CNG Triton XXIX

TRITON XXIX

In Conjunction with the 54th Annual New York International

January 13-14, 2026

TRITON XXIX

In Conjunction with the 54th Annual New York International Numismatic Convention

January 13 – 14, 2026

Barclay Salon, Lobby Level

InterContinental New York Barclay, 111 East 48th Street, New York

Featuring:

Ancient, World, and British Coins from the Deer Creek Collection

Selections of Greek Coins from the Collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter

Thrice-Signed Kimon Dekadrachm of Syracuse

Hellenistic Coins from the Colin E. Pitchfork and Westmoreland Collections

A Spectacular Choice Mint State Stater of Kroisos

Further Selections of Alexandrian Coins from the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection

Roman Coins from the Barry Rightman Collection

The 2017 Harbridge Hoard of Roman Coins

A Published Stavraton of Constantine XI Palaeologus

Umayyad Gold Dinar from the Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz

An Exremely Rare Ducat of Zygimantas IV Vaza

Proof Gold Pattern Crown of Charles II

Pre-Union Dated – Post-Union Type Gold 5 Guineas of Queen Anne

The Rarest Una & the Lion Proof Pattern Gold 5 Pounds of Queen Victoria

US OFFICE

PO Box 479

Lancaster, PA 17608-0479

Phone (717) 390.9194 Fax (717) 390.9978

EU OFFICE

Noordeinde 64a 2514GK, The Hague, NL Phone +31.851.301.541

UK OFFICE

De Morgan House, 57-58 Russell Square London WC1B 4HS, UK

EMAIL & WEBSITE

Email cng@cngcoins.com Website www.cngcoins.com

Grading Conditions

English Deutsch Français Italiano

Proof Polierte Platte

Mint State/Uncirculated Stempelglanz

Extremely Fine (EF) Vorzüglich

Very Fine (VF)

Sehr Schön

Flan Bruni Fondo Specchio

Fleur de Coin Fior di Conio

Superbe Splendido

Très Beau Bellissimo

Fine Schön Beau Molto Bello

Good/Fair Gut

Common Abbreviations

AD Anno Domini

Bien

Bello

BE Bithynio-Pontic Era IY Indictional Year

Æ Bronze BI Billon MBS Mail Bid Sale

AE Actian Era CE Common Era mm Mintmark

AH Anno Hegirae Cf. Confer (compare) PB Lead

AR Silver c/m Countermark p. Page

AV Gold CY Civic Year (Era) pl. Plate

BBS Buy or Bid Sale EL Electrum RPE Roman Provincial Era

BC Before Christ FPL Fixed Price List RY Regnal Year

BCE Before the Common Era g Gram SE Seleukid Era

See Bibliography on our website, www.cngcoins.com, for a complete list of reference abbreviations.

Bank Accounts

Beneficiary: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

US$ Account:

Northwest Bank

€ Account:

HSBC Bank plc

£ Account:

HSBC Bank plc

100 Liberty St., Warren PA 16365 60 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TR 60 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TR

Account Number: 243374218

ABA Number: 7216021910

BIC or SWIFT: NWBIUS33

Account Number: 84309198

Sort code: 40 12 76

IBAN: GB82HBUK40127684309198

BIC or SWIFT: HBUKGB4B

Account Number: 71170910

Sort code: 40 11 60

IBAN: GB45HBUK40116071170910

BIC or SWIFT: HBUKGB4B

Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. is a United States limited company. Auction license number AY002406. United Kingdom Registration No. FC035702, Branch No. BR020787.

All lots in this auction were in the possession of CNG in CNG’s Lancaster, Pennsylvania office no later than 4 November 2025. This information is provided for the protection of buyers in the event that US import restrictions are introduced subsequent to that date on any of the types of coins that are included in this auction.

Notice Regarding “Slabs”

Coins that have been encapsulated (“slabbed”) by a grading and/or authentication service may not be returned for any reason, including authenticity, if they have been removed from the encapsulation (“slab”).

Acknowledgement

CNG would like to thank Jan Moens (jan.moens@bvdmc.com) for creating and providing the Numismatica Medievalis font used in this sale.

AUCTION TERMS

This is a public and Internet auction conducted by Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. (CNG). Bidding in the auction constitutes acceptance of the following terms:

1. The property listed in this catalogue is offered for sale by CNG for itself and as agent for various owners and other consignors. We reserve the right to reject any bid, to determine the opening price, to set bidding increments, to vary the order of the auction, to reopen bidding in the case of a dispute, to withdraw any lot, to bid on behalf of CNG, to bid on behalf of the consignor, to permit the auctioneer to bid on his own behalf, and to permit the consignor, where reserves have been agreed, to bid on his own lots. CNG may loan or advance money to consignors or prospective bidders, and may have an interest other than commission charges in any lot. CNG may bid on its own account as an “insider” with information not available to the public.

2. A buyer’s fee will be charged to all successful bidders as follows on the hammer price:

A. 25% for written, fax, email, and telephone bids.

B. 22.5% for floor bids placed in person at the auction and electronic bids placed directly on www.cngcoins.com. All written bids, email bids, nonlive telephone bids, live internet bid registrations, and live telephone bid registrations must be received before 5PM Eastern time on the day before the auction begins. CNG reserves the right to change the format of www. cngcoins.com at any time.

3. All coins are guaranteed genuine. Attribution, date, condition, and other descriptions are the opinion of the cataloguer, and no warranty is expressed or implied. Please note that an auction sale is not an approval sale. Grading is subjective and the opinion of the cataloger. The photographs and videos (when available) of each coin provide additional information for the bidder and supplement the written description found in the catalog. It is the responsibility of the bidder to view photographs and videos and draw their own conclusion as to the quality of the coin they are bidding on. CNG expressly makes no guarantee that our grade and coin descriptions will match those provided by others. No refund will be provided due to grade or “adjectival” comments by a third-party grading service if a coin is submitted for grading after the sale. Any claim of lack of authenticity must be made in writing by the original purchaser immediately after discovery that an item is not authentic, and upon making such a claim the original purchaser must immediately return the lot to CNG in the same condition as at the time of the auction. Any coin returned as “not authentic” which CNG feels is genuine will be submitted to the International Association of Professional Numismatists Authentication Bureau (IBSCC) for final decision of authenticity. No refund shall be made on such coins until the IBSCC makes their determination. This includes coins that have been submitted to a third-party grading service after the auction. Coins that have been previously encapsulated (“slabbed”) by a grading and/or authentication service may not be returned for any reason, including authenticity, if they have been removed from the encapsulation (“slab”). If payment is made by credit card, rights of return are governed by these Auction Terms which supersede any rights of return promulgated by the card issuer. Estimates are intended as a guide only and not as a statement of opinion of value.

4. Invoices are due and payable immediately upon receipt. Interest and late fees of 2.0% per month, or at the highest rate permitted by law, whichever is less, from the date of the auction, shall be payable on invoices not settled within 30 days of the auction date. Payment may be made by check or bank wire. Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) will be accepted; credit card payments will not be accepted more than 14 days after the sale date. Payment by credit card for printed sale auctions will be charged a 2.5% handling fee. Payment by check must be made in either US dollars ($) drawn on a US bank or British sterling (£) drawn on a British bank. All successful bidders outside North America and the United Kingdom will be charged an additional $20 fee for bank charges that are the result of international wire transfer fees; this fee will be deducted for credit card or check payment as described above. CNG may reduce or compromise any charge or fee at its discretion.

5. Bidders not known to us must provide us with satisfactory credit references or pay a deposit as determined at CNG’s discretion before bidding. Minors are not permitted to bid without written consent of a parent guaranteeing payment. CNG may require payment in full from any bidder prior to delivery of lots. Title does not pass until lots are paid in full. Upon receipt of lots, the buyer assumes full responsibility for loss or damage. Delivery to the buyer’s address of record shall constitute receipt by the buyer regardless of the identity of the person accepting delivery.

6. Estimates are in U.S. dollars ($US) and bids must be in even dollar ($) amounts. CNG will execute mail bids on behalf of mail bidders. Subject to reserves and opening prices, mail bids will be executed at one bidding increment (approximately 10%) over the next highest bid. In the case of identical bids, the earliest bid wins. A mail bid has priority over an identical floor bid. Bid by lot number. No lots will be broken. Bidders are responsible for errors in bidding. Check your bid sheet carefully.

7. All lots are subject to reserve unless otherwise indicated.

8. Bidders personally guarantee payment for their successful bids, including bidders executing commission bids from other parties and bidders representing corporations or other entities. Buyers accepting commission bids from other parties do so at their own risk and remain responsible for payment under these Auction Terms.

9. At the conclusion of bidding for each lot, the sale contract is concluded and the successful bidder becomes liable for immediate payment under these Auction Terms. In the event a successful bidder fails to make full payment within 30 days of the auction date, CNG reserves the right either: (a) to require payment as provided under these Auction Terms; or (b) to deem the sale incomplete and to re-auction the material, in which case the successful bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable cost of such a sale and also to pay any shortfall between the re-auction price and the successful bidder’s purchase price. CNG reserves all rights that it is entitled to under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code, including the right to offset any sums due from a successful bidder against any future consignment or purchase or monies or goods in possession of CNG.

10. Sales tax, postage, handling and insurance are the responsibility of the buyer and are added to all invoices where appropriate. For buyers in the United Kingdom, CNG may import lots into the United Kingdom prior to shipment and charge buyers the import Value Added Tax. On any tax not paid by the purchaser which should have been paid, even if not invoiced by CNG, the purchaser agrees to pay the same on demand together with any interest or penalty that may be assessed. It is the responsibility of the buyer to comply with foreign customs and other regulations.

11. Prices realized are published after the sale and are mailed with CNG’s next publication. Prices realized are also posted after the sale on CNG’s web site: www.cngcoins.com

12. Bidders hereby waive any claim for incidental, consequential or exemplary damages arising from this auction. The sole remedy that any participant in the auction shall have for any claim or controversy arising out of the auction shall be a refund, without interest, of all or part of the purchase price paid by the participant.

13. All rights granted by CNG or otherwise available to bidders and purchasers, under these Auction Terms or otherwise, are personal and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, whether by operation of law or otherwise. No third party may rely on any benefit or right conferred by these Auction Terms. Bidders acting as agents must disclose the agency in writing to CNG prior to the auction; otherwise rights are limited to the agent and are not transferable to the undisclosed principal.

14. Any dispute regarding this auction shall be governed by the laws of Pennsylvania and shall be adjudicated only by the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas or the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; all bidders submit themselves to the personal jurisdiction of these courts for this purpose, consent to service of process by registered or certified mail, and waive any contrary provisions of Articles 14 or 15 of the French Civil Code and any similar provisions in any jurisdiction. All bidders consent to the confidentiality of consignors’ identities and waive any right to require disclosure of the name of the consignor or owner of any auction lot, whether such right is based on New York GOL §5-701(a) or any other provision in any jurisdiction. In any dispute regarding this auction, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and attorney fees.

Meet the Team

Steve Lloyd Numismatist Islamic Specialist

& Consignments

Lance Hickman Managing Numismatist Consignment Staff

Consignments

Numismatist Consignments British & World Coinage

Mike Gasvoda Managing Director

Victor England Consulting Director

Eric McFadden Consulting Director

Dave Michaels Manager Shows

Caroline Holmes Numismatist Consignments

Julian Okun-Dubitsky Numismatist

Bill Dalzell Managing Numismatist Cataloging Staff

Angelien Ponsioen Numismatist Consignments

Paul Hill Director, London

Max Tursi Director, EU

Steve Pruzinsky Chief Financial Officer

Travis Markel Manager IT & Production

Kan Liu (Vera) Manager Consignments

Katie Vint Numismatist Consignments

Aleeza Brown Numismatist Consignments

Miles Thompson Numismatist Consignments

Marten Scherpenzeel Numismatist Consignments

Oliver Reece

Meet the Team

R. Nelson Senior Numismatist Cataloging

Jeffrey B. Rill Numismatist Cataloging

Gasvoda Administrative Assistant

Additional Support

A.J. Gatlin IT Consultant

Tim Wilkes Islamic Consultant

John W. Yurchak Printing Control

Jeffrey B. Rill Auctioneer PA License No. AU006206

Brian Callahan Auctioneer PA License No. AU005870

Bradley

D. Scott VanHorn Senior Numismatist Cataloging

Tom Mullally Numismatist Cataloging

Daniel Burch Numismatist Cataloging

Jared Goldfarb Librarian

David James III Photographer

David Grant Photographer

Dylan Ossman Office Manager, London

Jennifer Ventura Shipping

Lynn

Christian Ventura Photographer

Kate Rill Customer Relations Manager

Julia Motter Shipping

Siska Goldfarb Administration & Shipping

Sharon Pruzinsky Accounting

Tonia Hermann Shipping

With the CNG Bidding Portal, you can:

• Log on and bid at any time at auctions.cngcoins.com

• View the lots, follow the bidding, and see hammer prices as they are sold

• Hear and see the auctioneer live

• Enjoy all the advantages of an auction room bidder to win your favorite lots

To bid live in this Feature auction:

• Visit our new Bidding Portal before the auction at auctions.cngcoins.com

• Register online with your email address and a password

• Once approved, you may place pre-bids up until the moment the lot opens in the auction room

• On the auction day, login to join the auction and participate live

Please Note

• If you have not already registered for our bidding platform, you must create a new registration at auctions.cngcoins.com/register. Your old cngcoins.com handle and password will not allow you to log on or bid.

• You must register to bid before 5PM EST on Monday, January 12, 2026

• All lots won through the CNG Bidding Portal will be subject to a 22.5% buyer’s fee

Lot Viewing

Lancaster, PA

Auction lots may be viewed at our Lancaster Office from December 1, 2025 until January 8, 2026, by appointment only Lancaster Office Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM (Monday - Friday). Please note that our hours will be limited during the holiday season.

New York City

InterContinental New York Barclay Morgan Suite, Mezzanine Level

Sunday, January 11, 2026 - 1 PM until 7 PM

Monday, January 12, 2026 - 9 AM until 7 PM

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - 8 AM until 6 PM

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - 8 AM until Noon

Online Viewing

Enlargements of all single lots and selected multiple lots may be viewed on the internet at

We are sorry, but photographs of individual coins in multiple lots cannot be provided.

Auction Location

New York City - InterContinental New York Barclay Barclay Salon (Lobby Level)

Lot Pickup

New York City - InterContinental New York Barclay The Gallery (Mezzanine Level)

Friday, January 16, 2026 - 10 AM until 6 PM Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 10 AM until 6 PM

ORDER OF SALE

Session One – Tuesday Morning – January 13 – 9:00 AM

Session Two – Tuesday Afternoon – January 13 – 2:00 PM

Session Three – Wednesday Morning – January 14 – 9:00 AM

Session Four – Wednesday Afternoon – January 14 – 2:00 PM

The James A. Lock Collection

James Albert Lock was a most devoted and loving husband, son, brother, father, teacher, and friend to many. Always a serious student, Jim earned three degrees from Case Institute of Technology, later Case Western Reserve University (CWRU): baccalaureate and master’s degrees in physics, and a PhD in theoretical nuclear physics in 1974. He taught physics for 41 years, retiring in 2013, but continued to teach as an Emeritus Professor for several more years.

Students said they knew Professor Lock’s courses were going to be hard, but they also knew that he was dedicated to their success and had their best interest in mind. Jim took great joy in explaining phenomena to students so that they could see their elegance and beauty. He expended many additional hours meeting their needs, supervised many research projects, and served on dissertation committees. Former students stayed in touch with Dr. Lock, telling him that they were still relying on his meticulously written course transcripts and sharing them with their colleagues.

A humble man, he would never highlight his accomplishments, but they are abundant. He left a legacy within the field of physics with over 160 referred scientific publications, many as the sole author. He presented his research both nationally and internationally, received numerous grants, and spent many summers as a consultant at NASA.

A true introvert, Jim deeply pursued and enthusiastically enjoyed a number of interests throughout his life. Chief among them was numismatics. His interest was sparked in grade school when his parents gave him a folder for collecting pennies. Learning about coins allowed him to travel back in time, studying the history around each. Computers did not exist when he began, so ever the researcher, he created detailed hand-written cards for each coin he acquired. Later in life, together with his wife Vida, he traveled extensively. He took great joy in visiting sites related to his numismatics research. Jim was a student of history, especially that of the Dark and Medieval Ages. His collection focused mainly on those periods, although he also sought out coins related to places he visited. Hopefully those who acquire his coins will also find similar joy and discovery

Jim was a man of deep faith. His faith was foundational to his life and gave him strength when he faced challenges, especially during the last year of his life while being treated for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A man of science, he had no difficulty merging faith and science.

Each day Jim tried to do the best he could in everything. He was both dedicated and disciplined; everything he pursued he did very thoroughly and thoughtfully. Jim always remained a gentle, kind, and patient person to his core.

The Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection

I was born on July 30, 1947 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents Edward Beniak and Evelyn Stodola Beniak. My childhood and adolescent years were spent in Cudahy, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan. I attended Cudahy public schools through high school, graduating in June of 1965. Following in the footsteps of my grandfather and father, I matriculated to Marquette University, graduating cum laude with an A.B. degree in psychology in May of 1969. I was fortunate to be accepted into the University of Minnesota’s doctoral training program in Clinical Psychology, beginning my studies in the Twin Cities in September, 1969.

Always a responsible student, college and particularly graduate school left little time if any for the hobbies I had enjoyed beginning in early childhood. Spare time in high school was largely consumed by interscholastic athletics. During college and graduate school, athletics were very limited and purely recreational. In retrospect, it was easy for me to identify a genetic pre-disposition to collect beginning with stamps and then the US coins that could be gleaned from circulation in the 50’s and 60’s. Thanks to the Stamp and Coin Department in Gimbels’s downtown store, occasional exotic foreign coins and perhaps even an ancient coin or two made the journey from New York to downtown Milwaukee and would catch my eye.

Acquiring my first ancient coin and the story behind it remain vivid in my memory. My maternal grandparents grew up on farms near Rice Lake, Wisconsin surrounded by lakes and the north woods. The highlight of each summer was to visit relatives there especially my two great uncles. Otto, the older of the two had enlisted in the Army in 1942 at 44 years of age to prevent his younger brother from being drafted. As fortune would have it, he ended up in a combat engineering outfit and traversed much of North Africa, Sicily, and the entire Italian peninsula. In June of 1959 while looking through Uncle Otto’s penny and dime jars, he blurted out “I think I’ve got a more interesting coin for you from Italy!” It came with an interesting story. His unit was assisting a British combat engineering unit clearing debris near Rome. In doing so, a clay pot was bulldozed spewing coins all over. British soldiers filled their pockets and later shared them with their American comrades and that’s how I got my first ancient coin, a beautiful extra fine sestertius of Phillip I with elephant and mahout reverse. Of course, it took me 13 years and a visit with Harlan Berk at the 1972 Central States Show to find out what it was.

Graduate studies allowed little time for hobbies. My academic interests and professional goals drifted away from traditional clinical psychology toward a relatively new subspecialty, clinical neuropsychology. Concerns over personality disorders and psychopathology were set aside and neurological disorders/patients became my focus along with how to evaluate the cognitive effects and deficits of same. Upon completion of my doctorate, I accepted a staff position at the University of Minnesota Medical Center and remained there for 10 years, working primarily with epilepsy patients, especially surgical candidates. In April of 1987, I continued this work in private practice. I also developed an active forensic neuropsychology practice which grew considerably after retiring from the university in 2015. Complete retirement essentially came on the heels of the COVID epidemic.

Despite working many long hours at my profession, I always found time to return to and indulge in my earlier passions including a love of history, classics (fostered by my father), and of course numismatics which now focused entirely on ancient coins.

Family life was also very important to me. In August of this year, my wife, Judith and I celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary. Originally trained as a nurse, Judith retired in 2017 after a long and very productive career at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center. Her work there ranged from staff RN on the organ transplant service to the founding director of the Health Careers Center. Judith helped lead this innovative center recruiting and coaching pre-health students in their exploration of health careers for 15 years. We have two children, Alexander and Larissa. Alexander is involved in security technologies and Larissa is a medical social worker.

My return to active coin collecting, especially ancients, dates to 1972 at which time Greek silver and Roman denarii and sesterces were the focus. As of November 1984 and owning only one billon tetradrachm, I initiated the pursuit of all things Roman Egypt, this quest lasting to the present. My efforts have provided me with enormous enjoyment, satisfaction, and a wealth of knowledge. Along the way, I have also made countless friends from the ranks of both dealers and fellow collectors. Ongoing involvement in the Twin Cities Ancient Coin Club since 1974 has also contributed significantly. All have played an important role in building my collection and most importantly enjoying it. Thanks to you all.

The Egyptian Drachm - like its sister coinage in Imperial Rome, the Sestertius, was the broadsheet of the day. The ample diameter of the drachm gave the celators the space to freely express their talents; reverse themes covered religious beliefs, politics, prosperity, and international events.

With the collapse of the Ptolemaic Kingdom after Actium in 31 BC, Egypt became an important Imperial province. Since the beginning of ancient history, Egypt was a major agricultural power and quickly became the breadbasket for the Empire. The height of production took place during the golden ages of Rome, with some of the most dramatic pieces coming from the long and prosperous reigns of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. Among the most desirable types are the Zodiac and Labors of Herakles series which feature prominently in this collection.

During 2026 CNG will present over 250 Drachms from the extensive collection of Dr. Thomas Beniak. The first 82 of these are presented in this year’s Triton sale and some 20-30 will follow, on a monthly basis, during the 2026 auction season. Many of the pieces are pedigreed to the most prominent collections of the last century, including Dattari, Staffieri and Wetterstom. Rarities abound in this series and some pieces have graced all three of these collections.

The W. Toliver Besson Collection

W. Toliver Besson is a retired litigation partner at Paul Hastings LLP, a 1200-lawyer international law firm, where he served on the management committee and ran the firm’s extensive pro bono program. Since his earliest years, Tollie has been fascinated with history. His time as a teenager was split between athletics and reading Tonybee, Gibbon and Will and Ariel Durant, and his fascination with history and government led to a degree in International Affairs from Princeton, as well as a law degree and a master’s degree in Political Science from Yale.

His interest in coins also began at an early age. In the 1950’s his father, Gen. Frank Besson, was a four-star general in the U.S. Army stationed in France. While visiting the Paris flea market with his mother, Tolliver convinced her to buy him a Roman bronze for his 12th birthday. This started his lifelong hobby as an “all-around” collector, which included many years of enthusiastic support from his wife, Marjorie. More than a decade ago, Tollie developed a particular interest in large format ancient coins – including Greek silver tetradrachms struck on broad flans, Roman provincial bronzes, Roman sestertii, Roman medallions, contorniates of the late Roman Empire, and Roman-themed Paduans and Cavinos of the 16th and 17th centuries, as well art medals of more recent centuries. While occasionally selling of part of his holdings over the past few years, he maintained and expanded his core collection, which grew to more than 400 coins and medallions.

In late 2025, he decided to bring his main collection to market, reasoning that he would like to see it all properly researched, catalogued and published in the manner well suited to the expertise of his favorite numismatic firm, Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. The initial group of 25 pieces offered in Triton XXIX will be followed in April and May 2026 by a dedicated Keystone online auction featuring the rest of the W. Toliver Besson Collection, to be previewed at the Central States Numismatic Convention in Schaumburg, IL, April 23-25, 2026. The entirety of the collection will subsequently be published in a special Legacy Catalog.

The W.L. Bone Coin Collection

My late husband Bill Bone passed in 1999. He left me a coin collection that had been originally assembled over the years by his grandfather, H. L. Williford. His grandfather was a right-hand man to Haroldson Lafayette Hunt Jr. in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. Williford was called at various times an aide-de-camp and an advance man for Hunt in various biographies about the oil tycoon. Bill’s grandfather lived near one of Hunt’s families, and his mother, Betty Williford, grew up with Hunt’s children, Margaret, Caroline, Lamar, Bunker, Hassie, and William.

Bill’s grandfather traveled the world with Hunt looking for oil and other business opportunities. Along the way he collected coins. Some of the coins were acquired as gifts in the Middle East. It was considered a token of friendship and a budding business relationship.

Bill enjoyed receiving gifts of coins from around the world. His grandfather added to Bill’s collection for his birthday, Christmas, and at various other times of the year. Bill learned, as a boy growing up, about coins and the world through his grandfather’s gifts of coins.

When Bill and I married in 1974, his grandfather had already passed. Since then, the coin collection moved with us over the years. It has been stored in a safe throughout our travels and now it is time for other coin collectors to share in the beauty of these coins.

Deborah Henc Bone

The Colin E. Pitchfork Collection

Colin E. Pitchfork was born on 1 September 1939, in the New South Wales country town of Canowindra—the very day that the Second World War commenced. Within days, his father, drawing upon prior engineering experience, was requested to join the Small Arms Factory at Lithgow to contribute to Australia’s wartime munitions production. The family spent the war years in Lithgow and subsequently Dubbo, where further munitions work was undertaken.

Pitchfork’s collecting interests began remarkably early. At just six years old, his aunt, a teacher and keen philatelist whose husband served actively in the war, introduced him to the discipline of collecting. She purchased for him a packet of world stamps and an exercise book at a Canowindra newsagent, thereby laying the foundations for a lifelong pursuit. Under her instruction, he learned to identify countries of origin, recognise design features, and cultivate the excitement of organised collecting. To this day, stamps remain part of his broad collecting interests.

At the same time, his attention was drawn toward coinage. Early acquisitions included several unusual British pennies and comparable pieces from other nations. A formative moment came when a local newsboy sold him an East India Company quarter anna of 1835 for the sum of two shillings—his entire fortnightly pocket allowance. The revelation that this coin predated any postage stamp then known to him marked the beginning of an enduring fascination with coins, particularly those of historical depth. Trading stamps for coins soon followed, bringing his first encounters with the ancient series.

In his early years, Pitchfork came into contact with Sydney-based dealers, most notably Fred Kingston, who provided him with numerous coins prior to his passing in January 1964. Kingston’s most lasting contribution, however, was to direct the young collector toward numismatic books and international commerce, introducing him to renowned London firms such as Seaby and Spink.

By the late 1950s, Pitchfork was purchasing substantial lots through the leading London auction houses—Glendining’s, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s. Peter Mitchell, later Managing Director of Baldwin’s, would remark that when Pitchfork’s name was read out by Christie’s and Sotheby’s auctioneers, many in the trade assumed it was merely a pseudonym used to denote retained stock, such was their surprise that a bidder from Australia was acquiring so extensively.

In 1964, he achieved one of his early landmark acquisitions: the entire fifteen bulk lots of Indian coins from the collection of a 19th-century Indian Civil Servant offered at Glendining’s. Pitchfork placed £200 on each lot and secured them all, inaugurating what became his foremost area of scholarship and collecting—Indian numismatics. Over the years, he added significant holdings, including the Eric Wodak Mughal Collection and the entire stock of Bob Senior, a leading English authority whose writings on Indian and Indo-Bactrian coins remain central to the field. Numerous further acquisitions through London dealers and auction houses ensured the building of one of the most comprehensive Indian series collections ever formed, supported by an unparalleled library of several hundred specialized volumes. Over the years many of his coins have been sold by CNG and Noble Numismatics and some are identified by his name being appended to the lot.

Professionally, Pitchfork pursued a distinguished career in education and applied science. He joined New South Wales Technical and Further Education (NSW TAFE) in 1965, later retiring in 1991 as Head of Chemical and Food Technology. His academic qualifications include a Master of Arts in History (Macquarie University), a Bachelor of Chemical Technology (University of New South Wales), a Bachelor of Arts with majors in History and Archaeology (University of Sydney), and a Diploma in Education (University of Technology, Sydney). Prior to his tenure at TAFE, he worked at BHP and Goodyear, contributing to both production and research divisions.

Pitchfork’s service to the numismatic community is distinguished by both longevity and leadership. He joined the Australian Numismatic Society (ANS) in 1960, and from 1967 until 2008 he served recurrently as its President. In recognition of his service, he was awarded both the Society’s gold and silver medals, its highest distinctions. Further recognition followed with the Numismatic Association of Australia’s Paul Simon Award for outstanding contributions to the promotion of numismatics within organised societies. His professional affiliations extended abroad to membership in the Royal Numismatic Society, the British Numismatic Society—on whose committee he continues to serve—and the American Numismatic Society.

His collecting interests expanded deeply into the realm of ancient coins. With the support of his wife, Sandy, he maintained a sustained engagement in this field for over seventy-five years. A pivotal relationship began with Classical Numismatic Group (CNG) in 1990, leading to close associations with Victor England, later Mike Gasvoda, and many long-standing members of the CNG team. Through CNG auctions and direct purchases, often in bulk, he acquired many thousands of coins, including distinguished pieces from such collections as BCD, Cornelius C. Vermeule III, Philip De Vicci, Tom Cederlind, Garth R. Drewry (his first contact with whom was Drewry’s London sale of 7 April 1971), the A.K. Collection, Tony Hardy, Charles E. Weber, Marc Melcher, J.S. Wagner, J.P. Righetti, and Prue Morgan Fitts, among many others.

As both author and cataloguer, Pitchfork’s contributions have been extensive. Between 1968 and 1992, he produced fiftyeight auction sale catalogues on coins and banknotes for Geoff K. Gray Pty Ltd and Mason Gray Strange Pty Ltd, including the celebrated dispersal of the Gilbert C. Heyde Collection across 1973–1974. From 1991 to 2005, he served as Numismatic Consultant to Noble Numismatics, assisting in the preparation of more than one hundred catalogues. Following her retirement, Sandy Pitchfork also joined Noble Numismatics from 2015 onwards, contributing to cataloguing efforts. His close friendship with Jim Noble—lasting over six decades—has been both personal and professional, with the two sharing their passion and expertise in numismatics across many years.

From 2000 until 2023, Pitchfork served on the Board of the Australian Centre for Ancient Numismatic Studies (ACANS) at Macquarie University. He also authored the Sydney University publication for the Nicholson Museum, The Jon Hosking Collection of Ptolemaic Coins. In 1988, he founded the Australian Society of Ancient Numismatics (ASAN), which continues to hold monthly meetings at Noble Numismatics in Sydney.

For Colin E. Pitchfork, collecting has never been a mere exercise in acquisition. From his earliest experiences with stamps and coins, through to his comprehensive collections of Indian and ancient series, his career has exemplified scholarship, stewardship, and dedication to the wider numismatic community. His legacy is measured not only in the scope of his own collections but also in the impact he has made through decades of leadership, publication, mentorship, and the advancement of numismatic study in Australia and internationally.

CNG is pleased to present in Triton 29, coins from the Colin E Pitchfork Collection. Coins presented in the live and electronic sessions of this year’s Triton sale come from Coins From Asia Minor and the East: Selections from the Colin E. Pirchfork Collection. Ancient coins in Australian Collections, Volume 2. Each coin from the collection is prefaced with a Pitchfork number that relates to its publication in the book and pedigreed to his collection

Those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Colin and his wife Sandy know him as an outgoing Australian with an academic bent. This is an understatement. He has singlehandedly been responsible for the creation of numerous collectors worldwide who have enjoyed his company and immense knowledge. His pursuit of coins have led him to assemble a collection of well over 10,000 pieces from the many thousand more that he has handled.

Colin got his start in numismatics well before the digital era. He travelled the world buying up coins in large quantity that auction firms and dealers could not afford to offer individually. He was always a welcome buyer at auctions and shows worldwide. Now in the digital era many of these coins can now be presented individually. We expect he will be well rewarded for efforts.

In two trips this fall we picked up and transported back to our offices over 10,000 coins which will be incorporated into electronic and printed sales over the next two years. We will include his tickets with each coin. The amount of information contained on each ticket is exceptional. Once the Triton offerings have been sold, Pitchfork pedigreed sales will be offered once a month starting with CNG Electronic 605 and will continue into the future for a long period of time.

The Joseph Dow Collection

Three coins from the collection of over 1,300 coins and 200 scarabs made it into Triton just under our printing deadline. Joe Dow has been a regular customer for the last 25 years as he steadily pursued building his collection. In 2011, he published a book, Ancient Coins Through the Bible (ACTTB), as an educational effort to introduce members of his church to the field of numismatics as it related to the Bible. Over the next decade he sold upwards of 9,000 copies of this book.

In his own words

I have always been fascinated by the history and the stories of the Bible. Including accounts of Ancient Egypt, Abraham, Moses, the Israelites, the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and the birth of Christianity. The wars and the rise and fall of all these nations have all contributed to the development of our world and its modern borders today. The Biblical world events concerning these various nations were concentrated in the area from Mesopotamia to the Mediterranean Sea. Later, the Greeks and the Romans conquered a wider horizon that speed from the East Mediterranean to Spain.

All these nations mentioned in the Bible created their own governments, built their own cities, temples, armies, and weapons and coined their own money, creating currency in the form of coins from gold, electrum, silver, bronze and copper. They placed their stories, way of life, events, their own portraits, and even their wives’ portraits on their coins. They likewise commemorated wars, peace treaties, victorious battles, their Gods and Goddesses, their given and regnal names, as well as other important events during their dynasties. Today we cannot see these nations’ leaders in person, nor the way they lived, but we can still see them, relate to them, and learn about them and their way of life through their coins. Coins are an effective witness to historical persons as well as their trials and endeavors. These tangible bits of history should be seen, touched, and appreciated for what they tell us of the past.

I have always been fascinated by the history and the stories of the Bible, Ancient Egypt, Abraham, Moses, the Israelites, the Assyrian, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the romans and the birth Christianity. All the wars and the rise and fall of all these nations have made the outlines of our world and developed our borders today. the Biblical world events for all these nations were concentrated in one area from Mesopotamia to the Mediterranean Sea, and later the Greeks and the Romans conquered a wider horizon that speed from East Mediterranean to Spain.

There have been countless numbers of books written over the past 2500 years, but not a single book has been more effective in developing and shaping world civilization than the Bible. Jews and Christians consider the Bible to be inspired by God and written by numerous prophets and scholars over many years.

Readers of the Bible do not always comprehend the geographical extent of where its stories took place nor where all the cities, towns and villages mentioned in the Bible are located. They initially began in the ancient Near East, particularly the Fertile Crescent, which extends from Egypt to Mesopotamia through Syria and Judaea. Within the center of this Crescent lies a narrow strip of land squeezed between the Syrian desert and the Mediterranean Sea, which has been known as Canaan, Judaea, and Palestine. This narrow strip of land became the Holy Land, where Judaism and Christianity sank their roots and had their origin. Christianity later spread to modern day Turkey, Greece, Italy in the first century AD in large part through the Apostle Paul who enbarked on three major missionary journeys which covered many different countries and provinces.

CNG is very pleased to be able to bring these coins back to the market. Coins will appear once a month in our Electronic Auctions starting with Triton 29, Sessions 5 & 6 of Triton 29, and succeeding Electronic Auctions. All coins will be sold with his pedigree. Coins published in the book will attributed as Dow ACTTB followed by the page number in the book. Three coins from his collection, one from the book and two from the collection appear in this catalog. See lots 334, 340, and 488.

The Barry Rightman Collection

Among collectors of ancient coins in Southern California, the name Barry Rightman has attained near mythical status. He was active in classical numismatics, focused mainly on Roman Imperial issues, for more than six decades. His discerning eye and unerring sense of style built a collection of such beauty that much of it ended up preserved for all time in one of the most widely used numismatic handbooks ever created, David R. Sear’s “Roman Coins and Their Values” series (see David Sear’s recollections on his close friend Barry below).

His enthusiasm for history, warm-hearted nature and infectious grin welcomed dozens of new collectors into the hobby, and he continued to serve as an ambassador and mentor in numismatics through the Ancient Coin Club of Southern California (ACCLA), which he joined in 1970, shortly after the club’s founding in 1966.

Barry was born and lived his whole life in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. The eldest of four siblings, he was born into a family of hard-working entrepreneurs in 1942. His dad, David Rightman, was an avid collector of coins and stamps and gave Barry his first ancient coin when he was still a kid, getting him hooked early on. Installing and maintaining coinoperated machines was actually one of the family’s business interests, one that Barry took upon himself after graduating from San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN) and working in the public and private sector for a while. It was through this business that Barry met his wife Barbara -- she was a customer representative at an appliance store Barry frequented to buy parts. They were married in 1983, and Barry raised Barbara’s two children from a previous marriage, Cindy and Greg, as his own, proving a devoted and loving father to them both. Barry and Barbara continued to build the laundry equipment business for 13 years before selling it and enjoying an early retirement. Thereafter, the couple traveled the world, visiting Classical sites in Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Turkey that featured largely in his collection.

Sadly, Barbara passed away in 2012 after a brief battle with ovarian cancer. Barry did his best to continue living a full life, including seeing friends and volunteering at the local library every week to read to young children.

Barry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019, but an early diagnosis and the Whipple procedure helped him long outlast the usual grim prognosis for this disease. He spent much of his remaining time continuing to build and organize his collection, noting in the detail the provenance of each coin. After a recurrence of the disease, Barry passed away in May of 2025; he is survived by his daughter Cindy, son, Greg, his siblings Sherry, Myron and Jo, nieces Janine and Stephanie, and nephews Nathan, Joel and Phillip. His family’s fond memories, the many friends he made through collecting, and his remarkable coin collection stand as tributes to a life well and fully lived.

“The

Rightman Standard”

By David R. Sear

Barry was one of the most discerning collectors I have ever encountered in my 67 years in professional numismatics. His friends often referred to the “Rightman standard” when discussing the quality of a particular coin, and it was certainly true that when selecting a potential acquisition for his collection of Roman imperial coins he paid the strictest attention not only to the state of preservation of the coin but also to its style and eye-appeal.

Consequently, this collection comprises some of the very best specimens that have come onto the market over the many decades that Barry was actively collecting. His specialty was imperial silver issues of the late first century BC to the third century AD, later pieces being represented by billon, silver, and the occasional gold coin down to the final phase of the western Empire in the fifth century. Many of these coins have not appeared on the market for decades, and this auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire some truly outstanding pieces.

On a more personal note, Barry and I had been friends for 43 years, ever since my arrival in California from the UK. When I was working on the five volumes of the Millennium Edition of Roman Coins and Their Values (2000-2014) Barry volunteered to assist me in the selection of illustrations. A significant number of these photos were taken from coins in Barry’s own collection and in consequence will already be familiar to collectors from these widely used publications. Numismatists will undoubtedly take full advantage of this rare opportunity to add to their own collections some outstanding pieces that were so painstakingly acquired by a true enthusiast and connoisseur over a lifetime of collecting.

The Westmoreland Collection

The majority of the coins in the Westmoreland Collection were acquired from David Worland of Sydney more than 25 years ago. David was an avid collector of ancient coins and especially enjoyed collection those portraying Alexander the Great. David addtionally maintained wonderful pedigrees for his collection and most of the coins in the Westmoreland collection are sold with their pedigrees recorded. Sadly David recently passed away after a long battle with cancer.

His collection was acquired by Robert Tonner who was a graduate from Sydney University in Law and who practiced as a barrister in Sydney.

The Westmoreland collection name was chosen by Robert and was the middle name of his late father Charles Westmoreland Tonner. Now containing eighty-seven coins, the collection commences with coins of Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II, and concludes with coins from the Greek Dynasties in Bactria and India.

The collection was catalogued by The Australian Centre for Ancient Numismatic Studies [ACANS] under the title Alexander and the Hellenistic Kingdoms and was completed in 2007. The catalog today is quite rare. It was produced by ACANS was supervised by Dr. Ken Sheedy from Macquarie University Sydney and contained essays contributed by Dr. Ken Sherry, A.B. Bosworth, E.J. Baynham, and J. Melville Jones. Furthermore, each of the eighty-seven coins in the collection have detailed photographs and descriptions in the ACANS catalogue.

Arguably the pride of the Westmoreland collection is no. 47 in the catalogue (lot 394) which is a exceptionally detailed gold stater of Ptolemy I and features an extraordinary reverse with Alexander the Great in a quadriga of elephants. This coin was acquired by David from Triton VIII. A few other highlights include no. 6 (lot 111), a choice distater of Alexander III from the Amphipolis mint, no. 28 (lot 465), which features a reverse depicting Alexander’s famous horse Bucephalus, no. 61 (lot 96), a Lysimachos tetradrachm, and no. 82 (lot 424), a beautiful Eukratides I tetradrachm.

Session 1 – Tuesday, January 13, 2026 — 9 AM

CELTIC COINAGE

1. EASTERN EUROPE, Imitations of Alexander III of Macedon. 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (36mm, 16.89 g, 12h). Imitating a Chios mint issue. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, √ above grape bunch on vine. Cf. Bauslaugh, Posthumous pl. 2, B (for obv. style); cf. Price 2324 (for similar official drachm); cf. Album 44, lot 9 (for similar imitation in cruder style); Westmoreland 23 (this coin). Iridescent toning, minor deposits. Good VF. Very rare. ($750)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, January 2002.

Noricum Celtic Tetradrachm – Ex Lanz Collection

2. CENTRAL EUROPE, Noricum (East). 2nd-1st centuries BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 9.69 g, 9h). Frontalgesicht type. Mint in Slovenia. Small head facing, wings at sides, surmounted by three-tiered diadem with crescent ends and wavy hair above / Horse prancing left; spiral ornament above. Göbl, Noricum Group 6, 1-10 (dies 78/146); Lanz 191 (this coin); KMW 883-5 (same obv. die); CCBM III S154 (same dies). Deeply toned, areas of flat strike, scrape. VF. This coin exhibited by Staatlichen Münzsammlung München at the 1997 International Numismatic Congress in Berlin, at the Berliner Bank in 1997, and Luitpoldblock Palmengarten, Munich in 2003. ($3000) Ex Hermann Lanz Collection (Roma XVII, 28 March 2019), lot 72 (hammer £4200).

3. CENTRAL EUROPE, Vindelici. Early 1st century BC. AV Stater (17mm, 7.59 g, 4h). Triskeles within wreath-like torc / Pyramid of eight annulets, five with pellets within, three with annulets; all within torque. Kellner Type IX B; Allen & Nash 160; Flesche 402; KMW 467-9; Zürich 1097. Slightly double struck. Superb EF. ($7500)

4. GAUL, Northwest. Uncertain tribe in the Loire valley. 2nd century BC. AV Stater (24mm, 7.78 g, 12h). Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer, holding goad in right hand and reins in left, driving biga right; below, face with large hair; all on ground line with degraded legend below. D&T 2014; Depeyrot, NC –; de la Tour –. Toned, marks, scratches, hairlines, scrape, edge bend and marks. Good VF. ($2000)

Ex F.P. Briand Collection (Heritage 3061, 7 January 2018), lot 29010.

5. GAUL, Northeast. Ambiani 2nd century BC. AV Stater (18mm, 7.25 g, 8h). Gallo-Belgic Bb, class 1c. Random pattern of lines / Devolved charioteer driving horse left; lyre-like ornament below. D&T 91; Depeyrot, NC VI 156; ABC 10; Scheers Series 10, Class II; Sills, Gallo-Belgic Bb, class 1c; SCBC 5. Minor scratches in fields and on edge. VF. ($3000)

GREEK COINAGE

Stunning Early Etruscan

Tridrachm

– Referenced in EC

6. ETRURIA, Populonia. 5th century BC. AR Tridrachm (28.5mm, 15.19 g). Boar advancing right on ground / Blank. EC Group I, Series 2.8 corr. (O4 – this coin [incorrect weight noted]); Vicari 7; Sambon 19; HN Italy 112; SNG ANS 15 (same die); SNG BN 78. Toned, granular surfaces, minor marks, scuffs on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of only eight recorded; just two in private hands (the others in London, New York [2], Firenze, Paris, and the Vatican). ($15,000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Long Valley River Collection (Roma XXI, 24 March 2021), lot 9; Swiss Etruscologist Collection (Roma XVI, 26 September 2018), lot 5; VCV Collection (Roma X, 27 September 2015), lot 10 (hammer £28,000).

Like the Romans, the Etruscans of northern and central Italy were latecomers to the Greek concept of coinage. The origins of the Etruscans are still regarded as enigmatic, and their language survives only in the form of relatively short inscriptions. When they did begin striking coins in the mid 4th century BC, many of the distinct and whimsical qualities of their culture came through. Only five Etruscan cities struck coins in any quantities, with Fufluna, called Populonia by the Romans, by far the most prolific.

7. ETRURIA, Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. AV 10 Asses (8mm, 0.56 g). Bare head of male right; c (mark of value) behind neck / Blank. EC Group IX, Series 31, 407–10 (O4); Vicari 30; Sambon 7; HN Italy 136; SNG Firenze 95 (same die). Trace earthen deposits, hairlines. Good VF. ($1500)

Ex Numismatik Naumann 139 (7 April 2024), lot 12.

8. ETRURIA, Populonia. 3rd century BC. AR 20 Asses (21mm, 8.27 g). Diademed facing head of Metus; c ≈ (mark of value) below / Blank. EC Group XII, Series 59.45 (O36 – this coin, illustrated); Vicari 32; Sambon 41a; HN Italy 152; BMC 12 (same die); SNG Fitzwilliam 62 (same die). Toned, traces of find patina, minor spots of roughness, a little die wear, some light scratches under tone. VF. ($1000)

Ex Mesogeios Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 126, 28 May 2024), lot 11; Peus 433 (1 November 2022), lot 1009; Gorny & Mosch 141 (10 October 2005), lot 26; Künker 97 (7 March 2005), lot 87; Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 4 (19 March 1999), lot 1; Ahlström 51 (8 April 1995), lot 1534; Dr. Richard P. Ariagno Collection (Part 1, Bowers & Ruddy, 9 June 1980), lot 6.

Among the Finest Known

9. ETRURIA, Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. AR 10 Asses (15.5mm, 4.20 g). Head of female right, hair in broad band, wearing triple-pendant earring; c (mark of value) behind neck / Blank. EC Group XVII, Series 75, 1–40 (O1); Vicari 77; Sambon 68; HN Italy 165; SNG Ashmolean 13 (same die); SNG BN 41 and 43 (same die); SNG Fitzwilliam 66 (same die); SNG München 20 (same die); BMC 13 (same die); Jameson 25 (same die); McClean 135 (same die); Weber 66 (same die). Old cabinet tone, with iridescence around the devices. Near EF. Among the finest known. ($3000)

Ex Niggeler and Froehner Collections – Pedigreed to 1909

10. CAMPANIA, Hyrianoi. Circa 400-395 BC. AR Nomos (20.5mm, 7.09 g, 3h). Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with owl standing left, head facing, on laurel wreath / Man-headed bull standing left on double exergual line; UÎ5@å5 above. Rutter 88e (O37/R80 – this coin); HN Italy 539; SNG Ashmolean 66 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, some light marks, minor die wear on obverse. Good VF. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 146 (8 May 2024), lot 2012; Leu Numismatik AG FPL 1 (January 2023), no. 17; Exceptional Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 134, 21 November 2022), lot 157; Walter Niggeler Collection (Part 1, Leu & Münzen und Medaillen AG, 3 December 1965), lot 17; Naville V (18 June 1923), lot 158; Wilhelm Froehner [‘Learned Foreign Numismatist’] Collection (R. Ratto, 26 April 1909), lot 644.

11. CAMPANIA, Neapolis. Circa 320-300 BC. AR Nomos (19mm, 7.33 g, 7h). Head of nymph right, wearing thick band in hair, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ¬E behind neck / Man-headed bull standing right, head facing; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning bull with laurel wreath held in both hands; d5 below, [@Eoπo¬5t˙s in exergue]. Sambon 452; HN Italy 571. Iridescent cabinet tone, slightly compact flan, a little die rust on obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex G. Hirsch 275 (22 September 2011), lot 3029; Lanz 40 (25 May 1987), lot 42.

Neapolis, modern-day Naples, located in Southwestern Italy in the region of Campania on the Bay of Naples, an arm of the Tyrrhenian Sea, was founded from Cumae (Cuma) by the Greeks in 650 BC, along the port area, including the little island of Megaris (the Castel dell’Ovo). Further colonists came from Chalcis in Euboea, from Pithecusae (Ischia) beside the Gulf of Cumae, and from Athens. An extension of the city was laid out in a rectangular grid pattern toward the northeast, which was given the name Neapolis. After the city of Neapolis was created, the oldest part of the city became known as Palaiopolis or Palaipolis (Old City). That city was conquered by the Roman general Quintus Publilius Philo about 327/6 BC, after which Neapolis became an ally of the Romans, issuing bronze coins, with legends in Greek, extending help in their hostilities against Pyrrhos of Epeiros (280-275 BC) and against Hannibal in the Second Punic War (218-201 BC).

Fischer-Bossert Plate Coin – Ex Vlasto and Lestranges Collections

12. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 450 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.86 g, 1h). Phalanthos, nude, extending hands, riding dolphin left; cicada to right, scallop shell below / Taras as Oikistes, his torso bare, wearing himation from his waist, seated left on stool, balancing spindle on his extended right hand and holding scepter in his left. Fischer-Bossert Group 18, 141a (V75’/ R96) = Vlaso 195 = Vlasto, Taras, Type 16Ib = L. Correra, “Note di Numismatica Tarantina, in Neapolis” in Neapolis I (1913), pl. VI, 20 = H. Willers, Studien zur Grieschischen Kunst (Leipzig, 1914), pl. XII, 10 (this coin); HN Italy 845. Old cabinet tone, light granularity, some roughness, minor die break on reverse. VF. ($1500) Ex Frankfurter Münzhandlung 157 (3 November 2023), lot 22; Michel Pandely Vlasto (†1936) Collection; Lestranges Collection (Egger, 26 November 1909), lot 23.

Very Rare Alexander the Molossian Gold

13. CALABRIA, Tarentum. temp. Alexander the Molossian. King of Epeiros, 350-330 BC. AV Twelfth Stater –Hemilitra (7.5mm, 0.43 g, 2h). Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Thunderbolt; tÅrÅ@ above, Åπo¬ below. Fischer-Bossert G3 var. (unlisted dies); Vlasto 14; HN Italy 906; SNG ANS 977; SNG BN 1775-6; SNG Copenhagen 833; SNG Lloyd 188; Jameson 145; McClean 596. Slightly off center, small die break on reverse. Good VF. Very rare, one of only two offered in the past 20 years (the other being the Vlasto coin sold in 2016 in Triton XX, lot 7 [hammer $3000]). This piece is superior to the Vlasto coin. ($1500)

This issue mimics the types employed by Alexander of Epiros on his gold fractions struck at Tarentum, and confirms the chronological placement of this issue during Alexander’s expedition to Italy.

Overstruck on Corinth Stater

14. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 344-340 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.66 g, 8h). Nude youth, holding rein in left hand and extending wreath in his right hand to crown horse he rides right; ˚ and upright club below / Phalanthos, nude, holding kantharos in extended right hand, trident and shield in left, riding dolphin left; tÅr-Ås to right, W and waves below. FischerBossert Group 49, 692 (V260/R539); Vlasto 508 (same obv. die); HN Italy 887; SNG ANS 960 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett 175 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, overstruck on a Corinthian type stater (undertypes partially visible), graffito (pentagram) in field on obverse. VF. ($750)

Referenced by Fischer-Bossert – Pedigreed to 1937

15. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 315-302 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.75 g, 2h). Warrior, nude, preparing to cast spear held aloft in right hand, holding two spears and shield with left hand, on horse rearing right; sÅ below / Phalanthos, nude, holding kantharos in extended right hand and cradling trident in left arm, riding dolphin left; to left, W above arm, s below; tÅrÅs to right; below, small dolphin left. Fischer-Bossert Group 73, 892c (V348/R695 – this coin); Vlasto 615; HN Italy 937; SNG ANS 1000 (same dies); SNG Lockett 188 (same dies); Côte II 6 (same dies). Old iridescent tone, underlying luster, remnants of find patina, faint cleaning scratches. Near EF. Attractive style. ($1000)

Ex Münzhandlung Basel 8 (22 March 1937), lot 34.

Pyrrhos Emulates Alexander the Great

16. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 281-276 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.56 g, 7h). Youthful head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Taras(?), holding reins in right hand, trident in left, driving fast biga right; star above; below horses, ˚¬˙ above dolphin downward. Fischer-Bossert G20 (V17/R20); Vlasto, Or Type O 1 [a]; Vlasto 18 (same dies); HN Italy 955; Hirsch 85 (same dies); McClean 600 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 5780849-004, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($50,000)

Ex MDC Monaco 8 (20 October 2021), lot 4; Lanz 82 (24 November 1997), lot 8.

There is a divergence of opinion concerning the dating of this attractive gold issue of Tarentum, which displays a youthful head of Herakles resembling the Macedonian issues of Alexander III the Great and a reverse depicting a nude male youth holding a trident, probably Taras / Phalanthos, driving a biga. The lack of a civic ethnic and the control letters KΛH on the reverse led N. K. Rutter, in Historia Nummorum Italy, and Oliver Hoover in Handbook of Greek Coins Vol. I, to place their minting during the expedition of the Spartan commander Kleonymos, who crossed to Italy at Tarentum’s invitation circa 302 BC, to pay his large mercenary army. Wolfgang Fischer-Bossert, citing the support of S. Garraffo and G.K. Jenkins, places the issue during the more famous Italian expedition of Pyrrhos of Epiros, circa 281-276 BC. The type’s great rarity means there is little in the way of hoard evidence to support either side. However, their similarity to Pyrrhic bronze issues in Sicily and Pyrrhos’s strong desire to emulate Alexander the Great argue for the latter dating, in which case the KΛH refers to a magistrate rather than to Kleonymos.

17. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 6.44 g, 2h). Reduced standard. Nude youth on horse standing right, his right hand on its mane; to left, nude attendant standing right, steadying horse with left hand and crowning it with wreath held in his right; ˝U to right, År5>[st5>∏] below / Phalanthos, nude, holding arrow in right hand and bow in left, riding dolphin right; tÅrÅs to left; below, elephant standing right. Vlasto 736–8; HN Italy 1000; SNG ANS 1105 (same obv. die). Old iridescent tone, minor deposits, some die wear on obverse, slightly off center on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Collection of a Mentor (Numismatica Ars Classica Autumn Sale, 1 October 2024), lot 36.

18. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 6.50 g, 11h). Reduced standard. Nude youth riding right, crowning horse with wreath held in his extended right hand, and holding rein in left; zW to left, @EU>Â˙ below / Phalanthos, holding helmet in extended right hand, legs crossed, riding dolphin left; stars flanking, [πo¬U to upper right], tÅrÅs below. Vlasto 739-45; HN Italy 1006; Goldberg 96, lot 1498 (same dies). Deep iridescent tone, compact flan. Near EF. Wonderful style and quite attractive. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Matthew Curtis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 112, 11 September 2019), lot 33; Triton III (30 November 1999), lot 48; Freeman & Sear 5 (14 May 1999), lot 177.

Superb and Lovely in Hand

19. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 240-228 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 6.43 g, 6h). Reduced standard. Youth, wearing short chiton, holding rein in right hand, left hand on mane, on horse leaping right; below, zW∏Ur5W@ and facing boukranion surmounted by %W / Phalanthos, nude, holding hippocamp in extended right hand and cradling trident in left arm, riding dolphin left; to right, head of Silenos left above 2; t-ÅrÅs below. Vlasto 940–1; HN Italy 1054; SNG ANS 1248 (same dies). Faintly toned over lustrous surfaces, slightly off center on reverse. Superb EF. A lovely coin in hand. ($2000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 90472 (November 1995).

20. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 240-228 BC. AR Nomos (19.5mm, 6.43 g, 8h). Reduced standard. Warrior, wearing cuirass, brandishing javelin overhead in raised right hand, on horse galloping right; wreath to left, O¬UÂπ5s below / Phalanthos, nude, holding kantharos in extended right hand and cradling cornucopia in left arm, on dolphin left; tripod to right, t-ÅrÅs below. Vlasto 942 (same dies); HN Italy 1055. Wonderful old cabinet tone. EF. Well centered. ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Matthew Curtis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 112, 11 September 2019), lot 37; William N. Rudman Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1075.

21. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 240-228 BC. AR Nomos (19mm, 6.75 g, 4h). Reduced standard. Warrior, wearing military attire, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, on horse rearing right; * to upper left, ˚Ŭ¬5˚rÅ>t˙s in two lines below / Phalanthos, nude, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, and cradling trident in left arm, riding dolphin left; " to right, tÅ[rÅs] below. Vlasto 968–70; HN Italy 1059. In NGC encapsulation 4935624-001, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. ($750)

22. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Punic occupation. Circa 212-209 BC. AR Reduced Nomos – Half-Shekel (19mm, 3.55 g, 1h). Warrior, wearing military attire, cradling filleted palm frond in right arm and holding rein in left hand, on horse walking right; sW˚Å@-@[Ås] below / Phalanthos, nude, holding kantharos in extended right hand and trident in left, riding dolphin left; to right, eagle standing left, wings spread; tÅrÅs below. Vlasto 984–6; HN Italy 1082. In NGC encapsulation 6823555014, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750)

23. LUCANIA, Herakleia. Circa 390-340 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.75 g, 1h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla holding rudder over her shoulder / Herakles standing facing, torso right, strangling the Nemean Lion to right; to left, rE above shell above club; ^˙rÅk¬[E5W@] to left. Work 29 (same dies); Van Keuren 47; HN Italy 1376; BMC 14 (same dies); McClean 822–3 (same dies). Old collection tone, minor flan crack, some doubling on obverse, struck with worn reverse die. Near EF. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 10; Hess-Leu 49 (27 April 1971), lot 19.

Herakleia, located on the Gulf of Taranto, was one of the last Greek colonies to be established in Italy, with a foundation date of 432 BC. Its foundation arose from the destruction of Siris, an Ionic colony located nearby, circa 550 BC. Athens claimed the right to re-found Siris with its own colonists and is said to have briefly considered relocating Athens itself to the site after its destruction by the Persians in 480 BC. Athens did indeed found Thourioi in 443 BC across the gulf from the site of Siris, but this was resisted by Tarentum and Kroton, which sided with Sparta in the Peloponnesian War and did not want an ally of Athens so close. After a brief war, an agreement was signed whereby Athens and Tarentines would jointly found a new city on the site of Siris. This became Herakleia, named in honor of Herakles. The city’s coinage reflected its bifurcated foundation by honoring Athena (patron of Athens) on the obverse and its namesake Herakles on the reverse.

24. LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 540-510 BC. AR Nomos (28mm, 8.09 g, 12h). Ear of barley with seven grains; PÅte7 down right field / Incuse ear of barley with seven grains. Noe Class VII, 140 (same dies); Gorini 17 (same obv. die); HN Italy 1481; SNG Ashmolean 653 (same dies); BMC 13 (same dies); Sartiges 31 (same dies). Deep old iridescent tone, minor doubling on obverse, faint scuff and hairline on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

Pedigreed to 1964

25. LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 470-440 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.93 g, 6h). Ear of barley with six grains; 7eTÅ up left field / Incuse ear of barley with five grains. Noe Class XI, 255 (same obv. die); Gorini 17 (same obv. die); HN Italy 1481; SNG ANS 256 (same obv. die); BMC 24 (same obv. die). Deep old cabinet tone, slightly off center. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Vinchon (25 February 1980), lot 4; E. Bourgey (2 July 1964), lot 11.

Splendid Metapontion Nomos

26. LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 340-330 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.88 g, 3h). Head of Persephone right, wearing grain ear wreath, triple-pendant earring, and necklace; [d5 to left] / Ear of barley with seven grains and leaf to right; µEtÅ upward and ant to left; to right, above leaf, cornucopia surmounted by two ears of barley, f5 below leaf. Johnston Class D, 4.11–2 (same obv. die); HN Italy 1577; SNG ANS 516 (same obv. die). Toned over lustrous surfaces, traces of find patina. EF. ($3000)

Ex Leu 79 (31 October 2000), lot 277.

Metapontion, originally named Sybaris, was an Achaian colony of very early foundation, though the precise details of its origin are shrouded in uncertainty. Following the destruction of its first foundation by the Samnites, it was refounded as Metapontion, early in the 7th century BC by settlers under the leadership of Leukippos, who was thereafter revered as the city founder. The great prosperity of the city — attested by the extent of its archaic silver coinage commencing in the mid 6th century BC — was based on agriculture. Situated on the Gulf of Tarentum, Metapontion occupied a plain of extraordinary fertility watered by the rivers Bradanos and Kasuentos. Its standard coin type is an ear of barley, a tribute to the source of Metapontine wealth.

Ex Woodward Collection – Pedigreed to 1962

27. LUCANIA, Sybaris. Circa 550-510 BC. AR Nomos (27.5mm, 8.51 g, 12h). Bull standing left, head right; ¨µ in exergue / Incuse bull standing right, head left. S&S Class B, pl. XLVIII, 4–8; Gorini 2; HN Italy 1729. Old collection tone, minor deposits, a few light scratches, die break on obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Arthur M. Woodward Collection (Glendining, 27 September 1962), lot 20.

Sybaris, located on the bottom of the Italian boot, was founded circa 720 BC and quickly amassed great wealth due to its fertile fields and active port. Descriptions of the city’s sumptuous festivals and luxurious dwellings abound in ancient literature, and “Sybarite” became a synonym for any lover of luxury and pleasure. The silver coinage of Sybaris follows the remarkable relief / incuse pattern employed by other cities of Greek southern Italy in the sixth and early fifth centuries BC, which required careful flan preparation and precise alignment of dies. The bull of Sybaris, with its reverted head, exerted a powerful influence on modern artists, including Picasso.

28. LUCANIA, Thourioi. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Dinomos – Distater (25mm, 15.38 g, 11h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla holding a trident in right hand / Bull butting right on linear and dotted exergue lines; Qor5W[@] above; in exergue, two fish swimming right. Noe, Thurian, Group H, 4–6 (same rev. die); HN Italy 1807; SNG ANS 972 (same dies); BMC 33 (same rev. die). In NGC encapsulation 6625609-111, graded Ch VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($1000)

A Splendid Kaulonia Nomos

29. BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (30.5mm, 7.93 g, 12h). Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, left arm extended, upon which a small daimon, holding branch in each hand, runs right; ˚å¨Ò to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted; dot-and-cable border / Incuse of obverse, but daimon in outline and no ethnic; radiate border. Noe, Caulonia, Group A, 10 (same dies); Gorini 3; HN Italy 2035; SNG ANS 146 (same dies); Boston MFA 172 = Warren 138 (same dies); Jameson 408 (same dies). Attractive old collection tone. EF. A splendid example of archaic Greek artistry. ($10,000)

Ex Father & Son Collection; Classical Numismatic Review XLV.1 (Winter 2020), no. 526710; Künker 326 (7 October 2019), lot 560; Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 69, 8 June 2005), lot 58.

