chin, a pellet, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ behind, four dolphins playing around her. Gallatin V-XXII (five examples recorded from this pair of dies); Dewing Coll. 923 (same obverse die). 43.38g, 36mm, 5h.

Good Extremely Fine. 75,000 Ex Rarcoa Auction, CICF 1985, lot 10 and coverpiece, from the estate of a Chicago collector who had owned it for forty years. The dekadrachms of Syracuse have been called ‘the admiration of the ancient and modern world’, and ‘perhaps the most famous of all ancient coins’; rightly so, for by virtue of not only their impressive size and weight, but more importantly the incredibly detailed artistry of exquisite style which they bear, they represent the zenith of cultural and numismatic technological achievement at ancient Syracuse, and are among the most beautiful coins ever struck for circulation. Produced at the apex of Syracuse’s power and glory, the dekadrachm issue began circa 405 BC, following the election of Dionysios as supreme military commander of Syracuse for his achievements in the war against Carthage, and his subsequent seizure of total power. Syracuse had only recently defeated an Athenian invasion of Sicily that resulted in the utter 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, despite the ruin of great cities such as Akragas and Gela, Syracuse repulsed a Carthaginian invasion that might have resulted in a complete conquest of the island. Such glory was short-lived however, as the rule of Dionysios’ son and successor was to bring only civil strife that would weaken the power of Syracuse. Never again would the city issue coinage on such a grand scale, and with the cessation of tetradrachm production in c.400 BC, the dekadrachms represent 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. This astounding example is struck from the freshest dies with uncommon precision, and has been preserved in near mint state, such that the level of detail is virtually unparalleled. Features such as the delicate folds and pleats in the chiton of the charioteer, her facial details, and the manes of the horses are very rarely encountered with this level of sharpness and clarity. A truly stunning and choice specimen of the Euainetos series.

132.

48

Wonderful High Relief and Lustrous Metal

Sicily, Syracuse AR Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 400 BC. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga to left, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; above, Nike flies to right, a wreath in her outstretched arms to crown the charioteer; in the exergue, a panoply of arms is set on two steps: a cuirass, two greaves, and a Phrygian helmet / Head of the nymph Arethusa to left, wearing a reed wreath, triple-pendant earring, and a pearl necklace; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ behind, four dolphins playing around her, a star below the rearmost. Gallatin XXIII-KII. 43.27g, 35mm, 5h.


From a private Belgian collection.

This type with a star behind Arethusa’s head and below the rearmost dolphin is one of the most infrequently encountered in the dekadrachm series.

Struck from a remarkable reverse die, not only on account of the excellent style of the Arethusa portrait, but also because of the astonishing high relief in which it was engraved. Standing proud from the fields 33% more than the majority of its counterparts including the preceeding lot, this nymph commands reverence and admiration. The fortuitously superb metal quality and lustre of the fields further complement the appearance of this sculptural marvel.

133.

49

Sicily, Syracuse AV Hemidrachm. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. Circa 344-338 BC. Laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios left, ZEYΣ EΛEYΘEPIOΣ around / Pegasos flying left; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around, A to left, three pellets below. SNG ANS 493; SNG Lloyd 1440; Rizzo pl. LVIII, 1; Jameson 851 (all from the same dies). 2.11g, 11mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 1,000

134.

Sicily, Syracuse AV Dekadrachm. Agathokles, circa 317-310 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left, ear of barley behind / Charioteer driving galloping biga to right, holding reins in his left hand and kentron in his right; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN around, triskeles below. Jameson 858; Dewing 934; SNG ANS 552; SNG Lockett 1000; SNG München 1190. 4.32g, 16mm, 11h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old lustre and tone. 3,000

There can be little doubt that the prototype for Agathokles’ issue of gold dekadrachms is the gold stater introduced by the Macedonian king Philip II and continued by his successors for at least two decades after his death, down to approximately the time when Agathokles came to power in Syracuse. Agathokles likely chose Philip’s design because it was familiar to Greek mercenaries, who he often had cause to recruit.

135.

Sicily, Syracuse AV Dekadrachm. Agathokles, circa 317-310 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left, ear of barley behind / Charioteer driving galloping biga to right, holding reins in his left hand and kentron in his right; SURAKOSIWN around, triskeles below. Jameson 858; Dewing 934; SNG ANS 552; SNG Lockett 1000; SNG München 1190. 4.31g, 16mm, 6h.


136.

Sicily, Syracuse AV Dekadrachm. Agathokles, circa 317-310 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left, ear of barley behind / Charioteer driving galloping biga to right, holding reins in his left hand and kentron in his right; SURAKOSIWN around, triskeles below. Jameson 858; Dewing 934; SNG ANS 552; SNG Lockett 1000; SNG München 1190. 4.32g, 16mm, 11h.

Very Fine. 2,000

137.

Sicily, Syracuse AV Dekadrachm. Agathokles, circa 317-310 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left; kantharos behind / Charioteer driving galloping biga right, holding kentron and reins; SURAKOSIWN around, triskeles below. Cf. Bérend, l’or pl. 9, 1; cf. SNG ANS 552; SNG Copenhagen 747 var. (no obverse symbol); BMC 339; Triton VIII, 11 January 2005, 91. 4.30g, 15mm, 3h.

Good Very Fine. Extremely rare variety with kantharos, only two recorded - one in the BM, the other sold by CNG in 2005. 2,000

138.

50

Sicily, Syracuse EL 5 litrai. Agathokles, circa 317-289 BC. Head of Arethusa right, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace, hair bound in sakkos and sphendone / Octopus, front tentacles entwined. Jenkins, “Electrum Coinage at Syracuse,” Essays Robinson, group A (dies a/a); SNG ANS 620 (same dies). 0.71g, 9mm, 1h.

Near Very Fine. Very Rare. 500

140.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Agathokles, circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethusa left, wearing grain wreath, pearl necklace and triple pendant earring; NI below neck truncation, three dolphins around / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga left; triskeles above, SURAKOSIWN in exergue, monogram below. Ierardi 19 (O3/R11); Ward 316 (same dies); Jameson 861 (same obv. die); McClean 2818 (same obv. die); Dewing 943 (same rev. die); SNG ANS 633-4. 17.13g, 25mm, 6h.


141.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Agathokles, circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethusa left, wearing grain wreath, pearl necklace and triple pendant earring; NK below neck truncation, three dolphins around / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga left; triskeles above, ΣΥΡAKOΣIWN in exergue, monogram below. Ierardi 48 (O9/R26); SNG Lloyd 1428 (same dies). 17.08g, 26mm, 4h.


142.

Sicily, Syracuse AV Dekadrachm. Agathokles, circa 317-310 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left; kantharos behind / Charioteer driving galloping biga right, holding kentron and reins; SURAKOSIWN around, triskeles below. Cf. Bérend, l’or pl. 9, 1; cf. SNG ANS 552; SNG Copenhagen 747 var. (no obverse symbol); BMC 339; Triton VIII, 11 January 2005, 91. 4.25g, 15mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Extremely Rare. 1,250

139.

51

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Agathokles, circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethusa left, wearing grain wreath, pearl necklace and triple pendant earring; ΦI below neck truncation, three dolphins around / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga left; triskeles above, SURAKOSIWN in exergue, monogram below. Ierardi 68 (O12/R44); SNG ANS 640 (this obv. die); De Hirsch 662 (this obv. die); McClean 2817 (this obv. die). 17.16g, 28mm, 4h.


Ex Q. David Bowers Collection;Ex Stacks Auction, 10 January 2011, lot 39;Ex CNG 76/1, September 2007, lot 168.

143.

Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Agathokles, circa 310-305 BC. Head of Kore right, wearing grain wreath and single-pendant earring and necklace; KOPAΣ behind / Nike standing right erecting trophy, holding nail with one hand and hammer in the other, triskeles right; AΓAΘOKΛEIOΣ to left. SNG Lloyd 1490; SNG Copenhagen 765; Boston 462; McClean 2836. 16.96g, 27mm, 5h.

Good Very Fine. A well-centred example with a very attractive reverse; light knock to eye on obverse. 2,000

Ex DNW Auction, 28 September 2010, lot 462.

144.

Hiketas AV Dekadrachm. Circa 287-278 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing grain wreath, earring and pearl necklace; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before, long torch behind / Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving biga to right; crescent moon above, Q below, EPI IKETA in exergue. SNG ANS 776. 4.28g, 15mm, 3h.

Very Fine. 4,000

145.

146 147

Hiketas AV Dekadrachm. Circa 287-278 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing grain wreath, earring and pearl necklace; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before / Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving biga to right; crescent moon above, Q below, EPI IKETA in exergue. SNG ANS 777-8. 4.26g, 17mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 3,000

146.

Hiketas AV Dekadrachm. Circa 287-278 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing grain wreath, earring and pearl necklace; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before, cornucopiae behind / Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving biga to right; crescent moon above, A below, star above, EPI IKETA in exergue. SNG ANS 780. 4.25g, 16mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 2,000

147.

52

Sicily, Syracuse AR 3 Chalkous. Hieron II, circa 274-216 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; SURAKOSION below / XIII; three pellets to left, E below. Caltabiano, Carrocioa and Oteri, Siracusa ellenistica, (Messina 1997), 317. 0.76g, 12mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare - Caltabiano et al record eight examples. 500

W. Giesecke interpreted the reverse type XIII to be the denomination, the X standing for Χαλκους and the III and pellets as two different indications of the value.

148.

Sicily, Syracuse AV Dekadrachm. Hieron II, circa 220-217 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing grain wreath, necklace and pearl necklace, long hair bound behind; poppy behind / Female charioteer driving biga to right, IERWNOS and monogram below. SNG ANS 862; Kraay-Hirmer pl. 49, 139; Carrocio 51. 4.30g, 16mm, 6h.


149.

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


Ex CNG 76, 12 September 2007, lot 181.

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

150.

53

A Naxos Tetradrachm from the Comery Collection

Sicily, Naxos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460 BC. Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath, his hair tied in a krobylos behind / Nude, bearded and ithyphallic Silenos squatting facing, head left, holding kantharos in right hand, leaning on left; NAXION around. Cahn 54; SNG ANS 515; SNG Lloyd 1150; SNG Lockett 840; Gulbenkian 230-231; Rizzo pl. XXVIII, 2; Jenkins 673; SNG Fitzwilliam 1108; Kraay-Hirmer 6 (all from same dies). 17.29g, 27mm, 7h.

Good Very Fine. Die break at obv. 3 o’clock. Very Rare. 15,000


One of the great masterpieces of fifth century Greek numismatic art, and one of the most famous of all Greek coins. Produced from a single set of dies, this tetradrachm was struck in commemoration of the refoundation of the city of Naxos following the return of its citizens from their forced relocation to Leontinoi by the tyrant Hieron of Syracuse.

The hand of the remarkably talented artist responsible for these dies can also be seen in the following lot. Undoubtedly the most accomplished engraver of his time, this artist was also responsible for the unique Brussels Aetna tetradrachm. In both cases his work is a tour de force that showcases his singular ability; an advanced understanding and application of foreshortening is effortlessly demonstrated and with almost careless brilliance is combined with a reverse composition that is a triumph of late archaic art.

151.

55

A Naxos Drachm from the Comery Collection

Sicily, Naxos AR Drachm. Circa 460 BC. Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath, his hair tied in a krobylos behind; beard, krobylos and wreath tips traversing the dotted border / Nude and bearded Silenos squatting facing, head left, holding kantharos in right hand, resting left hand on knee; ΝΑΧΙΟΝ around, all within shallow incuse circle. Cahn 55; Jameson 674; Basel 385; Kraay Hirmer 7; Rizzo pl. XXVIII, 13. 4.30g, 19mm, 3h.

Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare, and among the finest known. 30,000


The parallel issue to the famous tetradrachm, this coin presents us with dies engraved by the same hand, yet subtly different in execution. The bold overlapping of the obverse design across the dotted border by the head of Dionysos is the same as that on the tetradrachm - it is the clear statement of a unique ability that delights in breaking the constraints that bind lesser artists, an attitude that is equally reflected on the reverse with its remarkable avant-garde use of the principle of foreshortening, which assists in the creation of a sense of depth and perspective. Yet this Silenos is visibly less intoxicated than he appears on the tetradrachm - here he remains upright without the use of his left hand to steady him, and instead rests it upon his knee.

Possessing a more muscular build and a seemingly younger face, it may be that we are expected to see in this scene a more youthful version of the companion of Dionysos, one better able to hold his wine. The execution of Silenos’ musculature and his posture both on this coin and on the tetradrachm demonstrate a clear tendency in this artist towards naturalism and observational realism that was greatly ahead of his time.

152.

56

Sicily, Naxos AR Drachm. Circa 450 BC. Bearded head of Dionysos to right, wearing ivy wreath, his hair tied in a krobylos behind / Nude and bearded Silenos squatting facing, head left, holding kantharos in right hand, leaning on left; ΝΑΧΙΟΝ around. Cahn 56; Rizzo pl. XXVIII, 14; Boston 306 (these dies); SNG Lloyd 1152 (these dies); Jameson 676 (these dies). 4.31g, 18mm, 4h.

Near Extremely Fine. Struck on a large flan. Rare. 4,000


Executed perhaps as little as a decade after the preceeding lot, the contrast between it and this coin could not be sharper. The god Dionysos has become increasingly humanised, with a less severe appearance not too dissimilar we may imagine from noblemen of that time.

The reverse appears to continue the development away from static, romanticised scenes, instead portraying Silenos in a rather less than reverential pose, clearly inebriated and with an apparent carefree disregard for himself or his surroundings - instead preoccupied solely with the question posed by his drinking cup.

153.




154.


Very Fine. Rare. 2,000


155.

Signed by Prokles

Sicily, Naxos AR Litra. Circa 415-403 BC. Head of young Dionysos left, wearing ivy wreath; P on neck, NAΞIΩN to left / Grape bunch on vine. SNG ANS -; Jameson -; Rizzo -. 0.77g, 12h, 3h.


A beautiful portrait of Dionysos, with the initial P clearly visible on the neck.

The late fifth century saw an explosion in the quantity and quality of dies engraved for the great cities of Sicily. Among the engravers who signed their works is Prokles, who created dies for both Naxos and Katane, on whose tetradrachms we find his full signature. Though the quality of his work for Katane is equally excellent as it is for Naxos, the quantity of his work at Naxos suggests that this was his home city.

156.

58

Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. Circa 412-408 BC. The nymph Messana, holding reins in right hand and kentron in left, driving walking biga of mules left; Nike above, flying right, crowning her with wreath / Hare springing right; stalk of grain with three ears in background, MEΣΣANION within two parallel exergual lines. Caltabiano 600 (D215/R232); SNG ANS 379 var. (same rev. die; leaf on obv.); SNG Lloyd 1107 = Rizzo pl. XXVII, 16 = Pozzi 1097 var. (same rev. die; same); BMC 54 (same dies); Ward 214 (same dies). 17.39g, 28mm, 4h.


157.

Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. Circa 410-405 BC. The nymph Messana, holding reins in right hand and kentron in left, driving walking biga of mules left, two opposing dolphins in exergue; [ΜΕΣΣΑΝA above] / Hare springing right, grasshopper below on bunch of grapes with leaf; MEΣΣANION (retrograde) around. Caltabiano 512 (D205/R212); Rizzo pl. xxvi, 7 (same dies). 16.98g, 27mm, 7h.

Very Fine. Very Rare. 2,000

158.

Sicily, Messana Æ24. Circa 317-311 BC. Head of the nymph Messana left, wearing triple ear pendant and necklace, hair tied twice by a long taenia; MESSANIWN before / Charioteer in standing quadriga right, holding reins and long palm, [ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΩΝ above], D in exergue. Caltabiano 804. 9.51g, 24mm, 2h.


159.

ILLYRIA

Illyria, Korkyra AR Stater. Circa 344-338 BC. Pegasos flying to right, K below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet. Calciati, Pegasi II, p.380, 11/3 = Bonhams IV 1980, lot 148. 8.25g, 20mm, 2h.


The pegasos staters of Korkyra appear on the market with astounding infrequency, due in part to the very narrow window of time in which they were produced and the small size of the issue. These rare coins can be attributed to the time of Timoleon’s expedition to Sicily, when the city joined in the venture despite their political relations with Corinth being still strained. Along with Dyrrhachium, Apollonia and Anaktorion, Korkyra sent settlers in two ships along with a supply of pegasos staters, having suspended their traditional types and denominations to conform with the coinage of Corinth, which had overnight become the dominant currency of Syracuse.

160.

Extremely Rare Pegasos-Type Stater of Korkyra

Kings of Paeonia. Audoleon AR Tetradrachm. Circa 315-286 BC. Head of Athena facing slightly to right, wearing triple crested Attic helmet, pearl strand earrings and necklace / Horse prancing to right, ΑYΔΩΛEΩN-TOΣ around, monogram below. AMNG III p. 203, 1 var.; SNG ANS 1054 var. 12.54g, 23mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Rare variant. 1,000

161.

PAEONIA

158 159

59

EPEIROS

A Superb Gold Hemistater of Pyrrhos

Kingdom of Epeiros. Pyrrhos AV Stater. Syracuse, circa 278-275 BC. Head of Artemis right, hair caught up behind, wearing beaded necklace and earring with drop pendant, quiver on left shoulder; bee behind / Nike alighting to left, wearing chiton girdled at waist, carrying trophy in left arm and holding wreath in right hand, above which crescent; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠYPPOY around. BMC Thessaly p. 111, 5 (Bank Coll.); Jameson 1126 var (different symbols); Giesecke pl. 23, 2-3 (same). 4.27g, 15mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. A very rare variety of an extremely rare type. 25,000

From a Belgian private collection.

The gold coins of Pyrrhos rank among the finest masterpieces of Hellenistic coinage. Struck from metal apparently collected from the Sicilian Greeks, the coins of Pyrrhos are laced with symbolism and honour the types of his ancestors and relatives - this type recalls the memory of Agathokles (Pyrrhos’ one-time father in law) in both the head of Artemis on the obverse and the winged Nike and trophy reverse - both were types favoured by Agathokles. Yet in contrast to the static scene on Agathokles’ tetradrachm of Nike erecting a trophy, here she sweeps forward in flight, effortlessly bearing the trophy cradled in her left arm, while in her right she hold a wreath in anticipation of Pyrrhos’s victories.

The portrait of Artemis is beautiful and refined, thoroughly Syracusan in style. Artemis’ hair and slightly parted lips are reminiscent of Euainetos’ Arethusa heads, as the same combination of delicacy and strength is evident in her features.

162.

Epeiros, Ambrakia AR Drachm. Circa 238-168 BC. Head of Dione left, laureate and veiled / Obelisk, bound with taenia, A-M across fields, all within laurel wreath. BMC 1, pl. XVIII, 1. 4.07g, 20mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare. 1,000

163.

An Extremely Rare Drachm of Ambrakia

60

AKARNANIA

Akarnania, Leukas AR Stater. Circa 400-330 BC. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet; L and kerykeion behind. Pegasi 89. 8.53g, 22mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 500

164.

Akarnania, Anaktorion AR Stater. Circa 400-330 BC. Pegasos flying left, monogram below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet adorned with laurel wreath; lyre to right. Pegasi 3; SNG Copenhagen 285. 8.48g, 24mm, 10mm.

Good Very Fine. Lustrous metal with hints of golden toning. 500

165.

Aetolia, Aetolian League AR Stater. Circa 250-225 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Aitolos standing left, right foot on rock, partially draped with chlamys and with kausia hanging behind his back, holding spear in his right hand and with sword under his left arm; D to left, AITWLWN to right. Scheu 13; BMC 10; McClean 5402. 10.56g, 25mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine.

Ex Münzen & Medaillen 23, 18 October 2007, lot 444. 3,000

166.

AETOLIA

THESSALY

Thessaly, Pelinna AR Obol. Circa 425-350 BC. Horse walking left / Warrior in throwing stance to left, wearing petasos and chiton, holding shield and javelin, ΠEΛIN around; all within incuse square. BCD Thessaly II 515 (same dies). 0.96g, 13mm, 7h.

Good Very Fine. Toned, slightly granular surfaces. 500

Ex BCD Collection, CNG 90, 23 May 2012, lot 129.

“Thessalian horses, Lacedaemonian women and the men who drink water from the sacred Arethusa”: Strabo (10.1.13) relates these words of an oracle to us as being the three finest things in all of Greece. Indeed, Thessalian horses were famed for their quality no less than the cavalrymen who rode them and served in many a Greek army. Thessalian cavalry delivered the decisive blow against the Romans at the Battle of Herakleia in 280 BC, and formed the largest non-Macedonian contingent in the army of Alexander the Great, fighting with distinction at the Granicus, at Issus and at Gaugamela. The costume of the warrior portrayed on this coin marks him out as a Thessalian prodromos or light cavalryman, skirmishers who could fight on foot or horseback and were frequently used as scouting forces.

167.

The Famed Thessalian Cavalry

61

Thessaly, Perrhaiboi AR Trihemiobol. Circa 450-400 BC. Thessalian cavalryman, wearing petasos and chlamys and holding two spears, riding horse walking to left; altar below / Athena, draped, seated to left on high-backed chair, holding crested Corinthian helmet in both hands; ΠΕΡΑ around. M+M Deutschland 8, 2001, 127 (same dies); Moustaka 46; BCD Thessaly I 1241 (same dies); cf. SNG Copenhagen 194. 1.33g, 15mm, 2h.



A fascinating depiction of the goddess out of her normal militaristic guise, at rest, seated in apparent contemplation.

168.

Thessaly, Perrhaiboi AR Hemidrachm. Circa 450-400 BC. Hero to right, with chlamys draped over his shoulders, holding with both his hands a band passing around the head of a bull’s forepart leaping to right / Forepart of bridled horse to right; Π above, E to right, all within incuse square. SNG Fitzwilliam 2429 (same dies); BCD Thessaly pt. 2, 542 (this coin). 2.96g, 17mm, 6h.


Ex BCD Collection.

169.

Thessaly, Phalanna AR Drachm. Circa 360-340 BC. Young male head right / Bridled horse right at the trot; ΦAΛANNAIΩN around. Papaevangelou-Genakos 1 var. (orientation of legend); BCD Thessaly 1250 var. (same); SNG Copenhagen 199 var. (same). 5.42g, 19mm, 7h.

Very Fine. Nick on cheek, lightly porous reverse. 500

170.

Thessaly, Larissa AR Obol. Circa 500-479 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa left, her hair bound and tied at the back / Jason’s sandal to left, ΛΑΡΙ (inverted) above. BMC 3; Traité, 1415, pl. XLIII, 6. 0.66g, 11mm, 11h.


Jason was the son of Aison, the rightful king of Thessaly, who had been usurped and imprisoned by his half-brother Pelias. Aison sent Jason into the Thessalian countryside to be educated by the great centaur Chiron, under whose guidance he lived and grew to manhood. Meanwhile it had been prophesied to Pelias that he would be overthrown by a man wearing one sandal. When at last Jason returned to Iolchos to claim the throne, having lost one sandal in the river Anauros while helping an aged woman (the goddess Hera in disguise) across it, he was announced as a man wearing one sandal. Pelias, facing his own downfall, agreed to step aside on the condition that Jason seek out and return with the Golden Fleece from the kingdom of Kolchis.

171.

Jason’s Sandal

Thessaly, Larissa AR Obol. Circa 475-450 BC. Torso of the hero Thessalos to left, grappling the head of a bull with his arms / Head of bridled horse right, LA below; all within incuse square. SNG München 42; Herrmann, pl. I, 25. 0.90g, 10mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Extremely Rare. 400

172.

62

A Superb Early Larissan Drachm

Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 475-425 BC. Thessalos advancing right, with petasos over his shoulders and chlamys tied at his neck, holding a band around the forehead of a bull rushing to right, lotus flower below / Horse prancing left, Λ-Α; below, R-I above, all within incuse square. Herrmann group III B, pl. I, 22 (same obverse die); cf. Triton XIII (5 January 2010) 1127 (same dies). 22mm, 5.85g, 3h.

Good Very Fine. Very Rare. 5,000 The obverse of this coin depicts the taurokathapsia, a contest in which the athlete passes a band around the bull’s head and pulls it tight in an attempt to bring the animal under control. This would no doubt have been not only a feat of great strength, but also of dexterity and agility to avoid being trampled or gored by the bull.

This particular coin is overstruck on an early sandal-type drachm. The reuse of the earlier coinage in this manner explains why they are so rare today.

173.

Thessaly Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 410-405 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa left, hair bound in sphendone / Horse galloping right, reins trailing; LARISA-IA around. Lorber, Thessalian 64; Herrmann group IV, pl. IV, 12; BCD Thessaly 1134 var. (arrangement of ethnik); SNG Copenhagen -. 6.15g, 19mm, 5h.


174.

Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Thessalos advancing right, with petasos over his shoulders and chlamys tied at his neck, holding a band around the forehead of a bull rushing to right / Bridled horse with loose rein prancing right, ΛΑ above, ΡΙΣ retrograde below, all within incuse square. SNG Copenhagen 99 (same dies); cf. Nomos 4, 1122 and R. Ratto, 4 April 1927, 998 (both from the same dies). 6.07g, 20mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Beautiful old tone. 2,000

Ex Vinchon, 13 November 1986, lot 155.

175.

Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Signed by the artist ‘Ai...’ Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarter facing, turned slightly to left, right shoulder elevated on which sits clasp of garment, [AI] above head / Horse, with one foreleg bent and slightly lifted and tail raised, grazing right, AI below, ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙ in exergue. Lorber, Early, 20.2; SNG Copenhagen -. 6.15g, 19mm, 3h.


Lorber states that ‘Ai...’ became the mint’s chief engraver, displacing he who signed himself “Simo...”. The present dies are among the finest in the entire series.

176.

Dies Signed by ‘AI’

63

Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing, turned slightly to left, wearing ampyx and necklace; on either side, dolphin swimming downward / Horse standing to right, trailing rein on the exergual line and preparing to lie down, bukranion on haunch; LI below horse’s belly, [ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙ below]. C. Lorber, Facing Head Drachms of Larissa in FS Westermark Head Type 10; Triton XV, BCD Thessaly, 2012, 203 (same dies). 6.33g, 19mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. An obverse die of wonderful style. 1,500

177.

Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing, turned slightly to left, wearing plain necklace / Bridled horse prancing right, rein trailing below; ΛΑΡΙ above. Lorber, Early, 31.1a (this coin). 5.40g, 19mm, 6h.

Very Fine. A rare and desirable reverse type. 750 Ex NFA XXV, 29 November 1990, lot 93.

178.

Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing, turned slightly to right, neckline in the form of an open V with central pellet / Horse grazing right on solid exergual line, ΛΑΡΙ above. Lorber, Early, 71.2 (these dies). 5.89g, 20mm, 7h.

Extremely Fine. 750

179.

Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 375-350 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing, turned slightly to left, wearing pendant earring and plain necklace / Horse crouching left and preparing to lie down on solid ground line; ΛΑΡΙ above, ΣΑΙΩΝ in exergue. Cf. Gorny & Mosch 165, 17 March 2008, 1237 (same dies). 6.16g, 21mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Superb style. 2,000

180.

64

Thessaly, Pharsalos AR Drachm. Circa 424-404 BC. Dies signed by Telephantos. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet with raised cheekguards, TH behind / Thessalian cavalryman on horseback to right, wearing petasos, chlamys and chiton, holding lagobolon over shoulder; ΦΑΡΣ around, TELEFANTO (retrograde) in exergue; all within shallow incuse. Lavva 100c (V49/R58). 5.97g, 19mm, 5h.


181. Thessaly, Pharsalos AR Drachm. Circa 424-404 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet with cheekguards raised, ΤΗ - ΙΠ behind / Thessalian cavalryman on horseback to right, wearing petasos, chlamys and chiton, carrying lagobolon over shoulder; ΦΑΡΣ around, all within shallow incuse. Lavva 83. 6.01g, 20mm, 6h.


182.

Thessaly, Pharsalos AR Drachm. Circa 424-404 BC. Dies signed by Telephantos. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet with raised cheekguards, TH behind / Thessalian cavalryman on horseback to right, wearing petasos, chlamys and chiton, holding lagobolon over shoulder; ΦΑΡΣ around, ΤΗ below. Lavva 101. 6.00g, 19mm, 11h. Very Fine. 750

183.

Thessaly, Lamia AR Hemidrachm. Circa 400-350 BC. Head of Dionysos left, wearing ivy wreath / Amphora; ivy leaf above, prochous (small jug) to right. Georgiou, Mint 6; BCD Thessaly II 123. 2.77g, 17mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. 500


184.

Thessaly, Thessalian League AR Hemidrachm. Circa 470-460 BC. Forepart of horse running left, И on torso / Grain ear within incuse square, Θ-E across fields. Franke, Geschicte 12 (same dies as illustration); BCD Thessaly II 3 (same dies). 2.83g, 15mm, 1h.

Very Fine, with slightly iridescent toning. 200


185.

65

186. Thessaly, Thessalian League AR Hemidrachm. Circa 470-460 BC. Forepart of horse right / ΘΕ-ΤΑ, wheat grain upwards, all in incuse square. BCD Thessaly II, 9 (this coin). 2.91g, 15mm, 2h.


Ex BCD Collection, Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 9.

187. Thessaly, Thessalian League AR Stater. Philippos and Themistogenes magistrates, circa 75-25 BC. Head of Zeus to right, wearing oak wreath / Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear with her right hand and holding shield in her left; ΘΕΣΣΑ-ΛΩΝ across fields, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above, QΕΜΙΣΤΟΓΕΝΥΣ below. SNG Copenhagen 296 var. 6.01g, 22mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. 500 Ex Nomos 5, 25 October 2011, lot 154;Ex European private collection, acquired in the 1980s.

188. Lokris, Lokris Opuntii AR Stater. Circa 369 BC. Head of Demeter left, wearing barley-wreath, pearl necklace and elaborate ‘boat’ earring with crescent and five pendants / Ajax the Lokrian, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, advancing right on rocky ground, holding short sword and round shield decorated on its interior with griffin, transverse spear behind hero’s legs; OPONTIWN to left. SNG Berry 570 (same dies); Gulbenkian 495–496 (same obverse die); SNG Lockett 1693 (same obverse die). 12.14g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned. 6,000 Ex Peter Guber Collection;Ex Viscount Wimbourne Collection;Ex Freeman & Sear Fixed Price List 9, Spring 2004, 29;Ex Sotheby’s, 4 April 1991, lot 52;Ex Leu 28, 5 May 1981, lot 102. This exceptional portrait, with its right-facing orientation and elaborate earring, has been proposed to be the inaugural type of the Lokrian series. It is in any case certainly one of the most beautiful, and the reverse too is of an exceptionally fine style.

Ajax of Lokris led his countrymen against Troy in forty ships and was counted among the great heroes of the Greeks, but for his offence against Athena he was wrecked and killed in a storm as he made his way home from the war. Nonetheless, so great was the faith of the Lokrians in their national hero that whenever their army drew up for battle, one place was always left open for Ajax, whose spirit they believed would stand and fight with them.

189. Phokis, Federal Coinage AR Triobol. Time of the Third Sacred War, circa 354-352 BC. Struck under Onymarchos. Bull’s head facing / Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind, Φ-Ω below. Williams 351 (O.245/R.213); BCD Phokis, lot 294; BMC 81, pl. III, 19. 2.77g, 15mm, 12h.


Ajax the LokrianLOKRIS

PHOKIS

66

Elis, Olympia AR Stater. 90th Olympiad. Hera mint, circa 420 BC. Signed by ‘L…’ Head of Hera right, wearing stephane decorated with palmettes connected by tendrils, HPA above, Λ below chin / Fulminating upright thunderbolt, F-A across fields, all within olive wreath. Delepierre 2130 (same obverse die); Boston 1207 (same obverse die); Seltman 244; BCD 64 (same obverse die). 12.05g, 22mm, 6h.


Ex NAC 64, 17 May 2012, lot 814. This coin is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by David Sear dated 6th August 2008.

190.

ELIS

CORINTHIA

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 405-345 BC. Pegasos flying right, Q below / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet; thymiaterion behind. Pegasi 238; Ravel 574. 8.46g, 22mm, 6h.

About Extremely Fine. 750

191.

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 400-375 BC. Pegasos walking left on double ground line, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; seven dolphins around. Pegasi 277. 8.41g, 21mm, 6h.

Very Fine. Very Rare. 500

192.

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 400-375 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet, E and poppy-head behind. Pegasi 367; Ravel 986; BMC 329. 8.51g, 21mm, 3h.


193.

Attractive Signed Die

67

Bellerophon and the Chimaera

Corinthia, Corinth AR Trihemidrachm. Circa 375-350 BC. Bellerophon on Pegasos flying right, Q below / Chimaera standing left, right forepaw raised; monogram between hind legs, amphora in exergue. Warren, “The Trihemidrachms of Corinth,” in Essays to Robinson, pg. 128 Group V. A.1.2 (same dies). 3.82g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare. 500

An exceptional issue of mythological and historical interest that uses both sides of the coin to narrate the story of Corinth’s most famous son, who slew the feared Chimaera - a monster that Homer depicts as possessing a lion’s head, goat’s body and a serpent for a tail, whose breath ‘came out in terrible blasts of burning flame’. The Chimaera, being impervious to Bellerophon’s attacks even when mounted on Pegasos, required an inventive weapon - mounting a block of lead on the end of his spear, Bellerophon lodged the lead in the Chimaera’s mouth so that when it breathed fire the lead melted and blocked its airway, suffocating it.

The collector BCD stated that Warren, in Essays Robinson p. 137, gives a possible production date for this coin that is far too early, with the style and flan indicating that it cannot be dated before the very end of the 5th century BC. He further suggests that “the issue is exceptional enough so that an allusion to the Aegospotamoi victory that was the final blow to the Athenians in the Peloponnesian war is a distinct possibility”.

194.

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-330 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; E and a dove behind. Pegasi 368; Ravel 988. 8.55g, 22mm, 2h.

Good Very Fine. 300

195.

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet; kantharos and N behind. Pegasi 379; Ravel 1061; BMC 374. 8.48g, 21mm, 9h.


196.

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet; bukranion and N behind. Pegasi 382; Ravel 1064. 8.46g, 23mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. 500

197.

68

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; N and triskeles within circle behind. Pegasi 383; Ravel 1065; BCD Corinth 126. 8.53g, 20mm, 6h.

Very Fine. 300

198.

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with laurel wreath, A-P below, aegis behind. Pegasi 427; Ravel 1009; BCD Corinth -. 8.57g, 21mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 750

199.

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; boar above, P behind, A below chin. Pegasi 435; Ravel 1017; BCD Corinth -; SNG Copenhagen 68. 8.53g, 22mm, 10h.

Extremely Fine. 500

200.

Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Drachm. Circa 340-335 BC. Dove alighting left; S before, I behind / Dove flying left; E above tail; all within wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 224 (these dies). 5.65g, 19mm, 3h.

About Very Fine. 750

Ex ‘Dove’ Collection, Morton and Eden, 9 June 2011, lot 216; Privately purchased from Tradart.

202.

SIKYONIA

Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; dove flying left behind. Pegasi 491. 8.47g, 22mm, 1h. Good Fine. Rare. 300

201.

69

Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Stater. Circa 335-330 BC. Chimaera standing left, forepaw raised; wreath above, ΣE below / Dove flying left; N before; all within olive wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 218. 12.17g, 24mm, 12h.


Ex CNG E-sale 279, 16 May 2012, lot 91.

203.

Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Hemidrachm. Circa 330-320 BC. Chimaera advancing left, right paw raised; ΣΙ below / Dove flying left, Σ behind. BMC 119. 2.82g, 16mm, 11h.


Ex ‘Dove’ Collection, Morton and Eden, 9 June 2011, lot 217; Privately purchased from Tradart.

204.

ATTICA

Attica, Athens AR Obol. Circa 510-500/490 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing left, head facing; olive-sprig behind; all within incuse square. Seltman group H, p. 192, pl. 22, ν and ξ; Svoronos, Monnaies pl. 2, 57-8 and pl. 7, 60. 0.72g, 7mm, 3h.

Very Fine. Extremely rare archaic obol, especially with a left-facing owl. 1,000

205.

Extremely Rare Archaic Obol of Athens

Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 500-480 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet and earring, hair in tight curls about forehead / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and berry in upper left field, AQE to right. SNG Copenhagen 20. 17.27g, 22mm, 2h. Very Fine. Very Rare. 5,500

206.

Rare and Attractive Hemidrachm of Sikyon

70

Attractive Transitional Tetradrachm

Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 479-450 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and berry in upper left field, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Svoronos pl. 10; SNG München -; Starr Group V. 16.99g, 24mm, 6h.


Ex Hirsch 178, 1993, lot 223.

207.

Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and berry in upper left field, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; SNG Copenhagen 31; Dewing 1591-8. 17.10g, 26mm, 10h.

Mint State. Struck on a very broad flan, displaying much of Athena’s helmet crest and full reverse borders. 1,000

208.


Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful strike on a large flan. 1,000

209.


Good Extremely Fine. 1 ,500

210.

71

Extraordinarily Complete Athens Tetradrachm



A superb example with a perfectly struck head of Athena that shows the full crest of her helmet, a most uncommon feature. Rarely encountered this well struck, and truly exceptional.

Ex Q. David Bowers Collection;Ex Stacks Auction, 10 January 2011, lot 71.

211.


Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre around the devices and attractively toned. 3,000

212.

Attica, Athens AR Drachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and berry in upper left field, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 10; SNG Copenhagen 41-3. 4.29g, 15mm, 9h.

Test cut to reverse and small area of flatness on obverse; otherwise Extremely Fine. 750

213.

Attica, Athens AR Drachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and berry in upper left field, AQE to right; all within incuse square. SNG Copenhagen 41-3; Kroll 10. 4.15g, 15mm, 3h.

Near Very Fine. 500

214.