Kaulonia was founded in the 7th century BC by Achaean Greeks. The location, on the underside of Italy’s “toe,” has long since disappeared beneath the waves, but marine archaeologists have located more than 100 fluted columns, likely for a large shrine to Apollo, the deity depicted on the city’s beautiful coinage. On this exceptional piece, Apollo’s nude body is shown striding right, with a small winged daimon on his left arm; to his right stands a stag, sacred to both Apollo and his sister Artemis. The unusual fabric of this piece follows a style peculiar to Greek southern Italy in the archaic period: a broad, thin flan, obverse depicted in relief, the reverse repeating the obverse motif but incuse, and reversed. The reasons for the popularity of this fabric are poorly understood; some scholars have postulated a connection to the mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras, who was active in Italy during this period.

Pedigreed to 1910

30. BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 400-325 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.22 g, 2h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Tripod with high neck surmounted by wreaths, legs terminating in lion’s feet; filleted laurel branch to left; ˚ro downward to right. Attianese 143; HN Italy 2177; SNG ANS 399 (same obv. die). Old collection tone, remnants of find patina, faint cleaning marks, edge marks. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Stephen Jordan Collection. Ex Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 126; Numismatic Fine Arts (Gans) 16 (19 April 1960), lot 103; Naville V (18 June 1923), lot 717; French Amateur Collection (Merzbacher, 15 November 1910), lot 168.

As with many cities in Magna Graecia, Kroton was established by colonists from mainland Greece. Myskellos, obeying a directive of the oracle of Delphi, led a group of Achaian settlers to the site and founded the city around 710 BC. This divine sanction is represented by the tripod of the oracle, which became the civic badge of Kroton and is featured on its coinage. Kroton was among the first cities to produce coinage in Italy, its earliest being of the incuse type struck on the Achaian standard. As evidenced by its bountiful coinage, Kroton was one of the most important and wealthy cities of southern Italy. Although its fortunes rose and fell over the centuries, it maintained its production of a wide array of denominations and metals until the Roman period.

Ex Nitsch Collection – Pedigreed to 1939

31. BRUTTIUM, Terina. Circa 440-425 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.88 g, 12h). Head of the nymph Terina left, wearing ampyx and pearl necklace [with pendant], within laurel wreath / Nike, wearing long chiton, seated left on amphora, holding wreath in extended right hand and kerykeion in left; tEr5-@Å5W@ to right. Regling, Terina 12 (dies I/κ); Holloway & Jenkins 14; HN Italy 2575; Boston MFA 208 = Warren 180 (same dies). Deep old cabinet tone, remnants of find patina, a few minor marks, a little off center. VF. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG 15 (1 June 2024), lot 19; Rauch 117 (8 December 2023), lot 393; Peus 301 (25 May 1981), lot 143; Dr. Eugen Nitsch Collection (A. Hess 236, 3 April 1939), lot 202.

The high artistry evident on Terina’s coinage seems out of all proportion to any historical accounts for this city atop the “toe” of Italy, which so thoroughly disappeared from record that no systematic excavations were undertaken on its site until 1997. Its coinage has been known and collected since the Renaissance, where the delicate beauty of its female heads and the graceful seated Nikes were greatly admired. As author R. R. Holloway noted, “the nymphs of Terina recalled the maidens of the Parthenon frieze and the Victories of the reverses were the numismatic counterparts of the Victories of the Nike Temple balustrade.”

Lovely Published Terina Nomos – Ex Moretti Collection

32. BRUTTIUM, Terina. Circa 440-425 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.70 g, 11h). Head of the nymph Terina left, wearing ampyx and pearl necklace, within laurel wreath / Nike, wearing long chiton, seated left on amphora, holding wreath in extended right hand and kerykeion in left; tEr5-@Å5W@ to right. Regling, Terina 16 (dies L/ο); Holloway & Jenkins 15 = Basel 237 (this coin referenced and illustrated); HN Italy 2575; Kraay & Hirmer 273 (same obv. die). Old cabinet tone, flan crack, some doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($3000)

Ex Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 67, 22 September 2004), lot 201; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 237.

33. SICILY, Akragas. Circa 485-480/78 BC. AR Didrachm (20mm, 8.71 g, 7h). Sea eagle standing left; å˚∞å above / Crab; below, Corinthian helmet left; all within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period I, Group III, 201 (O73/R136); HGC 2, 94; SNG Ashmolean 1665 (same dies); SNG München 46 (same dies); McClean 2029 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor die wear and a hint of porosity on obverse, small scuff at edge on reverse. Near EF. ($1500)

Ex Weise Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 363, purchased from M&M Numismatics, 16 September 2000.

Exceptionally Detailed Akragas Tetradrachm

34. SICILY, Akragas. Circa 465/0–445/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.31 g, 7h). Sea eagle standing left; Å˚RÅ1sotNÅ around / Crab within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period II, Group II, 343 (O9/R32); HGC 2, 79; Boston MFA 221 = Warren 188 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, underlying luster, a few tiny flan flaws. EF. Well centered and struck, with exceptional detail. ($7500)

Akragas, Roman Agrigentum, was situated close to the southern coastline of Sicily midway between Gela and Selinos. Founded by colonists from Gela circa 580 BC, Akragas grew to become the second most important city on the island after Syracuse, deriving much of its wealth from the export of agricultural produce to Carthage, which lay about 200 miles to the west. Its coinage commenced in the closing years of the 6th century and principally consisted of silver didrachms down to about 440 BC, after which the tetradrachm became the principal denomination. The first series of tetradrachms, though, coincided with the last period of didrachms, with all featuring the same types that had persisted since the beginning of the city’s coinage: on the obverse, an eagle, sacred to Olympian Zeus, to whom the city dedicated an immense temple, and a reverse with an overhead view of a crab, harvested from the sea as a delicacy in the region. After 440 BC, as with many of the coinages of the great Sicilian cities, the designs became more complex and artistic, with one or two eagles shown devouring a hare on the obverse, and a galloping quadriga ultimately replacing the crab on the reverse. In the final decade of the 5th century, as the artistry of it coinage reached its zenith, Akragas suffered the same fate as many of the other Greek cities of Sicily when it was stormed and sacked by the invading Carthaginians (406 BC). Though its coinage continued thereafter, the scale and beauty of its 5th century series were never attained again.

35. SICILY, Gela. Circa 465-450 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.15 g, 1h). Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in left hand and reins in right, driving slow quadriga right; in background, column with Ionic capital set on plinth of two steps / Forepart of man-headed bull right; 1Es above. Jenkins, Gela, Group III, 235 (O62/R125); HGC 2, 339; BMC 12 (same dies); Hunterian 3 (same obv. die). Attractively toned with some light iridescence, slight die wear, trace horn silver. EF. Well centered. ($4000)

Ex Artemide LVIII (5 November 2022), lot 115; Leu 53 (21 October 1991), lot 25.

Situated on the Gela river on the southern coast of Sicily, Gela was founded in 688 BC by Cretans and Rhodians. Although the city had a Creto-Rhodian foundation, the name of the river is of local Sikanian origin, meaning very cold, as the water runs from the Heraei mountains to the north.

36. SICILY, Kamarina. Circa 415-405 BC. AR Didrachm (19.5mm, 8.70 g, 12h). Horned head of young river-god Hipparis left, wearing taina; ˚ÅÂÅr5@Å5o-@ to right / Nymph Kamarina, holding up her veil with her right hand, reclining right, head left, on swan swimming left; waves around. Westermark & Jenkins 158.1 (O1/R1 – this coin); HGC 2, 529; BMC 18–9 (same dies); Rizzo pl. VII, 3–4 (same dies). Old collection tone, irregular flan, minor marks, minor doubling on obverse, some die wear on reverse. VF. ($1500)

Ex Collection of a Swan Lover (Peus 433, 1 November 2022), lot 1090, purchased from Claude Burgan; Auctiones AG 3 (4 December 1973), lot 114.

Pedigreed to 1963

37. SICILY, Katane. Circa 445-435 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.43 g, 9h). Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with laurel wreath held in both hands / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; ˚ÅtŘÅ5o˜ to right. Mirone 44 = Rizzo pl. XI, 7 = BMC 23 (same dies); HGC 2, 566. Old cabinet tone, edge splits, minor die wear. VF. ($1500)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Collection of a Mentor (Numismatica Ars Classica Autumn Sale, 1 October 2024), lot 128; Foreign Amateur Collection (Glendining, 13 December 1963), lot 109.

Ex American Numismatic Society and Newell Collection – SNG ANS Plate Coin

38. SICILY, Katane. Circa 412-403 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.15 g, 10h). Obverse die signed by H[erakleidas]. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga left, passing turn-post to right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath in extended right hand; ˙ (signature) in exergue / Head of Amenanos left, wearing tainia; [˚ÅtÅ@Å]5W@ to left. Mirone 56 (same dies); HGC 2, 573 (same dies as illustration, but after crawfish added to die); SNG ANS 1259 (this coin); Basel 336 (same obv. die); Gulbenkian 187 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 40 (same obv. die); Rizzo pl. XV, 6 (same obv. die). Attractive old collection tone, compact flan, a little off center on reverse. VF. ($3000)

Ex Duplicates from the American Numismatic Society Collection (Gemini V, 6 January 2009), lot 330; ANS inventory 1967.152.124, bequest of Adra M. Newell; Edward T. Newell (†1941) Collection.

The Sicilian city of Katane (modern Catania) was a Chalkidian colony founded from Naxos in 729 BC. Katane was located midway along the eastern coast of the island at the southern extremity of the slopes of Mount Aetna. Its fertile territory was coveted by neighboring Syracuse, and in 476 BC the Syracusan tyrant Hieron I removed the population of Katane to the inland city of Leontini. Katane was then given the name of Aetna and resettled with Syracusan citizens and a group of Dorian mercenaries. On the fall of the Sicilian tyrannies in the late 460s BC, the alien population was expelled and the former inhabitants of Katane returned from exile in Leontini to reclaim their city, which now reverted to its original name. It seems unlikely that any coinage was produced at Katane prior to the events of 476 BC, so any issues bearing the name of the Katanians must postdate the restoration of the original population in 461 BC.

39. SICILY, Leontini. Circa 476-466 BC. AR Didrachm (20mm, 8.33 g, 9h). Nude male, holding kentron in right hand and rein in left, riding horse right / Head of roaring lion right; ¬Eo˜t5˜-[o-˜] and four barley grains around. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 12 (same dies); HGC 2, 679; SNG ANS 210 (same rev. die). Find patina, some chipping, edge marks, flan flaw on obverse, a couple of light cleaning scratches on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Collection of a Mentor (Numismatica Ars Classica Autumn Sale, 1 October 2024), lot 136; Foreign Amateur Collection (Glendining, 13 December 1963), lot 124.

40. SICILY, Leontini. Circa 425-415 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.29 g, 11h). Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Head of roaring lion left; 6E-o-n-t5-n-on around; three barley grains above, to left, and below; leaf behind. Maltese Period IV, 138 (D34/R106); Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 55 (same dies); HGC 2, 671; SNG ANS 257 (same dies); Gillet 453 (same dies); Rizzo, pl. XXIV, 4 (same dies). Faintly toned, trace deposits, minor marks, typical die break on obverse. Near EF. ($3000)

Ex G. Hirsch 275 (22 September 2011), lot 3220; Rauch 40 (18 January 1988), lot 64.

Extremely Rare

41. SICILY, Leontini. Circa 425-415 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.99 g, 6h). Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Head of roaring lion right; kithara above, 6Eont5no-n and three barley grains around. Maltese Period IV, 154 (D39/ R117); HGC 2, 672; Rizzo pl IX, 1 (same dies). Thin flan crack, die rust on obverse, double struck on reverse. EF. Extremely rare, only eight examples noted by Maltese; much rarer than the type with the kithara below the lion. ($6000)

Leontini was founded in 729 BC by settlers from Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily, which itself had been established just a few years earlier. In the first decade of the 5th century the city was captured by the tyrant Hippocrates of Gela whose successor, Gelon, transferred his seat of government to Syracuse in 485. Thereafter, Leontini usually remained within the Syracusan sphere of influence, though its 5th century coinage was on a considerable scale attesting the independent wealth of the community. A major political change took place in the late 460s — the expulsion of the tyrants and the restoration of democracy. This was reflected on the Leontine coinage by the introduction of new types featuring the head of Apollo on obverse and a lion’s head on reverse. Apollo was especially revered at Leontini, as he was at the mother city of Naxos where there was a famous sanctuary of Apollo Archegetes. The lion apparently represents a punning allusion to the city name. The surrounding barley-grains are indicative of the exceptional fertility of the Leontine territory and doubtless refer to the local worship of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture.

42. SICILY, Messana. 480-478 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 3.71 g, 10h). Charioteer, holding kentron in left hand, reins in both, driving slow biga of mules right / Hare springing right; ÂeÍÍe-˜i-O˜ around. Caltabiano Series IIA, 45 (D21/R23); HGC 2, 806; SNG Fitzwilliam 1071 (same dies); BMC 80 (same obv. die); Hermitage Sale II 298 (same rev. die). Deep iridescent tone, some find patina, granular surfaces, minor cleaning marks under tone. VF. ($750)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex BRN Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 247, 12 January 2011), lot 11; Lanz 56 (13 May 1991), lot 53; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt 2 (27 April 1984), lot 95.

Very Rare

43. SICILY, Messana. 433-429 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 17.19 g, 11h). Charioteer, holding kentron in left hand, reins in both, driving slow biga of mules right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with laurel wreath held in both hands; olive leaf in exergue / Hare springing right; olive spray below; µEssŘ-5-[o˜] around, inverted πU above. Caltabiano Series IX, 441 (D186/R180); HGC 2, 785; SNG Copenhagen 396 (same dies); Dewing 647 (same dies). Toned, irregular flan, area of weak strike, minor die wear. Good VF. Very rare issue with πU on reverse, only six noted by Caltabiano, one in CoinArchives. ($1000)

From the David Chapman Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

Ex Johns Hopkins University and Garrett Collections – Pedigreed to 1921

44. SICILY, Messana. 420-413 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.16 g, 7h). The nymph Messana, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving slow biga of mules right; ŘÅs-sE counterclockwise around from right, two dolphins confronted in exergue / Hare springing right; below, dolphin right; µEs-s-Å-˜-5o-˜ around. Caltabiano Series XIV, 529.1 corr. (D209/R224 – this coin [incorrect inventory number]); HGC 2, 792; Rizzo pl. XXVI, 3 (same rev. die). Attractive old collection tone, slight die wear on obverse. Good VF. ($2500)

Ex Johns Hopkins University Collection [inv. 44.5.101] (Part II, Bank Leu & Numismatic Fine Arts, 16 October 1984), lot 123; John Work Garrett Collection [inv. G 83], purchased from T. Elder, 23 February 1921.

In 493 BC, the city of Zankle invited a group of Samian refugees to settle in the region following Samos’ fall to the Persians. The Samians, at the behest of Anaxilas of Rhegion, chose instead to seize Zankle itself. After doing so, the Samians betrayed Anaxilas and allied themselves with Hippocrates of Gela. Anaxilas managed to suppress the Samians around 488 BC, seized Zankle, and resettled it with colonists from Peloponnesian Messenia. In honor of their loyalty, Anaxilas renamed the city Messana, after their homeland.

The standard coinage of Messana, as at Rhegion during Anaxilas’ reign, carried a biga of mules on the obverse and a hare on the reverse. The biga scene refers to the victory of Anaxilas’ mule cart at the Olympic games of 480 BC. The origin of the hare type is less certain, although it is thought that Anaxilas introduced the animal to Sicily. Though the types at Rhegion changed following Anaxilas’ death, the types at Messana continued to be used on all precious metal coinage for the remainder of the Classical period.

45. SICILY, Messana. 412-408 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.32 g, 4h). Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow biga of mules left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, two dolphins confronted / Hare springing right; below, dolphin right; µEs-s-Å-˜5-o-˜ around. Caltabiano Series XVA, 609 (D218/R239); cf. HGC 2, 796/795 (for obv./rev.); SNG ANS 367 (same dies); BMC 48 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6656910-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000)

Exceptional Early Naxos Litra

46. SICILY, Naxos. Circa 510-495 BC. AR Obol (11mm, 0.62 g, 6h). Archaic head of Dionysos left, wearing ivy wreath / Grape bunch; ˜Åc-5o˜ around. Cahn 50 (V36/R42); Campana 6; HGC 2, 968; BMC 6 (same rev. die). Toned, remnants of find patina. Good VF. Very rare and exceptional for issue. ($1000)

A Classical Masterpiece

47. SICILY, Naxos. Circa 430/20-415 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.80 g, 4h). Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing tainia decorated with an ivy branch / Silenos, nude and bearded, squatting half-left, holding up kantharos in right hand and resting his left hand on his knee, tail hanging to left below; large ivy vine with leaves to left, nÅ$5o˜ to right; all within shallow concave circular incuse. Cahn 103 (V66/R85); Campana 15; HGC 2, 984; BMC 18 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 493 (same dies); SNG Lockett 843 (same dies); Gillet 486 (same obv. die); Morgan 124 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXVIII, 17 (same obv. die). Deeply toned, small area of weak strike, light mark in field on obverse. Good VF. ($50,000)

Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 14 (15 November 2021), lot 104; Numismatica Genevensis SA 1 (27 November 2000), lot 36; Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 811; Ariadne Galleries/Galerie des Monnaies of Geneva (9 December 1981), lot 38.

With only one obverse and five reverse dies identified, the issue was apparently very short, and served a specific purpose for which we may only speculate today. Unlike the earlier archaic style tetradrachms, struck shortly after Naxian independence from Syracuse in 461 BC, these coins display a genuine classical style, with lifelike depictions of Dionysos, the god of the vine, on the obverse and Silenos on the reverse. The god’s languid eye and countenance are now more physiologically correct, replacing the earlier Archaic conventions. The hair of his head and beard are now tousled, and the diadem, with its interweaving ivy, is less formalized than earlier, with the ear now overlapping the diadem. Here too, the satyr Silenos is a more rounded version than that of the Aitna Master’s and a depiction much nearer his traditional description as a fleshy individual with a paunch and a round, balding head.

48. SICILY, Naxos. Circa 415-403 BC. AR Hemidrachm (14.5mm, 2.01 g, 12h). Horned head of river god Assinos left, wearing ivy wreath; Åss5˜o-s around / Silenos, nude and ithyphallic, squatting facing half-right, head left, on rocks, holding kantharos over shoulder in right hand and two pipes in extended left; nÅ$-5-Wn around. Cahn 115 (V73A/R93); Campana 23; SNG ANS 528; SNG Lloyd 1160; SNG München 764; SNG Delepierre 595; BMC 23; Basel 387 = Rizzo pl. XXVIII, 22; Boston MFA 310 = Warren 278; Jameson 683; Hunterian 11; McClean 2476 (all from the same dies); HGC 2, 991. Deeply toned, granular surfaces. Good VF. ($2000)

Ex European Connoisseur Collection (Morton & Eden 124, 26 September 2023), lot 117; Tradart (16 November 1995), lot 23; Numismatic Fine Arts XVI (2 December 1985), lot 58.

49. SICILY, Selinos. Circa 540-515 BC. AR Didrachm (24.5mm, 8.73 g). Selinon leaf / Incuse square divided into twelve sections. Arnold-Biucchi Group 1; Selinus Hoard 28 (this coin); HGC 2, 1211. Attractive iridescent tone, underlying luster, a couple of die breaks and light scratch on reverse. EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($2000)

Ex Neale Collection; Numismatica Genevensis SA 12 (18 November 2019), lot 110; Numismatic Fine Arts XXV (29 November 1990), lot 28; Selinunte, Sicily, 1985 Hoard (CH VIII, 35).

Situated on the southwest coast of Sicily at the mouth of the Selinunte River, Selinos was founded by Dorian colonists from Megara Hyblaia, a town on the eastern coast of the island. Selinos is believed to be the first city on Sicily to strike coins, introducing its didrachms circa 540 BC, less than a decade after Aegina had introduced the concept of coinage to Europe. Based on the Corinthian weight standard, the initial coinage of Selinos regularly featured a tri-lobed wild parsley leaf, since the ancient Greek name for this, selinos, provided an allusive pun on the town’s name.

50. SICILY, Selinos. Circa 540-515 BC. AR Didrachm (22.5mm, 8.65 g). Selinon leaf / Incuse square divided into twelve sections. Arnold-Biucchi Group 1; Selinus Hoard 20; HGC 2, 1211. Attractively toned, area of weak strike, tiny flan flaw on obverse, minor die wear on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 30 (13 July 2024), lot 133. Reportedly from an English collection, acquired in December 1991.

Ex Selinus Hoard

51. SICILY, Selinos. Circa 455-409 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.01 g, 6h). Artemis, holding reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga left; beside her, Apollo standing left, drawing bow; so-5t-˜-o˜5¬Es around / River god Selinos, nude, standing left, holding in right hand a phiale over altar to left, cradling in left arm a palm branch; before altar, cock standing left; to right, selinon leaf above bull standing left on basis; sE¬5-˜-o-s above. Schwabacher 1 (Q1/S1); HGC 2, 1220; SNG Copenhagen 597 (same dies); Hirsch 528 (same dies); McClean 2574 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXXI, 7 (same dies); Ward 235 (same dies). Toned, a few hairlines, tiny dig on reverse. VF. ($2000)

Ex Numision Premium Auction 1 (10 December 2022), lot 2.

52. SICILY, Selinos. Circa 455-409 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.24 g, 4h). Artemis, holding reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga left; beside her, Apollo standing left, drawing bow; sE¬-5˜-o˜t-5o˜ around / River god Selinos, nude, standing left, holding in right hand a phiale over altar to left, cradling in left arm a palm branch; before altar, cock standing left; to right, selinon leaf above bull standing left on basis; sE¬5˜-os above. Schwabacher 9 (Q3/S9); HGC 2, 1220; SNG ANS 690 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1229 (same dies); Basel 407 = SNG Lockett 361 (same dies); BMC 24 (same dies); Pozzi 540 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXXI, 13 (same dies). Toned, very faint scratches under tone. VF. ($3000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Berk BBS 208 (5 September 2019), lot 14; Classical Numismatic Group 99 (13 May 2015), lot 28.

Pedigreed to 1927

53. SICILY, Syracuse. Gelon I. 485-478 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.11 g, 6h). Struck circa 480 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, holding wreath in right hand and placing left hand on rearmost horse’s head / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and linear and pearl necklaces; four dolphins and s¨‰A-˚os5-o-˜/ around. Boehringer Series IV, 45 (V26/R29); HGC 2, 1304. Attractively toned, traces of find patina. Good VF. ($4000)

Ex Scandinavian private collection; Numismatica Ars Classica 92 (23 May 2016), lot 126; Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 710; Gorny & Mosch 180 (12 October 2009), lot 41; Hess-Divo 310 (22 October 2008), lot 30; Numismatic Fine Arts IX (10 December 1980), lot 69; Hofrat Hermann Collection (Helbing [52], 24 October 1927), lot 2671.

Under the rule of Gelon I (485-478 BC), Syracuse not only began to be the dominant power in Sicily, but won a major international victory against the Carthaginians at Himera in 480 BC, supposedly on the same day that the Persians were defeated at Salamis. To achieve this success, the Syracusan mint greatly increased its output of coinage, mostly tetradrachms, to provide funds for war. These issues, however, were archaic in style, like this coin. However, the wealth and international renown that Syracuse gained following Himera created a long-term cultural benefit for the area, since mainland Greece saw it not as a western backwater, but as a bastion of Greek ideals against the barbarians. Scientists, poets, and artists, especially engravers, were now encouraged to emigrate to the city, bringing with them the experimental concepts then appearing in mainland Greece. Gelon’s victories provided the financial means for his successors to make use of these talented individuals to enhance the renown of Syracuse as one of the main cultural centers of the Greek world. Since the issuing of coinage was an important part of maintaining Syracusan power, it now also became the vehicle by which the city could demonstrate its importance as a center for new intellectual and cultural ideas. As the tetradrachm was the denomination that was used for large-scale payments and appeared to a wide audience of both Greeks and non-Greeks, it became the canvas upon which the new artistic concepts of classical art were tried. Syracuse’s success with classical style tetradrachms expanded to the city’s other denominations. Elsewhere in Sicily and Magna Graecia, cities wishing to keep in cultural step adopted the classical style for their coinages. Thus, by the beginning of the fourth century BC, the coinage of Syracuse and Sicily became recognized as masterpieces of Classical Greek numismatic art.

Ex Rockefeller University / Mirsky Collection – Pedigreed to 1930

54. SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.48 g, 7h). Struck circa 478-475 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; s¨R-Akos5o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series VIIIb, 172 (V75/R120); HGC 2, 1306; Randazzo 339–41 (same dies). Beautiful old cabinet tone with light iridescence, minor flan flaw on reverse. EF ($10,000)

Ex Rockefeller University / Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 153; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 669; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 327.

55. SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.00 g, 10h). Struck circa 466460 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, single-pendant earring, and necklace; s¨R-Å-ko-s5o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIIIa, 410 (V212/R289); HGC 2, 1309; SNG ANS 408; SNG Fitzwilliam 1208 (same rev. die); SNG Lloyd 1308 (same obv. die); BMC 71 (same rev. die); Boston MFA 359 = Warren 341 (same obv. die). Light iridescent tone, a few faint scratches, some horn silver at edge on reverse, area of porosity on edge. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($7500)

Ex Lanz 62 (26 November 1992), lot 105; Giessener Münzhandlung 50 (24 September 1990), lot 158; Lanz 48 (22 May 1989), lot 93.

Ex Suter Collection

56. SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.36 g, 3h). Struck circa 466-460 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; s¨-∞Å-kos5-o@ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIIIa, 412 (V212/R291); HGC 2, 1309; BMC 67 (same dies); Virzi Sale 168 (same dies). Lightly toned, with some iridescence, minor flan flaws on obverse, a couple of marks on reverse. Good VF. ($2000)

Ex Künker 97 (7 March 2005), lot 265; Peter M. Suter Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 89, 14 June 2000), lot 65.

57. SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.51 g, 4h). Struck circa 450-440 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace with pendant; s¨∞Å˚os5-o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XVI, 563 (V284/R385E); HGC 2, 1311; SNG ANS 182 (same dies); BMC 97 (same dies); Hirsch 574 (same obv. die); Rhousopoulos 414 (same obv. die). Light iridescent tone, edge split, slightly off center on obverse, some minor marks. Near EF. ($3000)

Ex Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 391; Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 60.

Choice Syracuse Tetradrachm

58. SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.26 g, 12h). Struck circa 450-440 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, hair in band, wearing single-pendant earring and pearl necklace with pendant; s¨∞Å˚os5-o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XVIb, 571 (V287/R391); HGC 2, 1311; SNG ANS 184 (same dies); Bement 473 (same dies); Pozzi 581 (same dies); Jameson 769 (same dies). Lovely even gray tone, with golden and iridescent hues and underlying luster, tiny mark. Superb EF. Well centered, and with exceptional details. ($7500)

Ex Exceptional Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 134, 21 November 2022), lot 191.

Ex Lockett Collection – Pedigreed to 1939

59. SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.22 g, 9h). Struck circa 450-440 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing tainia, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace with pendant; s¨RÅkos5-o-˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XVIb, 582 (V289/R395); HGC 2, 1311; SNG ANS 188 (same dies); SNG Lockett 945 (this coin; publ. 1939); Boston MFA 380 = Warren 328 (same dies); Jameson 762a (same dies); McClean 2665 (same dies). Deep old iridescent tone. VF. ($3000)

Ex Noonans 306 (25 September 2024), lot 77; Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part I, Glendining, 25 October 1955), lot 844, purchased from A. H. Baldwin’s for £15/1.

Ex Woodward, Benson, and Smith Collections – Pedigreed to 1909

60. SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.28 g, 2h). Struck circa 430 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, hair in ornamented sakkos, wearing double hoop earring and linear necklace; sUrÅ˚os5o@ to right, four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XX, 642.2 (V326/R442) = Woodward 50 (this coin); HGC 2, 1319; SNG ANS 207 (same dies); Boston MFA 389 (same dies); Jameson 783 (same dies); Pozzi 592 (same dies); Weber 1591 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, minor die wear on obverse. Near EF. Beautiful serene portrait of Arethousa. ($6000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 55 (13 September 2000), lot 111; William Harrison Woodward Collection (Ars Classica XV, 2 July 1930), lot 271; Frank Sherman Benson Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge 3 February 1909), lot 313; R. Hobart Smith Collection.

Thrice-Signed Kimon Dekadrachm – Pedigreed to 1956

61. SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (35mm, 43.34 g, 7h). Obverse and reverse dies signed by Kimon. Struck circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with laurel wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line inscribed ˚5ÂW@ (only traces visible, as usual), a shield, greaves, cuirass, and Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace, hair restrained in an ampyx, inscribed ˚, and open-weave sakkos; sUrÅ˚os5W behind hair, four swimming dolphins around, the bottom dolphin inscribed ˚5ÂW@. Jongkees 3 (dies A/γ); Scavino 3; Regling, Dekadrachmon 3; HGC 2, 1298; SNG Lockett 988; Basel 479; BMC 202–3; Boston MFA 432 = Warren 355; Dewing 869 = Bement 511; Gillet 645; Gulbenkian 303; Hunt III 27 = Gillet 646; Hunterian 64; Jameson 819; Kraay & Hirmer 118; de Luynes 1243; McClean 2734; Rizzo pl. L, 3; Pozzi 610; Ward 291; Weber 1612 (all from the same dies). Beautiful old collection tone, only a little of the usual die rust on obverse, lightly smoothed die break on the reverse. Near EF. A masterpiece of the die engraver’s art. ($100,000)

Ex Dr. Orth Collection (Peus 380, 3 November 2004), lot 250; Hess-Leu 28 (5 May 1965), lot 90; Hess-Leu [3] (27 March 1956), lot 201.

Nothing is known about the personal life of the Syracusan master engraver Kimon, other than the approximate years he was active, circa 415-390 BC. The legacy of his art, however, is extensive and timeless. He worked in all the metals used for coinage – gold, silver and bronze – and left his distinctive signature (usually his full name KIMΩN or KI) on dies for denominations large and small. His unique style, the essence of classical beauty, and his attention to detail are apparent on all of his designs, whether a huge silver dekadrachm or a humble bronze fraction. All are masterpieces, but his most famous designs are his facing-head silver tetradrachm and the several dies he produced for the showcase coins of Syracuse, the immense silver dekadrachms struck circa 405-390 BC. The reverse (actually the “heads” side) of Kimon’s dekadrachm design features a highly individualized portrait of Arethousa, nymph of the spring of Ortygia, clearly modeled on a contemporary Greco-Sicilian woman. The head displays little of the idealization typical of his contemporary master engraver, Euainetos, and the details vary considerably from die to die. Her hair is bound in an elaborate jeweled net and a wide hairband, or ampyx, on which is placed the engraver’s initial K; a full signature is located on the dolphin below her neck. Kimon produced only six signed Arethousa dies for the dekadrachm series; another seven dies are in his distinct style, but without signature.

Choice Kimon Dekadrachm

62. SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (32mm, 43.09 g, 9h). Unsigned dies in the style of Kimon. Struck circa 404-400 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [a military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace, hair restrained in an open-weave sakkos and ampyx; sUrÅ˚-os5W to right, four dolphins swimming around. Jongkees 12 (dies C/λ); Scavino 12 (D3/R11); Regling, Dekadrachmon 12; HGC 2, 1298; SNG ANS 360 (same dies); Bement 510 (same dies); de Luynes 1241 (same dies); Rizzo pl. L, 6 (same dies); Ward 292 (same dies). NGC photo certification 5771089-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($40,000)

63. SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.06 g, 9h). Unsigned dies in the style of Eukleidas. Struck circa 400/395-390 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga left on double exergue line; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, dolphin left / Head of Arethousa left, hair in broad band and welling upwards in wavy locks, wearing double hoop earring and linear necklace with pendant; s¨-[rÅ˚-os-5w-@] and four dolphins around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 96 (V34/R65); Tudeer 96; HGC 2, 1345; SNG Ashmolean 2009 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 1253 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1405 (same dies); BMC 196 (same dies); Davis 53 (same dies); Gillet 665 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 354 (same dies); Jameson 1928 (same dies). Toned, remnants of find patina, hairline flan crack, light scratches under tone, areas of light roughness. VF. ($3000)

From the Stephen Jordan Collection. Ex Peus 288 (30 September 1975), lot 102.

64. SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 8.66 g, 8h). Struck under Timoleon, 344-339/8. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet; sUrÅkos5W@ to right. Pegasi 2; HGC 2, 1400; SNG ANS 499 (same obv. die); Gillet 673 (same obv. die). Attractive old collection tone, with some iridescence around the devices, trace deposits. EF. Well centered and struck. ($2000)

From the G.W. Trow Collection. Ex H. K. Collection (Roma XIX, 26 March 2020), lot 296; Gorny & Mosch 164 (17 March 2008), lot 66; UBS 67 (5 September 2006), lot 5442.

In the early 4th century BC, Syracuse had become highly factionalized, and the political turmoil was taken advantage of by the Carthaginians, who supported Hiketas against Dionysios I. Eventually a delegation was sent by the Syracusans to Corinth to appeal to their mother city for help. Timoleon was chosen to take control of Syracuse, drive the Carthaginian-backed government from power, and restore the tranquility and prosperity of the great Sicilian city. In this endeavor Timoleon was successful, and his rule sparked a cultural and political revival. This revival is reflected in the city’s coinage, with the advent of many new types and denominations.

Attractive Agathokles Tetradrachm

65. SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.15 g, 2h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; three dolphins around, @5 below neck / Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; counterclockwise triskeles above, sUrÅkos5W@ and [ in exergue. Ierardi 40 (O7/R23); BAR Issue 2; HGC 2, 1348; SNG ANS 639 (same dies); Boston MFA 460 = Warren 402 (same obv. die); Hirsch 660 (same obv. die). Attractively toned, remnants of find patina, small spot of die rust on reverse. EF. Well struck. ($4000)

From the G.W. Trow Collection. Ex Exceptional Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 134, 21 November 2022), lot 201.

Agathokles was born in Himera circa 361 BC, the son of a potter who moved the family to Syracuse in the 340s BC. Tiring of his father’s trade, Agathokles became a soldier and quickly established himself as an able leader. Agathokles seized power at the head of a mercenary army in a bloody coup in 317 BC. Over the next few years, he strengthened his army and created a formidable navy, and used them to expand his power base throughout Sicily. This inevitably led him into conflict with Carthage, which still controlled territory in western Sicily. The war lasted from 311-306 BC and only resulted in each side becoming more entrenched in their respective parts of Sicily, with the border between them established along the Halycus River. In 304 BC, imitating the famous Diadochs in the east, Agathokles declared himself king of Sicily, though his power only extended across the eastern part of the island. His later years were more concerned with the consolidation of his power than with expansion. Seeing that none of his progeny could effectively rule in his place, in 289 BC, upon his death bed, Agathokles restored the Syracusan democracy.

The coinage of Syracuse during Agathokles’ reign saw a flowering of new types and denominations. While he retained some of the traditional Syracusan types, such as the head of Arethousa surrounded by dolphins, many of his coins presented new types that were more in line with the royal issues throughout the Greek kingdoms to the east. Herakles, Apollo, and Athena were commonly found on his issues, and he even issued an unprecedented series of electrum, a metal that had not been used before at Syracuse. As would be expected, his final phase of coinage saw the royal title used for the first time on coins of Syracuse, a trend that continued on many issues under the city’s subsequent monarchs.

66. SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 16.95 g, 5h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; three dolphins around, f5 below neck / Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; counterclockwise triskeles above, [sU]rÅkos5W@ and [ in exergue. Ierardi 75 (O13/R49); BAR Issue 2; HGC 2, 1348; SNG ANS 643 (same obv. die); SNG München 1209 (same obv. die); McClean 2816 (same rev. die). In NGC encapsulation 8240460-019, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style, flan flaw. ($3000)

Pedigreed to 1923

67. SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. EL 50 Litrai – Hemistater (14.5mm, 3.54 g, 10h). Struck circa 310306/5 BC. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath; lamp behind neck / Tripod; sUrÅ˚-os5W@ around. Jenkins, Electrum, Group B, dies O12/R18 (this coin referenced); BAR Issue 10; HGC 2, 1294; de Luynes 1266 (same dies). Attractively toned, minor marks, a few edge scuffs and bumps. VF. ($1500)

From the Collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLII.2 (Spring 2017), no. 457734; Shirley Hanberry Collection (Goldberg 96, 14 February 2017), lot 1554; Naville V (18 June 1923), lot 1143.

68. SICILY, Syracuse. Fifth Democracy. 214-212 BC. AR 8 Litrai (20.5mm, 6.79 g, 7h). Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet with its bow decorated with Pegasos flying, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace / Winged thunderbolt; sUrÅ˚os5[W@] above, UÅ and % below. Burnett, Enna 28 (dies 10/D); BAR Issue 88; HGC 2, 1414; SNG Fitzwilliam 1427 (same dies); SNG Lockett 1023 (same dies); BMC 656 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 8240104-031, graded XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

Siculo-Punic Coinage

The Siculo-Punic coinage in Sicily, which included the minting of Attic-weight standard tetradrachms and didrachms within Sicily by Carthage, is linked primarily to five cities: Motya, Panormos, Lilybaion, Entella, Solous, and Thermai Himerenses. Entella has been identified as the site of the main Punic controlled mint on the island, but that is disputed and it is often referred to as “uncertain.” Thermai Himerenses and Solous were minor mints that issued only a few tetradrachms along with silver fractional and bronze issues. Motya, once the leading Punic city and mint in the area, ceased production after its destruction in 397 BC. This left Entella, Panormos, and Lilybaion as the major remaining mints, with Entella issuing the majority of the subsequent Punic coinage.

This coinage is directly tied to Carthage’s attempts to subjugate the eastern Greek half of the island. The first Sicilian War saw Carthage crushed at the Battle of Himera in 480 BC, and for seventy years after Carthage declined to interfere in Greek Sicilian politics even when called upon. However, this stance changed with her intervention on behalf of Segesta against Selinos and Himera in the Second Sicilian War. Notably, before Punic intervention, Carthage did not mint any coins at all. Instead, Punic trade across the Mediterranean was conducted in kind rather than with currency. However, Carthage needed to hire mercenaries to bolster her armies in her quest to conquer Sicily and this required currency that the mercenaries would trust.

The earliest Siculo-Punic tetradrachms had a distinctly Punic style that did not match with current issues circulating on the island. Subsequent Carthaginian emissions, however, copied local imagery and style, producing tetradrachms and didrachms that denizens of the island were familiar with. This allowed them to easily integrate into circulation alongside the Greek issues in Sicily. This syncretism, which Carthage practiced in other areas, produced a body of coinage that is fascinating not only due to its beauty, but also because of the amalgamation of styles and cultures. This model would be adopted for almost all of the Punic coinage minted in Sicily. The coins were identified as inherently Punic by alterations in style or use of a Punic legend or symbol such as the horse. However, the core concepts of the coins were borrowed from Syracuse, Akragas, Himera, and other Greek cities in Sicily. Even in Carthage’s last issue of Herakles head tetradrachms, we see the use of prototypes from Alexander’s different mints in the East. This confluence of cultures is what makes the series interesting to collect outside of its beauty and history: the ability to buy one coin that has elements from three or even four cultures is difficult to beat and is attractive to collectors of almost any area.

69. SICULO-PUNIC, “The Camp”. Circa 345/38-320/15 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.21 g, 12h). Possibly Entella mint. Head of Arethousa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins around / Horse prancing right; palm tree in background. Jenkins, Punic, Series 2d, 131 (O44/R118); CNP 213; HGC 2, 281; Gulbenkian 366 (same dies); McClean 3043 (same dies). Lightly toned, underlying luster, faint scratch on obverse. EF. Fine style. ($5000)

Ex Peter Bowe Collection; Berk BBS 185 (9 July 2013), lot 75; Gemini X (13 January 2013), lot 24; Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 123; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt 8 (27 October 1987), lot 730.

Fine Style

70. SICILY, “The Camp”. Circa 320/15-300 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.10 g, 6h). Possibly Entella mint. Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins around / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJMM` (Punic ‘MMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 3a, 150 (O47/R135); CNP 267; BAR Issue 4; HGC 2, 284; SNG Fitzwilliam 1487 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1631 (same obv. die); de Luynes 1458 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 6290603-008, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. ($10,000)

Ex Triton XXVI (9 January 2023), lot 41; Mark & Lottie Salton Collection (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 January 2022), lot 4165. Reportedly ex 1957 Pachino Hoard.

71. SICILY, “The Camp”. Circa 320/15-300 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 16.97 g, 11h). Possibly Entella mint. Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; pellet below chin, four dolphins around / Head of horse left; g (Punic G) to left, palm tree to right, M (Punic M) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 3a, 245–7 var. (O77/R– [unlisted rev. die]); CNP 264b var. (no additional letter to left on rev.); BAR Issue 4; HGC 2, 284 var. (same). Toned, with some iridescence around the devices, a few minor marks. Good VF. Unpublished variety with letter in left field on reverse. ($2000)

Spectacular Portrait of Herakles – Among the Finest Obverse Dies in the Series

72. SICULO-PUNIC, “The Camp”. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.94 g, 11h). Possibly Entella mint. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJM∆M` (Punic ‘MHMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5a, 319 (O103/R262); CNP 271; HGC 2, 293 corr. (varying legends); SNG Ashmolean 2165 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1644 (same dies); Ward 361 (same dies). Attractively toned, underlying luster. EF. A spectacular portrait of Herakles. ($7500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 273 (19 November 2020), lot 88.

Ex Montagu Collection – Cited by Jenkins – Pedigreed to 1896

73. SICULO-PUNIC, “The Camp”. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.18 g, 7h). Possibly Entella mint. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJM∆M` (‘MHMḤNT = “People of the Camp” in Punic) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5a, 323 (O105/R264 – this coin referenced); CNP 271; HGC 2, 295; SNG Ashmolean 2162 (same dies). Deep old cabinet tone, minor mark under tone on obverse. EF. Well centered. ($7500)

Ex Star Collection (LHS 102, 29 April 2008), lot 99; Lanz 70 (21 November 1994), lot 32; Hyman Montagu Collection (Greek Part I, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 23 March 1896), lot 809.

Extremely Rare – Possibly the Only Tetradrachm Issue of Solous

74. SICULO-PUNIC, Kefra (Solous)(?). Circa 400-350 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 16.98 g, 4h). Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying left, crowning charioteer with laurel wreath held in her extended hands; k (Punic K) in exergue / Head of Tanit-Persephone right, wearing grain ear wreath, triple-pendant earrings, and pearl necklace; three dolphins around. Jenkins, Punic, p. 73, X (O1/R1); Campana 6; CNP 313; HGC 2, 1244. Lightly toned, areas of porosity, flan flaw and double struck on obverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, apparently the fifth known; Jenkins records two examples, both in public collections (London and Palermo), and Campana adds two pieces in commerce (Lanz 46, lot 130, and NFA XXIX, lot 49). ($4000)

Solous was one of the three original Phoenician colonies founded in Sicily alongside Motya and Panormos. The city fell under Carthaginian domination along with the other cities, staying loyal even when Dionysios of Syracuse invaded Punic territory in western Sicily. That loyalty continued even to the First Punic War, with the city not surrendering until the neighboring Punic city of Panormos had fallen.

75. SICULO-PUNIC, Motya. Circa 400-397 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 16.48 g, 11h). Head of Arethousa left, hair in ampyx and sakkos, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; four dolphins swimming around / Crab. Jenkins, Punic 46 (O6/R8); Campana 22; CNP 502; HGC 2, 923 (same obv. die as illustration); SNG Ashmolean 1861 = SNG Lockett 836 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 481 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1138 = Bement 415 (same dies); Rizzo pl. LXV, 9 (same dies); Weber 1452 (same dies). Toned, off center and some die wear on reverse, some delaminations and marks on edge. Good VF. ($5000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Nomos 27 (22 May 2023), lot 1037. Reportedly ex Richard Eidswick Collection.

The island city of Motya was founded as a trading post by Phoenician settlers in the eighth century BC as part of a wave of Phoenician colonization in the western Mediterranean. The city was the largest and most influential of the Phoenician colonies founded in Sicily and this continued into the period of Carthaginian domination of the western half of the island. The city was used as a stronghold for Punic forces during Carthage’s conflicts with the Greek cities in Sicily and finally Dionysios of Syracuse decided to target the city. The siege and capture of the city in 397 BC resulted in its complete destruction and it never recovered. The survivors were eventually resettled in the new Punic stronghold in Sicily, Lilybaion.

Pedigreed

76. SICULO-PUNIC, “Ṣyṣ”. Circa 370-360 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.89 g, 1h). Likely Panormos mint. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in both, driving slow quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath she holds in her extended hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of female right, hair in ampyx, wearing triple-pendant earring and linear necklace; four dolphins around. Jenkins, Punic 35 (O9/R30); CNP 339; HGC 2, 1016; Basel 393 = SNG Lockett 1031 (same dies); BMC Syracuse 215 (same dies); McClean 2485 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, some light roughness, minor cleaning marks, a couple of small edge marks. VF. ($1500)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Collection of a Mentor (Numismatica Ars Classica Autumn Sale, 1 October 2024), lot 207; Foreign Amateur Collection (Glendining, 13 December 1963), lot 107.

77. CARTHAGE. Circa 350-320 BC. AV Stater (16.5mm, 9.17 g, 3h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with eight pendants / Horse standing right on exergue line; three pellets to right of foreleg. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIf, 37; CNP 1.5h; MAA 4. Trace deposits, small mark in field on obverse. VF. ($4000)

Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc97831.

Well Struck Carthaginian Stater

78. CARTHAGE. Circa 350-320 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 9.30 g, 2h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with nine pendants / Horse standing right on exergue line; three pellets to right of foreleg. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIh, 79 corr. (number of pendants; same dies); CNP 1.5h; MAA 4. Lustrous, a couple of minor die breaks. Superb EF. Excellent style and well struck. ($10,000)

Ex Nomos 28 (22 May 2023), lot 1134.

79. CARTHAGE. Circa 310-290 BC. EL Stater (18mm, 7.39 g, 12h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with nine pendants; pellet before neck / Horse standing right; three pellets in exergue. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 290 (same dies); CNP 2.10e; MAA 10. In NGC encapsulation 8240104-033, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, brushed, marks. ($1500)

80. SKYTHIA, Geto-Dacians. Koson. Mid 1st century BC. AV Stater (20mm, 8.42 g, 12h). Roman consul accompanied by two lictors advancing left; û to left; ˚osW@ in exergue / Eagle standing left on scepter, holding wreath. Hourmouziadis dies B/d; Iliescu 1; RPC I 1701A; HGC 3, 2049. In NGC encapsulation 4277937-008, graded Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($2000)

81. THRACE, Abdera. Circa 520/15-500 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 14.10 g). Griffin standing left, raising right forepaw / Quadripartite incuse square. May, Abdera 1 (A1/P1); CN Online Type 4385; HGC 3, 1127; BMC Ionia 79A (same dies; erroneously attributed to Phokaia); Pozzi 2499 (same dies); Weber 2366 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of find patina, a little die wear and porosity, minor marks and scratches. VF. From the rare first issue of Abdera. ($2000)

Abdera has its mythological foundation in the Labors of Herakles, who founded the city in honor of his companion Abderos after the latter was killed by the mares of Diomedes. Historically, the first recorded settlement was a failed colonization effort by Klazomenaians under the leadership of Timesias in 656 BC, but neither of these events have left any concrete traces in the later history. It was in 541 BC that citizens of Teos, fleeing the Persian conquest of Ionia, established a long-lasting civic entity. The unchanging numismatic symbol of Abdera, the griffin, was adopted from the coinage of the lost home city, Teos, but turned to face left instead of right as at Teos. Abdera’s production of massive silver oktadrachms begins within a decade of the founding of the city, and reflects the reason for the success of this foundation as opposed to the earlier failure; at the beginning of the 6th century BC the prolific silver mines of Thrace started coming online, and trading cities such as Abdera and Thasos were well positioned to claim their portion of the wealth. While producing large quantities of silver coins, the city also introduced one of the earliest series of signed coinage by annual magistrates. While the obverse type was invariably a griffin, the reverses, once they evolved beyond the simple quadripartite square in the late 5th century, seem to have been left to the whim of the magistrates, who responded with a delightful repertoire of varied types, mythological and naturalistic, a number featuring visual puns on the magistrates’ names. This was the period of Abdera’s greatest achievements, of well known citizens such as Demokritos, the ‘laughing philosopher’, and Protagoras, the most celebrated of the sophists. The failed revolt against Athens in 411 BC proved only a slight hiatus in the city’s prosperity. However, the final end would come within a generation, as the production of the Thracian silver mines began to slow (or was diverted to the growing power of Macedon) and the Thracian tribes became increasingly restive. In 375 BC, the Abderan army was destroyed by the Triballoi, and only closer confederacy with Athens preserved the city. Its annual coinage issues ceased, and after this period little precious metal coinage was struck in Abdera.

82. THRACE, Ainos. Circa 398/7-396/5 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 15.44 g, 11h). Head of Hermes facing slightly left, wearing petasos with pelleted rim / Goat standing right; Å5@5o@ above, laurel wreath to right; all within incuse square. May, Ainos, Group LVI, 406 var. (A246/P– [unlisted rev. die]); AMNG II 328; HGC 3, 1278. In NGC encapsulation 8240104022, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. ($2000)

83. THRACE, Apollonia Pontika. Circa 410/04-341/23 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 17.16 g, 12h). Zopyros, magistrate. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Upright anchor; Å and crawfish flanking, zWπUros to left; all within shallow incuse square. Paunov, Tetradrachm, Group VI, Issue 27, Variety B, 95–6 (O12/R39); CN Online Type 21953; HGC 3, 1312. Toned, remnants of find patina, light deposits, minor doubling on reverse. Good VF. Rare. ($5000)

Extremely Rare

84. THRACE, Byzantion. Circa 175-150 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.42 g, 12h). In the name and types of Lysimachos. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% [2]U%5;ÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; ¢ to inner left, ∫U on throne; in exergue, ornamented trident left. Marinescu Issue 109, 290 var. (O–/R280 [unlisted obv. die]); Müller 153; CN Online Type 21190; HGC 3, 1382; SNG Copenhagen 1088 (same rev. die); Westmoreland 71 (this coin). Underlying luster. Good VF. Extremely rare, only one example noted by Marinescu, three in CoinArchives. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection.

Pedigreed to 1931

85. THRACE, Maroneia. Circa 365-330s BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 11.07 g, 4h). Zenonos, magistrate. Horse prancing left, trailing rein; below, trident head left / Grape vine in linear square; Eπ5 z˙-@W-@os around; all within shallow incuse square. Schönert-Geiss 471 (V26/R47); West 149–50 and 152–53 (same dies); CN Online Type 950; HGC 3, 1533; SNG Copenhagen 612 (same dies); BMC 21 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 473 (same dies); de Luynes 1773 (same dies); McClean 3959 (same dies). Old collection tone with some iridescence, minor edge split, a few light scratches. VF. ($1500)

Ex Kommerzienrat H. Otto Collection (A. Hess 207, 1 December 1931), lot 259.

86. THRACE, Odessos. Circa 225-200 BC. AV Stater (20mm, 8.39 g, 12h). In the name and types of Lysimachos. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% 2U%5;ÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; Ú to inner left, ˚o5 in exergue. Topalov, Odesos 22; AMNG I 2119; Müller 237; CN Online –; HGC 3, 1583; Westmoreland 73 (this coin). Underlying luster, trace deposits, minor marks, a couple of light scratches and small scuff on reverse. EF. ($3000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics, 5 November 2005. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 60 (22 May 2002), lot 446; Classical Numismatic Group 55 (13 September 2000), lot 309; Classical Numismatic Group 50 (23 June 1999), lot 582.

87. ISLANDS off THRACE, Thasos. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 8.38 g). Ithyphallic satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 2; HPM pl. X, 3–5; CN Online Type 20745; HGC 6, 331; SNG Ashmolean 3643 = ACGC 519; Asyut 104; Boston MFA 851; Kraay & Hirmer 435. Deep iridescent tone, remnants of find patina, trace deposits, edge scrapes and marks, some doubling and cleaning scratches on obverse, scrape on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

Thasos Overstruck on Athens

88. ISLANDS off THRACE, Thasos. Circa 90-75 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32.5mm, 17.00 g, 11h). “Imitative” series. Head of young Dionysos right, hair in band and wreath of ivy with berries at the tip / Herakles standing left, right hand on club set on ground, lion skin draped over left arm; Â to inner left; ˙rÅ˚¬Eo¨% to right, %Wt˙ro% to left, Q[rÅ]kW@ in exergue. MacDonald, Tetradrachms, Group I, O2/R7, 1 (this coin, illustrated); Prokopov, Silberprägung, Group XIII, 974 var. (V BBa1/R – [unlisted rev. die]); Le Rider, Thasiennes 52; CN Online Type 4201; HGC 6, 359 var. (ethnic). Old iridescent tone, overstruck on a New Style tetradrachm of Athens of the magistrates Amphias and Oinophilos, obv. die 1194. Near EF. ($1000)

Ex Prof. David Macdonald Collection.

89. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.93 g, 12h). Lysimacheia mint. Struck circa 297/6-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; to inner left, head of lion facing above }. Thompson 15; Müller 57; HGC 3, 1750a; Westmoreland 58 (this coin). Toned, traces of find patina. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numsimatics. Ex Ariadne Galleries (with Galerie des Monnaies, 9 December 1981), lot 129. Reportedly ex B. A. Seaby inventory.

Lysimachos, a Macedonian noble of great strength and stature, was born circa 360 BC and rose to prominence as a bodyguard for Alexander the Great, although he was a generation older than the young king. When Alexander’s territories were parceled out in 323 BC, Lysimachos was given control of Thrace, the Chersonese, and the intervening Black Sea coast. Much of this territory was claimed by various Thracian tribes, forcing him to spend decades in a largely fruitless effort to subdue them. By the time he assumed the royal title in 306/5 BC, his kingdom consisted of little more than the southern portions of Thrace. But he soon experienced a late-career revival as he plunged fully into the wars of the Diadochi, carving out an ever-expanding realm largely at the expense of his main rivals, Antigonos I Monophthalmos and his son Demetrios I Poliorketes. This territory was rich with both bullion and mint cities, enabling Lysimachos to begin striking a voluminous coinage on his behalf, initially patterned on the coins of Alexander, but with his own name and royal title.

90. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.99 g, 8h). Lysimacheia mint. Struck circa 297/6-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; to inner left, head of lion left; 0 on throne. Thompson 16 (same dies as illustration); Müller 51; HGC 3, 1750a; Westmoreland 57 (this coin). Iridescent tone, underlying luster, some minor die rust. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numsimatics.

91. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.94 g, 11h). Lampsakos mint. Struck 297/6-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; A to inner left, crescent in exergue. Thompson 47; Müller 401; HGC 3, 1750b; SNG BN 2540–2. Lightly toned, a few light cleaning marks on reverse. Near EF. ($1500)

92. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 17.19 g, 12h). Lampsakos mint. Struck 297/6-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; B to inner left; in exergue, crescent left. Thompson 49; Müller 399; HGC 3, 1750b; SNG BN 2548–9; SNG Fitzwilliam 1851 (same dies); Westmoreland 60 (this coin). Even gray tone with light iridescence around the devices, a couple of minor marks on reverse. Near EF. Attractive style. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 75 (31 March 2004), lot 1777; M&M Numismatics 1 (7 December 1997), lot 63.

93. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.81 g, 11h). Lampsakos mint. Struck 297/6-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; herm to outer left, É to inner left. Thompson 59; Müller 88; HGC 3, 1750b; SNG BN 2552; de Luynes 1814 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 59 (this coin). Iridescent tone, minor die break on reverse. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 68 (21 November 2001), lot 1819.

94. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.53 g, 11h). “Alexandreia Troas” mint. Struck circa 297/6-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; / in inner left field; in exergue, head of eagle right (only the top visible). Thompson 141 (same obv. die as illustration); Meadows, Earliest 31, dies A4/P9 (this coin); Müller –; HGC 3, 1743e; ANS inv. 1944.100.81207 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 530 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 63 (this coin). Lustrous, minor marks, faint graze on obverse. EF. ($4000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XXII.3 (Fall/Winter 1997), no. 18; Giessener Münzhandlung 82 (29 April 1997), lot 58.

In his die study of the lifetime Lysimachi attributed to Alexandreia Troas, A. Meadows doubted that the attribution of this coinage to that mint was correct, and suggested it be left uncertain. A. Ellis-Evans, in his new die study of the Hellenistic coinage of Alexandreia Troas, agrees that this coinage should no longer be given to that mint.

95. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.99 g, 11h). Ephesos mint. Struck 295/4-289/8 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; bee to inner left, ¶ on throne. Thompson 167; Müller 426 var. (position of monogram); HGC 3, 1750i; Huston FPL 64, no. 6 (same dies); Westmoreland 64 (this coin). Iridescent tone, hints of porosity. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection.

Referenced by Arnold-Biucci

96. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.13 g, 12h). Pergamon mint. Struck circa 287/6-282 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon; ˚ below / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; @ to outer left, cult image to inner left, crescent in exergue. Arnold-Biucchi, Pergamene, Group II, 63b (O12/R61 – this coin); Thompson 225; Müller 290; HGC 3, 1750m; SNG BN –; Meydancikkale 2679 (same dies); Weber 2722 (same dies); Westmoreland 61 (this coin). Toned, trace deposits. Good VF. Attractive portrait. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex D. G. L. Worland Collection (Spink Australia 27, 2 March 1989), lot 1162.

97. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.23 g, 8h). Pella mint. Struck 286/5-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; to inner left, É above arm, a below. Thompson 244; Müller 500; HGC 3, 1750p; Meydancikkale 2686 (same obv. die); Ars Classica XV, lot 607 (same dies); Vinchon (20 Nov 1961), lot 140 (same dies); Westmoreland 69 (this coin). Toned, die break on obverse, a little porosity, faint cleaning marks. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection.

98. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.15 g, 10h). Pella mint. Struck 286/5-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; 1 to inner left, ˚ in exergue. Thompson 253; Müller 471; HGC 3, 1750p; CNG 84, lot 199 (same dies); Westmoreland 68 (this coin). Toned, minor die wear, some marks, light scratch in field on reverse. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics.

Fischer-Bossert Plate Coin

99. KINGS of THRACE, Local Dynasts. Skostokos. Circa 285/4-273/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.27 g, 7h). In the name and types of Lysimachos. Ainos mint. Struck circa 280 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% 2U%5;ÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; to inner left, cult image set on throne. Fischer-Bossert, Lysimacheier C7, a (V c6/R c7) = Westmoreland 70 (this coin, illustrated in both); Thompson 257 var. (extra control marks); Müller 114; HGC 3, 1750r; Meydancikkale 2691–2 (same dies); Weber 2727 (same dies). Attractively toned, with golden hues around the devices, trace deposits, slight die shift and minor die break on reverse. Near EF. Perfectly centered. Rare. ($3000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 75 (31 March 2004), lot 1776, purchased by the consignor from Spink London; D. G. L. Worland Collection (Spink Australia 27, 2 March 1989), lot 1164; Leu 36 (7 May 1985), lot 96.

While previous scholars viewed Skostokos as a dynast who took control of parts of Thrace following Lysimachos’ death, Fischer-Bossert’s die study demonstrates that Skostokos was most likely a local dynast of the environs around Ainos, who ruled under Lysimachos, and was permitted to strike Lysimachi beginning late in the king’s reign. Current scholarship suggests he ruled from circa 285/4-273/2 BC (see, e.g., E. Paunov, “Introduction to the Numismatics of Thrace” in J. Valeva, et al., A Companion to Ancient Thrace, p. 280, fig. 18.4). Skostokos apparently continued to strike Lysimachi in the chaotic period following the latter’s death, before Seleukid authority could be established in Thrace.

100. THRACO-MACEDONIAN TRIBES, Uncertain. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 9.21 g). Mint in the region east of Mt. Pangaion. Centaur advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Tzamalis, Ethné, Group B.2, 38–9 var. (D–/R20 [unlisted obv. die]); Asyut 62–80; Peykov Type I, A0600 (Orreskioi); HPM pl. VI, 15 and 17-18; HGC 3, –; SNG ANS 980 (Orreskioi). Old cabinet tone, minor striking flaws, a few marks on reverse. Good VF. Well centered and with good metal for issue. A lovely example of the type. ($2000)

The centaur-nymph motif was used by a number of Thraco-Macedonian tribes, and at least three tribes – the Orreskioi, Letaioi, and the Zaelioi – inscribed their ethnic on the obverse. The present coin, though, belongs to the unsigned issues that cannot yet be assigned to a particular tribe. Although Peykov and the cataloger of the ANS sylloge assumed these uninsigned issues were from the Orreskioi, Tzamalis’ die study asserts that such a conclusion is not supported by the evidence. The hoard evidence does support the prevailing dates for this coinage, though, and also indicates that the mint is likely located in the region just east of Mt. Pangaion. Such a location in close proximity to Thasos is also suggested by a close association between this coinage and the satyr-nymph coins struck on or nearby that island.

101. MACEDON, Akanthos. Circa 430-390 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 14.30 g, 4h). Thraco-Macedonian standard. Alexios, magistrate. Lion right, on top and biting into the hindquarter of a bull crouching left, head raised; ŬEx5os in exergue / Å˚Å-@-Q5o-@ in shallow incuse around quadripartite square, the quarters raised and granulated. Desneux 150 (D140/R135); HGC 3, 391; Robinson & Clement p. 186, 2a (same dies); Weber 1881 (same dies). Toned, hairlines, some weakness to strike on obverse. Good VF. ($2000)

Akanthos was founded on the easternmost “finger” of the Chalcidice in the seventh century BC. Huge silver deposits were discovered in close proximity during the sixth century BC, leading to Akanthos becoming a prolific mint, with its coinage circulating widely in northern and mainland Greece. Of the Archaic Greek coinages, the imagery of Akanthos is one of the most influential, depicting a lion attacking a bull. Lions still prowled the hinterlands of Thrace and Macedon in this era. Herodotus recounts an episode in The Histories when the baggage camels of the army of the Persian King Xerxes was set upon by lions during its march from Asia Minor into Greece proper (Herodotus 7.125126).

102. MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 383/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 14.40 g, 9h). Olynthos mint. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; c-Å-¬-˚5d-EW@ around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 19 (A17/P17); AMNG III/2, 4; HGC 3, 497. In NGC encapsulation 3597835-001, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($5000)

Ex Heritage 3091 (6 May 2021), lot 31006.

103. MACEDON, Mende. Circa 460-423 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.02 g, 9h). Inebriated Dionysos, wearing chiton draped from his waist, holding in right hand a kantharos propped on his right knee, reclining left on the back of an ass standing right; to right, crow perched right on bush with two flowers / µE@-d-Å-5o-˜ within linear square around vine of five grape clusters within linear square; all within shallow incuse square. Noe, Mende 25 (same dies); AMNG III/2, –; HGC 3, 545; SNG ANS 326 (same obv. die); Athena Fund III 89 (this coin); Dewing 1036 (same dies). Toned, slight roughness and granularity. VF. ($3000)

From the Stephen Jordan Collection. Ex Athena Fund (Part III, Sotheby’s, 9 December 1993), lot 89.

In his study of the Mende tetradrachms in the Kalliandra hoard, he did not note such, but it appears that the reverse die of Noe 25 is actually the same as Noe 24, but re-engraved. Some of the letters still line up perfectly between the two dies, and what appears to be the remainder of the original linear square is still visible, particularly around the letter A in the ethnic.

Westermark Plate Coin – Pedigreed to 1969

104. KINGS of MACEDON. Archelaos. 413-400/399 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 10.68 g, 4h). Aigai mint. Head of Apollo right, with short hair, wearing tainia / Horse advancing right, trailing rein; ÅrcE-[¬]-Å-o around; all within shallow incuse square. Westermark, Staters, Group II, Series 1, dies O21/R30, 1 (this coin, illustrated); AMNG III/2, 3; HGC 3, 795. Toned, with some iridescence, trace deposits, slightly off center, a few hairlines, minor doubling on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Kricheldorf XXIV (1 October 1971), lot 43; 1969 Ptolemais Hoard (IGCH 365).

105. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip II. 359-336 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.59 g, 11h). Pella mint. Struck circa 345/2340/36 BC. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; cicada above. Le Rider Group I.C, 42 (D21/R33); SNG ANS 129; SNG Ashmolean 2454 (same obv. die); Ars Classica XIV, lot 192 (same dies). Trace deposits, slightly compact flan. EF. ($3000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 29 (24 February 2024), lot 153.

Ex Stoecklin, Naegli, and Petsalis Collections

106. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip II. 359-336 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 14.50 g, 2h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 349/8-343/2 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, nude youth, holding palm frond in right hand and rein in left, on horseback right; rose below raised foreleg. Le Rider 214a (D101/R182 – this coin); SNG ANS 494–5 (same obv. die). Lovely old collection tone, tiny flan flaw on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLV.1 (Winter 2020), no. 529342; Dr. Walter Stoecklin (†1975) Collection (Nomos 14, 17 May 2017), lot 91, acquired from the estate of Dr. L. Naegli (Zürich, †1951); Prof. N. Petsalis (†1940) Collection.

Pedigreed to 1960

107. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip II – Alexander III. Circa 340/36-328 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 8.56 g, 10h).

In the name and types of Philip II. Pella mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving biga right; thunderbolt below. Le Rider Group II.1, 113 (D53’’/R86); SNG ANS 130–7; Paeonian Hoard II 2 (same dies); Westmoreland 1 (this coin). Lightly toned, trace deposits, hairlines, edge marks from prior bezel. VF. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics. Ex New York Sale V (16 January 2003), lot 89; D. G. L. Worland Collection; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 205 (November 1960), no. 338.

108. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip II – Alexander III. Circa 340/36-328 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.58 g, 11h).

In the name and types of Philip II. Pella mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving biga right; kantharos below. Le Rider Group II.1, 133–226 var. (unlisted dies); SNG ANS 130–7. Underlying luster, minor marks. Good VF. ($2000)

From the Stephen Jordan Collection.

Ex Jameson & Consul Weber Collections – Pedigreed to 1908

109. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip II – Alexander III. Circa 340/36-328 BC. AV Quarter Stater (11mm, 2.13 g, 1h). In the name and types of Philip II. Pella mint. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / f5¬5ππoU, bow and club; kantharos above. Le Rider Group II, 65a (D46/R34) = Jameson 979 = Consul Weber 1191 = Westmoreland 2 (this coin, illustrated in all); SNG ANS 221–3. Trace deposit, a few light marks. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased July 2005. Ex New York Sale IV (17 January 2002), lot 129; Hess-Leu [19] (12 April 1962), lot 175; Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); Consul Eduard Friedrich Weber Collection (J. Hirsch XXI, 16 November 1908), lot 1191.

110. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AV Distater (21mm, 17.23 g, 10h). Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 325-323/2 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent, single-pendant earring, and linear necklaces / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; kantharos in left field. Price 167; Troxell, Studies, Group A, 534; Hamburger 96, lot 77 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 6 (this coin). Underlying luster, trace deposits, a couple of minor marks. EF. ($25,000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 112 (17 October 2001), lot 4079; Lanz 52 (14 May 1990), lot 137.

Alexander III the Great’s distater was the largest gold coin yet seen in the Greek world, and was tariffed at 40 silver drachms. Although distaters had apparently been struck earlier in Alexander’s reign, the largest output commenced after circa 325 BC, as he was wrapping up his Indian campaign and en route back to Babylon. Around the same time, Alexander formally retired 10,000 of his veterans and sent them home to Macedon with all their accumulated pay over a decade’s service, plus a bonus of a talent, or 6,000 drachms, for each man. The bonus alone represented 15 years of wartime pay, an unimaginable sum to these career warriors. It is tempting to think the gold distaters may have been struck as part of this settlement, as the equivalent of a talent in silver could be paid out rather conveniently in 150 distaters. However, most of the distater mintage took place in Macedon proper, at the mints of Amphipolis and Aigai, rather than at the eastern mints like Babylon or Tarsos along the line of march. Perhaps the impressive new denomination was intended only for senior officers; alternatively, rather than being forced to carry their newfound wealth with them, the soldiers might have been issued a special form of scrip that entitled them to receive full payment once they reached home.

Lovely Alexander Distater

111. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AV Distater (20.5mm, 17.16 g, 8h). Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 325-323/2 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent, single-pendant earring, and two necklaces / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; vertical thunderbolt in left field, “ below left wing. Price 191; Troxell, Studies, Group B, 539; Noe, Sicyon, 7.1–17 var. (unlisted dies); Westmoreland 7 (this coin). Trace deposits, minor marks, hairline and small bump on obverse, minor edge marks. Near VF. ($10,000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 76 (27 July 2004), lot 3075.

Ex Bement Collection – Pedigreed to 1923

112. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.18 g, 12h). Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 325-323/2 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; boukranion in left field. Price 93; Troxell, Studies, Issue E8; Bement 718 (this coin). Attractively toned, edge marks from prior mount, graffito in field on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Clarence S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 718.

Troxell Frontispiece – Pedigreed to 1965

113. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.18 g, 7h). Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 325-323/2 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, Athena Promachos standing right. Price 105; Troxell, Studies, Issue F4 (the obverse of this coin illustrated on frontispiece); ANS inv. 1944.100.28198 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 14 (this coin). Old collection tone. Near EF. ($750)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex D. G. L. Worland Collection; Coin Galleries (11 June 1965), lot 11.

114. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 4.20 g, 12h). Miletos mint. Struck under Philoxenos, circa 325 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@-droU, eagle standing right, head left, on thunderbolt; M to left. Price 153 (Macedon); ADM I Series I, 28–31; Westmoreland 8 (this coin). Toned, with slight iridescence, underlying luster, light porosity, a couple of minor die breaks. Good VF. Rare. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Spink. Ex Michael F. Price Collection (Stack’s, 3 December 1996), lot 48.

115. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.18 g, 10h).

Myriandros or Issos mint. Struck under Menes or Philotas, circa 325-324/3 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, ü above pellet above club-in-wreath; m below throne. Price 3231A; Newell, Myriandros 28, obv. die XVI; ANS inv. 1944.100.34262 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of find patina, a few minor marks, slight weakness to strike on obverse, small bump on edge. Near EF ($750)

116. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.07 g, 10h). Myriandros or Issos mint. Struck under Menes or Philotas, circa 325-324/3 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; æ in left field, m below throne. Price 3228; Newell, Myriandros 31, obv. die XX. Faintly toned, traces of find patina, minor marks, graffito in field on reverse. EF. ($1000)

117. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.17 g, 10h). Myriandros or Issos mint. Struck under Menes or Philotas, circa 325-324/3 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; ã in left field; below throne, o above m. Price 3234; Newell, Myriandros 33 (dies XXIII/103); ANS inv. 1944.100.34296 (same dies). Toned, underlying luster, minor die wear on obverse, graffito in field on reverse. EF. ($1000)

118. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.19 g, 8h). Myriandros or Issos mint. Struck under Menes or Philotas, circa 325-324/3 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; ã in left field; below throne, o above m. Price 3234; Newell, Myriandros 33 (dies XXIII/– [unlisted rev. die]); ANS inv. 1944.100.34296 (same obv. die). Iridescent tone, underlying luster, minor die wear on obverse, slightly off center on reverse. EF. ($1000)

119. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.23 g, 12h). Sidon mint. Struck under Laomedon. Dated RY 10 of Abdalonymos (324/3 BC). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@ droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; ˚ (date) in left field, s5 below throne. Price 3495; Newell, Dated 34, dies XIV/– (unlisted rev. die); DCA2 862; SNG Copenhagen 806 (same obv. die). Underlying luster, remnants of find patina, minor marks, some doubling on reverse. EF. ($1000)

120. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.16 g, 9h). Tyre mint. Struck under Menes. Dated RY 22 of Azemilkos (328/7 BC). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, )o (Phoenician ‘K [for ‘Ozmilk]) above ‹‹( (Phoenician date [22]). Price 3254 (Ake); Newell, Dated 16 (dies XIV/β); DCA2 937; Rouvier 909 (same obv. die); ANS inv. 1944.100.35372 (same dies). Slight die shift on obverse, a little off center on reverse. EF. ($1000)

121. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 16.44 g, 4h). Babylon mint. Struck under Stamenes or Archon, circa 324/3 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, Nike flying right, holding wreath in both hands, above Â; P below throne. Price 3678; Waggoner Issue II, Series 6, unlisted dies. Lightly toned, a couple of marks on reverse. EF. ($1000)

From the collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVII.1 (Winter 2022), no. 589722; Roma XVI (26 September 2018), lot 225.

122. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 17.24 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Pella mint. Struck under Antipater or Polyperchon, circa 323-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; bee in left field. Price 204; Moore Group A, 1 (dies 1/A); SNG Copenhagen Supp. 120 (same dies); SNG Saroglos 258 (same dies); Pozzi 910 (same dies); Westmoreland 15 (this coin). Old collection tone, slightly compact flan. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Colin Pitchfork. Ex Gorny & Mosch 118 (15 October 2002), lot 1253.

123. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.20 g, 3h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Pella mint. Struck under Antipater or Polyperchon, circa 323-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, rose surmounted by bee right. Price 206; Moore 27–8 var. (dies 10/– [unlisted rev. die]); SNG Berry 204; SNG Copenhagen 709; ANS inv. 1944.100.29322 (same obv. die). Attractive light iridescent tone over lustrous surfaces, a few light marks on reverse. EF ($2000)

Ex Collection of an Aesthete; Gemini XI (12 January 2014), lot 35.

124. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.17 g, 10h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Pella mint. Struck under Antipater or Polyperchon, circa 323-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, rose surmounted by bee right. Price 206; Moore 40–3 var. (dies 15/– [unlisted rev. die]); Pozzi 904 (same obv. die). Attractive light toning. Superb EF. A wonderful coin in hand. ($2000)

Attractive in Hand

Desirable Left Facing Herakles Tetradrachm –

Pedigreed to 1970

125. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.05 g, 5h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Pella mint. Struck under Antipater or Polyperchon, circa 323-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Q below throne. Price 213; Moore Group A, 12 (dies 5/C); ANS inv. 1944.100.29337 (same dies); Westmoreland 16 (this coin). Deep iridescent tone, slightly off center. VF. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex D. G. L. Worland Collection; Kunst und Münzen FPL 74 (June 1999), no. 602; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 10 June 1970), lot 177.

126. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.54 g, 12h). In the types of Alexander III. Lampsakos mint. Struck under Leonnatos, Arrhidaios, or Antigonos I Monophthalmos. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with serpent, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; in left field, buckle left. Price 1368; ADM II Series IX, 200 (same dies); Mărăşeşti 25 (same dies); Westmoreland 13 (this coin). Minor marks, die break in field on reverse. VF. Extremely rare issue, only three examples recorded in ADM (including the sole example in Pella), one in CoinArchives (Elsen 152, lot 412 = Elsen 97, lot 69 [same dies]). ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 73 (8 July 2003), lot 3133.

Powerful Hellenistic Portrait of Alexander III

127. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.60 g, 12h). In the types of Philip II. Kolophon mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319 BC. Head of Apollo right, with the features of Alexander III, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; tripod below. Thompson, Philip 12 = Jameson 978 = Kunstfreund 232 = Gillet 785 (same obv. die); Le Rider pl. 90, 16 and pl. 93, 26; SNG ANS 309; SNG Alpha Bank 260 = Alpha Bank, Hellenic 72 = Alpha Bank, Macedonia 26 = Alpha Bank, Alexander 57 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 565; Westmoreland 5 (this coin). Lustrous. Superb EF. Well struck from fresh dies. ($15,000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 961.

This beautiful gold stater belongs to the period following the death of Alexander the Great when his half-brother, Philip III Arrhidaios, was the nominal head of state together with the conqueror’s infant son by Roxane, Alexander IV. The gem-like delicacy of the engraving of these extraordinary dies singles this issue out as belonging to one of the mints of the Ionian coastal region of western Asia Minor, an area which, of course, was not controlled by the Macedonian monarchy in the time of Philip II. Kolophon is the city to which it is tentatively attributed, the tripod symbol linking it to an issue in the name of Philip III (cf. Price P41).

Obverse Die Transfer

128. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.46 g, 7h). In the types of Philip II. Kolophon mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319 BC. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving biga right; tripod below. Thompson, Philip 12 var. (obv. portrait style); Le Rider pl. 90, 16 and pl. 93, 26 var. (same); SNG ANS 309 var. (same); CNG 91, lot 139 (same dies); CNG 81, lot 289 (same dies); Westmoreland 4 (this coin). Faintly toned over lustrous surfaces, minor mark on obverse. EF. Very rare with ‘normal’ style Apollo portrait. ($3000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics, August 2003.

This issue typically has an Apollo with the ‘features of Alexander III’ (see the previous lot), but the present coin has a portrait that is an idealized representation of the deity that is normally found on the staters of Philip II type. The obverse die used to strike this coin was notably also used on staters of Abydos (cf. ADM II 126b = SNG ANS 304).

Pozzi Collection – ADM Plate Coin

129. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.23 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Miletos mint. Struck under Asandros, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; $ in left field and below throne. Price 2109 corr. (monogram in left field); ADM I Series VI, 162d = Westmoreland 21 = Pozzi 926 (this coin). Deep iridescent tone, graffiti on obverse, a couple of marks on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from D. G. L. Worland. Ex Prof. S. Pozzi Collection (Naville I, 14 March 1921), lot 926.

130. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.20 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Miletos mint. Struck under Asandros, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; $ in left field and å below throne. Price 2109 corr. (monogram in left field); ADM I Series VI, 162d (same dies). Lustrous, traces of find patina, hairlines, tiny die break on obverse. EF. ($1000)

Ex

131. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.57 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Sardes mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319/8 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent and single-pendant earring / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; in left field, ∑ above torch. Price 2588; ADM I Series XII, 146a (same dies); Westmoreland 12 (this coin). Underlying luster, a couple of minor marks. Near EF. ($3000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex D. G. L. Worland Collection.

132. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.31 g, 2h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Uncertain mint in Cilicia. Struck under Philotas or Philoxenos. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; wreath in left field, d5 below throne. Price 2949 (Side[?] mint); ANS inv. 1944.100.33326 (same obv. die). Iridescent tone, underlying luster, some weakness to strike on obverse. Near EF. ($750)

133. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.06 g, 2h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Uncertain mint in Cilicia. Struck under Philoxenos, circa 320-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Å5 in left field, ∫s below throne. Price 2952 (Side(?) mint); ANS inv. 1944.100.33364 (same dies). Light bump on obverse, slight die shift on reverse. Superb EF. Struck from fresh dies with high relief. ($1000)

High Relief and Fine Style – Pedigreed to 1970

134. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.18 g, 10h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Uncertain mint in Cilicia. Struck under Philoxenos, circa 320-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; f5 in left field, ¬s below throne. Price 2960 (Side(?) mint); ANS inv. 1944.100.33380 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 9 (this coin). Deep iridescent tone, a few minor marks, a little porosity on reverse. Near EF. High relief. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex D. G. L. Worland Collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 60 (5 October 1992), lot 115; Münzen und Medaillen AG 41 (18 June 1970), lot 82.

This coin is illustrated on the front cover of the softbound version of the catalog of the Westmoreland Collection.

135. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.18 g, 7h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Tarsos mint. Struck under Philotas or Philoxenos. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; O in left field, Q below throne. Price 3036; Newell, Tarsos 41, obv. die XLIII; ANS inv. 1944.100.33663 (same obv. die). Traces of find patina, graffito (Aramaic B) in field on reverse. EF. ($750) Unpublished

136. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.13 g, 5h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Susa mint. Struck under Koinos, circa 322-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; below throne, ¬Å above strut, ¨ below. Price 3846 var. (position of monogram); Roma E-Sale 111, lot 186 (same dies). Toned, a couple of minor die breaks on obverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, unpublished and only the Roma coin in CoinArchives. ($750)

Superb Kassander Tetradrachm

137. KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander As regent, 317-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.35 g, 10h). In the name and types of Philip II. Pella mint. Struck circa 317/6-315/4 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, nude youth, holding palm frond in right hand and reins in left, on horseback right; coiled serpent below, Boeotian shield below horse’s raised foreleg. Le Rider Group III, 529 (D281/R433); SNG ANS 450 (same obv. die); Kricheldorf XIX, lot 233 (same dies). Attractive iridescent tone over lustrous surfaces. Superb EF. Well centered and struck. ($2000)

From the G.W. Trow Collection. Ex Molard Collection (Nomos 15, 22 October 2017), lot 63.

Kassander was the son of Alexander III’s regent in Macedon, Antipater. By the end of Alexander’s reign, Antipater had fallen under suspicion of treason, and thus the Macedonian king treated Kassander, who was with him in the East, disfavorably. Thankfully for Kassander, Alexander died before dealing with Antipater. At Triparadeisos, Kassander was named chiliarch, while his father remained regent in Macedon. Although Kassander wanted to succeed his father, when Antipater died, the regency was given to Polyperchon instead. In response, Kassander allied himself with the powerful Antigonos Monophthalmos, who supported him in establishing a power base in Piraios and the Peloponnesos. From these bases, Kassander launched invasions against Polyperchon, and eventually succeeded in overthrowing the regent in 317 BC. Kassander quickly established his firm dominion over Macedon, and had Alexander’s mother, Olympias, put to death. He also married Thessalonike, the daughter of Philip II, to ingratiate himself with the families who had long ties to Alexander’s father, and who exerted much power over the local countryside. His consolidation of power also included the murder of Alexander III’s wife, Roxane, and the young Alexander IV in 310 BC. His success in controlling Macedon, though, was seen as a threat by Antigonos, who still had the Macedonian throne as his own goal. In response to Kassander’s rise in Macedon, Antigonos proclaimed that the Greek cities were free from Macedonian control, an act that ingratiated him to them. Antigonos used their gratitude to foment dissent againt Kassander throughout Greece and Peloponnesos. Antigonos also allied himself to Polyperchon, who had sought refuge in the Peloponnesos, and now supported his attempts to overthow Kassander. Although he lost power in Greece, Kassander maintained his control of Macedon thoughout the Diadochi Wars. He died of dropsy in 298 BC.

138. KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As regent, 317-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 14.24 g, 1h). In the name and types of Philip II. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 316-311 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5π-πoU, nude youth, holding palm in right hand and reins in left, on horseback right; aphlaston below, À below raised foreleg. Le Rider pl. 46, 18; Troxell, Studies, Group 9, 323–5; SNG ANS 738–46. In NGC encapsulation 6062400-011, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

Ex Triton XXVII – Session 5 (17 January 2024), lot 5105; Heritage 61238 (5 December 2021), lot 99012 (hammer $1700).

139. KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As regent, 317-305 BC, or king, 305-298 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.59 g, 5h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 307-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent, and pearl necklace / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; in left field, trident head horizontally left. Price 175; Troxell, Ants, Issue 3; Westmoreland 11 (this coin). Underlying luster, minor marks. Good VF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($2500)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics.

Extremely Rare

140. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Kassander – Antigonos II Gonatas. Circa 310-275 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.98 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Uncertain mint in Greece or Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; bee in left field. Price 859; ANS inv. 1944.100.29596 (same dies); Meydancikkale 507; Westmoreland 20 (this coin). Iridescent toned, minor double strike and tiny die break on obverse, scratch at edge on reverse. VF. Extremely rare, only two in Pella, none in CoinArchives (the two attributed as such are erroneous), and Price references the Meydancikkale coin. ($750)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Colin Pitchfork, 5 September 2005. Ex Hirsch 223 (16 September 2002), lot 1541; Monetarium 61 (Spring 1994), no. 34.

141. KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 16.71 g, 12h). Salamis mint. Struck circa 300-295 BC. Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left on prow of galley left, blowing trumpet she holds in her right hand and cradling stylis in her left arm / ∫Å-s5¬E-Ws d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios, nude, standing left, seen from behind, preparing to throw trident held aloft in his right hand, chlamys draped over extended left arm; A to left, ı to right. Newell 22, obv. die XXI; HGC 3, 1012a. Deep iridescent tone, minor roughness and doubling on reverse. VF. ($2000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Hunter Collection (Goldberg 72, 5 February 2013), lot 4053; Numismatic Fine Arts IX (10 December 1980), lot 178.

Demetrios I Poliorketes was the son of one of Alexander’s greatest generals, Antigonos I Monophthalmos. Antigonos was arguably the strongest of Alexander’s followers, the Diadochs, at one time ruling over all of Alexander’s eastern territories from Asia Minor to Baktria, except for Egypt. Antigonos’ success led him to be the first Diadoch to crown himself king, in 306 BC. By that time, Demetrios was an active participant in his father’s wars and was also crowned king along with his father. Fearing Antigonos’ growing power, the other Diadochs allied themselves against him, and finally defeated and killed him at the battle of Ipsos in 301 BC. Following Ipsos, Demetrios continued to battle the other Diadochs, and although he won numerous victories, he was usually unable to maintain his control over his conquests afterward. His epithet, Poliorketes (‘besieger of cities’) was earned following his siege of Rhodes. While that siege ultimately failed, it featured a number of elaborate siege engines which had become a hallmark of Demetrios’ style of warfare. Demetrios was eventually abandoned by his army, and he subsequently surrendered to Seleukos I of Syria in 288 BC. Demetrios died in captivity five years later

142. KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.14 g, 7h). Pella mint. Struck circa 294-293 BC. Nike standing left on prow of galley left, blowing trumpet she holds in her right hand and cradling stylis in her left arm / ∫Å-s5¬EW-s d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios standing left, seen from behind, preparing to throw trident held aloft in his right hand, chlamys draped over extended left arm; g to left; to right, dolphin left above star. Newell 68, obv. die LVII; HGC 3, 1012e; SNG München 1042 var. (no dolphin; same obv. die); Dewing 1196 (same obv. die). Fully lustrous. Superb EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($5000)

Ex Dr. Eike Druckrey Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, 1998.

Ex Hartwig Collection – Referenced by Newell – Pedigreed to 1910

143. KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 17.28 g, 3h). Pella mint. Struck circa 289-288 BC. Diademed and horned head right / ∫Ås5¬EWs d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios, nude, standing left, right foot propped on rock, holding trident in left hand, right arm resting on leg; - to outer left, A to outer right. Newell 90, dies LXXXIII/154 = Westmoreland 34 (this coin, referenced in Newell); HGC 3, 1014a. Old cabinet tone with some iridescence, minor marks, light scuff on obverse. VF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Colin Pitchfork. Ex Auctiones AG 29 (12 June 2003), lot 606; Dr. Paul Hartwig Collection (Santamaria [2], 7 March 1910), lot 732.

144. KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 17.11 g, 3h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 289-288 BC. Diademed and horned head right / ∫Ås5¬EWs d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios, nude, standing left, right foot propped on rock, holding trident in left hand, right arm resting on leg; : to outer left, : to outer right. Newell 124, dies CXXI/252; HGC 3, 1014b; Boston MFA 710 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 33 corr. (this coin, not the Newell-referenced coin). Toned, trace deposits, minor marks. VF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Triton I (2 December 1997), lot 438.

Pedigreed to 1972 – Referenced in TEA

145. KINGS of MACEDON. Antigonos II Gonatas. 277/6-239 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.10 g, 1h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 271/68-260/55 BC. Horned head of Pan left, lagobolon over shoulder, in the center of a Macedonian shield / ∫Ås5¬EWs Å@t5˝o@oU, Athena Alkidemos advancing left, shield decorated with aegis on left arm, preparing to cast thunderbolt held aloft in right hand; crested Macedonian helmet to inner left, ˆ to inner right. TEA Period I, Group 3, 14b (O6/ R14 – this coin); HGC 3, 1042. Light iridescent tone, a little die wear, minor marks. Good VF. Well centered. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Maison Palombo 23 (27 March 2024), lot 7; Peus 280 (30 October 1972), lot 100.

Exceptional

146. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip V. 221-179 BC. AR Didrachm (24.5mm, 8.32 g, 12h). Attic standard. Pella or Amphipolis mint; Zoilos, mintmaster. Struck circa 184-179 BC. Diademed head right / Club; g (mintmaster’s monogram) and ∫Ås5¬EWs above, f5¬5ππoU below, / to lower left, : to lower right; all within oak wreath tying to left; star to outer left. Mamroth, Philip 24; HGC 3, 1059; SNG Alpha Bank 1053 (same obv. die); O’Hagan Collection (Sotheby’s 1908), lot 349 (same obv. die). Old iridescent tone, a few marks. EF. Well struck. An exceptional example, with a sharp portrait. ($3000)

From the G.W. Trow Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 116 (1 October 2019), lot 81; Peter Guber Collection (Manhattan Sale II, 4 January 2011), lot 33; Kirk Davis FPL 49 (March 2006), no. 33; Classical Numismatic Group 69 (8 June 2005), lot 200 (and front cover).

Philip V was the son of the Macedonian king Demetrios II Aitolikos. He was only nine at the time of his father’s death in 239 BC, so the kingdom passed to his cousin, Antigonos III Doson, who ruled until 221 BC. The entirety of his reign was devoted to maintaining the supremacy of Macedon in Greece, which inevitably brought the kingdom into conflict with Rome, whose power in Greece was ascendant. Two major wars ensued, the First and Second Macedonian Wars, the latter culminating in the overwhelming defeat of the Macedonians at the Battle of Cynocephalae in 197 BC. Although Philip retained his kingdom, the influence of Macedon was considerably decreased, and Greece passed into the sphere of Rome.

Referenced in De Luca

147. KINGS of MACEDON. Perseus. 179-168 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 15.21 g, 12h). Reduced Attic standard. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 171-168 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5-¬EW% ∏Er-%EW%, eagle standing right on thunderbolt; Í above, Q to right, Y between legs; all within oak wreath; below, plow left. De Luca, Tetradrachms 211c & d (O46/R193 – this coin); Mamroth, Perseus 19b; HGC 3, 1094; BM inv. 1968,1207.13 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 4246698-017, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($2000)

Ex Heritage 3046 (14 April 2016), lot 31072; Stack’s Bowers Galleries (10 August 2016), lot 20059.

148. KINGS of PAEONIA. Lykkeios. Circa 358/6-335 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 12.79 g, 12h). Astibos or Damastion mint. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / Herakles standing left, right hand raised to strike the Nemean Lion, which he has in a strangle-hold with his left arm; ¬U˚-˚[E5oU] above, bow and quiver to right. Paeonian Hoard 63 (same obv. die); Peykov E1000; NBRM Paeonia 31–3 (same obv. die); AMNG III/2, 8; HGC 3, 142; SNG ANS 1019. Lightly toned, typical slight die wear on obverse. EF. ($1500)

149. EPEIROS, Ambrakia. Circa 360-338 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.47 g, 4h). Pegasos stepping right; Å below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthan helmet with neck guard; to right, facing head of Acheloos. Ravel, Colts 137 (A57/P88); Pegasi 88; HGC 3, 212; BMC 19 (same dies); McClean 5098 (same dies); Traité IV 286, pl. CCLXXXI, 8 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 3758181-007, graded XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750)

Ex Lanz 117 (24 November 2003), lot 248.

A Fantastic Selection of the Coinage of Larissa

Lot 151

Lot 150

Lot 156

Lot 157

Lot 160

Lot 166

Unpublished Early Larissa Drachm

150. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 479-460 BC. AR Drachm (14.5mm, 5.50 g, 7h). Horse grazing left; star and crescent above / ¬A∞-5s-A5-o˜ clockwise around from upper left within incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, but cf. HGC 4, 395, 402, and 406 for fractions of this issue. Lightly toned, granular surfaces, minor test cut on edge. EF. Extremely rare. ($15,000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXIII (14 January 2020), lot 233.

The name Larissa likely derives from a pre-Greek word for “citadel” or “fortress.” One of the largest cities in Thessaly, Larissa produced a large and varied coinage beginning in the early-fifth century BC. Starting about 404 BC, inspired by Kimon’s Syracusan facing-head portrait of the spring nymph Arethousa, Larissa introduced a new design also featuring a facing female head, probably intended to represent a local spring nymph bearing the city’s name. The nymph heads feature on nearly all Larissan coinage, including bronzes, tiny fractions, silver drachms (by far the most numerous coins struck and surviving), and staters of two drachms. The larger staters, in particular, are closely modeled on Kimon’s Arethousa, lacking only the dolphins surrounding the portrait on the original.

Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani, BCD, Gillet, and Jameson Collections

151. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 479-460 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 5.11 g, 4h). Horse grazing left; above, cicada left / Sandal of Jason left; labrys above, ¬Å∞5-ßA5o-˜ counterclockwise around from lower left within incuse square. BCD Thessaly I 1095 = Gillet 871 = Jameson 2467 (this coin); HGC 4, 393; BMC 1; Traité I, 1411. Toned, remnants of find patina, granular surfaces. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($15,000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Collection (Part IV, Numismatica Ars Classica 126, 17 November 2021), lot 111; BCD Collection (Nomos 4, 10 May 2011), lot 1095; Charles Gillet (‘Kunstfreund’) Collection (Leu & Münzen und Medaillen AG, 28 May 1974), lot 143; Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913).

The Sandal of Jason series is the earliest coinage at Larissa, consisting of all denominations from drachms to tetartemoria. The series is characterized by the depiction of a sandal in incuse on the reverse of the drachms, hemidrachms, and obols, while the hemiobols and tetartemoria only have the city ethnic.

Pedigreed to 1933

152. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 450/40-420 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 6.23 g, 10h). Thessalos, nude but for petasos and cloak tied at neck, holding band with both hands across horns of bull leaping left / Bridled horse leaping right; ¬År5-sÅ5Å above and below; all within incuse square. Lorber, Thessalian 50 (same obv. die as illustration); BCD Thessaly II 174 (same dies); HGC 4, 420; Traité IV 666, pl. CCXCVII, 1 (same hand, but different dies). Attractively toned, with a deep iridescence around the devices, remnants of find patina, faint cleaning marks. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Nomos 27 (22 May 2023), lot 1078; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 1110.

153. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 400-370 BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 6.10 g, 6h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing amypx / Horse grazing left; ¬År5sÅ5 above. L-S Group 1, Head Type 1, dies O6/R2, a = Lorber, Early 29.2(a) (this coin, illustrated in Lorber); BCD Thessaly II 218 (same obv. die); HGC 4, 432; BM inv. 1907,0104.3 (same dies). Iridescent tone, light granularity, minor die wear and small scratch on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Davissons 42 (1 March 2023), lot 69; Classical Numismatic Group 75 (23 May 2007), lot 152; LHS 95 (25 October 2005), lot 594; Sotheby’s Zurich (27 October 1993), lot 483; Numismatic Fine Arts FPL 41 (June 1992), no. 21; 1989 ‘Unknown Findspot’ Hoard (CH IX, 65).

154. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 400-370 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 6.07 g, 7h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly right, wearing ampyx and necklace / Horse grazing right; r5 above. L-S Group 4, Head Type 19, dies O62/R1, a = Lorber, Early, 45.1(a) = BCD Thessaly II 233 (this coin); HGC 4, 430. Lightly toned, with turquoise and orange hues around the devices, minor flat strike on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Grand Haven Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 501; BCD Collection (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 233; Numismatic Fine Arts BBS (9 September 1993), lot 162; 1989 ‘Unknown Findspot’ Hoard (CH IX, 65).

155. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 400-370 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 5.96 g, 9h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly right, wearing ampyx / Horse grazing right; ¬År5 above. L-S Group 4, Head Type 19, dies O78/R1, a = Lorber, Early 52.1a (this coin, illustrated in Lorber); BCD Thessaly II –; HGC 4, 430; McClean 4615 (same obv. die). Lovely iridescent tone, minor scrape on obverse, a couple of light scratches and slight die shift on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Wayne Scheible Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 127, 17 September 2024), lot 116; Gemini IV (8 January 2008), lot 108; Numismatic Fine Arts XXXIII (3 May 1994), lot 933; 1989 ‘Unknown Findspot’ Hoard (CH IX, 65).

Inspired by Euainetos – Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani and BCD Collections

156. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 380-370 BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 6.05 g, 11h). Reverse die signed by the artist Epi–Head of the nymph Larissa left, in the style of Euainetos, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; ¬År5sÅ to left / Bridled horse prancing right; ¬År-5-sÅ5-W@ around, Eπ5 below. Lorber, Thessalian 100 var. (no legend on obv., nor below on rev.); BCD Thessaly I 1133 (this coin); HGC 4, 448. Light gray tone with some blue iridescence around the devices, minor edge split, a few light marks, slight doubling on reverse. Near EF. Excellent style with much eye appeal. Extremely rare with additional legends. ($20,000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Collection (Part III, Numismatica Ars Classica 124, 23 June 2021), lot 117; BCD Collection (Nomos 4, 10 May 2011), lot 1133; Giessener Münzhandlung 44 (3 April 1989), lot 275.

While the ‘Euainetos’ head type is relatively rare among the coins of Larissa, this particular issue, with the legend identifying the portrait as that of the eponymous nymph and the signature on the reverse, is particularly rare. The additional legends also suggest that this coin is likely struck from the first dies of this coinage.

Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani and BCD Collections

157. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 380-365 BC. AR Drachm (19.5mm, 5.97 g, 10h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and linear necklace / Armored Thessalian warrior, holding spear in right hand, on horse leaping right; ¬Å-r-5sÅ5W@ clockwise around from upper left. Lorber, Study, Series II, dies O5/ R7, j = BCD Thessaly I 1152 (this coin, illustrated in both); BCD Thessaly II 338 (same dies); HGC 4, 446; BM inv. 1933, 0214.447 (same dies). Lovely old collection tone with slight iridescence. Near EF. ($4000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Collection (Part IV, Numismatica Ars Classica 126, 17 November 2021), lot 121; BCD Collection (Nomos 4, 10 May 2011), lot 1152.

158. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 380-365 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 6.18 g, 8h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and linear necklace / Mare standing right; below, in background to right, foal standing right; ¬År5-sÅ5W@ above and below. Lorber, Study, Series IV, Type A, dies O8/R13; BCD Thessaly II 295; HGC 4, 444; Bement 925 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, double struck on reverse, a few edge marks. Near EF. Dies of fine style. ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Matthew Curtis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 112, 11 September 2019), lot 155; BCD Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 311, 25 September 2013), lot 130.

159. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 380-365 BC. AR Drachm (19.5mm, 6.15 g, 9h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx, triple-pendant earring, and linear necklace / Mare standing right; below, in background to right, foal standing right; sÅ5W@-¬År5 above and below. Lorber, Study, Series IV, Type B, dies O16/R27; BCD Thessaly II 295; HGC 4, 444; SNG Lockett 1573 (same dies); CNG 90, lot 81 (same dies). Toned, minor die wear, a few light scratches and minor deposits on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Jim Gilman Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 120, 11 May 2022), lot 196, purchased from Dr. Paul Rynearson, 29 May 2007.

Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani and BCD Collections

160. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 380-365 BC. AR Drachm (18.5mm, 6.20 g, 4h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly right, wearing ampyx, triple-pendant earring, and linear necklace / Horse standing left, preparing to lie down; ¬År[5]-sÅ5W[@] above and below. Lorber, Study, Series VI, Type B, dies O29/R64; BCD Thessaly I 1428.5 (this coin); BCD Thessaly II 384.2 (same obv. die); HGC 4, 450; ANS inv. 1944.100.16991 (same dies). Deep old iridescent tone. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Collection (Part VI, Numismatica Ars Classica 140, 7 November 2023), lot 121; BCD Collection (Nomos 4, 10 May 2011), lot 1428.5.

161. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 370-360 BC. AR Drachm (19.5mm, 6.03 g, 1h). Head of Aleuas facing slightly left, wearing conical helmet; labrys and ŬEUÅ to right / Eagle standing left, head right, on thunderbolt; E¬¬Å to left, ¬År5sÅ5Å to right. Lorber, Thessalian 94; BCD Thessaly 185 (same dies); HGC 4, 438; BMC 12 (same dies); Gulbenkian 473 (same dies); Jameson 2469 (same dies). Slightly off center on obverse, scratch on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Jim Gilman Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 120, 11 May 2022), lot 197; Cederlind 169 (20 May 2013), lot 78; Gorny & Mosch 208 (16 October 2012), lot 1356.

162. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 365-356 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 6.08 g, 5h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx, single-pendant earring, and linear necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; sÅ5W@¬År5 above and below. Lorber, Beginning, Series 9, dies O29/R– (unlisted rev. die); Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-I; BCD Thessaly –; cf. HGC 4, 453; ANS inv. 1944.100.17070 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 8240460-017, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750)

163. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 365-356 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 6.19 g, 5h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx, single-pendant earring, and linear necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; [¬]År5s-[Å]5W@ above and below. Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-II; BCD Thessaly II 315; HGC 4, 454 corr. (illustrations for 453 and 454 switched). In NGC encapsulation 4530034-021, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750)

Pedigreed to 1912

164. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 356-342 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 6.07 g, 5h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx, single-pendant earring, and linear necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; ¬År5sÅ5W@ above and below. Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-III; BCD Thessaly II 319; HGC 4, 454 corr. (illustration for 453 and 454 switched). Deep old iridescent tone. Good VF. ($1000)

Ex Egger XXXIX (15 January 1912), lot 272.

165. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 356-342 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 6.11 g, 6h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx, single-pendant earring, and linear necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; ¬År5s[Å]5W@ above and below. Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-III; BCD Thessaly II 319; HGC 4, 454 corr. (illustration for 453 and 454 switched). Light iridescent tone, minor die wear. Near EF. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex CNG inventory 511960 (June 2019); Shanna Schmidt inventory GK1283; William Stancomb Collection (Roma E-Sale 53, 7 February 2019), lot 142, purchased from William Veres, May 1989. Reportedly ex 1989 ‘Unknown Findspot’ Hoard (CH IX, 65).

Ex BCD Collection

166. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 356-342 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 12.23 g, 6h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx and necklace / Bridled horse prancing right; ¬År5-s-Å5W@ around. L-S Type 2, Series A, dies O4’/R3; BCD Thessaly II 306; HGC 4, 409; SNG Berry 541 (same dies); Pozzi 1220 (same dies). Toned, minor die wear and small edge scrape on obverse, minor die shift on reverse. Good VF. ($3000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 146 (8 May 2024), lot 2175; Gorny & Mosch 280 (11 October 2021), lot 212; BCD Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 90, 23 May 2012), lot 101.

167. THESSALY, Pharsalos. Late 5th-mid 4th century BC. AR Drachm (17.5mm, 6.02 g, 12h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with sphinx leaping right from floral ornament, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; E behind neck guard / Warrior, wearing petasos and holding mace overhead in right hand, on horseback right; f-År-s clockwise around from upper left; all within incuse square. Lavva 163 var. (V76/R– [unlisted rev. die]); BCD Thessaly II 651 (same obv. die); HGC 4, 627 (same obv. die as illustration); Jameson 2473 (same obv. die). Deep iridescent tone, irregular flan, edge mark. VF. ($1000)

168. BOEOTIA, Federal Coinage. Circa 395-387 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 12.32 g). Boeotian shield / Amphora; ∫o-5W across field; above, club right above grape bunch; all within concave circle. BCD Boiotia 20; HGC 4, 1163; Myron Hoard pl. ΣΤ, 1. Underlying luster, irregular flan, slight die wear. Near EF. ($1000)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex VAuctions 264 (26 May 2011), lot 7.

Ex BCD Collections – Pedigreed to 1884

169. BOEOTIA, Tanagra. 457-448 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 12.32 g). Boeotian shield / Forepart of horse right; t-Å across upper field; all within incuse square. BCD Boiotia 258 = Weber 3229 (this coin); HGC 4, 1278; Traité III 335, pl. CCIII, 34 (same dies); Winterthur 1895 (same dies). Beautiful old cabinet tone, a little die wear, a few marks on obverse, edge mark. Good VF. ($4000)

Ex BCD Collection (Triton IX, 10 January 2006), lot 258 (hammer $6000); Hess-Leu 45 (12 May 1970), lot 178; Sir Hermann Weber Collection (publ. 1929), puchased from H. Hoffmann, 1884.

170. BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 379-368 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 11.91 g). Daim–, magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora; dÅ-5Â across field; all within incuse concave circle. Hepworth 18; BCD Boiotia 523; HGC 4, 1331. Toned, underlying luster. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($1000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVII.1 (Winter 2022), no. 589721.

Ex Abbott Collection – Pedigreed to 1951

171. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 500/490-485/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (21mm, 16.51 g, 5h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet and round earring / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Seltman Group M, 253–6 var. (A234/P– [unlisted rev. die]); Asyut Group IV; Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 4, 29 and 31 (same obv. die); HGC 4, 1590. Deep iridescent tone, minor scratches under tone on obverse, die wear on reverse. VF. ($3000)

Ex George Henry Abbott Collection (Glendining, 10 October 1951), lot 233.

Referenced and Illustrated in Seltman – Ex Lockett Collection – Pedigreed to 1923

172. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 485/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (21mm, 16.17 g, 7h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet and round earring / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left, ÅQE to right; all within incuse square. Seltman Group C, 44a (A32/P32) = SNG Lockett 3536 (this coin); Asyut Group Va; Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 2, 35; HGC 4, 1590. Old collection tone, minor roughness, a few light cleaning scratches on obverse. VF. ($3000)

Ex Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part III, Glendining’s, 27 May 1959), lot 1640; Naville V (18 June 1923), lot 1965.

173. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 485/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 17.31 g, 10h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet and earring / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left, [A]QE to right; all within incuse square. Seltman Group E, unlisted dies; Asyut Group VI; Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 2, 10; HGC 4, 1591. Faintly toned, minor porosity. Good VF. Well centered obverse, showing full crest. ($4000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Warden Numismatics inventory 6176K6552C75; Bucephalus 7 (30 September 2022), lot 136.

Ex Boston Museum of Fine Art, Perkins, and Montagu Collections

174. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 475-465 BC. AR Didrachm (17.5mm, 8.29 g, 11h). 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 to left, AQE to right; all but one leaf of olive sprig within incuse square, the totality within incuse circle. Starr Group II.A, 27 (O25/R26) = Seltman 460 = Boston MFA 1061 = Perkins 302 (this coin); Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 8, 27; HGC 4, 1617. Old cabinet tone, light porosity, minor edge marks and scuffs, slightly weak strike on obverse. Near EF. Very rare. ($50,000)

Ex Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts VIII, 6 June 1980), lot 158; Catharine Page Perkins Collection, 302 (assembled by E. P. Warren); Sir Hyman Montagu Collection (Greek Part II, Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge, 15 March 1897), lot 387.

175. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 475-465 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.21 g, 7h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wave in hair at forehead, wearing earring, necklace with pendants, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing, with spread tail feathers; olive sprig and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Starr Group IV, unlisted dies; Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 9, 8–12; HGC 4, 1595. Attractive deep gray tone with golden hues, underlying luster, trace deposits. Near EF. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Collection of an Aesthete (Numismatica Ars Classica 134, 21 November 2022), lot 225; Lanz 62 (26 November 1992), lot 260.

176. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 465/2-454 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.04 g, 10h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wave in hair at forehead, wearing earring, necklace with pendants, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing, with spread tail feathers; olive sprig and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Starr Group V.A, Series 2, 166 (O142/R156); Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 10, 12 (same dies); HGC 4, 1595; SNG Berry 469 (same dies). Beautiful even gray tone, traces of find patina, a few faint cleaning marks on reverse. EF. Attractive style. ($1000) Ex Triton X (9 January 2007), lot 231.

177. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.17 g, 1h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, 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 spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; Dewing 1611–22; Gulbenkian 519–21. Attractively toned, underlying luster, a hint of a die shift on reverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan, displaying full crest. Lovely style. ($1000)

178. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.18 g, 1h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, 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 spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; Dewing 1611–22; Gulbenkian 519–21. Toned, underlying luster, minor doubling on reverse. EF. Fine style. Full crest. ($1000)

179. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.15 g, 11h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, 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 spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; Dewing 1611–22; Gulbenkian 519–21. Deep iridescent tone, minor edge split. EF. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Roma E-Sale 102 (3 November 2022), lot 61.

180. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 17.19 g, 7h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, 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 spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; Dewing 1611–22; Gulbenkian 519–21. In NGC encapsulation 4629459-044, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, full crest. ($1000) Ex Heritage 232013 (25 March 2020), lot 64036.

181. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.17 g, 10h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, 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 spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; Dewing 1611–22; Gulbenkian 519–21. In NGC encapsulation 4629447-030, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($1000)

182. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.20 g, 4h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, 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 spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; Dewing 1611–22; Gulbenkian 519–21. In NGC encapsulation 4632419-036, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. ($1000)

183. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 165-42 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.43 g, 12h). New Style coinage. Aeropos and Mnasago–, magistrates. Struck 95/4 BC. Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing single-pendant earring and triple crested Attic helmet decorated with Pegasos and floral pattern / Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; Å-QE above Åro∏o%>Â@Å>%Å>˝o (magistrates’ names) in four lines across field; to right, winged Agon standing left, holding palm frond in left hand; Å on amphora, Å∏ below; all within wreath. Thompson 990a (same dies); Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 67, 1 (same dies); HGC 4, 1602. In NGC encapsulation 8567537-003, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

184. ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 480-457 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 12.31 g, 12h). Sea turtle, head in profile, with ‘T-back’ design on shell / Large square incuse with skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIa; Milbank Period III; HGC 6, 448. Toned, patches of find patina, some cleaning scratches. Good VF. ($5000)

Ex Wild Rose Collection; Roma XIX (26 March 2020), lot 348; Numismatica Ars Classica 114 (6 May 2019), lot 189; Numismatic Fine Arts XII (23 March 1983), lot 55.

The first coins produced on the island of Aegina depicted a sea turtle (emblematic of the marine interests of the Aeginetans) on the obverse, while bearing on the reverse the imprint of the punch used to force metal into the obverse die. The production of turtles decreased as silver from the island of Siphnos was no longer available and Mediterranean trade was now dominated by Athens, the new mistress of the Aegean. In 457 BC, Athens conquered Aegina and stripped her of her maritime powers. Following the loss of her naval autonomy, Aegina produced staters with a land tortoise on the obverse in lieu of her former emblematic sea turtle. Subsequently in 431 BC, the Aeginetans were expelled from their homeland by the Athenians, only returning after the conclusion of the Peloponnesian War.

185. ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 456/45-431 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 12.34 g, 11h). Land tortoise with segmented shell / Large square incuse with heavy skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIb; Milbank Period IV, pl. II, 12; HGC 6, 437; SNG Copenhagen 517; SNG Delepierre 1535–40; Boston MFA 116; Dewing 1683; Gillet 948; Jameson 1200; Pozzi 1635. Toned, edge splits, bankers’ marks on obverse, remnants of find patina on reverse. Good VF. ($1500)

186. ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 350-338 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 12.19 g, 7h). Tortoise with segmented shell; Å-5 flanking / “Thin skew” incuse pattern; @-5 in upper incuses, dolphin in lower left. Milbank p. 51, a; cf. HGC 6, 445 (drachm); SNG Copenhagen 526; SNG Lockett 1998; BMC 190; Hunt II 433; Pozzi 1639. Attractively toned, with light golden hues around the devices, a little die wear. Near EF. ($4000)

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 140 (7 November 2023), lot 119. Illustrated in HGC – Pedigreed to 1937

187. MEGARIS, Megara. Circa 307-290/80 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 3.92 g, 6h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; ÂE˝Å-rEW@ at sides. BCD Peloponnesos 13 (this coin); HGC 4, 1788 (this coin illustrated); SNG Copenhagen 466; Boston MFA 1105 (same dies). Toned, some roughness, cleaning scratches under tone, minor delaminations. VF. Rare. ($1000)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex C.P.A. Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 247, 12 January 2011), lot 91; BCD Collection (LHS 96, 8-9 May 2006), lot 13; Hess-Leu 45 (12 May 1970), lot 191; Münzhandlung Basel 8 (22 March 1937), lot 298.

Bridging Attica on the east and Corinthia on the west, Megaris was comprised of only a few towns, with Megara being its capital and only major city. Megaris’s location in the northern part of the Isthmus of Corinth put the region in the middle of any conflict between the bitter rivals Athens and Corinth. Shortly before the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War, the Athenians sought revenge on the Megarians for their support of Corinth. As a result, Athens instituted the Megarian Decree, an embargo designed to economically strangle the Megarians; this decree was used as a pretext by some in Sparta for the Peloponnesian War. Siding with Sparta in the war, Megara lost its main port to the Athenian general Nikias, and, for a short time, a pro-Athenian goverment seized power in the city. While Megara remained prosperous following the war and founded colonies in Sicily and the Hellespont, little else is recorded. Megara periodically struck coinage from the 4th through 1st centuries BC.

188. CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 350/45-285 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.56 g, 2h). Pegasos flying left; J below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; Å-r flanking; to right, Triton right, hurling spear held aloft in his right hand. Ravel Period V, 1019a (same dies as illustration); Pegasi 437; BCD Corinth 106 (same obv. die); HGC 4, 1848. Toned, slightly off center on obverse, a few hairlines on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Mark & Lottie Salton Collection (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 13 January 2023), lot 26218.

189. ELIS, Olympia. 103rd Olympiad. 368 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 11.58 g, 7h). Hera mint. Head of Hera right, wearing ornamented stephane and single-pendant earring; V-Å flanking neck / Eagle standing left, head right, wings spread, within olive wreath. Seltman, Temple 301 (dies EU/θξ); BCD Olympia –; HGC 4, 363 var. (eagle right); BMC 90 (same dies); Jameson 1293 (same dies). Toned, granular surfaces, scrapes and a little off center on obverse, area of weak strike and some die wear on reverse. VF. ($1000)

Ex Ritter inventory 94903; Sotheby’s (10 October 1974), lot 36.

Widely-Published Hemidrachm – Ex BCD Collection

190. ARKADIA, Arkadian League. Circa 465-460 BC. AR Hemidrachm (15.5mm, 2.95 g, 12h). Tegea mint. Zeus Lykaios seated left, on throne with swan’s head at the top, holding scepter in left hand and extending right arm from which an eagle flies left / Head of Kallisto left, wearing tainia, single-pendant earring, and necklace; ˜o-˚5-ÎÅ˚∞Å clockwise around from lower left; all within incuse square. Williams, Confederate, Period II.1, 79 (O57/R50); BCD Peloponnesos (Tegea) 1710 (this coin); Traeger, Arkadien 37 (this coin illustrated); HGC 5, 1033 (this coin illustrated); SNG Copenhagen Supp. 274 (same dies); Weber 4288 (same obv. die). Beautiful deep cabinet tone with some iridescence, trace deposits, granular surfaces, edge chip. Near EF. ($1000)

Ex Peus 401 (3 November 2010), lot 335; BCD Collection (LHS Numismatics 96, 8 May 2006), lot 1710; Numismatica Ars Classica 6 (11 March 1993), lot 148; Schweizerischer Bankverein 29 (28 January 1992), lot 120.

Unknown Facing Head Undertype

191. CRETE, Knossos. Circa 320-300 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 11.14 Head of female (Demeter or Persephone) left / Labyrinth in the form of a swastika, five pellets at center; four small incuse squares at corners; all within shallow incuse circle. Svoronos, Numismatique 39; Le Rider, Cretoises pl. VI, 22 and pl. XXV, 9 (same dies[?]); BMC 9; Weber 4414. Toned, overstruck on a facing head type from an uncertain mint. Good VF. A spectacular overstrike. ($3000)

Ex Prof. David Macdonald Collection.

According to the Greek myth, Minos was the first king of Crete. Although he gave the island its first constitution, ordered the construction of the palace at Knossos, and was the first to build a navy, he was a cruel tyrant and imperialist. One of his subject cities was Athens. He demanded from its citizens as payment every nine years seven youths and seven virgins. Minos would feed them then to the Minotaur, a halfman, half-bull who was held in the Labyrinth, a large walled maze. To stop this brutal tribute, the Athenian hero, Theseus, had himself sent as part of the required tribute. With the assistance of Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, Theseus was able to navigate the Labyrinth successfully and kill the Minotaur.

CYCLADES, Thera. Circa 525/20-500 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 12.66 g). Two dolphins leaping in opposing directions / Incuse square of “Union Jack” style with some segments filled. Sheedy 1–24 var. (unlisted dies); HGC 6, 855; SNG Copenhagen 459; Boston MFA 1296 = Warren 971. A few light marks, minor die shift on obverse. VF. Rare. ($3000)

192.

193. CIMMERIAN BOSPOROS, Pantikapaion. Circa 340-325 BC. AR Tridrachm (23mm, 11.36 g, 12h). Head of satyr left, wearing wreath of ivy with berries at the tip / Head of ox left; π-Å-@ around. Anokhin 1033; MacDonald 56; HGC 7, 84; SNG BM 879; SNG Pushkin –. In ANACS encapsulation 7508817, graded EF 40. ($3000)

194. KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 16.78 g, 11h). Pergamon mint. Dated month 11, year 212 BE (August 85 BC). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Â5QrÅdÅtoU EU∏Åtoro%, stag grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent above (; to right, ∫5s (year) above ¬; 5Å (month) below; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ p. 16, dies D3/R1; RG 16; HGC 7, 338; DCA 688; SNG BN 808 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 8240724-014, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000)

Wonderful Portrait of Mithradates Eupator

195. KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.72 g, 12h). Pergamon mint. Dated month 9, year 223 BE (June 74 BC). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Â5QrÅdÅtoU EU∏Åtoro%, stag grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent above n; to right, ˝˚s (year) above =; œ (month) in exergue; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ dies O48/R– (unlisted rev. die); HGC 7, 340; DCA 692; SNG Ashmolean 201 (same obv. die); Davis 186 (same obv. die); Pozzi 2100 (same obv. die). Beautiful golden toning, minor marks. Near EF. Well centered and struck, with a wonderful portrait. ($6000)

Mithradates was a fascinating Hellenistic ruler at a time when Roman power was ascendent. His career, driven by megalomaniacal ambitions, led to murderous assaults upon family and followers alike and disastrous foreign adventures against superior forces. His portraiture attempts to mimic the gods with its bold staring gaze and unruly, free-flowing hair, but at its most extreme is a personification of hysteria in its Dionysiac sense.

At the age of 18, Mithradates overthrew his mother’s regency and embarked on a career of conquest, bringing most of the lands around the Black Sea into his domain. His expansionist aims inevitably brought him into conflict with Rome, and in preparation for the coming war he built up the largest army in Asia, unleashing it in 88 BC in what would be the First Mithradatic War. He sought to undermine the Roman power base by ordering the massacre of every Roman citizen in Asia, in which nearly 80,000 people perished.

The Romans were not intimidated, and when Mithradates crossed over to Greece proper as ‘Liberator,’ the Roman legions under Sulla smashed his army. Mithradates retreated to Pontus, from where he continued to skirmish with the Romans, suffering more defeats to the general Lucullus. In 63 BC, having suffered a final defeat by Pompey and facing a revolt by his own son Pharnakes, the elderly king tried to commit suicide by taking poison, but he had inured himself to its affects by years of small counterdoses, and so had to be stabbed to death by one of his mercenaries.

196. KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AV Stater (19.5mm, 8.13 g, 12h). First Mithradatic War issue. In the name and types of Lysimachos of Thrace. Istros mint. Struck circa 88-86 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% 2U%5;ÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left; d5 to inner left, 5% on throne; in exergue, ornate trident left. Callataÿ p. 139, dies D1/R1; AMNG I 482; HGC 3, 1799; SNG Copenhagen (Thrace) 1094 (same dies); McClean 4481 (Thrace; same dies); Westmoreland 74 (this coin). Minor doubling on obverse, light cleaning marks on reverse, edge mark. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 57 (4 April 2001), lot 365.

Unique

197. BITHYNIA, Kalchedon. Circa 270-260 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.50 g, 11h). In the name and types of Lysimachos of Thrace. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% 2U%5;ÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left; O to inner left; in exergue, grain ear left. Marinescu (forthcoming) Group I, Issue 11, C21 = Westmoreland 72 (this coin); Türkoğlu L01; cf. HGC 7, 504. Iridescent tone over lustrous surfaces, a little die rust on obverse, minor scratch in field on reverse. Good VF. Unique stater for this issue. ($2500)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics.

198. MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (19mm, 16.11 g). Head of lion left; to right, tunny upward / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 39; Greenwell 115; Boston MFA 1414 = Warren 1537; SNG BN 178. In NGC encapsulation 6766773-010, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, countermarks. ($1500)

199. MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (21mm, 16.08 g). Winged dog squatting left, head right, on tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 104; Boston MFA 1433 = Warren 1568; SNG BN 245. In NGC encapsulation 6766313-002, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000)

200. MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.65 g). Sphinx standing left, raising forepaw, on tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 72; Greenwell 100; Boston MFA 1451; SNG BN 201–2. A couple of light scuffs on obverse, small scratch on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 20 (16 July 2022), lot 1048.

201. MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9mm, 2.59 g). The infant Herakles strangling the serpents of Hera, while his brother Iphikles cowers in the background to right; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. von Fritze I 208 (stater); cf. Greenwell 63 (stater); cf. Boston MFA 1531 = Warren 1477 (stater); cf. SNG BN 341 (stater). Light earthen deposits, a few tiny scuffs, some die wear obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

Kerberos – Guardian of the Underworld

202. MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Stater (18mm, 15.88 g). Kerberos standing left on tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 103; Greenwell 141; Boston MFA 1538 = Warren 1569; SNG BN –; Jameson 2555. A little off center, a few light scratches on reverse. VF. ($3000)

Ex Numismatik Naumann 62 (4 February 2018), lot 183; Numismatik Naumann 51 (5 March 2017), lot 120.

This coin depicts Kerberos, the guardian of the entrance to the Underworld and the monstrous offspring of Echidna, the mother of all monsters, and Typhon, the deadliest monster of Greek mythology. Kerberos is the focus of the last of the Twelve Labors of Herakles and is also central to the story of Orpheus’s journey to the Underworld to retrieve his love, Eurydike. While a well known part of Greek mythology, depictions of Kerberos in Greek coinage are rare, found only on coins minted in this period by Epeiros, Cumae, and Kyzikos. Given its rarity, the type serves as a beautiful example of an important subject of Greek mythology.

203. MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 390-341/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.89 g, 12h). Head of Kore Soteira left, wearing single-pendant earring, hair in sphendone covered with a veil, two grain ears in hair; %WtE5rÅ above / Head of lion left, mouth open with tongue protruding; to lower right, head of stag left; below, tunny left; ˚U-z5 around. Pixodarus Type 2, Group D, 6 (same dies); SNG BN 396–402 var. (symbol on rev.). Toned, slightly off center, some porosity, minor marks, scratch under tone on obverse. Good VF. Very rare with stag’s head, one of five in CoinArchives. ($2000)

Ex Kleinkunst Collection (Leu Numismatik AG 6, 23 October 2020), lot 166; Sotheby’s (3 May 1984), lot 104.

Ex Pixodarus Hoard

204. MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 390-341/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 15.09 g, 6h). Head of Kore Soteira left, wearing single-pendant earring, hair in sphendone covered with a veil, two grain ears in hair; %WtE5rÅ above / Head of lion left, mouth open with tongue protruding; bee to lower right; below, tunny left; ˚U-z5 around. Pixodarus Type 2, Group D, 13 (this coin); SNG BN 396–402 var. (symbol on rev.); Hunt II 465. Lovely deep iridescent tone. EF. ($3000)

From the Stephen Jordan Collection. Ex Tkalec & Rauch (25 April 1989), lot 114; Ponterio 29 (18 August 1987), lot 167; Numismatic Fine Arts XVI (2 December 1985), lot 190; Pixodarus Hoard (CH IX, 421).

205. MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 390-341/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.80 g, 6h). Head of Kore Soteira left, wearing single-pendant earring, hair in sphendone covered with a veil, two grain ears in hair; %WtE5rÅ above / Head of lion left, mouth open with tongue protruding; to lower right, head of bull right; below, tunny left; ˚U-z5 around. Pixodarus Type 2, Group D, corr. (bull head, not forepart); SNG BN 397 = Traite II 2811, pl. clxxviii, 16 (same dies); Pitchfork 9 (this coin). Iridescent tone, minor die shift, slight roughness, test punch on reverse. VF. Very rare with bull’s head, one of four in CoinArchives. ($1500)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics. Ex Jacob K. Stein Collection (Gemini V, 6 January 2009), lot 118 (displayed at Cincinnati Art Museum, 1994-2008, no. 74 of exhibition of 182 coins from his collection).

206. MYSIA, Pergamon. Circa 166-67 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 12.70 g, 12h). Cistophoric standard. Bo–, prytanis. Struck circa 95-92 BC. Cista mystica with serpent; all within ivy wreath / Two serpents entwined around bow and bowcase; ∫o above, E (civic monogram) to left, serpent-entwined staff to right. Kleiner, Hoard 10; SNG BN 1718. In NGC encapsulation 3987156-004, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($750)

Portrait of Seleukos I

207. KINGS of PERGAMON. Philetairos. 282-263 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.48 g, 12h). Pergamon mint. Struck circa 269/8-263 BC. Diademed head of Seleukos I right / f5¬EtÅ5roU, Athena, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and long chiton, enthroned left, extending right hand to hold shield decorated with gorgoneion to left, left arm cradling long scepter and resting on throne back; to outer left, head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; crescent in exergue. Ingvaldsen, Philetaerus 2, dies I/2 = Newell, Pergamene, 10 (dies XII/24); SC 309.2; Gulbenkian 966 (same dies); Westmoreland 40 (this coin). Toned, minor marks and scratches, a few trace deposits on obverse, roughness on reverse. Near VF. Very rare, only one in SCO, one in CoinArchives. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Peus 360 (27 April 1999), lot 201; Numismatic Fine Arts [XXI] (12 October 1988), lot 387.