72

Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. ‘New Style’ issue. 132/1 BC. Dorothe..., Dioph..., and Demeoul..., magistrates. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with vine tendril and Pegasos / AΘE, owl standing right on overturned amphora, head facing, forepart of lion in right field, Z on amphora, ME below; magistrates ΔOP-OΘE, ΔIOΦ, and ΔHMH-OYΛ; all within laurel wreath. Cf. Thompson 387b. 16.92g, 30mm, 12h.


Ex Spink America, 3 May 1995, lot 441.

216.

Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 440-380 BC. Tortoise / Incuse square punch partitioned by three lines. SNG Lockett 1988; SNG München 567. 12.53g, 21mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine, very good for the type with a pleasing old tone. 3,000

217.

Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 350-338 BC. Tortoise with segmented shell; A-I flanking / Large incuse square with thin skew pattern; N I in upper quarters, dolphin upward in lower left quarter. Milbank p. 51, a; SNG Copenhagen 526; Traité III, 134. 11.89g, 21mm 7h.


Ex Triton XIV, 4 January 2011, lot 249.

218.

Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. ‘New Style’ issue. Circa 133/2 BC. Polycharmos, Nikogenes, and Demosthenes, magistrates. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with vine tendril and Pegasos / Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora, AQE across, ΠΟΛΥ-ΧΑΡΜ, ΝΙΚΟΓ, DEMO-SQE in right field, winged caduceus in left field, B on amphora, ΣΦ below, all enclosed within wreath. Thompson 376b; Svoronos pl. 49, 24. 16.88g, 30mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old tone with light golden highlights. 1,000

Ex Spink Smythe Sale 234, 2 December 2003, lot 1017.

215.

73

BOEOTIA

Boeotia, Thebes AR Stater. Circa 390-382 BC. Hike-, magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora, ivy leaf hanging from each handle; club above, olive spray to left, HI-KE across field; all within incuse concave circle. BCD Boiotia 487 var. (club left, olive spray below); Hepworth 53 (same rev. die); Head, Boeotia p. 65; Myron Hoard -; BMC -. 12.32g, 24mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Very rare variety, not present in the BCD collection. 3,000

Ex Triton XIII, 5 January 2010, lot 133.

219.

Boeotia, Thebes AR Stater. Circa 390-382 BC. Damo-, magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora, two ivy leaves and berry hanging from left handle; club above, ΔA-MΩ across lower field; all within concave circle. BCD Boiotia 489 (same rev. die); Hepworth 24; Myron Hoard pl. Δ, 18; BMC 129; Winterthur 1916 (same rev. die). 12.33g, 23mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine. Much better preserved than the BCD specimen. 1,000


220.

Boeotian Rarity in Perfect Condition

Boeotia, Thebes AR Stater. Circa 364-362 BC. Epaminondas, magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora, Boeotian shield above, EΠ-ΠA across central field; all within concave circle. BCD Boiotia 542; Hepworth, Epaminondas pl. 3, 4; Hepworth 35; BMC 138. 12.29g, 22mm, 11h.



Epaminondas was held by the French statesman and intellectual Michel Eyquem de Montaigne as being a man ‘in the first class of excellent men’ and ‘one of the three worthiest’ that ever lived; Cicero referred to Epaminondas as the ‘first man of Greece’, ‘and to be the first and chief man of Greece’ Montaigne tells us, ‘is without question to be chief and first man of all the world’. Truly these are judgements neither idly given nor lacking in the gravest sincerity. For Epaminondas was the idealist, the liberator of his age, a statesman, general and tactician beyond par in his own time.

Today he is upheld in military circles as a paragon of tactical innovation and application; at the Battle of Leuktra he shattered the Spartan hegemony of Greece, leaving the way open for Theban supremacy. The normal practice of the Greeks (and the Spartans in particular) was to concentrate their elite forces on the right wing of their battle line, the position of honour. Epaminondas broke with tradition, instead massing on the left his cavalry and a fifty-deep column of Theban infantry with the Sacred Band at its vanguard. Epaminondas staggered his battle line so that his left would be the first to engage the Spartans and his weaker right remain disengaged for as long as possible. The Spartan twelve-deep right flank could not withstand the onslaught of the Theban column, and was overwhelmed and thrown back with the loss of a thousand men, of whom at least four hundred were irreplaceable spartiates, including the king Kleombrotos I. Seeing the right flank crumble, the rest of the Spartan force withdrew from the field.

Tragically for Thebes, Epaminondas was wont to fight in the phalanx as was then the custom of Greek generals, and nine years after Leuktra he was killed at Mantineia, struck by a spear in the chest. The ambitions of Thebes died with him, and a weakened Greece was soon subdued by Philip II of Macedon, who had received a military and diplomatic education from none other than Epaminondas himself.

221.

Epaminondas, ‘First Man of Greece’

74

First Coin of Olynthos, Inspiration for Syracuse

Macedon, Olynthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 510 BC. Charioteer driving walking quadriga to right, wearing long chiton and holding whip in right hand, reins in his left; large pellet above / Quadripartite incuse square. H.A. Cahn, “Olynthus” and Syracuse, Essays to Thompson, pp. 46-52, 1 and pl. 2, 1 and 1a = Leu Numismatik AG, Auction 81, Zurich, 16 May 2001, lot 169. 15.58g, 29mm.

Of the highest rarity and importance. Cut, otherwise Extremely Fine, with all important details intact. 5,000

The second known example of the first issue of coinage struck at Olynthos, and the prototype for the coinage of Syracuse.

The first coin of this type originated from an unknown hoard found sometime before 1903. That coin was initially erroneously condemned as a forgery by the overzealous K. Regling, thus dissuading E.P. Warren from purchasing the piece, which instead found its way to an English collection where it resided until the 1970s. Cahn’s publication dispelled all doubt of the coin’s authenticity, and further confirmed it to be one of the most important sixth century northern Greek coins. The attribution to Olynthos was made based upon the existence of the known series of tetradrachms depicting the same quadriga on the obverse, with the addition of a small eagle in the middle of the quadripartive incuse square of the reverse. These coins were then linked by type to the drachms of Olynthos that bear a horse and eagle as their types. While perhaps a seemingly tenuous link, as indeed Cahn acknowledged, there is no better candidate given that the coins are clearly northern Greek, or Thraco-Macedonian, in fabric.

Of great numismatic interest, this coin can be clearly seen to have served as the prototype for the earliest coinage of Syracuse. As northern Greek coins made their way to Sicily in the later sixth century along with other dominant currencies including Corinthian staters and Athenian tetradrachms, Syracuse thus acquired the bullion necessary to strike its own coinage, evidently choosing the perhaps obscure types of this coin from the fringes of Greek civilisation as their principal inspiration. The very first issue of Syracuse (Boehringer 1) featured the same quadriga and typically Thraco-Macedonian quadripartite incuse square types, but significantly also included the city’s ethnik on the obverse. Later issues then sported a small head of Arethusa within an incuse punch in the centre of the square on the reverse (Boehringer 2-31), in much the same manner as the second issue of coinage at Olynthos – perhaps suggestive of parallel decisions by both cities to differentiate their coinage from the other’s.

222.

MACEDON

75

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetrobol. Olynthos, circa 420-380 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, ΟΛΥΝΘ around / Kithara with eight strings, ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around. SNG ANS -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -; Robinson & Clement Group D, 38 (same dies); Traite pl. 313, 10. 2.40g, 25mm, 12h.


This is one of the very few dies of the Chalkidian League to explicity name Olynthos as the minting location for its coinage. See Robinson-Clement, p. 148ff.

Having been formed sometime after 432 BC when Olynthos broke away from Athens along with several other neighbouring cities, little is known of the early history of the League save that by the terms of the Peace of Nicias of 421, Athens and Sparta agreed that it should be broken up. The Athenian failure to enforce this doubtless heartened the cities of the League, encouraging them to strike their own common coinage, with the dominant city of Olynthos as the mint.

223.

Rare Early Tetrobol of the Chalkidian League

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 390 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Kithara of seven strings, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Cf. Robinson & Clement Group F, 9 (A8/P-; unpublished reverse die); SNG ANS 470 (same obverse die). 14.45g, 24mm, 9h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. 3,000

In 393 BC the king of Macedon Amyntas III was driven out by Illyrians. Amyntas transferred control of some of his territories to Olynthos during this period, and when in the following year he recovered his throne with the assistance of the Thessalians, these territories were restored to him. In order to counter the threat of the Illyrians, Amyntas established an alliance with Olynthos, granting them trade rights to Macedonian timber in exchange for their support. This timber was sold to Athens to rebuild their fleet, and with Athenian silver flowing north to Olynthos, the Chalkidian League gradually grew in wealth and power.

224.

A Run of Early Chalkidian League Tetradrachms

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Kithara of seven strings, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H - (these dies not published). 14.51g, 26mm, 3h.

Mint State. 3,000

225.

76

A Group H Tetradrachm of Outstanding Style

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Kithara of seven strings, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, A13/P13. 14.50g, 25mm, 6h.


The extensive ‘Group H’ coinage appears to have been produced in order to finance the Olynthian war effort against a Spartan campaign to subdue the city and dissolve the Chalkidian League in 382-379 BC.

Amid continuous Illyrian invasions along the northern border of Macedon, in around 385 BC Amyntas III once more mortgaged certain territories, this time formally to the Chalkidian League. By 382 the League had absorbed most of the Greek cities west of the river Strymon, and unlike in 392, it was reluctant to return control of the Macedonian territories that Amyntas had transferred to its control, which included the capital at Pella.

Amyntas now sought the aid of Sparta against the growing threat of the Chalkidian League; his disposition was shared by the cities of Akanthos and Apollonia, who anticipated imminent conquest by the League. Sparta, keen to reassert its presence in northern Greece, consented and a force of 10,000 was mobilised and dispatched against the League. An advance force of 2,000 under Eudamidas succeeded in separating Potidaea from the League; meanwhile the main force under Teleutias, brother of the Spartan king Agesilaos II, proceeded slowly, being augmented by allied contingents as it went. Teleutias thus arrived in Olynthian territory at the head of a substantial army and won an initial victory outside the city walls of Olynthos. In the spring of 381 however, Teleutias allowed himself to be drawn in too close to the walls, whereupon his forces came under missile fire and were routed with heavy losses by an Olynthian sortie, Teleutias himself being killed in the engagement.

With the death of Teleutias, command passed to king Agesipolis I, who in 380 recommenced operations against the League, taking the city of Toroni in an assault. Agesipolis’ success was short-lived however, as he was seized with fever and died within seven days. After three years of protracted but indecisive warfare, Olynthos consented to dissolve the Chalkidian League, though this dissolution appears to have been little more than a token formality, since in the following year the League appears among the members of the Athenian naval confederacy, and twenty years later Demosthenes reported the power of the League as being much greater than before the Spartan expedition. Olynthos itself is at this time spoken of as a city of the first rank, and the Chalkidian League then comprised thirty-two cities.

226.

77

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Kithara of seven strings, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 18 bis (A17/P16 bis); SNG ANS –; CNG 88, lot 82 (same dies). 14.45g, 24mm, 12h.


227.

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Kithara of eight strings, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, A19/P20. 14.45g, 28mm, 6h.

Light cleaning marks under tone on obverse, otherwise Extremely Fine. 2,500

228.

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Kithara of eight strings, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, A19/P20. 14.49g, 25mm, 6h.

Mint State. 2,500

229.

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Kithara of seven strings, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 27 (A22/P24); SNG ANS 474 (same dies). 14.48g, 24mm, 12h.


230.

78

Extremely Rare and the Finest Known

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; floral symbol to left / Kithara of six strings, XAΛKIΔEΩN around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group I, 42 var. (A32/P– [unlisted rev. die]); SNG ANS –; CNG 91, 19 September 2012, 117 (same dies). 14.46g, 26mm, 1h.

Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. The finest known example. 3,000

Of this issue with the floral symbol, Robinson and Clement record only two examples, both in museums (Athens, Brussels), and both of which are from the same obverse die and have the same die breaks as the CNG piece sold in 2012. The present example is from an earlier die state, and lacks the prominent breaks on the nose and jawline.

231.

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetrobol. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Kithara with eight strings, ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around. SNG ANS 524; Robinson & Clement Group H. 2.37g, 15mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre. 500

232.

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetrobol. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Kithara with eight strings, ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around. SNG ANS 531; Robinson & Clement Group H. 2.42g, 15mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. 500

233.

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetrobol. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Kithara, XALKIDEWN around. SNG ANS 535 (these dies); Robinson & Clement Group I. 2.39g, 17mm, 3h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal and fine style. 500

234.

79

Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetrobol. Olynthos, circa 382-379 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Kithara, ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around. Robinson & Clement Group I. 2.35g, 14mm, 3h.

Good Extremely Fine. 500

235.

Macedon, Akanthos AR Obol. Circa 480 BC. Head and neck of lioness seen from above / Quadripartite incuse square. AMNG III/2, 16; SNG ANS 27-29; Rosen 87; Klein 29. 0.50g, 9mm. Extremely Fine. 200

236.

Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 430-390 BC. Lion right, biting into the hindquarter of a bull standing left; PO in exergue / Quadripartite design, AKANQION around, all within incuse square. Desneux 121; SNG ANS -. 14.39g, 25mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. A very rare variety. 4,000

237.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Drachm. Lifetime issue. Pella, circa 359-354 BC. Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin headdress / Philip II on horseback to left, wearing kausia and raising right hand; below, monogram and rose. Le Rider 55 (these dies). 4.09g, 17mm, 11h.

Very Fine. Extremely Rare, only 6 examples cited by Le Rider. 500

238.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR 1/5 Tetradrachm. Lifetime issue. Amphipolis, circa 348-342 BC. Head of Artemis facing slightly left, quiver over shoulder / Youth on horseback right, holding palm and rein; below horse’s raised foreleg, forepart of Pegasos right. Le Rider 510 (D244/R453); SNG ANS 570. 2.44g, 14mm, 10h.


239.

Two Rare Drachms of Philip II

A Very Rare Tetradrachm of Akanthos

80

A Masterful Head of Zeus

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Lifetime issue. Pella, circa 342-336 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; tripod below horse, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around. Le Rider 184a, D110/R150. 14.44g, 25mm, 1h.

Light deposits, otherwise Mint State. Extremely Rare. 20,000

Perfectly struck from dies of arrestingly beautiful style, this coin is one of the most beautiful of all the many thousands of known tetradrachms of Philip II. The design of this remarkable Zeus portrait draws on the earlier coinages of Elis, Epeiros and the Arkadian League for inspiration, and incorporates a device of the ‘Aetna Master’, whose tetradrachms and drachms at Naxos feature a head of Dionysos that spills over the border - a bold statement of skill and a desire to be free of the constraints that bind other artists working in this medium.

Thus in thrusting elements of the portrait, in this case the hair and the laurel wreath, outside of the border the intended effect is to create the impression of a god that cannot be contained, while simultaneously demonstrating the prowess of the artist.

Engraved in extraordinarily high relief and possessing an expression of serene majesty, this Zeus portrait easily ranks on a par with the finest contemporary works.

240.

82

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AV Stater. Pella, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer driving galloping biga right, holding kentron and reins; thunderbolt below, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΙOY in exergue. Le Rider pl. 65, 404 (reverse). 8.62g, 18mm, 4h.

Extremely Fine. Good style. 3,500

Ex Patrick Tan Collection;Ex CNG 69, 8 June 2005, lot 146.

241.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AV Stater. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer driving galloping biga right, holding kentron and reins; trident below, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider pl. 80, 204; SNG Copenhagen 603. 8.61g, 18mm, 12h.


242.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Pella, circa 323-317 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; coiled serpent below, Boeotian shield to right, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around. Le Rider pl. 22, 529 (D281/R433). 14.38g, 25mm, 3h.

Mint State. 2,000

Ex Lanz 150, 13 December 2010, lot 109.

243.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 323-317 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; crescent below, Π to right, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around. Le Rider pl. 45, 11-2; SNG ANS 638-42. 14.24g, 25mm, 9h.

Near Extremely Fine. Vivid toning around the devices and struck on a broad flan. 1,500

244.

83

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 323-317 BC. Struck under Philip III. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; grain ear below, Π below raised foreleg. Le Rider pl. 46, 3; Troxell, Studies, group 8, 314; SNG ANS 667-73. 14.30g, 25mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. 750

245.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 323-317 BC. Struck under Philip III. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; grain ear below, Π below horse’s foreleg, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around. Le Rider pl. 46, 3; Troxell, Studies, group 8, 314; SNG ANS 667-72. 14.29g, 25mm, 6h.

Near Extremely Fine. A well centred srike on a full flan. 750

246.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 323-317 BC. Struck under Philip III. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; grain ear below, Π below horse’s foreleg, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around. Le Rider pl. 46, 3; Troxell, Studies, group 8, 314; SNG ANS 667-72. 14.29g, 25mm, 6h.

Near Extremely Fine. A well centred srike on a full flan. 750

247.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Struck under Philip III. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; ΦIΛIΠΠOY around, thunderbolt over I below, dolphin before. Le Rider pl. 48, 4; SNG ANS 812. 14.38g, 26mm, 10h.

Fleur De Coin. Beautiful style, and attractively toned. 3,000

248.

84

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Struck under Philip III. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; ΦIΛIΠΠOY around, thunderbolt over I below, dolphin before. Le Rider pl. 48, 4; SNG ANS 812. 14.47g, 26mm, 10h.

Extremely Fine. Small repair at forehead. 1,000

249.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Pella, circa 315-310 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to right, Boeotian shield in left field, coiled snake beneath throne. Price 249. 17.21g, 28mm, 5h.


250.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Amphipolis, circa 330-320 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis, ALEXANDROU to right, trident head to left. Price 172. 8.60g, 17mm, 10h.

Very Fine. 1,500

251.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Amphipolis, circa 320-320 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡOΥ to right, Boeotian shield to left. Price 176. 8.60g, 19mm, 1h.

Extremely Fine. An obverse die of beautiful style. 3,000

252.

FDC Pella Mint Tetradrachm

A Beautiful Athena

85

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 315-294 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, Λ over racing torch to left. Price 461; SNG Copenhagen 703. 17.25g, 28mm, 8h.


253.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Amphipolis, circa 311-305 BC. Struck under Kassander, as regent. Head of Athena right, wearing triple crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡOΥ to right, ant to left, star below left wing. Price 831. 8.62g, 18mm, 6h.


254.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Myrina, circa 215-190 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; ALEXANDROU to right, amphora above K in left field. Price -, cf. 1648-1650; Müller -. 17.18g, 30mm, 12h.

Mint State. Unpublished in the standard references. 750

256.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Teos(?), circa 323-301 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡOΥ to right, seated griffin with curled wing in left field, M below. Price -. 8.61g, 17mm, 12h.


257.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Assos, circa 210 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to right, griffin seated in left field. Price 1599. 16.89g, 31mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 500

255.

86

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Miletos, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin, and necklace / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram to left, double-headed axe below wing. Price 2114. 8.61g, 19mm, 1h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractive, lustrous metal. 3,000

258.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Miletos, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin, and necklace / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram to left, double-headed axe below wing. Price 2114. 8.55g, 18mm, 1h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal; well centred and struck on a broad flan. 3,000

259.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Magnesia ad Maeandrum, circa 200-196 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram over horse’s head right in left field, maeander pattern in exergue. Price 2049; Müller -. 16.85g, 29mm, 2h.

Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 500

260.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Magnesia ad Maeandrum, circa 200-196 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram in left field; horse-head below throne, maeander pattern in exergue. Price -, cf. 2049-2057; Müller -. 16.95g, 27mm, 2h.

Good Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references. 500

261.

A New Variety for Magnesia

87

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Magnesia ad Maeandrum, circa 200-196 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to right, monogram in left field; horse-head below throne, maeander pattern in exergue. Price -, cf. 2049-2057; Müller -. 16.95g, 27mm, 2h.

Good Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references. 500

262.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Civic issue of Kaunos, circa 300-280 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left, drapery about legs and waist, holding sceptre and eagle; double headed axe before, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right. Price 2074; Müller 1128. For the reattribution to Kaunos, see R.H.J. Ashton, “Kaunos, not Miletos or Mylasa,” NC 2004, pp. 33–46. 17.11g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent tone. 3,000 When one compares these dies to the contemporary issues of the type from this mint, which are uniformly of poor style and execution, it is not perhaps implausible to conceive of this having been a special issue intended for some specific purpose or occasion, such is its medallic quality.

263.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Rhodes, circa 205-190 BC. Obverse die signed by ‘Dan...’ Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress signed ΔΑΝ on the lip / ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left, holding eagle on extended right hand and sceptre in left; PO beneath throne, monogram above rose in left field. Price 2513 var.; F.S. Kleiner, ANSMN 17, 1971, 106 (H-21) = SNG Berry 320 (same obverse die). 16.57g, 31mm, 12h.

Extremely fine. Extremely Rare. 2,000 The ΔΑΝ on the lip of the lion’s mouth appears to be the signature of a Rhodian die engraver, who was sufficiently proud of his accomplishment that he felt it was appropriate to sign his name on the die. ΔΑΝ might stand for Danaos, a Rhodian name that is well evidenced in the numismatic record, and which was borne by mythical founder of Rhodos. For the monogram see R.H.J. Ashton, The Coinage of Rhodes 408 - c. 190 BC, in: A. Meadows - K. Shipton (Ed.), Money and its Uses in the Ancient World, Oxford 2001, 107, where it is interpreted as “Ainetor”.

264.

Signed Rhodian Die

88

Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Drachm. Uncertain Eastern mint, after 324 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ΑΛEΧΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below. Price –. 4.09g, 16mm, 10h.

Good Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished. An important coin. 500

The use of the word Basileus was distasteful to Greeks, given its connotations with eastern dictatorship. The royal title occurs on Alexander’s coinage only near the very end of his reign around 324 BC at Babylon, and in Southern Asia Minor and Phoenicia amongst issues which appear to have been designed to pay off veterans sent home in 324 BC; in Macedon it appears on posthumous coinage from about 320-317 BC. The title was for a long time known only on staters and tetradrachms, until a drachm minted in Babylon appeared at auction in 2006 (Triton IX, 10 January 2006, 803). This is therefore only the second lifetime issue drachm of Alexander to bear ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, and unusually, bears no control marks of any sort.

265.

Unpublished Lifetime Drachm Bearing Royal Title

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Arados, circa 323-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram below throne, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, kerykeion in left field. Price 3332. 17.21g, 29mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine. 500

266.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Arados, year 60 (200/199 BC). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to right, palm before, AP monogram below throne, XD in exergue. Price 3395; Müller -. 17.01g, 31mm, 11h.

Near Extremely Fine. 500

267.

Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Babylon, circa 317-311 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis, XA ligate to left, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right. Price –, cf. 3724; Müller 825. 8.55g, 19mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. A fine style obverse. 2,500

It can hardly be doubted that the later Roman coinage of Valerius Messala took inspiration for its depiction of Roma from the gold staters of Alexander; curiously, Athena here bears a striking resemblance to some dies from Messala’s issue.

268.

89

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip III Arrhidaios AV Stater. Babylon, circa 323-317 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple crested Corinthian helmet / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; FILIPPOU to left, BASILEWS to right, M in outer left, LU below. Price P180. 8.59g, 19mm, 11h.

Very Fine. 1,500

272.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip III Arrhidaios AV Stater. Magnesia, circa 323-319 BC. In the types of Philip II. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer driving galloping biga right, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; bee below, ΦIΛIΠΠOY and spearhead in exergue. Thompson, Philip 3; cf. Le Rider pl. 90, 15; SNG ANS 310-1; SNG München 98. 8.62g, 18mm, 11h.


269.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip III Arrhidaios AV Stater. Abydos, circa 323-317 BC. Head of Athena right wearing triple crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left holding wreath and stylis, monogram above cornucopiae in left field, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in right field. Price 30. 8.63g, 18mm, 9h.

Fleur De Coin. Lustrous metal. 3,500

270.

Kingdom of Macedon. Philip III Arrhidaios AR Tetradrachm. Arados, circa 323-316 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; BASILEWS below, FILIPPOU to right, bunch of grapes and monogram in circle in field left, control mark below throne. Price P155. 17.16g, 27mm, 8h.


271.

Kingdom of Macedon. Kassander AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III. Uranopolis(?), circa 310-297 BC. Struck under Alexarchos. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; cone surmounted by star above X in left field, Π below throne. Price 514; Ehrhardt 62. 17.12g, 28mm, 7h.

Extremely Fine. 750

Ex Gorny & Mosch 190, 11 October 2010, lot 159.

273.

90

Kingdom of Macedon. Peithon as satrap, for Antigonos I Monophthalmos AV Stater. Babylon, circa 315-311 BC. In the name and types of Alexander. Head of Athena right, wearing triple crested Corinthian helmet adorned with serpent on the bowl, pendant earring and pearl necklace / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑΛEΞANΔPOY, Nike standing left, wings spread, holding wreath and stylis; MYP monogram within wreath below, HP monogram to left. Price 3716 var. (sphinx, not serpent on helmet). 8.60g, 18mm, 5h.

Fleur De Coin. Engraved in fine style; highly lustrous metal. Rare. 3,000

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

274.

Peithon, for Antigonos I

Kingdom of Macedon. Demetrios I Poliorketes AR Tetradrachm. Chalkis, circa 290-287 BC. Diademed and horned head of Demetrios right / Poseidon Pelagaios standing left, right foot on rock, holding trident in left hand; BASILEWS and grape bunch to right, DHMHTRIOU and K to left. Newell 150 (obv. die CLVII); SNG München -; SNG Alpha Bank 953. 17.14g, 30mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Reverse double struck. 2,000

275.

Kingdom of Macedon. Antigonos III Doson AR Tetradrachm. Head of Poseidon right, wreathed with sea grass / Apollo seated on prow to left, on which ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ, examining bow held in right hand and resting left hand behind him on prow, monogram below. SNG Alpha Bank 1046-1047; SNG Ashmolean 3264; SNG Lockett 1527. 16.98g, 31mm, 6h.

High relief obverse. Extremely Fine. 5,000

Ex Gemini V, 6 January 2009, lot 391; ANS inventory no. 1997.9.186; from the estate of John D. Leggett, Jr., 1997.

276.

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


277.

92

High Relief Perseus Tetradrachm

Kingdom of Macedon. Perseus AR Tetradrachm. Attic weight. Amphipolis, circa 179-173 BC. Diademed head of Perseus right / BASILEWS PERSEWS, eagle with spread wings standing to right on thunderbolt; monograms above, to right, and between eagle and thunderbolt; all within oak wreath, star of eight rays below. Jameson 1014; Mamroth 14. 16.59g, 31mm, 12h.

Near Mint State. Struck in very high relief from dies of excellent style. 5,000

Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 50, 1990, lot 269.

Perseus’ father Philip V had, after being disappointed in his hopes of reward from Rome following a decade of loyalty after his defeat at Cynocephalae, embarked on a new policy of strengthening the kingdom in preparation for a future confrontation with the Romans. In 188/7 he introduced a new silver coinage comprising tetradrachms, didrachms, drachms and hemidrachms - the first royal coinage produced in Macedon for over a decade. Philip reopened old silver mines and succeeded in locating new deposits to fund these issues, the primary purpose of which was to increase his diplomatic influence and military power. The silver coins were signed by three officials, one a semi-permanent director of the mint, and two frequently changing subordinates. Mørkholm calculates that the latter of the two directors who signed coins under Philip served for four years, and continued his service under Perseus - his monogram appears above the eagle’s head on the reverse of the present piece. This, and the full Attic weight of this coin marks it out as one of the earlier issues of Perseus’s reign, as the weight of his tetradrachms drops by about ten per cent from his accession to his ultimate defeat and surrender following the Battle of Pydna in June 168 BC. The quality of die engraving too declines over the course of the reign.

Along with this mint director, Perseus inherited also the type of an eagle standing upon a thunderbolt within an oak wreath - it featured on the bronze coinage of his father (cf. SNG Alpha Bank 1127); unfortunately for Macedon and indeed all of Hellenic civilisation, Perseus was bestowed also with his father’s ambition and a ready path laid out over the preceeding decade, a path which terminated in the utter defeat of the Macedonian phalanx with the loss of 25,000 dead, wounded and captured, the enslavement of 300,000 Macedonian and 15,000 Epirote citizens, the impisonment of Perseus and his heirs, and the dissolution of the Kingdom of Macedon.

278.

94

Kingdom of Macedon. Perseus AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 173-171 BC. Diademed head of Perseus right / Eagle with spread wings standing to right on thunderbolt; monograms above, to right, and between eagle and thunderbolt; all within oak wreath, plow right below. Mamroth, Perseus - (unlisted with these controls); SNG Alpha Bank 1133 var. (top monogram). 15.52g, 32mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 1,000

279.

Macedon under Roman rule. First Meris AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 167-149 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver at shoulder; all within tondo of Macedonian shield / ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ ΠΡWΤΗΣ, horizontal club, monograms above and below; all within oak wreath tied at left; thunderbolt in outer left field. AMNG III/1, 171. 17.01g, 31mm, 8h.

From dies of uncommonly fine style. Good Extremely Fine. 1,000

280.

Macedon under Roman rule. First Meris AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 167-149 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver at shoulder; all within tondo of Macedonian shield / ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ ΠΡWΤΗΣ, horizontal club, monograms above and below, all within oak wreath tied at left; thunderbolt in outer left field. SNG Copenhagen 1313 (this obverse die). 17.13g, 32mm, 8h.

Good Extremely Fine. A splendid example of the type; beautifully centred and struck. 1,000

281.

Superb First Meris Tetradrachm

95

Macedon under Roman Rule. First Meris AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, 158-146 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver at shoulder; all within tondo of Macedonian shield / ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ ΠΡWΤΗΣ, horizontal club, monograms above and below; all within oak wreath tied at left; thunderbolt in outer left field. SNG Copenhagen 1314 var. (bottom left monogram); BMC 8 var. (bottom right monogram). 16.75g, 32mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 300

282.

THRACE

Thraco-Macedonian Region, Siris AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Ithyphallic satyr standing right, grasping hand of nymph fleeing right; three pellets around / Quadripartite incuse square divided diagonally. Cf. SNG ANS 956-61 (Lete); AMNG III/2, 14 (Lete); Svoronos pl. 7, 20; Traité I 1568 (Lete). 9.90g, 20mm.

Very Fine. 300

283.

Thrace, Abdera AR Stater. Circa 470 BC. Griffin sitting left, right paw raised, grasshopper below; H-P-AK around / Quadripartite incuse square. May Group XLVII, 106; Rosen Coll. -; Dewing -; Gulbenkian -. 14.82g, 27mm.

Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare. 4,000

284.

Thrace, Abdera AR Stater. Circa 385-375 BC. Griffin preparing to pounce left, ΑΒΔΗΡΙ above / Apollo standing left holding patera and laurel branch, at his feet, a deer; ΕΠΙ ΚΑΛΛΙΑΝΑΚΤΟΣ around; all within linear border and incuse square. May 451. 11.42g, 23mm, 6h.


Ex Peus 338, 27-29 April 1994, lot 394.

285.

Extremely Rare Early Abdera

96

Thrace, Abdera AR Stater. Circa 346-336 BC. Pausanias, magistrate. Griffin lying left, raising forepaw; EΠI above, ΠAYΣANI[Ω] in exergue / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; ABΔHPI-TEΩN around; all within shallow incuse square. May, Abdera 467 (A310/P371); AMNG II 139; SNG Copenhagen -; Weber 2388 (same dies); SNG Ashmolean 3490 (same obv. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 1642 (same obv. die). 11.68g, 27mm, 6h.



286.

Thrace, Maroneia AR Tetradrachm. Circa 411-397 BC. Horse prancing to left, its bridle loose and trailing / Vine with four bunches of grapes enclosed within linear square, MHTPOΦANHΣ around, astralagos to left; all within shallow incuse square. Schönert-Geiss 165 var. 12.81g, 24mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. An uncommonly graceful style. Very Rare. 5,000

Purchased from Spink & Son Ltd., London, January 1988.

287.

Thrace, Ainos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 457-455 BC. Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos / Goat standing right; AINI above, ivy leaf in crescent to right, all within incuse square. May, Ainos 51 (A30/P41); AMNG II 272; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 2; Traité IV 1498, pl. CCCXLIV, 8 (same dies); Pozzi 1016 (same dies); Boston 774 (same dies). 15.90g, 24mm, 12h.


288.

A Maroneia of Excellent Style

97

Thrace, Ainos AR Tetradrachm. Antiadas, magistrate. Circa 453-450 BC. Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos on which AINI / Goat walking right within linear frame, outside which Pan stands right holding lagobolon, raising left arm, ΑΝΤΙΑΔΑΣ around; all within incuse square. Jameson 1050; May, Ainos 85 (A55/P68). 16.33g, 24mm, 3h.


The city of Ainos began striking its first tetradrachms only after the expulsion of the Persians from northern Greece following Xerxes’ defeat at Salamis. Its early issue of coinage came to an end with the Athenian coinage decree of 449 BC, but the mint began to strike again around 435 BC, finally ending when Philip of Macedon conquered the city in 342 BC. The coinage of Ainos consistently displayed Hermes on one side and a goat on the other, the reasons for which are that the goat represented the source of Ainos’ prosperity, and Hermes was the patron god of the city. According to a poem by Kallimachos, the sculptor Epeios, who constructed the Trojan Horse, also made a wooden statue (xoanon) of Hermes, which was washed out to sea and recovered by fishermen on the Hebros river. The fishermen, thinking it just a piece of driftwood, tried to burn it in their bonfire. When it failed to burn they took fright and threw it back into the sea, which promptly cast it back again. The natives accepted it as a relic of the gods, and erected the sanctuary of Hermes Perpheraios (the Wanderer) at the future site of Ainos. Engraved in beautiful early classical style, this obverse die that bears the city’s ethnik is arguably the most handsome of all the profile issues of Ainos. This issue under the magistrate Antiadas was the last struck in May’s Period I, after which the Athenian coinage decree led to an interruption in the issue of tetradrachms that lasted until 435/4 when Ainos was granted a special dispensation to resume tetradrachm issues.

289.

Last Issue of Ainos Before the Athenian Coinage Decree

98

Thrace, Ainos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 415-412 BC. Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos / Goat walking right, ivy branch with berries before, AIN above; all within incuse square. May, Ainos 245 (A149/P162); SNG Copenhagen -; Weber 2308; cf. BMC 3. 16.14g, 23mm, 6h.


290.

Pedigreed to 1928

Thrace, Ainos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 415-412 BC. Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos / Goat walking right, ivy branch with berries before, AIN above; all within incuse square. May 247a (this coin); Spencer-Churchill 103 (this reverse die); de Sartiges 166 (these dies). 16.23g, 24mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone. 8,000

Ex Leu 91, 2004, lot 89;Ex Leu 22, 1979, lot 50;Ex de Nanteuil Collection, Hess-Leu 31, 1966, lot 197;Ex Allatini Collection, Ars Classica XIII, 1928, lot 581.

291.

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

Extremely Fine. 7,500 Beautiful late classical style. This portrait is one of the last profile heads to appear on the coinage of Ainos, and its severe features make it one of the most striking of the entire series.

292.

99

Kingdom of Thrace. Lysimachos AV Stater. Uncertain mint, circa 305-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left elbow on shield decorated with lion’s head, spear resting to her right; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑΞΟΥ crowned by Nike to left, monogram in inner left field. Müller 478; Thompson -. 8.60g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck from fine style dies and wonderfully preserved. Mint lustre. 7,500

Ex Gorny & Mosch 185, 2010, lot 61.

293.

Fine Style Deified Alexander

Kingdom of Thrace. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 305-281 BC. Uncertain western Asia Minor mint, possibly Alexandria Troas or Tenedos. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / Athena Nikephoros seated left, resting elbow on shield, spear resting behind; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU to left, crowned by Nike, cornucopiae in inner left field, labrys in exergue, long thyrsos in outer left. Thompson -; Meydancikkale -; Mektipini -; SNG Berry -; SNG Copenhagen -; Müller -; cf. CNG E-sale 91, 9 June 2004, 14 (same obverse die). 17.08g, 32mm, 12h.

Near Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished. 1,000

While Alexandria Troas frequently uses a cornucopiae symbol as Tenedos uses the labrys, the present specimen presents a curious union of the two. Similar to a coin sold by CNG in 2004 (see above), and struck from the same obverse die, but with the addition of a long thyrsos to the reverse design.

294.

Unique and Unpublished

100

Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lysimacheia, circa 305-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left elbow on shield decorated with lion’s head, spear resting to her right; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU crowned by Nike to left, lion head in inner field. Müller 58. 17.19g, 31mm, 11h.

Good Extremely Fine. A magnficent specimen with a spectacular iridescent tone. Very Rare. 4,000

295.

Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 305-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left elbow on shield decorated with lion’s head, spear resting to her right; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU crowned by Nike to left, monogram in inner left field. Müller 556; Thompson -. 16.94g, 29mm, 1h.


296.

Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lampsakos, circa 297-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left elbow on shield decorated with lion’s head, spear resting to her right; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU crowned by Nike to left, monogram in inner left field, crescent in exergue. Thompson 49; SNG Copenhagen 1097. 16.87g, 31mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Fine style. 2,000

297.

Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Byzantion, circa 288-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left elbow on shield decorated with lion’s head, spear resting to her right; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU crowned by Nike to left, monograms in inner left field. Cf. Meydncikkale 2699. 16.88g, 30mm, 12h.


298.

297 298

101

Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 288-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left elbow on shield decorated with lion’s head, spear resting to her right; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU crowned by Nike to left, monograms in inner left field and exergue. Thompson 201 var. 17.08g, 32mm, 2h.

Good Extremely Fine. A severe, majestic portrait with a sublime old tone. 4,000

299.

Thrace, Byzantion AV Stater. Circa 215-205 BC. In the name and types of Lysimachos. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right / Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, spear behind; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU to left, P to inner left, BY on throne, ornamented trident in exergue. Müller -; De Callataÿ -. 8.50g, 19mm, 12h.

Near Mint State. Unpublished in the standard references. 4,000

301.

Kingdom of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Chalkedon, circa 288-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left elbow on shield decorated with lion’s head, spear resting to her right; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU crowned by Nike to left, monogram in inner left field, grain ear in exergue. Muller -; Meydncikkale 2708; Mektepini 150. 16.84g, 30mm, 12h.

Near Extremely Fine. Fine style. Very Rare. 500

300.

Apparently Unpublished Lysimachos Stater

102

CRETE

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


302.

Crete, Itanos Æ18. Circa 330-270 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet / Eagle standing to left, its head facing to right; ITANIΩN to left, triton on right, holding a trident. BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -; Traité -; Svoronos -; Traeger, Itanos -; Le Rider -. 4.34g, 18mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Apparently unpublished. 300

303.

Aeolis, Kyme AR Tetradrachm. Kallias, magistrate. Circa 160-140 BC. Reduced Attic standard. Diademed head of the Amazon Kyme right / Horse standing right, left foreleg raised, one-handled cup (emblem of Kyme) below, ΚYMAIΩN to right, KΑΛΛΙΑΣ in exergue; all within laurel-wreath. Cf. J.H. Oakley, The Autonomous Wreathed Tetradrachms of Kyme, Aeolis, ANSMN 27, 1982, 24 s. no. 12 (these dies). 16.78g, 33mm, 11h.


304.

AEOLIS

IONIA

Ionia, Uncertain Mint EL Trite (1/3 Stater). Circa 650-600 BC. Milesian standard. Granulated convex globule / Two incuse punches. Stacks, 28 April 2010, 123; Cf. Weidauer 4 (hekte); SNG von Aulock 7761; SNG Kayhan 673. 4.58g, 13mm.

As struck. Very Rare. 1,000

305.

Rare Early Electrum Trite

Ionia, Uncertain mint EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 650-600 BC. Milesian standard. Striated surface / Incuse square punch. Weidauer -; Traité I 14-15; SNG Kayhan 682. 0.58g, 5mm.

Extremely Fine. 500

306.

103

A Rarity in Excellent Condition

Ionia, Uncertain mint EL Hemihekte (1/12 Stater). Circa 625 BC. Milesian standard. Bridled horse’s head left / Irregular incuse square. Weidauer 142; Traité I 346 (Chios); SNG Kayhan 715. 1.20g, 8mm.

Exceptional preservation for the type. Rare. 1,000

307.

Ionia, Uncertain mint EL Hekte (1/6 Stater). Circa 600-550 BC. Phokaic standard. Figural type. Crab / Quadripartite incuse square. Rosen Sale 81 (same dies); Helios 2, lot 159; CNG 79, lot 360; Tkalec (2008), lot 37; otherwise unpublished. 2.60g, 10mm.


308.

Ionia, Uncertain Mint EL Hekte (1/6 Stater). Circa 550-500 BC. Phokaic standard. Raised swastika pattern / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG von Aulock 1777; Boston 1781; Rosen 314. 2.39g, 10mm.

Mint State. 500

309.

Ionia, Uncertain Mint EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Phokaic standard. Raised swastika pattern / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG von Aulock 1778; Rosen 365; Boston 1782. 0.66g, 6mm.

Mint State. 300

310.

Ionia, Erythrai EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG von Aulock 1942; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG München -; Boston MFA 1806-7. 2.62g, 10mm.

Good Extremely Fine. Excellent style. 1,500

311.


Mint State. 1,500

312.

311 312


Mint State. 1,500

313.


Mint State. 1,000

314.

314313

104


Mint State. 1,000

315.


Mint State. 750

316.

316315 317


Mint State. 500

317.

Ionia, Erythrai (?) EL 1/12 Stater. Circa 500-520 BC. Floral pattern with central pellet / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Tkalec September 2008, 34 = Lanz 151, 2011, 461; Tkalec September 2008, 35; Hauck & Aufhäuser 20, 2007, 103; Gorny & Mosch 159, 2007, 176. 1.16g, 7mm.

Very Fine. Extremely Rare and unpublished in the standard numismatic literature. 500

The tentative attribution of this issue is based on the distinct similarity to the floral patterns on the reverses of some of the early silver of Erythrai, cf. BMC Ionia: Erythrea 20, pl. 15, 2.

318.

Ionia, Erythrai (?) EL 1/12 Stater. Circa 500-520 BC. Floral pattern with central pellet / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Tkalec September 2008, 34 = Lanz 151, 2011, 461; Tkalec September 2008, 35; Hauck & Aufhäuser 20, 2007, 103; Gorny & Mosch 159, 2007, 176. 1.18g, 7mm.

Struck from exhausted dies. 200

319.

318 319 320

Ionia, Erythrai (?) EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 500-520 BC. Floral pattern with central pellet / Quadripartite incuse square. 0.59g, 6mm.

Good Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished. 200

320.

Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 625-522 BC. Lion pouncing left, seal above / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 27, Boston 1902. 2.58g, 10mm.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare - only 2 examples recorded by Bodenstedt. 3,000

321.

Four Phokaic Coins of Great Rarity

Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Infant Herakles seated left, seal above / Quadripartite incuse square. 2.57g, 10mm.

Mint State. Apparently unique and unpublished. 1,000

322.

Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 500-480 BC. Seal swimming left, Θ below / Irregular incuse punch. Bodenstedt 1.4 var. (head reverted); CNG MBS 82, 16 September 2009, 616. 2.60g, 10mm.

Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare. Unpublished, and possibly only the second known example. 4,000

323.

105

Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 480-450 BC. Facing bearded head of Silenos, wearing ivy wreath; to left, small seal upward / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 67 (dies a/α); Gemini VI, lot 187 (same die and punch); Kastner 4, lot 125 (same die and punch). 2.58g, 11mm.

Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, apparently only the sixth known. 3,000

324.

Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 450-400 BC. Head of young satyr with ivy wreath left, seal below / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 87 (c/β). 2.54g, 10mm.


325.

Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 377-326 BC. Head of Dionysos left, wreathed in ivy / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 97. 3.55g, 10mm.

Extremely Fine. 750

326.

Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 387-326 BC. Head of Artemis left, seal below / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 99. 2.56g, 10mm.

Extremely Fine. 500

327.

326 327

Ionia, Teos AR Half Stater (Aeginetic drachm). Circa 540-478 BC. Griffin seated right, jaws open, tongue protruding, left foreleg raised / Incuse square. Balcer, SNR 47 (1968), p. 30, 30 ff; SNG von Aulock 2255. 5.94g, 16mm.

Good Very Fine. 300

328.

Ionia, Magnesia ad Maeandrum AR Tetradrachm. Reduced Attic standard. Circa 160-150 BC. Head of Artemis Leukophryene right, wearing stephane; bow and quiver over shoulder / Apollo standing left, holding branch and resting elbow on tripod, ΑΠOΛΛOΔΩPOΣ KAΛΛIKPATOY MAΓΝHTΩN around, all within wreath. N.F. Jones, ‘The Autonomous Wreathed Tetradrachms of Magnesia on-Maeander’, ANS MN 24, 1979, 101 no. 3a (these dies). 16.81g, 35mm, 12h.


329.

106

LESBOS

Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 500-480 BC. Lion’s head right / Incuse cockerel’s head left, collar of five pearls. Bodenstedt 7 (a/α). 2.55g, 10mm, 1h.


330.

Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 450 BC. Head of an aged satyr facing right, wearing a taenia / Two confronted heads of rams, palmette above, all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 37. 2.53g, 10mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 500

331.

Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 450-425. Diademed male head right / Kantharos between two leaves within linear square. Bodenstedt 53. 2.59g, 11mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 500

332.

Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-325 BC. Diademed head of youthful river-god right, small horn over forehead / Head of nymph right, hair bound in sakkos. Bodenstedt 85 (a/α). 2.54g, 11mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 750

333.

Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-325 BC. Head of Athena three-quarters facing, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet, earring, and pearl necklace / Head of Hermes right, chlamys around shoulders and petasos behind neck, within linear frame. Bodenstedt 86 (g/ι). 2.55g, 11mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Highly lustrous metal. 2,000

334.

Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-325 BC. Head of Persephone right, wearing barley-wreath / Bull charging left, within linear frame. SNG Lockett 2765; Bodenstedt 88; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen 321. 2.57g, 11mm, 12h.


335.

331 332

Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-325 BC. Head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy-wreath / Mask of Silenos facing in thin square frame. Bodenstedt 90; Traite II 2, col. 2200, pl. 161, 1; BMC 77; SNG Copenhagen 324. 2.56g, 11mm, 1h.


336.

Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-325 BC. Head of Dioskouros right, wearing wreathed pilos; two stars in field / Head of Persephone right, within linear frame. Bodenstedt 99 (h/θ). 2.55g, 10mm, 6h.

Very Fine. 300

337.

107

Mysia, Kingdom of Pergamon. Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 263-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos right / Athena seated left, resting elbow on small sphinx, holding shield and transverse spear; monogram on throne, ivy leaf to inner left, ΦIΛETAIΡOY and bow to right. SNG France 1606–9. 17.00g, 29mm, 1h.


339.339 340



341.


Good Extremely Fine. Good style and superb, very high relief. 2,000

342.

341 342



340.

MYSIA

Mysia, Lampsakos EL Stater. Circa 480-450 BC. Forepart of Pegasos with curved wings to left, vine with bunches of grapes around / Quadripartite incuse square. A. Baldwin, Period I, pl I, 11; BMC 9; Traité pl. 8, 2. 15.43g, 20mm.

Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine. 10,000

338.

Attractive Lampsakos Stater

108

Mysia, Kingdom of Pergamon. Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 263-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos right / Athena seated left, left elbow resting on shield, crowning ΦIΛETAIΡOY with wreath held in her extended right hand, spear diagonally in background, ivy leaf in outer left field, A in inner left field, bow in right field. SNG France 1612. 16.97g, 32mm, 12h.


343.



344.

343 344



345.


Good Extremely Fine. A portrait of refined style. 2,500

346.


Good Extremely Fine. High relief, pleasing metal and tone. 2,500

347.

109

Mysia, Kingdom of Pergamon. Attalos I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 241-197 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos right / Athena seated left, crowning ΦIΛETAIΡOY with wreath, shield resting at side, spear behind; bee and monogram to left, bow to right. Westermark VI A, V.CIII:B. 17.01g, 27mm, 11h.


348.

Mysia, Kingdom of Pergamon. Attalos I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 215-200 BC. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus laureate and bearded, naked to waist, seated left, holding sceptre in left hand, eagle on outstretched right; ALEXANDROU to right, DI and bee in left field. Price 224, 1483; Kleiner, The Alexander Tetradrachms of Pergamum and Rhodes, ANS MN 17 (1971), 98, M-35 (these dies). 17.05g, 29mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 500

349.

349348

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Sphinx seated left, tunny fish left beneath / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 26; SNG France 5, 201-202. 2.70g, 10mm.


350.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Sphinx seated left, tunny fish left beneath / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 26; SNG France 5, 201-202. 2.71g, 11mm.

Very Fine. 750

351.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Crab, head of tunny above to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 37; SNG France 175. 2.68g, 10mm.


352.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Boar standing left, tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze, 45; SNG von Aulock 7275; SNG France 5, 226; Hurter-Liewald, pl. 6, 90; Rosen Coll. 468. 2.62g, 12mm.

Good Fine. Very Rare. 750

353.

110

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Forepart of griffin to left, tunny fish on either side / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 57; Rosen 440. 2.68g, 10mm.

Good Fine. Extremely Rare. 500

354.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Griffin seated left, tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 58; Boston 1453. 16.13g, 23mm.


355.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Forepart of winged boar left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 61, pl. II, 12; Boston 1440. 16.12g, 18mm.


356.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Bearded head with long hair facing left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 66, pl. II,19; SNG France 194; Rosen Coll. 447. 2.71g, 11mm.


357.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested helmet, tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 67; SNG France -. 2.66g, 11mm.


359.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested helmet, tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 67, pl. II, 20; Boston 1447; SNG von Aulock 1184. 2.75g, 11mm.


360.

360359

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 64, pl. II, 17; SNG BN -; Boston 1432 (same obv. die). 16.12g, 20mm.


358.

111

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Winged siren standing left, holding tunny fish / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 74, pl. II, 29; SNG France 203; SNG von Aulock 7278. 2.72g, 10mm.


361.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Winged siren standing left, holding tunny fish / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 74, pl. II, 29; SNG France 203; SNG von Aulock 7278. 2.66g, 11mm.


362.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Upper body of winged woman (harpy?) left, holding tunny fish / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 75, pl. II, 30; SNG von Aulock 7280; SNG France 206. 2.71g, 10mm.

Good Fine. 500

363.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of Silenos facing; two tunny fish upward to either side / Quadripartite incuse square. CNG 75, 23 May 2007, lot 336; cf. Von Fritze 77 (fractions); SNG France -; Hurter & Liewald I, 77. 16.22g, 18mm.

Very Fine. Extremely Rare, the fourth known. 5,000

Of the other three examples, one was sold by CNG in 2007, and two were noted by Hurter & Liewald as being in the von Aulock Collection (but unpublished) and the Velkov Collection (Vinchon, 24 Nov. 94), lot 61 = CH II, p. 7, 2.

364.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Facing head of Silenos, tunny fish swimming upwards on either side / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 77; SNG France 208; SNG von Aulock 7269; Rosen Coll. 455. 2.69g, 12mm.


Ex Roma Numismatics III, 31 March 2012, lot 258.

365.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte. Circa 550-500 BC. Facing head of Silenos; two tunny fish at left and right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 77; SNG France 208; SNG von Aulock 7269; Rosen Coll. 455 (all hektes). 1.39g, 9mm.

Near Very Fine. Extremely Rare. 750

366.

112

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Panther crouching left, tunny fish to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 86; Traité pl.176, 29; Rosen Coll. 463. 16.11g, 19mm.

Near Extremely Fine. Rare. 7,500

367.

Mysia, Kyzikos AR Obol. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of stag facing; tunny fish to left and right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze II -; SNG France -; Klein 263. 0.48g, 8mm.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare. Appartently only the seventh known example, and exceptionally complete for the issue. 200

368.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte (1/12 Stater). Circa 500-400 BC. Forepart of galley with wolf’s head prow left, beneath, tunny fish left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 80; Hurter-Liewald, p. 33, 80, pl. 6 (staters). 1.34g, 8mm.


369.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Dog standing left, forepaw raised; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 93; SNG France 231. 2.67g, 11mm.

Very Fine. 1,000

372.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Dog standing left, forepaw raised; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 93, pl. III, 12; Boston 1469; SNG von Aulock 1192; SNG France 230. 16.30g, 21mm.

Extremely Fine, lustrous metal. Rare. 7,500

370.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Dog standing left, forepaw raised; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 93, pl. III, 12; Boston 1469; SNG von Aulock 1192; SNG France 230. 15.92g, 19mm.


371.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of winged lion left; tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 96; SNG France 237; Boston –. 16.28g, 21mm.


373.

368 369

113

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of winged lion left; tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 96; SNG France 237; Boston –. 16.17g, 20mm.


374.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of wolf left, head reverted, tunny fish swimming upward behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze -; SNG France -; Boston 1481. 2.68g, 10mm.


375.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of wolf left, head reverted, tunny fish swimming upward behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze -; SNG France -; Boston 1481. 2.66g, 10mm.


376.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of winged stag left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 102; Boston 1434; Jameson 2181; SNG von Aulock 7281; Greenwell -; SNG France -; BMC -. 16.21g, 19mm.


377.

375 376

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


378.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte (1/12 Stater). Circa 500-450 BC. Nude youth kneeling left, holding tunny fish / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze 112; cf. SNG France 253 (stater). 1.31g, 9mm.


379.

114

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Nude hero, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, kneeling to left on tunny fish, holding trumpet to mouth with right hand and sheathed sword behind him with the left / Quadripartite incuse square. Gemini IV, 8 January 2008, 146; SBP, 6 January 2012, 239; cf. Von Fritze 115 = SNG Paris 261 (stater); cf. Traite II, pl. clxxiv, 6 (stater); cf. Rosen 492 (hekte, figure holds trumpet with both hands). 2.63g, 13mm.

Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare. 5,000

This coin, from a short series of warrior/hero types, was thought by W. Greenwell (The Electrum Coinage of Cyzicus, NC 1887), to represent either Jason or one of his argonaut companions; given their appearance in the mythical history of Kyzikos it is not an unfair proposition. The story of Jason tells us that the Argo landed in the land of the Doliones who were ruled by their king, Kyzikos. The king welcomed the heroes, laying out a feast and sacrificing with them to Apollo. Though they set sail again with a fair wind, in the night it changed, blowing them back to land. Mooring on the opposite side of the city from which they had left, the argonauts were mistaken by Kyzikos and his people for their enemies the Makries, and were attacked. In the fray, the king and a number of his chiefs were slain, and only upon daybreak was the terrible error discovered. The argonauts mourned with the Doliones, and built a tumulus for Kyzikos on the Leimonian plain.

380.

A Magnificent Hekte of a Helmeted Hero

115

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Double-bodied sphinx with one head facing, tunny fish swimming left below / Quadripartite incuse square; traces of undertype. Von Fritze, 128; SNG France 280. 2.62g, 14mm.

Fleur De Coin; beautifully lustrous metal. Extremely Rare. 7,500


381.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Double-bodied sphinx with one head facing, tunny fish swimming left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 128; SNG France 280. 2.71g, 11mm.


382.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 450-400 BC. Zeus, nude to waist, kneeling right, holding sceptre with his right hand, eagle taking flight from his extended left hand / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 145 (stater); cf. SNG France 296 (stater). 2.67g, 11mm.

Extremely Fine. Very rare denomination of an already scarce type. 2,000

383.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte (1/12 Stater). Circa 450-400 BC. Head of bearded Silenos left, wearing ivy wreath; tunny fish swimming to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Hurter & Liewald, p. 34, 91; cf. Von Fritze 191; Boston 1564; Gulbenkian 662-664; SNG von Aulock 7319 (all staters). 1.32g, 10mm.

Very Fine. Extremely Rare - one of perhaps as few as three known examples. 4,000 This head of Silenos is stylistically very close to those found on the gold staters of Pantikapaion, and the engraver of the latter may well have been influenced by the type as found on this coin and its larger stater counterpart when creating the dies for their own coinage. Given the close commercial ties between the two regions and the ‘relatively’ short timespan between the likely issue date of this series and the earliest staters of Pantikapaion, this would not be surprising.

384.

Mysia, Kyzikos AR Obol. Circa 450-400 BC. Forepart of boar left; to right, tunny upward / Head of roaring lion left within incuse square. Von Fritze 9; SNG France 361–72; SNG von Aulock 1213; SNG Kayhan 54. 0.87g, 9mm, 8h.

Fleur De Coin. 500

385.

Extremely Rare Silenos Fraction

Sharp Double-bodied Sphinx

116

Mysia, Kisthene AR Tetrobol. Orontes, Satrap of Mysia. Circa 357-352 BC. Nude hoplite crouching left behind shield, spear at ready / Forepart of winged boar right; OPO-NT-A around. Troxell, Orontes p. 30, 4; SNG France 1164A (Lampsakos); SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -; SNG von Aulock -. 2.60g, 15mm, 6h.

Very Fine. 200

386.

Kings of Lydia. Time of Alyattes – Kroisos EL Trite. Sardes, circa 610-546 BC. Head of roaring lion right, sunburst on forehead / Two incuse square punches. Weidauer Group XVI, 89; Traité I 44; SNG Kayhan 1013. 4.73g, 13mm.

Very Fine. 500

387.

Kings of Lydia. Kroisos AV Hekte (1/6 Stater). Light standard. Sardes, circa 560-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Incuse rectangular punch. Walburg group IV, 3 (same punches); Berk 8; Traité I 406 = de Luynes 2801; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock –; Weber 6772 (same punches). 1.34g, 9mm.


388.

LYDIA

Kings of Lydia. Kroisos AR Stater (Double Siglos). Sardes, circa 550-546 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left / Two square punches of unequal size. Berk 20; Traité I 407; SNG Kayhan 1018; Carradice (1987) 2. 9.29g, 21mm.

Good Fine. 300

389.

Lydia, Tralles AR Cistophoric Didrachm. Before 133 BC. Club of Herakles draped with skin of Nemean lion, all within ivy wreath / Bunch of grapes on branch, with leaves to either side, TPA to left. SNG von Aulock 3267. 6.05g, 21mm, 12h.


390.

Karia, Uncertain mint AR Stater. Circa 500-480 BC. Lion’s head left, extended foreleg below / Dipartite incuse square, parted diagonally. BMC Cilicia pl. 15, 1 = Traite II 1, col. 915, pl. 25, 19; H. Greenwell, NC (1897), pp. 280 f. pl. 14, 7. 10.95g, 21mm.


391.

Extremely Rare Cistophoric Didrachm

KARIA

117

Karia, Myndos AR Drachm. Circa 200-100 BC. Theodoros, magistrate. Laureate head of Zeus right / Headdress of Isis-Hathor on two grain-ears, thunderbolt below. SNG Keckman 236; BMC 6. 4.45g, 21mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. A very good example struck on a particularly broad flan and very well preserved for the type. 1,500

Symbols or depictions of Isis on ancient coinage occur infrequently outside of Egypt before the Roman conquest of that land. Exceptions may be found in the Carthaginian series, in whose civilisation the cult of Isis appears to have been of some importance. After the conquest of Egypt by Alexander III of Macedon and the Hellenization of their culture, Isis quickly became associated with Demeter, Astarte or Aphrodite. Under the Ptolemies, whose political influence and trading posts were widespread across the eastern Mediterranean, Isis cults quickly appeared at important port cities and then spread throughout Greek lands.

Myndos itself was a city of little importance in history; one of the few documented events in which it was concerned involved Alexander’s invasion of Karia. Desirous of taking Myndos before the regional capital of Halikarnassos, Alexander laid siege to the city but was repulsed with some loss by the Myndians, reinforced by men from Halikarnassos, after the failure of a group within the city who had promised to open the gates.

392.

Karia, Knidos AR Didrachm. Circa 189-167 BC. Euboulos, magistrate. Head of Helios, facing slightly to left / Head of roaring lion to right, forepaw below, bee behind; KNI above, ΕΥΒΟΥΛΟΣ below. SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 2614. 4.88g, 20mm, 12h.


Ex Ponterio 151, 12 November 2009, lot 8090.

393.

Satraps of Karia. Idrieos AR Tetradrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 351-344 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters right / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe (labrys) over right shoulder and lotus-tipped sceptre in left hand, IDRIEWS to right, tiny E before left foot. BMC Caria 1, pl. xxviii, 5 (same obverse die); SNG von Aulock 8046 (this reverse die); SNG Kayhan 880; Traite II 100, pl. xc, 8. 15.18g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Attractive facing portrait. 1,500

Ex Roma Numismatics II, 2 October 2011, lot 303.

394.

Satraps of Karia, Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 340-334 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters right / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe (labrys) over right shoulder and lotus-tipped sceptre in left hand; ΠIΞOΔAPOY to right. BMC 8; Pixodaros 28; SNG von Aulock 2376; SNG München 15; SNG Copenhagen 597. 6.81g, 21mm, 1h.


395.

118

Lustrous Pixodaros Didrachm

Satraps of Karia. Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 340-334 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters right / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe (labrys) over right shoulder and lotus-tipped sceptre in left hand; ΠIΞOΔAPOY to right. BMC 8; Pixodaros 28; SNG von Aulock 2376; SNG München 15; SNG Copenhagen 597. 7.04g, 20mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Superb surfaces - lustrous metal, beautifully toned. 4,000

Pixodaros was the youngest of the three sons of Hekatomnos, all of whom successively held the satrapy of Karia. Pixodaros obtained possession of the throne by the expulsion of his sister Ada, the widow and successor of her brother Idrieos, and held it without opposition for a period of five years, from 340 to 335 BC. He cultivated the friendship of Persia, giving his daughter in marriage to a Persian named Orontobates, whom he even seems to have admitted to some share in the sovereign power during his own lifetime. He also did not neglect to court the friendship of other kings, and endeavoured to secure an alliance with Philip II, king of Macedon, by offering the hand of his eldest daughter in marriage to Arrhidaeos, the illegitimate son of the Macedonian monarch. The discontent of the young Alexander at this period led him to offer himself as a suitor for the Karian princess instead of his brother - an overture which was eagerly embraced by Pixodaros, but the indignant interference of Philip put an end to the whole scheme. Pixodaros died a natural death some time before the landing of Alexander in Asia in 334 BC, and was succeeded by his son-in-law Orontobates.

396.

Satraps of Karia, Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 340-334 BC. Laureate head of Apollo, three quarters facing, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe (labrys) and lotus-tipped sceptre; ΠIΞOΔAPOY to right. Pixodaros 28; SNG von Aulock 2376; SNG München 15. 7.00g, 21mm, 11h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning. 3,000

397.

Karia, Stratonikeia AR Drachm. 25 BC-25 AD. Laureate head of Hekate right, crescent above, CΤΡΑΤΟΝΙΚΕΩΝ around / Nike advancing right holding wreath, CΤΡΑΤΟ on left, ΝΙΚΕΩΝ on right. SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -; BMC -; Meadows -, cf. groups 4 and 5. 1.24g, 16mm, 6h.

Very Fine. Apparently unpublished. 300

398.

119

Fine Style Tetradrachm of Kos

Islands off Karia, Kos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 285-258 BC. Xanthippos, magistrate. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Crab; XANΘIΠΠOΣ and bow in bow-case below. Requier 62 (D11/R52); SNG Copenhagen -; Boston MFA Supp. 195 (same obv. die). 14.87g, 27mm, 1h.

Good Extremely Fine. Struck from dies of elegant style. 5,000

Ex Patrick H.C. Tan Collection, CNG 84, 5 May 2010, 651;Ex Gorny & Mosch 146, 6 March 2006, lot 249.

399.

Islands off Karia, Rhodes AR Didrachm. Circa 250-229 BC. Mnasimachos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose with single bud to right, MNAΣIMAXOΣ above, P-O flanking stem, Athena Nikephoros standing left. BMC 143; SNG Copenhagen 765; Ashton 208; SNG Keckman 537. 6.73g, 20mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Vibrant golden iridescent tone. 1,500

400.

A ‘Radiant’ Head of Helios

Islands off Karia, Rhodes AR Didrachm. Circa 250-229 BC. Mnasimachos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose with single bud to right, MNAΣIMAXOΣ above, P-O flanking stem; Athena Nikephoros standing left. BMC 143; SNG Copenhagen 765; Ashton 208; SNG Keckman 537. 6.75g, 21mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. 300

401.

120

Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 330-250 BC. Two wrestlers grappling; E between / Slinger standing right; triskeles and club before, O between his legs; ESTFDIY to left. SNG von Aulock 4575 var.; SNG France 122 var.; SNG Copenhagen 240 var.; CNG 60, May 2002, lot 855 (these dies). 10.43g, 25mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. Attractively toned. 750

402.

403402

Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 325-250 BC. Two wrestlers grappling; PO between / Slinger standing right; to right, forepart of horse above spear-head; ESTFEDIIY. Tekin Series E; SNG France 111 var. (different symbol). 10.34g, 25mm, 12h.


403.

Pamphylia, Side AR Stater. Circa 490-400 BC. Pomegranate / Helmeted head of Athena right; olive sprig to right; all within incuse square. Atlan 41 (O37/A39); SNG France 628 var. (symbol; same obv. die); cf. SNG Copenhagen 369. 10.75g, 24mm, 9h.


404.

PAMPHYLIA

Pamphylia, Side AR Tetradrachm. Circa 200-100 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing left, holding wreath; pomegranate in left field, magistrate monogram ΔEIN across fields. Franke-Leschhorn, Side (1988) p. 25, 9; SNG BN 675ff. 17.20g, 29mm, 10h.

Good Extremely Fine. Perfectly centred and lightly toned. 1,000

405.

CILICIA

Cilicia, Satraps. Pharnabazos AR Stater. Tarsos, circa 380-379 BC. Head of Arethusa facing slightly left; dolphin to lower left / Helmeted and bearded male head left. Casabonne series 3; Moysey Issue 3, 4a = McClean 5917 (same obv. die); SNG France –; SNG Levante 70 = SNG von Aulock 5917. 10.71g, 23mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Mint lustre. 1,000

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

406.

121



407.



408.

Cilicia, Satraps. Pharnabazos AR Stater. Tarsos, circa 380-379 BC. Head of Arethusa facing slightly left / Helmeted and bearded male head right. Casabonne series 3; Moysey Issue 3, 33a = SNG von Aulock 5922 (same dies); SNG France –; SNG Levante –. 10.63g, 22mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Mint lustre. 1,000

409.

A Spectacularly Toned Mazaios

Cilicia, Satraps. Mazaios AR Stater. Tarsos, circa 361-334 BC. Baaltars seated left, holding eagle, ear of corn and bunch of grapes in right hand, lotus-headed sceptre in left, Aramaic legend ‘BLTRZ’ = Baaltars, to right, Aramaic letters on left and below seat / Lion attacking a bull to left, Aramaic legend above ‘MZDI’ = Mazaios; monogram below. SNG Levante 106. 11.00g, 25mm, 6h.

Near Mint State. Attractive lustre and golden toning around the devices. 4,000

410.

122

Cilicia, Satraps. Mazaios AR Stater. Tarsos, circa 361-334 BC. Baaltars seated left, holding eagle, ear of corn and bunch of grapes in right hand, lotus-headed sceptre in left, Aramaic legend ‘BLTRZ’ = Baaltars, to right, Aramaic letters on left / Lion attacking a bull to left, Aramaic legend above ‘MZDI’ = Mazaios; letters below. Casabonne series 2, group F; SNG Levante 101. 11.14g, 26mm, 9h.

Extremely Fine. Reverse double struck. 1,000

Ex Ponterio 151, 12 November 2009, lot 8112.

411.

Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 425-400 BC. Nude youth, holding whip, dismounting from rearing horse left / Goat kneeling right, head reverted; ivy leaf in exergue. SNG Levante 21; SNG France 2, 64; SNG von Aulock 5628; SNG Berry 1260 = Kraay, “The Celenderis Hoard,” in NC 1962, 20v (O11/R11). 10.79g, 20mm, 8h.

Very Fine. 500

Ex George Fekula Collection.

412.

Cilicia, Aigeai AR Tetradrachm. Dated CY 17 (30/29 BC). Turreted and veiled bust of Tyche right / Athena Nikephoros standing left; ΔI and club to left, IZ (date, partially retrograde) in exergue, Δ to lower right; all within wreath. Arnold-Biucchi, Trésor 95–115 (D4/R14); SNG France 2280 (same dies); SNG Levante –; DCA 355. 14.41g, 26mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. 750

413.

BITHYNIA

Kings of Bithynia. Nikomedes III Euergetes AR Tetradrachm. Circa 127-120 BC. Undated issue. Diademed head right / Zeus Stephanophoros standing left; to inner left, eagle standing left on thunderbolt above monogram. For this monogram cf. De Callataÿ pp. 53-4 and p. 73, years 170-177 ( 127/6-121/0 BC). 16.60g, 37mm, 11h.

Near Extremely Fine. Good style. Unpublished in the standard references. 500

414.

Undated, Apparently Unpublished Issue

123

Kings of Bithynia. Nikomedes III Euergetes AR Tetradrachm. Dated 115/114 BC. Diademed head right / Zeus Stephanophoros standing left; to inner left, eagle standing left on thunderbolt above monogram and date (year 183). De Callataÿ, p. 55 and 73. 17.02g, 39mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. 300

415.

Phrygia, Kibyra AR Drachm. Circa 166-84 BC. Young male head right, wearing crested helmet / Helmeted and cuirassed horseman galloping right, wielding spear and shield; M and ΚΙΒΥΡΤΩΝ below. SNG von Aulock 3709; SNG Copenhagen 267. 2.89g, 12mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Struck in fine style and remarkably well preserved. One of the finest known. Very Rare. 750

Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 46, 30 October 1989, lot 303.

416.

PHRYGIA

PAPHLAGONIA

Paphlagonia, Amastris AR Didrachm. Circa 285-250 BC. Head of Amastris right, wearing Persian headdress ornamented with wreath and star / Aphrodite seated to left, wearing a polos, sceptre leaning against left hand, holding Nike in outstretched right hand, who crowns her with a wreath; rose bud to left, AMAΣTPIEΩN to right. SNG BM Black Sea 1302; SNG Stancomb 731; SNG von Aulock 6800; Dewing 2123; SNG Copenhagen 244. 9.18g, 22mm, 2h.

Very Fine. 1,500

The tale of Amastris, whose likeness is borne on the coins of the city which took her name, is a tragic one. She was the daughter of Oxyathres, brother of Darios III, Great King of Persia. Given in marriage by Alexander the Great to his general Krateros, she was later abandoned when Krateros decided to wed Phila, one of the daughters of Antipater. Her second marriage was to Dionysios, tyrant of Herakleia Pontica, who was reported to be mild and just, and to whom she bore two sons, Klearchos II and Oxyathres. Some years after Dionysios’ early death she married Lysimachos, who quickly left her in favour of Ptolemy I’s daughter Arsinoe. She thus retired to Herakleia which she governed on behalf of her young sons. Shortly after 300 BC she founded a city on the coast of Paphlagonia, by the synoecism (fusion) of the four smaller towns of Sesamos, Kromna, Kytoros and Tium, which she named after herself. She was drowned by her two sons around 284 BC, though they did not live long to profit by their heinous act, for justice soon found them in the form of Lysimachos, who had them put to death.

417.

Kings of Cappadocia. Ariobarzanes I Philoromaios AR Drachm. Dated Year 22 (74/3 BC). Head of Ariobarzanes I right, wearing diadem / Athena standing left with right hand supporting spear and shield, and left hand outstretched supporting Nike left, holding wreath; BASILEWS to right, ARIOBARZANOU and monogram to left, FILOROMAIOU below, all within wreath. Simonetta 30b; SNG Copenhagen Supplement, 941 (these dies). 4.51g, 18mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Extremely rare and important. 500

Of the few known examples of this coin with reverse filleted border, one is known in the Simonetta collection, as well as one in the ANS, the Danish National Museum and the Cabinet des Médailles. This extremely rare reverse type with filleted border was probably issued in commemoration of Ariobarzanes I’s restoration to the throne by Lucullus. It is the key drachm to the Cappadocian series.

418.

CAPPADOCIAKey Cappadocian Issue - Restoration by Lucullus

124

PONTOS

Extremely Rare Undated Mithradates Tetradrachm

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. Undated, circa 115-105 BC. Diademed head of Mithradates right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent to left, monogram to right, BASILEWS above, MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS below; all within ivy wreath. De Callataÿ D5/R1. 16.83g, 31mm, 12h.

A few hairs weakly struck, but otherwise Mint State. Extremely Rare. 2,000

The earliest issues of Mithradates VI are undated, his dated issues beginning only in 96/5 BC - these early coins are all extremely rare. Struck from an obverse die of fine style, depicting a youthful and energetic Mithradates, this issue is to be considered one of the very first, before the severity of his maturing features began to be depicted on the royal coinage.

419.

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. July, 96/95 BC. Diademed head right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent to left, date (year 202) and monogram to right, BASILEWS MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS around, I below. De Callataÿ D20/R2. 16.77g, 31mm, 12h.


The first issue of Mithradates to be dated by year and month.

420.

125

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. 92/91 BC. Diademed head right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent to left, date CS (year 206) and monogram to right, BASILEWS MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS around, E below. De Callataÿ pl. V, D36/R2. 16.77g, 31mm, 12h.


421.

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. June, 90/89 BC. Diademed head right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent to left, date (year 209) and monogram to right, BASILEWS MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS around, Q below. De Callataÿ D54/R19. 17.00g, 29mm, 12h.


422.

Kings of Pontos, Mithradates VI Eupator AV Stater. 89-88 BC. Diademed head of Mithradates right / Stag grazing left, BASILEWS above, MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS below; star within crescent to left, ΘΣ and monogram to right, all within ivy-wreath. SNG von Aulock 6677 var. (different year and control-mark); SNG BM Black Sea 1028; De Callataÿ, RQ, 194. 8.38g, 19mm, 11h.

Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 5,000

423.

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. 89/88 BC. Diademed head right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent to left, date (year 209) and monogram to right, BASILEWS MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS around. De Callataÿ D58/R42. 16.60g, 30mm, 12h.


424.

Extremely Rare Mithradates Stater

126



425.



426.



427.

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. Time of the First Mithridatic War. In the name and types of Lysimachos. Byzantion, circa 88-86 BC. Head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated left holding Nike, BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU to left, crowned by Nike; spear behind, monogram above knee, BY below throne; trident in exergue. Cf. De Callataÿ D41-42/R2-7; Müller 160. 16.82g, 32mm, 12h.

Near Mint State. 500

428.

127

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AV Stater. Time of the First Mithradatic War. In the name and types of Lysimachos. Byzantion, circa 88-86 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, spear behind; BASILEWS to right, LUSIMAXOU to left, monogram to inner left, BY on throne, ornamented trident in exergue. Müller -; De Callataÿ -; cf. Gorny & Mosch 207, 15 October 2012, 116 (same obverse die, but different reverse monogram and trident ornamentation). 8.39g, 17mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references. 1,000

429.

First Mithradatic War Stater

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. 87/86 BC. Diademed head right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent to left, date (year 4) and monogram to right, BASILEWS MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS around. De Callataÿ pl. XIII, D2/R4. 16.88g, 33mm, 11h.


430.

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. June, 86/85 BC. Diademed head right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent to left, date (year 21) and monogram to right, BASILEWS MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS around, Q below. De Callataÿ D68/R1a. 16.72g, 31mm, 12h.


431.

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. April, 86/85 BC. Diademed head right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent and monogram to left, date (year 212) and monogram to right, BASILEWS MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS around, Z below. De Callataÿ D66/R1. 16.77g, 33mm, 12h.


432.

128

Kings of Pontos. Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. 85/84 BC. Diademed head right / Pegasos on ground line to left, preparing to lie down, star within crescent and monogram to left, date (year 213) and monogram to right, BASILEWS MIQRADATOU EUPATOROS around, A below. De Callataÿ D5/R4. 16.68g, 35mm, 12h.

Near Mint State. 2,000

433.