When Lysimachos established the mint of Pergamon, he entrusted its treasury to the eunuch Philetairos. Philetairos changed his allegiance to Seleukos I, probably shortly before the Battle of Korupedion in 281 BC, where Seleukos defeated Lysimachos. Although Seleukos was assassinated the following year, Philetairos struck a series of Alexander-type issues in the name of Seleukos. Philetairos continued to acknowledge Seleukid primacy for some time, but soon struck a coinage in his own name. This coinage featured Athena Nikephoros on the reverse, similar to the reverses of Lysimachos. Perhaps because this move might have been viewed as a threat by his Seleukid overlord, the obverse of the first issues of these coins featured the portrait of Seleukos I. Houghton & Lorber (SC), citing Le Rider and Newell, assign this coinage to the aftermath of Antiochos I’s victory over the Galatians, circa 269/8 BC. Near the end of Philetairos’ reign, in the mid-late 260s, the portrait of Seleukos was replaced with the portrait of the Pergamene king, noting a final break from Seleukid authority. Similar to what was done in Ptolemaic Egypt, all of the subsequent kings of Pergamon continued to use these types on the coinage, and even kept the name of Philetairos. Distinguishing the issues between the various rulers has been difficult for numismatists. Westermark’s die study of the coinage, however, provided the key necessary for understanding the series, although more recent hoard evidence has refined Westermark’s assignment of the issues.

208. KINGS of PERGAMON. Eumenes I. 263-241 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.03 g, 1h). In the name of Philetairos. Pergamon mint. Struck circa 263-255/0 BC. Head of Philetairos right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬EtÅ5roU, Athena enthroned left, right hand resting on shield set at her feet, left elbow resting on small sphinx seated right; transverse spear in background, ivy leaf above knee, v on throne, bow to right. Westermark Group III, obv. die V.XXIV; SNG BN 1607; SNG Ashmolean 752; SNG Copenhagen 334; BMC 34; Bement 1390; Hermitage Sale I 282; Jameson 1449 = Rhousopoulos 3336 (all above from the same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 3987584-003, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($2000)

209. ISLANDS off TROAS, Tenedos. Circa 210/05-191 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 17.04 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; labrys in left field. Meadows, Double-Axe, Group 5a, dies O18/R47, 128 (this coin); Thompson, Alexandrine, Group 3, 19–20; Price 2074 (Miletos or Mylasa); ANS inv. 1944.100.32225 (same obv. die); Prospero 311 (same obv. die). NGC photo certification 6556705-025, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. ($5000)

From the G.W. Trow Collection. Ex Collection of an Aesthete (Numismatica Ars Classica 134, 21 November 2022), lot 214; Roma 7 (22 March 2014), lot 428; 2012 Unknown Findspot Hoard.

Ex Desneux Collection – Pedigreed to 1971

210. ISLANDS off TROAS, Tenedos. Circa 100-70 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.09 g, 1h). Stephanophoric type. Janiform head of a bearded male left, wearing laurel wreath, and female right, wearing diadem / Labrys; to left, ≠ and grape bunch on vine; to right, Artemis standing left, right hand extended and holding long torch in left, with forepart of stag standing left below; all within laurel wreath. Callataÿ, Tenedos 6 (D3/R1 – this coin); HGC 6, 390. Toned, flan broken and repaired, some pitting, die breaks on reverse. Near EF. ($2000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 374 (11 May 2016), lot 240; Giessener Münzhandlung 36 (8 April 1987), lot 195; Jules Desneux Collection (Hess-Leu 49, 27 April 1971), lot 199.

211. AEOLIS, Aigai. Circa 151-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32.5mm, 16.43 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Head of Apollo Smintheos right, wearing laurel wreath, bow and quiver over shoulder / Zeus, nude but for laurel wreath, standing left, holding eagle in extended right hand and ground scepter in left; U to left, Å5˝Å5EW@ to right; all within oak wreath. SNG Ashmolean 1252 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock 1594 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 6; Pitchfork 25 (this coin). Toned, with slight iridescence around the devices, light roughness, a little die wear on obverse, minor doubling on reverse. VF. ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, 12 December 1997.

Ex Hunt Collection

212. AEOLIS, Kyme. Circa 151/0-143/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 16.21 g, 11h). Stephanophoric type. Metrophanes, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right; ˚UÂÅ5W@ to right, onehandled cup below raised foreleg, Â˙trofÅ@˙% below; all within wreath. E-E&E-Ö, Phase III, 11; Oakley dies 11d; Hermitage Sale II 1209 (same obv. die); Pozzi 2299 (same dies); Pitchfork 24 (this coin). Toned, underlying luster, traces of find patina, minor die break on obverse, some weakness to strike on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part IV, Sotheby’s, 19 June 1991), lot 587 (part of). Reportedly ex Kirikhan Hoard.

213. AEOLIS, Myrina. Circa 155-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.54 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding phiale in right hand and laurel branch in left; æ and ÂUr5@Å5o@ to left, omphalos and amphora at feet; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 31, dies unlisted; Hermitage Sale I 288. Deep old iridescent tone, underlying luster, remnants of find patina, flan crack, some light roughness, minor doubling. Near EF. Struck with fresh dies. ($1000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, March 2011.

214. AEOLIS, Myrina. Circa 155-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32.5mm, 16.74 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding phiale in right hand and laurel branch in left; x and ÂUr5@Å5o@ to left, omphalos and amphora at feet; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 32, dies 56/a; Jameson 2237 (same dies). Deep iridescent tone, areas of light roughness. Near EF. Struck with fresh dies. ($750)

215. LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 454-428/7 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.51 g, 2h). Diademed head of Silenos right / Two ram heads butting each other; palmette above; all within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 37; HGC 6, 963; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 323; SNG von Aulock 1700; BMC 40; Boston MFA 1896. Faintly toned, a couple of tiny marks on obverse. Good VF. High relief. ($1000)

216. LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 454-428/7 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.50 g, 8h). Female head right, wearing sphendone / Female and male terminal figures standing confronted; all in linear square within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 46; HGC 6, 972; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG von Aulock 7723; BMC 58; Boston MFA 1688. Toned, hairlines, some die rust on obverse, minor die wear on reverse. VF. Very rare, six noted by Bodenstedt, six additional in CoinArchives. ($1000)

217. LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 412-378 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11mm, 2.52 g, 11h). Forepart of winged lion left / Sphinx seated right in linear square within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 63; HGC 6, 989 corr. (winged lion, not boar); SNG von Aulock 1704; BMC 35; Boston MFA 1694–6. Lightly toned, some weakness to strike on reverse. Good VF. Well centered. ($750)

218.

Head of nymph right / Horned head of Pan right in linear square within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 69; HGC 6, 995; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG von Aulock 1730; BMC 83; Boston MFA –. Toned, some flatness to strike and a little off center on reverse. Near EF. ($750)

some spots of die rust. Good VF. ($750)

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 412-378 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11mm, 2.59 g, 11h).

219. LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 412-378 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.54 g, 8h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Head of female right, wearing necklace, in linear square within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 70; HGC 6, 996; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG von Aulock 1713; BMC 103–4; Boston MFA 1707. Lightly toned,

220. LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 412-378 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.50 g, 11h). Head of Artemis-Kybele right, wearing stephane decorated with palmettes / Comic mask right within linear square within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 74; HGC 6, 1000; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG von Aulock 7734; BMC 72–3; Boston MFA 1708. Lightly toned, minor die rust on obverse, area of weak strike on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

221. IONIA, Ephesos. Phanes. Circa 625-600 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9.5mm, 2.35 g). Forepart of stag right, head left / Incuse square with raised lines within. Fischer-Bossert, Phanes 20α (O14/R17αL); Weidauer –; Linzalone LN1103 (same obv. die). Faintly toned. Near EF. ($2000)

From the MM Collection. Ex Lanz 161 (7 December 2015), lot 122.

The celebrated coins of Phanes – the first coins on which a legend appears – are known to be among the earliest Greek coins, as a hemihekte (twelfth stater) of the issue was found in the famous foundation deposit of the temple of Artemis at Ephesos, built circa 550 BC. It is this find spot, along with the design of the grazing stag, that suggests Ephesos as the mint. If indeed a person, the mysterious “Phanes” named on this piece was likely an Ephesian treasury minister or a private individual wealthy enough to strike his own coinage. An alternative reading of the legend as “Phaneos” (light-bringer) has also been proposed, perhaps referring to an aspect of Artemis or her brother, Apollo.

222. IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 390-325 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 15.24 g, 12h). Eoelthon (2), magistrate. Class F, circa 360-350 BC. Bee with straight wings; E-f flanking head / Forepart of stag right, head left; palm tree to left, EoE¬QW[@] to right. Karwiese II, Series 11.1, 318, dies O90/R– (unlisted rev. die); SNG von Aulock 1829; SNG Copenhagen 233 var. (magistrate; same obv. die); Elsen FPL 75, no. 21 = Elsen FPL 69, no. 17 (same dies); McClean 8071. Attractive cabinet tone. Good VF. ($3000)

Ex North River Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 October 2022), lot 335; Southern Pathologist Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 607, purchased from Superior Stamp & Coin, 28 December 1989.

Illustrated by Karweise

223. IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 390-325 BC. AR Oktobol (19mm, 5.57 g, 1h). Echeanax, magistrate. Bee with straight wings; E-f flanking head / Forepart of stag right, head left; palm tree to left, EcEÅ@Å[x] to right. Karwiese II, Series 11.1, 334, dies O1/R1 (this coin referenced and illustrated); KM 6; Pitchfork 9 (this coin). Lightly toned, some porosity, slightly weak strike, hairlines. VF. Extremely rare, only one other example published (in KM; a piece in Berlin). ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Noble 85A (24 July 2007), lot 3471; Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 231; Jean Nivalle Collection (Elsen 52, 13 December 1997), lot 19. Reportedly ex Münzen und Medaillen AG inventory, February 1991.

224. IONIA, Erythrai. Circa 360-342 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 15.04 g, 3h). Pelopides, magistrate. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Bow and bowcase; to left, owl standing right, head facing, above ErU; πE¬oπ5d˙s between, 1 to lower right. Kinns Period II, Phase II, Group IA, 27, dies unlisted; Ward 662B; Weber 5923. In NGC encapsulation 6841646015, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, brushed. ($1500) Ex Heritage 3115 (8 May 2024), lot 32121.

225. IONIA, Herakleia ad Latmon. Circa 140-135 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.73 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Pegasos above the foreparts of five galloping horses / Club; ˙rÅ˚¬EWtW@ above; below, Nike walking left, holding wreath in right hand, flanked by ñ and V; all within oak wreath. Lavva, Silberprägung, Group II.B, – (unlisted dies); SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG Lockett 2823 = Pozzi 2452; Jameson 1503; Pitchfork 29 (this coin). Even gray tone with golden hues around the devices, areas of weak strike. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Vecchi 16 (9 October 1999), lot 223.

Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani and Diez Collections

226. IONIA, Klazomenai. Circa 499-494 BC. AR Didrachm (19.5mm, 6.95 g). Forepart of winged boar right / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG Ashmolean 134; SNG von Aulock 1981–2; SNG Copenhagen 1–2. Find patina, irregular flan. Good VF. ($4000)

Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Collection (Part IV, Numismatica Ars Classica 126, 17 November 2021), lot 222; Morton & Eden 86 (24 May 2017), lot 31; Geheimrat Diez Collection (Lanz 151, 30 June 2011), lot 160, purchased from C.T. Seltman.

A member city of the Ionian Dodekapolis, Klazomenai was one of the first Ionian cities to issue silver coins. It was the birthplace of the philosopher Anaxagoras, who was responsible for early theories on universal order.

Referenced by Amandry

227. IONIA, Lebedos. Circa 160-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.31 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Apollodotos, magistrate. Head of Athena right,wearing triple-crested Attic helmet with laurel branch above visor / Owl standing right, head facing, on club between two filleted cornucopias; ¬E∫Ed5W@ above, Å∏o¬¬o-doto% below; all within wreath. Amandry, Tétradrachmes, Group IV, 20 (D3/R19) = Pitchfork 27 (this coin); Kinns 30; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 1; Boston MFA Sup. 170. Lightly toned, some areas of weak strike. EF. ($2000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Triton VIII (11 January 2005), lot 416; Morton & Eden 9 (25 May 2004), lot 359; Lanz 20 (13 April 1981), lot 239; Kastner 6 (26 November 1974), lot 127.

Extremely Rare

228. IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Themistokles V(?). Circa 450-400 BC. AR Hemiobol (7mm, 0.46 g, 12h). Barley grain; P to left; E to right / Head of Magnes right, wearing tainia, within incuse circle. Mosch 9; Sheedy, Themistocles, Group B, Ma.D var. (ethnic on rev.); Nollé & Wenninger Th 5c var. (same); otherwise, unpublished. Minor porosity. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($750)

229. IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Mid 140s BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.85 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Pausanias, son of Pausanias, “magistrate”. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder / Apollo Delphios standing left, left elbow resting on tall tripod behind, holding in right hand a branch tied with fillet; ∏ÅU%Å@5Å% ∏ÅU%Å@5oU to left, ;Å˝@˙tW@ to right, meander pattern below; all within laurel wreath. Ellis-Evans, Wreathed, dies 9/ PP21; Jones dies 8/– (unlisted rev. die); Jameson 1504 (same obv. die); Pitchfork 28 (this coin). Attractively toned over lustrous surfaces, some hairlines under tone. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Noble 48 (11 July 1995), lot 2701.

Pedigreed to 1976

230. IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Mid 140s BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 16.84 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Euphemos, son of Pausanios, “magistrate”. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder / Apollo Delphios standing left, left elbow resting on tall tripod behind, holding in right hand a branch tied with fillet; EUf˙Âo% ∏ÅU%Å@5oU to left, ;Å˝@˙tW@ to right, meander pattern below; all within laurel wreath. Ellis-Evans, Wreathed, dies 19/ EP24, 3 (this coin); Jones dies 13/a; E&E-Ö 65 (same obv. die). Toned, underlying luster. Near EF. ($1500)

Ex Wild Rose Collection; Cederlind 169 (20 May 2013), lot 122; Cederlind 166 (3 October 2012), lot 75; Cederlind 163 (28 February 2012), lot 96; Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 164 (6 January 2012), lot 255; V. C. Vecchi 1 (with Schwer Coins, 13 May 1983), lot 69; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt FPL 28 (April 1979), no. 60; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt FPL 21 (December 1976), no. 60.

231. IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Mid 140s BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.76 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Erasippos, son of Aristeas, “magistrate”. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder / Apollo Delphios standing left, left elbow resting on tall tripod behind, holding in right hand a branch tied with fillet; ErÅ%5∏∏o% År5%tEoU to left, ;Å˝@˙tW@ to right, meander pattern below; all within laurel wreath. Ellis-Evans, Wreathed, dies 36/ EA35, 251 (this coin, illustrated); Jones dies 33/b; SNG München 601 (same dies). Deep old cabinet tone, minor doubling on reverse. Superb EF. Very rare in this condition. ($2000)

Ex Hess-Divo 327 (22 October 2014), lot 52; Schweizerischer Bankverein 28 (17 September 1991), lot 204.

232. IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Circa 125-120 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.51 g, 12h). Euphemos, son of Pausanias, “magistrate”. Draped bust of Artemis right, wearing stephanos, hair drawn together and tied in the back, bow and quiver over shoulder / Nike, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga of horses right; ÂÅ˝@˙tW@ above, EUf˙Âos ∏ÅUsÅ@5oU in two lines below. Ellis-Evans, Wreathed, Group A, A1–40 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6290524-004, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000)

Published Miletos Stater

233. IONIA, Miletos. Circa 600-546 BC. EL Stater (22.5mm, 14.04 g). Lion reclining left, head reverted, within rectangular frame divided into smaller rectangular compartments / Central oblong punch, containing three pellets connected in Λ shape and a quadruped standing left, flanked by two punches containing, respectively, the head of a stag left and a stellate pattern. Hilbert Phase 2, S42.2 (dies A22/X5-F15-Hk9) = Pitchfork 7 (this coin, referenced and illustrated in Hilbert); Weidauer 126 = Traité I 18 = BMC 2 (same obv. die and outer punches); ANS inv. 1957.138.1 (same obv. die and outer punches). Faintly toned, edge split, some die wear and light scratches. VF. ($3000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Noble Numismatics inv. 8566-50; Classical Numismatic Group 58 (19 September 2001), lot 577.

234. IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 625/0-522 BC. EL Myshemihekte – Twenty-fourth Stater (7mm, 0.65 g). Head of roaring lion left; to right, small seal upward / Incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 13; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG von Aulock –; Boston MFA 1904. Faintly toned, minor die wear on obverse. Near EF. Very rare denomination for issue. ($1000)

235. IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11mm, 2.56 g). Facing head of Silenos / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 43; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Fitzwilliam 4559; BMC 3; Boston MFA –. Faintly toned, light die rust, some hairlines. Near EF. ($1500)

From the JTB Collection.

236. IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 478-387 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11mm, 2.55 g). Female head left, hair bound in sakkos and wearing single-pendant earring; to right, small seal downward / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 92; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG von Aulock 2128–9; BMC –; Boston MFA 1919. Lightly toned, a few hairlines. Near EF. Exceptional for issue. ($750)

Ex Jameson Collection – Pedigreed to 1913

237. IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 478-387 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.52 g). Head of female left, hair in ornamented sphendone; below, seal right / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 93.4 (dies b/β) = Jameson 1512 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 1027; SNG von Aulock –; BMC 67; Boston MFA 1921. Toned, minor flan crack, hairlines on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the W. L. Bone Collection. Ex Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913).

238. IONIA, Priene. Circa 210-200 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 17.18 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, trident head above ; maeander pattern in exergue. Regling –; Price 2245 corr. (monogram); ANS inv. 1944.100.32143 (same obv. die). Toned, a few minor marks. Good VF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 26 (8 July 2023), lot 618.

239. IONIA, Smyrna. Circa 150-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 16.32 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Menekrates, magistrate. Turreted head of Tyche right / z;Ur/@Å5W@ and ‚ (magistrate’s monogram) within laurel wreath. Milne, Silver 3, obv. die A; Milne, Autonomous 141; BMC 4 = BM inv. RPK,p151A.1.Smy (same dies); Rhousopoulos 3775; Pitchfork 26 (this coin). Lightly toned, double struck and minor die wear on obverse. Near EF ($2000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex CNG inventory 87647 (June 1995).

240. IONIA, Smyrna. Circa 150-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34.5mm, 16.63 g, 1h). Stephanophoric type. Metrodoros, magistrate. Turreted head of Tyche right / z;Ur/@Å5W@ and Ö (magistrate’s monogram) within laurel wreath. Milne, Silver 5a corr. (monogram), obv. die C; Milne, Autonomous 165a corr. (same); SNG Fitzwilliam 4575; Boston MFA 1933 = Warren 1129; Gaziantep 1204. Lightly toned, a little horn silver and minor doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($2000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection, purchased from Heritage, 2013. Ex Freeman & Sear inventory G10889.

241. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (11.5mm, 4.73 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Flattened striated surface / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group II, 5; Artemision –; Elektron II 11–2; Rosen –; Traité I 10; cf. SNG Kayhan 680 (hekte); cf. SNG von Aulock 1769 (hekte). Toned, trace deposits. Good VF. Rare as a trite. ($6000)

From the MM Collection. Ex G. Hirsch 346 (13 February 2019), lot 2129; G. Hirsch 306 (12 February 2015), lot 1755.

Rare as a Trite

242. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (11.5mm, 4.62 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Globular surface with cluster of pellets / Two incuse squares. Weidauer –; Artemision –; Traité I 3; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock 7761; Boston MFA 1749; Pozzi 2350; Rosen 253. As made. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 127 (17 September 2024), lot 219.

243. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12mm, 4.65 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Globular surface with cluster of pellets / Two incuse squares. Weidauer –; Artemision –; Traité I 3; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock 7761; Boston MFA 1749; Pozzi 2350; Rosen 253. As made. ($1000)

244. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12.5mm, 4.63 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Globular surface with cluster of pellets / Two incuse squares. Weidauer –; Artemision –; Traité I 3; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock 7761; Boston MFA 1749; Pozzi 2350; Rosen 253. Minor edge splits. As made. ($1000)

From the MM Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 249 (11 October 2017), lot 284.

245. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 625-600 BC. EL Myshemihekte – Twenty-fourth Stater (6mm, 0.55 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Geometric figure resembling a star, composed of a crosshatch design, with two parallel lines splayed at one end / Quadripartite incuse square punch with a pellet in the center; each quarter contains a diagonal line radiating from the central pellet; some sections contain further lines. McFadden 4; Traité –; Elektron II 16; SNG Kayhan 701. EF. Well struck. ($750)

246. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 625-600 BC. EL Myshemihekte – Twenty-fourth Stater (6.5mm, 0.56 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Cross set on small circle with pellet on two opposing sides / Incuse square. Rosen 280; Heritage 61415, lot 22028; Numismatik Naumann 83, lot 245 = Savoca 29, lot 113; otherwise, unpublished in the standard references. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($1000)

247. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11mm, 2.23 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Central pellet with lines radiating in cruciform pattern / Incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references. Faintly toned, slightly off center on obverse. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($1000)

From the MM Collection. Ex Chaponniere & Firmenich 7 (23 October 2016), lot 37.

248. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13.5mm, 4.72 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Schematic head of lion right / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XIX, 117 (same rev. punches); Artemision –; Traité I 56 var. (obv. type left); SNG Kayhan 1552. Faintly toned, a little die wear. Good VF. ($1000)

From the MM Collection. Ex Künker 333 (16 March 2020), lot 800; Gorny & Mosch 212 (5 March 2013), lot 1882.

Third Known

249. IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9.5mm, 2.61 g). Phokaic standard. Half-length bust of siren facing, head right, wings spread / Quadripartite incuse square. CNG 79, lot 361; Roma XIX, lot 414; otherwise, unpublished in the standard references. Trace deposits. Good VF. Apparently the third known. ($3000)

Extremely Rare

250. IONIA or LYDIA, Uncertain. Circa 640-620 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.34 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Confronted boars’ heads (only the right side visible), [uncertain Lydian inscription between] / Two incuse squares. Hilbert, Bermerkungen 4 (A4l/P4-P5); Spier p. 332, 4; Artemision 100; Weidauer Group XIII, 56 var. (left side visible). Irregular flan, minor marks. VF. Extremely rare. ($1500)

This rare issue was originally attributed to Lydia by Spier. A more recent reevaluation of the series, which included a die study, linked the reverse punches not only to issues from Miletos, but also the lion-paw fractions that have been attributed to the Mermnad kings of Lydia. Hilbert suggests that the coins were struck from a mint in Ionia that had close relations with Lydia, possibly Ephesos, where a boar plays a role in that city’s foundation myth. An examination by Diether Schürr of the inscription on all the known boar dies reveals two partial Lydian names, [...]wet[...] and [...]etalį. It is possible that the full resolution could be Walwetalįm, which could tie the issue to one of the Alyattes whose name appears on the lion issues at Sardes.

251. IONIA or LYDIA, Uncertain. Late 7th-6th centuries BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (14mm, 4.74 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Head of roaring lion left; traces of letters to left(?) / Two incuse squares. Linzalone 1079 (this coin); otherwise, unpublished in the standard references. Trace deposits, struck with worn obverse die. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($4000)

Ex Heritage 3054 (7 April 2017), lot 30108 (as Walwet, king of Lydia).

Electrum Stater of Samos

252. ISLANDS off IONIA, Samos. Circa 600-570 BC. EL Stater (23mm, 17.25 g). Mosaic of varying bulges / Two incuse rectangles. Konuk, Electrum, Type 1; Barron pl. XXX, 1; Weidauer 196; HGC 6, 1164. As made. Extremely rare stater from the beginning of the Samos mint. ($10,000)

From the MM Collection. Ex Nomos 15 (22 October 2017), lot 157; Gemini XI (12 January 2014), lot 175.

253. KINGS of LYDIA. Walwetes (Alyattes) II (Ardys). Early 640s-circa 620s BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.33 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Confronted heads of roaring lions, “sun” on foreheads (die positioned to feature the left side lion); [©]e√©[å√] (WALWEL in Lydian) downward between / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XVII, 99 and 101 (same dies); Artemision 78 (same dies); Kurth G18; SNG Ashmolean 754; SNG Kayhan 1012; Traité I 51–2. Typical die wear. VF. ($1500)

For the reattribution of the WALWET-signed coinage from Alyattes III (Ardys), father of Kroisos, to Alyattes II, son of Gyges, see W. FischerBossert, “43. FALFET and KVKALEM” in: J. Bodzek, A. Bursche, and A. Zapolska, eds. Proceedings of the XVI International Numismatic Congress, 11-16.09.2022, Warsaw, Vol. I: Greek Numismatics (Turnhout, 2025).

Struck from Hekte Dies

254. KINGS of LYDIA. Walwetes (Alyattes) II (Ardys). Early 640s-circa 620s BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (7mm, 1.17 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Confronted heads of roaring lions, “sun” on foreheads (die positioned to feature the right side lion); [©e]√©[å√] (WALWEL in Lydian) downward between / Incuse square. Weidauer Group XVII, 113 (but same dies as 112, which features left side lion on die); cf. Artemision 78 (hekte; same die and one punch); Kurth G20; SNG Ashmolean –; SNG Kayhan –; Traité I 58. Typical die wear. VF. Struck from hekte dies. ($750)

This hemihekte was struck from the same obverse die and one punch used for the hekte in the prior lot.

255. KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Walwetes (Alyattes) III – Kroisos. Late 7th-early 6th centuries BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13mm, 4.72 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, “sun” with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XVI, 86–7; Kurth G24–5; cf. SNG Ashmolean 749–53; SNG Kayhan –; Boston MFA 1763–4; Traité I 44. Lustrous, a few minor marks and light scuffs. EF. ($1500)

256. KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Walwetes (Alyattes) III – Kroisos. Late 7th-early 6th centuries BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13mm, 4.69 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, “sun” with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XVI, 86–7; Kurth G24–5; cf. SNG Ashmolean 749–53; SNG Kayhan –; Boston MFA 1763–4; Traité I 44. Lustrous, minor marks, light scuff on reverse. Near EF. ($1500)

257. KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Walwetes (Alyattes) III – Kroisos. Late 7th-early 6th centuries BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12.5mm, 4.72 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, “sun” with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XVI, 86–7; Kurth G24–5; cf. SNG Ashmolean 749–53; SNG Kayhan –; Boston MFA 1763–4; Traité I 44. Good VF. ($1500)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 531 (25 January 2023), lot 219.

Spectacular Gold Stater of Kroisos

258. KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. 2nd quarter 6th century-547/30 BC. AV Stater (15mm, 8.07 g). Light standard. Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Berk 3; Kurth G51; SNG von Aulock 2875; BMC 31; Boston MFA 2073; Gulbenkian 757. In NGC encapsulation 8558417-001, graded Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. A spectacular example of this famous coinage. ($30,000)

259. KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. 2nd quarter 6th century-547/30 BC. AV Stater (16mm, 8.02 g). Light standard. Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Berk 3; Kurth G51; SNG von Aulock 2875; BMC 31; Boston MFA 2073; Gulbenkian 757. Minor marks and scuffs. Good VF. ($7500)

Ex Heritage 3105 (9 January 2023), lot 32048 (professionally conserved since).

260. KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. 2nd quarter 6th century-547/30 BC. AV Twelfth Stater (6.5mm, 0.89 g). Heavy standard. Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Incuse square. Walburg Group V; Berk 9; Kurth G55. Minor marks. Good Fine. ($1000)

261. KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. 2nd quarter 6th century-547/30 BC. AV Twelfth Stater (6.5mm, 0.67 g). Light standard. Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Incuse square. Walburg Group VI, 2–4; Berk 10–3; Kurth G56; Gulbenkian 759. Tiny mark on edge. Good VF. Well centered. ($1500)

262. CARIA, Kaunos. Circa 450-430 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 11.81 g, 1h). Winged female figure, wearing long chiton, in kneeling-running stance left, head right, holding kerykeion in right hand and wreath in left / Baetyl(?); clusters of pellets around; all within incuse square. Konuk Period III, 86 (O30/R27); HN Online 787; SNG Ashmolean 37 = ACGC 994 (same obv. die); SNG Delepierre 2784 (same obv. die). Toned, granular surfaces. Near EF. ($3000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 240 (10 October 2016), lot 239; Lanz 153 (12 December 2011), lot 277.

263. CARIA, Kaunos. Circa 410-390 BC. AR Stater (18.5mm, 12.06 g, 9h). Winged female figure, wearing long chiton, in kneeling-running stance left, head right, holding kerykeion in left hand and wreath in right / Baetyl(?); ∂ ˝ (K B in Carian) across upper field; all within incuse square. Konuk Period V, Type 1, 101q1 (O42/R42 – this coin); Konuk, Coin M26; HN Online 220; SNG Ashmolean 38 = ACGC 994 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 2349 (same dies). Iridescent tone, trace deposits, some areas of granularity, minor die wear on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 96 (6 October 2016), lot 1095; Hess-Divo 321 (25 October 2012), lot 170; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 482 (October 1985), no. 17.

264. CARIA, Kaunos. Circa 410-390 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 11.74 g, 11h). Winged female figure, wearing long chiton, in kneeling-running stance left, head right, holding kerykeion in left hand and wreath in right / Baetyl(?); ∂ ˝ (K B in Carian) across upper field; all within incuse square. Konuk Period V, Type 4, 114 (O53/R54); Konuk, Coin M26; HN Online 220; SNG von Aulock 2350 = Jameson 1601 (same dies). Toned, granular surfaces, minor mark on obverse, some die wear on reverse. Good VF. Exceptional obverse detail. ($1500)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 306 (15 October 2024), lot 223; Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 26 (8 July 2023), lot 1255.

Extremely Rare

265. CARIA, Knidos. Circa 500 BC. AR Drachm(?) (16mm, 4.76 g, 6h). Uncertain standard. Forepart of lion right / Head of Aphrodite right, wearing close-fitting cap and linear necklace; floral ornament to upper right; all in dotted square within incuse square. Unpublished, but cf. Cahn Period I, 11–2 for similar reverse. Granular surfaces. Good VF. Well centered. Extremely rare. ($1500)

266. CARIA, Knidos. Circa 411-405/4 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 6.06 g, 3h). Forepart of lion roaring right / Head of Aphrodite right, hair in band, wearing linear necklace, within incuse square. Cahn Series VI.1, 92 (V45/R63); HN Online 1301; SNG Ashmolean 84 (same dies). Lightly toned, granular surfaces. Good VF. Well centered. ($1000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 126 (28 May 2024), lot 264.

267. CARIA, Knidos. Circa 411-405/4 BC. AR Drachm (15.5mm, 6.22 g, 3h). Forepart of lion roaring right / Head of Aphrodite right, hair in band, wearing linear necklace, within incuse square. Cahn Series VI.1, 92 (V45/R63); HN Online 1301; SNG Ashmolean 84 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor porosity, hairlines on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 16 (22 May 2021), lot 1045.

268. CARIA, Knidos. Circa 411-405/4 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 5.97 g, 6h). Forepart of lion roaring right / Head of Aphrodite right, hair in band, wearing linear necklace; ˚-@-5 around; all within incuse square. Cahn Series VI.2, 112 (V56/ R74); HN Online 478; SNG Lockett 2888 (same obv. die); Weber 6473 (same obv. die). Light granularity, some roughness on obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 126 (28 May 2024), lot 265.

Extremely Rare

269. CARIA, Mylasa. Circa 520-490 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 10.65 g). Forepart of lion right; [o on shoulder] / Two incuse rectangles. Cf. Konuk, Coin M1; HN Online 1854 = Tkalec (2003), lot 122 (same die and punches). Toned, granular surfaces, scratch on reverse, minor edge scuffs. Good VF. Extremely rare, only the Tkalec coin published. ($3000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXIII (14 January 2020), lot 432.

270. CARIA, Mylasa. Circa 520-490 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 8.73 g). Forepart of lion right / Incuse square divided by band. HN Online 1380; SNG Ashmolean 322–3; SNG Kayhan 930. Lightly toned, remnants of find patina, trace deposits, porous. Good VF. ($1000)

Enigmatic Early Inscribed Electrum

271. CARIA, Uncertain (Kaunos?). Late 7th-early 6th centuries BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12mm, 4.79 g). LydoMilesian standard. Carapace of scarab beetle, with dorsal furrow; traces of early Carian letters along part of edge / Two incuse squares with geometric designs. Fischer-Bossert, Electronserie I.12 var. (dies V–/R5/Q7 [unlisted obv. die]); Heritage 3089, lot 32099 = Heritage 231925, lot 63055 (same rev. punches); Künker 312, lot 2343 = Peus 330, lot 118 (same rev. punches). As made. Very rare. ($3000)

Fischer-Bossert’s study documents 31 examples from over 9 obverse dies (some are too worn to identify). All dies were found to contain the same letters, which were subjected to a detailed examination by Diether Schürr within the article. He determined that they likely resolve to a personal name, Irŕüs. The identity of this individual, though is unknown. The mint is certainly from Caria, and although the exact location is unknown, there is some evidence from the letter forms themselves that suggest an association with Kaunos.

272. CARIA, Uncertain (Kaunos?). Late 7th-early 6th centuries BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13.5mm, 4.64 g). LydoMilesian standard. Carapace of scarab beetle, with dorsal furrow; traces of early Carian letters along part of edge / Two incuse squares with geometric designs. Fischer-Bossert, Electronserie I.19 var. (dies VA/R9/Q12); CNG E-445, lot 175 (same dies). Minor deposits. As made. Very rare. ($1000)

273. SATRAPS of CARIA. Hekatomnos. Circa 392/1-377/6 BC. AR Tetradrachm (21mm, 14.54 g, 9h). Chian standard. Mylasa mint. Struck circa 380 BC. Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys in right hand, left hand on staff set on ground to right / Lion at bay right; [EkÅtoµ@W above]; all within incuse circle. Hecatomnus 69–72 (A6/P28[?]); Konuk, Identities 15; Babelon, Perses –; HN Online 223; SNG von Aulock 2354; SNG Kayhan 868–9; Traité II 82; Pitchfork 14 (this coin). Old collection tone, trace deposits, some light roughness, cleaning scratches. VF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Noble 48 (11 June 1995), lot 2706.

274. SATRAPS of CARIA. Maussolos. Circa 377/6-353/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (21.5mm, 15.04 g, 12h). Halikarnassos mint. Struck circa 370-360 BC. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys in right hand, left hand on staff set on ground to right; [Â]ÅUssW¬¬[o] to right, small ∫ between feet and staff. Konuk, Identities 21; Babelon, Perses 400; HN Online 646; Boston MFA 1997 (same obv. die); Traité II 94; Pitchfork 15 (this coin). Toned, slightly off center, minor marks, some die wear and light doubling on obverse. VF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex CNG inventory 89543 (July 1995).

275. SATRAPS of CARIA. Maussolos. Circa 377/6-353/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 15.19 g, 12h). Halikarnassos mint. Struck circa 370-360 BC. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys in right hand, left hand on staff set on ground to right; [Â]ÅUssW¬[¬o] to right, small µ between leg and staff. Konuk, Identities 21; Babelon, Perses –; HN Online 1398; SNG Ashmolean 359. Deeply toned, trace deposits, a little off center on reverse. Good VF. Very rare with this control mark. ($2000)

Ex Berk BBS 215 (4 May 2021), lot 93. Reportedly ex Glenn Woods inventory.

276. SATRAPS of CARIA. Hidrieus. Circa 351/0-344/3 BC. AR Tetradrachm (21mm, 15.24 g, 1h). Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys in right hand, left hand on inverted spear set on ground to right; E between foot and spear, 5dr5EWs to right. Konuk, Identities 28; Babelon, Perses 405; HN Online 1399; SNG von Aulock 8046 = SNG Lockett 2909 = Bement 1520 = Weber 6604. In NGC encapsulation 3761910-005, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500)

277. SATRAPS of CARIA. Pixodaros. Circa 341/0-336/5 BC. AR Didrachm (18.5mm, 7.03 g, 1h). Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys in right hand, left hand on inverted spear set on ground to right; π5$WdÅroU to right. Pixodarus 24 (A3/P10); Konuk, Identities 30; Babelon, Perses 414–21; HN Online 241; SNG Keckman 280; SNG von Aulock 2375–6. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4375586-002, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($2000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVII.1 (Winter 2022), no. 582884; Roma V (23 March 2013), lot 396; Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 164 (6 January 2012), lot 270.

278. SATRAPS of CARIA. Pixodaros. Circa 341/0-336/5 BC. AR Didrachm (19.5mm, 6.88 g, 12h). Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys in right hand, left hand on inverted spear set on ground to right; π5$WdÅroU to right. Konuk, Identities 30; Babelon, Perses 414–21; HN Online 241; SNG Keckman 280; SNG von Aulock 2375–6. Lightly toned, porous, hairlines. EF. Well centered. ($750)

Ex Berk BBS 228 (30 July 2024), lot 117.

279. ISLANDS off CARIA, Kos. Circa 280-250 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.97 g, 12h). Xanthippos, magistrate. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Crab; ˚-W5o-@ above; below, $Å@Q5ππos above bow-in-bowcase; all within dotted square. Requier Group III, 67a (D13/R55) = Ingvaldsen Issue XIV, Type 1, 73a (O16/R58) = Stefanaki Series VII, Issue 17, 882 = Pitchfork 18 (this coin, illustrated in all); HGC 6, 1308. Toned, with some iridescence, some hairlines, spot of die rust on obverse. VF. ($1500)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Gemini V (6 January 2009), lot 637; Lanz 125 (28 November 2005), lot 391; G. Hirsch 186 (10 May 1995), lot 379; G. Hirsch 184 (23 November 1994), lot 273.

The island of Kos attained the zenith of its prosperity during the Hellenistic era, when it was a valued ally of the Ptolemies, who used its port as a naval base. This alliance also contributed to cultural aspects of the island. As a seat of learning, it arose as a provincial branch of the museum of Alexandria and became a favorite resort for the education of the princes of the Ptolemaic dynasty. Among its most famous residents were the physician Hippokrates, the painter Apelles, the elegaic poet Philitas, and, possibly, the pastoral poet Theokritos.

280. ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 205-190 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 13.33 g, 12h). Aetion, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose in profile, with bud to right; ÅEt5W@ above, cup to left, r-o flanking stem. Ashton 265; HN Online 674; HGC 6, 1422; SNG Ashmolean 622; Boston MFA 2059. Toned. Good VF. ($1500)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex Pars Coins inventory PCW-G2949; CNG inventory 804607 (November 2007).

Ex Clain-Stefanelli, Burrage, and Bement Collections – Pedigreed to 1923

281. ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 205-190 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32.5mm, 17.04 g, 11h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Stasion(?), magistrate. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, above rose; ro below throne. Kleiner, Alexander, Group I, Series V, dies L/35 (this coin referenced); Ashton 246; Price 2512; HGC 6, 1455; Bement 762 (this coin); Mektipini 433 (same obv. die). Beautiful old cabinet tone, traces of find patina, slight die shift on reverse. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($1000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex CNG inventory 940286 (November 2012); Elvira Elisa Clain-Stefanelli (“Demarete”) Collection (Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 172, 13 November 2012), lot 11575; Russell Burrage Collection (Part II, Morgenthau 342, 26 November 1934), lot 211; Clarence S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 762.

282. LYCIA, Phaselis. 4th century BC. AR Stater (21mm, 10.30 g, 9h). Prow of galley right, fighting platform decorated with lion at bay right; eight-pointed star to right; below, ketos right above waves / Stern of galley left; tripod and fÅs above; below, dolphin right. Heipp-Tamer Series 6, unlisted variety; CNG 99, lot 285 (same dies). Lightly toned, die shift on obverse. VF. ($1000)

From the collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLII.2 (Spring 2017), no. 419833; Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1515.

Phaselis was founded in 690 BC by settlers from the island of Rhodes. In the same year, the great Rhodian seafarers also founded Gela, on the island of Sicily, thus extending their influence across the Greek world. The colony of Phaselis was the one purely Greek city in Lycia and differed in language, culture, and alphabet from the adjacent cities of the region.

283. DYNASTS of LYCIA. Uncertain dynast. Circa 490/80-440/30 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 9.31 g, 11h). Bull kneeling right, head left / Head of ram left in dotted square within incuse square. Müseler II, 28 = Reuter 15 = Pitchfork 31 (this coin); Falghera 65; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 389; SNG von Aulock 4078; BMC 24 (same dies); Traité I 834. Old collection tone, edge splits, minor flan flaws on obverse, struck with worn reverse die. VF. ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 1457; Reuter Collection (Peus 360, 27 April 1999), lot 15; Peus 338 (27 April 1994), lot 462.

Very Rare

284. DYNASTS of LYCIA. Vekhssere I. Circa 450-430/20 BC. AR Stater (15.5mm, 8.41 g). Herakles, nude but for lion skin, advancing left, head right, holding club overhead in right hand / Triskeles; [Ffe]-ßßj-r-j (WEXSSERE in Lycian) around, diskeles to lower left; all in dotted square border within incuse square. MAL I Type VII, 27 (D2/R1); Müseler V, 19–20 (same rev. die); Falghera –; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 434 (same dies); BMC 116 (same dies); Traité II 427. Toned, granular surfaces, a little off center, struck with worn dies. VF. Very rare, one of only three in CoinArchives. ($1000)

Ex Künker 402 (14 March 2024), lot 127; Giessener Münzhandlung 96 (7 June 1999), lot 217.

285. DYNASTS of LYCIA. Mithrapata. Circa 390-370 BC. AR Stater (23.5mm, 9.76 g, 11h). Facing lion scalp, Â horizontally oriented on right cheek; triskeles below / Head of Mithrapata left; µEtR¡-π¡T¡ (MITHRAPATA in Lycian) around, triskeles to lower right; all within incuse square. Mildenberg, Mithrapata 7 (O4/R5); Podalia 72–4 (A6/P6); Müseler VII, 72 (same dies); Falghera –; SNG Copenhagen Supp. –; SNG von Aulock 4239 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 658 (rev., same die). Deeply toned, minor die wear, light doubling on reverse. Good VF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($2000)

From the Collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter. Ex London Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 115, 16 September 2020), lot 255, purchased from Peter Weiss, December 1996.

The portraits on coins in the later Lycian series are among the finest of the Classical period. Among the earliest to attempt depictions of their rulers on coinage, the Lycians’ first portraits in the later 5th century BC were innovative, but static, idealized forms lacking individual characterization. Over the next half-century, however, the style progressed significantly toward realism, culminating in the issues of the dynasts Mithrapata and Perikles in the early-mid 4th century BC. The coins of Mithrapata came first, depicting on their reverse the profile portrait of a man with distinctive elderly features. Through the relative chronology established in L. Mildenberg’s die study, one can even see the portrait become more aged as time progressed, reflecting the realism that had been captured in these issues. The coins of Perikles, Mithrapata’s successor, continue this trend. Interestingly, both Mithrapata and Perikles are depicted without any sort of satrapal headgear, which was always included in earlier Lycian portraits, perhaps indicating that they had declared their independence from the Persian king. Unfortunately, these astonishing developments in portraiture came to an abrupt end in Lycia when Maussolos of Caria invaded the region circa 360 BC.

286. PAMPHYLIA, Aspendos. Circa 380/75-330/25 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 10.90 g, 12h). Two wrestlers grappling; ∫5 between / Slinger in throwing stance right; [E]stVEd55Us to left, counterclockwise triskeles to right; all in dotted square border. Tekin Series 4; SNG BN –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; Arslan & Lightfoot –; BMC –; Izmir –; Leu 72, lot 291 = Sternberg XIII, lot 220. Attractive even gray tone with golden hues around the devices, minor die wear on obverse, slight die shift on reverse. EF. Very rare with ∫5 ($1000)

Purchased by the consignor from Numismatic Fine Arts, 1980s.

287. PAMPHYLIA, Aspendos. Circa 380/75-330/25 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.68 g, 12h). Two wrestlers grappling; V˚ between / Slinger in throwing stance right; EstVEd55U to left, counterclockwise triskeles to right; all in dotted square border. Tekin Series 4; SNG BN –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; Arslan & Lightfoot 120–1; BMC 42. Deep iridescent tone, underlying luster. Near EF. ($750)

288. PAMPHYLIA, Side. Circa 430-400 BC. AR Stater (23.5mm, 10.63 g, 9h). Pomegranate within dotted circular border / Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; olive branch to right; all within incuse square. Atlan 41–2 var. (O37/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Seltman, Hoard 6a–b (same obv. die); SNG Ashmolean 1413 (same obv. die); SNG BN 628 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, with some iridescence, a few thin die breaks. Good VF. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Roma XXII (7 October 2021), lot 369; Roma XIX (26 March 2020), lot 561; Spink USA 331 (21 March 2017), lot 60; Gorny & Mosch 114 (4 March 2002), lot 135.

289. PISIDIA, Selge. Circa 400-325 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.89 g, 12h). Two wrestlers grappling; ∫¬ between / Slinger in throwing stance right; astragalos to left, st¬E˝5os to right; all in dotted square border within shallow incuse square. SNG BN 1920 = Waddington 1319 (same rev. die); SNG von Aulock 5259 (same dies); SNG von Post 393 = Pitchfork 37 (this coin). Deep iridescent tone, underlying luster, struck with slightly worn obverse die. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Eric von Post Collection (not in Sotheby’s sale).

Referenced in Shannahan and Brindley

290. CILICIA, Issos. Tiribazos. Satrap of Lydia, 388-380 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 10.57 g, 1h). Baal, wearing himation, standing half-left, holding eagle in extended right hand, lotus-tipped scepter in left; 5ss5˚o-@ to left, wzbArt (TRYBZW in Aramaic) to right / Head and torso of bearded male (Ahuramzda?) facing, head right, body terminating in solar disk with wings and tail feathers, holding up wreath and lotus blossom. Shannahan 11d (O3/R8) = Brindley Group 4 (b), dies 2/b (this coin); Casabonne Series 1; SNG Ashmolean 1726 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 5601 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 3761913002, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($1500)

Ex Numismatic Fine Arts Publication 36 (Spring 1989), no. 32.

291. CILICIA, Kelenderis. Circa 410-375 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 10.68 g, 1h). Nude youth, holding whip in right hand, dismounting from horse rearing right / Goat kneeling right, head left; ˚E¬E-@ and É above; all within shallow incuse circle. Casabonne Type 4; Celenderis Series IV, unlisted variety; SNG BN 73 (same dies); SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Hunterian 923 (same dies); BMC –. Underlying luster, minor double strike on reverse. EF. ($750)

Ex Triton XXVI (10 January 2023), lot 303.

292. CILICIA, Mallos. Tiribazos. Satrap of Lydia, 388-380 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 9.81 g, 3h). Struck circa 387/6381 BC. Baal, wearing himation, standing half-left, holding eagle in extended right hand, lotus-tipped scepter in left; År (sic) to left, wzbArt (TRYBZW in Aramaic) to right / Head and torso of bearded male (Ahuramzda?) facing, head right, body terminating in solar disk with wings and tail feathers, holding up wreath and lotus blossom; ÅÂ5 to left; c/m: man-headed bull standing right, head facing; uncertain symbol above (numeral 10 in Aramaic?); all in incuse square. Casabonne Series 1; Shannahan 20–4 var. (unlisted dies); otherwise, unpublished. Iridescent tone, traces of find patina, some pitting, light scratch on obverse, test cut on reverse. VF. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Jonathan H. Kagan Collection (Nomos 33, 9 June 2024), lot 1423; Bonhams & Vecchi I (22 May 1980), lot 190.

293. CILICIA, Nagidos. Circa 400-385/4 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 10.65 g, 4h). Aphrodite, wearing polos and long chiton, seated left, holding phiale in extended right arm, left arm resting on the back of the chair; lit altar to left; to right, Eros standing left, crowning Aphrodite with wreath held in right hand / Dionysos, wearing himation from his waist and draped over his left shoulder, standing facing, head left, holding in right hand bunch of grapes on vine, thyrsos in left; @Å˝5dEW-@ around. Casabonne Type 4; Lederer 25 (same dies); SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; BMC 12 (same dies); Pitchfork 38 (this coin). Faintly toned over lustrous surfaces, struck with somewhat worn dies. EF. ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection.

294. CILICIA, Nagidos. Circa 400-385/4 BC. AR Stater (25mm, 10.92 g, 10h). Aphrodite, wearing long chiton, seated left, holding phiale in extended right hand, her left arm around Eros, who stands left, preparing to crown her with wreath held in both hands / Dionysos, wearing himation from his waist and draped over his left shoulder, standing left, holding grape bunch on vine in right hand and thyrsos in left; @Å˝5-dEW@ at sides, P in exergue. Casabonne Type 6; Lederer 23 = Traité II 1511 = SNG BN 25 (same dies); SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock 5754 (same obv. die); SNG Copenahagen –. Old collection tone, struck with somewhat worn dies. EF. ($750)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex Calgary Coin inventory 2259; Lanz 52 (14 May 1990), lot 259.

295. CILICIA, Soloi. Circa 410-375 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 10.57 g, 12h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin on the bowl / Grape bunch on vine tendril with leaves; so¬EW@ to left, A to lower right. Casabonne Type 5; SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; Traité –. Lustrous. EF. Very rare, only five in CoinArchives. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 295.

296. CILICIA, Tarsos. Tarkumuwa (Datames). Satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia, 384-361/0 BC. AR Stater (25mm, 10.48 g, 7h). Struck circa 375 BC. Baal of Tarsos, wearing himation, seated right, torso facing, holding grain ear and grape bunch in extended right hand, cradling eagle-tipped scepter in left arm; zRtL`b (B’LTRZ in Aramaic) to left, thymiaterion in background to right; below throne, lion seated right; all within crenellated wall / Satrap, wearing Persian dress, testing arrow held in both hands, seated right on diphros; wMdRt (TRKMW in Aramaic) to left, winged solar disk with volutes to upper right, bow to lower right; c/m: bull standing right within incuse square. Casabonne Series 2; Moysey Issue 6, obv. die 4; SNG BN 283; SNG Levante 85–8 var. (symbol below throne); McClean 3; Winterthur 4666 (same obv. die). Toned, some pitting, test cut and light graze on reverse. Near EF. Struck with artistic dies. ($1500)

From the collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter. Ex JTB Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 739; G. Hirsch 275 (22 September 2011), lot 3972; Lanz 24 (25 April 1983), lot 367.

297. CILICIA, Tarsos. Tarkumuwa (Datames). Satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia, 384-361/0 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.44 g, 1h). Struck circa 370 BC. Baal of Tarsos, wearing himation, seated right, head and torso facing, holding grain ear and grape bunch in extended right hand, cradling eagle-tipped scepter in left arm; zRtL`b (B’LTRZ in Aramaic) to left, thymiaterion in background; all within crenellated wall / Ana, nude, standing right, extending right hand and pointing at the head of Tarkumuwa, standing left, wearing chlamys, leaning on staff in left hand, right hand raised; [A]nA (ANA in Aramaic) to lower left, thymiaterion and wMdRt (TRKMW in Aramaic) between; all within square dotted border in linear border. Casabonne Series 3; Moysey Issue 5; SNG BN 294 = de Luynes 2841 = Traité II 618; SNG Levante 83 var. (no name of Ana on rev.). Lightly toned, a few light cleaning marks. EF. Rare with name of Ana on reverse. ($750)

From the collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter. Ex Peter J. Merani Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 23; CNG inventory 152993 (August 2014).

298. CILICIA, Tarsos. Pharnabazos. Persian military commander, 380-374/3 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 10.78 g, 11h). Struck circa 380-379 BC. Female head facing slightly left, hair in ampyx, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Bearded head left, wearing crested Attic helmet, drapery around neck; wzbnRp (FRNBZW in Aramaic) to left. Casabonne Series 3; Moysey Issue 3, 27a–c (same obv. die); SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock 5920–1. Dark iridescent tone, some die wear, minor double strike on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the collection of Emeritus Professor N. Keith Rutter. Ex Grand Haven Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 738.

299. CILICIA, Tarsos. Pharnabazos. Persian military commander, 380-374/3 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 10.62 g, 12h). Struck circa 380-379 BC. Female head facing slightly left, hair in ampyx, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Bearded head left, wearing crested Attic helmet, drapery around neck; wzbnRp (FRNBZW in Aramaic) to left, kLh (HLK in Aramaic) to right. Casabonne Series 3; Moysey Issue 3, unlisted variety with legend separated; SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –. Bright surfaces, minor flan flaws. EF. Very rare reverse variety for issue, which is typically found on Pharnabazos’s staters with Baal seated on the obverse. ($1000)

300. CYPRUS, Salamis. Evagoras I. Circa 411-374/3 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 11.13 g, 10h). Herakles, nude, seated right on rock draped with lion’s skin, leaning on club held in his right hand and holding cornucopia in left; üèãìó (e-uwa-ko-ro in Cypriot) around / Goat couchant right; nrvs1 (pa-si-le-wo-se in Cypriot) counterclockwise around from right, E at end in exergue. McGregor Group K.AR.I.a, 414–5 var. (unlisted dies); Zapiti & Michaelidou 1; Tziambazis –; Boston MFA Supp. 254. Toned, minor edge spits, a little off center, slight die shift, minor die wear on reverse. Good VF. ($1500)

Very Rare Salamis Alexander

301. CYPRUS, Salamis. Nikokreon. Circa 331-310 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.13 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Struck circa 323-317 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; rudder and ï in left field, 1 below throne. Cf. Zapiti & Michaelidou 29; Tziambazis –; Price 3155; Newell, Some 19 (same obv. die as illustration). Underlying luster, some die rust on obverse. EF. Very rare, only two noted by Newell, one in Pella, two in CoinArchives, none in ANS photofile. ($1000)

End of Session 1

Session 2 – Tuesday, January 13, 2026 — 2 PM

302. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.54 g, 10h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I mint. Struck circa 311-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet adorned with a pellet / ∫Ås5[¬EWs] ŬE$Å@droU, Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; [µ5 in left field], ü below left wing. SC 81.3 var. (helmet ornament); Price 3749 var. (same); HGC 9, 3a; CNG 102, lot 590 (same obv. die). A touch off center on reverse. EF. ($4000)

303. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.19 g, 6h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint II. Struck circa 296/5-281 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / ∫Ås5¬EWs sE¬EU˚o[U], Athena, brandishing spear overhead in right hand, shield on left arm, in quadriga of elephants right; anchor above, ˜Å above elephants. SC 130.11c; ESM 41, obv. die A39; HGC 9, 18a; BMC 28 = BM inv. 1841,B.3462 (same dies); Nantueil 487 (same obv. die); Pitchfork 53 (this coin). Toned, spots of find patina, trace deposits, minor marks, a few small scrapes on obverse. VF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection.

304. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 4.25 g, 7h). Seleukeia on the Tigris II mint. Struck circa 296/5-281 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / [∫Ås5¬EWs s] E¬EU˚oU, Athena, wearing long chiton, brandishing spear overhead in right hand, shield on left arm, in quadriga of elephants right; anchor above, Q behind Athena, Ä to right of anchor. SC 131.5c; WSM 78A; HGC 9, 32a; CSE 923. A little off center. Near EF. High relief. ($750)

305. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.97 g, 12h). Contemporary imitation of a Susa mint issue. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / %E¬EUkoU [∫Å]%5¬EW%% (sic), Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, facing radiate head of Helios above ~; pseudo-letters below throne. For prototype: cf. SC 165.1a. Underlying luster, areas of light roughness. Near EF. A high quality contemporary imitation. ($750)

306. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.00 g, 1h). Susa mint. Struck circa 300-295 BC. Head of hero (Alexander or Seleukos?) right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with the ear and horns of a bull / ∫Ås5¬EWs sE¬EU˚oU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing right, holding in both hands a wreath that she places on trophy to right; g to lower left, ( in lower middle field. SC 173.5b; ESMS Tr.35 (A28/P2); ESM 424; HGC 9, 20. Lightly toned, light Aramaic graffiti in field on obverse, some die wear on reverse. Good VF. ($1500)

307. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 15.68 g, 6h). Contemporary imitation of Susa mint issue struck circa 300-295 BC. Head of hero (Alexander or Seleukos?) right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with the ear and horns of a bull / ∫Ås5¬EWs sE¬EU˚oU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing right, holding in both hands a wreath that she places on trophy to right; c (Aramaic shin) above, g to lower left, ( in lower middle field. CNG 572, lot 382 (same dies); otherwise, unpublished. For prototype: cf. SC 173.5b; cf. HGC 9, 20. Faintly toned. Near EF. Well struck on a broad flan. Extremely rare. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection.

308. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.02 g, 11h). Susa mint. Struck circa 300-295 BC. Head of hero (Alexander or Seleukos?) right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with the ear and horns of a bull / ∫Ås5¬EWs sE¬EU˚oU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing right, holding in both hands a wreath that she places on trophy to right; ˙ to lower left, Åc in lower middle field. SC 173.12; ESMS Tr.76 (A52/12); ESM 417; HGC 9, 20. Lightly toned, underlying luster, area of weak strike on obverse. Near EF. ($1500)

Ex Houghton Collection – SC Plate Coin – Pedigreed to 1965/6

309. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator & Antiochos I Soter. 294-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 16.77 g, 4h). In the name of Antiochos I, types of Alexander III of Macedon. Ekbatana mint. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Å@t5ocoU ∫Å%5¬EW%, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, forepart of horned elephant left; R below throne. SC 205.6b (this coin illustrated); ESM –; HGC 9, 13c; Pitchfork 56 = CSE 1136 = A. Spaer, “A Hoard from the Qazvin Area” in CH I, 88 (this coin). Toned, patches of find patina, light cleaning scratches. VF. Extremely rare. ($1500)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, 1995. Ex Sternberg XXIV (19 November 1990), lot 124; Arthur Houghton Collection; 1965/6 Qazvin Hoard (CH I 58).

Ex Worland and Houghton Collections – New Attribution

310. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos I Soter. 281-261 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.03 g, 2h). In the name of Seleukos I, types of Alexander III of Macedon. Sardes mint. Struck circa 280-279 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Å%5¬EW% %E¬EUkoU, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; Ås in left field, 1 below throne. SC 4 (this coin illustrated); Miller & Hoover 74 (A3/P17) = CSE 594 = Westmoreland 36 (this coin); WSM 1356, dies A14/P15; HGC 9, 16a (all but Miller & Hoover as Seleukos I). Old collection tone, trace deposits. Good VF. ($750)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex M&M Numismatics I (7 December 1997), lot 137; David G. L. Worland Collection (Spink Australia 27, 2 March 1989), lot 1168; Leu 42 (12 May 1987), lot 344; Arthur Houghton Collection.

For the reattribution of this issue to Antiochos I, see Miller & Hoover pp. 31–3.

311. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos I Soter. 281-261 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.31 g, 12h). In the name of Seleukos I, types of Alexander III of Macedon. Pergamon mint. Struck under Philetairos, circa 280 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / %E¬EUkoU ∫Å%5¬EW%, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; crescent below throne. SC 308b; Newell, Pergamine, Series II, Group B, 5, dies IX/– (unlisted rev. die); WSM 1532μ–ξ (same obv. die); HGC 9, 125a; Bement 1389 (same obv. die); McClean 9238 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 38 (this coin). Deep iridescent tone, remnants of find patina, minor cleaning marks on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection.

312. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos II Kallinikos. 246-225 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.50 g, 12h). ΔEΛ-monogram mint, associated with Antioch. Diademed head right / ∫Ås5¬EWs sE-¬EU˚oU, Apollo, nude, standing left, testing arrow held in his right hand, leaning on bow held in his left hand and set on ground to right; ¨ to outer left, å to outer right. SC 703.3 var. (unlisted with this outer right monogram); Le Rider, Antioche 6 var. (A3/P– [unlisted rev. die]); WSM 1147 var. (no monogram to right); HGC 9, 299d; CSE 425 var. (same obv. die, different monogram to right). Lustrous, hairlines, scratch and some smoothing on obverse, minor doubling on reverse. EF. Unpublished with this monogram, extremely rare thus. ($25,000)

313. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos Hierax. Circa 242-227 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 16.94 g, 12h). Ilion mint. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; ≤ to outer left, ≥ to outer right; in exergue, owl standing left, head facing. SC 866.5; WSM –; HGC 9, 399f; SNG Spaer 496; (same dies) CSE 649 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor die wear. Near EF. ($1000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 29 (24 February 2024), lot 1027.

Extremely Rare

314. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos Hierax. Circa 242-227 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.01 g, 12h). Aigai mint. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; to outer left, P above head of goat right above 1. SC 889.1; Houghton, Aegae, Series II, Group 9, 20–1 (A6/P1); WSM 1515 (same dies as illustration); HGC 9, –; CSE 632 (same dies); Pitchfork 63 (this coin). Toned, light deposits, tiny flan flaws on obverse, minor double strike on reverse. VF. Extremely rare, three noted by Houghton (including both the sole piece in SCO and the sole example in CoinArchives). ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection, purchased from Dennis Devine, 4 December 1999.

315. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.06 g, 1h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Series 3, circa 204-197 BC. Diademed head right (Type Cii) / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; © to outer left. SC 1044.1; Le Rider, Antioche, Series III-IV, 1–18 (obv. die A1); WSM 1089α–γ (same obv. die); HGC 9, 447u; SNG Berry 1358 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, trace deposits. EF. ($750)

316. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.31 g, 12h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Series 3, circa 204-197 BC. Diademed head right (Type Cii) / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; tripod to outer left. SC 1044.2; Le Rider, Antioche, Series III-IV, 60–2 (obv. die A2); WSM 1096γ and δ (same obv. die); HGC 9, 447u. Toned, trace deposits. EF. ($750)

317. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.03 g, 1h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Series 3, circa 204-197 BC. Diademed head right (Type Cii) / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; $ to outer left. SC 1044.4a; Le Rider, Antioche, Series III-IV, 109–11 (obv. die A1); WSM 1091; HGC 9, 447u; SNG Spaer 541 (same obv. die). Faintly toned, struck with somewhat worn obverse die, hairline on obverse, tiny flan flaw on reverse. EF ($750)

318. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos IV Philopator. 187-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 16.48 g, 1h). Ptolemaïs (Ake) mint. Struck circa 180-175 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% %E¬EUkoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; palm frond to outer left, J to inner left, 5Å in exergue. SC 1331a; Le Rider, Séleucos 81–4 (D1/R2); HGC 9, 580h; CSE 771 (same obv. die); Pitchfork 66 (this coin). Deep iridescent tone, traces of find patina, a few light cleaning marks. Near EF ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group XXIV (9 December 1992), lot 317.

319. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos, son of Seleukos IV. 175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.03 g, 12h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Diademed head right within fillet border / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; tripod to outer left, J in exergue. SC 1369b; Le Rider, Antioche 9–10A, dies A1/P6; HGC 9, 610b; SNG Spaer 956 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, traces of find patina. Good VF. Rare. ($3000)

Ex Album 47 (14 September 2023), lot 13.

Ex Haughton Collection – Pedigreed to 1925

320. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos IV Epiphanes. 175-164 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 16.53 g, 1h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Series 3, struck 168-164 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU QEoU E∏5fÅ@oU% @5˚EforoU, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; ∫ to outer left (engraved in die over previous monogram, :). SC 1400d; Le Rider, Antioche, Series IIIB, 402 (A39/P284) = Mørkholm Series III, 17, dies A36/P156 = N.L. Wright, “Non-Greek religious iconography on the coinage of Seleucid Syria” in Mediterranean Archaeology 22 (2009/10), pl. 6, 3 = Pitchfork 68 (this coin); HGC 9, 620a. Old cabinet tone with slight iridescence, trace deposits, shallow cut under tone on obverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Major-General H. L. Haughton Collection (Sotheby & Co., 30 April 1958), lot 190; Naville X (15 June 1925), lot 1043.

Ex Houghton Collection

321. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios I Soter. 162-150 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.48 g, 1h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Struck circa 161-150 BC. Diademed head right; à to left / ∫Å%5¬EW% d˙µ˙tr5oU %Wt˙ro%, Tyche, wearing long chiton, holding scepter in extended left hand and cradling cornucopia in right arm, seated left on throne supported by winged-Tritoness right; ë and palm frond to outer left. SC 1690.3 (this coin referenced); HGC 9, 797d; CSE 997 (this coin). Toned, remnants of find patina, minor edge splits, slightly off center. VF. Rare. ($1500)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Superior (10 December 1988), lot 2014 (part of); Arthur Houghton Collection.

322. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VI Dionysos. 144-142 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 14.51 g, 1h). Antioch mint. Dated SE 169 (144/3 BC). Radiate and diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU E∏5fÅ@oU% d5o@U%oU, the Dioskouroi, holding reins and couched lances, on horses rearing left; to right, trU, ©, and %tÅ; O$r (date) below; all within wreath of lily, ivy, and grain ears. SC 2000.2c; SMA 233; HGC 9, 1032; DCA2 118; Pitchfork 74 (this coin). Iridescent tone, underlying luster, some filing on edge. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Noble 48 (27 July 1995), lot 2724.

323. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VI Dionysos. 144-142 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 16.68 g, 12h). Antioch mint. Dated SE 170 (143/2 BC). Radiate and diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU E∏5fÅ@oU% d5o@U%oU, the Dioskouroi, holding reins and couched lances, on horses rearing left; to right, trU, –, and %tÅ; or (date) below; all within wreath of lily, ivy, and grain ears. SC 2000.3d; SMA 242; HGC 9, 1032; DCA2 118; Babelon, Rois 994. Toned, with slight iridescence, light die wear on obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Dr. L.J. Sherwin Collection (Noble 127, 30 August 2021), lot 4282, purchased from R. Loosley (Antiquarius), 7 January 2011.

Unpublished as a Tetradrachm

324. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Tryphon. Circa 142-138 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 15.17 g, 11h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% trUfW@o% ÅUto˚rÅtoro%, spiked Macedonian helmet right, with cheek guards, and adorned with wild goat’s horn above visor; – to inner right. Cf. SC 2032 (drachm); Seyrig –; SMA –; HGC 9, –; cf. SNG Berry 1380 (same). Some roughness, light cleaning marks, small flan flaw on reverse, minor chipping around edge. Good VF. Unpublished tetradrachm with helmet facing right. ($5000)

A military commander and leading supporter of the usurper Alexander I Balas, Diodotos (Tryphon) placed Antiochos VI on the Seleukid throne following Balas’ death. Two years later, upon the death of the young king, Diodotos took the throne himself, supposedly upon the acclamation of his troops. Unlike previous usurpers, Diodotos did not fabricate his lineage into the Seleukid house, but maintained that the Seleukid line had ended, and his was the beginning of a new era. He broke tradition by assuming the title autocrat rather than king, and took the name Tryphon (‘the luxurious’). His reign proved very unpopular, and a new Seleukid claimant, Antiochos VII Sidetes, rose up against him. Within three years, Tryphon was defeated and killed.

325. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios II Nikator. Second reign, 129-125 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.40 g, 12h). Damaskos mint. Dated SE 184 (129/8 BC). Diademed and bearded head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% d˙µ˙tr5oU QEoU @5˚Å-toro%, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; § below throne, d∏[r] (date) in exergue. SC 2181.2b; Schwei Group 3, 29–31 (A5/P19); HGC 9, 1116d; DCA2 163; SNG Spaer 2266 (same dies). Lightly toned, compact flan, a few minor scratches. Near EF. ($1500)

After establishing himself in power over the Seleukid Empire by rather brutal means, Demetrios II undertook to reclaim his eastern territories from the Parthians in 138 BC. At first successful, his forces were ambushed in the Iranian mountains and Demetrios was taken prisoner by the Parthian King Mithradates I. He remained in captivity for eight years, during which time Mithradates treated him honorably and even married him to a Parthian princess. He was released in 130 BC to sow discord within the ranks of the invading Seleukid army of his brother and successor, Antiochos VII. However, Antiochos was killed in the ensuing military debacle, leaving Demetrios II as sole ruler for the second time. His years among the Parthians had changed him visibly – he emerged with a long, flowing beard, much against Greek fashion of the day. His pro-Parthian policies made his countryman regard him suspiciously, leading to his overthrow in 125 BC. Despite his troubled regime, his coin portraits from the second reign are some of the best in the entire Seleukid series.

Ex Haughton, Rogers, and MacDonnell Collections – Pedigreed to 1907

326. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VIII Epiphanes (Grypos). 121/0-97/6 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.10 g, 12h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Third reign at Antioch, circa 109-96 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% `@t5oco¨ E∏5f`@o¨%, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; to outer left, Ÿ above `; “ below throne; all within laurel wreath. SC 2309.2e; SMA 408; HGC 9, 1200; BMC 5; Babelon, Rois 1432. Deep cabinet tone over lustrous surfaces. Good VF. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 31 (7 September 2024), lot 660; Numismatik AG Web Auction 28 (9 December 2023), lot 1735; Major-General H. L. Haughton Collection (Sotheby & Co., 30 April 1958), lot 253; Reverend Edgar Rogers Collection (Naville X, 15 June 1925), lot 1426, acquired on 28 October 1910 from the William J. MacDonnell Collection (1842-1910), who had purchased the coin from Lincoln Coins, 26 February 1907.

Very Rare

327. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios III Eukairos. 97/6-88/7 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.83 g, 12h). Uncertain mint 127, in Cilicia (probably Tarsos). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% d˙Â˙tr5oU f5¬oÂ˙toro[%] EUEr˝Eto[U], Zeus Nikephoros seated left; to outer left, ¡ above Å; @ below throne; all within wreath. SC 2444a; SMA 434; HGC 9, 1304; CSE 390 (same obv. die). Toned, with traces of iridescence, some light porosity. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000) Ex MNL Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 115, 16 September 2020), lot 329, purchased November 2013.

Extremely Rare Late Seleukid Bronze

328. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Kleopatra Selene & Antiochos XIII. Circa 83/2-75 BC. Æ (20mm, 9.35 g, 12h). Probably Damaskos mint. Jugate heads right of Kleopatra, wearing veil, diadem, and stephane, and Antiochos, wearing diadem / ∫&45¬544˙4 ˚2(o∏&tr&4 4(¬˙@˙4 ˚&5 ∫&-452(W4 [&]@-t5ocoU [f5¬]oÂ˙tro4 (sic), Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand. SC 2484 corr. (legend); HGC 9, 1337; CSE 2, 824 (same dies); Pitchfork 86 = N.L. Wright, “A Late Seleukid Bronze Hoard, c. 1988 (CH 10.349)” in CH X, 200 (this coin). Dark greenbrown patina, some roughness. VF. Extremely rare. ($1500)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex 1988 Unknown Findspot (“Late Seleukid Bronze”) Hoard (CH X, 349).

Born into the Ptolemaic Dynasty, Kleopatra Selene’s first marriage was to her brother, Ptolemy IX. She was left behind after her husband’s expulsion from Alexandreia, then was remarried to Ptolemy X, which again resulted in divorce. It was decided that she would instead marry into the Seleukid dynasty, being wed to Antiochos VIII. Following his untimely assassination, Kleopatra Selene had to choose between which of Antiochos’ brothers or sons to align herself with, deciding to marry her former husband’s half-brother, Antiochos IX. This marriage would also end in tragedy, as Antiochos was soon killed in battle by Seleukos VI. She fled Antioch with her stepson to Arados, where the two would marry. The new king Antiochos X rallied against his father’s killer, driving Seleukos out of Antioch, and later defeating the former king’s avenging brothers. Sometime after Antiochos X was killed fighting the Parthians, Kleopatra Selene acted as regent to her still-underage son, Antiochos XIII. This would not last, however, and she was killed during Tigranes II’s siege of Ake-Ptolemaïs.

The End of the Seleukids

329. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos XIII Philadelphos (Asiatikos). Second reign, 65/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.79 g, 12h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Diademed head right within fillet border / [∫]`%52E[W%] `@t5oco[¨] ƒ5¬`dE¬ƒ[o¨], Zeus Nikephoros seated left; 7 to inner left; all within laurel wreath. SC 2487a; SMA 460; HGC 9, 1340; Babelon, Rois 1538 (Antiochos XI). Porous, minor marks. VF. The last Seleukid silver issue. ($750) Antiochos XIII “Asiatikos” was the last of the great line of Seleukid kings. He spent his youth in Asia and Rome, and, following the withdrawal of Tigranes II from Syria, he was placed on the Seleukid throne by the Romans. His reign was very turbulent, and in 64 BC he was ousted by Pompey. Thereafter, Syria became a Roman province.

330. PHOENICIA, Arados. Uncertain king. Circa 420-400 BC. AR Shekel (20mm, 10.33 g, 5h). Head of Ba’al-Arwad right, wearing laurel wreath / Galley right, Pataikos on prow, above waves; ^M (M ’ in Aramaic) above; all in half-square incuse with [semicircle bottom]. E&E-A Group III.1.1; HGC 10, 29. Compact flan, minor marks, area of weak strike on obverse. EF. High relief. ($1000)

331. PHOENICIA, Byblos (Gebal). ’Urimilk III. Circa 365-350 BC. AR Shekel (27.5mm, 13.00 g, 9h). Three hoplites, holding shields, on Phoenician galley left over waves, with prow surmounted by lion’s head; below, hippocamp left above murex shell, )` (‘K in Phoenician) above dorsal fin / Lion attacking bull left; ÒBG kÒM ^ÒMew` (‘WRMLK MLK GBL = ‘Urimilk, king of Gebal in Phoenician) above. E&E-B Series IV.3.1, 775–814 (O2/R2); HGC 10, 136; SNG Fitzwilliam 6031 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 685 = AGC 220 (same dies); Rouvier –. Toned, underlying luster, slightly irregular flan, some peripheral granularity, a little off center and slight doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($1500)

From the JTB Collection, purchased from Atlantis Ltd. (Dave Herman).

Unique Early Sidon Dishekel

332. PHOENICIA, Sidon. Uncertain king. Circa 435-425 BC. AR Dishekel (27mm, 26.12 g, 12h). Phoenician galley under sail left; two sets of waves below / Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, standing left, drawing bow, quiver over shoulder; to left, incuse head of goat left; to right, incuse head (of Bes?) right. Unpublished, but cf. E&E-S Group II.2 for half shekels with these types, but with reverse type right (obv. die D9 may be engraved by the same hand as the obverse die used here). Lightly toned, some underlying luster, trace deposits, a touch off center. Near EF. An impressive and unique dishekel. ($50,000)

Sidon (modern Saida) was an important commercial center located on the coast of Phoenicia. Archaeological evidence dates the earliest remains to the Palaeolithic era. In the 10th century BC, the Phoenicians freed the city from Egyptian control and developed it into a maritime power through trade with other settlements throughout the eastern Mediterranean. During this time, it is thought that Tyre was founded by colonists from Sidon. Over the next five centuries, the city fell under Assyrian, Babylonian, and, eventually, Persian control. In the latter period, Sidon became the most important city of Phoenicia, and it was the first to develop a local coinage. These coins were struck under the local Sidonian king, and typically consisted of iconography representing the king and his overlord, the Great King of Persia, as well as a galley, the source of Sidonian wealth and power.

333. PHOENICIA, Sidon. temp. Ba`alšillem (Sakton) I-Ba’ana. Circa 425-401 BC. AR Dishekel (28.5mm, 28.35 g, 12h). Phoenician galley left before city wall with five towers; two lions standing anti-confronted in exergue / King of Persia, wearing kidaris and kandys, raising right hand, and driver, holding reins in both hands, in chariot drawn by two horses galloping left; below, incuse goat running left; all in dotted circle within incuse circle. E&E-S Group III.1.f, 210–3 var. (D8/R–[unlisted rev. die]); HGC 10, 221; Babelon, Perses 1566 = Traité II 889, pl. CXVIII, 5 (same obv. die); Pitchfork 42 (this coin); Rouvier –. Find patina, minor cleaning marks, die break on obverse. Near VF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection, purchased from Spink, 15 December 1996.

334. PHOENICIA, Sidon. Ba`alšillem (Sakton) II. Circa 401-365 BC. AR Double Shekel (34mm, 28.16 g, 12h). Phoenician galley left; B (B in Phoenician) above, two sets of waves below / King of Persia, wearing kidaris and kandys, raising right hand, and driver, holding reins in both hands, in chariot drawn by two horses walking left; to right, king of Sidon, in Egyptian style garments, walking left, holding cultic scepter in right hand. E&E-S Group IV.1.1.a, 623–5 (D35/R48); HGC 10, 236; Rouvier 1096. Toned, die break and a couple of pits on obverse, triple struck on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Joseph A. Dow Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1576.

335. PHOENICIA, Sidon. `Abd`aštart (Straton) I. Circa 365-352 BC. AR Double Shekel (28mm, 25.37 g, 6h). Dated RY 3 (363/2 BC). Phoenician galley left; zzz (3 [date] in Phoenician) above, four sets of waves below / King of Persia, wearing kidaris and kandys, raising right hand, and driver, holding reins in both hands, in chariot drawn by two horses walking left; to right, king of Sidon, in Egyptian style garments, walking left, holding cultic scepter in right hand and votive vase in left; bo (‘B in Phoenician) above. E&E-S Group IV.2.1.c (dies unlisted); HGC 10, 242; DCA2 190; BMC 29; Rouvier 1103. In NGC encapsulation 5768617-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($2000)

336. PHOENICIA, Tyre. Uncertain king. Circa 440-425 BC. AR Quarter Shekel (13mm, 3.33 g, 1h). Dolphin right; rgxjm (Phoenician MḤṢGR) above, waves and murex shell below / Owl standing right, head facing; crook and flail over shoulder; all in outline incuse within incuse square. E&E-T Group I.2.2, 194 var. (O9/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Elayi & Lemaire 14 = BMC pl. XLIV, 1 = Weber 8082 (same obv. die); HGC 10, 323; AUB 2; Pitchfork 46 (this coin); Rouvier 1776; Traité II 983. Iridescent tone, a few minor scratches under tone, edge mark, die break on obverse. VF. ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection.

High Relief

337. PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (28.5mm, 14.10 g, 12h). Dated CY 3 (124/3 BC). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, l˝ (date) above club; > and b (Phoenician B) between legs; tUroU 5Er&% ˚&5 &%U¬oU around. DCA-Tyre 6 (same obv. die as illustration); HGC 10, 357; DCA2 946; BMC 48; Rouvier –. Attractively toned, a few minor marks. Near EF. High relief for type. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex New York Sale LVII (10 January 2023), lot 88; Pars Coins inventory PCW-G7257.

One of the great cities of Phoenicia, Tyre was founded on an island just off the Levantine coast circa 2750 BC and rose to wealth and prominence from its extensive trade network and colonies, including Carthage. Effectively autonomous, it paid only tacit tribute to the Assyrian, Neo-Babylonian and Persian Empires before Alexander the Great arrived in 332 BC. Confident in their defenses, the civic leaders offered only to remain neutral in the conflict and refused Alexander entry to its famous Temple of Melkart. When he tried negotiations again, his envoys were slain and thrown from the walls. Enraged, Alexander subjected Tyre to a titanic seven-month siege. The causeway he built from the mainland to the island citadel forever altered the city’s geography, turning the island into a peninsula. After taking savage reprisals on the city’s populace, he pardoned King Azemilkos and returned him to the throne as a client king to Macedon. Upon Alexander’s death in 323 BC, Tyre was subject first to the Ptolemies and then the Seleukids and was an important mint for both dynasties. The city received a grant of autonomy from the Seleukid crown in 126/5 BC. Tyre immediately inaugurated a new civic coinage dated to the era of its autonomy, with certain affinities to the coinage it had formerly minted for its royal masters. The civic silver featured a new obverse type, a head of the local god Melkart, but the reverse type of an eagle standing on a prow was identical to the reverse of Tyre’s Seleukid coinage, which in turn had been an elaboration on the Ptolemaic eagle. Tyrian shekels and half-shekels continued to be minted until about AD 66. They circulated in Judaea and were used by the Jews to pay their annual Temple dues. The infamous “30 pieces of silver” paid to Judas for betraying Jesus would also have been Tyrian issues.

338. PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (25mm, 14.22 g, 1h). Dated CY 21 (106/5 BC). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, &˚ (date) above club; Ê to right; å (Phoenician A) between legs; tUroU 5Er[&% ˚&5] &%U¬oU around. DCA-Tyre 61; HGC 10, 357; DCA2 946; BMC 98; Rouvier 1998 var. (letter between legs). In NGC encapsulation 4285777-013, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

339. PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (28mm, 14.28 g, 12h). Dated CY 35 (92/1 BC). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, E¬ (date) above club; µ to right; b (Phoenician B) between legs; tUroU 5Er&% ˚&5 &%U¬oU around. DCA-Tyre 124 (same dies as illustration); HGC 10, 357; DCA2 946; BMC 126–7; Rouvier 2021 var. (left field control). Light iridescent tone, flan crack. Near EF. ($1000)

Published in Ancient Coins Through the Bible

340. PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Half Shekel (23.5mm, 6.98 g, 12h). Dated CY 51 (76/5 BC). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, lion skin around neck / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, &@ (date) above club; d to right, b (Phoenician B) between legs; [tUroU 5Er&%] ˚&5 &%U¬oU around. DCA-Tyre 789 (same dies as illustration); HGC 10, 358; DCA2 948; BMC 230 var. (left field control); Rouvier 2036; Dow, ACTTB p. 168 (this coin). Underlying luster, some horn silver, off center. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Joseph A. Dow Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 60 (22 May 2002), lot 939.

The present coin is published in Joseph A. Dow’s, Ancient Coins Through the Bible (Mustang, OK: Tate, 2011), in the chapter on the Crucifixion of Jesus. CNG is pleased to offer coins from the collection of the author here, and in subsequent electronic auctions, with over 100 illustrated in his book appearing in Triton Sessions 5 & 6. Coins illustrated in his book will be referenced to “Dow, ACTTB” in their description. Further information on the collection is available in the short biographical note on p. 14 at the beginning of this catalog.

341. PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Half Shekel (22mm, 6.95 g, 12h). Dated CY 51 (76/5 BC). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, lion skin around neck / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, &@ (date) above club; d to right, b (Phoenician B) between legs; tUroU 5Er&% ˚&5 &%U¬oU around. DCA-Tyre 789 (same dies as illustration); HGC 10, 358; DCA2 948; BMC 230 var. (left field control); Rouvier 2036. Underlying luster, hairline flan crack, some horn silver, slightly off center. Near EF. ($1000)

“Crucifixion

Shekel”

342. PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Half Shekel (20mm, 6.90 g, 12h). Lifetime of Christ issue. Dated CY 159 (AD 33/4). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, r@œ (date) above club; to right, ˚r above Ģ; b (Phoenician B) between legs; [t¨ro¨] 5Er`% [˚`5 `%¨]¬o¨ around. DCA-Tyre 876 var. (left field control); HGC 10, 358; DCA2 949; cf. BMC 204 (shekel); Rouvier –. Toned, some roughness and small delaminations, flan flaw on obverse. VF. ($1000)

According to the traditional chronology, this coin was struck in the year of Jesus’ crucifixion.

343. SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Hemiobol (7.5mm, 0.31 g, 8h). Horned head of creature right / Lioness (or dog) lying left, head facing, devouring prey. Meshorer & Qedar 156; Sofaer 202; S. Hurter, “Drei unbekannte griechische Kleinmünzen” in SM 174 (1994), 11 (this coin). Deeply toned, minor edge split. Near EF. Well centered. Rare. ($1000)

344. JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (22mm, 14.08 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 2 (67/8 CE). Omer cup; @c (“Y[ear] 2” in Hebrew) above, L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 48 (O4/R46); Kadman 8; Hendin 1358; Meshorer 193; Bromberg 376 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20202–3; Sofaer 7–8 (same obv. die); Spaer 167–8; Athena Fund II 1030 (same dies). Dark iridescent tone, slightly off center on reverse. EF. ($4000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 489; Patrick H. C. Tan Collection (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 1295; Gorny & Mosch 185 (8 March 2010), lot 220.

Struck during the Jewish War against Rome, which lasted for at least part of five calendar years, these silver Shekels demonstrate a separation from Roman authority. Unlike Roman coins, they bore no human portrait in order to keep the commandment that “thou shalt not make any graven image.” Legends were written in the language of Jews, Hebrew; the lettering, however, was an archaic form known as “paleo-Hebrew,” a form close to the Phoenician script from which it derived. Important religious imagery was the central design on either side; namely, the Omer cup, which held the “first fruits,” the measure of barley during Passover, and the sprig of three pomegranates, used as decoration on many religiously significant items.

345. JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (21.5mm, 14.20 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 2 (67/8 CE). Omer cup; @c (“Y[ear] 2” in Hebrew) above, L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 53 (O5/R50); Kadman 8; Hendin 1358; Meshorer 193; Bromberg 64 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20202–3; Sofaer 7–8; Spaer 167–8. Deep iridescent tone, remnants of find patina. Near EF. ($4000)

Exceptional Half Shekel

346. JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Half Shekel (19mm, 6.57 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 2 (67/8 CE). Omer cup; @c (“Y[ear] 2” in Hebrew) above, LQcY ¥SH (“Half Shekel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 7 (O1/R7); Kadman 9; Hendin 6388; Meshorer 195; Bromberg 65; Shoshana I 20204; Sofaer 9–10; Spaer 170. Faintly toned, minor marks on edge. Superb EF. ($10,000)

Purchased by the consignor from Brian Kritt, January 2004, who acquired the coin from David Hendin.

347. JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (22.5mm, 14.23 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 3 (68/9 CE). Omer cup; Gc (“Y[ear] 3” in Hebrew) above, L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 50 (O6/R46); Kadman 20; Hendin 6390; Meshorer 202; Bromberg 70 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20207–9; Sofaer 29; Spaer 174. Toned, trace deposits. Near EF. ($4000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Palm Desert Collection (New York Sale XLV, 8 January 2019), lot 128, purchased from Superior Stamp & Coin, circa 1970s.

348. JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (22.5mm, 13.65 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 3 (68/9 CE). Omer cup; Gc (“Y[ear] 3” in Hebrew) above, L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 74 (O8/R69); Kadman 20; Hendin 6390; Meshorer 202; Bromberg 380 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20207–9; Sofaer 29; Spaer 174. Faintly toned, thin die break on obverse. Superb EF. ($4000)

A Selection of Coins of the Bar Kochba Revolt

Though the full extent of its causes are debated, what is certain is that the Bar Kochba Revolt of 132-135 CE was bloody and devastating. Hadrian made a brief visit to Judaea circa 130 CE, during his second great provincial tour of 129-132 CE. Prior to his arrival, rumors spread among the Jews that he intended to rebuild Jerusalem and the great Temple, destroyed during the Jewish War of 66-73 CE, so he was at first warmly welcomed. However, according to the Roman historian Cassius Dio, Hadrian decided to rebuild the city as the Roman veteran colony of Aelia Capitolina, with a temple to Jupiter replacing the one once dedicated to YAHWEH. It is also claimed in the Historia Augusta that Hadrian made circumcision a capital offense, although Cassius Dio does not mention this law. A combination of one or both of these factors likely sparked the revolt, which decimated the province of Judaea and darkened Hadrian’s final years.

Led by the military leader Simon ben Kosiba (known as Simon bar Kochba [Son of the Star]), a brave and harshly meticulous general, Dio writes that the Judaean forces literally fought underground, “occupy[ing] the advantageous positions in the country and strengthen[ing] them with mines and walls so that they would have places of refuge when hard pressed and could communicate with one another unobserved underground; and they pierced these subterranean passages from above at intervals to let in air and light.” Though these tactics were effective in causing great expense to the Roman Empire, particularly as “many Romans ... perished in this war,” they were ultimately not enough to avert disaster. “Very few of [the Jews] in fact survived. Fifty of their most important outposts and nine hundred and eighty-five of their most famous villages were razed to the ground. Five hundred and eighty thousand men were slain in the various raids and battles, and the number of those that perished by famine, disease, and fire was past finding out.” Throughout the failed rebellion, the city remained under Roman control and served as a base of operations for the Sixth and Tenth Legions. Aelia Capitolina remained the city’s official name until 324 CE, although Christians and Jews continued to call it Jerusalem. Jews were banned from entering the city except for one day a year, Tisha B’Av, when they were allowed to mourn at the Western Wall. The mint of Aelia Capitolina produced bronze coins through the reign of Trajan Decius (251 CE).

As David Hendin notes, Bar Kochba’s historically important coins would mark an end to the minting of Jewish coins in antiquity. Though there was absolutely no financial incentive for the Jews to strike their own coins during the revolt as all of the Bar Kochba coinage was overstruck on a motley mix of coins already in circulation, Judaean coinage from this period played an integral role in the dissemination of political propaganda. As Meshorer notes: “Not only did [Bar Kochba] deface the portraits of despised emperors by this technique [of overstriking], he was also able to depict Jewish symbols and nationalistic inscriptions.” Coins were struck with hopeful slogans, such as: “Jerusalem” and “For the freedom of Jerusalem.” Though these coins were useful for the morale of the rebellion, they still marked a period of extreme economic chaos for the Jewish fighters. They “neither controlled an already established mint, nor possessed a city large enough to support a new one.” The lack of consistency this caused was evident, as “the difference in weight between coins that are ostensibly of the same denomination [could] reach 200%.” This resulted in coins of often unique variety, both material and historical.

349. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (19mm, 4.86 g, 6h). Dated year 1 (132/3 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; 5Y∑;Y R$oL! (“Eleazar the Priest” in Hebrew, retrograde) around / Grape bunch on vine with small leaf; L!RC¥ ¡L!GL ¡H! ¡3C (“year one of the redemption of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 149 (O1/R3); Hendin 6409c; Meshorer 225; Bromberg 257 (same dies); Shoshana II 20149 (same obv. die); Sofaer 24–5 (same dies); Spaer 256. Earthen green surfaces, minor cleaning marks. Good VF. ($750)

Hendin Plate Coin – Overstruck on an Otho Denarius

350. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (22mm, 3.41 g, 1h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). o2C (“Shim‘” in Hebrew) within wreath / Two trumpets upright; L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the Freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 20 (O5/R14’); Hendin 6421a (this coin illustrated); Meshorer 243 (same dies as illustration); Bromberg 135 (same dies); Shoshana I 20293 (same dies); Sofaer 45 (same dies); Spaer 24 (same dies reengraved). Lightly toned, double struck on obverse, overstruck on a denarius of Otho (OTH clearly visible on obverse). Good VF. ($2000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex David Hendin Collection (Keystone 9, 18 January 2023), lot 246.

351. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17mm, 3.06 g, 1h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). o2C (“Shim‘” in Hebrew) within wreath / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right, L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 33 (O5’/R21); Hendin 6420; Meshorer 250a (same obv. die as illustration); Bromberg 455 (same dies); Shoshana II 20180 (same dies); Sofaer –; Spaer 207 (same dies). Lightly toned. Good VF. ($750)

352. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.40 g, 1h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). o2C (“Shim‘” in Hebrew) within wreath / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right, L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 36 (O5/R23); Hendin 6420; Meshorer 250 (same dies as illustration); Bromberg 457 (same dies); Shoshana I 20291 (same dies); Sofaer 55; Spaer 207 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 8557447-002, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

353. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (20mm, 3.29 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right, L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 45 (O8/R22’); Hendin 6424; Meshorer 253 (same obv. die as illustration); Bromberg 145 (same dies); Shoshana I 20310 (same dies); Sofaer 58; Spaer 208. Lightly toned, overstruck on a denarius of Titus (as Augustus, with TITVS CAESAR on obverse and COS VII P P on reverse). EF. ($1500)

Ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection (Triton XXV, 26 January 2022), lot 420; Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), lot 153.

354. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.12 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, wavy line above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 91 (O17/R70); Hendin 6441; Meshorer 269 (same obv. die as illustration); Bromberg 121 (same dies); Shoshana II 20365–6 (same dies); Sofaer 111 (same dies); Spaer 196 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 8557447-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, die shift. ($4000)

Pedigreed to 1923

355. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.43 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, wavy line above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 96 (O17/R67); Hendin 6441; Meshorer 269 (same obv. die as illustration); Bromberg 438 (same dies); Shoshana I 20371 (same dies); Sofaer 110 (same obv. die); Spaer 196 (same dies). Toned, trace deposits, slightly off center. Near EF. ($3000)

Purchased by the consignor from Brian Kritt, June 1999. Ex Kirk Davis 16 (Mail Bid Sale; 2 December 1996), lot 93; Miguel Muñoz Collection (Part II, Superior, 4 June 1979), lot 1432; Superior (13 June 1977), lot 2772; Hess-Leu [22] (4 April 1963), lot J64; Naville V (18 June 1923), lot 2858.

356. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17mm, 2.82 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Palm frond; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the Freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 64 (O14/R36); Hendin 6443; Meshorer 279c; Bromberg 156 (same dies); Shoshana I 20375 (same dies); Sofaer 130 (same dies); Spaer 215 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, minor die wear on obverse. EF. ($1000)

357. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18.5mm, 3.53 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew, irregularly distributed) in two lines within wreath / Fluted jug and branch; 2lc∑R¥ ¡∑Rjl (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 78 (O14/R50); Hendin 6449; Meshorer 283a; Bromberg 474 (same dies); Shoshana II 20224 (same dies); Sofaer 115 (same obv. die); Spaer 217 (same obv. die). Deep iridescent tone, minor die wear on obverse, overstruck on a denarius or drachm of Trajan (his portrait visible on the reverse). Good VF. ($1000)

358. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.14 g, 6h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 157 (O11/R77); Hendin 6460; Meshorer 285 (same obv. die as illustration); Bromberg 513 (same dies); Shoshana I 20458 (same dies); Sofaer 120; Spaer 227 (same obv. die). Deeply toned, overstruck on an uncertain denarius of Vespasian (his portrait visible on the reverse). VF. ($1500)

Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 458.

359. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19.5mm, 3.40 g, 6h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Elongated kithara; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 174 (O22/R109); Hendin 6462; Meshorer 275; Bromberg 199 (same dies); Shoshana I 20476 (same dies); Sofaer 127 (same obv. die); Spaer 223–4. Toned, overstruck on a denarius of Trajan (his portrait and partial legend visible on the obverse). Near EF. ($750)

360. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.39 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Two upright trumpets; pellet between, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew, a few letters retrograde) around. Mildenberg 199 (O24/R86); Hendin 6458; Meshorer 277; Bromberg 208 (same dies); Shoshana I 20448 (same obv. die); Sofaer 139 (same obv. die); cf. Spaer 230–2. Iridescent tone, light scratches on reverse, overstruck on a denarius of Vespasian or Titus (partial portrait and legend visible on the obverse). Near EF. ($1000)

361. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.17 g, 7h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Elongated kithara; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 208 (O24/R120); Meshorer 275 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6462; Bromberg 537 (same dies); Shoshana I 20490 (same dies); Sofaer 129 (same obv. die); Spaer 233 (same obv. die). Toned, overstruck on an uncertain Roman denarius or drachm. Good VF. ($750)

362. JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.27 g, 6h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Elongated kithara; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 210 (O24/R135); Hendin 6462; Meshorer 274; Bromberg 538 (same dies); Shoshana I 20492 (same dies); Sofaer 129 (same obv. die); Spaer 233 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, overstruck on an uncertain denarius of Vespasian (his portrait and partial legend visible on the obverse). Good VF. ($1000)

Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 463.

363. PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Askalon. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (15.5mm, 3.63 g, 3h). Head of female right, with oriental hairstyle / Owl standing facing, wings displayed; hieroglyphic sign of water above, retrograde ÀÀ (AN in retrograde Phoenician) to upper left, Udjat eye to upper right, ornamentation around; all within incuse square. Gitler & Tal III.4Da = H. Gitler, “New Fourth-Century BC Coins from Ascalon” in NC 156 (1996), C (same dies); HGC 10, 495; BMC 10. Toned, remnants of find patina, struck with worn obverse die. Near VF. Rare. ($2000)

364. PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘Azah). Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (15.5mm, 3.28 g, 9h). Janiform head of bearded male, left, and female, right / Owl standing facing between olive sprays; Z o (’ z in Aramaic) across lower field. Gitler & Tal V.6D; HGC 10, 545; Pitchfork 52 (this coin). Toned, much find patina remaining, some granularity, a few minor scratches, test cut on reverse with corresponding hairline crack on obverse. Near VF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Sotheby’s (1 October 1987), lot 743.

365. SOUTHERN LEVANT or THE EAST, Uncertain mint. Circa 400-333 BC or later. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 16.44 g, 12h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with profile eye, wearing earring and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, doE to right; all within incuse square. Cf. Van Alfen, Mechanisms, Groups III.C–E; otherwise, unpublished in the standard references. Toned, remnants of find patina, rough surfaces. VF. Very rare. ($2000)

366. SOUTHERN LEVANT or THE EAST, Uncertain mint. Circa 400-333 BC or later. AR Tetradrachm (21mm, 16.93 g, 9h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with profile eye, wearing earring and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, [...]QE to right; all within incuse square. Cf. Van Alfen, Mechanisms, Groups III.C–E; cf. Van Alfen, Owls 150 (for similar). Toned, minor flan flaw on reverse. VF. Very rare. ($750)

367. NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ – “Drachm” (16.5mm, 4.52 g, 11h). Petra mint. Dated RY 14 (17/6 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right / eT∫n B¬m AB¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK’ MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas the King, King of the Nabataeans), diademed head of Obodas right; 10tn! (ŠNT 14 in Nabataean = year 14 [date]) to left. Barkay, King 33; CN 52; Al-Qatanani 40; Meshorer, Nabataea, Sup. 2; DCA2 1018. Minor marks, a little horn silver. Near EF. ($750) 365 366

368. NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ – “Drachm” (16.5mm, 4.60 g, 1h). Petra mint. Dated RY 19 (12/1 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and [Hagaru] right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to left / eT∫n B¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas King of the Nabataeans), diademed head of Obodas right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to lower left, 160tn! (ŠNT 19 in Nabataean = year 19 [date]) to left. Barkay, King 42; CN 62; Al-Qatanani 45 t1; Meshorer, Nabataea –; DCA2 1018. Dark find patina, light roughness, off center on obverse. Good VF. ($750)

369. ARABIA, Northwestern. Lihyan. Mid 4th-3rd centuries BC. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.06 g, 9h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, 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 spray to left, åQE to right; all within incuse square. Unpublished, but cf. CNG 129, lot 331 for a likely earlier issue in silver, and CNG 121, lot 573, for a later billon issue with Lihyanite letter on Athena’s cheek. Earthen dark brown surfaces, encrustation on obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

370. ARABIA, Eastern. Bahrain/Tylos(?). Mid 2nd century BC or later. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.73 g, 9h). Imitating the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Shams seated left on backless throne, holding eagle and staff;  (shin in Aramaic, vertically oriented) in left field. Huth –; Arnold-Biucchi, Arabian, Group A; Price 3958; HGC 10, 696 (same obv. die as illustration). Toned, patches of find patina, minor flan flaws (indications of undertype?) and marks. Good VF. Very rare. ($750)

371. ARABIA, Eastern. Ikaros/Failaka. Circa 222-204 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.37 g, 11h). Imitating the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Shams seated left on backless throne, holding eagle and staff;  (shin in Aramaic, horizontally oriented) in left field. Huth 104–5; Arnold-Biucchi, Arabian, Group B; Price 3957; HGC 10, 704; Berlin obj. no. 18254336 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, underlying luster, minor die wear on obverse. Near EF. ($1000)

372. PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp. Artaxerxes I to Darios II. Circa 455-420 BC. AV Daric (12.5mm, 8.34 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneelingrunning stance right, holding dagger (pointed diagonally) in right hand, bow in left / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IV, Group A (pl. XIII, 32); Bodzek pl. I, 16 (same rev. punch); Meadows, Administration –; BMC Arabia pl. XXVI, 9; Sunrise 27; Westmoreland 32 (this coin). Lustrous. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 78A (5 April 2005), lot 4907.

373. PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp Darios II to Artaxerxes II. Circa 420-375 BC. AV Daric (16mm, 8.35 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneelingrunning stance right, holding spear in right hand and bow in left / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group C (pl. XIV, 42); cf. Bodzek pl. I, 15; cf. Meadows, Administration 323; BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 12; Sunrise 28. Light deposits, minor doubling on obverse. Near EF. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Gert Cleff Collection (Gorny & Mosch 289, 10 October 2022), lot 496.

374. PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp Darios II to Artaxerxes II. Circa 420-375 BC. AV Daric (14.5mm, 8.35 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneelingrunning stance right, holding spear in right hand and bow in left / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group C (pl. XIV, 42); cf. Bodzek pl. I, 15; cf. Meadows, Administration 323; BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 12; Sunrise 28. In NGC encapsulation 4629125063, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. ($1500)

375. PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp Darios II to Artaxerxes II. Circa 420-375 BC. AV Daric (15mm, 8.34 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneelingrunning stance right, holding spear in right hand and bow in left / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group C (pl. XIV, 42); cf. Bodzek pl. I, 15; cf. Meadows, Administration 323; BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 12; Sunrise 28. In NGC encapsulation 6710368001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

Ex Pixodarus Hoard

376. PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp Artaxerxes II to Artaxerxes III. Circa 400-341 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 15.39 g, 7h). Chian standard. Uncertain mint in Caria. Persian king, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running stance right, drawing bow / Warrior, wearing kyrbasia, thrusting spear he holds aloft in right hand, on horse galloping right. Konuk, Influences, Group 2, 1 and pl. XXX, 10; cf. Meadows, Administration 327; Dewing 2715; Pitchfork 10 = Pixodarus 24 (this coin); cf. Sunrise 73–4; Traité II 128. Iridescent tone, struck with somewhat worn dies. Good VF. Rare. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 256; Pixodarus Hoard (CH IX, 421).

377. PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. temp Stamenes – Seleukos. Satraps of Babylon, circa 328/3-311 BC. AV Double Daric (18mm, 16.66 g). Babylon mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneelingrunning stance right, holding spear in right hand, bow in left; ¬U to left, Â to lower right / Patterned incuse punch. NicoletPierre 1; cf. Babelon, Perses 120 (daric); Sunrise –; Traité II 768 (same); EHC pl. II, 29; SNG Berry 1455; Westmoreland 26 (this coin). Trace deposits, hairlines, struck with worn obverse die. VF. ($4000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Bellaria Collection (Triton VII, 13 January 2004), lot 370; Monetarium 48 (Autumn 1987), no. 37.

378. PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. temp Stamenes – Seleukos. Satraps of Babylon, circa 328/3-311 BC. AV Double Daric (17.5mm, 16.63 g). Babylon mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneelingrunning stance right, holding spear in right hand, bow in left; f5 to left / Patterned incuse punch. Nicolet-Pierre 6; Babelon, Perses 116; Sunrise 158; Traité II –; SNG Copenhagen 259; BMC 4 = Weber 8193; Hirsch 1758; Pozzi 3135. Toned, a little off center on obverse. Good VF. Very rare. ($4000)

379. PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. temp Stamenes – Seleukos. Satraps of Babylon, circa 328/3-311 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 17.02 g, 8h). Babylon mint. Baal, wearing himation from waist, seated left, holding scepter in left hand, right hand on stool / Lion advancing left; above, scorpion right. Nicolet-Pierre 19; Babelon, Perses 295; Traité II 797. Toned, remnants of find patina, minor porosity, light cleaning marks. Good VF. Very rare, this is the only example in CoinArchives. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG 7 (24 October 2020), lot 1388.

Ex Slocum and Burrage Collections –

Pedigreed to 1934

380. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.17 g, 11h). Attic standard. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis or Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 323/2317/1 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, head of AmunRa as ram’s head right wearing double plume crown, Ô below throne. CPE 4; Svoronos 6; Zervos Issue 3, dies 219/b (this coin referenced); Price 3964; SNG Copenhagen 9; ANS inv. 1944.100.35649 (same dies); Westmoreland 19 (this coin). Deep old iridescent tone, scratch and minor double strike on reverse. Good VF. High relief and fine style. Rare. ($3000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 1049; J. J. Slocum Collection; Russell Burrage Collection (Part II, Morgenthau 342, 26 November 1934), lot 210.

381. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.19 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis or Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 323-317 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; rose in left field, E below throne. CPE 13 = Hersh, Additions 87 = BM inv. 2002,0101.982 (same dies); Price 3970–1 var. (same); cf. Zervos Issue 2, unlisted variety. Lightly toned, underlying luster, a little die rust on obverse, graffiti in fields on reverse. EF. High relief. Extremely rare, only the Hersh coin known (now in the BM). ($2000)

382. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.06 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis or Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 323-317 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; rose in left field, d5-o below throne. CPE 19; Svoronos –; Zervos Issue 2C, dies 211/l; Price 3971d (same dies); Meydancikkale 2208 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of find patina. Near EF. ($1500)

383. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 16.99 g, 11h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis or Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 323-317 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; rose in left field, d5-o below throne. CPE 20; Svoronos –; Zervos Issue 2D, dies 209/d; Price 3971; Hermitage Sale II 694 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 18 (this coin). Old collection tone with slight iridescence, small area of cleaning scratches on obverse, light graffito in field on reverse. Near EF. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Colin Pitchfork, 5 September 2003. Ex Leu 76 (17 October 1999), lot 106.

Referenced by Zervos – Pedigreed to 1954

384. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.69 g, 11h). In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis or Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 320/19-314/3 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin headdress / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; thunderbolt in left field, rU below throne. CPE 35a; Svoronos 20; Zervos Issue 14, dies 260/b (this coin referenced); SNG Copenhagen –; Boston MFA 2248 = Warren 1313 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 43 (this coin). Old cabinet tone, remnants of find patina, edge chipped, graffiti and light scratches. Near VF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG XIII (17 June 1954), lot 1214.

385. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 14.90 g, 1h). In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis or Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 320/19-314/3 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin headdress / ŬE$Å@droU ∫Å%5¬EW%, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; thunderbolt in left field, rU below throne. CPE 35b; Svoronos 18; Zervos Issue 14, dies 260/d (this coin referenced); SNG Copenhagen –; Hirsch 1788 (same dies); Westmoreland 42 (this coin). Toned, rough surfaces, pitting, cleaning marks. Near VF. Rare with royal title ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics, 4 December 2006. Ex David G. L. Worland Collection.

386. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.14 g, 12h). Attic standard. In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 316-312/0 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin, aegis around neck; tiny d to right of elephant ear / [ŬE]$Å@dro[U], Athena Alkidemos advancing right, brandishing spear in right hand and holding shield on extended left arm; to right, EU and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 47; Svoronos 42; Zervos Issue 18, dies 286/b; SNG Copenhagen 15; BMC 11 (same obv. die); Westmoreland 44 (this coin). Attractively toned, underlying luster, die break and light scuff on obverse, off center on reverse. Good VF. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 7 (22 February 2002), lot 239.

Superb and High Relief

387. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 17.14 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Arados mint. Struck circa 320/19-315 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, legs crossed; 1 in left field. Price 3426 (Byblos mint); Taylor, Reattribution 294-307 var. (A50/P– [unlisted rev. die]); ANS inv. 1944.100.35078 (same obv. die). Lustrous, slight die wear on obverse. Superb EF. ($1000)

388. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.25 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Arados mint. Struck circa 320/19-315 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, legs crossed; 1 in left field. Price 3426 (Byblos mint); Taylor, Reattribution 308–20 var. (A51/P– [unlisted rev. die]); BM inv. G.2494 (same obv. die). Underlying luster, some marks, die wear on obverse. EF. ($1000)

389. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.10 g, 11h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Arados mint. Struck circa 320/19-315 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, legs crossed; 1 in left field. Price 3426 (Byblos mint); Taylor, Reattribution 406–7 (A64/P224); ANS inv. 1944.100.35069 (same dies). Some die minor die wear, slight doubling and a few minor pits on reverse. Superb EF. High relief. ($1000)

390. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.14 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Arados mint. Struck circa 320/19-315 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, legs crossed; 1 in left field. Price 3426 (Byblos mint); Taylor, Reattribution 300 (A50/P157); ANS inv. 1944.100.35078 (same obv. die). Underling luster. EF. ($750)

Pedigreed to 1934

391. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC, or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 15.64 g, 12h). Ptolemaic standard. In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 306-300 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin, aegis around neck with tiny d in scales / ŬE$Å@droU, Athena Alkidemos advancing right; to right, Corinthian helmet right, A, and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 65; Svoronos 170; Zervos Issue 25, dies unlisted; SNG Copenhagen 27. Iridescent tone, minor marks, slight die wear on reverse, edge marks. Good VF. ($2000)

Ex Dupriez (23 October 1934), lot 804.

Referenced by Zervos – Pedigreed to 1938

392. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC, or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.79 g, 12h). Ptolemaic standard. In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 306-300 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin, aegis around neck with tiny d in scales / ŬE$Å@dro[U], Athena Alkidemos advancing right; to right, Corinthian helmet right, d5, and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 72; Svoronos 169; Zervos Issue 31, dies 528/b (this coin referenced); SNG Copenhagen 30; Westmoreland 45 (this coin). Attractively toned, some tiny flan flaws. Near EF. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Münzhandlung Basel 10 (15 March 1938), lot 399.

393. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC, or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 15.69 g, 12h). Ptolemaic standard. In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Uncertain Mint 3, probably Memphis. Struck circa 303-300 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin, aegis around neck / ŬE$Å@droU, Athena Alkidemos advancing right; to left, , above bee; to right, eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 83; Svoronos 153; Zervos Issue 61, dies unlisted; SNG Copenhagen –. Deep iridescent tone, minor die wear on obverse. Good VF. ($5000)

Ex Goldberg 62 (1 February 2011), lot 3162; Triton X (9 January 2007), lot 413; Gemini II (10 January 2006), lot 170; Classical Numismatic Auctions XXI (26 June 1992), lot 194.

Attractive

Elephant Quadriga Stater – CPE Plate Coin

394. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Stater (16.5mm, 7.09 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck early 290s BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck / ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU ∫Å%5¬EW%, Alexander, holding thunderbolt in right hand, standing left in chariot drawn by four elephants left; ˆ˜ in exergue. CPE 105 (this coin illustrated); Svoronos 126; Zervos Type VI, Issue 102, dies 764/a; SNG Copenhagen –; Bement 1823 (same dies); Boston MFA 2260 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 1566 (same dies); Westmoreland 47 (this coin). Lustrous, light scratches, edge marks. Good VF. ($15,000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Triton VIII (11 January 2005), lot 578.

Ptolemy I Soter, the son of a Macedonian nobleman, was a friend and intimate of Alexander III the Great from boyhood and accompanied him on his great career of conquest, from 333-323 BC. Upon Alexander’s death in 323 BC, Ptolemy was granted the prized satrapy of Egypt, the richest of the formerly Persian provinces. Alone among the Diadochi (”successors”), he was content with his sphere of influence and did not risk all to succeed Alexander. However, he was not above using the great conqueror’s image and reputation to secure his own position. He hijacked Alexander’s funeral cortege as it was proceeding back to Macedon and had his embalmed corpse formally interred at Memphis in Egypt; later the body was relocated to a splendid mausoleum in Alexandreia. Ptolemy declared his own kingship in 305/4 BC and was the only one of Alexander’s Successors to die peacefully, in his bed, in 282 BC, having founded a dynasty that would last three centuries.

Ex Lockett and Cartwright Collections – Pedigreed to 1935

395. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.67 g, 12h). Ptolemaic first reduced standard. In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Alexandreia mint. Struck early 290s BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin, aegis around neck with tiny d in scales / ŬE$Å@droU, Athena Alkidemos advancing right; to right, — above “ and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 109; Svoronos 125; Zervos Issue 38, dies 551/a (this coin referenced); SNG Copenhagen –; Westmoreland 46 = SNG Lockett 3383 (this coin). Old cabinet tone, traces of find patina. Good VF. ($2000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Triton I (2 December 1997), lot 622; Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part IV, Glendining, 21 February 1961), lot 2770; Richard Cartwright Collection (Münzhandlung Basel 4, 1 October 1935), lot 929.

396. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.27 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 294-285 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck, tiny d behind ear / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle, with closed wings, standing left on thunderbolt; to left, r above O. CPE 168; Svoronos 255; SNG Copenhagen 70–1; Boston MFA 2264; Noeske 41–2; Westmoreland 50 (this coin). Toned, minor edge marks, faint die break in field on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 42 (29 May 1997), lot 635.

397. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Trichryson – ‘Pentadrachm’ (22.5mm, 17.76 g, 12h). Uncertain mint 10, on Cyprus (Salamis or Kition). Struck circa 294-282 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck, small d behind ear / ∫Ås5¬EWs πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle, with closed wings, standing left on thunderbolt; to left, st above Z. CPE 234; Svoronos 367; SNG Copenhagen –; Hüseyinli 39–41; Westmoreland 49 (this coin). Underlying luster, banker’s mark in field on obverse. Near EF. ($7500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 78A (5 April 2005), lot 4908.

Very Rare

398. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Trichryson – ‘Pentadrachm’ (24mm, 17.78 g, 12h). Uncertain mint 10, on Cyprus (Salamis or Kition). Struck circa 294-282 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck, small d behind ear / ∫Ås5¬EWs πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle, with closed wings, standing left on thunderbolt; to left, st above ˚5. CPE 238; Svoronos Addenda 365a; SNG Copenhagen –; Westmoreland 48 (this coin). Lustrous, minor marks, edge marks. Good VF. Very rare, only one in CoinArchives. ($6000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics, 12 February 2003. Ex Monetarium 61 (Spring 1994), no. 98; Lanz 50 (27 November 1989), lot 478.

Ex Adda Collection – Pedigreed to Before 1965

399. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285246 BC. AV Mnaïeion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (26mm, 27.69 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 272-261/0 BC. Conjoined busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinöe II right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Arsinöe is diademed and veiled; ÅdE¬fW@ above, shield to left / Conjoined busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; QEW@ above. CPE 313; Svoronos 603; Olivier & Lorber dies 12/– (unlisted rev. die); SNG Copenhagen 132; BM inv. 1964,1303.3 (same obv. die); Du Chastel 294 (same obv. die); Kraay & Hirmer 801; Westmoreland 52 (this coin). Trace deposits, minor marks. Good VF. ($10,000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Noble Numismatics. Ex Property of a Lady [Giovanna Adda Coen] (Part II, Christie’s, 8 October 1985), lot 404 (professionally conserved since); Victor A. Adda (†1965) Collection.

Pedigreed to 1942

400. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285246 BC. AV Half Mnaïeion – ‘Tetradrachm’ (19.5mm, 13.84 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 272-261/0 BC. Conjoined busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinöe II right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Arsinöe is diademed and veiled; ÅdE¬fW@ above, shield to left / Conjoined busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; QEW@ above. CPE 314; Svoronos 604ια (same dies); Olivier & Lorber dies 22/64; SNG Copenhagen 133; de Luynes 3564 (same dies); Westmoreland 53 (this coin). Trace deposits, minor marks. Good VF. ($4000)

From the Westmoreland Collection, purchased from Canberra Coin World (Bill Scheer). Ex Helbing 86 (25 November 1942), lot 3435.

401. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos. 285-246 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 13.06 g, 12h). Sidon mint. Dated RY 32 (254/3 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU %Wt˙ro%, eagle, with closed wings, standing left on thunderbolt; to left, %5 above ›; ¬∫ (date) to right. CPE 524; Svoronos 739; SNG Copenhagen 514; Meydancikkale 4726 (same obv. die). Light scratches and marks. Near EF. ($750)

Ex Ward Collection – Referenced in Svoronos

402. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AR Dekadrachm (33.5mm, 34.73 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 253/2-250/49 BC. Head right, with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background,  to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia with grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE 354 (Ptolemy II); Svoronos 947ζ = Ward 889 = Ward Sale 740 = Westmoreland 51 (this coin); Troxell, Arsinoe, Group 3, p. 44 and pl. 7, 7 = SNG Lockett 3415 (same obv. die); SNG Berry 1483 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 26; Hermitage Sale II 1583. Old cabinet tone, remnants of find patina, delaminations, a little porosity, a few cleaning marks, minor die wear on obverse. VF. ($5000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 12 (28 October 2005), lot 247; David R. Hinkle Collection; Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s Zurich, 4 April 1973), lot 740; John Ward Collection (publ. 1901).

Superb Ptolemy III Oktadrachm

403. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (27.5mm, 27.81 g, 12h). Posthumous issue under Ptolemy IV. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 219-217 BC. Bust of the deified Ptolemy III right, wearing radiate diadem and aegis; trident over left shoulder, middle prong ends in a lotus finial / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, radiate and filleted cornucopia; d5 below. CPE 888; Svoronos 1117; Olivier & Lorber dies 6/21; SNG Copenhagen 196; Kraay & Hirmer 803. Lustrous, hairlines on obverse, tiny spot of lacquer on reverse. Superb EF. ($10,000)

404. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Kleopatra III & Ptolemy X Alexander I. 114/3-102/1 BC. AV Mnaïeion –‘Oktadrachm’ (28mm, 27.84 g, 11h). In the name and types of Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 110-105 BC. Idealized head of Kleopatra III right (as Arsinoe), with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, ˚ to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE Class V, K58; Olivier Group 7, 3491–70 (obv. die unlisted); Svoronos 1498β–γ; SNG Copenhagen –; ANS inv. 1957.191.46; Westmoreland 55 (this coin). Lustrous, hairlines, edge marks. EF. ($10,000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 75 (31 March 2004), lot 1688.

405. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Kleopatra VII Thea Neotera. 51-30 BC. Æ (20.5mm, 6.36 g, 8h). Orthoseia mint. Dated RY 2 (of Kleopatra in Phoenicia, 36/5 BC). Diademed and draped bust right; star to left / Baal of Orthoseia, wearing crescent headdress and holding harpa in extended right hand, in biga drawn by griffins right; l∫ (date) to left, orQW15EW@ in exergue. CPE B832; Svoronos –; Olivier & Aumaître dies D1/R1; HGC 10, 210; RPC I 4501; DCA2 815. Brown surfaces, some deposits, faint cleaning marks. Good VF. ($1500)

Possibly Unique

406. KYRENAICA, Kyrene. Circa 510-490 BC. AR Tetradrachm (19mm, 16.18 g). Silphion fruit on vine / Two incuse rectangles. Buttrey, Coins, Period I, Group 1B, unlisted type; cf. BM inv. 1921,0216.1 (for similar); otherwise, unpublished. Toned, granular surfaces, some roughness. Near VF. Extremely rare, possibly unique early issue. ($1500)

Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 31 (7 September 2024), lot 719 (professionally conserved since).

ORIENTAL GREEK COINAGE

407. KINGS of PARTHIA. Mithradates II. 121-91 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 15.79 g, 12h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Phase I, circa 122/121-119/18 BC. Diademed bust left / ∫Å%5¬EW% to left, ;E˝Å¬o¨ above, År% Å˚o¨ to right, E∏5fÅ@o¨% below, archer (Arsakes I) seated right on omphalos, holding bow. SNP Type Ia/1a.α; Sellwood 24.1; Pitchfork 88 (this coin); Sunrise –; Shore –. Iridescent toning, light porosity, flan flaw on obverse, hairline die break on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection.

408. KINGS of ELYMAIS. Kamnaskires III, with Anzaze. Circa 82/1-73/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.11 g, 12h). Seleukeia on the Hedyphon mint. Dated SE 233 (80/79 BC). Conjoined busts of Kamnaskires III, diademed and draped bust and wearing long beard and torque, and Anzaze, draped and wearing stephane and necklace, left; anchor symbol to right; all within bead-and-reel border / 5G45GE∑5 above, ˚G;@G4˚55oU to right, ˚G5 5G45G544˙4 to left, 2@Z2Z˙5, ZeusBelos enthroned left, holding in outstretched right hand Nike, standing right and holding wreath, and scepter in left; traces of ;G˚4d∑@ to inner left; ˝2% (date) in exergue. van’t Haaff Type 7.1.1-4; Alram 454; Sunrise –; DCA 518; GoMo 302, lot 266 (same obv. die). Iridescent toning, traces of deposits, light roughness/porosity. Good VF. ($750)

The Kingdom of Elymais flourished as an autonomous sub-monarchy to the Seleukid and Parthian Kingdoms along the upper portion of the Persian Gulf, modern Khuzestan, Iran, from circa 188 BC to AD 222. The name derives from the ancient Biblical name for the region, Elam. Its earliest ruling dynasty, the Kamnaskirids, produced an intriguing coinage blending Hellenistic and Parthian elements. This attractive tetradrachm of Kamnaskires III depicts him alongside his wife, Anzaze, both of whom are named on the reverse as king and queen; both also sport royal diadems, indicating they ruled jointly.

409. KINGS of ELYMAIS. Kamnaskires IV. Circa 63/2-54/3 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 13.49 g, 12h). Susa mint. Dated SE 256 (57/6 BC). Diademed, older bust left, wearing full beard; to right, forepart of horse left; c/m: Nike standing left, holding wreath and palm frond; all within rectangular incuse / 5Å45¬E∑5 above, ˚Å∏@Å5˚5roU to right, toU E˝ 5Å5522E25 to left, ˚Å∏@Å5˚5 below, Zeus-Belos enthroned left, holding in outstretched right hand Nike, standing right and holding wreath, and scepter in left; monogram to inner left; ?@% (date) in exergue. Cf. van’t Haaff Type 8.31.1 (for obv., but without c/m) and 8.3.2-1 ([drachm] for rev.); Alram 461 var. (example with c/m, but date not visible in exergue); DCA 522 ([drachm], but without c/m); CNG E-452, lot 572 var. (SE date). Iridescent toning, minor porosity, double strike on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($750)

410. KINGS of PERSIS. Ardaxšir (Artaxerxes) I. 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 16.99 g, 6h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Diademed head right, wearing kyrbasia / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; to left, Ardaxšir standing right; standard to right; YR†5@6Rà (‘rthštry in Aramaic) down left, à32;à 3¥ àKR†RP (prtrk’ zy ’lhy’ in Aramaic) in exergue; sRP (prs in Aramaic) down inner right. van’t Haaff, Persis, Type 520.1a-b (same obv. die); K&M –, but cf. 2/11 (Vahbarz; same obv. die, but later die state); Alram pl. 17, 520 and 526 (same obv. die); Sunrise –. Iridescent toning, struck with worn obverse die, slight double strike on reverse. EF. ($2000)

411. KINGS of PERSIS. Vādfradād (Autophradates) I. 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.96 g, 12h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Diademed head right, wearing kyrbasia / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; to left, Vādfradād standing right; standard to right; †KRP†w (wtprdt in Aramaic) up outer left, 3¥ aKR†RP (prtrk’ zy in Aramaic) in exergue; a32La (’lhy’ in Aramaic) down outer right. van’t Haaff, Persis, Type 533/535/538i corr. (bow before king; same dies); cf. K&M –, but cf. 2/17; cf. Alram 533; Sunrise –; Ponterio 148, lot 391 (same dies). Iridescent toning, deposits, struck with a worn reverse die. Good VF. Overstruck on an Ekbatana mint tetradrachm of Seleukos I (SC 204.4a). ($1000)

412. KINGS of PERSIS. Vādfradād (Autophradates) I. 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.13 g, 12h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Diademed head right, wearing kyrbasia / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; to left, Vādfradād standing right, being crowned with wreath by Nike standing behind; bow set on ground before; standard to right; †KRP†w (wtprdt in Aramaic) down right, â 3z KR†Rp (prtrk zy ’ in Aramaic) in exergue. van’t Haaff, Persis, Type 544b = De Morgan pl. XXVIII, 5 (same dies); K&M –; Alram –; Sunrise 573 (same dies); Zeno –; CNG 127, lot 306 (same obv. die). Deposits, remnants of find patina, granular surfaces, porosity and roughness, areas of weakness, die break on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($2000)

413. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos I Soter. Circa 255-235 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 8.35 g, 6h). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, Å@t5ocoU to left, Zeus Bremetes, nude, seen from behind, advancing left, aegis draped over outstretched left arm, and brandishing thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above eagle standing left. Kritt, New A8, Style 2; Holt Series A, Group 8; Bopearachchi 1A; SNG ANS 75; HGC 9, 234 (Antiochos II); Westmoreland 75 (this coin). Lightly toned, underlying luster, traces of deposits, typical test cut on obverse, die flaws on reverse. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble 79 (26 July 2005), lot 3337.

Circa 260 BC, the Seleukid king Antiochos II appointed a general named Diodotos, possibly a distant relation to Seleukos I Nikator, as satrap of Baktria, the easternmost province of his empire. Starting circa 256 BC, Diodotos began a gradual transition to Baktrian independence, with himself as ruler. For a period of time he struck gold and silver coins in the name of Antiochos, but with his own portrait and personal reverse type of Zeus Bremetes (“Thundering Zeus”), striding and hurling a thunderbolt. At some point he appointed his son, Diodotos II, as co-ruler, and both kings began to use their own names on coins and official proclamations, possibly after defeating an attack by the incipient Parthian Kingdom in circa 240 BC. Diodotos I apparently died circa 235 BC; his son carried on until circa 225 BC, when he was overthrown and killed by Euthydemos I. Despite this violent end to their dynasty, they continued to be revered as founders of the kingdom by later rulers.

Cited and Illustrated in MPHB

414. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I Theos Megas. Circa 225-200/195 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.56 g, 12h). Mint A (near Aï Khanoum). Struck circa 206-200 BC. Diademed head right, with elderly features / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EUQUd˙;oU to left, nude Herakles seated left on rock, supporting himself with left hand, holding in right hand a club set on rocks to left; I to lower right. Bopearachchi 11A; Kritt A17; MPHB A Group III, 249 (this coin); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 89c; HGC 12, 4. Deep iridescent toning. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Collection of Professor Emeritus N. Keith Rutter. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLI.2 (Summer 2016), no. 436186; Donald Squires Collection (Spink USA 325, 21 June 2016), lot 62; Classical Numismatic Group 75 (23 May 2007), lot 617.