PHOENICIA

Phoenicia, Arados AR Stater. Circa 348-338 BC. Laureate head of Ba’al-Arwad right / Galley sailing right over waves within dotted square border. Betlyon 26; cf. SNG Copenhagen 13-4. 10.56g, 19mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine. 300

434.

Cyrpus, Uncertain mint (Kourion?) AR Double Siglos. Circa 470-460 BC. Lion crouching to right, Λ below / Bull to left, tail flicked forwards, A below. BMC 2, pl. 13, 6; Traite II 2, col. 1354, pl. 136, 7; SNG Copenhagen 65; Rosen 749; for further information, in particular pertaining to the atribution, see J.H. Kagan, Cahiers du cercle des etudes chypriotes 29 (1999), pp. 33-44. 10.97g, 23mm, 2h.


436.

CYPRUS

Cyprus, Salamis. Euagoras I AR Stater. Circa 411-374 BC. Head of bearded Herakles wearing lion skin headdress to right, Cypriot script before / Goat with long horns and beard lying to right on dotted ground line; grain of barley above; combined Greek and Cypriot letters around; letter to right. BMC 55; Boston 2144; Kraay–Hirmer pl. 194, 678. 10.72g, 23mm, 6h.


437.

Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. Dated CY 48 (79/8 BC). Laureate bust of Melkart right, lion skin around neck / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, HM (date) above club; Δ to right, Pheonician B between legs. Rouvier 2032; BMC 140 var. (monogram); HGC 10, 357. 14.28g, 31mm, 1h.

Good Very Fine. 500

435.

129

Cyprus, Salamis. Euagoras I AR Stater. Circa 411-374 BC. Head of bearded Herakles wearing lion skin headdress to right, Cypriot script before / Goat with long horns and beard lying to right on dotted ground line; combined Greek and Cypriot letters around; letter to right. BMC 55 var.; Boston 2144 var.; Tziambazis 113 var. 10.87g, 24mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Remarkably well struck and preserved for this type. Very Rare. 10,000

Coinage commenced in Cyprus around 525 BC, with the city of Salamis minting a primitive currency which from its earliest days featured the type of a ram lying down on its obverse. This design would remain common on the coinage of Salamis, no doubt implying that the region’s economy was heavily reliant on goatherding. Interestingly, in these early days the reverse was blank and flat, without even a punch mark. In this respect the coins of Salamis differ significantly from those of Greece or Asia Minor.

Euagoras I, the greatest king of Salamis, claimed descent from Teucer son of Telamon and half-brother of Ajax. Having failed to avenge his brother’s death, Teucer was thus prevented from returning home from the Trojan war and supposedly settled in Salamis, becoming the mythical founder of the city. By the time of Euagoras’ accession coin design was fully developed at Salamis, and the king produced a substantial issue in support of Athens and to further his ambitions for the domination of Cyprus. Indeed, with Athenian aid Euagoras succeeded in extending his rule over the greater part of the island, and even conquered several cities in Phoenicia, including Tyre. Yet when Athenian support was withdrawn under the terms of the Peace of Antalcidas, Euagoras continued to fight alone against the Persian Empire, resulting in an invasion of the island that effectively reduced him to the status of a vassal king.

The inscription on the reverse of this coin, written in the Greek language, but in a non-Greek script peculiar to Cyprus, reads ‘Of King Evagoras’.

438.

An Outstanding Stater of Euagoras

130

Egypt

A Magnificent Stater of Ptolemy

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy, as satrap, AV Stater. In the name and types of Alexander III. Memphis or Alexandria, circa 323-310 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet adorned with twice-coiled serpent on the bowl, pendant earring and pearl necklace / Nike standing left with wings spread, holding laurel wreath in her right hand and stylis in her left; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔPOY to right; no symbols or monograms. Cf. Price 3991 (uncertain eastern mint); cf. also Price 3968 and 3982 (Memphis and Alexandria, this helmet symbol). 8.62g, 19mm, 11h.

Fleur De Coin. Unique. 10,000


The stylistic device employed on the bowl of Athena’s helmet is unusual in that we see the coiled serpent, an oft-used symbol on the staters of Alexander, but twice coiled rather than simply once, as is normal. This double-coiled serpent only seems to appear on the Egyptian issues 3968 and 3982 that Price attributes to Memphis and Alexandria respectively, which may be separated in time by as much as twenty years. Price 3968 was one of the earliest issues of Alexander struck between 332-323 BC, a series that is sometimes attributed to Ptolemy by some dealers, though in fact at this time it was Kleomenes who was entrusted with the guardianship of Egypt and the construction of the city of Alexandria. Ptolemy only gained the satrapy after Alexander’s death in 323 BC, and probably left the minting facilities in Memphis for a time, since Ptolemy himself set up court at Memphis, one of Egypt’s old royal cities, and did not move it to Alexandria until around 312 BC. The mint was almost certainly located with the court and would have moved to Alexandria at the same time as Ptolemy.

This coin displays a refinement of style not seen in the early Egyptian staters in the name of Alexander; indeed, it is so unlike the earliest staters (Price 3961-3966) in the manner of both Athena and Nike’s depiction, that is must be placed later in the series (Price 3969-3982), which from 3973 onwards are attributed to Ptolemy after 323 BC, and from 3980 onwards, to the Alexandria mint.

The highly artistic engraving of Nike deserves special mention, as unlike the vast majority of staters in the name of Alexander, this piece shows us a composition rich in feminine charm, with intricate and delicate features throughout - Nike’s face is exceptionally well detailed, her wings likewise, and she clasps the laurel wreath delicately between thumb and index finger as she gazes reverentially at it.

One of the most beautiful of all the staters ever struck in the name of Alexander.

439.

132

Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 309 BC. Head of deified Alexander right with horn of Ammon, wearing mitra of Dionysus and elephant headdress, aegis around neck / Athena Alkidemos advancing right, brandishing spear in right hand and holding shield on left arm; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΟΝ to left, ΑΠ monogram in inner left field, EY above eagle standing on thunderbolt in right field. Zervos Issue XV; Jenkins, ANSMN 9, p. 25, pl. iv, 3; cf. Svoronos 44 (same controls, but ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ). 16.62g, 27mm, 1h.

Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare and one of the finest known. 10,000

Among the first issues of Ptolemy’s Alexander-Athena tetradrachm there exist a small number of coins that bear the remarkable legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΟΝ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ, and an even smaller minority with the legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΟΝ, without the addition of ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ. The significance of these issues has provoked considerable debate; Svoronos proposed that the legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΟΝ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ announced the transfer of Ptolemy’s capital from Memphis to Alexandria, thus interpreting it as ‘Ptolemy’s coin of Alexandria’ - an interpretation supported by both Mørkholm and Price. This argument is however challenged by numerous scholars, backed by literary and papyrological evidence that indicate, as first suggested by Zervos, that the legend should in fact be understood to mean ‘Ptolemy’s coin of Alexander’. Here, ‘of Alexander’ should be understood to reference not only the deified former king, but more importantly the (Attic) weight standard of his coinage. It was Zervos’ hypothesis that since at this time Ptolemy began issuing coins on alternative weight standards, this was a necessary declaration on the coin itself that it corresponded to the standard then in use throughout the rest of the Macedonian territories.

Zervos records thirty-two specimens of the ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΟΝ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ type, and only nineteen of the present type, including both the ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΟΝ type and the normal ALEXANDROU legend (see the following lot). The number of coins bearing this remarkable legend is therefore quite considerably less than the immediately preceeding issue bearing Ptolemy’s name. Svoronos records only five examples of this type, all in public institutions.

To this point none of the Diadochs, who were then still nominally satraps, had dared to inscribe their own names upon their coinage. That this legend should have been amended shortly afterwards to remove ‘ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ’, as on the present specimen, is perhaps best explained then as a belated realisation that such a brazen display on a satrapal coin could prove dangerously inflammatory.

440.

The Extremely Rare ‘ALEXANDREION’ Issue

134

Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 309 BC. Head of deified Alexander right with horn of Ammon, wearing mitra of Dionysus and elephant headdress, aegis around neck / Athena Alkidemos advancing right, brandishing spear in right hand and holding shield on left arm; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡOY to left, ΑΠ monogram in inner left field, EY above eagle standing on thunderbolt in right field. Zervos Issue XV; Svoronos 44; SNG Copenhagen –; Boston 2253. 16.59g, 23mm, 12h.


441.

Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 309 BC. Head of deified Alexander right with horn of Ammon, wearing mitra of Dionysus and elephant headdress, aegis around neck / Athena Alkidemos advancing right, brandishing spear in right hand and holding shield on left arm; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡOY to left, EY and eagle standing on thunderbolt in right field. Zervos XIV; BMC 11; Kraay/Hirmer 798 var.; SNG Copenhagen 15; Svoronos 42. 16.40g, 29mm, 11h.


442.

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt, Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 309-305 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin headdress, Δ on aegis / Athena Alkidemos advancing right; AΛEΞANΔPOY to left, Corinthian helmet, monogram, and eagle standing on thunderbolt to right. Svoronos 164; SNG Lockett 3393; Weber 8226; SNG Copenhagen -. 15.81g, 28mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. 2,000

444.

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 309-305 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin headdress / Athena Alkidemos advancing right; AΛEΞANΔPOY to left, Corinthian helmet, monogram, and eagle standing on thunderbolt to right. Svoronos 162; SNG Copenhagen 29. 15.69g, 29mm, 12h.


443.

135

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Arsinoe II, wife of Ptolemy II, AV Oktadrachm. Alexandria, circa 253-246 BC. Diademed and veiled head of the deified Arsinoe right; behind, lotus-tipped sceptre; K in left field / Double cornucopiae bound with fillet, APΣINOHΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY around. Svoronos 471. 27.85g, 28mm, 12h.

Near Extremely Fine. Light scrape around rim. 5,000

445.

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Arsinoe II, wife of Ptolemy II, AV Oktadrachm. Alexandria, circa 253-246 BC. Diademed and veiled head of the deified Arsinoe right; behind, lotus-tipped sceptre; K in left field / Double cornucopiae bound with fillet, APΣINOHΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY around. Svoronos 475. 27.74g, 28mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Beautiful deep red toning. 7,000

446.

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy V Epiphanes AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 204-180 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis knotted round neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ around. Svoronos 1231; SNG Copenhagen 244. 14.23g, 27mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 1,500 Ex Swiss Credit (SKA) / Monetarium, Zurich - List 38 (1982), 67.

447.

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy V Epiphanes AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 204-180 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis knotted round neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ around. Svoronos 1231; SNG Copenhagen 244. 14.25g, 28mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old cabinet tone. 1,500

448.

136

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy VI Philometor AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 180-170 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis knotted round neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS around. Svoronos 1489; SNG Copenhagen 262-268. 14.32g, 27mm, 12h.


449.

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Co-regency of Ptolemy VI Philometor and Ptolemy VIII Physcon AR Tetradrachm. Paphos, dated RY 7 (164/163 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; LZ (date) to left, ΠA to right, PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS around. Svoronos 1389; Paphos Hoard p. 80 and pl. XIV, A; SNG Copenhagen -; Noeske -. 14.18g, 26mm, 12h.


The attribution of this issue to the co-regency of the brothers Ptolemy VI and Ptolemy VIII is still debated. They had been joint rulers of the kingdom from 170 BC, but towards the end of 164 BC, Ptolemy VI was deposed by his brother and expelled from Alexandria. Ptolemy VI thus went to Rome to seek support, however before Rome could intervene he was restored in the following year by the intervention of the Alexandrians. As such, this issue, which is dated to the coregency, could be an issue of both of the brothers, or either one individually.

450.

450 451

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy VI Philometor AR Tetradrachm. Paphos, dated RY 21 (161-160 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; LKA (date) to left, ΠA to right, PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS around. Svoronos 1433; Paphos Hoard 3; SNG Copenhagen 617; Noeske -. 14.17g, 27mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 500

451.

452 453

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy VI Philometor AR Tetradrachm. Second sole reign. Paphos, dated RY 22 (160-159 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; LKB (date) to left, ΠA to right, PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS around. Svoronos 1434; Paphos Hoard -; SNG Copenhagen 618. 14.25g, 27mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 500

452.

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy VI Philometor AR Tetradrachm. Second sole reign. Paphos, dated RY 31 (151/0 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt; LΛA (date) to left, ΠA to right, PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS around. Svoronos 1445; SNG Copenhagen 620 (same obv. die). 14.13g, 26mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 500

453.

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Ptolemy VI Philometor AR Tetradrachm. Second sole reign. Paphos, dated RY 32 (150/149 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; LAB (date) to left, ΠA to right, ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ around. Svoronos 1480; SNG Copenhagen 229. 14.35g, 27mm, 11h.

Good Extremely Fine. Rare. 500

454.

137

SYRIA

Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt. Cleopatra III and Ptolemy IX AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, dated RY 5 (113/2 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; LE (date) to left, ΠΑ to right, PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS around. Svoronos 1666; SNG Copenhagen 350. 14.14g, 26mm, 11h.

About Extremely Fine. Scattered marks. Very Rare. 500

455.

Syria, Laodikeia ad Mare AR Tetradrachm. 54/3 BC. Veiled, draped, and turreted bust of Tyche right / ΛAOΔIKEΩN THΣ IEPAΣ KAI AYTONOMOY, Zeus seated left, holding Nike and sceptre; date HK (year 28) in inner left field, Θ above monogram below throne, ΣE in exergue; all within wreath. Mørkholm -; SNG Copenhagen -; Cf. Hoover 1398. 15.16g, 28mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare - an unrecorded date for this series. 1,000

In his article on this coinage, Mørkholm records no examples of year 28. The date in the reverse field of this coin is clearly cut over year 25, which he does publish (see O. Mørkholm, “The Autonomous Tetradrachms of Laodikeia ad Mare,” MN 28 [1983], 15b.)

456.

Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Time of Darios I to Xerxes II, circa 485-420 BC. Persian Great King with kidaris and kandys in kneeling-running attitude on exergual line to right, holding strung bow, and apple-tipped spear over right shoulder with point downwards, quiver at left shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb A/B (pl. XIII, 27); BMC pl. XXIV, 24. 8.41g, 16mm.


457.

Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Time of Darius I to Xerxes II, circa 485-420 BC. Persian Great King with kidaris and kandys in kneeling-running attitude on exergual line to right, holding strung bow, and apple-tipped spear over right shoulder with point downwards, quiver at left shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb A/B (pl. XIII, 27); BMC pl. XXIV, 25. 8.34g, 16mm.


458.

Three Attractive Darics

138

Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Artaxerxes II or Artaxerxes III, circa 400-350 BC. Persian Great King with kidaris and kandys in kneeling-running attitude on exergual line to right, holding strung bow, and apple-tipped spear over right shoulder with point downwards, quiver at left shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice pl. XV, 51; BMC pl. 24, 26; SNG Berry 1447; SNG Kayhan 1029. 8.35g, 17mm.

Extremely Fine. Exceptional style. Light red deposits. 4,000

459.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Seleukos I Nikator, as satrap, AV Stater. Babylon, circa 311-300 BC. In the name and types of Alexander III. Head of Athena right, wearing single pendant earring, necklace, and triple-crested Corinthian helmet adorned with a serpent / BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; H below left wing, monogram in wreath below right wing. SC 81.7; Price 3707; HGC 9, 3a; SNG Saroglos 159. 8.57g, 18mm, 2h.


460.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Ekbatana, circa 295-281 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle on extended right hand and sceptre in left; BASILEWS below, SELEUKOU to right, horizontal anchor above horse grazing left to left, monograms in left field and under throne. SC 204.3; SNG Spaer 169 (same dies); ESM 487. 17.22g, 28mm, 7h.

Extremely Fine. Beautiful style, well struck on a large flan. 1,000

461.

A Superb Tetradrachm of Seleukos

139

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 281-261 BC. Diademed head right / Apollo seated left on omphalos, testing arrow, resting hand on bow; BASILEWS to right, ANTIOXOU to left, monograms to outer left and right. SC 379.4; HGC 9. 17.11g, 28mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 200

462.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos VI Dionysos AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, dated SE 170 (143/2 BC). Radiate and diademed head right / BASILEWS ANTIOXOU EPIFANOUS DIONUSOU, the Dioskouroi on horseback to left, holding reins and couched lances; monograms to right; OP (date) below; all within wreath of laurel, ivy, and grain ears. SC 2000.3c; SMA 241 var. (monogram); CSE 235 var. (same; same obv. die); SNG Spaer 1763 var. (same); HGC 9, 1032; DCA 178. 16.67g, 23mm, 1h.

Very Fine. 750

464.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos VII Euergetes (Sidetes) Æ22. Antioch, dated SE 174 (139/8 BC). Prow of galley right; caps of the Dioskouroi above / Upright trident; monogram in outer left field, star in inner right; Δ−ΟΡ (date) below. Cf. SNG Spaer 1893-5; SC 2064.1 var. 11.59g, 22mm, 9h.

Extremely Fine. Very rare variant with star. 500

465.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos VII AR Drachm. Tarsos, circa 138-129 BC. Diademed bust right / BASILEWS ANTIOXOU right, EUERGETOU left, Sandan standing atop winged lion; LY, ME to outer left. SNG Spaer -; SC 2058.1a; SNG Lockett 3163. 4.13g, 18mm, 12h.


466.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos VII AR Drachm. Tarsos, circa 138-129 BC. Diademed bust right / BASILEWS ANTIOXOU right, EUERGETOU left, Sandan standing atop winged lion; monogram to outer left. SNG Spaer -; SC 2058.2a; CSE 479. 3.96g, 17mm, 1h.


467.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Alexander I Balas AR Tetradrachm. Tyre, dated SE 164 (149/8 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / Eagle standing left on prow, palm frond behind; ALEXANDROU BASILEWS around, club surmounted by Tyre monogram to left, ΔΞP (date) above monogram to right. SC 1835.3b; Newell, Tyre, 63. 14.24g, 29mm, 1h.


463.

463 464

140

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Alexander II AR Tetradrachm. Damascus, 124/3 BC. Diademed head right / Zeus seated on throne left, resting left hand on sceptre, extending right hand and holding Nike facing left, extending wreath toward edge of coin, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ on left, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ on right, monogram in outer left field, two monograms below throne. SC 2248.6. 16.89g, 28mm, 12h.

Good Fine. Very Rare. 500

468.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Kleopatra Thea and Antiochos VIII Grypos AR Tetradrachm. Ake Ptolemais, circa 125-121 BC. Jugate heads right of Kleopatra Thea, draped and wearing diadem and stephane, and Antiochos VIII wearing diadem / ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ KΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΘΕΑΣ KAI ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY, Zeus seated left, holding Nike and sceptre; in outer left field, monogram. Newell, Ake & Damascus 8; SC 2271.1. 16.49g, 29mm, 12h.


469.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Kleopatra Thea and Antiochos VIII Grypos AR Tetradrachm. Ake Ptolemais, circa 125-121 BC. Jugate heads right of Kleopatra Thea, draped and wearing diadem and stephane, and Antiochos VIII wearing diadem / ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ KΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΘΕΑΣ KAI ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY, Zeus seated left, holding Nike and sceptre; in outer left field, monogram. Newell, Ake & Damascus 8; SC 2271.1. 16.55g, 29mm, 12h.


470.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos VIII Grypos AR Tetradrachm. Ake-Ptolemais, circa 121-113 BC. Diademed head of Antiochos right within fillet border / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑNTIOXOY EΠIΦANOYΣ, Zeus Ouranios, draped, standing facing, head to left, holding star in outstretched hand and long sceptre, crescent above, monogram in field; all within laurel wreath border. SC 2336, 2. 16.91g, 30mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 500

471.

141

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos VIII AR Tetradrachm. Sidon, 116/5 BC. Diademed head right / Zeus Ouranios, draped, standing facing, head to left, holding star in outstretched hand and long sceptre, crescent above; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ in two lines on right, ΕΠΙ ΦΑΝΟΥΣ on left, ΣΙΔΩ ΙΕΡΑ monogram in three lines in outer left field, second monogram below, date in exergue; all within laurel wreath border. SC 2330.2. 16.68g, 30mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 500

472.

Seleukid Kings of Syria. Antiochos VIII AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 112-110 BC. Diademed head right / Zeus Ouranios, draped, standing facing, head to left, holding star in outstretched hand and long sceptre, crescent above, monograms in field; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ in two lines on right, ΕΠΙ ΦΑΝΟΥΣ on left, all within laurel wreath border. SC 2302. 16.53g, 30mm, 12h.


473.

Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Apollodotos I Soter AR Drachm. Indian Standard. Circa 180-160 BC. BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΠOΛΛOΔOTOY ΣΩTHPOΣ, elephant advancing right, monogram below / Zebu bull standing right, monogram below. Bopearachchi Série 4D; SNG ANS 317-23. 2.48g, 16mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Toned. 100

474.

Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horseback rearing right, each holding palm frond and spear; BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY above, EYKPATIΔOY below, monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 6E; MIG Type 177ee; Bopearachchi & Rahman 204-42; SNG ANS 465. 17.00g, 33mm, 12h.


475.

A Choice Eukratides I Tetradrachm

BAKTRIA

142

Kingdom of Parthia. Mithradates I AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 141/0 BC. Diademed and draped bust right of Mithradates right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY ΦIΛEΛΛHNOΣ, diademed and beardless young Herakles standing left, holding skyphos in extended right hand and cradling club in lion skin-draped left arm; monogram in exergue. Sellwood 13.2; Shore 35; BMC 50; MACW 481.

Extremely Fine, and exceptional for the issue. Well struck on a broad flan. Rare. 5,000

This type represents the first issue of tetradrachms by the Parthians. They were coined shortly after the Parthians had conquered Mesopotamia from the waning Seleukid Empire. As was to be expected, the die engravers of the mint at the Seleukid capital produced coinage that stylistically differed very little from the issues of the previous century under the Seleukid kings. While this could be viewed as both expedient and pragmatic – the Parthians had not struck coins since the reign of Arsakes and probably lacked experienced die cutters – Mithradates in fact actively promoted Hellenism in his territories and indeed styled himself ‘Philhellenos’ as seen on this coin. He also assumed the traditional Greek symbol of kingship, the diadem. Yet by the end of his reign, the Greek qualities that were so apparent on his early coinage were in decline, and by the reign of Orodes I in around 90 BC, the coins had become thoroughly eastern in style.

476.

Sharp Mithradates I Tetradrachm

Kingdom of Parthia. Mithradates II AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 119-109 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Mithradates left / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΥΑΛΟΥ ΑΡΣΑΚΟΥ, archer (Arsakes I) seated right on omphalos, holding bow; palm to right; ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ in exergue, TV below. Sellwood 24.5; Shore 68. 16.32g, 29mm, 12h.

Near Extremely Fine. Well centred with a full border. Attractive old tone. 2,000

477.

PARTHIA

HUNNIC TRIBES

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

Very Fine. 100

478.

143

JUDAEA

Judaea, Herodians. Herod IV Philip Æ11. Caesarea Philippi (Panias), dated CY 37 (AD 33/4). Bare head of Herod Philip right / L ΛZ within wreath. Hendin 1235; RPC 4952; BMC 5; TJC 111; Baramki 3. 1.56g, 11mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Green-brown patina. Earthen repatination. Extremely Rare, possibly unique. 5,000

Ex J.S. Wagner Collection.

This coin was incorrectly described as Hendin 1232 in the Wagner collection, which would have made it year 34 (LΛΔ), but it is clearly (LΛZ) - year 37. This is also probably the first known example to display a retrograde Z.

Herod Philip was the first Jewish ruler to place his own portrait on coins. Hendin (p. 257) notes: “Philip was able to immortalise his face on his coins largely because so few Jews lived in the territories over which he ruled. Jews would have taken this act as an insult and violation of the Mosaic Law against graven images.”

479.

Extremely Rare Herod IV Bronze

Judaea, Herodians. Herod V of Chalkis Æ25. Chalkis, dated RY 3 (AD 43/4). Diademed head of Herod of Chalkis right / KΛAVΔI-Ω KAIΣA-PIΣEBAΣ-TΩETT in four lines within linear circle; all within wreath. RPC I 4778.5 (this coin); Meshorer TJC 362 (this rev. die); Hendin 1252; 13.01g, 25mm, 12h.

Good Fine. Pleasant dark patina; earthen repatination. Extremely Rare. 5,000

Ex J.S. Wagner Collection.

Continued Herodian support for the Romans allowed the dynasty to extend its influence beyond Jewish territories. Herod V, the grandson of Herod the Great, was granted the kingdom of Chalkis by Claudius in 41 upon the request of Agrippa I, and all of his rare coins name the emperor. His friendship with and loyalty to the emperor continued to benefit him; following the death of Agrippa in 44, Claudius extended to him authority over affairs at the Temple in Jerusalem, a right he retained until his death some four years later.

480.

First Jewish War. Year 2 AR Shekel. Dated 67/68 CE. ‘Shekel of Israel’, ritual chalice with pearled rim, base raised by projections on ends; date above / ‘Jerusalem the Holy’, staff with three pomegranate buds, round base. Hendin 1358; TJC 193; AJC II 260, 8. 14.32g, 23mm, 1h.


481.

First Jewish War. Year 2 AR Shekel. Dated 67/68 CE. ‘Shekel of Israel’, ritual chalice with pearled rim, base raised by projections on ends; date above / ‘Jerusalem the Holy’, staff with three pomegranate buds, round base. Hendin 1358; TJC 193; AJC II 260, 8. 13.22g, 22mm, 11h.


482.

144

First Jewish War. Year 3 AR Shekel. Dated 68/69 CE. ‘Shekel of Israel’, ritual chalice with pearled rim, base raised by projections on ends; date above / ‘Jerusalem the Holy’, staff with three pomegranate buds, round base. Hendin 1361; TJC 202; AJC 18. 13.72g, 22mm, 12h.

About Good Very Fine. 2,000

483.

Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Undated year 3 AR Sela (Tetradrachm). 134/135 AD. Facade of the Jerusalem Temple, the holy Ark within, wavy line above; paleo-Hebrew on sides (Simon) / Lulav with etrog at left; paleo-Hebrew around (for the freedom of Jerusalem). Hendin 713; Mildenberg 92; Treasury 269a. 13.85g, 26mm, 11h.


484.

Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Undated year 3 AR Sela (Tetradrachm). 134/135 AD. Facade of the Jerusalem Temple, the holy Ark within, star above; paleo-Hebrew on sides (Simon) / Lulav with etrog at left; paleo-Hebrew around (for the freedom of Jerusalem). Hendin 1411; Mildenberg p. 161, 83. 14.42g, 31mm, 7h.


485.

146

THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

Pedigreed to 1910

486. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 234-231 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Horse rearing left, ROMA above. Crawford 26/1; Sydenham 27; RSC 37. 6.62g, 19mm, 12h.

Some deposits on back of Apollo’s head, but otherwise toned and Very Fine. 500

From The J.G. Collection.

487. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint, 225-212 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter, holding thunderbolt and sceptre in quadriga to right, driven by Victory; ROMA on tablet below. Crawford 29/3; Sydenham 64d. 6.70g, 23mm, 5h.


Ex Dr. E. Merzbacher Nachf. Auction, 15 November 1910, lot 960.

489488488. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter, holding thunderbolt and sceptre in quadriga to right, driven

by Victory; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 64; RSC 23. 6.74g, 24mm, 8h.

Extremely Fine. Attractive old toning. 1,000

489. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter, holding thunderbolt and sceptre in quadriga to right, driven by Victory; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 64; RSC 23. 21mm, 6.61g, 24mm, 6h.


490. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter in quadriga right, driven by Victory - Jupiter holds sceptre in left hand and hurls thunderbolt with right hand; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 64; RSC 23. 6.70g, 23mm, 6h.

Toned. Extremely Fine. 1,000

Ex CNG XXXII, 7 December 1994, lot 33;Ex Moreira Sale, Pt. 1, 31 May-1 June 1988, lot 1654.

491. Anonymous Æ Sextans. Semilibral Standard. 217-215 BC. Head of Mercury right wearing winged petasos; two pellets above / Prow of galley right; ROMA above, two pellets below. Crawford 38/5; Sydenham 85; BMCRR 59. 13.45g, 27mm, 8h.

Extremely Fine. Rarely so well preserved. 200

149

492. Cast Æ Decussis. Rome, circa 214-212 BC. Head of Roma right, wearing griffin-crested helmet; behind, mark of value X / Prow of war galley left, with fighting platform on deck; below, scrolled acrostolium, apotropaic eye, oar box, central beam ending in upper ram, below which, triangular box ending with rostrum tridens; above, mark of value X. Crawford 41/1; Kent-Hirmer pl. 7, 15; Sydenham, AG 67; Vecchi, ICC 100; Haeberlin p. 117-118, 1-3, pl. 46, 1-3; 1075g, 110mm, 12h.

Fine earthy green patina, well cast, Extremely Fine. 200,000

One of four examples; the finest and only one in private hands.

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 54, 24 March 2010, lot 150.

The origin of cast coinage is to be sought in the first millennium BC in Italy, where copper was plentiful, silver rare and gold non-existent. From about 280 Rome began to issue large round cast coins - an amalgam of the central Italian idea of a heavy metal currency, and the Greek idea of denominated round bronze coins. However, unlike the fiduciary Greek bronze issues, the Roman coins were initially of full intrinsic weight, clearly denominated with symbols and pellets, and based on the Roman libral as standard, theoretically of about 324 grams - the equivalent of 12 unciae or 188 scruples. This form of currency was obviously intended for circulation in the bronze-using economies of central Italy, which Rome now dominated; indeed, it was widely imitated throughout Etruria, Umbria, Picenum and central-southern Italy. Later retariffed in approximately 270 BC to 10 unciae for practical purposes, the bronze as and its fractions remained the dominant form of currency at Rome, with only periodic small-scale issues of silver being produced for specific purposes. By the end of the third century however, Rome found it necessary to adopt the more sophisticated Hellenistic monetary system of gold, silver and bronze coinage in order to finance the state’s military operations in southern Italy.

The economic crisis provoked by the massive military expenditure incurred at the onset of the Second Punic War (218-201) necessitated one of the earliest recorded monetary devaluations in antiquity. Pliny tells us that the as became uncial in 217 BC (NH 33.13.45), but this is demonstrably wrong - the devaluation was semilibral, which halved the debts incurred in the Latin heartland and rendered the bronze coinage fiduciary. The Hannibalic War went from bad to worse from the Roman perspective, so much so that by 214 the weight of Roman bronze coinage went into freefall, with the semilibral standard being abandoned to what modern numismatists call the post-semilibral standards. Complete collapse of the Roman monetary system followed.

The post-semilibral decussis was a cast coin swansong and the largest and heaviest Roman coin ever issued, besides the early Roman quadrilateral currency bars which were probably produced for the distribution of spoils at the time of the Pyrrhic War in the 270s. Struck on what seems to be a quadrantal standard and tariffed at 10 asses, the bronze as was therefore now reduced to a weight of about 108g, very close to the weight of the Sicilian bronze litra (see Jones, A Dictionary of Ancient Greek Coins, p. 133). Importantly, the decussis provides us with the first evidence of an official equation built into the Roman currency system; prior to it there were only ad hoc relationships between the bronze and sporadic silver coinages. Crawford relates that ‘since for the denarius system the Romans decided to make the silver unit worth ten asses, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that when the decussis was produced it was worth the same as the then existing silver unit’ - referring to the unique 1/10 quadrigatus (RRC 28/5). If this is correct, then the value ratio of silver to bronze was 1:120 - the same as that displayed by the subsequent denarius system, and a ratio that was normal for the Hellenistic world (see Price, Essays to Robinson, Early Greek bronze coinage, 103).

An inescapable deduction is that as the Roman Republic coined and distributed silver on a scale unparalleled in the Greek world, bronze became relatively more valuable, leading to a rash and abortive attempt to restore the bronze coin as one of intrinsic value - which had the undesired effect of putting pressure on the silver quadrigatus coinage, which was heavily debased. Only from 212, in the wake of the sack of Syracuse, did silver bullion again become plentiful - it is significant that in 210 BC the sum of 2,400,000 denarii was provided for Scipio’s Spanish expedition, which equates to 10,800 kilograms of silver. Yet the fragility of the Roman economy and monetary system under the intense pressure of total war is graphically illustrated by the fact that by 206 pay for the army was already in arrears. Nonetheless, the vast quantities of metal gained from the spoils of successful campaigning between 212 and 206, along with the levying of metal from private individuals and the use of the gold from the aerarium sanctius allowed for a successful restoration of a pure silver coinage and the creation of a unified Roman monetary system for the first time, with clearly denominated relationships between gold, silver and bronze.

This monumental coin can be assessed with a significant degree of certainty as being the direct precursor for the pure silver denarius, being the product of the first attempt to implement a new intrinsic-value coinage compatible with the extant Sicilian monetary system. Though it would soon be superseded by the pure silver denarius, the decussis marks an important turning point in Roman coinage.

THE DECUSSIS

150

493. Anonymous Æ Sextans. Rome, after 211 BC. Head of Mercury right, two pellets above / Prow right, ROMA above, two pellets below. Crawford 56/6; Sydenham 143d. 8.48g, 27mm, 9h.


495. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, after 211 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, V behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, ROMA in exergue. RSC 3; Crawford 48/1. 2.19g, 18mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 500

496. Anonymous AR Victoriatus. Rome, 211-208 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right / Victory standing right, crowning trophy, VB monogram between; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 95/1a; Sydenham 113; RSC 36m. 3.32g, 16mm, 6h.

Fleur De Ccoin. 500

Ex CNG 54, 14 June 2000, lot 1245.

494. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, from 211 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; V behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 44/6; Sydenham 141; RSC 3. 2.10g, 17mm, 11h.

Fleur De Coin. Struck on a very broad flan, with attractive old tone. 500

From the BVH Collection.

497. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Apulia, circa 211-210 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, V behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, MT ligate below horse on right, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 103/2a; Sydenham 183. 2.32g, 17mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Scarce. 500

151

An Early Denarius of Finest Style

498. Anonymous AR Denarius. Sicilian mint, circa 209-8 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, loop beneath visor, branch tied with fillet behind, X below chin, curl on left shoulder / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 76/1d; Sydenham 201. 4.69g, 19mm, 4h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Very Rare. 4,000

One of the earliest silver denarii, the dies for this issue are of exceptionally fine style and possess a remarkable refinement not found on subsequent issues. Most likely engraved by a Greek artist, this is perhaps the most beautiful of all the Dioscuri type denarii.

499. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 207 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, cornucopiae below, ROMA in linear frame in exergue. Crawford 58/2; Sydenham 261. 4.12g, 18mm, 5h.


Ex Superior Sale, 12 August 1994, lot 2171.

500. Anonymous AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 206-200 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, carnyx below horses; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 128/1; Sydenham 290a; Decia 1. 4.46g, 19mm, 11h.


501. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 179-170 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 167/1; Sydenham 311. 3.66g, 20mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Well centred and struck. 500

152

502. Furius Purpurio AR Denarius. Rome, 169-158 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / Luna in a biga right, PVR below horses, murex shell above, ROMA within linear frame in exergue. Crawford 187/1; Sydenham 424. 3.66g, 21mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 500

The murex shell symbol makes a punning allusion to the moneyer’s name. The shells, found mainly around the southern Mediterranean coastline, were left to decompose and the purple ink which resulted was used to make purple dye. This dye was highly valued throughout the ancient world, and used in Rome to colour the senatorial togas.

504. C. Junius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 149 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, C•IVNI•C•F beneath; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 210/1; Sydenham 392; Junia 1. 3.70g, 18mm, 3h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old cabinet tone. 300

503. C. Junius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 149 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, C•IVNI•C•F beneath; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 210/1; Sydenham 392; Junia 1. 3.97g, 18mm, 11h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. 300


Superb Denarius of Q. Marcius Libo

505. Q. Marcius Libo AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X below chin, LIBO behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, Q. MARC below horses, ROMA in linear frame below. Marcia 1; Crawford 215/1; Sydenham 395. 3.88g, 21mm, 5h.

Fleur De Coin. Struck on a broad flan and with a beautiful golden tone. 2,000


506. Q. Marcius Libo AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right. X below chin, LIBO behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, Q. MARC below horses, ROMA in linear frame below. Marcia 1; Crawford 215/1; Sydenham 395. 3.98g, 21mm, 1h.


153

507. M. Atilius Saranus AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, SARAN ligate behind, X below chin / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, M. ATILI below horses, ROMA in exergue. Atilia 8; Crawford 214/1c; Sydenham 398d. 3.51g, 19mm, 9h.

Extremely Fine. 300

508. M. Atilius Saranus AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, SARAN ligate behind, X below chin / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, M. ATILI below horses, ROMA in exergue. Atilia 8; Crawford 214/1c; Sydenham 398d. 3.87g, 19mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 300

509. M. Aurelius Cotta AR Denarius. Rome, 139 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, COTA below chin, denomination mark X behind / Hercules, holding club and reins, driving galloping biga of centaurs right, the centaurs each carrying branch; M. AVRELI below, ROMA raised on tablet in exergue. Crawford 229/1a; Sydenham 429; Aurelia 16. 3.68g, 18mm, 6h.

Very Fine, excellent for the type. Very Rare. 1,500

510. Ti. Veturius AR Denarius. Rome, 137 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Mars right; behind, denomination mark X and T.I. VET (ligate) downwards / Two soldiers face each other, one bearded and without armour, one bearded and in armour; each holds a spear in left hand and with sword in right hand touches pig held by figure kneeling between them; above, ROMA. Crawford 234/1; Sydenham 527; Veturia 1. 3.91g, 20mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 300

511. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, wreath and XVI monogram behind, ROMA below / The Dioscuri galloping apart, with spears reverted, C SERVEILI M F in exergue. Sydenham 525; Crawford 239/1; Servilia 1. 3.90g, 21mm, 7h.



Very Rare Denarius of Aurelius Cotta

154

512. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, wreath and XVI monogram behind, ROMA below / The Dioscuri galloping apart, with spears reverted, C SERVEILI M F in exergue. Sydenham 525; Crawford 239/1; Servilia 1. 3.97g, 19mm, 6h.