Euthydemos, the third Greco-Baktrian king, presents an interesting picture of a ruler. We know three things about him—he was bold, he was honest, and he was stubborn. We know he was bold because he took the initiative to overthrow his overlord, Diodotos II, and make himself king. We can say he was honest, as least as far as his appearance goes, because he is one of the few rulers who actually ages on his coins. His early coins depict him as a relatively smooth-faced young man. By the end of his reign, he is the aged, care-worn fellow we see on this remarkable coin portrait. As for stubborn, Euthydemos is mentioned by the second-century BC historian Polybius in his life of the Seleukid king Antiochos III the Great (222-187 BC). According to Polybius, Antiochos decided to march east and reconquer all the lands that had been lost by his forebears. In 208 BC, he arrived in Baktria, ruled by Euthydemos. The Baktrian ruler commanded a huge cavalry arm, more than 10,000 riders. But these were routed by the Seleukid army and Euthydemos took refuge in the city of Baktra, where he remained under siege for more than two years. Eventually, Antiochos wearied of the siege and cut a deal, allowing Euthydemos to retain power. His stubbornness had paid off.

Fine Style

415. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I Theos Megas. Circa 225-200/195 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.59 g, 11h). Mint B (“Baktra”). Struck circa 206-200 BC. Diademed head right, with elderly features / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EUQUd˙;oU to left, nude Herakles seated left on rock, supporting himself with left hand, holding in right hand a club set on his knee; } to lower right. Bopearachchi 12A; Kritt B17; MPHB B Group VII; Bopearachchi & Rahman 113; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 94ac; HGC 12, 4. In NGC encapsulation 8240089-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($3000)

416. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Demetrios I Aniketos. Circa 200-185 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.94 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing elephant skin / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, d˙;˙tr5oU to left, nude Herakles standing facing, lion skin draped over left arm, crowning himself with right hand and holding club in left; } to inner left. Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman 122; MPHB Group IIIA, 170 = Pitchfork 90 (this coin); SNG ANS 187; MIG Type 103d; HGC 12, 63. Iridescent toning, pitting, marks, struck with broken die on reverse. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 69 (8 June 2005), lot 798; Markov 10 (23 October 2001), lot 204.

Demetrios, son of Euthydemos I, succeeded to the Greco-Baktrian throne circa 200 BC, probably after a period of joint rule with his father. In his account of the campaigns of Antiochos III, Polybios mentions that the Seleukid king was impressed with the qualities of Demetrios and betrothed one of his own daughters, named Laodike, to him. A Greek inscription discovered in Tajikistan, dated to circa 200 BC, identifies Euthydemos as “greatest of kings” and names Demetrios as “his son, the glorious, victorious and remarkable.” A period of turmoil in the Mauryan Kingdom of India apparently encouraged Demetrios to launch an invasion of northern India, conquering a huge swath to the north of the Peninsula and establishing the basis for future Greek rule in the region. His coins show him wearing an elaborate headdress in the form of an elephant’s head, including trunk and tusks. This is not just a reference to his Indian conquests, but also an homage to Alexander the Great, the first Westerner to enter India. The figure of Herakles crowning himself on the reverse alludes to tales of the demigod hero’s travels to India. His adopted epithet of Aniketos (“Invincible”) was apparently accurate, as he appears never to have been defeated in battle.

417. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Demetrios I Aniketos. Circa 200-185 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.94 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing elephant skin / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, d˙;˙tr5oU to left, nude Herakles standing facing, lion skin draped over left arm, crowning himself with right hand and holding club in left; } to inner left. Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman 122; MPHB Group IIIA, (dies unlisted); SNG ANS 187; MIG Type 103d; HGC 12, 63; Westmoreland 76 (this coin). Iridescent toning, areas of porosity and roughness, small divot on obverse. Good VF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble inventory 8577-50 1031-17.

418. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33.5mm, 16.67 g, 12 h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EUQUd˙;oU to left, Herakles, nude but for wreath, standing facing, holding wreath in extended right hand, and cradling club in left arm draped with lion skin; } to inner left. Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman 142; MPHB Group IV, 99 = Westmoreland 78 (this coin); SNG ANS 216; MIG Type 113d; HGC 14, 72. Iridescent toning, traces of underlying luster, light roughness and marks a couple of hairline die breaks on obverse. EF. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 63 (21 May 2003), lot 936.

419. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.88 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EUQUd˙;oU to left, Herakles, nude but for wreath, standing facing, holding wreath in extended right hand, and cradling club in left arm draped with lion skin; } to inner left. Bopearachchi 1C; MPHB Group I, 116 = Pitchfork 91 (this coin); Bopearachchi & Rahman 142; SNG ANS 216; MIG Type 113d; HGC 14, 72. Iridescent toning, light marks. Good VF. ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 38 (6 June 1996), lot 495.

420. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 16.89 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EUQUd˙;oU to left, Herakles, nude but for wreath, standing facing, holding wreath in extended right hand, and cradling club in left arm draped with lion skin; D to inner left. Bopearachchi 1D; MPHB Group I, 22 (this coin); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 217-8; MIG Type 113b; HGC 14, 72. Iridescent toning, light marks, area of peripheral weakness on obverse. Near EF ($1500)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Künker 236 (7 October 2013), lot 171; Nomos 6 (8 May 2012), lot 111; Nomos 2 (18 May 2010), lot 143; Spink 100 (13 October 1993), lot 45.

421. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.87 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫å%5GE∑% to right, Å˝ÅœokGEoU% to left, Zeus, standing facing, wearing himation from waist, holding grounded scepter in left hand, and in his extended right hand a figure of Hekate, wearing long chiton, standing facing, who bears a torch in each hand;; D to inner left. Bopearachchi 1D; MPHB Series I, Group I, 6 = Pitchfork 92 (this coin); Bopearachchi & Rahman 148-9; SNG ANS 230; MIG Type 137a; HGC 12, 81. Iridescent toning, light porosity on obverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Künker 89 (8 March 2004), lot 1550.

422. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I Theos. Circa 180-170 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 16.95 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing kausia / ∫Å%5¬EW% QEoU to right, Å@t5;ÅcoU to left, Poseidon, laureate and wearing himation from waist, standing facing, holding grounded trident in right hand and cradling filleted palm frond in left arm; K to inner right. Bopearachchi 1D; MPHB Group III 254 = Pitchfork 94 (this coin); SNG ANS 276-7; HGC 12, 106. Iridescent toning, deposits, tiny hairline flan crack, hairline die breaks on obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Garth R. Drewry Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 67, 22 September 2004), lot 1018; Berk BBS 80 (18 January 1994), lot 282E.

423. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (21mm, 17.00 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, wearing cloak and tunic, each cradling palm frond in their left arm and holding couched spear in their right hand, on horses rearing right; Í in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6E; Bopearachchi & Rahman 240-2; SNG ANS 465; MIG Type 177ee; HGC 12, 131. In NGC encapsulation 5872774-001, graded Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500)

Ex Heritage 3106 (17 January 2023), lot 33143.

True to his self-granted title, Eukratides Megas was perhaps the greatest of the Greco-Baktrian kings. His origins are obscure; he seems to have been the son of one Heliokles and a woman named Laodike, who may have been related to the Diodotid or Seleukid royal houses. This tincture of blue blood enabled him to attain a leading position in the army or civil service of the Greco-Baktrian realm, which had by circa 170 BC broken into several sub-kingdoms ruled by Antimachos I and II, Apollodotus I, and Demetrios II. Eukratides revolted against Demetrios and, despite being heavily outnumbered, succeeded in seizing his throne. Then, methodically, he defeated the other Baktrian rulers and annexed their realms, ultimately assuming the title Megas (“Great”). Only Menander I Soter, who controlled northern India, seems to have held out against him. Often depicted on his coins wearing a broad-brimmed helmet, his image spread far and wide, and the splendor of his reign was noticed by the Hellenistic states far to the west. The second century AD historian Justin wrote a brief, garbled account of his reign, noting that he “carried out several wars with great spirit,” but that he ultimately was murdered by one of his own sons while on campaign: “He was killed on his march by his son, with whom he had shared his throne, and who was so far from concealing the murder... he drove his chariot through his blood, and ordered his body to be cast out unburied.” Which of his three sons (Eukratides II, Plato and Heliokles I) carried out the patricide remains a mystery.

This lot, along with the following three, were all struck from the same obverse die, known for the Í mint. In this sale, these coins are arranged by die state of the obverse.

424. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.99 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, wearing cloak and tunic, each cradling palm frond in their left arm and holding couched spear in their right hand, on horses rearing right; Í in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6E; Bopearachchi & Rahman 240-2; MIG Type 177ee; SNG ANS 465; HGC 12, 131; Westmoreland 82 (this coin). Deeply toned, with iridescence, minor pitting, slight double strike on obverse. EF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble inventory 2182-50 93-13; Arethusa 4 (22 March 1996), lot 329.

425. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.99 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, wearing cloak and tunic, each cradling palm frond in their left arm and holding couched spear in their right hand, on horses rearing right; Í in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6E; Bopearachchi & Rahman 240-2; MIG Type 177ee; SNG ANS 465; HGC 12, 131; Westmoreland 83 (this coin). Iridescent toning, tiny flan crack, hairline die break on reverse. EF. ($1000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Noble inventory 2014-50 85-05.

426. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.94 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, wearing cloak and tunic, each cradling palm frond in their left arm and holding couched spear in their right hand, on horses rearing right; Í in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6E; Bopearachchi & Rahman 240-2; MIG Type 177ee; SNG ANS 465; HGC 12, 131. Iridescent toning, edge split with associated lamination, die wear on obverse. Near EF. ($750)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex CNG Inventory 868087 (April 2010).

427. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33.5mm, 16.96 g, 11h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, wearing cloak and tunic, each cradling palm frond in their left arm and holding couched spear in their right hand, on horses rearing right; T in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6W; Bopearachchi & Rahman 245; MIG Type 177f; SNG ANS 469–71; HGC 12, 131. In NGC encapsulation 2015126-008, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

428. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.88 g, 12h). Diademed and helmeted heroic bust left, seen from behind, brandishing spear in right hand; all within bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, wearing cloak and tunic, each cradling palm frond in their left arm and holding couched spear in their right hand, on horses rearing right; D in lower right field. Bopearachchi 8B; Bopearachchi & Rahman 255; SNG ANS 485; MIG Type 179a; HGC 12, 132; Pitchfork 95 (this coin). Iridescent toning, hairline flan crack, minor doubling on reverse. Good VF. ($3000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Bank Leu 65 (21 May 1996), lot 267.

429. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 16.95 g, 12h). ∫å%5GEU% ÂE˝Å% EUkrÅt5d˙% around, diademed and draped bust of Eukratides right, wearing helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border / ˙G5okGEoU% above, kÅ5 GÅod5k˙% in exergue, conjoined draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, right; D to left; all within bead-and-reel border. Bopearachchi 15A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 526-7; MIG Type 182a; HGC 12, 133; Westmoreland 84 (this coin). Iridescent toning, traces of deposits, die wear. Near EF. ($4000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Baldwin’s 44 (2 May 2006), lot 116.

430. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.91 g, 12h). ∫å%5GEU% ÂE˝Å% EUkrÅt5d˙% around, diademed and draped bust of Eukratides right, wearing helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border / ˙G5okGEoU% above, kÅ5 GÅod5k˙% in exergue, conjoined draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, right; D to left; all within bead-and-reel border. Bopearachchi 15A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 526-7; MIG Type 182a; HGC 12, 133; Pitchfork 96 (this coin). Iridescent toning, porosity, scrape on obverse. VF. ($3000)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Berk BBS 90 (17 April 1996), lot 181.

Very Rare

431. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.84 g, 12h). ∫å%5GEU% ÂE˝Å% above, EUkrÅt5d˙% in exergue, heroic bust of Eukratides left, wearing helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear, seen from behind, brandishing spear in his right hand; all within bead-and-reel border / ˙G5okGEoU% above, kÅ5 GÅod5k˙% in exergue, conjoined draped busts of Heliokles and Laodike, wearing tainia, right; T to left; all within bead-and-reel border. Bopearachchi 16A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 264; SNG ANS 528-9; MIG Type 184a; HGC 12, 134; Westmoreland 85 (this coin). Iridescent toning, underlying luster. EF. Very rare. ($6000)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 72 (14 June 2006), lot 1036.

432. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides II Soter. Circa 145-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 16.88 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right within bead-and-reel border / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EU˚rÅt5doU to left, Apollo, nude but for laurel wreath, standing left, holding arrow in right hand and placing his left on grounded bow to right; Ò to inner left. Bopearachchi 1H; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 619-22; MIG Type 164m (Eucratides I); HGC 12, 161. Iridescent toning, underlying luster, trace deposits, die break on reverse. Near EF. Well struck portrait. ($750)

CENTRAL ASIAN COINAGE

433. KHWAREZMIA. Ärtramūš I. First half of 3rd century AD. AR Tetradrachm (33.5mm, 12.98 g, 12h). Diademed bust right, wearing cap-like headdress decorated with eagle; to left, Nike right, crowning him with wreath; crescent to right; all within bead-and-reel border / E5¨E∑5E52¨[...]$ above, zMwp rIawnww (wrtrmwš mlk’ in Khwarezmian) below, king on horseback right; Í to left. Vainberg Б1 IV and pl. XXII, Б1 IV = Zeno 85992; Tolstov –; Whitehead –; Göbl, Dokumente –; MIG –; Sunrise –; Zeno 341894 = CNG 127, lot 329; Zeno 335530 = CNG 126, lot 407. Iridescent toning, area of find patina and deposits, crystallized, tiny edge splits. Near VF. Extremely rare. ($5000)

434. INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.99 g, 12h). Bilingual issue. Main mint in Baktria. bAcileyc ooh mo kAdfichc, diademed and crowned half-length bust right on clouds, holding macescepter over right shoulder in right hand, flames at left shoulder; 9 to left / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa hima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and flask in left; he-goat skin draped over left arm; 9 to left, Buddhist 0 (Three Jewels) to right. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série VIII, 13 (same dies); MK 18/9 (O5a/R29); ANS Kushan 270 (same dies); Donum Burns –; Triton VII, lot 698 = Cribb & Bracy, p. 442, A. Lightly toned, light roughness. EF. ($3000)

435. INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.94 g, 12h). Bilingual issue. Main mint in Baktria. bAcileyc ooh mo kAdfichc, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds, holding macescepter in right hand; flames at left shoulder; 9 to right / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa hima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and flask in left; he-goat skin draped over left arm; 9 to left, Buddhist 0 (Three Jewels) to right. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série VIII, 13 (same dies); MK 19 (O6/R– [unlisted rev. die]); ANS Kushan 268 (same obv. die); Donum Burns 82. Lightly toned, slight roughness, traces of underlying luster. EF. ($5000)

436. INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Quarter Dinar (13mm, 2.00 g, 12h). Bilingual series. Main mint in Baktria. bacilEyc ooh mo ka[dfichc], diademed and crowned bust of Vima Kadphises right within frame / Å9`k m˙ jrÎjr jrhm (Maharaja rajadiraja hima kaphthiśasa in Kharosthi), compound trident standard; 9 to left, Buddhist 0 (Three Jewels) to right. Bopearachchi, Premiers –; MK 9 (unlisted dies); ANS Kushan 271-2; Donum Burns 74; Cribb & Bracey 620-1. Lightly toned, traces of underlying luster. Near EF. ($1500)

437. INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.97 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saonanosao ˚a nIs˚i ˚osan[o], Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad in right hand and scepter in left, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / oIso to right, Siva, nimbate, standing facing, head left, pouring water from flask held in lower right hand and holding vajra (thunderbolt) in upper right hand, holding trident in upper left hand, and he-goat in lower left hand; 8 to left. MK 62 (dies unlisted); ANS Kushan 382-4 Donum Burns –; Cribb & Bracey, p. 460, C; Zeno –. Lightly toned, underlying luster. Near EF. ($3000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 624; Archytas Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 117, 19 May 2021), lot 373; Triton XXIII (14 January 2020), lot 556.

438. INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.91 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). saonanosao ˚a nIs˚i ˚osan[o], Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / oIso to right, Siva, nimbate, standing facing, head left, pouring water from flask held in lower right hand and holding vajra (thunderbolt) in upper right hand, holding trident in upper left hand, and he-goat in lower left hand; 8 to left. MK 72/2 (O29/R41); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns 135; Cribb & Bracey, 768 (same dies); Zeno –. Toned, evidence of having been placed in a bezel. Good VF. ($1500)

439. INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 152-192. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.92 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. saO˜a˜OsaO OIs˚i ˚Osa˜O, crowned and diademed bust left on clouds, holding mace-scepter in right hand and goad in left / OIsO to right, Siva, nimbate, standing facing, head left, pouring water from flask held in lower right hand and holding vajra (thunderbolt) in upper right hand, holding trident in upper left hand, and he-goat in lower left hand; 7 to left. MK 308/3 (O37/R58); ANS Kushan 757; Donum Burns 276–8; Cribb & Bracey –. Lightly toned, hint of deposits. Good VF. ($2000)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 121 (6 October 2022), lot 679; Archytas Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 117, 19 May 2021), lot 383.

440. INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Quarter Dinar (13mm, 1.97 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase. sÅOOsIs OI s˚i ˚OsÅIO (sic), diademed and crowned half-length bust of Huvishka left on clouds, flames at shoulder, holding mace-scepter in right hand / MEuyrO to right, Meuro (Mithra), radiate and nimbate, standing left, extending right hand in benediction and holding filleted scepter in left; 8 to left. MK 337 (O–/R18 [unlisted obv. die]); ANS Kushan 732 (same dies); Donum Burns –. Lightly toned, die rust on obverse. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($750)

Ex Silk Road Collection, Part I (David Feldman, 1 December 2024), lot 10049; Chand Collection.

441. INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. Æ Tetradrachm (24mm, 10.00 g, 12h). Uncertain mint. o ooIska to left, Huvishka, nimbate and crowned, reclining cross-legged left on griffin-headed figure, holding mace-scepter in right hand / oIso to right, triple-headed and ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding garland or diadem in right hand and trident in left; 7 to left. Cf. MK 846/1= Cunningham and pl. 22, 21 (for obv.; same die); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Cribb & Bracey –; Zeno –. Dark brown surfaces, light overall roughness. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($1500)

442. INDIA, Post-Kushan (Gandhara). Kidara Shahis. Sri Tujina. Circa 7th century AD. Base AV Dinar (22mm, 7.47 g, 12h). Kushan style king standing left, sacrificing over altar with right hand and holding [filleted standard] in left hand; filleted trident to left, %Lân (śri tujina) in Brahmi in upper left, abtract monograms in inner and outer right fields / Goddess enthroned facing, holding [lotus or filleted investiture garland in left hand] and lotus in right; [Kidara monogram to left], ìy (jaya) in Brahmi to right. Cf. Cunningham, Coins of Medieval India 3-4 (there attributed to Toramana); Triton XXV, lot 627; CNG 109, lot 405; CNG 103, lot 485. Deeply toned with iridescence. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($5000)

443. INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. Circa AD 380-413. AV Dinar (19mm, 8.30 g, 12h). Archer type, Class III, Variety T.2. dv % ,®rjdrj (deva maharajadiraja in Brahmi) to right, Chandragupta, nimbate, standing left, holding arrow in right hand, left hand holding bow at top; behind to left, Garuda standard; crescent to left of king’s head; C/4 (cha/ndra in Brahmi) to inner right; (rajadi in Brahmi) / Lakshmi, with crescent above head, seated facing on lotus, holding diadem in right hand and lotus in left; 9 to upper left; % V§,. (śrī vikramaḥ in Brahmi) to right. Kumar Class III Variety T.2, 360; BKB –; BMC Guptas –; cf. Altekar Class II, Variety A; Bayana –. Lightly toned, deposits in devices. VF. Very rare variety. ($1000)

444. INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Kumaragupta I Mahendraditya. Circa AD 413-455. AV Dinar (19mm, 7.85 g, 12h). Archer type, Class II, Variety A. Trace of Brahmi legend to right, Kumaragupta standing left, holding arrow in right hand, left hand holding bow at grip; behind to left, Garuda standard; e/,/r (ku/ma/ra in Brahmi) to outer right / Lakshmi, nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding diadem in her right hand, left hand outstretched, holding lotus; ª to upper left; % V§,. (śrī mahendra in Brahmi) to right. Kumar Class II Variety A, 578-9; cf. BKB 135; BMC Guptas –; Altekar Class II, Variety A; Bayana 1207, 1222, 1225, and 1227-8. Lightly toned, deposits in devices, crude strike. VF. ($1000)

445. INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Kumaragupta I Mahendraditya. Circa AD 413-455. AV Dinar (20mm, 8.00 g, 12h). Horseman type, Class II, Variety C. (kshitipatiraji[...]to divam jayati in Brahmi), Kumaragupta, holding reins, on horseback right / Lakshmī, nimbate, seated left on basket, holding diadem in right hand and lotus in left; zub,34 (ajitamahendra in Brahmi) to right. Kumar Class I Variety C.1, 656-7; BKB 151 (same dies); BMC Guptas 205 and pl. XIII, 2 (same obv. die); Altekar Class I, Variety C; Bayana 1396-1432. Toned, deposits in devices. VF. ($1000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 126 (28 May 2024), lot 425; Künker 376 (18 October 2022), lot 5212.

446. INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Skandagupta Kramaditya. Circa AD 455-467. AV Dinar (21mm, 8.99 g, 12h). Archer Type, Class II, Variety A.3. pr3bkr... (parahitakara... in Brahmi) to right, [...] 5 ([...]ya. in Brahmi) to left, Skandagupta, nimbate, standing left, dropping oblations while holding arrow in right hand, left hand holding bow at top; behind to left, Garuda standard; A/$ (su/dha/nvi in Brahmi) down inner right / Ardoxsho, seated facing cross-legged on lotus, holding in right hand diadem and cornucopia in left; ( to upper left; §,d5. (kramadityah in Brahmi) to right. Kumar Class II Variety A.3, 839; BKB 208; cf. BMC Guptas 428; Altekar Variety B, 4 and pl. XIV, 11; Bayana pl. XXXII, 2. Reddish deposits. Good VF. Rare. ($2000)

447. INDIA, Gupta Empire. Magadha. Narasimhagupta Baladitya. Circa AD ?-530. Pale AV Dinar (21mm, 9.40 g, 12h). Archer type, Class I, Variety A. Legend off flan, Narasimhagupta, nimbate, standing left, holding arrow in right hand, left hand holding bow at top; behind to left, Garuda standard; g (gre in Brahmi) between feet; N/r (na/ra in Brahmi) below arm / Lakshmi, nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding diadem in her right hand, left hand outstretched, holding lotus; ª to upper left; Vld5 (valaditya in Brahmi) to right. Kumar Class I Variety A; BKB 225-7; cf. BMC Guptas 566 and pl. XXII, 11; Altekar Class II and pl.XV, 2; Bayana pl. XXXII, 5. Lightly toned, crude strike on reverse. Good VF. ($1500)

448. INDIA, Gupta Empire. Vikramaditya. Circa AD 532. AV Dinar (21mm, 9.30 g, 12h). Archer type. Legend not visible, Vikramaditya, nimbate, standing left, holding arrow in right hand, left hand holding bow at top; behind to left, Garuda standard / Lakshmi, nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding diadem in her right hand, left hand outstretched, holding lotus; ª to upper left; % V§, (śrī vikrama in Brahmi) to right. Kumar p. 474, 936 = BKB 216; BMC Guptas variety β, 550-1 and p. 135, –, and pl. XXI, 24-6 (Puragupta); Alketar class II, 4 (Budhagupta). Bright surfaces, deposits, cleaning marks. Near EF. Very rare. ($2000)

449. INDIA, Post-Gupta (Gauda). Sasanka Deva. Circa AD 600-635. Pale AV Dinar (21mm, 9.21 g, 12h). Siva seated facing on bull recumbent left; moon to left; %/# (śrī/śā in Brahmi) to right; ®jy (vijaya in Brahmi) below bull / Lakshmi, seated facing on lotus, being watered by small elephants on either side; % ##nk(śrī śāśāṅka in Brahmi) to right. Kumar Class I Variety A, 1006; Rhodes & Bose, fig. 12; BMC Guptas 606-9; LOW 37. Toned, deposits, a couple of edge splits. VF. Very rare. ($1000)

Ex

Sunrise Collection

450. SASANIAN KINGS. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) I. AD 223/4-240. AR Drachm (24mm, 3.96 g, 3h). Mint B (“Hamadan”). Phase 2c, circa AD 226/7-228/30. ‚1KK11KRM R!KRM RTCSTR1 4 NTWdZµ (mzdysn bgy ’rthštry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem (type G) and Parthian-style tiara decorated with star / ÁW1RWN (nwr’ zy in Pahlavi) to left, RT1STR1 (’rthštr in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar (flames 1) with diadems (type G). SNS Type IIb(3c?)/3a(2b) and pl. 2 A8 (same dies); Saeedi –; Sunrise 696 (this coin). Iridescent toning. Good VF. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Sunrise Collection (New York Sale XXXVII, 5 January 2016), lot 348.

Very Rare

451. SASANIAN KINGS. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) I. AD 223/4-240. AR Drachm (26.5mm, 4.08 g, 3h). Sakastan mint. Phase 3b, AD 233/4-238/9. Uncertain blundered legend in Pahlavi, bust of Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) right, wearing diadem (type R) and close-fitting headdress with korymbos and earflaps, facing diademed (type R) male bust left wearing kulāf (headdress) with earflaps (Ardaxšīr Sakanshah or ‘Abarsām) / ¨R !RRN (nwr’ zy in Pahlavi) to left, ¨R !RRN (nwr’ zy in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar (flames 4) with diadems (type R). Schindel, New, Late Group, 7–9 (beardless figure is Ardaxšīr Sakanshah); Shavarebi pp. 627-8 and Fig. 1 (beardless figure is ‘Abarsām); SNS type VIII(5)/3a(2b) and pl. 17, A 57; cf. Saeedi 76; cf. Sunrise 725 var. (pellet between busts). Lightly toned, areas of deposits, light surface granularity. Good VF. Very rare. ($5000)

452. SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (21.5mm, 7.32 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”). Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos; pellet above between merlon and korymbos / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns; ˘ to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group b; Saeedi AV4 var. (no pellets); Sunrise 739 (same dies); Triton XXVII, lot 435 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight die rust, underlying luster. EF. ($2500)

Ex Asha & Ardeshir Dabestani Collection; Goldberg 93 (6 September 2016), lot 1563 (erroneously as being the Sunrise coin).

453. SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (22mm, 7.41 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”). Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos; pellet above between merlon and korymbos / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns; ˘ to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group b; Saeedi AV4 var. (no pellets); Sunrise 739 var. (same); Triton XXVII, lot 435 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight die rust, double strike on reverse. EF. ($2500)

454. SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.24 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”). Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos; pellet above between merlon and korymbos / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns; > to left of flames; . to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group b; Saeedi AV5 var. (no pellet); Sunrise 740 var. (same); CNG 111, lot 473 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight die rust on obverse. EF. ($2500)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 294 (24 February 2024), lot 1238; Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 294 (4 December 2023), lot 1807.

455. SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.40 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”). Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos; pellet above between merlon and korymbos / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns; > to left of flames; . to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group b; Saeedi AV5 var. (no pellet); Sunrise 740 var. (same); CNG 111, lot 473 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight die rust on obverse. EF. ($2500)

456. SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) I. AD 273-276. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.36 g, 3h). Style A/c. ‘Ctesiphon’ mint. 0000π oZ UjiNo NN!o N!00 U N!ZjZeZ $ N00UZZo (mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yz[d’n] in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and radiate crown with korymbos / bZZY (nwr’ zy in Pahlavi) to left, ZZjR!ˆ (wrhr’n in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the one on the left wears crown with korymbos, the other wears mural crown; ö to right of flames. SNS type I(1)/1ab(1a) and pl. 7, A15 = Saeedi AV 15 (same dies); Sunrise –; Zeno –; Triton VII, lot 581 (same dies). Toned, light roughness, a couple of edge bumps. Good VF. Rare. ($2500)

457. SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) I. AD 273-276. AV Dinar (23mm, 7.41 g, 3h). Style B. ‘Hamadan’ mint. 0000π oZ UjiNo NN!o N!00 U N!ZjZeZ $ N00UZZo (mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yz[d’n] in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and radiate crown with korymbos / bZZY (nwr’ zy in Pahlavi) to left, ZZjR!ˆ (wrhr’n in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the one on the left wears crown with korymbos, the other wears mural crown. SNS type I(1)/1bb(1a) and cf. pl. 7, A17; Saeedi AV 17; Sunrise –; Zeno –. Toned, deposits in devices, areas of double strike. Good VF. Very rare. ($2500)

458. SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II. AD 276-293. AV Dinar (22mm, 7.39 g, 3h). Style I. ‘HWPY/HRPY’ (Herat?) mint. Phase I. YNuXZNP N!Zu! !RRM N!fijLˆ Y$ NsYduµ (blundered mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’ ’yr’n MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing winged crown with korymbos; . above ribbons / bZZZY (blundered nwr ’zy in Pahlavi) on left, ´YºWZZ (blundered wrhr ’n in Pahlavi) on right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing winged crown with korymbos, the right wearing mural crown. SNS type I(1)/1(1a), Style I (unrecorded as a dinar); Göbl type I/1; Paruck –; Saeedi –; Sunrise –; Zeno 218938 = Gorny & Mosch 261, lot 430 (same dies); CNG 120, lot 604 (same dies); CNG Triton XXIII, lot 569 (same dies); VAuctions - Pars Coins Sale 1, lot 209 (same dies). Lightly toned, brushed, scratch on obverse. EF. Extremely rare. ($2500)

459. SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Prince 3. AD 276-293. AR Drachm (27.5mm, 4.31 g, 3h). Style A. ‘Ctesiphon’ mint. 0u00 ´Z 00 ! 00 ! 00 0u00 gIgo (blundered mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry in Pahlavi), bust of Bahram right vis-à-vis bust of prince 3 left; Bahram wearing winged crown with korymbos, prince wearing kolah with boar’s head; pseudo-Pahlavi legend around / U00ZZ (blundered nwr’ zy in Pahlavi) to left, 00!0 (blundered wrhr’n in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing crown with korymbos, the right with mural crown; > and u flanking flames. SNS type III(1)/1(1a), Style A; Saaedi –; Sunrise –. Deeply toned with iridescence, tiny edge chip. Good VF. Very rare. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex New York Sale XLII (9 January 2018), lot 377.

460. SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Prince 3. AD 276-293. AR Drachm (27mm, 4.03 g, 3h). Style A. ‘Ctesiphon’ mint. 00u0 $0Z

UUIgM (blundered mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry in Pahlavi), bust of Bahram right vis-à-vis bust of prince 3 left; Bahram wearing winged crown with korymbos, prince wearing kolah with boar’s head; pseudo-Pahlavi legend around / 00ZZZZ (blundered nwr’ zy in Pahlavi) to left, 00ZZfi (blundered wrhr’n in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing crown with korymbos, the right with mural crown; > and u flanking flames. SNS type III(1)/1(1a), Style A; Saaedi –; Sunrise –. Deeply toned, with iridescence, small area of weak strike on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 90 (23 May 2012), lot 895.

461. SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Prince 3. AD 276-293. AR Drachm (28mm, 4.22 g, 3h). Style I. HWPY (Herat) mint. jU! tNU Z400000 U0 00U2 00U0Ô^00000 j000 B 00Z00 2 (blundered mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry in Pahlavi), bust of Bahram right vis-à-vis bust of prince 3 left; Bahram wearing winged crown with korymbos, prince wearing kolah with boar’s head / 00Ô4 (blundered wrhr’n in Pahlavi) to left, 0Ô420 (blundered nwr’ zy in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing crown with korymbos, the right with mural crown; yM wÔ (hw py in Pahlavi) flanking flames. SNS type III(1)/1(1a), Style I and pl. 24, 64; Saaedi –; Sunrise –; Triton XXV, lot 6283. Iridescent toning, slight wave at edge. EF. ($1500)

From the JTB Collection. Ex Triton XXVI (10 January 2023), lot 528.

ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINAGE

Ex Mazzini Collection

462. GAUL, Nemausus. Augustus, with Agrippa. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Dupondius (26mm, 13.15 g, 3h). Struck AD 10-14. IMP DIVI F, heads of Agrippa, wearing combined rostral crown and laurel wreath, and Augustus, laureate, back to back; P P across field / COL NEM, crocodile right, chained to palm frond with wreath at top with long ties to right; two palm fronds at base. RPC I 525; SNG Copenhagen 700-1; Mazzini dopo 10 (this coin). Brown patina. Good VF. ($1000)

Ex Berk BBS 215 (4 May 2021), lot 307 (hammer $2000); Giuseppe Mazzini Collection (publ. 1957).

Ex Berlin Königliches Münzkabinett – Pedigreed to 1845 – Renaissance Countermark

463. THRACE, Byzantium. Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. Æ Medallion (36mm, 29.56 g, 7h). M. Aurelius Fronto and Aelia Feste, magistrates. ΑΛΕZΑΝΔΡΟC AVΓ AVT K M AVP CEV, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield decorated with coiled serpent / ΕΠ M AVP ΦPONTΩC KAI AIΛ ΦHCTHC, BYZAN TIΩN in exergue, Severus Alexander on horseback right, chlamys flowing behind, holding spear in right hand, reins in left hand; c/m: gilded K. Schönert-Geiss, Byzantion 1739 footnote1 (V206/R394 – this coin); RPC VI Online 893.7 (this coin); Varbanov 1927 (R7); Berlin III, p. 155, 100 (this coin, c/m read as H). Brown surfaces, light roughness, edge filing. VF. Very rare. The gilded K countermark is believed to have been applied during the Italian Renaissance. ($1500)

Ex Noonans 165 (4 December 2019), lot 904; Theodor Prowe Collection (Egger XLVI, 11 May 1914), lot 23; Duplicates from the Berlin Königliches Münzkabinett (Part II, A. Hess Nachf., 12 March 1906), lot 79; Berlin Acc.1845/5317 = Caparanesi Sale (Rome 1845).

During the late Renaissance, we occasionally see wealthy collectors adding their signature mark to coins in their collections, often times in the form of India ink numbers or punch marks. This unidentified collector added a gilded letter K punched into the reverse of this coin. Other known countermarks include Christina, Queen of Sweden and the Este collection provenanced to 1538).

Actian and Pythian Games Medallion

464. THRACE, Perinthus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Medallion (41mm, 33.86 g, 11h). Actian and Pythian Games issue. Struck circa AD 215/6. AYT K M AYP CЄOYHP ANTΩNINOC AYΓ, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front, gorgoneion on breastplate, holding spear over left shoulder with left hand / ΠЄPI N ΘIΩN NЄΩKOPΩ/N, AKTIA ΠYΘI/A, heptastyle and hexastyle temples, each set on three-tiered base, seen in perspective; above, pair of agonistic crowns containing single palm frond. Schönert-Geiss, Perinthos 599 (same dies); Varbanov 279. Dark brown surfaces, smoothing, minor scratches. Good VF. An impressive architectural reverse. ($2000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Lanz 163 (7 December 2016), lot 375.

Perinthus apparently put on a grand display for Caracalla as the emperor made his way eastward to confront the Persians. The city staged a dual festival, hosting both Actian and Pythian Games for the visitors, and in recognition of the honor, Caracalla bestowed upon the city the neocorate. Medallions were struck to celebrate the emperor’s visit, many of which share the same obverse die.

465. MACEDON, Koinon of Macedon. temp. Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. Æ (25.5mm, 13.16 g, 6h). AΛЄΞANΔPOV, head of Alexander the Great right, wearing crested Athenian helmet decorated with griffin springing right / KOINON MAKЄΔONΩN NЄ, Alexander the Great standing right, wearing chlamys, placing bridle on Bucephalus rearing left. RPC VI Online 384.1 = Ramage 87 = Westmoreland 28 (this coin); AMNG –. Dark brown surfaces with light earthen highlights, slight porosity and scratches. Near EF. Beautifully detailed helmet. Unique. ($1500)

From the Westmoreland Collection. Ex David Simpson Collection (Triton V, 16 January 2002), lot 1690; Tkalec (26 March 1991), lot 356.

466. CORINTHIA, Corinth. Augustus, with Divus Julius Caesar. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ As (21.5mm, 5.93 g, 5h). Marcus Antonius Hipparcus and Marcus Novius Bassus, duoviri. Struck 10/9-5/4 BC. M NOVIO BASSO M AO HIPPARC, bare head of Augustus right / IIVIR CORI, laureate head of Julius Caesar right. Amandry Group X a (D1/R3); RPC I 1134.21 (this coin); BCD Corinth 335. Dark brown surfaces with earthen red highlights, scratches. VF. ($3000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Lanz 135 (21 May 2007), lot 495.

RPC Online Feature Coin – Unique

467. KINGS of BOSPORUS. Sauromates II, with Commodus. Circa AD 174/5-210/1. EL Stater (20mm, 7.66 g, 12h). Dated Bosporan Era 487 (AD 190/1). BACIЄωC CAYPOMATOY, diademed and draped bust of Sauromates right; to right, club / Laureate head of Commodus right; ZΠY (date) below. Frolova pl. XXX, 33; RPC IV.1 3810; Anokhin 1788; MacDonald 498/1. Some luster, trace deposits, hairlines. EF. ($1000)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex Pars Coins 33 (19 December 2022), lot 256; Gorny & Mosch 273 (19 November 2020), lot 316.

468. BITHYNIA, Koinon of Bithynia. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Cistophorus (27mm, 10.63 g, 7h). Nicomedia mint. IMP CAES TRA H ADPIANO AVG P P, laureate and draped bust right / Octastyle temple on podium of three steps, figure standing in pediment, holding scepter in right hand; on roof, two Nikai at the corners; ROM S P AVG in entablature, COM BIT across fields. RPC III 970A/970D (obv./rev. [pediment decorated differently]); Metcalf, Cistophori –. In NGC encapsulation 5746448-066, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. ($750)

469. IONIA, Ephesus. Statilia Messalina. Augusta, AD 66-68. Æ (20mm, 5.86 g, 1h). Manius Acilis Aviola, proconsul; Aichmokles, magistrate. Struck under Nero, AD 65-66. MECCA[ΛINAN], draped bust right / AIXMOKΛHΣ EΠ ABIOΛA, PΩMH, EΦE, Roma standing facing, head right, holding scepter in right hand and cult statue of Artemis Ephesia in left. Karwiese, MvE 5 87 (V1/R2); RPC I 2632. Green surfaces, light porosity, scratches, peripheral weakness. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Hauck & Aufhäuser 14 (6 October 1998), lot 302.

Statilia Messalina was Nero’s third wife, after Octavia and Poppaea Sabina. She was descended from a prominent senatorial family and was married to an ex-consul, Marcus Julius Vestinus Atticus, who was originally one of Nero’s sycophants. Nero, after the death of his wife Poppaea, fixed his eye upon Messalina and decided he must wed her, so Atticus was induced to commit suicide. Messalina managed to survive Nero’s downfall and Otho even planned to marry her before his own rapid demise. Her eventual fate is unknown.

RPC Online Feature Coin

470. IONIA, Metropolis. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ (36mm, 19.23 g, 6h). Aurelius Bassus II, strategos for the second time. AYTO K M ANT Ω ΓOPΔIANOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front, spear over left shoulder / ЄΠ CTPA AYP BACCOY B T B MHTPOΠOΛЄITΩN, three warriors standing facing; left and center facing right, holding spears in their right hand and shield in left; warrior on right looks left, holding spear in left hand and shield in right. RPC VII.1 441.2 (this coin); SNG Leypold 684. Dark brown surfaces, light porosity, die breaks on reverse. Near VF. Rare. ($750)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 20 (16 July 2022), lot 1938; Peter Weiss Collection (Gorny & Mosch 276, 19 April 2021), lot 357; Patrick Villemur Collection (Lanz 82, 24 November 1997), lot 602.

RPC Online Feature Coin

471. LYDIA, Blaundus. Philip I. AD 244-249. Æ (40mm, 29.43 g, 6h). Aurelius Glykon III, great-grandson of Nigros, first archon. • AYT K M IOYΛ • ΦIΛIΠΠOC • AYΓ •, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ЄΠ AYP ΓΛAYKΩNOC Γ NIΓP APX A BΛAYNΔЄΩN • MAKЄ •, statue of Apollo Citharoedus standing right, holding lyre with right hand, plectrum with left; within tetrastyle temple with rounded pediment. Matern 78; Kurth 133; RPC VIII Online 20272 (this coin cited). Earthen green patina, light porosity. VF. ($1000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, March 2016. Ex Gorny & Mosch 232 (5 October 2015), lot 335.

472. LYDIA, Sardis. temp. Philip I. 12h). Aurelius Herakleidianos, strategos. ACIAC ΛYΔIAC ЄΛΛAΔOC • A • MHTPOΠOΛIC CAPΔIC, turreted, veiled, and draped bust of Tyche, right / ЄΠ CTP AYP HPAKΛЄIΔIANOY • CAPΔIANΩN • B • NЄΩKOPΩN TYΛOC ΓH, Tylos, holding purse in left hand and sowing seeds with right, driving biga of winged serpents right; below, Ge reclines left, holding ears of grain in left hand, opening apron with her right hand to catch the falling seeds from above. Hochard 2119 (D381/R804); Kurth 341 (this coin cited and illustrated); RPC VIII Online 20238 (this coin cited). Brown surfaces, light roughness, flan voids on obverse. VF. Very rare. ($1500)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Lanz 163 (7 December 2016), lot 439 (hammer €4200).

Tylos and Ge appear to be local Sardian versions of Triptolemos and Gaia as they are specifically named on this coin. Tylos is infrequently depicted on coins of this city, sometimes paired with a local hero named Masnes who is not found on coins outside of Sardis. Ge appears to be unique to this coin, not named on any other coins.

Kurth Plate Coin – RPC Online Feature Coin

473. LYDIA, Sardis. Valerian I. AD 253-260. Æ Medallion (46mm, 42.12 g, 6h). Domitius Rufus, asiarch, and son of a twice asiarch, of equestrian rank, and first archon. AYT • K • Π ΛIK • OYAΛЄPIANOC CЄ, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ЄΠI ΔOM POYΦOY ACIAPX KЄ • YIOY • B • ACIAPX CAPΔIANOΩN TPIC NЄΩKOP/ΩN, Demeter Phosphora, with billowing veil, holding torch in each hand, standing in biga drawn right by winged serpents. Hochard 2151 (D320/R680); Kurth 713 (this coin cited and illustrated); RPC X Online 61616 (this coin cited). Brown surfaces, some roughness, delamination on reverse. Good VF. Very rare, only three recorded in RPC. ($5000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex New York Sale 54 (11 January 2022), lot 402; Classical Numismatic Group 79 (17 September 2008), lot 606.

Among the most ancient of the deities in the Olympian pantheon and with connections to a pre-Hellenic mother earth goddess, Demeter remained connected with fertility in Classical myth as the goddess of grain and crops. According to the Homeric Hymn addressed to her, Demeter, in her day and night search for her abducted daughter Persephone, eventually arrived at Eleusis. In return for the hospitality she received from its king, Celeus, Demeter instructed his son, Triptolemus, in the ways of agriculture. Having received this knowledge, he taught it to the rest of Greece, traveling from place to place in a chariot drawn by flying serpents, chthonic deities connected to Demeter’s ancient past.

474. PHRYGIA, Eumeneia (as Fulvia). Fulvia, first wife of Mark Antony. Circa 41-40 BC. Æ (19.5mm, 7.12 g, 12h). Zmertorix, the son of Philonides, magistrate. Bust of Fulvia (as Nike) right / ΦOYΛOYIANΩN ZMEPTOPIΓOΣ ΦIΛΩNIΔOY, Athena advancing left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left. RPC I 3139; BMC 21; SNG Copenhagen –; CRI p. 83 (this coin illustrated). Dark brown patina, minor marks. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Spink 65 (5 October 1988), lot 144.

Fulvia married Mark Antony in 44 BC, and became an outspoken defender of his interests in Rome while he campaigned in the East. The city of Eumeneia was re-named Fulvia in her honor by Antony’s partisans. By 40 BC Fulvia’s strident attacks on Octavian caused a great deal of trouble of Antony, who upbraided her for antagonizing Octavian, with whom he was trying to maintain a semblance of cordial relations. Fulvia died at Sicyon shortly thereafter. Sometime afterward these coins struck at “Fulviana” had their ethnic scratched off, and two countermarks were applied: one may be resolved as Eumeneia; the other as Philonidos, although the magistrate Zmertorix himself has been suggested). These countermarks suggest that, rather than melting down the coinage of Fulvia and striking new coins, a more expeditious solution was required to keep needed currency in circulation.

DE BRITANNIS Didrachm

475. CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea-Eusebia. Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.45 g, 11h). Struck circa AD 4648. TI • CLAVD • CAESAR • AVG • GERM • P M • TR • P •, laureate head left / Claudius in triumphal quadriga right, holding eagle-tipped scepter and reins in his left hand; DE BRITANNIS in exergue. Ganschow, Münzen 40; RPC I 3625.2 (this coin); Sydenham, Caesarea 55. Toned, roughness, edge marks, scrape on obverse. Near EF. ($1500)

Ex Roma XVIII (29 September 2019), lot 754.

The didrachm was a new denomination introduced during the reign of Claudius. The reverse type portrays a powerful piece of political propaganda; namely, Claudius returning triumphantly from his campaign in Britain.

476. CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea-Eusebia. Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Drachm (18mm, 2.62 g, 6h). Dated RY 1 (AD 193/4). IMP CΛES • C PESC • N IGER IVST • ΛVC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMΛPXI EΞO • VΠΛTOC, kalathos containing three grain ears; ЄT A (date) in exergue. Ganschow, Münzen 332b; RPC V.3 Online 65877; Sydenham, Caesarea –; T.V. Buttrey, “The Denarii of Pescennius Niger” in NC 152 (1992), p. xix, fig. 6. Toned with light earthen deposits, minor roughness, small edge chip. VF. Very rare. ($1500)

477. ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Augustus (as Octavian). 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (26mm, 11.98 g, 12h). Ephesus mint(?). Struck 28 BC. iÂp • CAeÍAr • Diui • F • COÍ • ui • LiBerTATiÍ • p • r • uiNDex •, laureate head right / Pax, draped, standing left, holding caduceus with her right hand; behind her, in right field, a snake emerging from cista mystica; all within laurel wreath; pAx in left field. Sutherland Group I, 1–72a var. (unlisted dies); CRI 433; RPC I 2203 (Cistophoric mint); RSC 218. Old cabinet tone with iridescence, minor marks, trace deposits. Near EF. ($1500)

Ex Roma E-Sale 65 (19 December 2019), lot 565.

478. ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (26mm, 11.86 g, 12h). Ephesus mint(?). Struck circa 25-20 BC. iÂp • CAe ÍAr, bare head right / AuguÍTuÍ, capricorn right, head left, cornucopia on its back; all within laurel wreath. Sutherland Group VIα 197-274 (O–/R– [both dies unlisted]); RPC 2213 (Cistophoric mint); RSC 16. Toned with hints of luster, slight porosity, minor marks. EF. ($1500)

The capricorn represents Augustus’ birth sign and appeared often as a coin type during his reign. Adding the cornucopia, or horn of plenty, to the back of the capricorn symbolizes the prosperity brought about by the emperor, whose victories are symbolized by the laurel wreath.

Among the Finest Known

479. ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ “Sestertius” (31mm, 24.15 g, 12h). Struck circa 25 BC. AVGVSTVS, bare head right / Large CA within pelleted border and laurel wreath. Howgego, Coinage, Class 2a; RPC I 2233; SNG von Aulock 6671. Dark green patina, small spots of encrustation, flan preparation marks. Near EF. One of the finest known specimens. ($3000)

Ex Geoffrey Cope Collection; Numismatica Ars Classica 29 (11 May 2005), lot 433.

480. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Mark Antony & Cleopatra VII of Egypt. 36 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.80 g, 1h). Struck circa 36 BC. BACIΛICCA KΛЄOΠATPA ΘЄA NЄωTЄPA, diademed bust of Cleopatra right, wearing earring, necklace, and embroidered dress / ANTωNIOC AVTOKPATωP TPITON TPIωN ANΔPωN, bare head of Marc Antony right. McAlee 174; RPC I 4094; Prieur 27; HGC 9, 1361. Toned, porosity, a few minor deposits. Good VF. Well centered with full legends, with two excellent and well detailed portraits. ($10,000)

Ex Heritage 3105 (9 January 2023), lot 32069 (professionally conserved since, hammer $50,000).

These remarkable silver tetradrachms were probably struck at Antioch during the Parthian / Armenian campaign of 36-34 BC to honor perhaps the most famous “power couple” of all time. The talented die engraver has taken particular care to give Cleopatra a powerful, almost masculine profile to complement Antony’s pugnacious portrait. Ancient historians note that Cleopatra was not incomparably beautiful (although none suggest she was anything less than pleasing to gaze upon), but her remarkable mind, her musical voice, and the vast wealth of her kingdom made her irresistible to two of the most powerful men of the age: Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The titles display Cleopatra’s dominance in the relationship, depicting her on the obverse and touting her as “Queen Cleopatra, new (or “young”) goddess,” while Antony remains only a mortal “victorious general and Triumvir.”

481. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Gaius Cassius Longinus. 53-51 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.48 g, 12h). In the name and types of the Seleucid king Philip I Philadelphus. Diademed head of Philip I right within fillet border / BAΣIΛEΩΣ/ΦΙΛΙΠΠOY to right, EΠIΦANOVΣ/ΦIΛAΔΕΛΦOV to left, Zeus Nikephoros enthroned left, holding Nike in right hand and long scepter in left; thunderbolt above, ] (monogram of Cassius) to lower inner left, ù below throne; all within laurel wreath. McAlee 3; RPC I 4126; Prieur 3. Lightly toned, minor cleaning marks, short flan crack, doubling. Near EF. ($750)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection.

Gaius Cassius Longinus took part in the campaign against Parthia that culminated in the Battle of Carrhae, one of Rome’s most humiliating military losses, where he served as quaestor to the general Marcus Licinius Crassus. When Crassus was killed in the battle, Cassius retreated to Syria with the remaining Roman army and assumed the governorship from 53-51, at which time this rare series of tetradrachms was struck. He returned to Rome in 50 BC amidst the growing conflict between Julius Caesar and Pompey, choosing to serve as naval commander for the latter. Caesar eventually pardoned Cassius and even appointed him legate. Despite Caesar’s clemency, Cassius became one of the chief architects in the plot to assassinate the dictator perpetuo in March of 44 BC. Two years later, following his defeat at Philippi, Cassius took his own life, likely with the same dagger that he used to stab Caesar

482. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 15.15 g, 12h). Dated year 28 of the Actian Era and Cos. XII (4/3 BC). KAIΣAPOΣ ΣE BAΣTOY, laureate head right / ETOVΣ HΚ (Actian era date)

NIKHΣ, Tyche seated right on rocky outcropping, holding palm frond in right hand; below, half-length figure of river-god Orontes swimming right; in right field, i (=ΥΠΑTOY) and IB (consular date) above | (=ANTIOXIEΩN?). McAlee 182; RPC I 4153; Prieur 52. Minor porosity, small metal flaw on reverse. EF. ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 124 (19 September 2023), lot 448.

Antiochia ad Orontem (Antioch on the Orontes) was founded by the Seleucid emperor Seleucos I Nicator circa 300 BC. It quickly became a major seaport and served as the capital of the Seleucid Empire. Under the Roman Empire, it was the third largest city, after Rome and Alexandria, reaching over a quarter of a million inhabitants. It later served as the capital of the Principality of Antioch, one of the four Crusader States. The city slowly declined during the Middle Ages due to earthquakes, changes in trade routes, and warfare.

The symbolism on Antiochene coinage endured through the Greek and Roman periods: the Tyche of Antioch, the protector of the city, seated with grain ears, representing the harvest and trade routes, along with the river-god Orontes, representing his importance to the sea. The Orontes river was a major waterway throughout the Levant, his appearance is common on several cities in the area.

483. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Trajan. AD 98-117. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.59 g, 7h). Struck AD 112. AYTOKP KAIC NЄP TPAIANOC CЄB ΓЄPM ΔAK, laureate head of Trajan right; below, club left and eagle standing right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ Iς YΠAT ς, laureate bust of Melkart-Herakles right, with lion’s skin tied around neck. McAlee 461; RPC III 3542; Prieur 1516 (Tyre). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 3700318-001, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. ($500)

484. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Commodus. AD 177-192. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.50 g, 12h). Struck AD 179. AVT KAIC KO MMOΔOC CЄB, laureate head right / ΓЄP CAP ΔHM

VΠAT • B •, eagle standing facing on leg and thigh of sacrificial animal, head and tail right, with wings displayed; to lower left, ram’s head left; star between legs. McAlee 636; Prieur 168; RPC IV.3.1 Online 7172 (this coin cited and illustrated in all references). Lightly toned, trace deposits, minor marks and scratches, slightly double struck. Near EF. Extremely rare, one of three recorded in RPC. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Roma XIX (26 March 2020), lot 667; Michel Prieur Collection (Triton XXII, 8 January 2019), lot 597; Richard McAlee Collection; Empire Coins 5 (5 May 1986), lot 131.

Ex McAlee and Prieur Collections – RPC

Superb Portrait of the Young Geta

485. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Geta. As Caesar, AD 198-209. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 13.33 g, 12h). Struck AD 205-207. ΓЄTAC KAICAP, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / VΠATOC TO • A •, eagle standing facing on leg and thigh of sacrificial animal, head and tail right, with wings displayed and holding wreath in beak. McAlee 716; RPC V.3 Online 84459; Prieur 204. Lustrous, a couple of small marks. Superb EF. Superb portrait of the young Geta. Rare. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 492.

486. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Geta. AD 209-211. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.04 g, 6h). Struck circa AD 211. AYT • KAI • ΓЄTAC • CЄ • B •, laureate head right / • ΔHMAPX • Є • Ξ • VΠATOC • TO • B •, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; stars flanking head. McAlee 720; RPC V.3 Online 84561; Prieur 213. Lustrous, minor marks, a couple of small scratches on reverse. Superb EF. Exceptional portrait of the 22 year old Geta, likely struck in the year of his assassination. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 493.

The two stars on this issue represent the joint reign of Caracalla and Geta as co-emperors, ironic, as this is the last issue of Geta prior to his assassination by his brother. The other instance of the appearance of the two stars was during the co-regency of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.

Ex Prieur Collection – RPC Online Feature Coin

487. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Emesa. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 12.34 g, 12h). Officina A. • AVT K

M

A

ANTΩNЄINO-C • CЄ • • B, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; A to upper right; between legs, radiate bust of Shamash left. Prieur 960 = RPC V.3 Online 87710 (this coin cited). Lustrous. EF. The finest of four recorded in RPC. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Michel Prieur Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 436, 23 January 2019), lot 367; Robert Gait Collection, no. 673; Numismatic Fine Arts [XXI] (12 October 1988), lot 947; Numismatic Fine Arts VI (27 February 1979), lot 773.

488. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Nicopolis Seleucidis. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (29mm, 21.37 g, 6h). • AVT K M

AYP CЄOY • • ANTΩNINOC CЄB •, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front; c/m: Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond, within oval incuse / NIKOΠOΛITΩN CЄΛЄYKIΔOC, Tyche seated left on rocks, holding grain ear(?) in right hand; at feet, half-length figure of river god swimming left; ς (mark of value) in left field. RPC V.3 Online 69102 (this coin cited); Butcher 8; BMC –; For c/m: Howgego 263. Brown patina. Good VF. Very rare, only three examples recorded in RPC. ($750)

From the Joseph A. Dow Collection. Ex Edoardo Levante Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 899; Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 14 (16 April 2004), lot 677; Kölner Münzkabinet 56 (16 November 1992), lot 459.

489. COELESYRIA, Chalcis ad Belum. Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII of Egypt. 32-31 BC. Æ (21mm, 6.00 g, 12h). Dated RY 21 (Egyptian) and 6 (Phoenician) of Cleopatra (32/1 BC). BACIΛICCAC KΛЄOΠATPA, diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right / ЄTOYC KA TOY KAI ς ΘЄAC [NЄωTEPAC], bare head of Mark Antony right. RPC I 4771; Rouvier 440; Svoronos 1887; Sofaer 43. Dark brown surfaces, light smoothing, off center. Good VF. Two excellent portraits. ($750)

490. DECAPOLIS, Nysa-Scythopolis. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ (29mm, 19.81 g, 12h). AVTO KPA[NTωNINO] CЄB ЄVCЄ, laureate head right / NVCA ЄKOI [CVPI], Zeus Nikephoros seated left, holding Nike in right hand and long scepter in left, at feet left, eagle; all within tetrastyle temple with central bay, pellet in pediment. Barkay 14; Spijkerman 13 (text and plates don’t match); RPC IV.3 6471 corr. (L. Verus, legends); Rosenberger 13; Sofaer 14. Earthen green patina. VF. Rare. ($1000)

491. PHOENICIA, Aradus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.13 g, 11h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT

• K • M • A • AV AN TΩNЄINOC • (retrograde), laureate and cuirassed bust left, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand, large shield over left shoulder / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, bull’s head right. RPC V.3 Online 83716 (this coin cited); Prieur 1235. Lustrous, light roughness. EF. Extremely rare, only two known to Prieur, two in CoinArchives. ($2000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 496.

RPC

Online Feature Coin – Unique

492. PHOENICIA, Berytus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.85 g, 12h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT KAI • ANTωNINOC CЄ, laureate head right / ΔHM • APX ЄΞ [YΠATO TO Δ], eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, grain ears above dolphin-entwined trident right. RPC V.3 Online 91529 (this coin cited); Prieur –; cf. CNG 79, lot 675 var. (two grain ears). Lustrous, light doubling in legends, slightly off center. EF. Unique. ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 497.

493. PHOENICIA, Tyre. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 15.10 g, 12h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT KAI ANTωNINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHM • APX • ЄΞ YΠATO TO • Γ •, Eagle standing facing on club right, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; murex shell between legs. RPC V.3 Online 81881 (this coin cited and illustrated); Prieur 1536. Underlying luster, die breaks, minor scratches. Near EF. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII – Session 5 (17 January 2024), lot 5502.

RPC Online Feature Coin – Unique

494. PHOENICIA, Tyre. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 13.65 g, 6h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT KAI ANTωNINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠAT B, laureate bust of Melkart-Herakles right, with lion’s skin tied around neck. RPC V.3 Online 81879 (this coin cited); Prieur 1530 var. (rev. legend). Lightly toned with a hint of iridescence, a few light scratches. Superb EF. Unique. ($3000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Benito Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), lot 524.

495. JUDAEA, Herodians. Agrippa I, with Gaius (Caligula). 37-43 CE. Æ (22mm, 10.02 g, 12h). Caesarea Panias (Caesarea Philippi) mint. Dated RY 5 of Agrippa I (40/1 CE). ΓAIΩ [KAIΣAPI ΣEBA]ΣTΩ ΓEPMANIKω, laureate head of Gaius Caligula left / NOMIΣ BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΓPIΠΠA, Germanicus in triumphal quadriga right, holding eagle-tipped scepter and reins in right hand; L E (date) in exergue. Burnett, Agrippa 4976; Meshorer 116; Hendin 6270; RPC I 4976; Sofaer –. Dark brown surfaces, porosity and scratches on obverse. Near VF. Rare. ($750)

The grandson of Herod I, Agrippa I, so-named in honor of the victor of Actium, spent much of his youth in the Roman imperial court. Popular with the imperial family, including the emperor Tiberius, Agrippa passed much of his time in the home of Antonia Minor, the mother of Germanicus and the future emperor Claudius. There, the boys became great friends, and as an older man, Agrippa became attached to the future emperor Gaius, being appointed governor of the territories of Batanaea and Trachonitis upon Gaius’ accession. Unfortunately contemporary politics placed a significant strain on the relationship between the king and Rome. In 39 CE Agrippa’s uncle, Antipas, was accused of plotting with the Parthians and was exiled. Agrippa’s loyalty gained him his uncle’s forfeited territories. In 40 CE renewed riots between Greeks and Jews broke out in Alexandria, and Gaius, clearly unhappy with his Jewish subjects, provocatively ordered the installation of a statue of himself within the Holy of Holies in Jerusalem. Agrippa, who had been unsuccessfully involved in trying to quell similar riots in Alexandria before, sought to emphasize his loyalty to local Roman officials by striking coinage which commemorated his long-standing friendship with Gaius and, especially, Germanicus. Based on the dupondii struck in honor of the emperor’s father Germanicus, this coin includes the great general riding in his triumphal car in honor of his recovery of the standards lost by Varus, rather than portraying Agrippa himself, an identification emphasized by the specific inclusion of the word NOMISMA in the legend. By avoiding self promotion, Agrippa hoped to successfully navigate the treacherous waters which might result in his own removal from power

496. JUDAEA, Herodians. Agrippa II, with Domitian. Circa 50-100 CE. Æ 10 Units (28mm, 18.89 g, 12h). Caesarea Panias mint. Dated RY 30 of the first era of Agrippa II (78/9 CE). AYTOKPA T[ITOC] KAICA CЄBA, laureate head of Titus right / AΓPI ΠΠA, Tyche standing left, holding grain ears in right hand and cornucopia in left; ETOY Λ BA (date) across field. RPC II 2294; Meshorer 176 var. (AVTOKP); Hendin 6326 var. (same). Earthen brown surfaces, some roughness, slight doubling. VF. Very rare legend variety. ($750)

RPC

497. JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 13.45 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT • KAI AN TWNЄINOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; vine leaf between legs. Meshorer, Aelia 95 var. (rev. legend); RPC V.3 Online 83668 (this coin cited); Prieur 1617 var. (same); Sofaer –. Underlying luster, traces of die rust, a few marks in field. VF. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 September 2021), lot 830, purchased from Herb Kreindler; Classical Numismatic Group 60 (22 May 2002), lot 1421 (part of). RPC Online Feature Coin – Unique

498. JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 12.74 g, 11h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI ANT ωNЄINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; vine leaf between legs. Cf. Meshorer, Aelia 94/95 (for obv./rev.); RPC V.3 Online 91458 (this cited); cf. Prieur 1618/1617 (same); Sofaer –. Lightly toned with residual luster, light marks and scratches. Good VF. Unique variety. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 501.

499. JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 11.67 g, 6h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI ANTω NЄINOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC T Δ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, mask of Silenus left; wine jug to right. Meshorer, Aelia –; RPC V.3 Online 83652; Prieur 1620B; Sofaer 84. Toned, light roughness, scratches. VF. Very rare. ($1000)

RPC

500. JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 11.02 g, 6h). Struck 215217 CE. AVT • KAI • AN TωNINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠTOC Δ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; wine jar in crude style between legs. Meshorer, Aelia 89b var. (rev. legend); RPC V.3 Online 91457 (this coin cited); Prieur 1629 var. (same); Sofaer –. Lustrous, minor marks, small area of weakness on reverse. Good VF. Unique reverse legend variety. ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 498.

RPC Online Feature Coin

501. JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 8.70 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI ANT ωNЄINOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC T Δ, eagle standing facing on vine branch with three bunches of grapes, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; wine jug between legs. Meshorer, Aelia 91/91A (obv./rev.); RPC V.3 Online 1741 (this coin cited); Prieur 1633 var. (obv. legend); Sofaer –. Toned with hints of luster, minor deposits. VF. Very rare. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 September 2021), lot 832; I. Vecchi 12 (5 June 1998), lot 1048.

RPC Online Feature Coin

502. JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Diadumenian. As Caesar, 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 13.67 g, 12h). M OΠ ANTωN • KAI, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC Π Π, eagle standing facing on thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; wine jar between legs. Meshorer, Aelia 99a; RPC V.3 Online 1635 (this coin cited); Prieur 1646; Sofaer 96. Lightly toned with underlying luster, a few minor marks. Near EF. Rare. ($2000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 506.

503. JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 12.62 g, 6h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI AN TωNЄINOC CЄ, laureate head right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing right on serpententwined torch right, head and tail left, holding wreath with its wings displayed; in right field, head of bull facing; S P Q R within wreath. Meshorer, Aelia –; RPC V.3 Online 87199 (this coin cited); Prieur 1657 corr. (bull’s head not noted); Sofaer –. Toned, light porosity, metal flaws, scrape on reverse. VF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur, and three in CoinArchives. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 November 2021), lot 845; Michel Prieur Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 445, 5 June 2019), lot 356; Gorny & Mosch 113 (18 October 2001), lot 5525.

504. JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 13.51 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI AN TωNЄINOC CЄ, laureate bust right, draped left shoulder / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing on serpent-entwined torch right, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak. RPC V.3 Online 87153; Prieur 1659A; Sofaer –. Toned. VF. ($750)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 September 2021), lot 846; Schulten (1 April 1987), lot 830.

Extremely Rare

505. JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Diadumenian. As Caesar, 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 12.89 g, 12h). M • OΠ • ANTωN • KAI, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX • Є Z, eagle standing facing on serpent-entwined torch, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak. RPC V.3 Online 87196 (this coin cited); Prieur 1681; Sofaer –. Luster over tone, slight porosity. Near EF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur and two in RPC. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 512.

506. JUDAEA, Gaza. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.24 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KA[I AN TΩNЄ]INOC CЄ, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC T • Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wreath in beak and wings displayed; between legs, Marnas symbol within wreath. Farhi 277; RPC V.3 Online 79354 (this coin cited); Prieur 1686 corr. (bust); Sofaer 198 corr. (same). Toned, minor marks and scratches, trace deposits. VF. Very rare. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 September 2021), lot 853; Coin Galleries (14 April 1999), lot 399.

507. JUDAEA, Gaza. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 13.58 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI ANTωNЄINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX • ЄΞ VΠATOC TO • Δ •, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; Marnas symbol above each wing, crown with fillets between legs. Farhi 285.1; RPC V.3 Online 79378 (this coin cited); Prieur 1692; Sofaer –. Lightly toned with underlying luster. Near EF. Extremely rare, one of five recorded in RPC. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 514.

508. JUDAEA, Neapolis. Antoninus Pius. 138-161 CE. Æ (35mm, 23.67 g, 12h). Dated CY 88 (160/1 CE). AYTOK KAICAP ANTωNINOC CЄBAC ЄYCЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΦΛ NЄAC ΠOΛЄωC CYPIAC ΠAΛЄCT, Mount Gerizim with two peaks; between, ravine with sloping roadway; left peak with temple in perspective; to right, steep stairway with shrines attached; right peak with shrine on top and trees at base; colonnade before with open gateway; ЄT ΠH (date) in exergue. RPC IV.3 Online 10934; cf. Kropp, Roman, Fig. 11 (rev.); Rosenberger 9; cf. Sofaer 21-2 (date unclear); Triton XXVI, lot 575. Red-brown surfaces, deposits, slight roughness, tooled on reverse. Near VF. Extremely rare, only two recorded in RPC. ($750)

The modern day city of Nablus in the northern West Bank, Neapolis was located in a strategic position between Mts. Ebal and Gerizim, the latter of which figured prominently on its coinage. This mountain, sacred to the Samaritans, was believed to have been the location chosen by Yahweh for a holy temple rather than the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, some 40 miles south. The Samaritan shrine on Gerizim can be clearly seen on this bronze of Antoninus Pius, together with the staircases leading up to it. However, the original temple was destroyed by the Hasmonean king John Hyrcanus in 112-111 BCE, so the shrine seen here seems to be a retrospective view, like that of the Jerusalem temple façade seen on coins of the Bar Kochba Revolt.

509. JUDAEA, Neapolis. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 13.45 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT • KAI

AN TωNЄINOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; lighted altar between legs. RPC V.3 Online 79318 (this coin cited); Kropp, Roman, Fig. 2; Prieur 1707 var. (obv. legend). Toned, minor marks. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 September 2021), lot 861; Classical Numismatic Group 60 (22 May 2002), 1419.

RPC Online Feature Coin – Unique

510. JUDAEA, Neapolis. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.67 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI

AN TωNINOC CЄ, laureate head right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC T • Δ, temple complex atop Mt. Gerizim; all within linear border supported by eagle standing facing, head left, with wings displayed, wreath in beak. RPC IV.3 Online 90143 (this coin cited); cf. Kropp, Roman, Fig. 1 (for rev., same rev. die); Prieur 1700 var. (bust type); Sofaer –; Galst, New Fig. 2 var. (rev. temple complex, eagle). Lustrous, light porosity. Good VF. Unique. ($5000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 515.

511. MESOPOTAMIA, Carrhae. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 12.19 g, 12h). Struck circa AD 215217. • AY•T • K • M • A • • ANTΩNЄINOC • C ЄB, radiate head right / ΔHMAPX • ЄΞ • YΠA • TO • Δ •, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; star to upper left, crescent between legs, [two pellets in exergue]. RPC V.3 Online 80001; Prieur 830. Toned, underlying luster. In NGC encapsulation 4282725-018, graded Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($500)

512. MESOPOTAMIA, Edessa. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.44 g, 12h). Struck circa AD 215217. AYT • K • M • AY • ANTΩNЄINOC [CЄB], laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAP•X • ЄΞ • YPATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, shrine with pediment. RPC V.3 Online 81938; Prieur 845. Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 3758181-003, graded MS★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($750)

513. EGYPT, Alexandria. Vespasian, with Titus as Caesar. AD 69-79. Æ Drachm (35mm, 20.28 g, 12h). Dated RY 8 (AD 75/6). ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ • ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, laureate head of Vespasian right; L H (date) below chin / ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ • ΤΙΤΟΣ • ΚΑΙΣΑΡ, laureate head of Titus right. Köln 307; Dattari (Savio) 350-1; K&G 20.54; RPC II 2448; Emmett 209.8 (R3). Dark brown surfaces with earthen highlights, slight roughness, trace deposits. Good VF. Two detailed portraits on this dynastic issue. ($1000)

514. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 24.10 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 108/9). AYT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ΔAKIK, laureate and draped bust right / Demeter, wearing kalathos, holding long torch in right hand and grain ears in left, standing right, facing Euthenia, wearing crown of grain, holding grain ears in right hand and long scepter in left, standing left; between them, column surmounted by kalathos; L I B (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 838; K&G 27.154; RPC III 42884 corr. (bust described as “uncertain laureate bust”); Emmett 437.12 (R4). Red-brown patina with some green, a few deposits. VF. ($750)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, January 2012.

A Superb Specimen

515. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antinoüs. Died AD 130. Æ Drachm (34.5mm, 26.12 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 of Hadrian (AD 134/5). ANTINOOY HPωOC, draped bust right, wearing hem-hem crown / Antinoüs, cloaked and holding caduceus cradled in his right arm, on horseback right; L I Θ (date) to right and below horse. Köln 1276; Dattari (Savio) 8004; K&G 34a.1; RPC III 6062; Emmett 1346.19. Red-brown surfaces, slight die shift on obverse, edge splits. EF. A well-detailed and superb specimen, finer than any recorded in RPC. ($7500)

One of the most remarkable cults of the ancient world was that which grew up around Antinoüs, a handsome youth from Claudiopolis in Bithynia who attracted the attention of the emperor Hadrian and became his constant companion. Hadrian apparently encountered Antinoüs during a visit to Bithynia circa AD 123 and brought him back to Rome for higher education. He became one of the emperor’s pages and, by AD 128, an important part of his traveling retinue. During the emperor’s tour of Egypt in October AD 130, Antinoüs fell into the Nile and drowned, resulting in suspicions of suicide or ritual murder. The distraught Hadrian had his favorite immediately deified, and the worship of Antinoüs became an important facet of the imperial cult in the eastern Roman Empire.

516. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antinoüs. Died AD 130. Æ Drachm (34mm, 23.51 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 of Hadrian (AD 134/5). ANTINOOY HPωOC, draped bust right, wearing hem-hem crown / Antinoüs, cloaked and holding caduceus cradled in his right arm, on horseback right; L IΘ (date) to right and below horse. Köln 1276; Dattari (Savio) 8004; K&G 34a.1; RPC III 6062.39 (this coin); Emmett 1346.19. Brown-green patina with earthen highlights, minor porosity, some details enhanced. VF. ($2000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 921; Roma VIII (28 September 2014), lot 787; Roma V (23 March 2013), lot 797.

The Third Labor – Herakles and the Cerynean Hind

517. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (32.5mm, 24.86 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 6 (AD 142/3). [AYT K T AIΛ] A∆P ANT[ωNINOC CЄB ЄYC], laureate head right / Herakles and the Cerynean Hind – Herakles standing right, grasping the antlers of the Cerynean Hind with both hands and leaning on its back with his left knee; behind, club draped with lion’s skin; to right, tree; L ς (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 8492; K&G –; RPC IV.4 624; Emmett 1547.4 (R3). Dark brown surfaces, roughness, die break on obverse. Good Fine. Very rare. ($1000)

Angered to find that Herakles had successfully completed the previous two Labors, Eurystheus ordered him to capture the Cerynean Hind, a creature sacred to Artemis that was renowned for its incredible speed. The king hoped that Herakles, by capturing this animal, would incur the wrath of that goddess. Since it could elude even the swiftest arrow, Herakles devised a cunning plan. He chased it across the earth for a whole year, and when it stopped to drink, Herakles rendered it lame by shooting it with one of his few unpoisoned arrows. Another version of the story relates that he captured the animal when it was unable to run any farther. As he was returning to Mycenae, Herakles encountered Artemis and Apollo. He begged the goddess for forgiveness, explaining that he had to catch it as part of his punishment, but he promised to return it. Artemis forgave him, foiling Eurystheus’ plan. However, Eurystheus was not to be undone. Wishing to include the Hind in his menagerie, he ordered Herakles to release it to him. Since he had promised Artemis to return the Hind to her, Herakles devised a strategem: he agreed to hand the Hind over on the condition that Eurystheus himself came out and took it from him. The King came out, but the moment Herakles let the Hind go, it sprinted away. Herakles answered that Eurystheus had not been quick enough.

Jupiter in Sagittarius

518. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 23.45 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNЄINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Jupiter in Sagittarius: Centaur galloping right, drawing bow and arrow, star above his head; above centaur, bust of Jupiter (Zeus) right with slight drapery, scepter over his right shoulder; L H (date) below. Köln 1502 var. (Zeus without scepter); Dattari (Savio) 2974 var. (same); K&G 35.262; RPC IV.4 839; Emmett 1693.8. Dark brown surfaces, slight roughness. Near VF. ($1000)

Venus in Libra

519. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (32mm, 14.62 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Venus (Aphrodite) in Libra – Draped bust of Aphrodite (Venus) left, wearing stephane; to left, star of eight rays; below, Libra floating left, looking up over his left shoulder, holding scales with his left hand; L H (date) across field. Köln 1901; Dattari (Savio) 2970; K&G 35.281; RPC IV.4 15283; Emmett 1451.8 (R5). Brown surfaces, roughness, a few minor scratches. Good Fine. Rare. ($1000)

Lykurgos and the Vines of Dionysos

520. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 154/5).

AYT K T AI AΔP ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄYC, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / Lykurgos and the Vines of Dionysos – King Lykurgos right, his left knee on a vine stump, his arms pulled behind him by the vines, head tilted up and his axe between his legs; L I [H] (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 8842; K&G 35.650; RPC IV.4 1700; Emmett 1603.18 (R5). Dark brown patina, peripheral roughness, scrapes on reverse, edge split. Good Fine. Very rare. ($1000)

A rather obscure myth, in one version King Lykurgos is credited with defeating the army of Dionysos when the god invaded Thrace. Dionysos escaped by plunging into the sea and sought refuge in Thetis’ grotto. Dionysos’ mother, Rhea, upset by her son’s misfortune, drove Lykurgos mad and then helped her son’s army to escape. Lykurgos, in his madness, killed his own son Dryas with an axe (believing he was cutting down a vine, hence the coin type), and then pruned the corpse of its nose, ears, fingers, and toes. Dionysos, returning from the sea, told the people of Thrace that Lykurgos would have to be killed or the land would remain barren as punishment for Lykurgos’ crime. King Lykurgos was then killed by being drawn and quartered by wild horses.

521. EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius. As Caesar, AD 139-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 25.02 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 of Antoninus Pius (AD 144/5). M AVPHΛIOC KAICAP, bareheaded and draped bust right / Venus in Taurus –Diademed and draped bust of Aphrodite (Venus) left; to left, star of eight rays; below, bull butting left; L H (date) in exergue. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 9059; K&G –; RPC IV.1 878; Emmett 1874.8 (R5). Brown surfaces with earthen highlights, porosity and scratches, edge split. VF. Extremely rare, the second known. ($3000)

Venus in Taurus

522. EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius. As Caesar, AD 139-161. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 12.13 g, 12h). Dated RY 22 of Antoninus Pius (AD 158/9). M AVΛHEI C KAICAP, bareheaded and draped bust left of Marcus Aurelius right / ΦAYCTINA CЄBACTH, draped bust right of Faustina Junior right; KB/L (date) across field. Köln 1937 corr., var. (obv. legend, same obv. die/date arrangement); Dattari (Savio) 9003 (same dies); K&G 37.99; RPC IV.4 2070.11 corr. (obv. legend; this coin); Emmett 1846.22 (R3). Toned, slight porosity. VF. Attractive dynastic type. ($750)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex New Orleans Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 109, 12 September 2018), lot 474, purchased from Nilus Coins (December 2000); Coin Galleries (19 August 1987), lot 365.

523. EGYPT, Alexandria. Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 11.17 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 of Septimius Severus (AD 193/4). IOYΛIA ΔOMNA CЄB, draped bust right / Eagle standing right on column with wings displayed; between two signa topped with wreaths; [capricorns facing outward at base of signa]; L B (date) across field. Köln 2275; Dattari (Savio) 9738; K&G 50.2; RPC V.3 Online 59325 (this coin cited); Emmett 2729.2 (R5). Brown surfaces, smoothing, edge splits. Near VF. ($750)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Hermanubis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 355, 15 July 2015), lot 399.

524. EGYPT, Alexandria. Annia Faustina. Augusta, AD 221. BI Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 12.83 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 of Elagabalus (AD 221). ANNIA ΦAYCTINA CЄBA, draped bust right / Serapis standing facing, head right, wearing kalathos, holding long scepter in his right hand; L Є (date) across field. Köln 2388; Dattari (Savio) 4198; K&G 59.12; RPC VI Online 10210; Emmett 3040.5. Brown patina, minor metal flaws. VF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 5 May 1984), lot 1034; Dr. Samuel L. Stern Collection (Stack’s, 1 May 1980), lot 1034.

After divorcing his second wife, the Vestal Virgin Aquilia Severa, amid criticism over the impropriety of the marriage, Elagabalus wed Annia Faustina, the great-granddaughter of Marcus Aurelius. The marriage was short-lived, however, and Elagabalus divorced Annia Faustina within the year and remarried Aquilia Severa.

525. EGYPT, Alexandria. Severus Alexander, with Julia Mamaea. AD 222-235. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 12.52 g, 12h). Dated RY 4 (AD 224/5). A KAI M AYP CЄOYHP AΛЄΞANΔPOC ЄYCЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right of Severus Alexander, seen from behind / Draped bust right of Julia Mamaea, wearing stephane; L TЄTAPΤ (date) MAMЄA CЄB around. Köln 2424; Dattari (Savio) 4251; K&G 62.50; RPC VI Online 10293; Emmett 3113.4. Gray-brown surfaces. Near EF. Attractive dynastic issue. ($750)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Hermanubis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 403, 8 August 2017), lot 456.

526. EGYPT, Alexandria. Orbiana. Augusta, AD 225-227. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 13.17 g, 11h). Dated RY 6 of Severus Alexander (AD 226/7). ΓN CЄ ЄPЄN CAΛΛ BAP OPBIANH CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Dikaiosyne standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left; L ς (date) to upper left. Köln 2500 var. (obv. legend); Dattari (Savio) 4448 var. (same); K&G 63.6 var. (same); RPC VI Online 10346; Emmett 3266.6. Dark brown surfaces, flan crack. Good VF. Rare. ($750)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Hermanubis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 105, 10 May 2017), lot 630.

Attractive Gordian I Tetradrachm

527. EGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian I. AD 238. Potin Tetradrachm (21mm, 13.66 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). A K M AN ΓOPΔIANOC CЄM AΦP ЄYCЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Nike seated left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; L A (date) to left. Köln 2602 var. (obv. legend); Dattari (Savio) 10154; K&G 68.9; RPC VII.2 3636.16 (this coin); Emmett 3346.1 (R3). Gray-brown surfaces, edge split, die breaks on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Hermanubis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 355, 15 July 2015), lot 431.

Gordian I and his son Gordian II share the dubious distinction of having the shortest reigns of any “legitimate” Roman emperors, together ruling a mere 22 days. Despite their brief production run, coins of Gordian I and II are notable for their excellent portraiture. The elder Gordian appears as a distinguished older gentleman with thin, hawkish features, while Gordian II is shown as a younger, plumper and prematurely balding man with a slight beard. This may indicate that official effigies of both were already at the Rome mint when their rebellion against Maximinus I broke out in Carthage, suggesting the whole episode was not as spontaneous as contemporary historians claimed.

528. EGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian II. AD 238. Potin Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 12.96 g, 11h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). A K M AN ΓOPΔIANOC AΦ ЄYCЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Tyche standing facing, head left, wearing kalathos, holding rudder in right hand, cornucopia in left; L A (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC VII.2 3648.2 (this coin, illustrated); Emmett 3359.1 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, edge flaw, slight peripheral porosity. VF. Extremely rare, one of two recorded in RPC. ($1500)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 409 (8 November 2017), lot 472; Classical Numismatic Group 79 (17 September 2008), lot 743 (erroneously as Gordian I).

The Revolt of Domitius Domitianus

529. EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. Potin Octodrachm(?) (24mm, 11.90 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 297/8). ΔOMITI ANOC CЄB, radiate head right / Serapis standing right, wearing kalathos, raising right hand, holding scepter with left, palm frond to left; L B (date) to right. Köln 3367 var. (date arrangement); Dattari (Savio) 10830; K&G 126.1; RPC X Online 76424; Emmett 4241.2. Earthen green surfaces. Good VF. ($1500)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 839.

The revolt of Domitius Domitianus in Egypt destabilized a vitally strategic region by interrupting the grain supply to Rome and opening the possibility of a Sasanian invasion. For almost a year, Domitius Domitianus controlled Alexandria and its mint, striking aurei and folles, as well as a series of pre-reform provincial denominations.

Domitianus issued a denomination reform at Alexandria during his brief occupation of the city. A major question regarding these latter coins has been what were their specific values. For the most part, scholars agree that the larger coins featuring the radiate bust must be a double, and thereby call it an octodrachm. At half the weight, then, the smallest coins with the Nike on the reverse must be tetradrachms, though these coins have erroneously been called heretofore didrachms. The weights of these tetradrachms appear consistent with the final issues of pre-reform tetradrachms of the Tetrarchs. The middle denomination poses the largest challenge to this arrangement. By weight, it should be a hexadrachm. However, no such denomination was known to have been struck in Egypt, though tetradrachms earlier in the third century achieved this weight. The obvious problem here would be the confusion caused in circulating the same denomination in two different weights. As this type is the rarest of the group, it is possible that it was meant for a special occasion, or more remotely, a stalled attempt to reinstitute the pre-reform coinage on an earlier weight standard. Further investigation may shed more light on this subject.

530. SYRTICA, Oea. Tiberius. AD 14-37. Æ (31.5mm, 19.99 g, 1h). Struck circa AD 22/3-29. TI CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head of Tiberius left, • below; to left eagle facing, head right, holding palm frond in its beak; to right, laurel branch / Laureate and draped bust of Apollo right; WY’T (in Neo-Punic) left; to right, lyre; all within laurel wreath with central rosette. RPC I 832.44 (this coin); MAA 34; Müller, Afrique 37. Dark brown surfaces, scratches. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Patrick Villemur Collection. Ex Vinchon (18 June 2014), lot 91.

531. ZEUGITANA, Paterna. Tiberius. AD 14-37. Æ “Sestertius” (37mm, 31.60 g, 12h). Publius Cornelius Dolabella, proconsul, and Publius Gavius Casca, duovir. Struck AD 23. TI CAE DIVI AVG F AVG IMP VIII COS IIII •, bare head left / PERMIS • P • DOLABELLAE PRO COS • C • P • GAVIO CAS • D D, Hermes, wearing winged petasos and talaria, seated left on rocky outcropping, holding winged caduceus in right hand, left hand on rocks. RPC I 768.8 (this coin); MAA 97c1; Müller, Afrique 337. Dark brown surfaces, roughness, smoothing, scratches. Near EF ($2000)

From the Patrick Villemur Collection.

The Beniak Collection of Alexandrian Coinage

Lot 534

Lot 555

Lot 557

Lot 567 Lot 568 Lot 569

THE BENIAK COLLECTION OF ALEXANDRIAN COINAGE

Nero’s First Provincial Drachm – Pedigreed to 1972 – Illustrated in Pincock

532. EGYPT, Alexandria. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Drachm (36mm, 31.22 g, 12h). Dated RY 14 (AD 67/8). NEPΩ KΛAV

KAIΣ ΣEB ΓEP AV, laureate head right; L I∆ (date) below chin / ΖΕΥΣ

Zeus Capitolias enthroned left, holding long scepter in right hand and thunderbolt in left; at feet left, eagle standing left, head right. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 281; K&G 14.118 corr. (obv. legend); RPC I 5318A.5 = R. Pincock, “Nero’s Large Bronze Coinage For Egypt” in NC 1995, Type II, Example II-6, n. 16 and pl. 48.1 (this coin); Emmett 140.14 (R5). Dark brown surfaces with traces of green, slight roughness, twice holed in antiquity. VF. Very rare. ($2000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins. Ex Canadian Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 114, 6 May 2019), lot 624; Glendining (20 June 1984), lot 95; Marcel Jungfleisch Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s, 9 March 1972), lot 26.

This coin is one of the great rarities of the Alexandrian series, with only four other specimens having been offered for sale (a simlar example being: Staffieri Collection, Triton XXI, 2018, lot 20, which was also holed twice in antiquity). Another heavily worn example resides in the collection of the American Numismatic Society in New York City (mistakenly attributed to regnal year 11).

This particular drachm has been pierced twice, likely serving as a funerary piece on a Romano-Egyptian mummy. Coins and other amulets were woven into the fabric of the mummies to serve as talismans against the spirits that would try to harm them on their way to the afterlife, the coin would pay the toll to Charon, the Greco-Roman tradition of paying the ferryman, which had been absorbed into Egyptian customs. Mummification was still practiced by the Egyptians through the third century AD until Christianity became the dominant religion of the empire.

533. EGYPT, Alexandria. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Drachm (39mm, 31.59 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 68/9). ΣEPOYI ΓΑΛΒΑ AYTO ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒA, laureate head right / Draped bust of Nike right; L B (date) to right. Köln 243; Dattari (Savio) 322; K&G 17.22; RPC I 5346; Emmett 175.2. Red-brown surfaces, some roughness, edge split. Near VF. Very rare. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, April 1997. Ex Prof. Angelo Signorelli Collection (Part II, Santamaria, 4 June 1952), lot 1221.

Galba continued Nero’s emphasis on the production of billon tetradrachms at the Alexandrian mint. His bronze coinage, while not quite as rare as Nero’s, is known only from his second regnal year at Alexandria. The authors of RPC cite only nine examples for this type.

Ex Wetterstrom and Dattari Collections

534. EGYPT, Alexandria. Otho. AD 69. Æ Drachm (36mm, 28.20 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 69). ΑΥΤΟΚ ΜΑΡΚ

ΣΕΒ, laureate head right / Draped bust of Nike right; L A (date) to right. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 335; K&G 18.11; RPC I 5363; Emmett 187.1 (R5). Red-brown patina, minor marks, edge splits, minor smoothing. Near VF. Extremely rare. ($4000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, February 1992. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 14; Frank O’Sullivan Collection (Malter XXXIV, 13 December 1986), lot 471; Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

Since Otho issued no sestertii in Rome, one must go to the provinces to obtain a bronze of this size. A great rarity, the Alexandrian drachm is the only way to acquire a coin of this size for Otho.

Ex Wetterstrom Collection

535. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (37mm, 22.98 g, 12h). Dated RY 11 (AD 107/8). AVT TPAIAN C ЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate and draped bust right / Elpis standing left, holding a flower with her right hand and raising a fold of her dress with her left; L I A (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 7020; K&G 27.95; RPC III 4218.2 (this coin); Emmett 452.11 (R5). Dark brown patina, minor deposits. Near VF. Extremely rare, only three recorded in RPC. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 25, purchased from Chris Blom.

536. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (33.5mm, 24.96 g, 12h). Dated RY 11 (AD 107/8). AVT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Two canopi, each wearing headdress, on garlanded altar; to left, Isis standing right, wearing crown of solar disk and horns, holding scepter in right hand; to right, Harpocrates standing right, raising right hand to mouth and holding club in left; [L IA] (date) in exergue. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 829 var. (draped altar); K&G 27.100; RPC III 4216; Emmett 432.11 (R5). Rough brown surfaces, minor pitting. Near VF. Extremely rare, the third known. The date is unclear on any of the extant specimens but dated by obverse die match. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 28 April 2001.

Ex Wetterstrom Collection

537. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 23.45 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 108/9). AVT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄP M ∆AKIK, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Isis, crowned with solar disk, horns, and plumes, enthroned right, suckling the infant Harpokrates, crowned with skhent; two falcons seated on the corners of the throneback, griffin seated right below armrest; L IB (date) across field. Köln 491 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 923; K&G 27.162; RPC III 4304.3; Emmett 519.12. Dark brown surfaces with light earthen highlights, slight porosity, smoothing. VF. Very rare variety. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 27; Empire Coins 1 (30 May 1984), lot 26.

Following Alexander’s conquest of Egypt, the cult of Isis spread across the Mediterranean, with its popularity reaching its zenith in the Roman period, when the “goddess of a thousand names” became one of the Mediterranean’s principle deities. It is generally assumed that the iconography of Isis nursing Harpokrates influenced Christian representations of the Madonna and Child, particularly the Virgo lactans type popular in medieval Europe.

Ex Wetterstrom Collection – Illustrated in K&G – Unique

538. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (33.5mm, 20.68 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 108/9). AVT

TPAIAN CЄ B ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Serapis enthroned left, wearing kalathos, holding scepter in right hand, extending left hand over Kerberos seated at his feet, left; to left, Hermanubis standing right, holding caduceus in his right hand, palm frond in his left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 27.193 (this coin illustrated); RPC III 4330.1 (this coin); Emmett 592.12 (R5). Red-brown surfaces, slight roughness. VF. Unique. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, February 2014. Ex Hon. Robert Eskine Collection; Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 26.

539. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (33.5mm, 23.85 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 108/9). AVT

TPAIAN CЄ B ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Egyptian temple with pylons enclosing statue of Isis, wearing crown of solar disk and horns, holding scepter in right hand; to left, small figure of Harpokrates, to right, kalathos filled with grain; temple with four windows in each of the upper pylons, atop each, a falcon, doorway at center; L I B (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 1163; K&G 27.411 var. (bust); RPC III 4330.2; Emmett 521.12. Red-brown surfaces with spots of green, roughness. VF. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, June 2003.

Serapis in a Biga of Tritons

540. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 22.74 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 108/9). AVT

TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate and draped bust right / Serapis, wearing kalathos, standing facing, head left, extending right hand towards eagle carrying a canopus of Osiris, and holding a scepter in left; in a biga drawn by two Tritons holding a small altar between them; L IB (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 731 & 12238-9; K&G –; RPC III 4322.7 corr. (bust, this coin); Emmett 578.12 (R5). Brown surfaces, slight roughness, edge splits. VF. Extremely rare reverse type. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group XXIX (30 March 1994), lot 1006; Henry Clay Lindgren Collection.

541. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (33mm, 20.83 g, 12h). Dated RY 13 (AD 109/10). AVT TPA[IAN CЄB Γ]ЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Canopus of Osiris right, between two eagles with wings displayed, standing outward, heads facing inward; L I Γ (date) above. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 823 var. (bust); K&G 27.247 var. (bust); RPC III 4372.2A.1 (this coin); Emmett 428.13 (R5). Green and red patina, some roughness, edge splits. Good Fine. Extremely rare, unique with this bust type. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Berk BBS 216 (27 July 2021), lot 552 (there, noted as ex-Mabbott collection but not in 1969 H. Schulman sale).

RPC Online Feature Coin – Illustrated in K&G

542. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (34mm, 21.17 g, 12h). Dated RY 14 (AD 110/1). AVT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Harpocrates of Heracleopolis standing facing, head left, raising right hand to mouth and holding club in left; flanking, two andro-sphinxes reclining on base, facing inward; L I Δ (date) across field. Köln 546 (same dies); Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 27.323 (this coin illustrated); RPC III 4517.1.4 (this coin); Emmett 501.14 (R5). Brown surfaces, minor pitting, cleaning marks, area of weak strike on reverse. VF. Very rare, only five recorded in RPC. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Berk BBS 216 (27 July 2021), lot 554; Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XII, 26 September 1990), lot 59, purchased from Fred Shore.

The Finest Known – Ex Dattari Collection

543. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (34mm, 17.75 g, 12h). Dated RY 15 (AD 111/2). AVT TPAIAN C ЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Barge of Serapis – Galley with oars left; Serapis enthroned left, wearing kalathos, holding long scepter in his right hand; to left, Isis Pharia standing left, wearing headdress of solar disk and horns, holding sistrum in her right hand and billowing sail with both hands; to right, Demeter stands left, holding long torch in right hand and cornucopia in left; L IE (date) above. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) pl. 51, row 1, coin 6 (unnumbered) = RPC III 4612.2 = Figari & Mosconi 175 (<i>this coin</i>); K&G –; Emmett 594.15 (R5). Brown and green surfaces, some roughness, smoothing. Near VF. Extremely rare, the finest of four known. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, September 2006. Ex J.P. Righetti Collection (Part I, Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 12, 11 April 2003), lot 499; Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

Rare and Detailed Bust Type

544. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (33mm, 21.19 g, 12h). Dated RY 16 (AD 112/3). AVT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front, aegis on left shoulder; Nike presenting wreath to emperor on breastplate / The Dioscuri, nude, standing facing, holding spears in their outer hands and swords in inner hands; star above each head; L I ς (date) across field. Köln 602 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 850 var. (same); K&G 27.456 var. (same); RPC III 4712.5; Emmett 543.16. Brown and green surfaces. Good VF. Very rare, only three recorded in RPC with this bust type. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, November 1999.

Unique and Unpublished Bust Variety

545. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (36mm, 18.46 g, 12h). Dated RY 16 (AD 112/3). AVT T PAIAN CЄ B ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Nilus reclining left on crocodile, holding reed in right hand and cornucopia in left; L Iς (date) above. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 968-9 var. (bust); K&G 27.487 var. (same); RPC III 4686.–; Emmett 550.16 (R3). Green and brown patina, flan crack, minor cleaning marks, slight die shift on reverse. VF. Unpublished bust type, unique. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Berk BBS 86 (11 July 1995), lot 1155; Berk BBS 83 (26 October 1994), lot 915; Berk BBS 79 (2 November 1993), lot 567.

546. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 28.11 g, 12h). Dated RY 16 (AD 112/3). AVT TPAIAN C ЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Trajan, togate, holding olive branch in right hand and eagle-tipped scepter in left, driving slow quadriga right; L Iς (date) above. Köln 621 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 757; K&G 27.493; RPC III 4666.2; Emmett 459.16. Brown surfaces, edge flaws. Good VF. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, January 2003.

Ex Wetterstrom Collection

547. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 25.60 g, 12h). Dated RY 17 (AD 113/4). AVT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate heroic bust right, seen from the front, drapery on left shoulder / Demeter standing right, holding long torch in right hand and scepter in left, vis-à-vis Euthenia standing left, holding grain ears in right hand and short scepter in left, left arm leaning on column to right; L I Z (date) across field. Köln 633 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 840; K&G 27.539 corr. (bust); RPC III 4784.2; Emmett 436.17. Red-brown patina, light roughness. VF. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 61 (25 September 2002), lot 1077; Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 35.

RPC Online Feature Coin

548. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (34mm, 22.80 g, 12h). Dated RY 17 (AD 113/4). [AVT TPAIAN C]ЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front, aegis on left shoulder; Nike presenting wreath to emperor on breastplate / Helios, radiate, raising right hand and holding whip in left, driving galloping quadriga right; above, two eagles flying left, carrying canopus; [L IZ (date) in exergue]. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 6928; K&G –; RPC III 4800.3.3 (this coin); Emmett 509.17 (RY 17 not recorded). Dark green patina, some smoothing. VF. Very rare. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 91 (19 September 2012), lot 722.

549. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 17.92 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 114/5). AVT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, laureate heroic bust right, seen from the front, drapery on left shoulder / Trajan, laureate and in military dress, seated left on curule chair, holding Nike in outstretched right hand and scepter in left; to left, Armenian captive kneeling right at base of trophy of arms; L IH (date) above. Köln 675 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 719; K&G 27.597; RPC III 4830.1 corr. (bust type; this coin); Emmett 457.18. Red-brown surfaces with green, edge flaws. Good VF. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Triton VI (14 January 2003), lot 585; Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 1119; Auktionshaus Wendt (Numismatica) 13 (9 November 1976), lot 778.

Trajan’s final campaign against the Parthians was sparked by Parthia’s replacement of the pro-Roman king of Armenia with one of their own in AD 114. Armenia had been a strategic and semi-independent kingdom which served as an important buffer between Parthia and Rome. The last conflict over this region, during Nero’s reign, resulted in a delicate balance that stabilized the situation for over fifty years. The move by Parthia now upset the balance and posed a threat to Rome’s wealthy Syrian cities. Trajan’s campaign was swift and decisive; by AD 115, Armenia was restored as a Roman client state. To secure the eastern frontier, he then moved southward through Mesopotamia, and captured the Parthian capital, Ctesiphon, in AD 116. Although short-lived, these victories were celebrated on much of Trajan’s later coinage.

Unique and Unpublished Bust Variety

550. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 18.73 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 114/5). AVT TPAIAN API C ЄB ΓЄ[PM ∆AKIK], laureate bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Zeus enthroned left, holding scepter in right hand and thunderbolt in left; at feet left, eagle standing left, head right; L I H (date) across field. Köln 683 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 1069-70 var. (same); K&G 27.612 var. (same); RPC III 4876 var. (same); Emmett 611.18 (R4). Dark brown surfaces, trace deposits, flan crack, minor smoothing. VF. Unpublished bust type, unique. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica E (4 April 1995), lot 2929; Numismatica Ars Classica B (25 February 1992), lot 1899.

Ex Wetterstrom Collection

551. EGYPT, Alexandria. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Drachm (35mm, 19.60 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 (AD 115/6). AVT TPAIAN API CЄB ΓЄPM ∆AKIK, bust right, wreathed in grain ears, aegis on left shoulder / Nilus standing left, holding reed in right hand and cornucopia in left; to right, Euthenia, standing facing, head left, raising right hand and holding grain ears in left; L I Θ (date) across field. Köln 698 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 1013 var. (same); K&G 27.650; RPC III 4910.3; Emmett 561.19. Green and brown patina. Near EF. Very rare bust variety. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 36; Empire Coins 2 (30 September 1984), lot 92.

Extremely Rare – Exceptional Reverse

552. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (35mm, 18.28 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 120/1). AVT KAI TPAI AΔPIA C[ЄB], laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder / Radiate and draped bust of Serapis-Pantheos right, wearing kalathos and hem-hem crown with horn of Ammon; dolphin-entwined trident over right shoulder, cornucopia to right; L Є (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC III 5284; Emmett 1049.5 (R5 – year unrecorded). Dark green patina, peripheral lamination flaw, minor smoothing. Near EF. Exceptional and artistic reverse. Extremely rare, only two recorded in RPC, neither of this quality. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, April 2000. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 15 (18 May 1999), lot 351.

The god Serapis was a syncretistic Hellenistic-Egyptian god whose worship combined Greek and Egyptian religious beliefs. The name itself is formed by a combination of the Egyptian god of the Underworld, Osiris (Ausar), with Apis (Hapi), a manifestation of the regenerative god Ptah. As the chief god of the new Ptolemaic dynasty, Serapis soon became the subject of the chief royal cult. The belief in an afterlife made it one of the more popular mystery cults, and portraits of the god are known throughout the empire. In Alexandria a large temple complex, the Serapeum, was constructed, and continued to operate until it was destroyed by an angry Christian mob in the late 4th century AD.

553. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (36mm, 25.61 g, 11h). Dated RY 16 (AD 131/2). AVT

KAIC TPAI AΔPIA CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Poseidon standing left, right foot on rock, holding dolphin in right hand and trident in left; L Iς (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 1812 var. (obv. legend, rev. date arrangement); K&G 32.521 var. (obv. legend); RPC III 5794.6 corr. (obv. legend variety, this coin); Emmett 1021.16 (R5). Green-brown surfaces, minor marks, flan cracks. Good VF. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (12 July 2000), lot 261; Classical Numismatic Group 37 (20 March 1996), lot 1182.

554. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (33mm, 23.99 g, 12h). Dated RY 17 (AD 132/3). AVT KAIC

TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Serapis, wearing kalathos, raising right hand and holding scepter in left, standing facing, head left, in spread quadriga; L IZ (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 7779; K&G –; RPC III 5843; Emmett 1033.17 (R5). Red-brown surfaces, scratches. VF. Very rare. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, August 1999.

555. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (33mm, 25.65 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 133/4). AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Two canopi, each wearing headdress, on altar enclosing Apis bull standing right; to left, Isis standing right, wearing crown of solar disk and horns, holding scepter in right hand; to right, Harpocrates standing left, raising right hand to mouth and holding club in left; L IH (date) in exergue. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC III 5882.4 (this coin); Emmett 937.18 (R5). Red-brown surfaces, bare metal showing, slight roughness. VF. Extremely rare. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 196 (7 March 2011), lot 2300.

Two Rare Depictions of Tutu

556. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (35mm, 23.34 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 133/4). AVT KAIC TPAIAN • AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Tutu, as a sphinx, wearing tni crown of solar disk, ram’s horns, and ostrich feathers, striding right, crocodile emerging from his chest, trampling his own cobra tail; L IH (date) above. Köln 1130; Dattari (Savio) 2005; K&G 32.596; RPC III 5909; Emmett 1055.18 (R4). Dark brown surfaces, flan flaws, minor pitting, holed twice in antiquity, smoothed. VF. Very rare with an intriguing depiction of a sphinx. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Marian A. Sinton Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 53, 15 March 2000), lot 1211.

The god Tutu was a late arrival to the Egyptian pantheon of deities, not gaining popularity until the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. He was originally the protector of tombs and guarded the sleeping from danger or bad dreams. He was responsible for human fate and fortune and was the slayer of demons, the crocodile and cobra tail represent such demons.

Ex Niggeler & Magnaguti Collections – Pedigreed to 1950

557. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (32mm, 22.94 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 133/4). AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Tutu, as a sphinx, wearing tni crown of solar disk, ram’s horns, and ostrich feathers and aegis, striding right, crocodile emerging from his chest, trampling his own cobra tail; on his back, Petbe, as a griffin, seated right, left paw on wheel; L IH (date) above. Köln 1131; Dattari (Savio) 2003; K&G 32.600; RPC III 5910; Emmett 1057.18. Red-brown surfaces with some green, slight roughness. VF. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, January 2008. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 43 (24 September 1997), lot 1162; Walter Niggeler Collection (Part 2, Leu & Münzen und Medaillen AG, 21 October 1966), lot 752; Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Collection (Part III, Santamaria, 12 October 1950), lot 979.

558. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (33.5mm, 25.28 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 133/4). AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Sphinx seated left, wearing kalathos, right forepaw resting on wheel; L IH (date) in exergue. Köln 1140 var. (three teats); Dattari (Savio) 1997 var. (same); K&G 32.603; RPC III 5915; Emmett 1053.18. Red-brown surfaces, slight roughness. VF. Rare variety with four teats. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Schick Coins, March 2015.

Ex Wetterstrom Collection

559. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34mm, 24.05 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 (AD 134/5). AVT KAIC TPAIAN A∆PIANOC CЄB, laureate bust left, drapery on right shoulder / Artemis advancing right, wearing chiton and peplos, holding a bow with her left hand, and grasping the forelegs of a stag with her right; L ЄN NЄAK•Δ (date) around. Köln 1163 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) 1615 var. (same); K&G 32.634 var. (same); RPC III 5956.4 (this coin); Emmett 916.19 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, slight pitting, minor edge splits. Good VF. Very rare. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 67; Harvey J. Hoffer Collection of the Coins of Hadrian (Harmer Rooke, 12 December 1986), lot 1004 (part of), purchased from Wayte Raymond, 1936.

560. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34mm, 27.26 g, 11h). Dated RY 19 (AD 134/5). AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Harpocrates of Heracleopolis, wearing hem-hem crown, standing left, raising right hand to mouth, holding club in left; to left, altar; L ЄN NЄAK Δ (date) around. Köln 1176 var. (rev. legend arrangemnt); Dattari (Savio) 1728; K&G 32.654; RPC III 6001; Emmett 979.19. Dark brown surfaces, trace deposits, small edge splits, minor smoothing. Good VF. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions VII (4 May 1989), lot 177; Dr. Richard P. Ariagno Collection (Part I, Bowers and Ruddy, 9 June 1980), lot 374.

561. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (33mm, 23.68 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 (AD 134/5). AVT

KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Harpocrates seated left on lotus flower, wearing hem-hem crown, rising right hand to mouth, holding flail in left hand; L ЄNN ЄAK•Δ (date) around. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 1725; K&G 32.655 (this coin illustrated); RPC III 5999.2 (this coin); Emmett 975.19 (R5). Red-brown surfaces with spot of green. VF. Very rare. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Garth R. Drewry Collection (Triton VIII, 11 January 2004), lot 802; Berk BBS 86 (11 July 1995), lot 1166; Berk BBS 79 (2 November 1993), lot 579; Berk BBS 68 (13 November 1991), lot 606; Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 68; Harvey J. Hoffer Collection (Harmer Rooke, 12 December 1986), lot 1006.

562. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (33mm, 26.51 g, 11h). Dated RY 19 (AD 134/5). AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate head left / Hermanubis standing facing, head right, holding caduceus in right hand and palm frond in left; to left, jackal standing left, head right; L Є N NЄAK • Δ (date) around. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 1714 var. (bust right); K&G 32.658 var. (same); RPC III 6008.1 (this coin); Emmett 987.19 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, light porosity, cleaning scratches. Near VF. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, July 2004. Ex Berk BBS 131 (2 April 2003), lot 569.

Hermanubis became a dominant figure in the Greco-Egyptian pantheon during the Ptolemaic period, combining the features of Anubis and Hermes. Both guided souls to the afterlife and were messengers between the worlds of the living and the dead.

563. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34.5mm, 24.26 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 (AD 134/5). AVT

KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Canopus of Osiris right, wearing atef crown, adorned with Isis feeding the infant Harpokrates, wearing kalathos and holding a rose in his right hand; L ЄNN ЄAK•Δ (date) around. Köln 1172 var. (without Isis and Harpocrates); Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 32.662 var. (same); RPC III 5975; Emmett 932.19. Dark brown surfaces, scratches. Near VF. Interesting depiction of a canopic jar. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, January 2003.

564. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34mm, 24.95 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 (AD 134/5). AVT

KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Poseidon standing right, left foot on rock, holding trident in right hand, dolphin in left; L Є[NN] ЄAK Δ (date) around. Köln 1185; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 32.668; RPC III 6019; Emmett 1022.19 (R5). Green surfaces, flan crack, minor smoothing on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, only two recorded in RPC. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, August 1999.

565. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34mm, 24.39 g, 11h). Dated RY 19 (AD 134/5). AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Barge of Serapis – Galley with oars left; Serapis enthroned left, wearing kalathos, holding long scepter in his right hand; to left, Isis Pharia standing left, wearing headdress of solar disk and horns, holding sistrum in her right hand and billowing sail with both hands; to right, Demeter standing left, holding long torch in right hand and resting left elbow on aphlaston; L ЄNNЄ AK • Δ (date) around. Köln 1170; Dattari (Savio) 7786; K&G 32.675; RPC III 5995; Emmett 1047.19 (R5). Red-brown surfaces, trace deposits. VF. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex I. Vecchi 16 (9 October 1999), lot 463.

566. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (33.5mm, 28.62 g, 12h). Dated RY 21 (AD 136/7). AVT

KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Hexastyle temple façade set on two-tiered base; above, pyre of burning pinecones in center with aphlasta on either end; between the two middle columns: Eusebeia standing facing, sacrificing over altar to left, small flaming tripod altars between outer columns; L KA (date) in exergue. Köln 1214; Dattari (Savio) 1893; K&G 32.727; RPC III 6145; Emmett 910.21. Brown-green surfaces, light roughness. Good VF. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Mark Honea Collection. Classical Numismatic Group inventory 422766 (December 2015); Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (not in CNA sales).

567. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antinoüs. Died AD 130. Æ Drachm (32.5mm, 24.13 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 of Hadrian (AD 134/5). ANTINOOY HPωOC, draped bust right, wearing hem-hem crown / Antinoüs, cloaked and holding caduceus cradled in his right arm, on horseback right; L I Θ (date) to right and below horse. Köln 1276; Dattari (Savio) 2080; K&G 34a.1; RPC III 6062; Emmett 1346.19. Dark brown surfaces, light scratches, minor edge flaws. VF. ($2000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, May 2006. Ex Triton VII (12 January 2004), lot 734; Gorny & Mosch 107 (2 April 2001), lot 329; Numismatica Ars Classica 11 (29 April 1998), lot 430; Montenapoleone 8 (11 May 1988), lot 113.

RPC Plate Coin – Very Rare – Ex Wetterstrom Collection

568. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33.5mm, 22.55 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 138/9). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC ЄVC CЄB, bareheaded heroic bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Nilus seated left on hippopotamus walking left, holding two stalks of grain with his right hand and cradling a cornucopia in his left arm; ЄT O YC B (date) around. Köln 1307; Dattari (Savio) 2774; K&G 35.18; RPC IV.4 79.3 (this coin); Emmett 1626.2. Dark brown surfaces, light smoothing on obverse, edge split. VF. Very rare, one of three known. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 88; Waddell FPL 38 (1989), no. 116.

RPC Plate Coin – Ex John Hopkins University Collection

569. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 23.74 g, 12h). Labor of Herakles type. Dated RY 4 (AD 140/1). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, laureate head right / Herakles and the Lernaean Hydra –Herakles standing left, lion’s skin over left shoulder, holding club overhead in right hand, his left hand grasping the right armtentacle of the anthropomorphized Lernaean Hydra; L TЄTA PTOV (date) around. Köln 1347; Dattari (Savio) 8487; K&G 35.89; RPC IV.4 248.6 (this coin); Emmett 1545.4 (R5); Carl W.A. Carlson, “Rarities 4 – The Labors of Hercules Series,” in SAN Journal IV.4 (1972/3), p. 65, D.2597V (this coin illustrated). Green patina with red, some edge damage. Good VF. Very rare ($5000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex James E. Cain Collection (Triton XI, 8 January 2008), lot 527; David Simpson Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1775; Johns Hopkins University Collection [inv. 83.126] (Part I, Numismatic Fine Arts & Bank Leu, 16 May 1984), lot 801, acquired from Alex G. Malloy.

For his second labor, Herakles had to kill the Lernaean Hydra, the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, and the sibling of the Nemean Lion, the Chimaera, and Kerberos. Inhabiting the swamp near Lake Lerna in the Argolid, the creature possessed numerous mortal and one immortal head on its single body; should one head be removed, two more would grow in its place. When Herakles reached the swamp where the Hydra dwelt, he drew it out of its lair near the spring of Amymone. Thereupon, wielding a harvesting sickle, he attempted to decapitate the creature. When this proved unsuccessful, because of the Hydra’s regenerative ability, Herakles enlisted the assistance of his nephew Iolaos, who devised a plan: once Herakles had cut off one of the creature’s heads, Iolaos would cauterize the stump with a burning firebrand. The plan succeeded, and the Hydra was destroyed. Herakles placed its one immortal head under a large rock on the sacred way between Lerna and Elaius and dipped his arrows in its poisonous blood.

On this rare Alexandrian type, Hydra is anthropomorphized as a giantess, which as been interpreted in the past as “the giantess Echidna raising her son Hydra against Herakles in defense.” It is a mystery as to why the engravers at the Alexandrian mint chose this unusual interpretation for the Lernaean Hydra, especially when other provincial mints that struck coins for the various labors used the more traditional representation.

Jupiter in Pisces – Ex Steinberg and Mabbott Collections

570. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 22.14 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNЄINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Jupiter in Pisces – Bust of Zeus (Jupiter) right, wearing taenia and draped on left shoulder, transverse scepter across right shoulder; star of eight rays before; fish right and left below; L H (date) across field. Köln 1897; Dattari (Savio) 2980; K&G 35.261; RPC IV.4 838.5 (this coin); Emmett 1692.8. Green and brown surfaces, minor roughness, flan flaws. VF. Rare. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica/Spink Taisei, 16 November 1994), lot 843; Thomas Ollive Mabbott Collection (H. Schulman, 6 June 1969), lot 3422; Münzen und Medaillen AG XIII (17 June 1954), lot 953.

571. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 23.64 g, 11h). Dated RY 2 (AD 138/9). [AVT K T AIΛ AΔP] ANTωNINOC ЄVC CЄB, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Laureate and draped bust of Serapis right, wearing kalathos; L B (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 35.280 –; RPC VI.4 86.1 (this coin); Emmett 1647.1 (RY2 not recorded). Dark brown surfaces, light roughness, minor die shift on reverse. VF. Unique. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 46 (24 June 1998), lot 931.

Unique and Unpublished Variety

572. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 22.48 g, 12h). Dated RY 3 (AD 139/40). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC ЄVC CЄB, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing kalathos and taenia, above eagle standing right, head left, with wings displayed, L T PI [T] OV (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC IV.4 184 var. (date listed as L Γ); Emmett 1650.3. Brown and red surfaces, smoothing and scratches, flan flaw on reverse. Near EF. Unpublished with this reverse legend. Unique. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Manton & Associates, February 1993.

The Twelfth Labor – The Capture of Kerberos

573. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35.5mm, 31.10 g, 12h). Labor of Herakles type. Dated RY 4 (AD 140/1). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, laureate head right / Herakles Capturing Kerberos –Herakles advancing left, lion’s skin tied around neck, raising club in right hand, leading Kerberos by lead in left hand; L T ЄT APTOV (date) around. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC IV.4 241; Emmett 1558.4 (R5?). Brown and red surfaces, smoothing and scratches, details enhanced, small edge splits. Good VF. Extremely rare, the second known. ($4000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, May 2004.

For his twelfth and final labor, Herakles was sent to the underworld to capture Kerberos. In order to complete this most difficult task, Herakles was initiated in the Eleusinian Mysteries so that he could learn how to enter and exit the underworld alive, as well as absolve himself of his past crime of killing the Centaurs in his fourth Labor. Finding the entrance to the underworld, he again enlisted the assistance of Athena, while Hermes, the conveyor of souls, guided him along. While there, Herakles was able to free Theseus, who had been imprisoned by Hades for attempting to kidnap Persephone, but could not do the same for Theseus’ accomplice, Pirithous. Herakles sought the permission of Hades and Persephone to take Kerberos. The gods assented on condition that Herakles did not harm the creature in any way. Wrestling Kerberos into submission, he brought it to the upper world through an entrance in the Peloponnese. When he returned with Kerberos to the palace, Eurystheus was so afraid of the fearsome beast that he jumped into a large storage jar to hide (a common theme throughout the labors, always depicting King Eurystheus as a coward). With this, Herakles’ punishment was complete, and he was now freed of his guilt.

Ex

574. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33.5mm, 13.17 g, 12h). Dated RY 4 (AD 140/1). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; c/m: inlaid silver Este countermark in the form of an imperial eagle in an oval field / Diademed bust of Herakles left, wearing lion’s skin, club over right shoulder; L Δ (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC IV.4 257.2 (this coin); Emmett 1536.4 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, smoothed and tooled, peripheral roughness. VF. Extremely rare, one of two cited in RPC. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex New York Sale XIV (10 January 2007), lot 174; d’Este Collection.

For many centuries, numismatists and scholars have debated the attribution of the distinctive eagle collector’s mark, found on the obverse of a small number of predominantly Greek and Roman coins. Attribution has been generally divided between two Italian noble families: the Gonzaga’s, rulers of Mantua, which proclaims itself as the birthplace of the poet Virgil, and the Este family of Ferrara in northern Italy, which could trace its ancestry back to the 10th century.

Much of the confusion stems from the intermingling of the Gonzaga and Este family collections in the 17th century. During the War of the Mantuan Succession (1628-1631), the Gonzaga coin collection was used as collateral by the embattled Duke Charles II Gonzaga of Nevers (1609-1631). It was during this tumultuous time in late Renaissance Italy that the Este family acquired the Gonzaga collection. The Gonzaga’s subsequently failed to recover their collection from the Este’s. Leonello d’Este (1407-1450), Marquis of Ferrara, initially formed what grew into a massive generational collection that was passed down through the Este family for centuries. Leonello began his collection with mostly bronze coins, such as the example offered here. Leonello acquired these earliest coins as a young man prior to 1430. Ercole I d’Este (14311505), Leonello’s half-brother, and Duke of Ferrara from 1471-1505, owned a collection of 437 gold coins by 1494. Some were notably acquired from the collection of Pope Paul II (d. 1471). Ercole’s son, Alfonso I d’Este, Duke of Ferrara from 1505-1534, enlisted the assistance of the lauded artist Raphael (painter of the famous The School of Athens in the Vatican library) to help him track down “antique medals, heads and figures.” A rough catalogue of the d’Este family collection was compiled between 1538-1541 under the direction of Ercole II d’Este (1508-1559), Duke of Ferrara from 1534-1559. The 1541 catalogue lists 783 ancient gold coins in the collection.

The collection continued to expand and reached its zenith under Alfonso II d’Este (1533-1597), Duke of Ferrara from 1559-1597. Some of the gold coins that are known today that feature the eagle inset appear in the 1541 manuscript. The absence of some of the coins that today bear the eagle inset supports a date for the inset’s application sometime after 1541. Enea Vico (1523-1567), who directed acquisitions for the d’Este family, referenced the collection in a 1563 writing that makes no mention of the inset. This again supports a slightly later date post 1563. A good possibility for the catalytic event that resulted in the inset’s application to these coins is an exhibition prepared by the famous artist and architect Pirro Ligorio (c. 1510-1583). Ligorio, author of a number of famous manuscripts, worked under the patronage of the d’Este family in Ferrara between 1568 and 1574. It was while he worked for the d’Este’s, organizing the duke’s collections in his Antichario, that he compiled many of his famous manuscripts. Ligorio also served as the Vatican’s Papal Architect under Popes Paul IV and Pius IV.

From this evidence, scholars have concluded that the eagle inset did indeed belong to the Este family and was likely applied sometime between 1563-1614, perhaps during the tenure of Pirro Ligorio’s employment from 1568-1574. Later, in 1647, the Este’s recovered 710 pawned aurei with the eagle inset. Additionally, out of the 12,000–15,000 coins which at one time constituted the collection in its entirety, only around 1,500 were chosen to bear the eagle inset, applied in either silver or gold. Bronze coins, such as this one, are less commonly found from the d’Este collection wearing the eagle inset. Portions of the d’Este collection made their way into collections and museums in Milan, Modena, and Paris, as well as in Queen Christina of Sweden’s (1626-1689) personal cabinet of Roman coins. Apart from those collections, the remaining coins featuring the inset irregularly and infrequently appear on the market, such as this example. This is a rare chance to own a rare coin from a verifiable, famous, and coveted 16th century collection.

575. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 24.37 g, 12h). Dated RY 4 (AD 140/1). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC ЄVC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Draped bust of Hermes right, wearing lotus-bud headdress, caduceus over left shoulder; L Δ (date) to right. Köln 1351; Dattari (Savio) 2633; K&G 35.80; RPC IV.4 263.4 (this coin); Emmett 1573.4 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, slight roughness, small spot of verdigris, lightly double struck. Good VF. Very rare. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, April 2011. Ex Peus 360 (27 April 1999), lot 700; Classical Numismatic Auctions XXI (26 June 1992), lot 504.

The Eleventh Labor – The Apples of the Hesperides

576. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35.5mm, 23.17 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Herakles and the Apples of the Hesperides – Herakles standing right, lion’s skin over left shoulder, cradling club with his left hand and reaching with his right hand for the Apples of the Hesperides hanging from branch of tree to right; the serpent Ladon coiled around the tree’s trunk, arrow pierced through its neck; L/Є (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC IV.4 466.3 (this coin); Emmett 1554.5 (R5). Dark green surfaces, some roughness. Near VF. Extremely rare, only three recorded in RPC. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Triton VIII (11 January 2005), lot 804; Triton VI (14 January 2003), lot 593.

Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Herakles was compelled to undergo two more labors. The first of these was to steal the Apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who lived in a grove at the far western edge of the world. Herakles asked the Titan Atlas, the father of Hesperides whose task it was to hold up the heavens, to retrieve the apples in return for holding up the heavens while he did so. Having accomplished the task, Atlas was reticent to give up his freedom, and told Herakles that he would take back the apples to Tiryns for him. Herakles thereupon tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens while Herakles adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.

The Ninth Labor – The Golden Girdle of Hippolyte

577. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 23.68 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). [AVT] K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, laureate head right / Herakles and Hippolyte’s Girdle – Herakles standing right, lion’s skin draped over his left shoulder, holding club with left hand over his left shoulder and with right hand he seizes the “Golden Girdle” from the prostrate Hippolyte on her fallen horse which lies left; L Є (date) to right. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 2616 = RPC IV.4 463.4 = Figari & Mosconi 624 = Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 156 (this coin); K&G 35.144; Emmett 1540.5 (R4). Dark brown surfaces, trace deposits, scratches, flaws at edge on reverse. Near VF. Extremely rare. ($7500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection (Triton XXI, 9 January 2018), lot 156, purchased from Renzo Canavesi, Sagno, 1996; Renzo Canavesi Collection (Sagno); Dr. Piero Beretta Collection (Milan); Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

At the request of Admete, Eurystheus’ daughter, Herakles as his Ninth Labor went to seize the golden girdle of Hippolyte, a garment that gave power and supremacy to the wearer. The daughter of Otrera and the god Ares, Hippolyte was the queen of the Amazons, an all female race who lived near the slopes of the Caucasus. To carry off this Labor, Herakles organized an expedition, which included the Athenian hero Theseus. Upon the heroes’ arrival, the Amazon women greeted them warmly, while Hippolyte offered the girdle as a gift. Hera, on hearing this, took the form of an Amazon, spreading a rumor that Herakles had come to steal away their queen, and take her back with him to Greece. The female warriors, in protection of their queen, began fighting the heroes. In the melée that followed, Herakles slew Hippolyte, thinking she had betrayed him. Winning the battle, Herakles headed back for Mycenae. On the way, he saved the life of Hesione, daughter of Laomedon, king of Troy. Laomedon, however, refused to reward the hero for his service. In retribution, Herakles slew the king and most of his sons.

The Constellation Boötes? –

Plate Coin

578. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33.5mm, 25.11 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Plowman (constellation Boötes?), wearing short kirtle (tunic) and pileus, holding goad in raised right hand, sowing with bag of seeds in left, driving team of oxen left; L Є (date) in exergue. Köln 1407; Dattari (Savio) 2985; K&G 35.153; RPC IV.4 526.8 (this coin); Emmett 1639.5 (R4). Smooth brown patina with traces of green, light porosity and scratches. Near VF. Very rare. ($2000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Stein A. Evensen Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 115, 16 September 2020), lot 491; Collection CR (Classical Numismatic Group 85, 15 September 2010), lot 714.

The Great Sothic Cycle was a calendrical cycle based on the heliacal rising in July of the star Sirius (known to the Greeks as Sothis) and lasting approximately 1460 years. According to ancient Egyptian mythology, in a Golden Age, the beginning of the flooding of the Nile coincided exactly with the rising of Sirius, which was reckoned as the New Year. Only once every 1460 years did Sirius rise at exactly the same time. Thus, the coincidence of this along with the concurrent beginning of the flooding of the Nile gave the event major cosmological significance by heralding not just the beginning of a new year, but the beginning of a new eon. This event also was thought to herald the appearance of the phoenix, a mythological bird which was reborn every 500 to 1000 years out of its own ashes. According to one version of the myth, each new phoenix embalmed its old ashes in an egg of myrrh, which it then deposited in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis. So important was the advent of the new Great Sothic Cycle, both to the realignment of the heavens and its signaling of the annual flooding of the Nile, that the Egyptians celebrated it in a five-day festival, which emphasized the important cosmological significance.

In the third year of the reign of Antoninus Pius (AD 139/140), a new Great Sothic Cycle began. To mark this event, the mint of Alexandria struck an extensive series of coinage, especially in large bronze drachms, each related in some astrological way to the reordering of the heavens during the advent of the new Great Sothic Cycle. By the time that these coins were issued, the Egyptian names for the various constellations had been replaced by those more familiar to the Greeks and Romans. Among the issues struck during this time was this extremely rare type depicting a plowman, which may refer to the constellation Boötes, the mythological figure who invented the plow. Since the appearance of Sirius heralded the beginning of the Nile’s flooding, which deposited a rich alluvial layer of mud on the fields, necessary for the growing of grain, the inclusion of the constellation associated with the originator of the plow would have made perfect sense, given the agricultural significance of the Great Sothic Cycle and the importance of Egypt in providing grain to the rest of the empire.