Very Fine. 300

Ex Coin Galleries, 10 April 1991, lot 248.

513.

P. Maenius Antiaticus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram behind / Victory driving quadriga right, P•MAE ANT (ligate) below; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 249/1; Sydenham 492. 3.89g, 19mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Mint lustre. 500

514.

C. Aburius Geminus AR Denarius. Rome, 134 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, GEM behind, XVI monogram below chin / Mars in quadriga right, C. ABVRI below horses, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 244/1; Sydenham 490. 3.87g, 19mm, 3h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned; lustrous. 300

515. M. Aburius M. f. Geminus AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; GEM behind; XVI monogram below chin / Sol driving galloping quadriga right, M ABVRI below horses; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 250/1; Sydenham 487. 3.93g, 19mm, 4h.

Fleur De Coin. Beautiful surfaces and attractively toned. 500

516. M. Acilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 130 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, M. ACILIVS M. F around within two dotted lines / Hercules, holding trophy and club, walking right in quadriga, ROMA in exergue. Acilia 4; Crawford 255/1; Sydenham 511. 3.92g, 20mm, 4h.

Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning. 300

517. M. Furius L. f. Philus AR Denarius. Rome, 119 BC. Laureate head of Janus, M•FOVRI•L•F around / Roma standing left erecting trophy, gallic arms around; ROMA to right; PHILI (ligate) in exergue. Crawford 281/1; Sydenham 529; BMC 555. 3.94g, 21mm, 4h.

Good Very Fine. Beautiful mirror-like lustre. 500

M. Furius Philus, son of Lucius, is considered to have been the nephew of the Consul P. Furius Philus who together with Caius Flaminius enjoyed the honours of a Triumph for victories gained over the Ligurian Gauls in 223 BC. In his capacity as monetal triumvir he here represents the triumph in question.

155

518. A. Manlius Q. f. Sergianus AR Denarius. Rome, 118-107 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, SER behind, ROMA before / Sol in facing quadriga rising from the waves of the sea, X and crescent above, XVI monograms in both fields, A MANLI Q F below. Crawford 309/1; Sydenham 543. 3.84g, 22mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare and among the finest known for this issue, well struck on a broad flan with complete designs. 4,000

Ex CNA XI, 3 May 1990, lot 217.

This bold and innovative reverse design uses the device of Helios in quadriga as an allusion to the East to recall the memory of the moneyer’s ancestor Cn. Manlius Vulso who led a victorious campaign against the Galatians in Asia Minor, concluded a treaty with Antiochos III of the Seleucid Empire, and returned to Rome laden with treasure. Manlius’ campaign was apparently widely regarded in the Senate as a wanton expedition for the gaining of plunder, and Florus reports that his request for a triumph was rejected, though Livy, who is greatly critical of Manlius’ actions, nonetheless describes a triumphal procession in elaborate detail, including its captives, wagonloads of booty and even the celebratory songs of the soldiery.

519. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 115-114 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind, ROMA below / Roma, helmeted, seated right on two shields, holding spear before her; wolf standing right at her feet, head turned back, suckling Romulus and Remus, in left and right fields, two birds flying towards her. Crawford 287/1; Sydenham 530; Kestner 2478-81; BMC Italy 562-5; RSC (Anonymous) 176. 3.87g, 19mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine. 300

520. C. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 114-113 BC. Laureate head of Janus, C below to left, XVI monogram below to right / Galley travelling left, C FONT ligate above, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 291/1; Sydenham 555. 3.90g, 21mm, 3h.

Good Very Fine. 500

521. P. Licinius Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, 113-112 BC. Helmeted head of Roma left, holding shield and spear over shoulder; crescent above, ROMA upwards behind, mark of value in front / Three citizens voting on comitium: one voter receives ballot from attendant below, another voter places ballot in cista; P·NERVA above. Crawford 292/1; Sydenham 548; Licinia 7. 3.94g, 18mm, 5h.

Very Fine. Attractively toned. 200

522. T. Didius AR Denarius. Rome, 113-112 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram below, monogram of ROMA behind / Two soldiers fighting, one attacking with a whip, the other defending with a sword, T. DEIDI in exergue. Didia 2; Crawford 294/1; Sydenham 550. 3.77g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Iridescent toning. 300

Exceptional Issue of A. Manlius Sergianus

156

524. M. Herennius AR Denarius. Rome, 108 BC. Head of Pietas wearing diadem right, PIETAS behind, T before / Amphinomus, walking right, carrying his father Nisos, M. HERENNI behind. Crawford 308/1a; Sydenham 567. 3.83g, 18mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine. Excellent for the type. 300

525. L. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Draped bust of Victory right; below chin, XVI monogram / Mars advancing left, holding spear and trophy, apex before, grain ear behind, L. VALERI FLACCI in two lines downward in left field. Crawford 306/1; Sydenham 565; Valeria 11. 3.90g, 20mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 200

Ex CNA XXX, 11 June 1994, lot 245.

526. L. Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 106 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter left / Jupiter driving fast quadriga right, holding sceptre and reins and hurling thunderbolt, E above quadriga, L SCIP ASIAG in exergue. Crawford 311/1d; Sydenham 576b. 3.97g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Lightly toned. 200

527. Lucius Appuleius Saturninus AR Denarius. Rome, 104 BC. Helmeted head of Roma left / L•SATVRN, Saturn in quadriga right; T and pellet above. Crawford 317/3a; Sydenham 578. 4.00g, 19mm, 7h.

Good Extremely Fine, with beautiful, lustrous metal. 200

528. C. Coelius Caldus AR Denarius. Rome, 104 BC. Helmeted head of Roma left / Victory driving biga left; letter above; C•COIL below; CALD in exergue. Crawford 318/1a; Sydenham 582. 3.98g, 19mm, 3h.

Very Fine. Attractively toned. 200

523. C. Claudius Pulcher AR Denarius. Rome, 110-109 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right / Victory in biga right, C. PVLCHER in exergue. RSC 1; Sydenham 569; Crawford 300/1. 3.93g, 18mm, 6h.


157

529. L. Julius L. f. Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, 103 BC. Helmeted head of Mars left, CAESAR behind, Γ● above / Venus in biga of Cupids left, Γ● above, lyre below, L IVLI L F in exergue. Crawford 320/1. 4.12g, 17mm, 6h.

Very Fine. 200

530. C. Fabius C. f. Hadrianus AR Denarius. Rome, 102 BC. Veiled, turreted and draped bust of Cybele right, EX·A·PV behind / Victory, holding goad and reins, driving biga right; below, C and pellet; to lower right, stork standing right, C·FABI·C·F· in exergue. Crawford 322/1b; Sydenham 590; Fabia 14. 3.98g, 22mm, 7h.

Good Very Fine. 300

Ex Coin Galleries, 14 April 1993, lot 548.

531. A. Albinus Sp. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 96 BC. Bust of Diana right, bow and quiver at shoulder / Three soldiers on horseback galloping left, each holding spear and one holding standard, fallen warrior before. Crawford 335/9; Sydenham 613; Postumia 4. 3.80g, 19mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. 200

532. C. Allius Bala AR Denarius. Rome, 92 BC. Diademed head of Diana right, BALA behind, N below chin / Diana, holding torch and sceptre, driving biga of stags right, griffin seated right below, C. ALLI in exergue, all within wreath. Crawford 336/1c; Sydenham 595; Aelia 4. 3.92g, 18mm, 4h.

Extremely Fine. Vivid colourful toning. 500

Privately purchased from C. Blom in November 1996.

533. D Junius L. f. Silanus AR Denarius. Rome, 91 BC. Diademed bust of Salus right, SALVS below, C before, all within torque / Victory in biga right; ROMA beneath; D SILANVS in exergue. Crawford 337/2c; Sydenham 645. 3.84g, 19mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Pleasant old tone. Rare. 500

Ex Sternberg XXXII, 28-29 October 1996, lot 228.

158

534. Q. Titius AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Head of Mutinus Titius right / Q. TITI on a tablet from which springs Pegasus. RSC 1; Crawford 341/1; Sydenham 691; Titia 1. 4.08g, 18mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. Attractive lustre and light toning. 300

535. Q. Titius AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Head of Mutinus Titius right / Q. TITI on a tablet from which springs Pegasus. RSC 1; Crawford 341/1, Sydenham 691. 3.97g, 21mm, 6h.

Very Fine. Struck on a broad flan. 200

536. Q. Titius AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Head of Liber right, wearing ivy-wreath / Q. TITI on a tablet from which springs Pegasus. Crawford 341/2; Sydenham 596. 3.78g, 19mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine. 200

537. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Quinarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, K behind / Victory standing right, holding wreath, sword and spear, L PI - SO across fields, FRVGI in exergue. Crawford 340/2e; Sydenham 672b. 1.75g, 15mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. Exceptional condition for the issue. 500

538. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, three pellets behind / L PISO FRVGI below horseman galloping right, holding palm. Crawford 340/1; Sydenham 669a. 4.04g, 17mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. As struck, and with beautiful surfaces. 200

539. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; anchor behind, T before / L PISO FRVGI below horseman galloping right, holding palm, staff below, P above. Crawford 340/1; Sydenham 669b; Calpurnia 8ff. 4.15g, 20mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Attractive iridescent tones on lustrous metal. 300

159

541. C. Vibius C. f. Pansa AR Denarius. Rome, circa 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, A below chin / Minerva driving galloping quadriga right, holding trophy, reins and spear. Crawford 342/5b; Vibia 1. 4.02g, 20mm, 12h.

About Extremely Fine. 300

Ex Hirsch 255, 14 February 2008, lot 1695.

542. D. Iunius Silanus L. f. Æ As. Rome, 91 BC. Laureate head of Janus, mark of value above / Prow right, D SILANVS L F above. Sydenham 649; Crawford 337/5. 13.46g, 29mm, 5h.

Good Very Fine. Dark green patina. 1,000

Privately purchased from Freeman & Sear in January 2006.

543. Cn. Lentulus Clodianus AR Denarius. Rome, 88 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars right, seen from behind / Victory in biga right, holding wreath and reins, CN LENTVL in exergue. Crawford 345/1; Sydenham 702; Cornelia 50. 3.83g, 21mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. 300

Ex Triton VI, 14 January 2003, lot 663.

544. Mn. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 85 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, thunderbolt below neck truncation, ROMA (ligate) below chin, MN FONTEI C F behind / Cupid on goat right, pileii above, thyrsus in exergue, all within laurel-wreath. Sydenham 724; Crawford 353/1a. 4.12g, 21mm, 9h.

Extremely Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone and struck on a very broad flan. 200

540. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; pellet and symbol behind, XVI monogram below chin / Horseman galloping right holding palm, harpa above, L PISO FRVG ROMA in two lines below. Crawford 340/1; Sydenham 65a. 3.84g, 19mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Lightly toned. Very Rare. 500

Ex Aes Rude Sale 28, 1987, lot 82.

160

546. Q. Fabius Maximus AR Denarius. Restoration issue under Sulla. Rome, circa 82-80 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; below chin, XVI monogram, lyre before / Cornucopiae over thunderbolt, all within wreath. Crawford 371/1; Sydenham 718; Fabia 6. 3.92g, 17mm, 9h.

Near Extremely Fine. Scarce. 300

547. C. Annius T. f. T. n. and L. Fabius Hispaniensis AR Denarius. North Italy or Spain, 82-81 BC. C ANNI T F T N PRO COS EX S C, diademed and draped female bust right, winged caduceus behind, scales before, scorpion below / Victory, holding reins and palm, driving galloping quadriga right; Q above, L FABI L F HISP in exergue. Crawford 366/1a; BMC Spain 1; Annia 2; Sydenham 748. 3.86g, 20mm, 3h.

Good Very Fine. 200

Two Attractive Denarii of C. Valerius Flaccus

548. C. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Massalia, 82 BC. Bust of Victory right, wreath behind / Legionary eagle between two standards inscribed H and P, C. VAL. FLA behind, IMPERAT before, EX S.C below. Valeria 12; Crawford 365/1a; Sydenham 747a. 3.75g, 19mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. A very good example of this type. 500

549. C. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Massalia, 82 BC. Bust of Victory right, tripod behind / Legionary eagle between two standards inscribed H and P, C. VAL. FLA behind, IMPERAT before, EX S.C below. Valeria 12; Crawford 365/1a; Sydenham 747a. 3.66g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Pleasing iridescent toning. 300

550. C. Mamilius Limetanus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Bust of Mercury right, draped and wearing winged petasos, caduceus and M behind / Ulysses standing right, holding staff in left hand and extending right hand to Argus, C. MAMIL LIMETAN around. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 471. 3.66g, 20mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Lightly Toned. 300

545. C. Norbanus AR Denarius. Rome, 83 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right; CLXXIIII behind; C NORBANVS below / Corn ear, fasces and caduceus. Sydenham 739; Crawford 357/1b. 3.94g, 20mm, 3h.

Good Extremely Fine. Pleasant golden toning. 500

161

551. C. Mamilius Limetanus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Bust of Mercury right, draped and wearing winged petasos, caduceus and M behind / Ulysses standing right, holding staff in left hand and extending right hand to Argus, C. MAMIL LIMETAN around. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 471. 4.11g, 21mm, 8h.

Good Very Fine. 500

552. M. Caecilius Q. f. Q. n. Metellus AR Denarius. Rome, circa 82-80 BC. Head of Apollo right, hair tied with band, ROMA behind, XVI monogram below chin / Macedonian shield decorated with elephant’s head right, M. METELLVS. Q. F. around; all within laurel wreath. Crawford 369/1; Sydenham 719; Caecilia 30. 3.86g, 18mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Rare and uncommonly well preserved for the issue. 1,000

553. L. Cornelius Sulla Felix AR Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Head of Venus right, wearing diadem / Double cornucopiae, Q below. Crawford 375/2; Sydenham 755. 4.23g, 21mm, 1h.

Good Very Fine. 300

555. L. Rustius AR Denarius. Rome, 76 BC. Helmeted head of Mars right, S•C behind; XVI monogram below chin / Ram standing right, L•RVSTI below. Crawford 389/1; Sydenham 782; Rustia 1. 3.64g, 19mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 500

Cn. Lentulus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint, 76-75 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Genius of the Roman People right, with sceptre over shoulder; G.P.R. above / Sceptre with wreath, globe, and rudder; CN.LEN.Q below, EX-SC across fields. Crawford 393/1a; Sydenham 752; RSC Cornelia 54. 3.89g, 18mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine and well centred. 200

556.

554. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius AR Denarius. Spain, 81 BC. Diademed bust of Pietas right, stork before / IMPER below jug and lituus, all within wreath. Crawford 374/2; Sydenham 751. 4.00g, 20mm, 4h.


A Well Preserved Rarity

162

557. C. Egnatius Cn. f. Cn. n Maxsumus AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Bust of Cupid right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; behind, MAXSVMVS downwards / Distyle temple with figures of draped Jupiter and Libertas standing facing within; C EGNATIVS CN F below, CN N upwards to right, control to left. Crawford 391/2; Sydenham 788. 3.78g, 18mm, 9h.

Good Extremely Fine; beautiful style and perfectly centred. Rare. 1,000

558. M. Volteius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Head of young Hercules right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Erymanthian Boar charging right, VOLTEI·M·F in exergue. Crawford 385/2; Sydenham 775; Volteia 2. 4.17g, 18mm, 6h.


559. L. Plaetorius L. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 74 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Juno Moneta right, MONETA behind / Victorious boxer running right, holding caestus and palm branch, L PLAETORI to left, L F Q SC to right, control mark below. Sydenham 792a; Crawford 396/1b. 4.40g, 17mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine, hairline crack at four o’ clock on obverse. Very Rare and excellent for the type. 2,000

Ex NAC 6, 11 March 1993, lot 263.

The caestus on the reverse is a punning allusion to the cognomen Cestianus, and may record some athletic feat by an ancestor. The occasion of this special issue may have been the celebration of public games.

560. L. Lucretius Trio AR Denarius. Rome, 74 BC. Radiate head of Sol right / Crescent moon surrounded by seven stars, TRIO above, L. LVCRETI below. Crawford 390/1; Sydenham 783; Lucretia 2. 3.90g, 19mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 500

561. L. Lucretius Trio AR Denarius. Rome, 74 BC. Laureate head of Neptune right, trident at shoulder and X behind / Infant Genius riding dolphin right; L. LVCRETI TRIO in two lines below. Crawford 390/2; Sydenham 784; Lucretia 3. 3.78g, 20mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine. 500

Ex NFA XXVII, 4-5 December 1991, lot 445.

163

Publius Cornelius Lentulus, nicknamed Spinther because of his likeness to a popular actor of that name, came from an ancient Roman patrician family of the Cornelia gens. Although treated with great favour by Julius Caesar, Spinther eventually came to support the aristocratic senatorial cause of Caesar’s great rival Pompeius Magnus and aligned himself with that party. This proved an unwise move that would eventually lead to his political destruction and perhaps his death. Although his execution on Caesar’s orders is unverified, this may explain why his son (P Cornelius P. f. P. n. Lentulus Spinther) joined Caesar’s assassins, Brutus and Cassius, and struck coins for them during their civil war against the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian. Like his father before him, the younger Spinther also put his own name and nickname “Spinther” on the reverse of his coins, the obverse of which feature the bust of Libertas.

Pub. Lentulus P. f. L. n. Spinther

562. Pub. Lentulus P. f. L. n. Spinther AR Denarius. Rome, 74 BC. Bust of Hercules right; Q·S·C behind / P·LENT·P·F·L·N, Genius of the Roman People seated facing, holding cornucopiae and sceptre, being crowned by Victory flying left. Crawford 397/1; Sydenham 791. 4.10g, 18mm, 8h.

Near Extremely Fine. Beautiful golden toning. In excellent condition for this type. Very Rare. 2,000

563. Pub. Lentulus P. f. L. n. Spinther AR Denarius. Rome, 74 BC. Bust of Hercules right; Q·S·C behind / P·LENT·P·F·L·N, Genius of the Roman People seated facing, holding cornucopiae and sceptre, being crowned by Victory flying left. Crawford 397/1; Sydenham 791. 3.69g, 18mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare. 1,000

564. Pub. Lentulus P. f. L. n. Spinther AR Denarius. Rome, 74 BC. Bust of Hercules right; Q·S·C behind / P·LENT·P·F·L·N, Genius of the Roman People seated facing, holding cornucopiae and sceptre, being crowned by Victory flying left. Crawford 397/1; Sydenham 791. 3.46g, 18mm, 3h.


565. C. Postumius AR Denarius. Rome, 73 BC. Bust of Diana right, with bow and quiver on shoulder / Hound running right, spear below, C. POSTVMI TA in exergue. Postumia 9; Sydenham 785. 4.16g, 19mm, 9h.


164

566. Q. Crepereius M. f. Rocus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 72 BC. Bust of Amphitrite or Venus right, seen from behind, dolphin on left, D on right / Neptune in biga of sea-horses, brandishing trident, D above, Q. CREPEREI [ROCVS] in two lines below. Crawford 399/1a; Sydenham 796. 3.80g, 19mm, 4h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully lustrous and toned; an exquisite example. 3,000

There is barely anything known about the gens Crepereia, which makes it difficult to explain the marine imagery present on this type. Eckhel regards this coin as referring to the colony of Corinth, but Caesar did not annexe the region as a province until 44 BC, which is in disagreement with the dating of the coin. There were, however, cults at Corinth dedicated to both Neptune and Venus well into the Roman age. There are inscriptions which confirm that the gens maintained a trading presence throughout the Mediterranean, being recorded as active in the East and North Africa; it is possible the moneyer’s family also had a presence at or connection to Corinth which was significant to them, but is now lost to history.

The female bust on the obverse is often described as the sea-goddess Amphitrite, but in his analysis of the coin, Andrew McCabe argues that Venus is the more likely candidate to accompany Neptune.

While we cannot be certain as to why the moneyer chose this particular imagery, Tacitus does relate how Neptune was less than propitious towards his descendent Crepereius Gallus who was killed in an assassination attempt against Agrippina when he boarded the self-sinking boat Nero had commissioned.

A Beautiful Denarius of Q. Crepereius M. f. Rocus

567. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Head of Bonus Eventus right; control symbol behind / M. PLAETORI CEST EX SC, winged caduceus. Crawford 405/5; Sydenham 807. 3.84g, 19mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone. 500

568. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Female (Ceres?) bust right, hair gathered up in net; gladius behind / M PLAETORI CEST EX SC around winged caduceus. Crawford 405/3b. 3.68g, 19mm, 1h.


165

570. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Winged, helmeted bust of ‘Vacuna’ right, wearing a wreathed and crested helmet, bow and quiver on shoulder, cornucopiae below chin, CESTIANVS behind, SC before / M. PLAETORIVS M.F. AED CVR, eagle standing right on thunderbolt, head left. Crawford 409/1; Sydenham 809; Plaetoria 4. 3.96g, 19mm, 4h.


569. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Draped bust of Fortuna right, symbol behind / Half-length bust of Sors facing, head slightly right; tablet inscribed SORS below. Crawford 405/2; Sydenham 801. 4.11g, 18mm, 8h.

Near Extremely Fine. Very well centred and preserved, with good detail on reverse, including the facial area which is usually worn. Attractively toned. Rare. 1,000

571. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, sandal behind / Thalia standing left, holding comic mask, resting elbow on column, Q POMPONI on right, MVSA on left. Crawford 410/9b. 3.77g, 20mm, 4h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning and well centred on a broad flan. A choice example. 2,000

Thalia, like all the Muses, is the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne and the eighth born of the nine. Her name means ‘the joyous’, or ‘the flourishing’, and she presides over comedy and idyllic poetry.

Thalia, Muse of Comedy

572. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Q. POMPONI MVSA, diademed head of Apollo right / HERCVLES MVSARVM, Hercules standing right wearing lion’s skin and playing lyre. Crawford 410/1; Sydenham 810; Pomponia 8. 3.84g, 19mm, 12h.

Near Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. 1,000

573. Mn. Aquillius Mn. f. Mn. n. AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 65 BC. VIRTVS III VIR, helmeted bust of Virtus right / MN AQVIL right, MN F MN N left, SICIL in exergue, the consul Manius Aquillius standing facing, holding shield and raising slumped Sicilia by the arm. Crawford 401/1; Sydenham 798. 3.97g, 21mm, 8h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractive light toning with hints of iridescence around the devices. 500

166

574. L. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Rome, 63 BC. Head of Vesta left, wearing veil and diadem, kylix behind, control mark before / LONGIN III V, voter left, dropping tablet marked ‘V’ into cista on right. Crawford 413/1; Sydenham 935. 3.99g, 19mm, 6h.

Near Mint State. Lightly toned. 500

This type refers to the Lex Cassia Tabellaria, which was proposed by the moneyer’s ancestor Lucius Cassius Longinus Ravilla, and changed the Roman voting system to one of secret ballot.

575. L. Furius Brocchus AR Denarius. Rome, 63 BC. III VIR BROCCHI, bust of Ceres right, between wheat-ear and barley corn / L FVRI C N F, curule chair between fasces. Sydenham 902; Crawford 414/1. 3.86g, 19mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning. 300

576. M. Aemilius Lepidus AR Denarius. Rome, 61 BC. Laureate and diademed female bust right / Horseman right, carrying trophy over shoulder, M LEPIDVS in exergue. Aemilia 21; Sydenham 827; Crawford 419/1a. 3.71g, 18mm, 5h.

Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Rare. 500

577. P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 60 BC. Draped bust of Leuconoë right; dolphin behind; P•YPSAE•S•C• before / Jupiter in rearing quadriga left; CEPIT to right; C•YPSAE•COS PRIV in exergue. Crawford 420/2a. 3.75g, 18mm, 2h.

Good Extremely Fine. Slightly off-centre, but lustrous and far more beautiful in hand. 500

578. M. Aemilius Scaurus and P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 58 BC. M•SCAVR AED CVR, kneeling figure right (King Aretas of Nabataea), holding olive branch and reins of camel beside him; EX on left; S•C on right; REX ARETAS in exergue / P•HVPSAE AED CVR, Jupiter in quadriga left, holding reins in left hand and hurling thunderbolt with right; scorpion below horses; CAPTV on right; C HVPSAE COS PREIVE in exergue. Babelon Aemilia 8 and Plautia 8; Sydenham 913; Crawford 422/1b. 4.10g, 20mm, 9h.


167

579. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Diademed bust of Ancus Marcius right, lituus behind, ANCVS below / Equestrian statue on aqueduct of five arches, flower below, AQVA MAR between arches, PHILIPPVS behind. Marcia 28; Sydenham 919. 4.06g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned with blue and gold iridescent highlights. 300

The Marcia gens claimed descent from Ancus Marcius, the fourth King of Rome, who is said to have been the first to bring water to the city by means of an aqueduct. The equestrian statue is that of Q. Marcius Rex, who, when praetor in 144 BC, was commissioned by the Senate to repair the old aqueducts and to build one which would give a supply of water to the Capitol. This aqueduct is known as the Aqua Marcia.

580. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Diademed bust of Ancus Marcius right, lituus behind, ANCVS below / Equestrian statue on aqueduct of five arches, flower below, AQVA MAR between arches, PHILIPPVS behind. Marcia 28; Sydenham 919. 4.11g, 19mm, 7h.

Extremely Fine. 300

581. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Bust of Hercules right, in lion’s skin; S•C behind / Globe between jewelled wreath and three triumphal wreaths. Crawford 426/4b; Cornelia 62. 4.12g, 19mm, 5h.


582. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Laureate, diademed and draped bust of Venus right; behind, sceptre above which S.C. / Three trophies; to left and right, jug and lituus; in exergue, monogram. Crawford 426/3; Sydenham 879; Cornelia 59. 3.83g, 19mm, 4h.

Extremely Fine. 500

583. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Diademed bust of Hercules right, lion’s skin tied at neck and draped on shoulders, FEELIX downwards behind / Diana, holding lituus and reins, driving galloping biga right; above, crescent and two stars; below, one star and FAVSTVS. Crawford 426/2; Sydenham 881a; Cornelia 60a. 3.97g, 20mm, 6h.

Minor striking weakness. Old collection toning. Extremely Fine. 500

Ex CNA XXI, 26 June 1992, lot 291.

168

584. Cn. Plancius AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Head of Diana Planciana right, wearing petasus, CN. PLANCIVS AED CVR S.C / Cretan ibex standing right, bow and quiver behind. Plancia 1; Crawford 432/1; Sydenham 933. 4.03g, 19mm, 12h.


Ex Hess-Divo 307, 7 June 2007, lot 1499; Ex E. Bourgey, 9-10 November 1976, lot 195.

585. Q. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Rome, circa 55 BC. Q CASSIVS VEST, veiled head of Vesta right / Curule chair within circular temple of Vesta between urn and vota tablet inscribed AC. Sydenham 917; Crawford 428/1. 3.86g, 20mm, 7h.

Good Very Fine. 300

586. P. Fonteius P. f. Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. P FONTEIVS CAPITO III VIR CONCORDIA, diademed, veiled and draped head of Concordia right / Villa Publica on the Campus Martius, T DIDI on left, VIL PVB on right, IMP below. Crawford 429/2a; Sydenham 901. 4.36g, 18mm, 6h.

About Extremely Fine. Pleasing old cabinet tone. 300

587. P. Fonteius P. f. Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. P FONTEIVS CAPITO III VIR CONCORDIA, diademed, veiled and draped head of Concordia right / Villa Publica on the Campus Martius, T DIDI on left, VIL PVB on right, IMP below. Crawford 429/2a; Sydenham 901. 3.90g, 18mm, 4h.


588. M. Junius Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Bust of Libertas right, LIBERTAS behind / Consul L. Junius Brutus, between two lictors, preceded by accensus, all walking left; BRVTVS in exergue. Sydenham 906; Crawford 433/1; Junia 31. 3.88g, 20mm, 2h.

Good Extremely Fine. Well centred and attractively toned. 1,000

This piece was struck by Brutus when he held the post of moneyer, ten years before the infamous assassination of Julius Caesar.

The type, while illustrating his strong republican views, is also a record of his ancestry. It recalls the legendary expulsion of the Tarquins from Rome in 509 BC by L. Junius Brutus, who was consul in that year. At this time Brutus was known as Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus, on account of his having been adopted by his uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio. He later reverted to his birth name, though following Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC, Brutus revived his adoptive name in order to illustrate his links to another famous tyrannicide, Gaius Servilius Ahala, from whom he was also descended.

169

589. C. Coelius Caldus AR Denarius. Rome, 51 BC. Head of Coelius Caldus right, C·COEL·CALDVS downwards, COS below, standard inscribed HIS behind, standard in the form of a boar before / Table, inscribed L·CALDVS VII VR (ligate)·EP VL (ligate), with figure behind preparing epulum; on left, trophy with Macedonian shield; on right, trophy with carnyx and oval shield decorated with thunderbolt; on far left, C·CALDVS downwards; on far right, IMP·A·X downwards; below, CALDVS·III·VIR. Crawford 437/2a; Sydenham 894; Coelia 7. 3.73g, 20mm, 7h.


590. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Apollonia, 49 BC. Bust of Apollo right; L•LENT•C•MARC COS around / Jupiter standing right, eagle in left hand, thunderbolt in right; flower and Q in left field; garlanded altar in right field. Crawford 445/2. 3.98g, 18mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. Lustrous and attractively toned. Rare. 1,000

Ex NAC 40, 16 May 2007, lot 526.

This coin was struck for the two consuls of 49 BC, both of whom supported the party of Pompey and were violently opposed to Caesar, upon whose approach to Rome they fled to Sicily. They then travelled to Asia Minor where this coin was struck. The reverse is claimed to be a copy of the famous statue of Zeus Eleutherios, by Myron, which was set up by the Syracusans as a memorial to their freedom in 460 BC.

591. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Pompey, 49 BC. Facing head of Medusa in center of triskeles with grain ear between each leg / Jupiter standing facing, holding thunderbolt in right hand and eagle in left; LENT MAR upwards to left, COS upwards to right, (NT and MAR ligate). Crawford 445/1b; Sear 4; Sydenham 1029; Cornelia 64a. 3.62g, 18mm, 8h.

Good Very Fine. 750

592. Q. Sicinius AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Diademed head of Fortuna right, P. R behind, FORT before / Palm-branch and caduceus crossed, laurel wreath above, III VIR across fields, Q. SICINIVS below. Sicinia 5; Crawford 440/1; Sydenham 938. 3.89g, 18mm, 5h.

Good Extremely Fine. Pleasant blue tone on reverse. 500

593. Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Diademed head of Apollo right, XVI monogram below, III VIR behind, Q. SICINIVS before / Club of Hercules surmounted by lion’s skin between arrow and bow, PR. S. C on left, C. COPONIVS on right. Sicinia 2; Crawford 444/1b; Sydenham 939b. 3.92g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent toning. 500

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

Two Attractive Issues of Lentulus and Marcellus

170

594. C. Vibius C. f. C. n. Pansa Caetronianius AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Bust of youthful Bacchus right, wearing ivy wreath; PANSA behind / Ceres-Demeter walking right, carrying torches; plough before; C VIBIVS C F C N behind. Sydenham 946; Crawford 449/2. 4.03g, 19mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine. 300

595. C. Antius C. f. Restio AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Jugate heads of Dei Penates right, DEI PENATES below / Hercules walking right, holding trophy and club, C ANTIVS C F before. Sydenham 971; Crawford 455/2b. 3.78g, 19mm, 6h.

Near Extremely Fine. Light iridescent tone. Rare. 500

Privately purchased from NFA in November 1992.

596. A. Licinius Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Laureate head of Fides right; FIDES downwards before, NERVA downwards after / Horseman galloping right, with right hand dragging naked warrior, who holds shield in left hand and sword in right hand; below, A·LICINIVS; on left, III; on right, VIR. Crawford 454/1; Sydenham 954a; Sear 30; Licinia 24. 4.04g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. 300

Ex Gorny & Mosch 164, 17 March 2008, lot 347.

Fine Style Dies

597. L. Plautius Plancus AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Head of Medusa, facing, with coiled snake on either side, L. PLAVTIVS below / Victory facing, holding palm and leading four horses, PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1a; Sydenham 959. 3.98g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned; a superb example of the type. 2,000

This moneyer was adopted into the Plautia gens. Sear suggests that the reverse type may be related to a picture by Nichomachus of Thebes which was placed in the Capitol by L. Munatius Plancus as a part of the celebrations of his Gallic triumph. In his Fasti, Ovid relates the origin of the festival of the lesser Quinquatria Minerva. He states that an aedile exiled Rome’s flute-players to Tibur, and that the moneyer’s adopted ancestor C. Plautius, who was consul that year, smuggled them back into Rome to appease the citizens. The flute-players wore masks to conceal their identities and this became a tradition of the annual festival.

598. Mn. Cordius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 46 BC. Corinthian helmet with crest on which an owl stands; RVFVS left / The aegis of Minerva with head of Medusa in the centre; MN CORDIVS around. Crawford 463/2; Sydenham 978; Cordia 4. 3.65g, 18mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine. Vivid iridescent toning. 300

This type is ascribed to Mn. Cordius Rufus, monetal triumvir under Julius Caesar, before or after the dictatorship. The owl refers to Caesar’s prudence and wisdom; the warlike helmet and the aegis to his valour.

171

599. L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. ACISCVLVS, diademed head of Apollo Soranus right, pickaxe behind, star above / Valeria Luperca riding a heifer right, holding a veil above; L VALERIVS in exergue. Sydenham 998a; Crawford 474/1b. 3.99g, 20mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 500

600. C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Bust of Minerva right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis / Hercules standing facing, holding club in right hand and with lion’s skin over left arm; C. VIBIVS downwards to right, VARVS downwards to left. Crawford 494/38, Sydenham 1140. 4.07g, 20mm, 1h.


601. C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Ivy-wreathed bust of Bacchus right / Panther springing left, toward garlanded altar upon which sit thyrsus and mask; VARVS to left; C VIBIVS in exergue. Crawford 494/36. 3.75g, 19mm, 7h.

Fleur De Coin. An excellent example, struck on a large flan and attractively toned. 500

602. P. Clodius M. f. Turrinus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; lyre behind / Diana standing facing, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand; P•CLODIVS M•F• across fields. Sydenham 1117; Crawford 494/23. 3.92g, 21mm, 1h.

Fleur De Coin. Hints of toning. 300

603. C. Clodius Vestalis AR Denarius. Rome, 41 BC. Laureate, draped bust of Flora right; lily at shoulder; C.CLODIVS C.F. around / Veiled Vestal Virgin seated left, holding a two-handled bowl; VESTALIS to left. Crawford 512/2; Sydenham 1135. 3.88g, 19mm, 7h.


173

COINS OF THE IMPERATORS

604. Pompey Magnus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Diademed terminal bust of Jupiter right, VARRO PRO Q / Sceptre between dolphin and eagle, MAGN PRO COS in two lines in exergue. Sydenham 1033; Crawford 447/1a; Sear 8. 3.83g, 19mm, 12h.

Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Rare. 2,000

605. Pompey Magnus and M. Poblicius AR Denarius. Spanish mint, 46-45 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; M POBLICI LEG PRO PR around / Hispania standing right, with shield slung on back, holding two spears in left hand and presenting long palm branch to soldier standing left on prow of ship; CN MAGNVS IMP around. Pompeia 9 and Poblicia 10; Sydenham 1035; Sear 48; Crawford 469/1c. 3.95g, 21mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine, and lightly toned. Well centred and struck on a broad flan.

Ex Lanz 148, 4 January 2010, lot 69. 1,000

606. Pompey Magnus and M. Poblicius AR Denarius. Spanish mint, 46-45 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; M POBLICI LEG PRO PR around / Hispania standing right, with shield slung on back, holding two spears in left hand and presenting long palm branch to soldier standing left on prow of ship; CN MAGNVS IMP around. Pompeia 9 and Poblicia 10; Sydenham 1035; Sear 48; Crawford 469/1c. 3.72g, 22mm, 7h.

Good Extremely Fine. Obverse of uncommonly fine style; attractively toned. 1,000

607. Q. Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. African mint, 47-46 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right, beard and hair in ringlets / Elephant walking right, SCIPIO above, IMP in exergue. Crawford 459/1; Caecilia 47. 4.12g, 17mm, 4h.


608. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Massilia, 44-43 BC. Bare head of Pompey Magnus right, NEPTVNI behind, trident before, dolphin swimming to right below / Galley with billowing sail and bank of rowers moving to right, star in left field, Q NASIDIVS below. Sear 235; Crawford 483/2; Sydenham 1350; RSC 20. 3.68g, 20mm, 3h.


174

609. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Sicily, 42 BC. Diademed and bearded head of Neptune right; trident over left shoulder; MAG PIVS IMP ITER around / 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; heads of Scylla and Charybdis at base; PRAEF CLAS ET ORAE MARIT EX S C around. Crawford 511/2a; RSC 1a; Sydenham 1347; Sear 333. 3.60g, 18mm, 12h.


610. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily, (Catania?), 37-36 BC. MAG PIVS IMP ITER, bare head of Pompey Magnus right; capis behind, lituus before / Neptune standing left, holding aplustre in right hand, resting right foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers, Anapias and Amphinomus, carrying their parents on their shoulders, PRAEF above, CLAS ET ORAE MARIT EX S C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; Sydenham 1344; Sear 334; RRC 511/3a; BMCRR Sicily 7; Pompeia 27; Catalli 2001, 824. 3.53g, 19mm, 3h.

Extremely Fine, with a lovely old cabinet tone and a well centred reverse. Rare. 1,000

The presence of Neptune in several issues of Sextus Pompey alludes to his command of the seas, and the depiction of the Sicilian legend of the brothers Amphinomus and Anapias indicates the probable location of the mint.

These two brothers are said to have carried their parents upon their shoulders in order to escape the destruction of an eruption of Mount Etna. This story of loyalty to one’s parents complements the portrait of Sextus’ father on the obverse type.

611. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant walking right, trampling on serpent, CAESAR in exergue / Simpulum, aspergillum, axe (surmounted by wolf’s head), and apex. Sear 9; Crawford 443/1; Sydenham 1006. 3.95g, 21mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. Struck on a broad flan with attractive golden toning around the devices. 500

612. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 47 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right / Aeneas advancing left, carring palladium in right hand and Anchises on left shoulder; CAESAR to right. Julia 10; Crawford 458/1; Sydenham 1013; Sear 55. 3.90g, 16mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned around the devices. 500

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

175

614. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar in Spain, 46-45 BC. Diademed head of Venus right; Cupid on her shoulder / Gallia and Gaulish captive seated beneath trophy of Gallic arms; CAESAR in exergue. Sydenham 1014; Crawford 468/1. 3.84g, 19mm, 7h.

Good Very Fine. 300

615. Julius Caesar AV Aureus. Lifetime issue. Rome, 46 BC. C CAESAR COS TER, veiled head of a female figure, possibly Vesta, right / A HIRTIVS PR, capis between lituus to left, axe to right. Sear 56; Calicó 37b. 8.05g, 21mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 3,000

616. Julius Caesar AV Aureus. Lifetime issue. Rome, 46 BC. C CAESAR COS TER, veiled head of a female figure, possibly Vesta, right / A HIRTIVS PR, capis between lituus to left, axe to right. Sear 56; Calicó 37b. 8.10g, 20mm, 9h.

Good Fine. 2,000

A Remarkable Specimen

617. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Struck under A. Hirtius, C. Vibius Varus and Lollius Palicanus. Rome, 45 BC. Diademed head of Libertas, LIBERTATIS behind / Subsellium standing on rostrum, PALIKANVS above. Sydenham 960; Crawford 473. 3.84g, 21mm, 6h.

About Extremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan and attractively toned; a truly exceptional example of this scarce type. 2,000

Privately purchased from M&M in December 1993.

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.

613. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 47 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right / Aeneas advancing left, carring palladium in right hand and Anchises on left shoulder; CAESAR to right. Julia 10; Crawford 458/1; Sydenham 1013; Sear 55. 3.80g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 500

176

618. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Struck under L. Aemilius Buca. Rome, 44 BC. Wreathed head of Caesar right; CAESAR IM before, P M and crescent behind / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in outstretched right hand and leaning on sceptre with left; L AEMILIVS behind, BVCA before. Crawford 480/4; Sear 102; Sydenham 1060; Kestner 3685; BMCRR Rome 4152-3; RSC 22. 3.39g, 21mm, 9h.

Good Very Fine; a fantastic portrait struck on a broad flan. 5,000

619. Divus Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Struck under L. Mussidius Longus. Rome, 42 BC. Wreathed head of Julius Caesar right / L. MVSSIDIVS LONGVS, cornucopiae on globe, between rudder on left, and caduceus and apex on right. Sear 116; Crawford 494/39b; Sydenham 1096c. 3.92g, 20mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 1,000

621. C. Cassius Longinus and M. Servilius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Brutus and Cassius, 43-42 BC. Laureate head of Libertas right, C CASSI IMP behind / Aplustre, the branches ending in flowers, M SERVILIVS to left, LEG to right. Cassia 21 and Servilia 42; Sydenham 1312; Sear 225; Crawford 505/2. 3.17g, 20mm, 2h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare. Unusually, this denarius is rarer than the corresponding aureus (Crawford 505/1). 1,000

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 the 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 ally’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.

622. M. Junius Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius in Western Asia Minor or Northern Greece, 43-42 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; COSTA LEG around / Trophy of arms; IMP BRVTVS around. Junia 42; Sydenham 1296; Crawford 506/2. 3.90g, 19mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine; old cabinet tone. Rare. 750

620. Cassius Longinus and P. Cornelius Lenutulus Spinther AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus (Smyrna?), 43-42 BC. C. CASSI IMP, tripod with cauldron, decorated with two laurel-branches / LENTVLVS SPINT, jug and lituus. Crawford 500/1; Sydenham 1308; Sear 201. 4.02g, 18mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Attractive lustrous metal with light toning. 1,000

Exceptional Portrait of Julius Caesar

177

623. M. Junius Brutus and C. Flavius Hemicullus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Brutus, 43-42 BC. Draped bust of Apollo right, lyre in front; C FLAV HEMIC LEG PRO PR around / Victory standing left, crowning trophy with wreath; Q CAEP below, BRVT to right, IMP to left. Crawford 504/1; Sydenham 1294; Sear 205. 3.65g, 21mm, 12h.


The military imagery on this type is presumably related to Brutus’ operations in Thrace and Lycia prior to the final engagement with Octavian and Antony at Philippi. The precise identity of the legate C. Flavius Hemicullus has not been established, and there are a number of accounts which paint an unclear image of his role. In his correspondence to Atticus, Cicero makes mention of a ‘Flavius Noster’, and Plutarch relates that ‘Flavius, Brutus’ chief of engineers’ came to him in his last hours. This indicates some confusion since the obverse legend names Flavius as ‘legatus pro praetore’. Appian recalls another Flavius, with the correct praenomen of Gaius as an enemy of Octavian.

Whilst very little is known about Brutus’ legate, it is of interest to note that the style of the engraving, particularly the obverse, is very different to that of Brutus’ contemporary issues; the Apollo portrait present on Crawford 503/1 is of almost identical style to the local Lycian silver currency.

624. M. Junius Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus in Asia Minor, 42 BC. Veiled, draped bust of Libertas right; L SESTI PRO Q around; P in left field / Tripod between sacrificial axe and simpulum, all within beaded border; Q CAEPIO BRVTVS PRO COS around. Junia 37; Sydenham 1290; Crawford 502/2. 3.71g, 19mm, 1h.


625. M. Junius Brutus with P. Servilius Casca Longus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with the army (western Asia Minor or northern Greece). Summer-Autumn 42 BC. CASCA LONGVS, laureate bust of Neptune right, trident below / BRVTVS IMP, Victory in long tunic walking to right, palm branch over left shoulder and breaking diadem with both hands, broken sceptre on ground. Junia 44; Crawford 507/2; Sydenham 1298. 3.92g, 22mm, 12h.

About Good Very Fine. Attractive colourful toning. 2,000

178

Sharply Struck and Beautifully Toned

626. M. Junius Brutus with P. Servilius Casca Longus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with the army (western Asia Minor or northern Greece). Summer-Autumn 42 BC. CASCA LONGVS, laureate bust of Neptune right, trident below / BRVTVS IMP, Victory in long tunic walking to right, palm branch over left shoulder and breaking diadem with both hands, broken sceptre on ground. Junia 44; Crawford 507/2; Sydenham 1298. 3.95g, 19mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Well centred and with a stunning old tone. Deep royal blue and purple iridescence on obverse; violet, turquoise and gold hints on reverse. Rare. 4,000

Ex Byron Reed Collection.Ex Spink 116, 1996, lot 2587.

P. Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Caesar and although his family was loyal to the dictator, with Casca’s brother Gaius Servilius Casca even being a close friend of his, both siblings participated in the assassination on the Ides of March, 44 BC. Casca struck the first blow, attacking Caesar from behind and hitting his neck, after Tillius Cimber had distracted the dictator by grabbing his toga. Casca later joined Brutus in the East and was entrusted with the command of a fleet. He fought bravely at Philippi, but after their forces were defeated and it became clear that the cause was lost he followed Brutus’ example by committing suicide.This remarkable type, issued in the months preceding Philippi, graphically symbolizes the anticipated defeat of the forces of tyranny which, in the view of the ‘liberators’, were aiming at the destruction of Rome’s republican constitution and its replacement by an autocratic form of government. The depiction of Neptune on the obverse of this piece is probably in celebration of Cassius’ naval exploits against the Rhodians, though it could equally well be in recognition of Casca’s own command. However, it is ironic that while Casca’s denarius here depicts Victory breaking the diadem of royal power, his aureus shows Brutus’ portrait surrounded by a similar symbol of regal or even divine status.

627. 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 below. Sear 198; Crawford 500/7; Sydenham 1310. 3.64g, 19mm, 12h.


628. 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 below. Sear 198; Crawford 500/7; Sydenham 1310. 4.03g, 20mm, 7h.


179

629. L. Staius Murcus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Murcus, 42-41 BC. Head of Neptune right, with trident over shoulder / Male figure on right, holding sword in left hand and right hand raising kneeling female figure on left, between them, trophy with sword and shield, MVRCVS IMP in exergue. Crawford 510/1; Sydenham 1315; Sear 337. 4.18g, 19mm, 12h.

Scrape across right figure, expertly restored. Otherwise Extremely Fine; an exceptional example of the type. Extremely Rare. 4,000

Like many commanders of the Imperatorial age, not a great deal is known about the career of L. Staius Murcus. Appian relates that he served under Caesar in Gaul and Africa, and was present at the Senate House on the Ides of March and whilst he did not participate in Caesar’s murder, he approved of the deed.

Following Caesar’s assassination, the Senate sent Murcus to Syria as proconsul to besiege Q. Caecilius Bassus alongside Cassius. Murcus was posted to blockade the fleet of Cleopatra as she came to the aid of Marc Antony and Octavian. Domitius Ahenobarbus was sent to assist him in this, and the two formed a highly successful partnership, which resulted in dominance over the seas between Greece and Italy. This partnership was not to last long however, and as a rift formed between the two, Murcus joined forces with Sextus Pompey. Murcus’ stubborness and refusal to cooperate with Pompey’s plans led to a growing suspicion on behalf of the latter, who soon had Murcus assassinated.

Extremely Rare Issue of L. Staius Murcus

630. Marc Antony and P. Serpullius Macer AR Denarius. Rome, 44 BC. Bearded head of Marc Antony wearing veil, lituus before, jug behind / Desultor holding reins in left hand and whip in right hand, wreath [and palm-branch] behind, P SEPVLLIVS above, MACER below. Crawford 480/22; Sydenham 1077; Sear 142. 3.46g, 18mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 1,000

631. Marc Antony and C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Bearded bare head of Marc Antony right / Fortuna standing left, holding Victory and cornucopiae, C. VIBIVS downwards in right field, VARVS upwards in left field. Crawford 494/32; Sydenham 1328. 3.61g, 20mm, 3h.


Very Rare Aureus of Marc Antony and Octavian

632. Marc Antony, Octavian, and M. Barbatius AV Aureus. Military mint moving wiht Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M ANT IMP AVG III VIR R P C M BARBAT Q P, bare head of Antony right / CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR R P C, bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard. Crawford 517/1a; CRI 242; C. 7. 8.03g, 19mm, 12h.

Good Fine. Very Rare. 10,000

180

633. Marc Antony, Octavian, and M. Barbatius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M ANT IMP AVG III VIR R P C M BARBAT Q P, bare head of Marc Antony right / CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR R P C, bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard, right. Sear 243; Crawford 517/2; Sydenham 1181. 3.91g, 20mm, 12h.


634. Marc Antony, Octavian, and M. Barbatius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M ANT IMP AVG III VIR R P C M BARBAT Q P, bare head of Marc Antony right / CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR R P C, bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard, right. Sear 243; Crawford 517/2; Sydenham 1181. 3.83g, 20mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 750

636. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Athens, 38-37 BC. III VIR R P C COS DESIG ITER ET TERT, radiate bust of Sol right / M ANTONIVS M F M N AVGVR IMP TER, Antony standing right, dressed as priest, veiled, wearing toga and holding a lituus. Crawford 533/2; Sydenham 1199. 3.97g, 20mm, 9h.

Very Fine. Somewhat worn and with a bankers mark on obverse chin, but still a highly attractive example of this sought after type, displaying magnificent iridescent hues around the devices. 500

637. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Patrae?), 32-31 BC. ANT·AVG·III·VIR·R·P·C·, praetorian galley to right / LEG II, aquila between two standards. RSC 27; Sydenham 1216; Sear 349; Crawford 544/14. 3.94g, 17mm, 6h.

Toned and Extremely Fine. 500

Ex CNG 24, 9 December 1992, lot 391.

635. Marc Antony AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Ionia, Ephesus. Circa 39 BC. Laureate head of Marc Antony right, ·M·ANTONIVS·IMP·COS·DESIG·ITERET·TERT around, all within wreath / Head of Octavia atop cista mystica, flanked by snakes; III·VIR downwards to left, R·P·C upwards to right. Sear 1512; RPC 2201; Sydenham 1197. 12.16g, 26mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 750

181

638. Octavian AR Denarius. Brundisium or Rome, 32-29 BC. Bare head of Octavian right / CAESAR DIVI F, Mercury, with petasos slung behind, seated right on cloak set on rock, playing lyre. C 61; BMC 597; RIC 257; CBN 75. 3.77g, 21mm, 3h.

Good Very Fine. Struck on a broad flan and nicely toned. 1,000

639. Octavian AR Denarius. Possibly Brundisium or Rome, 32-29 BC. Bare head left / CAESAR DIVI F to left and right of Victory, draped, standing left, on globe, holding wreath in right hand, palm branch in left over shoulder. RIC 254b; BMC 603. 3.74g, 22mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Scarce. 1,000

640. Octavian AR Denarius. Rome (?), 31-30 BC. Winged bust of Victory right / CAESAR DIVI F, Octavian, as Neptune, standing left, right foot set on globe, holding aplustre in right hand, sceptre in left. RIC 256; RSC 60. 3.83g, 21mm, 3h.


641. Octavian AR Denarius. Cyrenaica, provincial governor L Pinarius Scarpus, circa 31-29 BC. Open right hand reaching left, IMP. CAESARI above, SCARPVS. IMP below / DIVI. F on right, AVG. PONT on left, Victory standing right on globe, holding wreath. Crawford 546/6; Sydenham 1282; RSC 500. 3.88g, 20mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Extremely Rare. 500

According to Crawford, this coin represents the last denarius of the Roman Republic. L. Pinarius Scarpus commanded four legions for Marc Antony in Cyrenaica against Octavian’s African army, which was under the command of Cornelius Gallus. After learning of Antony’s defeat at Actium, Scarpus changed his allegiance to Octavian. This issue was struck shortly after the battle of Actium, the open hand signalizing a gesture of friendship toward Octavian.

642. Octavian AR Denarius. Uncertain Italian mint (Rome?), 30 BC. Victory standing right holding wreath and palm on prow right / Octavian, holding olive-branch and reins in slow triumphal quadriga right. RIC 264. 3.76g, 20mm, 6h.

Near Extremely Fine; two small bankers marks on obverse. 1,000

639 640

643. Octavian AR Denarius. Possibly Brundisium or Rome, 29-7 BC. Bare head right / IMP CAESAR on architrave of arch surmounted by facing statue of Octavian in quadriga. RIC 267; BMC 624. 3.83g, 19mm, 7h.


A coin struck to commemorate Octavian’s victory at the Battle of Actium over the forces of Marc Antony and Cleopatra, the reverse probably depicts the triumphal arch erected in the Forum in Rome to honour Octavian, circa 29 BC.

182

COINS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

644. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 28 BC. CAESAR DIVI F COS VI, bare head right / AEGYPTO CAPTA in two lines, crocodile to right below. RIC 545; BMC 653. 3.79g, 19mm, 9h.


Proudly announcing Octavian’s annexation of Egypt to the empire, this coin is an excellent example of this propagandistic type proclaiming the achievments of Rome’s de-facto ruler to the masses.

645. Augustus AR Cistophorus. Ephesus, 28-20 BC. IMP CAESAR DIVI F COS VI LIBERTATIS VINDEX, laureate head right / Pax standing left on parazonium, holding caduceus, snake emerging from cista mystica in right field, PAX in lower left field, all within laurel-wreath. RIC 476; RPC 2203. 11.64g, 28mm, 12h.


646. Augustus AR Drachm of Masikytes, Lycia. 27 BC - 14 AD. Bare head right, Λ - V across fields / Two lyres, aplustre to left, MA to right. SNG von Aulock 4351. 2.79g, 19mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Lightly toned. Rare. 500

647. Augustus AR Cistophorus. Ephesus, 25 BC. IMP CAESAR, bare head right / Six bunched corn-ears, AVGV-STVS across fields. RIC 478. 11.36g, 28mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 900

183

648. Augustus AR Cistophorus. Ephesus, 25 BC. IMP CAESAR, bare head right / Garlanded altar sculpted with two confronted hinds, AVGVSTVS above. RIC 479. 11.87g, 28mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 2,500

649. Augustus AR Cistophorus. Ephesus, 24-20 BC. IMP CAESAR, bare head of Augustus right / Laurel wreath enclosing Capricorn right, bearing cornucopiae on its back, AVGVSTVS below. RIC 480; BMC 696. 11.61g, 27mm, 1h.


650. Augustus AR Denarius. Samos, 21-20 BC. CAESAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, bull standing right. RIC 475; BMC 622; Cohen 28. 3.86g, 21mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful, lustrous metal. 2,000

651. Augustus AR Denarius. Samos, 21-20 BC. CAESAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, bull standing right. RIC 475; BMC 622; Cohen 28. 3.87g, 20mm, 1h.


Ex Prideaux Collection;Ex Triton XI, 8 January 2008, lot 671.

652. Augustus AR Cistophorus. Pergamum, 19-18 BC. IMP IX TR PO V, bare head right / Hexastyle temple inscribed ROM ET AVGVST, COM - ASIAE across fields. RIC 506. 10.71g, 28mm, 12h.

Good Fine. 750

184

653. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint, 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, oak-wreathed head right / Eight-rayed crescent with tail upwards, DIVVS - IVLIVS across fields. RIC 37a. 3.68g, 20mm, 6h.


654. Augustus AR Denarius. Struck under P. Petronius Turpilianus. Rome, 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / TVRPILIANVS III VIR around star with six rays and crescent. RIC 300; BMC 32; C. 495. 4.07g, 21mm, 5h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractive old toning, and well centred. Rare. 2,000

Ex Münzen and Medaillen AG, Basel, FPL 459, 1983, lot 24.

Exceptional Example of a Rare Type

655. Augustus AR Denarius. Struck under P. Petronius Turpilianus. Rome, 19 BC. TVRPILIANVS III VIR FERON, diademed and draped bust of Feronia right / CAESAR AVGVSTVS SIGN RECE, bare-headed Parthian kneeling right, extending standard with vexillum marked X attached, held out low. RIC 288; BMC 14. 3.73g, 21mm, 2h.

Good Extremely Fine. Unusually fine and centrally struck for the issue. Pleasantly toned. 1,000

656. Augustus AR Denarius. Struck under P. Petronius Turpilianus. Rome, 19 BC. TVRPILIANVS III•VIR•FERON, diademed and draped bust of Feronia right / CAESAR AVGVSTVS SIGN RECE, bare-headed Parthian kneeling right, extending standard with vexillum marked X attached, held out low. RIC 288; BMC 14. 3.91g, 21mm, 7h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. 1,000

657. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint, 18 BC. CAESARI AVGVSTO, laureate head right / Domed hexastyle temple, aquila within, MARS -VLTO across fields. RIC 105a. 3.81g, 19mm, 6h.


185

658. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Licinius Stolo, moneyer. Rome, 17 BC. AVGVSTVS TR POT, bare head of Augustus right / Apex between two studded ancilia; P STOLO above; III VIR below. C. 438; BMC 74; RIC 343; CBN 296. 3.65g, 18mm, 8h.


659. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head right / Bull butting right, IMP X in exergue. RIC 167a; BMC 451. 3.55g, 20mm, 6h.


660. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head right / Bull butting right, IMP X in exergue. RIC 167a; BMC 451. 3.76g, 20mm, 6h.


661. Augustus AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 14-2 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head right / Bull charging right, left forefoot raised, IMP X in exergue. RIC 166a; BMC 450; Calicó 212. 7.85g, 20mm, 3h.

Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 15,000 The charging bull or heifer is a reference from the famous type of Thurium, a city to which the Octavian family had a connection: Suetonius relates that Gaius Octavius, Augustus’ father, defeated a Spartacist army near the town. Due to the high regard in which the family was held in the town Augustus was granted the surname Thurinus, and thus the type has a primarily personal illusion to him.

Ex Bolla Collection, Tkalec Auction, 28 February 2007, lot 6;Privately purchased from Ratto in 1961.

186

662. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 13 BC. AVGVSTVS CAESAR, bare head right / C.ANTISTIVS REGINVS, simpulum and lituus above tripod and patera; III.VIR below. RIC 410; RSC 347; BMC 120. 4.01g, 20mm, 8h.


663. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 12 BC. AVGVSTVS, bare head right / L CANNIVS GALLVS IIIVIR, long-haired, bearded and cloaked barbarian kneeling right and offering vexillum. 3.80g, 19mm, 10h.

Very Fine. Lightly toned. 600

664. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 8 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, laureate head right / Gaius Caesar galloping right, holding sword and shield, eagle between two standards behind, C CAES above, AVGVS F in exergue. RIC 199; BMC 500. 3.66g, 19mm, 9h.

Extremely Fine. Attractive vivid toning. 500


Good Very Fine. 500


Very Fine. 500

667. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 7-6 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, Gaius and Lucius Caesar standing facing, each togate and resting hand on shield, spear behind each shield, lituus and simpulum above, C L CAESARES in exergue. RIC 210. 3.88g, 18mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Scarce. 300

187

668. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 7-6 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, Gaius and Lucius Caesar standing facing, each togate and resting hand on shield, spear behind each shield, simpulum and lituus above, C L CAESARES in exergue. RIC 207. 3.76g, 20mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractive portrait style. 1,000

669. Augustus AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. Dated year 26 = 5 BC. KAIΣOAPΣ ΣEBAΣTOY, laureate head right / ETOYΣ RK NIKHΣ, Tyche of Antioch seated on a rock to right, holding a palm-branch, the river-god Orontes swimming at her feet, YΠA monogram, IB and ANT (in monogram) in field. RPC 4151; McAlee 180. 15.22g, 30mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. A superb early issue of Augustus from Antioch. An impressive obverse die. 1,000

670. Livia Æ Sestertius. Struck under Tiberius. Rome, AD 21-2. SPQR-IVLIAE-AVGVST in three lines above carpentum drawn by two mules / TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXIIII around large SC. RIC 51. 26.24g, 34mm, 9h.

Very Fine. Scarce. 750

Ex Gorny & Mosch 164, 17 March 2008, lot 364.

188

671. Gaius Caesar AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 17 BC. CAESAR, bare youthful head of Gaius Caesar right, within laurel wreath / AVGVSTVS, candelabrum in wreath, patera to right. RIC 540; BN 1013. 3.73g, 19mm, 2h.


672. Agrippa Æ As. Struck under Caligula. Rome, AD 39. M AGRIPPA L F COS III, head left wearing rostral crown / Neptune standing left, cloaked, holding small dolphin and trident, S-C across fields. RIC 58. 11.18g, 28mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 500

674. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 36-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right, holding branch and sceptre; plain legs to chair, single exergual line. RIC 25; C. 15; BMC 30. 7.61g, 19mm, 10h.


673. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 14-15. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / TR POT XVII, Tiberius in triumphal quadriga right, holding laurel branch and eagle-tipped sceptre; IMP VII in exergue. RIC 2; BMC 7-11. 3.90g, 18mm, 4h.


675. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 36-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right, holding branch and sceptre; plain legs to chair, single exergual line. RIC 25; C. 15; BMC 30. 7.78g, 21mm, 4h.


189

676. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 36-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated left, holding long vertical sceptre and branch, on chair with ornamented legs above one exergual line. RIC 30; RSC 16a; BMC 48. 3.72g, 19mm, 10h.



Extremely Fine. Lightly toned, and excellent style. 500





680. Germanicus Æ As. Restoration issue struck under Titus. Rome, AD 80-1. GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N, bare head left / IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST around large SC. RIC 442. 9.98g, 26mm, 12mm.

Extremely Fine. Pleasing dark green patina. 1,500

190

Rare Issue of Caligula Commemorating Germanicus

681. Caligula AR Denarius. Commemorative issue for Germanicus. Lugdunum, AD 37. C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT, bare head of Caligula right / GERMANICVS CAES P C CAES AVG GERM, bare head of Germanicus right. RIC 12; RSC 4; BMC 13; BN 15-16. 3.72g, 18mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal, attractively toned with iridescent highlights. Rare. 10,000

Ex Lynn Collection; Ex Triton V, 15 January 2002, lot 1872.

682. Caligula AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 37-8. C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT, laureate head right / DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE, radiate head of Augustus right. RIC 10. 3.65g, 19mm, 9h.


684. Caligula Æ As. Rome AD 40-1. C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P IIII P P, bare head left / Vesta, veiled and draped, seated on ornamental throne, holding patera and long sceptre, VESTA above, S-C across fields. RIC 54. 10.28g, 28mm, 7h.


683. Caligula AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 37-8. C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT, laureate head right / DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE, radiate head of Augustus right. RIC 10. 3.79g, 19mm, 6h.


191

685. Messalina Æ17 of Aeolis, Aegae. AD 43-48. ΜΕCΑΛΕΙΝΑ CΕΒΑCΤΗ, draped bust right / Zeus Aëtophorus standing left, ΑΙΓΑΕΩΝ in right field. RPC 2430; SNG Copenhagen 23. 2.91g, 17mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine; a rare portrait issue of Messalina in her own name. 500

686. Claudius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 46-7. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P VI IMP XI, laureate head right / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Constantia seated left on curule chair, feet on stool, right hand raised. RIC 32. 3.63g, 19mm, 7h.


687. Claudius Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 50. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right / SPES AVGVSTA, Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower and raising skirt, SC in exergue. RIC 115. 28.72g, 39mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 750

688. Claudius Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 50. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right / EX S C - P P - OB CIVES - SERVATOS in four lines within oak-wreath. RIC 112. 27.57g, 35mm, 7h.

Very Fine. 1,000

689. Claudius Æ As. Rome, AD 50-4. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head left / LIBERTAS AVGVSTA, Libertas, draped, standing facing, head right, holding pileus in right hand and with left outstretched, S-C across fields. RIC 113; BMC 204. 9.14g, 29mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Struck in high relief; very well preserved. 1,000

193

690. Claudius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 50-1. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P X P P IMP XVII, laureate head right / SPQR - PP - OB C S in three lines within oak-wreath. RIC 59; Calicó 384. 7.86g, 19mm, 4h.

Good Extremely Fine. Rare. Perfectly centred; lustrous metal. 30,000

Ex Künker 216, 8 October 2012, lot 804. Professionally conserved since.

The reverse of this coin utilises a motif first seen on the coinage of Augustus, proudly displaying the hereditary honour of the corona civica first conferred upon that emperor, ob cives servatos - ‘for having saved the citizens’.

Eckhel observes that this reverse was ‘frequently revived by succeeding Caesars, not often careful about whether such praise could truly be bestowed upon them’. Stevenson (DRC) is scathing about Claudius’ use of the type, remarking ‘as if that most indolent and apathetic, if not most stupid, of Emperors ever did an heroic or humane action to merit the eulogy’. Not alone in his hostile view of Claudius, Seneca in his Apocolocyntosis writes that Claudius’ voice belonged to no land animal, and that Hercules himself was a good deal disturbed at the sight of him, fearing a thirteenth labour was upon him.

Despite the disdain of the Imperial family, it seems that from very early on the general populace respected Claudius. At Augustus’ death, the equites chose Claudius to head their delegation. When his house burned down, the Senate demanded it be rebuilt at public expense. They also requested that Claudius be allowed to debate in the Senate.

After the assassination of Caligula, Claudius was brought to the principate having had no preparation for the imperial role. His physical ailments had meant that he was not seen as a threat by potential enemies throughout the reigns of Tiberius and Caligula. Despite a lack of administrative experience Claudius did prove an able and efficient emperor, who improved upon Rome’s infrastructure of roads, aqueducts and canals and increased the size of the empire. During his reign, Thrace, Lycia and Judaea were all annexed as Roman provinces, and the conquest of Britain was begun. Claudius’ reign also is also notable for the centralisation and formalisation of imperial bureaucracy.

Though portrayed by several ancient historians as lowbrow, bloodthirsty and cruel, quick to anger and too easily manipulated, Claudius’s works present a very different view, painting a picture of an intelligent, scholarly, well-read, and conscientious administrator with an eye to detail and justice. Since the discovery of his ‘Letter to the Alexandrians’, much work has been done to rehabilitate Claudius’ reputation.

Besides his history of Augustus’ reign, his major works were a twenty-volume history of the Etruscans and an eight-volume history of Carthage. Claudius is also noteworthy as being the last person known to have been able to read Etruscan. Though lamentably none of his works have survived, many were used by Pliny the Elder in the writing of his Natural History.

Hercules’ Thirteenth Labour

194

691. Nero Claudius Drusus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 41-45. NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP, laureate bust left / DE GERMANIS, two oblong shields crossed over spears and trumpets, vexillum, and flag. RIC 74; BMC 107; C. 6. 3.48g, 19mm, 3h.


Ex Hirsch Auction, 3 October 1934, lot 1234.

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 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 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 – but perhaps 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 and, after commanding alongside his brother, he spent three years leading a campaign in Germania.

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.

692. Nero Æ As. Rome, AD 54-68. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right / GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding cornucopiae and patera, altar before, S-C across fields, T in exergue. RIC 214. 7.93g, 25mm, 5h.

Good Very Fine. 300

693. Nero AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 63. ΝΕΡΩΝ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / ΕΤΟΥΣ ΒΙΡ.Ι, eagle standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread, palm to right. Prieur 89; RPC 4189. 15.10g, 25mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Pleasing ridescent toning. 2,000

Ex Sierra Collection;Ex Ponterio 117, 18 January 2002, lot 326.

196

695. Nero Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER TR P IMP P P, radiate head right / Roma seated left holding wreath and parazonium, ROMA in exergue, S-C across fields. RIC 298. 14.48g, 28mm, 6h.


696. Nero Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right / Roma, helmeted and in military dress, seated left on cuirass, holding Victory in right hand and with left hand resting on parazonium, various shields around and behind, S-C across fields, ROMA in exergue. RIC 273 var. (no aegis); BMC 173. 27.77g, 36mm, 6h.


697. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 65-6. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / SALVS, Salus seated left on throne holding patera in right hand, left resting at her side. RIC 60; BMC 90. 3.10g, 18mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone. Rare. 2,000

Ex Marchand Collection.

694. Nero Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 65. NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right / Roma, helmeted and in military dress, seated left on cuirass, holding Victory in right hand and with left hand resting on parazonium, various shields around and behind, S-C across fields, ROMA in exergue. RIC 275. 26.21g, 34mm, 6h.


197

698. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, AD 66. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX T R POT P P, laureate head right / Nero on horseback to right, holding spear; behind him, soldier on horseback right, holding vexillum; S-C across field, DECVRSIO in exergue. RIC 508. 26.79g, 35mm, 6h.


The decursio was a military exercise of mock combat or a display of equestrian skill made by horse-riders and charioteers at public games. Despite Nero’s provision of regular games, the presence of the vexillum on this type suggests a more military character to the scene. It has been suggested that the reverse refers to Nero’s institution of cavalry manoeuvres for the Praetorian Guard. An alternative interpretation is that there is a link to Nero’s fondness of racing horses, although Stevenson (DRC) disregards this. He explains that “the speed of the horses is not sufficiently rapid”.

699. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 66-67. IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left with thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC 64; RSC 121. 2.39g, 19mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine. 500

700. Galba AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Tarraco?), AD 68. SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P, laureate head right / CONCORDIA PROVINCIARVM, Concordia standing to left, holding branch in right hand and cornucopiae in left. RIC 54. 3.50g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 2,000

Extremely Rare Denarius of Galba

199

701. Galba AV Aureus. Rome, AD 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG, laureate head right / ROMA RENASC, Roma, helmeted and in military dress, standing right, holding Victory and transverse spear. RIC 197; Calicó 491. 7.31g, 19mm, 6h.


Struck from dies of excellent style, this issue easily ranks head and shoulders above the coins of the same reverse type minted at Tarraco, which indeed are also more frequently encountered.

Heartened at the suicide of Nero and the news that the Praetorian prefect Nymphidius Sabinus had given him his support, Galba assumed the title of Caesar and left his provice of Hispania Tarraconensis to march on Rome.

With the extinction of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and its associated excesses, Galba was keen to distance himself from his predecessors and suggest that under his reign, Rome would flourish in her rediscovered freedom. He sought to improve the state of Rome’s finances and portray himself as ushering in a new golden age through a return to stern old Roman values. Galba’s legacy was however not to be one of a rebirth of the Roman state - his policies of high taxation and personal meanness made him thoroughly unpopular with the people and army alike; meanwhile his harsh treatment of the Praetorian guard and his refusal to pay the customary donative demonstrated an astounding lack of acumen, leading to his downfall and death a mere six months after his accession.

‘Rome Reborn’

200

702. Otho AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69. IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / PONT MAX, Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and sceptre in left. RIC 19; BMC 6. 3.39g, 19mm, 6h.


703702

703. Otho AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVRITAS P R, Securitas draped, standing left, holding wreath and sceptre. RIC 8. 3.38g, 17mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Pleasant old cabinet tone. Rare. 1,000

704. Otho AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVRITAS P R, Securitas draped, standing left, holding wreath and sceptre. RIC 8. 3.32g, 19mm, 6h.


705. Vitellius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 69. A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, laureate head right / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding shield inscribed SP-QR in two lines. RIC 62. 3.53g, 18mm, 8h.

About Good Very Fine. Rare. 1,000

706. Vitellius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69. A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP, bare head right / Victory seated left, draped, holding patera and palm. RIC 71. 3.23g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning. 2,000

A Severe Portrait of Vitellius

201

707. Vitellius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69. A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P, laureate bust right / CONCORDIA P R, Concordia seated left with patera and cornucopiae. RIC 73; BMC 7; RSC 20. 3.54g, 18mm, 7h.


708. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69-70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / Judaea seated right, head resting on hand, to right of trophy, IVDAEA in exergue. RIC 2; RSC 226; BMC 35. 3.57g, 18mm, 6h.

Extemely Fine. 500

709. Vespasian AR Denarius. Ephesus, AD 70. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P, laureate head right / CONCORDIA AVG, Ceres seated left, on ornate backed chair, with corn-ears and poppy in left hand, cornucopiae in right, ΘΥ ligate in exergue. RIC 1416. 3.15g, 17mm, 8h.

Near Mint State. Very Rare. 750

710. Vespasian AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / SPQR P P OB CS in three lines within oak-wreath. RIC 1131; Calicó 674. 7.40g, 20mm, 6h.


711. Vespasian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory standing right with left foot on helmet, inscribing shield set on palm tree, with Judaea, mourning, seated below to right; SC in exergue. RIC 221. 27.05g, 32mm, 6h.


202

712. Vespasian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate bust right / ROMA, Roma standing left holding Victory on a globe and spear, S-C across fields. RIC 190. 27.47g, 35mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. A choice specimen with an attractive Tiber patina. 5,000

713. Vespasian Æ As. Lugdunum, AD 72. IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII, laureate head right / Garlanded altar, S-C across fields, PROVIDENT below. RIC 120. 10.76g, 27mm, 6h.


714. Divus Vespasian AR Denarius. Struck under Titus. Rome, AD 80-81. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate bust right / SC inscribed on shield supported by two capricorns, orb below. RIC 357; RSC 497; BMC 129; BN 101. 3.48g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively Toned. 750

715. Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 76. T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN, laureate head right / COS V, cow standing right. RIC 859; Calicó 733. 7.34g, 20mm, 6h.


203

716. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 79. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate bust right / TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P, capricorn left, globe below. RIC 37. 2.99g, 17mm, 6h.


717. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 79-80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, throne with back in form of a diadem. RIC 24a; RSC 313; BMC 58. 3.44g, 18mm, 6h.

Very Fine. 300

718. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, January - June AD 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate bust right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, winged thunderbolt on draped chair. RIC 119. 3.46g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 500

719. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. Dated RY 2 = AD 69-70. ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤ ΚΑΙΣΑ ΟΥΕΣΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, laureate head right, wearing archaic aegis / ΕΤΟΥΣ ΝΕΟΥ ΙΕΡΟΥ, eagle right on thunderbolt, palm in right field, B (date) in right field. Prieur 104. 15.08g, 24mm, 12h.


720. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 73-75. CAES AVG F DOMIT COS II, laureate head right / Domitian togate on horse left, raising right hand and holding sceptre in left. RIC 680; RSC 664. 3.38g, 20mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Good, lustrous metal. 500

205

Domitian, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 76-7. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head right / COS IIII across fields, cornucopiae with ribbons hanging down each side. RIC 918; Calicó 817. 7.33g, 20mm, 6h.


722.

Domitian, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 76-7. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head right / COS IIII across fields, cornucopiae with ribbons hanging down each side. RIC 918; Calicó 817. 7.29g, 20mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Attractive lustre. 10,000

Ex Bolla Collection, Tkalec Auction, 28 February 2007, lot 27;Privately purchased from Ratto in 1961.

Continuing the Flavian tradition of using designs of an antiquarian nature, with the use of this cornucopiae reverse Domitian here seeks to recall the type of L. Cornelius Sulla - an interesting choice, given Sulla’s autocratic tendencies. Yet although Domitian is seen by historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius as an autocrat and tyrant in comparison to his benevolent brother Titus or indeed their father Vespasian, he has been at least partially rehabilitated in recent years, and his rigid administration has been credited with laying foundations for the peace and stability that would follow in the 2nd century.

721.

Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 76-7. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head right / COS IIII, Pegasus standing right. RIC 921. 3.34g, 21mm, 6h.

Virtually Mint State. Beautiful iridescent tone. 750

723.

206

Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, January-June AD 79. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, clasped hands before legionary eagle, set on prow. RIC 1081; RSC 393; BMC 269. 3.29g, 20mm, 6h.


726.

Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 77-8. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head right / She-wolf suckling twins, COS V above, boat in exergue. RIC 961. 3.44g, 20mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. 500

725.

Domitian, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 77-8. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head right / She-wolf suckling infants Romulus and Remus, COS V above, boat in exergue. RIC 241; Calicó 820; C. 50. 7.48g, 21mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan with full borders. 10,000

Ex Bolla Collection, Tkalec Auction, 28 February 2007, lot 28; Ex Hess-Leu, 16 April 1957, lot 353.

The Flavians espoused much the same lofty ideals as Galba, in that they sought to return Rome to a time of peace and prosperity after the tumult of the civil wars. This was heavily propagandised on the coinage, with old types used under the republic resurrected and featured on the new coinage.

Following this pattern, Domitian here places the foundation myth of Rome as the key motif on a gold coin for the first time, recalling the early didrachm of the same design, as well as the denarii of Sextus Pompeius Fostlus. Though his late brother Titus had restored the anonymous type with Roma seated, wolf and twins at her feet, not since the didrachms of the mid third century BC had this badge featured so prominently on Roman coinage.

724.

207

Domitian Æ27 of Caesarea Maritima, Judaea. AD 81-96. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI, radiate head of Domitian right / Seven-branched palm-tree with two bunches of dates; around, IMP XXI COS XVI CENS P P P. RPC 2307. 16.09g, 28mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Pleasant ‘desert’ patina. Rare. 500

727.

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 85. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII, laureate bust right with aegis / IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POTES P P, Germania seated right on shield, broken spear below. RIC 331. 3.20g, 21mm, 6h.


728.

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 87. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII, laureate head right / IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, with spear in left hand and shield in right, owl at feet to right. RIC 507. 3.43g, 20mm, 6h.


729.

Domitian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 88. DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / GERMANICVS COS XIIII, Minerva advancing right with spear and shield. RIC 556. 7.54g, 20mm, 6h.


730.

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 91. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI, laureate head right / IMP XXI COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right, with shield in left hand and spear held aloft in right. RIC 724. 3.52g, 18mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Toned, with traces of iridescence. 300

731.

208

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 92. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right with spear and shield. RIC 735. 3.49g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Rare. 300

732.

An Attractive Portrait of Domitian

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 92-93. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XII, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing left with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her left side. RIC 741. 3.46g, 19mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. A bold portrait. 500

733.

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 92-93. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P XII, laureate bust right / IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right with spear and shield. RIC 739; RSC 280. 3.32g, 20mm, 7h.

Good Extremely Fine. Pleasing old cabinet tone with iridescent highlights. 300

734.

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 94. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing left with spear. RIC 769. 3.36g, 20mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. 500

735.

Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 96. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P, Minerva standing left with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her left side. RIC 789; C. 291. 3.12g, 18mm, 6h.


736.

209

Domitia AR Denarius. Rome, AD 82-83. DOMITIA AVGVSTA IMP DOMIT, draped bust right / PIETAS AVGVST, Pietas seated left, with sceptre in left hand and extending right hand to child, standing left. RIC 156; BMC 65. 3.36g, 19mm, 6h.


737.

Julia Titi AR Denarius. Rome, AD 80-81. IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F, draped bust right / VENVS AVGVST, Venus standing right, seen from behind, half nude with drapery hanging low beneath her posterior, holding sceptre in her left hand and helmet in her right and leaning with her left elbow on a column to her left. RIC 388 (Titus); RSC 14. 3.45g, 19mm, 5h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractively Toned. Very Rare. 2,500

Despite the nobility and quality of her father Titus, Julia was no model of womanly virtue. Although a married woman, she and her uncle Domitian carried on an affair that gained public notoriety and was thoroughly condemned by contemporary Roman writers.

738.

Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 96. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head right / CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM, clasped hands holding aquila resting on prow. RIC 3. 3.49g, 18mm, 6h.

About Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. 500

739.

Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 96. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head right / CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM, clasped hands, holding aquila resting on prow. RIC 3. 3.72g, 19mm, 5h.


740.

Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT II, laureate head right / COS III PATER PATRIAE, simpulum, sprinkler, ewer, and lituus. RIC 34. 3.28g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. A superb portrait of Nerva. Struck on a broad flan; nicely toned. 500

741.

210

Trajan AR Drachm of Lycia. AD 98-99. AYT KAIC NEP TPAIANOC CEB ΓERM, laureate head right / ΔHMEΞ YΠATB, owl standing right, one leg on each of two lyres. BMC 10; SNG Copenhagen 45; SNG von Aulock 4268. 3.12g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 300

742.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 100. IMP NERVA CAES TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III P P, Abundantia seated left, holding sceptre, on chair with crossed cornucopiae as arms, fold of drapery over her lap. RIC 32; RSC 219; BMC 68. 3.50g, 19mm, 6h.


743.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 100. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III P P, Concordia seated left, holding double cornucopiae and sacrificing from patera over garlanded and lighted altar at feet. RIC 33; RSC 212. 3.02g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Pleasing tone. 100

744.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate head right / P M TR P COS IIII P P, Hercules, nude, standing facing on pedestal and holding club in right hand and apple in left, with lion’s skin over left arm. RIC 49; RSC 234. 2.75g, 18mm, 6h.

Near Mint State. Exceptional in this grade; attractively toned.

Ex Gorny & Mosch 138, 7 March 2005, lot 2071. 200

745.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate head right / P M TR P COS IIII P P, Hercules, nude, standing facing on pedestal and holding club in right hand and apple in left, with lion’s skin over left arm. RIC 49; RSC 234. 3.22g, 18mm, 7h.


746.

211

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate head right / PM TRP COS IIII PP, Victory, naked to waist, standing right, foot on helmet, inscribing shield on altar. RIC 65; BMC 112. 2.47g, 19mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

Ex Gorny & Mosch 138, 7 March 2005, lot 230. 200

747.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate bust right / P M TR P COS IIII P P, Victory, draped, standing left, holding palm and sacrificing with patera over lighted and garlanded altar. RIC 67; RSC 248. 3.42g, 18mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 100

748.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M, laureate head right / P M TR P COS IIII P P, Victory, draped, standing right, setting a shield on a trophy with both hands. BMC 110; RSC 246; RIC -. 3.30g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 200

749.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-104. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Mars, in military dress, standing left, head right, holding spear and resting shield on kneeling captive to right. RIC 158; RSC 376; BMC 161. 3.36g, 19mm, 7h.

Near Mint State. Extremely Rare. 200

750.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-104. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC 169; RSC 462; BMC 167. 3.32g, 19mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. 200

751.

212

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-104. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, trophy of arms, consisting of a helmet at top, oval shields, crossed greaves, two spears and two curved swords. BMC 355; RSC 99 var. (two spears and two swords); RIC -. 3.13g, 19mm, 7h.


752.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory walking left over a round shield on capital. RIC 131; RSC 77; BMC 337. 3.53g, 19mm, 7h.

Good Extremely Fine. Excellent, sharp detail; lightly toned. 100

753.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate head right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Dacian seated left in mourning, on pile of captured arms, DAC CAP in exergue. RIC 98; RSC 120a; BMC 390. 3.60g, 19mm, 8h.


754.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Dacian standing with bound hands before pile of captured arms, DAC CAP in exergue. RIC 99; RSC 121a. 3.42g, 19mm, 6h.


755.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Dacian seated right on shield in mourning, curved sword below. RIC 218; RSC 529c; BMC 181. 3.30g, 17mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine; bold toning. 100

756.

213

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate head right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, trophy of arms, Dacian in mourning below. RIC 223; RSC 537c. 3.16g, 18mm, 6h.


757.

Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Victory standing right and fastening a shield inscribed VIC DAC to a palm tree, S-C across fields. RIC 527. 26.09g, 34mm, 6h.


758.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Danube reclining left on rocks, cloak floating above, left arm resting on urn, right hand on ship’s prow, DANVVIVS in exergue. RIC 100. 3.29g, 19mm, 7h.


759.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Arabia standing left, holding a branch and a bundle of cinnamon sticks; at her feet, a camel walking left. RIC 142; RSC 89; BMC 297. 3.40g, 19mm, 7h.

Extremely Fine. 100

760.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Spes walking left holding flower and raising hem of robe. RIC 127; RSC 84. 3.56g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 100

761.

214

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory standing left, draped, holding wreath and palm. RIC 128; RSC 75; BMC 355. 3.51g, 19mm, 7h.

Extremely Fine. Light deposits on obverse. 100

762.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory standing left, draped, holding wreath and palm. RIC 128; RSC 75; BMC 355. 3.21g, 19mm, 7h.

Fleur De Coin. Large flan, well centred and lightly toned. 200

763.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory standing left on shields, holding wreath and palm. RIC 129; RSC 76. 3.41g, 19mm, 7h.


764.

Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 104-111. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, octostyle temple of Venus Genetrix (?), Venus standing within; Jupiter seated facing on pediment, flanked by smaller reclining figures; five statues on roof; SC in exergue. RIC 575; C. 552. 27.89g, 35mm, 7h.


765.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 108. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Vesta seated left, holding palladium and sceptre; VESTA in exergue. RIC 108. 3.27g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 100

766.

215

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-114. IMP TRAIANVS AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / DIVVS PATER TRAIAN, Trajan Pater, bare-headed and togate, seated left on curule chair with feet on stool, holding patera in extended right hand and sceptre in left. RIC 252; RSC 140; BMC 500. 3.35g, 19mm, 8h.


767.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-114. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Mars, nude, walking right, with spear in right hand and trophy in left over shoulder. RIC 269. 2.92g, 20mm, 7h.


768.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-114. IMPTRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS VI PP, laureate bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, goddess reclining left on rocks with wheel and branch; VIA TRAIANA in exergue. RIC 266; RSC 648. 3.40g, 19mm, 7h.

About Extremely Fine. An interesting historical reverse; attractively toned. 200

Built by Trajan at his own expense and commemorated with an arch at its beginning in Beneventum, as well as on his coinage, the Via Traiana was a quicker route for travellers from Rome to Brundisium on the coast.

At 205 miles, despite being two miles longer than the Via Appia, the Via Traiana was a much less arduous and therefore faster option than the original Republican road because it traversed a significatly flatter route to the north. Strabo, in his Geography (6.3.7), indicates that the route of the Via Traiana, even though in his day little more than a mule track, saved the traveller a whole day’s journeying.

769.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-114. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan on horseback left carrying spear and Victory. RIC 291; RSC 497a; BMC 445. 3.31g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Scarce. 300

Although several reverse variants show Trajan on horseback, those dating to his sixth consulship in AD 112 are likely to depict the equestrian statue of the Emperor that once stood in his forum in Rome, which was dedicated in this year. The monument itself was likely modelled on that of Domitian that stood in the Forum Romanum, and may well have influenced the design of the surviving statue of Marcus Aurelius that can be seen in the Capitoline Museums.

770.

216

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-114. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Annona standing facing, head left, holding corn ears and cornucopiae, child at foot left holding roll, ALIM ITAL in exergue. RIC 243; RSC 9; BMC 469. 3.32g, 20mm, 7h.

Extremely Fine. 100

771.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-114. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan’s column, surmounted with statue of the Emperor, with two eagles at base. RIC 293; RSC 558a; BMC 451. 3.04g, 20mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Toned. 100

This reverse type depicts Trajan’s Column, one of the most visible and iconic monuments of ancient Rome that survives today. Built to commemorate the Dacian campaign, and using the spoils of war, it was completed in AD 113 and featured on the coinage of that year and the next.

The continuous sculptural frieze that decorates the column, which illustrates the major campaigns of the war, would have been visible from the balconies of the buildings at the northern end of Trajan’s Forum, and therefore easier to read than they are today from ground level. The column was originally capped by a statue of the Emperor, though with this having disappeared during the medieval period a bronze statue of St. Peter was placed there in 1587 by Pope Sixtus V, and remains today.

After his death in AD 117, the Senate voted to place the ashes of Trajan and his wife Plotina in golden urns in the base of the column.

772.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate and draped bust right / COS VI P P SPQR, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, protecting Trajan, who stands left under his arm holding branch. RIC 298; BMC 514; RSC 108. 3.24g, 19mm, 6h.


773.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Mars advancing right carrying spear and trophy. RIC 337; RSC 270; BMC 536. 2.81g, 18mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 100

774.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GERM DAC, laureate and draped bust right / PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, draped bust of Sol right. RIC 329 var. (also cuirassed). 2.73g, 20mm, 8h.


775.

217

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Fortuna seated left with rudder and cornucopiae, FORT RED in exergue. RIC 320 var. (draped); RSC 154c; BMC 581. 3.44g, 18mm, 7h.


776.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Genius standing facing, nude, head left, holding patera in right hand and ears of corn in left. RIC 347. 3.14g, 20mm, 6h.


777.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GER DAC PARTHICO, laureate and draped bust right / PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Virtus standing right holding spear and parazonium; left foot on helmet. RIC 353; BMC 600; C. 272. 3.59g, 18mm, 6h.


Ex Superior Sale, 13 August 1995, lot 788.

778.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GER DAC PARTHICO, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Providentia standing left, holding sceptre; her left elbow rests on a column and she points with her right hand to a globe at her feet; PRO - VID across fields. RIC 364; BMC 607. 2.93g, 18mm, 6h.


779.

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 116. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GER DAC PARTHICO, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Felicitas standing left, holding raised caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 332; BMC 626. 3.29g, 20mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 100

780.

218

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 118. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / P M TR P COS II, Felicitas standing left with caduceus and cornucopiae, FEL - AVG across fields. RIC 40. 3.35g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine; virtually as struck. Attractive toning. 300

781.

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 119. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / P M TR P COS III, Aequitas standing left with scales and cornucopiae. RIC 80; RSC 1119. 3.21g, 19mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned. 300

Ex St. James Auction 10, 6 November 2008, lot 68.

782.

Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 119-20. IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III, laureate and draped bust right / MONETA AVGVSTI, Moneta standing left with scales and cornucopiae, S-C across fields. RIC 586c; C. 974; BMC 1196. 27.10g, 35mm, 6h.


784.

Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS III, Mars, in military outfit, standing facing, holding inverted spear and resting left hand on shield. RIC 65; Calicó 1312 (this coin); BMC 109. 7.27g, 19mm, 6h.

Near Extremely Fine; light evidence of old cleaning. Rare. 10,000

Ex Hausman Collection; Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection; Ex Sotheby’s, 21 June 1991, lot 760.

783.

Calicó Plate Coin

219

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III, Roma as Amazon standing left, holding Victory and spear. RIC 76; BMC 149. 3.35g, 20mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Struck on a very broad flan. 500

Ex Spink Auction 1012, 2 December 2010, lot 1325;Ex Spink America, 3 May 1995, lot 510.

785.

Hadrian AR Hemidrachm of Caesarea, Cappadocia. Dated Year 4 = AD 120-121. AVTO KAIC TPAI ADPIANOC CEBACT, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / Victory advancing right, bearing wreath, ETΔ to right. BMC 140-2; Metcalfe 86a; Sydenham 255. 1.97g, 14mm, 12h.

Toned. Extremely Fine. 200

Ex Freeman & Sear, Mail Bid Sale 1, 10 March 1995, lot 436.

786.

Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 125-8. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Hadrian on horse galloping right with spear in rest, COS III. RIC 186; Calicó 1226. 7.34g, 21mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Well struck on a broad flan; beautiful lustre. 10,000

Ex H.D. Rauch Auction 86, 12 May 2010, lot 763.

787.

Attractive Equestrian Aureus

221

From Hadrian’s Travel Series

Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 134-8. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed and draped bust left / NILVS, Nilus reclining left, leaning left arm on sphinx and holding cornucopiae and reed; before him, hippopotamus standing right and below, crocodile right over waves. RIC 308; BMC 855 and pl. 63, 15 (these dies); Calicó 1290 (these dies). 7.49g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; a magnificent portrait. Very Rare. 15,000

Part of the famous ‘travel series’ of issues struck under Hadrian, this reverse type of AD 134-8 commemorates his visit to Egypt a few years earlier. Featuring a personification of the River Nile, it alludes both to the importance of the river to Roman prosperity, and perhaps the tragic role it played in Hadrian’s life.

The province of Egypt was relied upon to supply grain to feed the people of Rome, and the annual floods on the river fertilized the farmland along its banks. Furthermore, the river was a vital transport link for the ships carrying the grain to Rome, just as the Tiber was between the port of Ostia and the city.

In AD 130 Hadrian travelled up the river with the imperial entourage, including his companion Antinoüs, during which trip the young man tragically drowned. The ancient sources are rife with speculation as to whether this occurance was an accident, a suicide on the part of Antinoüs or a sacrifice to aid the health of the emperor, but what is clear is the strong bond between the two men (Scriptores Historiae Augustae Hadrian, 14, 5-7), which led to Hadrian’s encouragement of a cult in honour of a deified Antinoüs and his appearance on the coinage, especially in Egypt (see lot 797 below).

788.

222

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, laureate head right / COS III, galley to right with rowers, arched cabin in stern and mast with sails leaning over to prow. RIC 352. 3.19g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Attractive, light tone. Very Rare. 200

790.

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP, bare head right / PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing left, holding baton over a globe and sceptre. BMC 694; RSC 1204; RIC 261. 3.38g, 19mm, 6h.


791.

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 136. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate head right / AFRICA, Africa reclining left holding scorpion and cornucopiae, basket of grain at feet. RIC 299. 3.47g, 18mm, 7h.


792.

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 136. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / AFRICA, Africa reclining left holding scorpion and cornucopiae, basket of grain at feet. RIC 299. 3.28g, 19mm, 6h.


793.

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed bust right, drapery on far shoulder / AEGYPTOS, Egypt reclining left, left elbow on snake wrapped basket and sistrum in right hand, ibis at feet. RIC 296; RSC 97. 3.44g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 200

789.

223

Hadrian AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Unknown mint in Bithynia, AD 138. IMP CAES TRA HADRIANO AVG P P, laureate and draped bust right / Octastyle temple with ROM S P AVG across frieze; COM-BIT across fields. RIC 461c; BMC 1099 var. (pediment). 10.69g, 27mm, 8h.


794.

Hadrian AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Unknown mint in Bithynia, AD 138. IMP CAES TRA HADRIANO AVG P P, laureate head right / Hadrian standing right, holding spear and Victory, within tetrastyle temple with ROM S P AVG across frieze; COM-BIT across fields. RIC 459b; BMC 1097 var. (pediment). 10.95g, 27mm, 7h.


795.

Hadrian AR Didrachm of Pontus, Amisus. Circa AD 163. AVT KAI TPAAΔPIANOC CЄB ΠΠ VΠ Γ, laureate head right / AMICOV EΛEV ΘEPAC ETOVC PIΓ, Hermes standing left, holding purse and kerykeion. BMC -; SNG Copenhagen 183. 3.08g, 20mm, 6h.


796.

Antinoüs Æ34 of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 19 of Hadrian = AD 134-5. ΑΝΤΙΝΟΟΥ ΗΡωΟC, draped bust right, wearing hem-hem crown / Antinoüs on horseback prancing right, holding caduceus; ΙΘ (date) below horse’s front leg. Emmett 1346. 23.50g, 34mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Attractive ‘desert’ patina. 1,500

797.

Aelius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, Concordia seated left, holding patera, resting left elbow on cornucopiae set on base, CONCORD in exergue. RIC 436. 3.45g, 18mm, 6h.

Very Fine. Beautiful toning; a strong portrait. 300

798.

Rare and Attractive Antinoüs

224

Aelius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head left / TR POT COS II, Concordia seated left holding patera, resting left elbow on cornucopiae set on base, CONCORD in exergue. RIC 436c; Calicó 1440. 7.24g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Superbly lustrous metal. Rare. 25,000

799.

Aelius Æ As. Rome, AD 137. L. AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, Spes advancing left raising skirt and holding flower, S-C across fields. RIC 1066. 11.22g, 27mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Beautiful patina. 1,000

802.

Aelius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head left / TR POT COS II, Pietas standing right, before altar, right hand raised, left hand holding box of incense, PIE-TAS across fields. RIC 439 var. (head left); BMC 992. 3.50g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare with head left. 750

801.

Aelius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, Pietas standing right, before altar, right hand raised, left hand holding box of incense, PIE-TAS across fields. RIC 439; BMC 989. 3.42g, 19mm, 7h.


800.

Four Superb Aelius Portraits

225

Antoninus Pius Æ32 of Alexandria, Egypt. AD 138-161. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Conjoined busts of Serapis and Isis, facing left, in the centre of a double-banded Zodiac wheel. Dattari 2984; Emmett 1708. 20.81g, 32mm, 12h.


803.

Antoninus Pius Æ As. Rome, AD 143-4. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right / IMPERATOR II, two ancilia, S-C across fields, ANCILIA in exergue. RIC 736a; C. 30. 11.00g, 27mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 300

804.

Antoninus Pius Æ33 of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 8 = AD 148-9. ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟC CΕΒ ΕΥC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / ΔΩΔΕΚΑΤΟΥ, Isis Pharia right, holding billowing sail, The Pharos lighthouse of Alexandria to right, LH (date) in exergue. Emmett 1592; Dattari 2677; Milne 2003. 21.48g, 33mm, 11h.

Very Fine. Attractive dark green patina. Very Rare. 1,000

805.

Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 155-6. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, laureate head right /TR POT XIX COS IIII, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 255; Calicó 1670 (this obverse die). 7.34g, 19mm, 6h.


Ex NAC 52, 7 October 2009, lot 447.

806.

Extremely Rare Zodiac Issue

The Pharos

226

Diva Faustina Senior AV Aureus. Rome, AD 141. DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETERNITAS, Fortuna standing left, holding globe and sceptre. RIC 349b. 7.29g, 20mm, 5h.


807.

Marcus Aurelius Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 159-60. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F, bare head right / TR POT XIIII COS II, Mars advancing right, holding spear and trophy. RIC 1352. 24.49g, 32mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 750

808.

Marcus Aurelius Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 172-173. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, laureate head right / IMP VI COS III, Mercury standing left on a pedestal, holding caduceus and purse, within a tetrastyle temple; on tympanum, a tortoise, cock, ram, caduceus, winged helmet and purse; S-C across fields, RELIG AVG in exergue. RIC 1076. 24.55g, 31mm, 12h.


809.

Faustina Junior Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 147-150. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust right, wearing stephane / VENERI GENETRICI, Venus standing left, holding apple in her raised right hand and cradling swaddled infant in her left arm, S-C across fields. RIC 1386b. 27.00g, 32mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. Attractive patina. 1,500

810.

808 809

Lucius Verus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 161. IMP CAES L AVREL VERVS AVG, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / PROV DEOR TR P COS II, Providentia standing left, holding globe and cornucopiae, S-C across fields. RIC 1305. 29.01g, 34mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 750

811.

227

Lucius Verus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 163-164. L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / T R P IIII IMP II COS II, Victory half-draped, standing right, fixing shield inscribed VIC AVG to palm-tree. RIC 525; Calicó 2177. 7.36g, 19mm, 6h.


812.

Lucius Verus Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 163-4. L AVREL VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, radiate head right / TR P IIII IMP II COS II, Victory half-draped, standing right, fixing shield inscribed VIC AVG to palm-tree, S-C across fields. RIC 1400. 13.43g, 28mm, 12h.

Very Fine, with a pleasing patina. Rare. 1,000

813.

Divus Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Struck under Marcus Aurelius. Rome, AD 169. DIVVS VERVS, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing right, head left. RIC 596a; Cohen 55. 3.37g, 19mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Scarce. 500

815.

Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 166. L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head right / TR P VI IMP IIII COS II, Victory, half draped, standing right, holding a palm branch and fixing shield inscribed VIC PAR to palm-tree. RIC 566. 2.89g, 19mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Well-centred and struck on a broad flan. Scarce. 200

814.

229

Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 178. L AVREL COMMODVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / TR P III IMP II COS P P, Castor standing left, holding spear and horse by its bridle. RIC 648; Calicó 2337a (these dies); BMC 775. 7.26g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous. A particularly attractive coin with a portrait of fine style. Rare. 12,500

Ex Triton XIV, 4 January 2011, lot 737.

Despite being only 16/17 when this type was minted, the reverse declares Commodus to have held tribunician power three times, acclaimed imperator twice, consul once, and ironically, to be pater patriae - father of the state.

Born in AD 161 as the ninth child of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior, and the only son to survive into adulthood, Commodus was showered with honours beyond his meagre years, having been made Caesar at the age of five, and given the title of imperator at the age of fifteen. In the same year Commodus became consul, making him the youngest Roman ever to have held the position until that time. That he was offered the honorific of pater patriae, accepted it and used it immediately upon his coinage is an indication of his disposition. Even Nero had declined the title when it was first offered to him on account of his youth; furthermore it was customary to defer the use of the title in a proper sign of humility - Hadrian deferred its use for eleven years.

The unhealthy overindulgence of Commodus by his father who in his twilight years promoted him not only as an equal, but also at times displayed a shocking deference towards him, no doubt was the root cause of Commodus’ megalomania. Having been led from such an early age to believe that he was destined for greatness, and constantly placed at the centre of attention, it is hardly surprising that he should have become so self-serving and capricious.

816.

Rare and Attractive Aureus of Commodus

230

Commodus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 181-2. M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / TR P VI IMP IIII COS III, emperor seated left on platform, attended by officer, Liberalitas standing before him, holding tessera and cornucopiae, citizen mounting steps of platform on left, S-C across fields, LIB AVG IIII in exergue. RIC 310. 26.19g, 31mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Very pleasing patina. 3,000

817.

Commodus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 183-184. M COMMODVS ANTON AVG PIVS BRIT, laureate head right / TR P VIIII IMP VI COS IIII P P, Fides standing right, holding bowl of fruit and corn, S-C across fields. RIC 413; C. 936. 21.95g, 30mm, 12h.

Very Fine. 1,000

818.

Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 184-5. M COMM ANT AVG P BRIT FEL, laureate head right / P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P, Commodus standing left on platform, holding sceptre, right hand raised, addressing three soldiers standing right, FID EXERC in exergue. RIC 110c; BMC 160. 2.69g, 18mm, 12h.


819.

Commodus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 185-6. M COMMODVS ANTON AVG PIVS BRIT, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P, Victory seated right on shields, inscribing shield set on knee, S-C across fields, VICT BRIT in exergue. RIC 452 var. (draped bust); BMC 560 var. (draped bust). 24.13g, 31mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. A very well preserved example of the type. Very Rare. 2,500

Cassius Dio relates in his Historiae Romanae (LXXII.viii.1-6) that in the last months of Marcus Aurelius’ life there was a serious incursion by the northern tribes into the province of Britannia; the wall was overrun and possibly even the governor himself was lost in battle. The wall in question is likely to have been the Hadrianic frontier, the Antonine wall having been already abandoned. Ulpius Marcellus was therefore dispatched to Britain and by AD 184 had secured a victory against the tribes. This type was struck in commemoration of that victory.

820.

Very Rare VICT BRIT Issue

Commodus’ Fourth Liberalitas

231

Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 186-7. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT, laureate head right / HILAR AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P, Hilaritas standing left, holding long palm and branch. RIC 150a. 3.01g, 18mm, 12h.


821.

Commodus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 186-9. M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT, laureate head right / VICTORIAE FELICI, Victory flying left, holding wreath in both hands, two shields at her feet inscribed S and C, COS V P P below. RIC 552. 24.85g, 33mm, 12h.


822.

Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 190-1. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT P P, laureate head right / APOL PAL P M TR P XVI COS VI, Apollo standing front, head right, holding plectrum and lyre resting on column. RIC 218. 2.75g, 18mm, 12h.


823.

Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 190-1. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT P P, laureate head right / CONC COM P M TR P XVI COS VI, Concordia standing left, holding patera and sceptre. RIC 219. 2.90g, 16mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. Pleasant lustre. Rare. 200

824.

233

Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 190-1. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT P P, laureate and draped bust right / MIN AVG P M TR P XVI COS VI, Minerva hurrying right, head turned back, holding branch, spear and shield. RIC 222; Calicó 2287; BMC 301, pl. 98.18 (same dies). 7.07g, 20mm, 12h.


Commodus is often credited by the ancient sources with the near destruction of the Roman Empire, through a combination of disinterest in the governance of Rome and an all-consuming belief that he was of god-like status. With his accession, says the contemporary historian Cassius Dio, “our history now descends from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust, as affairs did for the Romans of that day” (LXXII.36.4).

By the latter years of his reign when this aureus was struck, Commodus believed Hercules was his divine patron, and he worshipped him so intensely that eventually he came to believe himself an incarnation of the mythological hero, reinforcing the image he was cultivating of himself as a demigod who, as the son of Jupiter, was the representative of the supreme god of the Roman pantheon. The growing megalomania of the emperor permeated all areas of Roman life, as is witnessed in the material record by the innumerable statues erected around the empire that had been set up portraying him in the guise of Hercules, and his coinage.

The reverse of this stunning aureus depicts Minerva, daughter of Jupiter and a member of the Capitoline Triad; she had been the patron deity of Domitian, and perhaps ignoring the failure of the goddess to protect his predecessor, Commodus here solicits her favour. The other types of Commodus featured on the coinage of his later years also boldly proclaim his aspirations to divinity, including the following two lots - the one showing Jupiter as the sponsor, or guardian, of the security and health of the emperor, and the other depicting Commodus as Hercules himself.

825.

A Bold Portrait of Artistic Merit

234

Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 191. L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, laureate bust right / I O M SPONSOR SEC AVG, Jupiter standing right, placing hand on shoulder of Commodus standing left, head right, holding globe and sceptre. RIC 255; RSC 239. 2.59g, 18mm, 12h.


826.

Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 192. L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, bust right in lion’s skin headdress / HER-CVL ROM-ANO AV-GV S-C, club in centre, all within wreath. RIC 637. 2.52g, 17mm, 6h.

Near Very Fine. Rare. 200

827.

Didius Julianus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS, Fortuna standing left, holding rudder in lowered right hand above globe at feet to left, and cornucopiae in left hand. RIC 2; BMC 4; C. 8. 2.59g, 18mm, 6h.


828.

Clodius Albinus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 193. D CL SEPT ALBIN CAES, bare head right / PROVID AVG COS, Providentia standing left holding wand over globe and sceptre. RIC 1c. 3.04g, 17mm, 5h.

Good Very Fine. A fine style portrait. Rare. 200

829.

Clodius Albinus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 195-7. IMP CAES D CLOD SEPT ALBIN AVG, laureate head right / SAECVLI FEL COS II, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and branch. RIC -; BMC -. 3.23g, 18mm, 12h.

Near Mint State. Unpublished with this obverse legend (cf. RIC 38 for reverse) and apparently unique. 1,000

Mattingly and Sydenham point out in RIC that, for a series that was only struck for a little over a year, there are a vast number of types to be found on the coinage of Clodius Albinus.

Apparently unique and unpublished, the reverse type of ‘Saeculi Felicitas’, the return to a golden age, was a bold statement for Albinus to make faced as he was by the proven might of Septimius Severus. However, the obverse legend ties this coin into the very rare ‘Iovis Victoriae’ issue (RIC 26) which Mattingly and Sydenham suggest was struck in recognition of the progress of Albinus’ campaign. Hence, this might have been a very small issue struck after Albinus’ defeat of Severus’ legate, Virius Lupus.

830.

Unpublished and Apparently Unique

A Bold Portrait of Didius Julianus

235

Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Uncertain eastern mint, AD 198-202. L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P MAX TR P VIII COS II P P, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left. RIC -; BMC -; Calicó -; for this type with different reverse legend (COS II P P), cf. RIC 125b; for the same reverse legend attributed to an eastern mint cf. RIC 511, BMC 712-714. 7.06g, 21mm, 11h.

Extremely Fine. Apparently Unique. 10,000

The eleventh acclamation of Severus as Imperator marked the end of the campaign against the Parthians, which concluded with the capture of their capital Ctesiphon in AD 198.

831.

Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 202-10. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / RESTITVTOR VRBIS, Roma seated left on shield, holding palladium and sceptre. RIC 288; Calicó 2529. 7.19g, 20mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal. Rare. 20,000

Septimius Severus was credited with restoring stability to the Roman Empire after the turbulent reign of Commodus and the civil wars that erupted in the wake of his murder, and by the time this coin was struck he had enlarged the empire in the East and strengthened the southern borders through the expansion of the Limes Tripolitanus, a frontier zone of defensive forts in north Africa. The improved security of the empire enabled Severus to undertake restorative works in Rome itself, the theme of this reverse type. Roma, personification of Rome, is portrayed here as a direct reference to Severus’ having restored peace and prosperity to the city.

832.

Septimius Severus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 202-10. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / AFRICA, Africa wearing elephant-skin headdress, reclining left, holding scorpion and cornucopiae, basket of corn-ears at feet. RIC 254. 2.98g, 19mm, 6h.


833.

236

Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 205. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / LIBERALITAS AVGG V, Liberalitas standing left holding abacus and cornucopiae. RIC 277; C. 295; Calicó 2478. 6.59g, 20mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre and subtle red toning. Rare. 10,000

A congiarium was a liberal distribution of oil, wine, grain or money that were given to the people by a beneficent emperor. This type commemorates the fifth such allocation by Septimius Severus and Caracalla, and is personified by Liberalitas, the spirit of imperial generosity. She is depicted holding an ‘abacus’ for counting the gift that was to be given to each citizen, and a cornucopiae, the symbol of plentiful bounty.

834.

Septimius Severus AR Tetradrachm of Laodicea ad Mare, Syria. AD 205-7. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ CΕΟΥΗΡΟC, laureate and cuirassed bust right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟC Γ, eagle standing facing, head right, holding wreath in beak, star between legs. Prieur 1118. 14.19g, 27mm, 1h.


835.

Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 210. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Victory advancing right, head left, carrying trophy and leading captive by hand. RIC 237; C. 544; BMC 23; Calicó 2517. 7.14g, 21mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine - struck on a broad flan; lustrous. Very Rare. 10,000

836.

237

Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 210-211. SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head right / VICTORIAE BRIT, Victory advancing left holding wreath and palm. RIC 334; Calicó 2564. 7.12g, 21mm, 6h.


This issue was likely struck to celebrate the peace which Septimius Severus concluded with the tribesmen of Caledonia early in 210. Cassius Dio mentions that Severus and Caracalla rode forward together “in order to receive their arms and discuss the details of the truce” (77, 14, 3.), but goes on to explain that the peace did not last long. Although Severus was determined to defeat the Caledonians, the illness that eventually took his life had confined him to his quarters, preventing him from leading the army further.

After the death of his father in 211, Caracalla made a deal with the Caledonians on less-than-favourable terms that involved ceding territory and restricting the edge of the Empire to the line of Hadrian’s Wall for, although advances had been made into territory beyond the Antonine Wall, Herodian relates that the Roman army found the terrain difficult in comparison to the local tribesmen, who were able to slip away (3, 14, 10).

837.

239

Perfectly Centred on a Broad Flan

Julia Domna AV Aureus. Rome, AD 196-211. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / MATER DEVM, Cybele seated left on throne, holding branch in right hand and long sceptre in left and resting left elbow on drum; on either side of throne, a lion. RIC 565; Calicó 2629. 7.34g, 21mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Very Rare. 15,000

838.

Julia Domna AV Aureus. Rome, AD 196-211. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana standing standing left, holding torch in both hands. RIC 548 var. (crescent on neck); Calicó 2610. 7.35g, 21mm, 6h.

Near Mint State. Beautiful lustre. Rare. 12,500

839.

Julia Domna AR Denarius. Rome, AD 196-211. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / AERTERNIT IMPERI, confronted busts of Severus and Caracalla, both laureate, draped and cuirassed. RIC 539b. 2.76g, 18mm, 12h.


840.

241

Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome, AD 204. ANTON P AVG PON TR P VII, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA PARTHICA MAXIMA, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 79; Calicó 2844 corr. (this coin). 7.42g, 20mm, 6h.


841.

Calicó Plate Coin

Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 208. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / PONTIF TR P XI COS III, Caracalla on horseback right, holding spear, PROF in exergue. RIC 107; RSC 510; BMC 572. 3.31g, 20mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Beautiful light tone with golden highlights. 750

842.

Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 215. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate bust right / PM TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Pax standing left holding branch and sceptre. RIC 268; C. 314. 3.02g, 20mm, 1h.

Extremely Fine. 200

844.

Caracalla AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 215. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, radiate and draped bust right / P M TR P XVIIII COS IIII P P, Sol mounting quadriga facing left. RIC 282e. 5.44g, 23mm, 12h.


845.

Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome, AD 210-213. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIAE DEORVM, Providentia standing left, holding wand in right hand and sceptre in left; globe at feet. RIC -; C. -; Calicó 2801a. 7.36g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 7,500

843.

242

Caracalla AR Didrachm of Cappadocia, Caesarea. Year 20 = AD 217. AYK M AYPHΛI ANTΩNЄINOC CEB Λ, laureate and bearded head of Caracalla right / MH ΓPOΠ KAICAPIAC, agalma of Mount Argaeus placed on garlanded altar; star on summit, ЄTK in exergue. BMC 270. 5.69g, 20mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 200

846.

Diadumenian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 208-18. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian standing facing, head right, holding standard and sceptre, two more standards to right. RIC 102; RSC 3. 3.11g, 20mm, 6h.


847.

Diadumenian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 218. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes walking left, holding flower and raising her skirt. RIC 116. 2.98g, 20mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 500

848.

Elagabalus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 219. IMP CAES ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR ANTONINI AVG, Victory advancing right with wreath and palm. RIC 153; RSC 293. 3.81g, 20mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. An attractive piece with superb detail and toning. 200

This interesting example displays clashed dies (caused when the dies are struck without a planchet between them, thus leading to the faint outline of a portrait on the reverse).

849.

Severus Alexander AR Denarius. Rome, AD 228-31. IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / ABUNDANTIA AVG, Abundantia standing right, emptying cornucopiae with both hands. RIC 184. 3.09g, 20mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Beautifully toned. 500

850.

243

Severus Alexander AV Aureus. Rome, AD 228-31. IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate head right, drapery on far shoulder / LIBERALITAS AVG IIII, Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae. RIC 204; Calicó 3069. 6.18g, 20mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Beautiful, lustrous surfaces. Rare. 7,500

851.

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

Fleur De Coin. Perfectly centred on the flan. 7,500

Ex Triton X, 9 January 2007, lot 701.

852.

Two Fleur De Coin Aurei of Severus Alexander

244

Severus Alexander AV Aureus. Rome, AD 233-31. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX AETERNA AVG, Pax standing left with branch and sceptre. RIC 164; Calicó 3077. 6.02g, 21mm, 11h.

Near Mint State. Rare. 7,500

Ex Helios 4, 14 October 2009, lot 616;Ex Triton III, 30 November 1999, lot 1133.

853.

Divus Severus Alexander AR Antoninianus. Struck under Trajan Decius. Rome, AD 250-1. DIVO ALEXANDRO, radiate bust right, with slight drapery on far shoulder / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing facing, head left. RIC 97. 3.01g, 24mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Pleasing tone. Rare. 500

854.

Orbiana AR Denarius. Rome, AD 225-227. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC 319; RSC 1; BMC 287. 2.97g, 19mm, 6h.

Very Fine. Scarce. A bold and attractive portrait. 300

855.

Maximus, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 236-238. MAXIMVS CAES GERM, bare-headed and draped bust right, seen from behind / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Maximus standing left with baton and transverse spear; two standards to right. RIC 3; RSC 10. 2.84g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce. 300

856.

Gordian I Africanus AR Denarius. Rome, March-April AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / P M TR P COS P P, Gordian standing facing, head left, holding branch in right hand and short sceptre in left. RIC 2. 2.94g, 19mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Hint of copper deposit on reverse; lustrous and bright metal. Rare. 1,500

857.

245

Gordian I Africanus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS AVGG, Securitas seated left, holding short sceptre. RIC 5. 2.86g, 20mm, 2h.

Near Extremely Fine. Attractive toning. Rare. 3,000

858.

Excellent Denarii of Father and Son

Gordian II AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 2. 3.07g, 21mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Light toning. Very Rare. 4,000

859.

246

Gordian II AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 3. 2.98g, 20mm, 6h.

About Extremely Fine. Very Rare. 2,000

860.

Balbinus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS II P P, togate emperor standing left, holding branch and parazonium. RIC 5. 2.83g, 21mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. A portrait of fine style, well-centred and attractively toned. 2,500

861.

Pupienus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX PVBLICA, Pax seated left holding branch and sceptre. RIC 4. 3.38g, 20mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. A well-detailed portrait. 750

862.

Pupienus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS II P P, Felicitas standing left holding caduceus and sceptre. RIC 6. 3.09g, 20mm, 12h.


863.

Pupienus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 238. IMP CAES M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / AMOR MVTVVS AVGG, clasped hands. RIC 9b; RSC 1; BMC 77. 4.85g, 23mm, 12h.


864.

A Perfectly Struck Denarius of Balbinus

247

Gordian III, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG, jug between lituus and knife on left, simpulum and sprinkler on right. RIC 1. 2.52g, 21mm, 6h.


865.

Gordian III Æ36 of Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior. AD 238-44. AVT K M ANT ΓOΡΔIANOC AVΓ, radiate and draped bust left, wearing cuirass ornamented with gorgon head, raising right hand and holding globe in left / VΠΤΕΡΤVΛΛ IA NOVMAΡKIANOΠΟΛΙΤΩ ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ, Tyche of Marcianopolis standing right, wearing mural crown and holding cornucopiae, grasping the hand of the emperor who stands left, laureate and wearing toga, holding scroll; between them flaming tripod. BMC 80; AMNG 1098; SNG Copenhagen -. 27.53g, 36mm, 1h.

Good Very Fine. Pleasant green patina. Very Rare, unusually well preserved for the issue. 2,000

Ex Lanz 114, 26 May 2003, lot 601.

866.

Gordian III Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 241. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / LAETITIA AVG N, Laetitia standing left, with wreath and anchor, S-C across fields. RIC 300a. 13.74g, 28mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. 200

868.

Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 239. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P II COS P P, Virtus standing left, leaning on shield, and holding spear in left hand. RIC 25; Calicó 3212a; Biaggi 1361. 4.68g, 20mm, 1h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous. 3,000

867.

249

4 Aureus Medallion for the Decennalia of Gallienus

Gallienus AV Medallion of 4 Aurei. Rome, AD 262-3. IMP GALLIENVS AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield / FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing between two ensigns. Göbl, MIR 36-44. pl. 45, 532c (these dies); RIC 10; Jameson 254. 13.68g, 24mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine. Only the fourth known example. 75,000

Upon his accession in AD 253, Valerian immediately raised his son Gallienus to Augustus in order that the two might rule jointly and divide the responsibility of the stewardship of the empire between them as Verus and Aurelius had done a century before. Valerian therefore set out for the East to face the threat of the Sassanid Persians, while Gallienus remained in the West. This was a period of great turbulence and upheaval, with incursions by the Franks, Alamanni and Juthungi between 258 and 260. The invaders were able to penetrate as far as Tarraco in Spain, and the Alamanni reached the gates of Rome itself, only being turned back by an improvised army assembled by the Senate. The disaster at Edessa in 260 which led to the destruction of a Roman army and the capture of Valerian sparked a revolt by Macrianus and Quietus in the East, and the secession of the western provinces under Postumus, who had Gallienus’ son Saloninus put to death.

Despite the multitude of threats assailing the empire and the near constant stream of revolts, betrayals and usurpations Gallienus succeeded in bringing some degree of continuity and stability. Given that the average life expectancy for an emperor in the mid third century was only two years from their accession, the achievement of a decennalia is an unusual and noteworthy feat. Returning to Rome to celebrate the occasion, this piece was caused to be struck in commemoration. Of all the coins and medallions created for distribution during the festivities, this piece was among the most impressive.

Perhaps its most significant feature is its depiction of the emperor helmeted and armoured, carrying spear and shield. Though it may not seem surprising that an emperor who spent so much time on active campaign should be so portrayed, this was the first appearance of a helmeted bust type on a medallion, as noted by JMC Toynbee (Roman Medallions, p.155). Though such bust types would later become increasingly common as general-emperors became the norm, this was an innovation that may well have surprised the recipients of this medallion.

Though the histories are quite uniformly hostile towards Gallienus, in no small part because of his exclusion of senators from military commands, Gallienus’ military reforms are credited with staving off the impending collapse of the northern frontiers. The weakness of the centuries-old practice of posting legions to the frontiers while leaving the central territories undefended was brutally exposed between 258-260 (leading the later emperor Aurelian to construct the first defensive fortifications at Rome since the Servian Wall built in the early 4th century BC), and the Battle of Mediolanum demonstrated the value of swift, flexible military units. Gallienus’ creation of a highly mobile strategic reserve force comprised primarily of cavalry now meant that barbarian incursions or localised revolts could be swiftly dealt with without the need to wait for a field army to assemble.

869.

250

Claudius II Æ33 of Sagalassus, Pisidia. AD 268-70. ΑΥΚ Μ ΑΥΡ ΚΛΑΥΔΙΟΝ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / The Dioscuri standing beside horses, star above each and crescent between, I in left field, CΑΓΑΛΑCCΕΩΝ in exergue. SNG von Aulock 5205; BMC -. 21.38g, 33mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 400

870.

Tacitus Æ Silvered Antoninianus. Siscia, AD 275-276. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory flying left, wearing long dress and holding open diadem with both her hands; at her feet two small, oval shields; P in exergue. RIC 170. 4.37g, 23mm, 12h.


871.

Probus Æ Silvered Antoninianus. Ticinum, AD 276. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVG, soldier standing left holding Victory and spear and leaning on shield. RIC 434. 3.49g, 23mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 100

872.

Probus Æ Silvered Antoninianus. Serdica, AD 276-282. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, radiate, helmeted and cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield / VIRTVS PROBI AVG, emperor riding left, right hand raised, left hand holding sceptre, captive before, KAΔ in exergue. RIC 887. 3.89g, 24mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 100

873.

Probus Æ Silvered Antoninianus. Serdica, AD 276-282. IMP C M AVF PROBVS PF AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / SOLI INVICTO, Sol in facing quadriga, holding whip, KAA in exergue. RIC 861. 4.01g, 24mm, 12h.


874.

251

Probus Æ Antoninianus. Serdica, AD 276-282. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG, radiate and draped bust right / SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, holding whip; KAB in exergue. RIC 864 var. (mintmark). 3.39g, 24mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. 200

875.

Maximianus Æ Antoninianus. Lugdunum, AD 287-9. IMP C MAXIMIANVS AVG, radiate and draped bust left with club and lion’s skin / HERCVLI PACIFERO, Hercules standing left holding branch on globe, club and lion’s skin, B in left field, SML in exergue. RIC 380 var. (obverse legend); C. 277 var. (obverse legend). 2.39g, 20mm, 12h.

Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished with this obverse legend. 500

876.

Maximianus AV Aureus. Treveri, AD 293-4. MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right / HERCVLI DEBELLAT, Hercules standing left, with Hydra coiled around his right leg, fighting it with his club, PT in exergue. Calicó 4658. 5.42g, 18mm, 12h.


This coin was struck as a donative on the occasion of the first consulates of the new Caesars Constantius and Galerius; Diocletian well understood the necessity of sharing power and dividing responsibility for the empire among capable leaders who could defend it from the multitude of enemies, both internal and external, that it faced. Maximian’s Caesar, Constantius, was immediately tasked with the recovery of the lands ruled over by the rebel Carausius who had revolted in late 286 or early 287. By the end of 293 all of the usurper’s continental possessions had been captured, and Brittania was finally retaken in 296.

The reverse type of this coin may be seen as an allegorical reference to the emperors’ constant struggle against the many enemies of Rome, symbolised by the Hydra - and most especially Carausius, who had proven to be such an embarrassment for Maximian after the failed campaign of 289.

877.

252

Maximianus AR Argenteus. Rome, AD 295-7. MAXIMIANVS CAES, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, the four emperors sacrificing over tripod before gate in six-turreted enclosure, Γ in exergue. RIC 42b. 2.77g, 19mm, 11h.

Good Very Fine. Pleasant attractive toning. 300

878.

Maximianus AR Argenteus. Serdica, AD 305-6. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, three-turreted camp-gate, ·SM·SDA· in exergue. RIC 11b. 3.39g, 20mm, 12h.


879.

Constantius I AV Aureus. Rome, AD 295-305. D N CONSTANTIO CAES, laureate head right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Constantius standing left, holding standard and sceptre; PROM in exergue. RIC –; C. 233; Calicó 4866; Jameson 329; Biaggi 1838; Depeyrot 9/10. 5.32g, 18mm, 6h.

Very Fine; some scratches. Very Rare. 3,000

880.

Constantius I AR Argenteus. Antioch, AD 297. CONSTANTIVS CAESAR, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, three-turreted camp-gate with no doors, ANT·H in exergue. RIC 40a. 3.28g, 20mm, 12h.

Near Mint State. Very Rare. 1,000

881.

Constantius I AR Argenteus. Serdica, AD 305-306. CONSTANTIVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, three-turreted camp-gate, seven layers, with open arch and no doors, ∙SM∙SDΔ∙ in exergue. RIC 11a. 3.14g, 19mm, 1h.

Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare. 750

882.

253

Severus II, as Caesar, AR Argenteus. Serdica, AD 305-6. SEVERVS NOB C, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, three-turreted camp-gate with no doors, ·SM·SDA· in exergue. RIC -; Cf. NAC 62, 6 October 2011, lot 2089 (same dies). 3.29g, 20mm, 12h.

Fleur De Coin. Of the Highest Rarity. 8,000

Most likely struck to commemorate the commencement of the Second Tetrarchy in AD 305, this extremely rare coin is one of only a few specimens known. A number of argentei of Severus II came to light in a hoard about a decade ago; prior to this, they were virtually unknown. Cohen lists no such types, and RIC lists one argenteus of Severus II (21), but as Augustus rather than Caesar. In the last six years four examples have been sold at auction, all from the same dies, with one further example from different dies appearing on the market as well.

The scarcity of these types might be explained by the short period of time in which Severus II held the position of Caesar. He was elevated from the senior ranks of the army by Galerius, whom he fought alongside, in 305. However, in only a matter of months he had been made Augustus by Galerius after the death of Constantius I. As Augustus in the West, Severus was tasked with marching on Maxentius in Rome after his revolt in 306, though he was routed and fled to Ravenna. The circumstances had been decidedly unfavourable for Severus, since the army he commanded had previously served under the now retired emperor Maximian, father of Maxentius. Therefore, when Severus approached the city his army deserted to Maxentius’ camp.

883.

Extremely Rare Argenteus of Severus II

254

Severus II Æ Follis. Ticinum, AD 306. SEVERVS NOB CAESAR, laureate head right / VIRTVS AVGG ET CAESS NN, Mars, helmeted, advancing right, holding a transverse spear in right hand and trophy in left hand over left shoulder, TT in exergue. RIC 60a. 8.76g, 28mm, 12h.


884.

Severus II Æ Follis. Trier, AD 307. FL VAL SEVERVS NOB CAES, laureate and cuirassed bust right / GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing facing, head left wearing towered crown, left shoulder and loins draped, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left. RIC 660. 10.55g, 28mm, 6h.


885.

Constantine I, as Caesar, AR Half-Siliqua. Treveri, AD 309-313. IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four-turreted camp-gate, no doors, PTR in exergue. RIC 828. 1.13g, 16mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Pleasantly toned. Extremely Rare. 2,000

886.

Constantine I AV Solidus. Trier, AD 326. CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate head right / SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE, Securitas standing facing with legs crossed, head right, hand on head and leaning on column; TR in exergue. RIC 502; Alföldi 457; Depeyrot 32/6. 4.46g, 19mm, 5h.


Ex Leu 91, 10 May 2004, lot 690.

887.

Extremely Rare Half-Siliqua of Constantine I

255

Constantine I AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 326. Head right, with plain diadem, looking upwards / CONSTANTINVS CAESAR, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and branch in left, SMTS in exergue. RIC 147. 4.50g, 20mm, 6h.

Virtually Mint State. Very Rare. 15,000

This coin was issued to mark the visit of Constantine I to Thessalonica at the beginning of AD 326, when he was journeying to Rome. As with other types issued around the same time, it is a design made from a prototype of Nicomedia, which was Constantine’s interim capital until he declared Byzantium the new capital in 330, renaming the city Constantinopolis.

888.

Foundation of Constantinople Commemorative AR 1/3 Siliqua. Constantinopole, AD 330. Pearl-diademed and draped female bust of Helena right, wearing earring and necklace / K within border of dots. Bendall RN 158, 2002, 4: Vagi 3052; C. 287 (Constantine II); Mazzini 287. 0.83g, 11mm, 6h.

Four test punches, otherwise Very Fine. 100

889.

Constans AV Solidus. Trier, AD 347-348. CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories standing facing each other, holding shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XX, TR in exergue. RIC 135. 4.42g, 22mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal. 3,000

890.

Constans AV Solidus. Trier, AD 347-348. CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories standing facing, holding shield inscribed VOT X MVLT XX, TR in exergue. RIC 135. 4.57g, 22mm, 6h.


891.

256

Constantius II AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 340-351. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, laureate and rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, shield inscribed with VOT XX MVLT XXX in four lines supported by Roma enthroned left, wearing helmet and holding spear, and Constantinopolis enthroned right, wearing mural crown, foot on prow and holding sceptre; SMNT in exergue. RIC 33; C. 108; Depeyrot 3/4. 4.43g, 22mm, 7h.

Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful, lustrous metal. Rare. 3,000

892.

Constantius II AR Siliqua. Constantinopolis, AD 343. Pearl-diademed head right / FELICI REIPVBLICAE around wreath within which VOTIS XX MVLTIS XXX, C•A in exergue. RIC -. 3.16g, 21mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Attractive, lustrous metal. Apparently unique and unpublished. 1,000

893.

Constantius II AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 351-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding shield and spear over shoulder / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, shield inscribed with VOT XXX MVLT XXXX in four lines supported by Roma enthroned left, wearing helmet and holding spear, and Constantinopolis enthroned right, wearing mural crown, foot on prow and holding sceptre; SMNC in exergue. RIC 74; C.112; Depeyrot 5/2. 4.45g, 22mm, 11h.


Ex Andreas Sommer Collection;Ex Aretusa 4, 22 March 1996, lot 697.

894.

Finely Detailed Solidus of Constantius II

257

Constantius II AR Siliqua. Sirmium, AD 355-361. DN CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX in wreath, •SIRM• in exergue. RIC 66. 2.94g, 21mm, 12h.


895.

Julian II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 361-363. FL CL IVLIANVS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS ROMANORVM, helmeted soldier advancing right, holding trophy and placing right hand on head of crouching captive, ANTB in exergue. RIC 203. 4.51g, 22mm, 12h.


896.

Valentinian I AV Solidus. Trier, AD 367-375. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, laureate and rosette diademed, draped bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors seated facing, jointly holding globe; Victory above, wings spread; palm branch below; TROBS in exergue. RIC 17b. 4.43g, 21mm, 1h.

Mint State. 2,000

897.

Valens AV Solidus. Cyzicus, AD 364-367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing left, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; SMKB in exergue. RIC 2c var. (mintmark). 4.46g, 22mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine; graffito on obverse. Extremely Rare. 1,000

898.

258

Valens AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 364-367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing left, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; SMNI in exergue. RIC -. Cf. RIC 2c&d (mintmark). 4.47g, 22mm, 12h.

Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a large flan with full borders. Extremely Rare. 1,000

900.

Valens AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 364-367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing left, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; SMNΘ in exergue. RIC 2d. 4.59g, 22mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Rare. 1,000

899.

Valens AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 364-367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing left, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; SMNΘ in exergue. RIC 2d. 4.42g, 22mm, 6h.


901.

Valens AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 364-7. DN VALENS PER F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTIVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe, cross in left field, *ANTI* in exergue. RIC 2d. 4.48g, 21mm, 5h.


902.

Valens AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 364-367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing left, head right, holding labarus and Victory on globe; SMNI in exergue. RIC 2d. 4.44g, 22mm, 6h.

Near Mint State. Well struck on a large flan with full borders; superbly lustrous surfaces. 2,000

903.

259

Valens AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 366-367. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; •ANTH• in exergue. RIC 2a. 4.51g, 21mm, 3h.


904.

Valens AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 366-367. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; ANTS• in exergue. RIC 2a. 4.42g, 21mm, 6h.


905.

Valens AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 366-367. D N VALENS PER F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; ANTA• in exergue. RIC 2d; Depeyrot 27/3. 4.44g, 21mm, 5h.


906.

Valens AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 367-375. D N VALENS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing left, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; *CONSQ in exergue. RIC 25b. 4.60g, 22mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine; reverse lightly double struck. Very Rare. 1,000

907.

Gratian AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 367-375. DN GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory seated right on cuirass, shield behind, inscribing VOT V MVL X in four lines on shield held on knee; christogram in right field, ANOBЄ in exergue. RIC 21a. 4.47g, 21mm, 10h.

Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 1,000

908.

260

Gratian AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 367-375. DN GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory seated right on cuirass, shield behind, inscribing VOT V MVL X in four lines on shield held on knee; christogram in right field, ANOBA in exergue. RIC 21a var. (mintmark). 4.50g, 22mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine; obverse slightly double struck. Extremely Rare. 1,000

909.

Gratian AV Solidus. Trier, AD 367-375. DN GRATIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors seated facing, jointly holding globe; Victory above, wings spread; palm branch below; TROBT in exergue. RIC 17g. 4.50g, 21mm, 7h.


910.

Gratian AV Solidus. Trier, AD 367-375. DN GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors seated facing, jointly holding globe; Victory above, wings spread; palm branch below; TR•OB• in exergue. RIC 17f. 4.47g, 22mm, 5h.


911.

Gratian AR Siliqua. Siscia, AD 375-378. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOT XV MVLT XX in wreath, SISCPS in exergue. RIC 19b; C. 72. 2.21g, 18mm, 12h.


Ex Paul Tinchant Collection.

912.

Gratian AV Solidus. Trier, AD 375-378. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors seated facing, jointly holding globe; Victory above, wings spread; palm branch below; TROBT in exergue. RIC 39d. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Sharp details and lustrous surfaces. 5,000

913.

261

Gratian AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 378-383. DN GRATIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors seated facing, jointly holding globe; Victory above, wings spread; palm branch below; COM in exergue. RIC 5d; Depeyrot 1/1. 4.51g, 21mm, 5h.

Good Extremely Fine; light scuff on reverse. Scarce. 3,000

914.

Valentinian II AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 375-392. DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors seated facing, jointly holding globe; Victory above, wings spread; palm branch below; COM in exergue. RIC 5e; Depeyrot 1/2. 4.52g, 21mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Sharply struck and lustrous. 3,000

915.

Valentinian II AV Solidus. Trier, AD 378-383. D N VALENTINIANVS IVN PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors, the one to the right smaller and both with their legs draped, seated facing on throne and together holding globe; Victory standing behind with wings spread over their heads; palm branch below, TROBT in exergue. RIC 49c; Depeyrot 47/3. 4.49g, 21mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Scarce. 4,000

916.

Valentinian II AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 383-388. DN VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, two nimbate emperors with legs draped, seated facing on throne, one on right holding mappa and holding globe between the two. Victory behind, palm branch below, M-D across fields, COM in exergue. RIC 8a. 4.47g, 22mm, 12h.


917.

262

Magnus Maximus AR Siliqua. Trier, AD 383-388. D N MAG MAXIMVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma enthroned facing, head left, holding globe and spear, TRPS in exergue. RIC 84b; RSC 20a. 1.86g, 18mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent tones. 300

918.

Eugenius AR Siliqua. Trier, AD 392-395. D N EVGENIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; TRPS in exergue. RIC 106d; RSC 14a. 2.00g, 18mm, 12h.


919.

Theodosius II AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 408-420. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory standing facing, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; in right field, star; in exergue, CONOB. RIC 213; Depeyrot 70/1. 1.49g, 14mm, 6h.


920.

Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-440. DN THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield adorned with horseman riding down enemy on left / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX Γ, Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding globus cruciger in right hand and sceptre in left; shield resting beside throne, star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 257. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h.


921.

Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-440. DN THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield adorned with horseman riding down enemy on left / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX B, Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding globus cruciger in right hand and sceptre in left; shield resting beside throne, star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 257. 4.16g, 20mm, 6h.


922.

263

Theodosius II AV Semissis. Constantinople, AD 439. DN THEODOSIVS AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORA AVGG, Victory seated right on cuirass, holding a shield on which is inscribed XXX XXXX in two lines; star in left field, christogram in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 270 var. (reverse legend). 2.23g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Die-engraver’s error in reverse legend. Extremely Rare. 750

923.

Very Rare Half-Siliqua of Valentinian III

Valentinian III AR Half-Siliqua. Rome, AD 425-55. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm, RM in exergue. RIC 2087. 0.72g, 12mm, 1h.


924.

Valentinian III AV Solidus. Ravenna, AD 426-30. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGGG, emperor standing facing holding long cross and Victory on globe, placing right foot on head of human-headed coiled serpent, R-V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC 2010. 4.47g, 21mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Scarce. 1,000

925.

Basiliscus AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 475-476. D N bASILISCVS P P AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield adorned with horseman riding down enemy on left / VICTORIA AVGGG Θ, Victory standing left, supporting long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 1003. 4.46g, 21mm, 6h.


926.

264

Theodosius II AR Miliarense. Constantinople, AD 408-423. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left / GLORIA ROMANORVM, Theodosius, nimbate, standing facing, head left, raising hand and holding globe, star to left; CON in exergue. RIC 370; RSC 20a. 4.31g, 24mm, 11h.

Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned and lustrous. Scarce. 3,000

927.

COINS OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE

Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 492-507. D N ANASTASIVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding shield with horseman device on left shoulder; spear in right hand over shoulder / VICTORIA AVGGG S, Victory standing to left, holding long cross, star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 3f; MIBE 4a; Sear 3. 4.46g, 21mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Excellent preservation; struck on a broad flan. Lustrous. 750

Ex Tkalec Auction, 7 May 2006, lot 276.

928.

Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 507-518. D N ANASTASIVS PP AVG, helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding shield with horseman device on left shoulder, spear in right hand over right shoulder / VICTORIA AVGGG Є, Victory standing left holding long staff surmounted by christogram, star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. 750

Ex NAC 11, 29 April 1998, lot 572.

929.

A Fine Portrait of Theodosius II

265

Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 507-518. D N ANASTASIVS PP AVG, helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding shield with horseman device on left shoulder, spear in right hand over right shoulder / VICTORIA AVGGG H, Victory standing left holding long staff surmounted by christogram, star in left field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 7h; MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.49g, 21mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Brilliant mint lustre. 750

930.

Justinian I AR Half-Siliqua. Constantinople, 200th Anniversary issue, AD 530. DN IVSTINIANVS AVG, laureate and draped bust of Justinian right / Large K within dotted border. MIBE –; DOC –; Bendall –. Unpublished in the standard references. 0.40g, 12mm, 5h.

Extremely Fine. Apparently Unpublished and Extremely Rare. 2,000

‘Anonymous silver coins of the 4th-6th c, partly neglected by major modern reference works, are assembled and completed by some unpublished types from recent hoards dispersed on the market. They are related to similar bronze issues (Populus Romanus etc.) and a provisory dating is proposed. Three series were issued: 1st Roma or Constantinopolis / K on P, 330; 2nd Star / Wreath, 330; 3rd series inspired from the first with either K, R, CV, T or var. on the reverse, whose various issues date to 430?; 530 ff., ca 530-580+.’ Simon Bendall, Some comments on anonymous silver coinage of the fourth to sixth centuries A.D., Revue Numismatique 158, 2002, pp. 139-159.

931.

Justin II AV Tremissis. Ravenna, AD 567-578. D N IVSTI-NVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, head left, wreath in right hand, globus cruciger in left hand, star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 212; MIB 26; Sear 410. 1.45g, 18mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine. Well-centred, with full border, and struck on a very broad flan. 1,500

Ex Astarte Auction, 11 May 1998, lot 358.

932.

Justinian II, Second Reign, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 705-11. d N IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIVM, facing bust of Christ, raising hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels, arms of cross behind / d N IVSTINIANVS MVLTVS AN, crowned facing bust of Justinian, wearing loros, holding cross potent set on three steps and globus cruciger inscribed PAX. Sear 1413; MIB 1; DOC 1. 4.34g, 22mm, 6h.


Ex Superior Sale, 10-11 December 1993, lot 2005.

Struck during Justinian’s second reign, the detail of the globus cruciger on the reverse of this coin, on which is written PAX, is thought to be anappeal for peace within the Empire, and a gesture of reconciliation from the Emperor after the upheaval of the previous ten years under theusurpers Leontius and Tiberius III. However this was not to be, and the last ruler of the dynasty of Heraclius was put to death along with his young son Tiberius, after a rebellion in the army led to the general Bardanes being proclaimed as the emperor Philippicus in 711.

933.

Unpublished Half-Siliqua in the name of Justinian I

266

Mauricius Tiberius AV Solidus. Carthage, AD 590-1. D N mAVRIT b PP AV AN Θ, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORIA AV AGG N Θ, angel standing facing, holding christogram in right hand, and globus cruciger in left hand, CONOB in exergue. DOC 223; MIB 25a; Sear 548. 4.45g, 19mm, 6h.

Virtually Mint State. A remarkably well struck and preserved example. Struck on a broad flan, and well framed. 1,500

Ex Argenor Numismatique, 23 April 1999, lot 169.

934.

A Perfect Strike

Heraclius and Heraclius Constantinus AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 613-6. ddNN HЄRACLIUS ЄT (HЄRA CONST PP AVG), crowned busts of Heraclius on left and Heraclius Constantinus on right, each wearing chlamys and elaborate crowns, cross above / VICTORIA- AVGU(?) Cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue. DOC 8; MIB 8a; Sear 734. 4.46g, 21mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Lustrous metal, and very sharp. 500

Ex Harlan J. Berk 103, lot 27.

935.

Constans II AR Hexagram. Constantinople, AD 642-647. d N CONSTAN TINЧS P P AVG, bust facing, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, holding globus cruciger / dЄЧS AdIЧTA ROMANIS, cross potent over •, above three steps. DOC 4; MIB 142; Sear 988. 6.69g, 24mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine. Pleasing old tone. Very Rare in such good condition. 4,000

Ex Harlan J. Berk 109, lot 414.

936.

Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 668-85. CONSTANYS PP , three-quarter facing bust, wearing plumed helmet and cuirass, holding spear and shield with horseman device / VICTORA A AVςu H, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue. Sear 1157. 4.39g, 18mm, 6h.

Near Mint State. A well-detailed portrait of fine style. 2,000

937.

267

Philippicus AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 711-713. DN FILЄPICYS MYLTYS AN, bust facing, with close beard, wearing loros and crown with cross, holding globus cruciger in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre with cross above in left / VICTORIA AVGY H, cross potent on four steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; Sear 1447. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h.

Mint State. Rare. 1,500

938.

Philippicus AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 711-713. DN FILЄPICYS MYLTYS AN, bust facing, with close beard, wearing loros and crown with cross, holding globus cruciger in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre with cross above in left / VICTORIA AVGY A, cross potent on four steps; CONOB in exergue. MIB 1; Sear 1447. 4.33g, 19mm, 6h.

Mint State. Rare. 1,500

939.

Constantine V, with Leo IV and Leo III AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 751-775. CONTAN ΛЄON, facing busts of Constantine V, with short beard to left, and Leo IV, beardless to right, each wearing crown and chlamys; cross above their heads / G N O LЄON P A M, facing bust of Leo III, with short beard, wearing crown and loros, and holding cross potent. Sear 1565. 3.83g, 21mm, 6h.


940.

Constantine V, with Leo IV and Leo III AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 751-775. CONTAN ΛЄON, facing busts of Constantine V, with short beard to left, and Leo IV, beardless to right, each wearing crown and chlamys; pellet between their heads, cross above / G N O LЄON P A M, facing bust of Leo III, with short beard, wearing crown and loros, and holding cross potent. Sear 1565. 3.96g, 20mm, 6h.


941.


Mint State. 1,000

942.

939938


Mint State. 1,000

943.

268

Irene Enthroned

Irene AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 797-802. IREN AΓOVST, bust facing, wearing chlamys and crown with pendilia and cross on semicircle between two pinnacles, holding akakia with right hand; two curved lines of throne behind shoulders / AΓOVST, bust facing, wearing loros and crown as obverse; in right hand, cross potent. DOC 3; Spahr 340; Anastasi 452; Sear 1601. 3.84g, 21mm, 6h.

Mint State. Sharply struck and lustrous. Extremely Rare. 10,000

Struck for the sole reign of Irene, after her supporters had captured, imprisoned and blinded her son and once co-regent Constantine VI in 792, this interesting issue depicts the Empress on both the obverse and reverse. A new style and a precedent that was occasionally followed by later rulers, Irene decided against reviving the cross-on-steps type, or the reverse figures representing the deceased members of the ruling family, that had characterised the gold coinage of the Isaurian Dynasty, thus leaving us with coins that often have almost identical obverse and reverse designs.

Two distinct types of solidi for Irene have been identified as being struck at Syracuse. Both have the empress wearing loros and holding cross potent on one side; on the other there is always a facing bust, but while on the one type she wears a loros and holds a globus cruciger, on the second she wears a chlamys, holds an akakia and is enthroned, as we see on this example. The seated figure, coupled with the inclusion of the name of the empress in the legend, make this likely to be the obverse of this type.

944.

269

Unpublished and Extremely Rare

Nicephorus I AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 802-803. Bearded bust facing, wearing chlamys and crown with cross; in right hand, cross potent and in left, akakia / Cross potent on base of three steps; in field, C - I. DOC –, Spahr –; Anastasi –; Sear –. No gold has ever been recorded of Nicephorus’ sole reign for the mint of Syracuse. 3.90g, 20mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Sharply struck and lustrous. Unpublished and possibly Unique. 10,000

Minister of Finance under Irene, Nicephorus was crowned immediately after the empress was deposed, which had been the result of a plot instigated by Nicephorus himself with the help of the patricians and eunuchs of the court. In contrast to the marked individuality seen on Irene’s coinage, showing the empress on both obverse and reverse, Nicephorus chose instead to revert to the ancient cross-on-steps type of his predecessors, with the same reverse legend that occured on the miliaresion for his solidi from the mint at Constantinople.

Perhaps the first and only gold coin for the sole reign of Nicephorus from the mint at Syracuse.

945.

270

Basil II and Constantine VIII AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 976-1025. + IhS XIS REX REGNANTInm, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown ornamented with pellets, pallium, and colobium, raising right hand in benediction, codex in left hand / + bASIL C CONSTAN TIb R, facing busts of Basil II, wearing loros, and Constantine VIII, wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC 12; Sear 1802. 4.10g, 20mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 750

946.

Basil II and Constantine VIII AV Tetarteron Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1005-1025. +IhS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTInM, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown ornamented with pellets, pallium, and colobium, raising right hand in benediction, codex in left hand / +bΛSIL C COnSTΛnT Ib R, crowned facing busts of Basil II wearing loros and Constantinus VII wearing V-shaped overgarment decorated with pearls, together holding a patriarchal cross with X on shaft. DOC 15b; Sear 1806. 4.21g, 20mm, 6h.


Ex Nomisma Auction 39, 10 October 2009, lot 1841.

947.

Constantine VIII AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1025-28. + IhS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTINM, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown (ornamented with two crescents in its upper quarters), pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding codex in left hand, surrounded by triple border / + CƜNSƮANƮIN bASILЄUS ROM, bust facing, with long beard, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft in right hand and akakia in left hand, surrounded by triple border. Sear 1815. 4.41g, 26mm, 6h.

Fleur De Coin. Excellent Style. Rare. 3,000

948.

Romanus III AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1028-1034. +IhS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTINM, Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in left / ΘCЄ bOHΘ RWMANW, the Virgin, nimbate on right, and Romanus, bearded to left, both standing facing; the Virgin wears pallium and mophorium, and with her right hand crowns the emperor, who wears saccos and loros, and holds globus cruciger in left hand; MΘ between their heads. DOC 1; Sear 1819. 4.35g, 25mm, 6h.


949.

271

Romanus III AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1028-1034. +IhS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTINM, Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in left / ΘCЄ bOHΘ RWMANW, the Virgin, nimbate on right, and Romanus, bearded to left, both standing facing; the Virgin wears pallium and mophorium, and with her right hand crowns the emperor, who wears saccos and loros, and holds globus cruciger in left hand; MΘ between their heads. DOC 1; Sear 1819. 4.34g, 23mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 750

950.

Constantine IX AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1042-1055. +IhS XIS RЄX REGNANTINM, bust of Christ facing, wearing crown, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in left hand / +CWNSTANTN bASILЄYS RM, bearded bust facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding long cross and globe surmounted by pelleted cross. DOC 3; Sear 1830. 4.43g, 29mm, 6h.


951.

Michael VII AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction, and with book of Gospels in left hand; IC-XC across fields / +MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, bust facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding labarum in right hand and globus cruciger in left. Sear 1868; DOC 2. 4.42g, 27mm, 6h.


952.

Michael VII EL Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction, and with book of Gospels in left hand; IC-XC across fields / +MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, bust facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding labarum with pellet on shaft in right hand and globus cruciger in left. Sear 1868; DOC 2. 4.33g, 31mm, 6h.

Good Very Fine. 500

953.

272

Alexius I AR Histamenon Nomisma. Thessalonica, AD 1081-1118. + KЄ RΘ AΛЄZ (reversed), bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and holding book of Gospels with both hands; IC-XC across fields / St. Demetrius, on left, standing right, presenting labarum to Alexius on right; the saint is nimbate, wears military attire and holds sword in left hand; the emperor wears crown and loros, and grasps shaft of labarum with right hand; ΔI/MI/T/I on left, Δ/EC/Π/I/T/H to right. Sear 1904. 4.35g, 28mm, 6h.


954.

Empire of Trebizond. Andronicus I Gidon Comnenus Heavy Aspron Trachy. Nicaea (?), AD 1222-1235. The Theotokos Sorotissa standing facing, nimbate, hands extended, wearing maphorion, cruciform pellets on shoulders and forehead; MP-ΘV across upper fields; in lower field left and right, C and A / Christ Chalkites standing facing, cross nimbate, wearing himation over divitsion, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left hand; IC-XC acorss upper fields; in lower left field, O/X/A/Λ; in lower right field, K/H/Th/S (ligatured). Cf. DOC IV pl. 37 (Uncertain of Nicaea) 1; cf. Bendall, ‘A Further Note on a Possible Early Coinage of the Empire of Trebizond’, NCirc, August 2006, fig. 1; ‘An Early Coinage of the ‘Empire’ of Trebizond?’, NCirc, June 2002, 1 and NCirc, January 2007, p. 9.1; Sear (Uncertain of Nicaea) 2148. 2.57g, 26mm, 5h.


The obverse image on this coin is that of the Blachernitissa - also called Theotokos of Blachernae and Our Lady of Blachernae - the famous icon of the Theotokos in the Chapel of the Reliquary (Hagia Soros), in the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae in Constantinople. The cult icon of Christ Chalkites in the vestibule of the Imperial Palace in Constantinople was highly venerated. Representations of this icon are found in two forms, an earlier one with Christ raising his right hand in benediction, and a later form with Christ placing his right hand on his chest.

955.

MEDIEVAL COINS

Al-Mustansir AV Tari (1/4 dinar). Balharm (Palermo), year 459h = AD 1066. Stellate type. Cufic inscription arranged in six lines forming a starlike pattern / Similar as on obverse. Unpublished date, for type cf. Spahr 41; Andrea, Faranda, Vichi 318-338; Nicol 1785; Album 722. 0.92g, 15mm.

Well struck. Very Fine. 300

956.

Roger II AV Multiple Tarí. Messina, year 540h = AD 1145. Legend around pellet in linear circle / Cross potent on shaft; above, two annulets. Spahr 64; MEC 14, 208; MIR 22. 1.74g, 13mm.

Good Very Fine. 200

957.

End of Sale

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