Ex Wetterstrom Collection – Illustrated in K&G

579. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35.5mm, 28.72 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). [AVTOKPA KAIC AΔP ANTωNINOC], laureate head right / The Abduction of Persephone – Hades standing slightly right, head left, in quadriga right, holding the limp body of Persephone with his right hand and the reins of the quadriga with his left; above, Eros flying right, below, rocks designating the cave entrance to the underworld; L Є (date) above. Köln 1410; Dattari (Savio) 8851; K&G 35.158 (this coin illustrated); RPC IV.4 444.3 (this coin); Emmett 1525.5 (R5). Brown surfaces, roughness, minor metal flaws. Fine. Very rare. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Spink & Son. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 217.

Hades fell in love with Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, and asked Zeus for permission to marry her. Fearing to offend his eldest brother by a downright refusal, but also knowing that Demeter would not forgive him if Persephone were committed to the underworld, Zeus diplomatically answered that he could neither give nor withhold his consent. This act emboldened Hades to abduct Persephone as she was picking flowers in a meadow and carry her away in his horse-drawn chariot to the underworld.

The Reaper – Dattari and Figari & Mosconi Plate Coin

580. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34.5mm, 23.62 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, laureate head right / Bearded man (Reaper) standing right, wearing short kirtle (tunic) and pileus, with his right hand he cuts three grain stalks with a sickle, holding them with his left; L Є (date) across field. Köln 1417 var. (obv. legend); Dattari (Savio) 2986 RPC IV.4 530.17 = Figari & Mosconi 751 (this coin); K&G 35.164; Emmett 1643.5. Dark brown surfaces, minor porosity, short edge splits, smoothing on reverse. Good VF. Rare ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group inventory 253505, November 2003. Ex Nomisma S.p.A. 25 (21 September 2003), lot 138; Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

This rare Egyptian drachm commemorates the importance of Egypt as the breadbasket of the empire. Since the beginning of ancient history, Egypt was a major agricultural power. The combination of climate and the regular gentle flooding of the Nile produced a fertile land that allowed for two crops of grain annually. As a result, the Nile Valley became strategically important and immensely wealthy. While it remained independent for many centuries, the allure of its wealth and ability to supply large quantities of grain made it a prime target for empire-builders. With the collapse of the Ptolemaic kingdom after Actium in 31 BC, Egypt became an imperial province. Governed by the equestrian praefectus Aegypti, a personal appointee of the emperor, who had at times two or three legions at his disposal, insured that the huge grain freighters regularly departed the seaport of Alexandria for the imperial port of Ostia. Rome, no longer able to feed itself from the surrounding countryside, relied heavily on the constant importation of grain for its survival, and any shortfall could have serious social and political implications. When Antoninus Pius became emperor, he set about completing several of Hadrian’s unfinished projects, as well as beginning several of his own, which focused on maintaining the flow of grain to the capital. He ordered a renovation of the port of Alexandria, and when the grain supply was interrupted, he made up for the shortfall by purchasing grain elsewhere with funds from his own personal fortune.

581. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 26.33 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, laureate head right / Bearded man (Reaper) standing right, wearing short kirtle (tunic) and pileus, with his right hand he cuts three grain stalks with a sickle, holding them with his left; to left, tree; L Є (date) across field. Köln 1417 var. (obv. legend, no tree); Dattari (Savio) 2987; K&G 35.164; RPC IV.4 530; Emmett 1643.5. Redbrown surfaces, some porosity, smoothing on reverse. Near VF. Rare variety. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, March 1997.

RPC places both the type with and without the tree in the same RPC number. Of the 21 specimens cited, only five have the tree. This is a rare variety.

The Eighth Labor – Herakles and the Mares of Diomedes

582. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (32.5mm, 21.11 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 6 (AD 142/3). AYT K [T AIΛ A∆P] ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Herakles and the Mares of Diomedes – Herakles standing right, lion’s skin around neck, holding the mane of one of Diomedes’ mares with his left hand and preparing to strike it with his club held with his right hand; a fallen mare behind him to the left; Diomedes laying prostrate to the right before him on the ground; L ς (date) in exergue. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 8505; K&G –; RPC IV.4 627; Emmett 1553.6 (this regnal year not listed in his chart in error, as the reverse of this type is illustrated on p. 74B). Dark brown surfaces, metal flaws, smoothing, details enhanced. Good Fine. Rare. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection.

The four mares of the giant Diomedes, king of the Bistones in Thrace, had a nightmarish taste for human flesh. It was Herakles’ task to steal them, and he set about doing so with a cortege including the Locrian youth Abderus, a beloved of the hero, who in the midst of the story is eaten by the horses. Herakles, according to some renderings, was so distraught he fed Diomedes to his own mares in revenge. The Thracian town of Abdera was founded nearby Abderus’ grave.

The Sixth Labor – Herakles and the Stymphalian Birds

583. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 22.12 g, 11h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 6 (AD 142/3). [A]VT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNI[NOC CЄB ЄVC], laureate head right / Herakles and the Stymphalian Birds – Herakles standing right, wearing lion’s skin over his head and down his shoulders, quiver over his right shoulder, drawing arrow back in bow and pointing it slightly upward; before, two of the Stymphalian birds falling from the sky; L ς (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC IV.4 632; Emmett 1643.6 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, light roughness, scrapes on reverse, edge splits. Good Fine. Extremely rare, only two recorded in RPC. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, November 1995.

The Stymphalian Birds were man-eating birds that had claws of brass, sharp metallic feathers they could launch at their victims, and highly toxic dung. Driven to the heavily wooded area around Lake Stymphalia by a pack of wolves, they bred quickly and took over the countryside, destroying local crops and fruit trees. They were also favorites of Ares. To complete this Labor, Athena and Hephaestos assisted Herakles by forging crotala, or large bronze clappers, by which the birds could be frightened into flight; then, Herakles shot them down with his arrows.

Mars in Aries

584. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 21.77 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Mars in Aries – Ram leaping right, head left; above, helmeted, draped, and cuirassed bust of Mars right and eight-pointed star; L H (date) below. Köln 1898; Dattari (Savio) 2958; K&G 35.267; RPC IV.4 841; Emmett 1461.8 (R3). Dark brown surfaces, metal flaw. Fine. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Dmitry Markov, April 2000. Ex Cornelius C. Vermeule III Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 50, 23 June 1999), lot 1166.

Unpublished Zodiac Variety

585. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (32mm, 22.78 g, 12h). Zodiac Series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTω[NINOC] CЄB ЄYC, laureate head right / Zodiac wheel counterclockwise with “Aries” at the top; the inner circle contains conjoined busts left of Helios, radiate, and Selene, wearing lunar crown; H/L (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio); K&G –; RPC IV.4 830/1 (for obv./rev.); Emmett 1705.8 (R5). Green-brown surfaces, roughness. Good Fine. Extremely rare die combination, unpublished as such. ($2000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, April 2006.

Alexandria saw an immense output of coinage during the eighth year of Antoninus Pius’s reign. The Zodiac drachms, mythological types, and a host of issues for the nomes appeared that year. One explanation for this activity centers on the celebration of the renewal of the Great Sothic cycle, the point when the star Sothis (Sirius) rises on the same point on the horizon as the sun. This cycle of 1461 years began early in the reign of Pius in AD 139, and apparently prompted a renewal in the ancient Egyptian religion, while the coin types also stressed the connections to the Greco-Roman Pantheon.

Mars in Scorpio

586. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 22.09 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Mars in Scorpio – Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Aries (Mars) facing, head left; to left, star of eight rays; below, scorpion left; L H (date) across field. Köln 1500; Dattari (Savio) 2972; K&G 35.264 corr. (incorrect obv. legend given, illustrated example is Dattari 2971); RPC IV.4 843.17 (this coin); Emmett 1460.8 (R4). Dark brown surfaces, roughness, edge splits. Good Fine. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 196 (7 March 2011), lot 2313.

Mercury in Gemini – RPC Plate Coin

587. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 27.45 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Mercury in Gemini – to left, Herakles standing facing, head right, resting right hand on club set on ground to left, lion’s skin draped over left arm; to right, Apollo standing facing, head left, resting right hand on lyre set on ground to right; above, draped bust of Hermes right, wearing lotusbud crown; to right, star of eight rays; L H (date) across field. Köln 1899; Dattari (Savio) Supp. 147 = RPC IV.4 847.14 (this coin); K&G 35.269; Emmett 1576.8 (R3). Dark brown surfaces, traces of verdigris, die shift. VF. ($3000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Günther Schlüter Collection [Chairman of the German Numismatic Society from 1975-77] (Künker 347, 22 March 2021), lot 182 (hammer €9000); Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

Moon in Cancer

588. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (36mm, 27.58 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Moon in Cancer – Diademed bust of Selene (Moon) right, wearing lunar headdress; to right, star of eight rays, crescent moon below; below; L H (date) across field. Köln 1494; Dattari (Savio) 2964; K&G 35.270; RPC IV.4 849; Emmett 1681.8. Red-brown patina with green highlights, flan splits, minor smoothing. VF. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, February 1992.

An enormous crab came to the aid of the Lernaean Hydra in its battle with Herakles by nipping Herakles’ foot with its claw. In reward for the crab’s service, Hera set its image among the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

Sun in Leo

589. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 23.75 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Sun in Leo – Radiate and draped bust of Helios (Sun) right; to right, eight-rayed star; below, lion leaping right; L H (date) below. Köln 1495-6; Dattari (Savio) 2968; K&G 35.278; RPC IV.4 858; Emmett 1530.8. Green-brown surfaces, minor roughness, light smoothing. VF. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, September 1998. Ex Schweizerische Kreditanstalt 4 (3 December 1985), lot 526.

Venus in Taurus

590. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34.5mm, 24.61 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Venus in Taurus – Diademed and draped bust of Aphrodite (Venus) left; to left, star of eight rays; below, bull butting left; L H (date) across field. Köln 1492-3 var. (obv. legend and bust); Dattari (Savio) 2959; K&G 35.280 var. (same); RPC IV.1 864; Emmett 1450.8. Green surfaces, light roughness, minor smoothing. Good Fine. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchashed from Dmitry Markov, April 2000.

Venus in Libra

591. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34.5mm, 27.75 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Venus (Aphrodite) in Libra – Draped bust of Aphrodite (Venus) left, wearing stephane; to left, star of eight rays; below, Libra floating left, looking up over his left shoulder, holding scales with his left hand; L H (date) across field. Köln 1900; Dattari (Savio) 8830 = RPC IV.4 861.8 (this coin); K&G 35.281; Emmett 1451.8 (R5). Red-brown surfaces, smoothing, scratches. VF. Rare. Well struck reverse. ($2000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Günther Schlüter Collection [Chairman of the German Numismatic Society from 1975-77] (Künker 347, 22 March 2021), lot 186 (hammer €8500); Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

Jupiter in Sagittarius

592. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 20.49 g, 11h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Jupiter in Sagittarius – Centaur galloping right, drawing bow and arrow, star above his head; above centaur, bust of Jupiter (Zeus) right with slight drapery; L H (date) below. Köln 1503; Dattari (Savio) 2973; K&G 35.263; RPC IV.4 840.12 (this coin); Emmett 1693.8. Red-brown surfaces, slight roughness, edge splits, die break on reverse. VF. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Continental Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XVIII, 3 December 1991), lot 403.

The Tenth Labor – Herakles and the Cattle of Geryon

593. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 23.78 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). [AYT K] T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNI[NOC CЄB ЄVC], laureate head right / Herakles and the Cattle of Geryon – Herakles standing left, holding club and lion’s skin with his left arm; two charging bulls to left and Herakles grasping a horn of the closest; below, the dead body of Geryon prostrate to left; L ΔЄ KATOV (date) around. Köln 1350; Dattari (Savio) 2621 = RPC IV.1 994.15 (this coin); K&G 35.341; Emmett 1542.4 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, light porosity, minor smoothing. Good Fine. ($2000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, November 2016. Ex Naville Numismatics 26 (23 October 2016), lot 189; Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

For his tenth labor, Herakles was required to travel to Erytheia to capture the Cattle of Geryon. En route, while crossing the Libyan Desert, he became so frustrated at the heat that he shot an arrow at Helios. Admiring the hero’s courage, Helios gave him the golden cup, which Helios used to sail nightly across the Ocean from west to east, and Herakles used it to help him reach Erytheia. Upon arriving there, Herakles was confronted by the two-headed watchdog, Orthros, and the herdsman Eurytion, each of whom he killed with his club. Hearing what was happening, Geryon, armed with three shields, three spears, and wearing three helmets, pursued Herakles to the River Anthemus. Once there, Herakles shot Geryon dead with an arrow he had poisoned with the blood of the Lernaean Hydra. To annoy Herakles as he drove the cattle back to Eurystheus, Hera sent a gadfly to scatter the herd by biting them. After a year’s labor, Herakles recovered the herd, but was further hindered by a flood, also caused by the goddess. Herakles eventually returned to Tiryns, and Eurystheus sacrificed the cattle to Hera.

The Fifth Labor – The Augean Stables

594. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 24.89 g, 1h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). [AY]T K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC [CЄB ЄVC], laureate head right / Herakles and the Augean Stables – Herakles standing right, lion’s skin over left shoulder, attempting with both hands to turn rock outcropping from which water flows through a human-headed protome into a basin below; by his left knee, a muck rake set on edge of the basin; L ΔЄKAT OV (date) around. Köln 1540; Dattari (Savio) 2606; K&G 35.343; RPC IV.4 995; Emmett 1539.10 (R3). Earthen red-brown surfaces, flan flaws on obverse. Near VF. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Athena Numismatics, June 2016.

For his Fifth Labor, Herakles was to muck out the stables of Augeas, king of Elis, in a single day. Eurystheus hoped that by doing this, the dirtiest of all the Labors, Herakles would be demeaned; and, as the stables had never been cleaned, the completion of the task would be impossible. However, Herakles succeeded by rerouting the rivers Alpheus and Peneus to wash out the filth. Augeas became irate because he had promised Herakles one-tenth of his cattle if the job was finished in one day. He refused to honor the agreement. Hercules therefore slew Augeas; in his place, he installed Augeas’ son, Phyleus, as king because the boy had supported the hero.

The Fourth Labor – The Erymanthean Boar – RPC Plate Coin

595. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 26.02 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Herakles and the Erymanthean Boar – Herakles standing right, lion’s skin around his neck, holding the Erymanthian Boar on his left shoulder with both hands, displaying it to Eurystheus, who hides in a krater at Herakles’ feet, arms raised in terror; to left, club upright; L ΔЄKATOV (date) around. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 8484 = Ramage 128 = RPC IV.4 986.10 = Figari & Mosconi 614 (this coin); K&G –; Emmett 1544.10. Dark brown surfaces, smoothing. Good VF. ($5000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex James E. Cain Collection (Triton V, 8 January 2008), lot 536; David Simpson Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1783; Spink Numismatic Circular XCI.3 (April, 1983), no. 1793; Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

The Erymanthean Boar resided in a grove sacred to Artemis near Mount Erymanthus in Arcadia, and would descend from the wilderness to wreck havoc on the surrounding farms and groves. While hunting for it, Herakles visited his friend, the centaur Pholus, who lived in a cave on the mountain. Hungry and thirsty, the centaur provided him with food, but shied from offering him the wine he had because it did not belong to him, and was for the use of all the centaurs. Herakles nevertheless opened the jar, and, smelling the wine’s aroma, the other centaurs became excited and intoxicated. A fight soon ensued, and Herakles slew a number of centaurs with arrows poisoned by the blood of the Hydra. During the melee, another of Herakles’ friends, the kindly centaur Chiron, was accidentally wounded. Although Chiron did not die, as he was immortal, he did experience great pain. Herakles attempted to medicate the wound, but his ministrations were of little avail. In return for his kindness, however, Chiron offered advice to the hero as to how he could capture the Boar. Once again pursuing the creature, he easily trapped the Boar by pursuing it through the mountain snows until the creature collapsed from exhaustion. Netting the animal, he carried it back to Tiryns and presented it to Eurystheus. Frightened by the Boar, Eurystheus hid himself in a large bronze krater.

The Third Labor – Herakles and the Cerynean Hind

596. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 26.09 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P [ANTωNINOC] CЄB ЄVC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Herakles and the Cerynean Hind – Herakles standing right, lion’s skin around his neck, grasping the antlers of the Cerynean Hind with both hands and leaning on its back with his left knee; to left, club upright; L ΔЄKATOV (date) around. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 2611; K&G 35.349; RPC IV.4 983.5 = Ramage 123 (this coin); Emmett 1547.10 (R3). Green-brown surfaces, minor lamination flaws, edge splits. Near VF. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from David Vagi, January 2002. Ex David Simpson Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1782; George C. Brauer Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts [XXI], 12 October 1988), lot 882.

The First Labor – Herakles and the Nemean Lion

597. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 24.89 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Herakles and the Nemean Lion – Herakles standing left, holding the Nemean Lion by its neck and jaws with both hands and raising it up off of the ground; to right, club; L ∆Є KATOV (date) around. Köln 1535 var. (Herakles standing right); Dattari (Savio) 2594; K&G 35.351 var. (same); RPC IV.4 992.10 = Carl W.A. Carlson, “Rarities 4 – The Labors of Hercules Series” in SAN Journal IV.4 (1972/3), p. 63, no. 6 (this coin); Emmett 1556.10 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, light smoothing, edge splits. VF. Rare with left facing Herakles. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Auctiones AG 27 (10 December 1996), lot 463; Johns Hopkins University Collection [inv. 83.126] (Part I, Bank Leu & Numismatic Fine Arts, 16 May 1984), lot 801.

For his first labor, Herakles was to slay the Nemean Lion and bring back its skin. The Nemean Lion, called thus as it had been terrorizing the area around Nemea, had a skin so thick that it was impenetrable to weapons. After making futile attempts to subdue it with his weapons, Herakles cast them aside and wrestled the lion to the ground, eventually killing it by thrusting his arm down its throat and choking it to death. Skinning the beast was no easy task, either. After Herakles spent hours trying unsuccessfully to skin the lion, Athena, in the guise of an old crone, appeared to him, and convinced him to use the creature’s own claws to cut the hide. Thereafter, the hide became the hero’s own impenetrable armor. When Eurystheus saw Herakles wearing his new fearsome outfit, he hid in a large bronze jar, and thenceforth commanded the hero through a herald.

The Sixth Labor – Herakles and the Stymphalian Birds

598. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 20.39 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). [AYT K T A]IΛ A∆P ANTω[NINOC CЄB ЄVC], laureate head right / Herakles and the Stymphalian Birds – Herakles standing right, wearing lion’s skin over his head and down his shoulders, quiver at his hip, drawing arrow back in bow and pointing it slightly upward; before, two of the Stymphalian birds falling from the sky; L ΔЄKA TO Y (date) around. Köln 1538 var. (rev. legend arrangement); Dattari (Savio) 2587; K&G 35.353; RPC IV.4 996; Emmett 1543.10. Earthen green surfaces, porosity, scrape on obverse. Fine. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Jonathan K. Kern, April 2012.

The Seventh Labor – Herakles and the Cretan Bull – RPC Plate Coin

599. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 23.65 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Herakles and the Cretan Bull –Herakles standing left, grappling with both hands the reverted head of Cretan Bull standing left behind; Bull has right foreleg and tail raised; L ΔЄ KATOV (date) around. Köln 3475 var. (bull right); Dattari (Savio) 12279; K&G 35.352 var. (bull right); RPC IV.4 984.5 (this coin); Emmett 1549.10 (R4). Dark brown surfaces, light roughness, smoothing, details enhanced. VF. Very rare. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex James E. Cain Collection (Triton V, 8 January 2008), lot 537.

Compelled to capture the Cretan Bull, which had sired the Minotaur, as his seventh Labor, Herakles sailed to Crete. There, Minos the king of Crete, gave the hero permission to take the bull away, as it had been causing destruction on the island. Herakles strangled the bull with his bare hands, and shipped it back to Athens. Although Eurystheus wished to sacrifice the bull to Hera, the goddess refused the sacrifice because it reflected glory on her sworn enemy. The bull was released and wandered into the town of Marathon, where it became known as the Marathonian Bull.

The Eleventh Labor – The Apples of the Hesperides

600. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 27.98 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). [AYT K] T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Herakles and the Apples of the Hesperides – Herakles standing right, lion’s skin and club over his left shoulder, holding club with his left hand and reaching with his right hand for the Apples of the Hesperides hanging from branch of tree to right; the serpent Ladon coiled around the tree’s trunk, arrow pierced through its neck; L ΔЄKATOV (date) around. Köln 1545; Dattari (Savio) 2604; K&G 35.354; RPC IV.4 980.30 = Ramage 130 (this coin); Emmett 1554.10. Green and red surfaces, slight porosity, smoothed and details strengthened. VF. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs, April 2002. Ex David Simpson Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1786.

601. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 23.11 g, 12h). Dated RY 16 (AD 152/3).

AYT K T AIΛ A∆P [ANT]ωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate bust left, slight drapery on right shoulder / Nike advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; Iς/L (date) to left. Köln 1690; Dattari 2698; K&G 35.561; RPC IV.4 1439; Emmett 1607.16. Red-brown surfaces, slight roughness. Good VF. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from John Jencek, August 2007.

602. EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Drachm (34mm, 32.48 g, 12h). Dated RY 3 (AD 162/3). Μ AVΡΗΛΙΟC

CЄB, laureate bust right, slight drapery on shoulders / ЄYΘH N IA, Euthenia standing facing, head left, holding two ears of grain in her right hand and cornucopia in left; L Γ (date) across field. Köln 2010; Dattari (Savio) 9248; K&G 37.158; RPC IV.4 2437.12 (this coin); Emmett 2129.3. Red-brown surfaces, light porosity scratches. Good VF. Exceptional portrait. ($1500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Peus 360 (27 April 1999), lot 708; Künker 30 (27 September 1995), lot 243.

Unpublished Variety of a Very Rare Type

603. EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Drachm (35.5mm, 23.51 g, 12h). Dated RY 16 (AD 175/6). Μ AVΡΗΛΙΟC ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC CЄ, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / Draped bust of Serapis Pantheos facing, wearing ornate kalathos; L Iς (date) across field. Köln 2087 var. (bust); Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 37.390 var. (same); RPC IV.4 3270 var. (same); Emmett 2187.16 (RY 16 unrecorded). Dark brown surfaces, slight roughness, edge flaws and cracks. Good VF. Unpublished bust variety with an exceptional reverse portrait. ($3000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, April 2004.

Extreme Rarity – Commodus as Caesar

604. EGYPT, Alexandria. Commodus. As Caesar, AD 166-177. Æ Drachm (33mm, 30.59 g, 11h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 17 of Marcus Aurelius (AD 177). AVTOK KAIC Λ AVPHΛIOC KOMMOΔOC, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Herakles and the Cretan Bull – Herakles standing left, grappling with both hands the reverted head of Cretan Bull standing right behind; Bull has both forelegs and tail raised; L I[Z] (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 3827; K&G 41.1; RPC IV.4 3331.2 (this coin); Emmett 2494.17 (R5). Green surfaces, light roughness, smoothed. Near VF. Extremely rare, only two recorded in RPC. ($2000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Hauck & Aufhäuser 15 (21 March 2000), lot 354.

Extremely Rare and Unpublished

605. EGYPT, Alexandria. Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. Æ Drachm (32mm, 21.69 g, 12h). Struck RY 21 of Caracalla (AD 212/3). IOYΛIA ΔOMNA CЄB MHTЄP CTPA, draped bust right / Tyche enthroned left, wearing kalathos, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left; L KA (date) to left. Cf. Köln 2303 (date illegible but likely the same dies); Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC V.3 Online –; Emmett 2877 (R5, date recorded as ?). Green patina, porosity, light smoothing. VF. Extremely rare and unpublished. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, March 1996.

606. EGYPT, Alexandria. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Drachm (34mm, 21.46 g, 12h). Dated RY 22 (AD 213/4). AYT K M AYP CЄ ANTωNINOC [Π MЄ BPЄ MЄ ЄY CЄB ΓЄPM], laureate head right / Draped facing bust of Serapis Pantheos, wearing ornate kalathos; L K B (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4070; K&G 51.33; RPC V.3 Online 78124 (this coin cited); Emmett 2847 (R5). Green and brown patina, cleaning scratches, light smoothing. VF. Extremely rare with a welldetailed reverse. ($5000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 94 (18 September 2013), lot 941.

Ex Curtis Collection

607. EGYPT, Alexandria. Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. Æ Drachm (34.5mm, 19.13 g, 12h). Dated RY 10 (AD 230/1). A KAI MAP AYP CЄY AΛЄΞANΔPOC ЄYC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Jugate busts right of Helios, radiate and draped, seen from behind, and Selene, draped and wearing lunate crown; to right, palm frond; L I (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4429; K&G 62.138; RPC VI Online 10463; Emmett 3164.10 (R4); Curtis X-1068 (this coin). Dark brown surfaces, slightly double struck on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 1202; Col. James W. Curtis Collection, no. 25987.

Rare Decennalia Ludi Drachm

608. EGYPT, Alexandria. Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. Æ Drachm (34mm, 23.75 g, 12h). Dated RY 10 (AD 230/1). A KAI MAP AYP CЄY AΛЄΞANΔPOC ЄY, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Serapis enthroned left, wearing kalathos, extending right hand over Kerberos seated at his feet right and holding long scepter; on back of throne, a small Nike crowns him with a wreath; to right, palm frond; L I (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 11606; K&G –; RPC VI Online 10465; Emmett 3176.10 (R5). Green and brown surfaces, minor pitting, slight die shift on obverse. Good VF. Rare. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection.

The palm frond on Severus Alexander’s regnal year 10 coinage alludes to the decennalia ludi, public games celebrating the completion of a ten-year reign. He would continue to use the palm frond on his coinage through the end of his reign.

609. EGYPT, Alexandria. Julia Mamaea. Augusta, AD 222-235. Æ Drachm (34mm, 29.37 g, 12h). Dated RY 10 of Severus Alexander (AD 230/1). IOY MAMAIA CЄB MHT CЄB K CTPA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Draped bust of Asclepius right, wearing taenia; to right, serpent-entwined staff, to left, palm frond; L [I] (date) to right. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 10095; K&G –; RPC VI Online 10471; Emmett 3238.10 (R5). Earthen green surfaces, light porosity, cleaning scratches. Near VF. Extremely rare, only two recorded in RPC. ($500)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, April 2001.

Rare Depiction of Harpokrates with Uraeus

610. EGYPT, Alexandria. Philip I. AD 244-249. Æ Drachm (32mm, 23.10 g, 12h). Dated RY 6 (AD 248/9). A K M IOY ΦIΛIΠΠOC ЄYCЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Harpokrates, crowned with skhent, seated left on lotus flower, raising right hand to mouth and holding flail in left hand; below, the serpent Uraeus erect left flanked by ears of grain with poppies; to right, palm frond; L ς (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4942; K&G 740110; RPC VIII Online 2874 (this coin cited); Emmett 3524.6 (R3). Red-brown surfaces, some roughness. Near VF. Rare. ($750)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 1322; Carlo Fontana Collection (Finarte 995, 26 November 1996), lot 1207.

Ex Dattari Collection

611. EGYPT, Alexandria. Philip II. AD 247-249. Æ Drachm (33mm, 21.71 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 of Philip I (AD 247/8).

A K M IOY ΦIΛIΠΠOC ЄYCЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Bust of Hermanubis right, wearing kalathos with taenia and lotus petals, drapery on left shoulder; caduceus over left shoulder; to right, palm frond; L Є (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 10471 = Figari & Mosconi 1609 (this coin); RPC VIII Online 2777 (this coin cited); K&G –; Emmett 3622.5 (R5). Brown surfaces, slight roughness. VF. Extremely rare, only two recorded in RPC. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Günther Schlüter Collection [Chairman of the German Numismatic Society from 1975-77] (Künker 347, 22 March 2021), lot 313; Kunst und Münzen FPL 42 (June 1980), no. 189; Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

RPC Online Feature Coin – Ex Staffieri Collection

612. EGYPT, Alexandria. Salonina. Augusta, AD 254-268. Æ Drachm (29mm, 13.33 g, 11h). Dated RY 12 of Gallienus (AD 264/5). KOPNHΛIA CAΛωNЄINA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Tyche standing facing, head left, wearing kalathos, holding a rudder with her right hand and cornucopia with her left; to right, palm frond; L IB (date) to left. Köln 2972; Dattari (Savio) 10562; K&G 91.37; RPC X Online 75523; Emmett 3868.12 (R5); Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 235 (this coin). Red-brown surfaces, light porosity, flan flaw on obverse. Good VF. Rare. ($1000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 442 (17 April 2019), lot 825; Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection (Triton XXI, 9 January 2018), lot 230; Lanz 66 (22 November 1993), lot 837.

RPC Online Feature Coin – Unique

613. EGYPT, Alexandria. Claudius II Gothicus. AD 268-270. Æ Drachm (32mm, 12.65 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 268/9). AYT K KΛAYΔIOC CЄB, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing ornate kalathos; to right, scepter; to left, L A (date). Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC X Online 88563 (this coin cited); Emmett –. Dark brown surfaces, light porosity, edge splits. VF. Unique. ($2000)

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Frank L. Kovacs. Ex Pavlou Collection.

End of Session 2

Session 3 – Wednesday, January 14, 2026 — 9 AM

ROMAN REPUBLICAN COINAGE

614. Anonymous. Circa 225-212 BC. AR Didrachm – Quadrigatus (22mm, 6.40 g, 11h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Janus, no annulets at top of head, curved truncation, pellet below / Jupiter, hurling thunderbolt with right hand and holding scepter in left, in galloping quadriga driven right by Victory, holding reins in both hands; rOÂa incuse on raised tablet in exergue. Crawford 31/1; Sydenham 64c; RSC 23a; RBW 81. In NGC encapsulation 6556519-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. ($1000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVIII.2 (Summer 2023), no. 5640864.

The Roman Coinage Reform of 211 BC

615. Anonymous. 211-208 BC. AV 60 Asses (15mm, 3.34 g, 6h). Rome mint. Bearded head of Mars right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; çc (mark of value) to left / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, with wings spread; rOÂA below. Crawford 44/2; Sydenham 226; Bahrfeldt 4a; Biaggi 3; BMCRR Rome 185-6; Kestner 285-6; RBW 160–1. Minor marks and scratches, dies a bit worn, die rust on obverse. Good VF. ($3000)

The Roman Republic’s earliest large-scale issue of gold coins was part of the massive overhaul of Rome’s coinage system circa 211 BC, at the height of the Second Punic War against Carthage. A whole new system of coinage replaced the old one based on the silver didrachm, or quadrigatus, and clumsy cast Aes Grave. At the top end of the value scale, three gold coin denominations were now issued, all marked with their value in copper asses. All gold coins bore the same design: A helmeted head of Mars on the obverse, and an eagle standing on a thunderbolt on the reverse (the eagle represented Jupiter and was one of the identifying standards carried into battle by the legions). These included a gold 60-as piece, weighing about 3.4 grams, marked with a çc (VI times X); a 40-as piece (XXXX), and a 20-as piece (XX). A comparison of the weights of values of the precious metal denominations indicates the relative ratio of silver to gold at this time was about 12 to one. The gold for this considerable issue likely came from Rome’s capture and sack of Syracuse in 212 BC. Unlike the accompanying silver denarius and bronze denominations that were introduced during this reform, the gold issues were discontinued after a few years, and Rome would not resume any coinage in gold for another century and a half.

616. Anonymous. 211-208 BC. AV 20 Asses (11mm, 1.37 g, 10h). Rome mint. Bearded head of Mars right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; xx (mark of value) to left / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt; grain ear to lower left. Crawford 44/4; Sydenham 228; Bahrfeldt 6a; Biaggi 5; BMCRR Rome 189; Kestner 287; RBW 163–4. Lightly toned, minor marks. Good VF. ($3000)

Ex Astarte E-5 (23 April 2009), lot 1.

617. The Social War. Coinage of the Marsic Confederation. 90-88 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.60 g, 10h). Bovianum(?) mint. Series 9b, 89 BC. Laureate head of Italia left, wearing single drop earring and pearl necklace; √iLETˆW (viteliú in Oscan) to right / Soldier standing facing, head right, left foot on uncertain object, holding inverted spear in right hand and sword in left; to right, recumbent bull facing; 0 (Oscan S) in exergue. Campana, Monetazione, Series 9b, 147 (D99/R122); Sydenham 627; HN Italy 407; BMCRR Social War 20; cf. Kestner 3883; cf. RBW 1218. Deeply toned, minor mark. VF. ($2000)

From the David Chapman Collection, purchased from Calgary Coin.

The revolt of Rome’s Italian allies (socii, hence ‘Social War’) broke out toward the close of the year 91 BC and was the culmination of longstanding grievances occasioned by the Senate’s inept handling of foreign relations. The Marsi were especially prominent in this movement, hence the name ‘Marsic Confederation’ which is often applied to the rebel state. The main fighting was in the years 90-89 BC and the rebellion assumed alarming proportions when both consuls for 90 BC were defeated by rebel armies. Rome appeared to be in serious danger of defeat, but the movement collapsed as suddenly as it had begun. The victory was probably achieved largely through the political concession of granting Roman citizenship to the enemy. Thereafter, all of Italy south of the Po was united by this common bond. The coinage of the Marsic Confederation is of great interest, consisting principally of silver denarii, some of which bear the names of the rebel generals.

Argus, Ulysses’ Faithful Hound

618. C. Mamilius Limetanus. 82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (19mm, 3.99 g, 9h). Rome mint. Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; to left, : above caduceus / Ulysses, wearing pileus and mariner’s dress, walking right, leaning on staff in left hand and extending his right hand toward his dog, Argus, who advances toward him; C • ÂAÂiL downward to left, LiÂeëN upward to right. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 741; Mamilia 6; BMCRR Rome 2725; Kestner 3152; RBW 1370 var. (control). Minor marks, trace deposits. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Aes Rude [1] (4 November 1977), lot 185.

The obverse and reverse of this coin refer to the lineage of the gens Mamilia, who claimed their descent from Mamilia, the daughter of Telegonus, the son of Ulysses and Circe, and a descendant of Mercury.

Dog lovers the world over have always been touched by the scene on the reverse of this denarius: Ulysses returns to his home on the island of Ithaca, in the disguise of a beggar. No one recognizes him but his aged dog Argus, who rushes up to his master, overjoyed at the sight of his master after 20 years, and falls dead at his feet.

619. Q. Fufius Calenus and Mucius Cordus. 68 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (20mm, 3.78 g, 6h). Rome mint. Jugate heads right of Honos, laureate, and Virtus, wearing crested helmet; hO to left, uiÛ to right; kALeNi below / Italia standing right, holding cornucopia in left hand, vis-à-vis Roma standing left, foot on globe and holding scepter in left hand, clasping right hands; to left, winged caduceus above ië; rO to right, COrDi in exergue. Crawford 403/1; Sydenham 797; Fufia 1; BMCRR Rome 3358-63; Kestner 3299-300; RBW 1445. In NGC encapsulation 6710593-002, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($500)

620. L. Torquatus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.98 g, 5h). Rome mint. Head of Sibyl right, wearing ivy wreath; ÍiBULLA below / Tripod surmounted by amphora between two stars; L • TOrœuAT downward to left, iii • uir upward to right; all within ornamented torque. Crawford 411/1b; Sydenham 836; Manlia 12a; BMCRR Rome 3513–5; Kestner 3391–3; RBW 1490. In NGC encapsulation 3673958-010, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

621. M. Aemilius Lepidus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.07 g, 12h). Rome mint. Head of Alexandria right; wearing mural crown, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ALexANDreA below / M. Lepidus standing left, crowning the young Ptolemy V with his right hand, who stands facing, holding staff with his right hand; T • uTOr • reg to left; Í • C above, pOá • ÂAx • to right; Â • LepiDu[Í] in exergue. Crawford 419/2; Sydenham 831; Aemilia 23; BMCRR Rome 3648; Kestner 3430-1; RBW 1511 var. (rev. legend arrangement). Toned, with some iridescence, minor marks, scrapes and slightly off center on obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

A wily and wealthy nobleman, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus parlayed his position as Julius Caesar’s colleague in the consulships of 46 BC into the role of power broker between the rivals Mark Antony and Octavian after the great dictator’s murder. He won wide-ranging Triumviral powers in the settlement of 43 BC, but took no part in the campaign against Brutus and Cassius and soon lost influence. He helped Octavian defeat Sextus Pompey in 36 BC, but afterward overreached and was easily outmaneuvered by Octavian and stripped of all real powers, retaining only the post of Pontifex Maximus, which he held until his death in 12 BC.

Terpsichore – Muse of Dance

622. Q. Pomponius Musa. 56 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.96 g, 5h). Rome mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath, hair rolled back and in loose locks over forehead; tortoise to left / Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, wearing long flowing tunic and peplum, standing right, holding plectrum in right hand and round-bottomed lyre in left; œ • pOÂpONi downward to left, ÂuÍA downward to right. Crawford 410/7a; Sydenham 819a; Pomponia 18a; BMCRR Rome 3619-20; Kestner 3381; RBW –. Toned, slight porosity. Good VF. ($750)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Reportedly ex 1970 E.K. Hoard.

Although the moneyer Q. Pomponius Musa is unknown to history, his choice of Hercules Musarum and the nine Muses as coin types is remarkable and clearly connected to his cognomen.

This series of coin types, Hercules playing the lyre and the Muses, can be no other than the celebrated statue group by an unknown Greek artist, taken from Ambracia and placed in the Aedes Herculis Musarum, erected by M. Fulvius Nobilior in 187 BC after the capture of Ambracia in 189 BC (Plin. NH xxxv.66; Ov. Fast. vi.812). By the second century BC, Rome had overrun most of Greece and was captivated by Hellenic art and culture, not the least statuary. Fulvius is said to have taken the statues to Rome because he learned in Greece that Hercules was a musagetes (leader of the Muses).

Remains of this temple have been found in the area of the Circus Flaminius close to the south-west part of the circus itself, and north-west of the porticus Octaviae. An inscription found nearby, ‘M. Fulvius M. f. Ser. n. Nobilior cos. Ambracia cepit;’ may have been on the pedestal of one of the statues. The official name of the temple was Herculis Musarum aedes, which Servius and Plutarch called Herculis et Musarum ades.

The End of the Jugurthine War

623. Faustus Cornelius Sulla. 56 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.90 g, 5h). Rome mint. Diademed and draped bust of Diana right, wearing cruciform earring, necklace of pendants, her hair collected into a knot at back of head, which is decorated with jewels; lituus to left, FAuÍTuÍ downward to right / Sulla, togate, seated left on raised seat; on left, Bocchus, king of Mauretania, kneeling right, offering an olive branch; to right, Jugurtha, king of Numidia, kneeling left, his hands tied behind him; FeLix downward to upper right. Crawford 426/1; Sydenham 879; Cornelia 59; BMCRR Rome 3824; Kestner 3455; RBW 1525. Toned with iridescence, scratches, flan crack. Good VF. ($750)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Morton & Eden 68 (10 June 2014), lot 58; purchased from Spink, November 2009.

Faustus was the son of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the famous general and dictator of Rome (138-78 BC). The coin portrays Sulla’s first great victory, in which he ended the Jugurthine War. Jugurtha, grandson of Massinissa of Numidia, had claimed the entire kingdom of Numidia and divided it between several members of the royal family, in defiance of Roman decrees. Rome declared war on Jugurtha in 111 BC, but for five years the wily king frustrated all efforts to bring him to heel. Finally, in 106 the popular general Marius was assigned command, with Sulla as quaestor in charge of cavalry. Before Marius could take to the field against the enemy, however, Sulla arranged with his ally Bocchus of Mauretania to have Jugurtha ambushed and captured. Sulla was acclaimed for the bloodless end of the war, gaining his first victory and the eternal enmity of Marius.

624. Q. Cassius Longinus. 55 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.53 g, 4h). Rome mint. Head of Libertas right, wearing hair collected into a knot, decorated with jewels, and falling down neck, and wearing single-drop earring and necklace of pendants; LiBerT upward to left, œ • CAÍÍiuÍ downward to right / The temple of Vesta, circular, surmounted by figure holding scepter and patera, flanked by antefixes; curule chair within; urn to left, tabella (voting tablet) inscribed AC (Absolvo Condemno) to right. Crawford 428/2; Sydenham 918; Cassia 8; BMCRR Rome 3873-5; Kestner 3468-70; RBW 1534; Elkins, Monuments, fig. 29. Vibrant iridescent tone, lustrous, scratches, flan crack. EF. Struck on an irregular flan. ($750)

From the Heather Howard Collection. Ex Triton VI (14 January 2003), lot 739.

625. Faustus Cornelius Sulla. 56 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.63 g, 6h). Rome mint. Laureate, diademed, and draped bust of Venus right, wearing cruciform earring, necklace of pendants, hair collected into a knot, which is decorated with jewels, and string of pearls at back of head; scepter to left; Í • C downwards to left / Three military trophies; capis to left, lituus to right; FAuÍTuÍ monogram in exergue. Crawford 426/3; Sydenham 884; Cornelia 63; BMCRR Rome 3909-11; Kestner 3457-8; RBW 1528. Deep cabinet tone with slight roughness, minor smoothing, pitting and die break on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Morton & Eden 68 (10 June 2014), lot 59.

The reverse is a copy of Pompey’s signet ring; the three statues signify Pompey’s victories on the three continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Temple of Vesta

626. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 4.00 g, 6h). Rome mint. Bare head of L. Junius Brutus right; BruTuÍ downward to left / Bare head of C. Servilius Ahala right; AhALA downward to left. Crawford 433/2; Sydenham 907; Junia 30; BMCRR Rome 3864-7; Kestner 3487-9; RBW 1543. Toned, light die wear, small die break on obverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection, ANS 1001.1.24779 (Triton XVII, 6 January 2014), lot 553.

This early coin of Marcus Junius Brutus, struck during his term as moneyer in 54 BC, refers to his illustrious ancestry, which included L. Junius Brutus, one of the legendary first consuls of the nascent Roman Republic, and C. Servilius Ahala, who slew the prospective tyrant Spurius Maelius. Celebrating his connection to the tyrannicide, Ahala proved eerily prophetic 10 years later, when, because of his name and reputation for integrity, Brutus was recruited by conspirators against Julius Caesar and became the figurehead leader of the assassins.

A Pair of Exceptional Sulla Portraits

627. Q. Pompeius Rufus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 4.28 g, 3h). Rome mint. Bare head of the consul Q. Pompeius Rufus right; œ • RO • ruFi downward to right, ruFuÍ • COÍ downward to left / Bare head of Sulla right; ÍuLLA • COÍ downward to right. Crawford 434/1; Sydenham 908; Pompeia 4; BMCRR Rome 3883; Kestner 3490–1; RBW 1544. Lightly toned with iridescence, light porosity, minor marks under tone, small die break on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Superior Galleries, December 1989. Ex Journal of Numismatic Fine Arts 5/4 (Winter 1976), no. F1.

This coin issue bears the only portrait of the dictator Sulla. The moneyer was the grandson of Sulla and his home would likely have had portraits of their famous ancestor. Thus, although posthumously struck, the portrait on these coins is probably an accurate representation.

Ex Nicolas Collection

628. Q. Pompeius Rufus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.64 g, 7h). Rome mint. Bare head of the consul Q. Pompeius Rufus right; œ • RO • ruFi downward to right, ruFuÍ • COÍ downward to left / Bare head of Sulla right; ÍuLLA • COÍ downward to right. Crawford 434/1; Sydenham 908; Pompeia 4; BMCRR Rome 3883; Kestner 3490–1; RBW 1544. Deep cabinet tone, minor marks under tone, die break on obverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Baldwin’s FPL (Summer 2014), no. AR012; Numismatica Ars Classica 73 (18 November 2013), lot 173; Dr. E. P. Nicolas Collection (Leu 17, 3 May 1977), lot 631.

629. Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Hostilius Saserna. 48 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.84 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Gallic captive (Vercingetorix?) right, wearing hair flowing back and long, pointed beard, and a chain around his neck; Gallic shield to left / Two warriors in biga right: one driving, holding whip in right hand and reins in left, and the other, facing backward, holding shield in left hand and brandishing spear in right; L • hOÍTiLiuÍ above, ÍAÍerN below. Crawford 448/2a; CRI 18; Sydenham 952; Hostilia 2; BMCRR Rome 3994-5; Kestner 3538-40; RBW 1569. Toned, area of weakness on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Spink 15007 (2 December 2015), lot 538; InAsta Spa 7 (28 March 2004), lot 81.

The symbolism of this coin, struck sometime prior to Pompey’s defeat at Pharsalus in 48 BC, was meant to extol his extraordinary past deeds, which counted for naught in his war against Caesar. The reverse of this coin commemorates Pompey’s naval victory over the Cilician pirates (the dolphin) and that on land against Mithridates VI of Pontus (the eagle). The figure of Jupiter Terminus on the obverse was a personification of the concept of boundaries, and refers to the Senate’s grant of extraordinary proconsular powers to Pompey.

630. Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Plautius Plancus. 47 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.90 g, 5h). Rome mint. Facing mask of Medusa with disheveled hair; L • pLAuTiuÍ below / Aurora, draped and winged, flying right, head facing slightly left, holding palm frond in left hand, conducting four rearing horses of the sun; pLANCuÍ below. Crawford 453/1c; CRI 29a; Sydenham 959b; Plautia 14; BMCRR Rome 4009-10; Kestner 3563; RBW 1585. Lightly toned, trace deposits, light roughness, slightly off center on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

The reverse theme can be tied to a specific ancient work of art, a painting by the 4th century BC artist Nikomachos of Thebes, apparently in the possession of the Munatii and possibly the personal property of the moneyer, L. Plautius Plancus. Plautius was the brother of Lucius Munatius Plancus, who famously survived the precarious times by constantly switching sides. When the Second Triumvirate was formed in 43 BC, he reputedly demonstrated his loyalty by offering up his brother Plautius for proscription and execution. Munatius apparently inherited the painting, as it is recorded that he dedicated it to the Capitol at his Gallic Triumph of the same year, raising the question of his motivation in surrendering his brother’s life.

The Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus – Pedigreed to 1928

631. Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. Petillius Capitolinus. 41 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.65 g, 9h). Rome mint. Bare head of bearded Jupiter right; CApiTOLiNuÍ downwards to left / The Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus: richly decorated hexastyle façade with ornamented pediment and garlands hanging within three openings; peTiLL[iuÍ] in exergue. Crawford 487/1; CRI 173; Sydenham 1149; Petillia 1; BMCRR Rome 4217-9; Kestner 3704-6; RBW 1703; Elkins, Monuments, fig. 36. Old cabinet tone, bankers’ marks, die break and flan crack on obverse, off center on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Dr. V... Collection (Part I, Bourgey, 3 December 1928), lot 182.

Petillius Capitolinus was one of the last moneyers to strike an independent senatorial coinage prior to the Triumvirs seizing control of the minting process in 41 BC. The types he chose – a majestic portrait of Jupiter on the obverse, and the façade of the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus on the reverse – are doubtless a play on his name. It is possible, though not certain, that he was the same Petillius Capitolinus who was later accused of peculation and acquitted. Horace mentions him in his Satires; a later Roman commentator embellished the tale, claiming that Capitolinus was custodian of the Capitoline temple, and was accused of stealing the golden crown from the statue of Jupiter. His acquittal was supposedly due to his close friendship with Augustus.

Ex Ryan and Cantoni Collections – Pedigreed to 1920

632. The Pompeians. Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great). Spring 48 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.97 g, 11h). Uncertain Greek mint; Terentius Varro, pro quaestor. Diademed terminal bust of Jupiter Terminus right; uArrO • prO [• œ] downward around left / Vertical scepter; to left, dolphin swimming right; to right, eagle standing left with wings folded; ÂAgN • prO/COÍ in two lines in exergue. Crawford 447/1a; CRI 8; Sydenham 1033; RSC 3; BMCRR Spain 64; Kestner 3534-5; RBW –. Toned with hints of iridescence, minor marks and scratches, die breaks on obverse, area of weak strike on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Goldman Collection (Triton XVI – Sessions 3 & 4, 9 January 2013), lot 855; Peus 382 (26 April 2005), lot 367; V.J.E. Ryan Collection (Part V, Glendining, 2 April 1952), lot 1853; A. Cantoni Collection (Santamaria, 29 November 1920), lot 147.

The symbolism of this coin, struck sometime prior to Pompey’s defeat at Pharsalus in 48 BC, was meant to extol his extraordinary past deeds, which counted for naught in his war against Caesar. The reverse of this coin commemorates Pompey’s naval victory over the Cilician pirates (the dolphin) and that on land against Mithridates VI of Pontus (the eagle). The figure of Jupiter Terminus on the obverse was a personification of the concept of boundaries, and refers to the Senate’s grant of extraordinary proconsular powers to Pompey.

633. The Pompeians. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus. April-June 49 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.44 g, 12h). Military mint in the East, moving with Pompey. Triskeles, with winged head of Medusa facing at center; ear of grain between each leg / Jupiter standing facing, head right, holding thunderbolt in right hand and eagle in left; harpa to right; Le¸ º upward to left, COÍ upward to inner right. Crawford 445/1a; CRI 4; Sydenham 1029a; Cornelia 64; BMCRR Sicily 3-4; Kestner 3528; RBW 1561. Dark cabinet tone with hints of iridescence, slight roughness, flan crack. Good VF. ($750)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Baldwin’s 96 (24 September 2015), lot 3208.

Ex Bement Collection – Pedigreed to 1924

634. The Pompeians. Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius. 49 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.92 g, 6h). Military mint in the East, moving with Pompey; C. Coponius, praetor. Diademed head of Apollo right; star below, œ • ÍiCiNiuÍ iii • uir around / Club of Hercules surmounted by lion skin, scalp in profile to right; arrow to left, bow to right, C • COpONiuÍ pr • Í • C around. Crawford 444/1a; CRI 3; Sydenham 939; Sicinia 1; BMCRR East 24-8; Kestner 3521-4; RBW 1558. Old cabinet tone, minor die breaks and edge marks. Near EF. ($750)

Ex Clarence S. Bement Collection (Naville VIII, 25 June 1924), lot 331.

Clarence Sweet Bement (1843-1923) was a manufacturing magnate in Philadelphia, PA whose outside interests spanned minerals, books, and historical coins. In each of these spheres, he assembled legendary collections that either became the core of important national holdings (his mineral collection now resides with the American Museum of Natural History in New York) or highly sought-after pedigrees for latterday collectors. Bement’s coin collection included United States, foreign and ancient coins; in the ancients category, they included all types of Greek and Roman coinage. He was a keen observer of European auctions and private dealers and was not afraid to spend what were then considered enormous sums to acquire coins of outstanding beauty and rarity

635. The Pompeians. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio and P. Licinius Crassus Junianus. 47-Spring 46 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.88 g, 11h). Utica mint. Head of Jupiter right, beard and hair in ringlets; below, eagle’s head left above and scepter; ÍCip • iÂp up left, ÂeTeL • piuÍ down right / Cornucopia, supporting scales, set on curule chair, itself set on ground line; grain ear and head of cetus flanking chair; [Leg •] prO • pr up left, CrAÍÍ • iuN down right. Crawford 460/2; CRI 41; Sydenham 1048; Caecilia 49; BMCRR Africa 4; Kestner 3582; RBW 1602. Toned, light roughness. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000)

This rare type is full of symbolism and propaganda. The obverse depicts an archaic head of Jupiter, with his eagle and scepter below, similar to the coinage of Pompey the Great (CRI 8). The cornucopia, scales, and grain on the reverse pays homage to the fertility of Africa, the curule chair refers to Scipio’s consulship in 52 BC in which he was a colleague of Pompey, and the head of Cetus implies the Pompeian cause would triumph over Rome.

Abundant Maritime Symbolism

636. The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 40-39 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.73 g, 6h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. The Pharos of Messana, surmounted by statue of Neptune standing right, holding trident in right hand and rudder in left, left foot on prow; in foreground, galley left; aquila on prow; scepter, trident, and grappling-iron on stern; [ÂA]g • piuÍ • iÂp • iTer around / The monster Scylla left, her torso of dogs and fishes, wielding a rudder as a club with both hands; pr‰F • CLAÍ • eT • Or‰ • ºiT • ex Í • C • around. Crawford 511/4a; CRI 335; Sydenham 1348; RSC 2; BMCRR Sicily 18-9; Kestner 3785; RBW –. Deeply toned with splashes of iridescence, slightly off center, minor areas of weak strke. Near EF. A wonderfully detailed and well centered depiction of Scylla. ($1500)

Sextus Pompey, the younger son of Pompey the Great, inherited his father’s vast influence and personal following. He first established himself in Spain in 44 BC as the successful leader of the anti-Caesarian forces and following the death of Caesar, the Senate, believing itself freed from the domination of the Caesarians, bestowed on Sextus the title of praefectus classis et orae maritimae (Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet and of the Sea Coasts). However, four months later the Senate was forced by Octavian and the second triumvirate to rescind this title, and Sextus was proscribed. Upon receiving word of the Senate’s abrogation of his commission and seeing the hostilities the Caesarians were exacting on the leading figures in Rome, Sextus set sail from Massilia in Gaul and headed for Sicily. Here he established a powerful base from which he could blockade Italy and provide a safe haven for those fleeing the proscriptions. Alarmed at the developments, Octavian sent a naval squadron under the command of Salvidienus Rufus to handle the situation, but Salvidienus was defeated off the coast of Rhegium. Following this battle, Sextus took the title of imperator iterum. Sextus would continue the Republican struggle against the Second Triumvirate until his death in 36 BC.

Pedigreed to 1914

637. The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 37/6 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.90 g, 5h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. Bare head of Pompey the Great right; capis to left, lituus to right; ÂAg • piuÍ • iÂp • iTer around / Neptune, naked but for chlamys on left arm, holding apluster and resting right foot on prow, standing left between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus running in opposite directions, bearing their parents on their shoulders; pr‰F above; CLAÍ • eT

Or[

[• C] in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; Sydenham 1344; RSC 17 (Pompey the Great); BMCRR Sicily 7-10; Kestner 3783-4; RBW 1785. Wonderful old cabinet toning, a few thin flan cracks and die breaks. EF. Exceptional style. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Joel Malter, February 1979. Ex J. Hirsch XXXIV (5 May 1914), lot 846.

638. The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 37/6 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.92 g, 9h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. Bare head of Pompey the Great right; capis to left, lituus to right; ÂAg • piuÍ • iÂp • iTer around / Neptune, naked but for chlamys on left arm, holding apluster and resting right foot on prow, standing left between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus running in opposite directions, bearing their parents on their shoulders; pr‰F above; [CLAÍ •] eT • Or[‰/ºiT • ex • Í • C] in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; Sydenham 1344; RSC 17 (Pompey the Great); BMCRR Sicily 7-10; Kestner 3783-4; RBW 1785. Beautiful deep old cabinet toning, a few minor scratches and marks, areas of flat strike. Good VF. Excellent portrait. ($1000)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Spink 221 (2 December 2013), lot 176.

This denarius belongs to Sextus’ piratical period on Sicily and honors his father, Pompey the Great, on the obverse, while the reverse depicts the sea god Neptune along with the semi-legendary Catanaean twins, Anapius and Amphinomus, who rescued their parents from an eruption of Mount Aetna and became symbols of filial piety.

639. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (21.5mm, 3.79 g, 3h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAeÍAr in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. Toned with underlying luster, areas of soft strike, off center on reverse. EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($1000)

Julius Caesar and his armies assembled on the banks of the Rubicon River on 10 January 49 BC, ready to invade Italy. Since large quantities of denarii were necessary to pay Caesar’s military expenses, the mint traveled with them. This issue was ordered, not by a moneyer, as was usual, but by Julius Caesar himself. The obverse clearly depicts the triumph of good over evil, numismatic propaganda designed to encourage Caesar’s soldiers during the long, intense campaign. The reverse, depicting priestly emblems, tells of Caesar’s office as Pontifex Maximus, high priest. In all likelihood, this type was used by Caesar’s military forces at least until the decisive battle of Pharsalus.

640. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.80 g, 1h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAeÍAr in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. Lightly toned with some iridescence, porosity, die breaks on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England.

641. The Caesarians, . Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 4.12 g, 4h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAeÍAr in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. In NGC encapsulation 5749232-005, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. ($1000)

Ex Heritage 3087 (18 December 2020), lot 30040; Andrew McCabe Collection (Roma E-Sale 71, 28 May 2020), lot 827; English Amateur Scholar Collection, acquired in 1999 (not included in Numismatica Ars Classica 92).

642. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.90 g, 9h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAeÍAr in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. Underlying luster, off center. EF. ($1000)

643. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Late spring-early summer 48 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.17 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Diademed female head (Clementia?) right, wearing oak wreath; %ii (= 52, Caesar’s age) to left / Gallic trophy, holding oval shield and carnyx surmonted by wolf’s head; securis to right; CAe ÍAr across lower field. Crawford 452/2; CRI 11; Sydenham 1009; RSC 18; BMCRR Rome 3955; Kestner 3558-9; RBW –. Deep cabinet toning with areas of find patina, trace deposits, minor metal flaws. EF. ($1000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.2 (Summer 2021), no. 567727; Lampasas Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 697; Robert B. Beckett, Jr. Estate (Classical Numismatic Group 105, 10 May 2017), lot 727; Classical Numismatic Auctions XV (5 June 1991), lot 475; Glendining (with Empire Coins, 9 October 1989), lot 689.

This is the second major coin type struck by Caesar, after the ubiquitous elephant issue. The Roman numeral LII (52) behind the female head, probably Clementia, has long been recognized as representing Caesar’s age. Caesar’s 52nd birthday was on 13 July 48 BC; the battle at Pharsalus, the final major conflict between the Caesarian and Pompeian forces occurred one month later. Whether or not this particular type was struck on or near his birthday is unknown, but it would seem odd to make special mention of Caesar’s age unless the issue were in some way connected to it. A gold aureus of the same type was also issued, but in small numbers, remaining exceptionally rare today. It is plausible that the aureus was struck on his birthday as a special handout to senior officers and supporters, and the denarius continued in production for some time afterward to pay the general soldiery. The identification of the female head as Clementia (Clemency) is consistent with Caesar’s policy of pardoning Roman grandees who had fought against him.

644. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Late 48-47 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.02 g, 6h). Military mint traveling with Caesar in North Africa. Diademed head of Venus right / Aeneas advancing left, holding palladium and bearing Anchises on his shoulder; CAeÍAr downward to right. Crawford 458/1; CRI 55; Sydenham 1013; RSC 12; BMCRR East 31; Kestner 3577-9; RBW 1600. Deeply toned, minor marks, off center on obverse, die breaks on reverse. EF. ($1000)

Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc98792.

Julius Caesar traced his descent all the way back to the Trojan hero Aeneas, legendary founder of the Romans. Aeneas, in turn, was the product of a liaison between the goddess Venus and Anchises, a herdsman who was related to the Trojan royal family. In a scene recounted by Virgil in the Aeneid, when the Greeks torched Troy, Aeneas escaped from the burning city carrying the aged Anchises on his shoulder and the sacred Palladium, a cult statue of Pallas Athena rescued from the household shrine. The scene is depicted on the reverse of this denarius of Caesar, struck in 48-47 BC, at least two decades before the Aeneid was composed. Venus, the mother of Aeneas (and thus the divine antecedent of Caesar) appears on the obverse.

Ex Knobloch Collection

645. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. January-February 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.99 g, 4h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint; P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer. Laureate head right; star of eight rays to left, CAeÍAr iÂp downwards to right / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical scepter with star at base in left; p • ÍepuLLiuÍ downwards to right, ÂACer upwards to left. Crawford 480/5b; Alföldi Type V, 146–149 (A35/R19); CRI 106a; Sydenham 1071; RSC 41; BMCRR Rome 4165-6; Kestner –; RBW 1679. Toned, light porosity, die breaks on obverse. Near EF. Struck from fresh dies. Wonderful portrait. ($5000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Torkom Demirjian, 1979. Ex Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 3 May 1978), lot 620.

Alföldi Plate Coin – Lifetime Issue

646. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. January-February 44 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.16 g, 6h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. Laureate head right; CAeÍAr • i downwards to right; to left, large crescent dividing [p]  / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and leaning on scepter in left; L • AeÂiLiuÍ BuCA around from upper right. Crawford 480/4; Alföldi Type IV, 133 (A15/R24 – this coin); CRI 102 (same rev. die); Sydenham 1060; RSC 22; RBW –. Toned with hints of iridescence, minor marks and scratches, small die breaks, banker’s mark. Good VF. ($3000)

From the W. L. Bone Collection, purchased from Münzen und Medaillen GmbH.

Before 44 BC, Roman coin portraiture had been confined to various deities and historic figures of renown, these usually ancestors of the moneyers appointed each year to strike coins. The very few portraits of living Romans were reserved for coins minted and circulating outside of Italy. But early in 44 BC, the Senate granted Julius Caesar, recently appointed dictator for the fourth time, the honor of having his portrait placed on silver coinage struck in Rome. The break with tradition was sudden, startling and, as it turned out, enduring, for Caesar’s successors (and even his assassins!) soon adopted the practice. Shortly thereafter, Caesar was named Dictator Perpetuo, “Dictator in Perpetuity.” Though Caesar would bear the title for only a month before his assassination on the Ides of March (15 March) 44 BC.

647. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. February-March 44 BC. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.84 g, 9h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint; L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. Laureate head right; CAeÍAr • DiCT downward to right perpeTuO upward to left / Fasces and winged caduceus in saltire; clasped hands to left, globe above, axe below; L • BuCA upward to right. Crawford 480/6; Alföldi Type XIII, 13-14 (A2/R5); CRI 103; Sydenham 1063; RSC 25; BMCRR Rome 4157–9; Kestner 3686; RBW 1680. Deeply toned, minor scratches under tone. Near EF. A wonderful portrait of Caesar. ($7500)

Ex Manhattan Sale IV (8 January 2013), lot 108; Athena Fund (Part II, Sotheby’s Zürich, 27 October 1993), lot 1407; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 543 (May 1991), no. 21.

648. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. March-April 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.64 g, 10h). Rome mint; M. Mettius, moneyer. Laureate head right; CAeÍAr downwards to right, iÂper upwards to left / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left, resting her left elbow on shield set on celestial globe to right; B to left, Â • ÂeTTiuÍ downwards to right. Crawford 480/17; Alföldi Type XVI, 81-85 (A17/R17); CRI 101; Sydenham 1055; RSC 35; BMCRR Rome 4138; Kestner –; RBW 1686 var. (control). Lightly toned with hints of iridescence, porosity, scratches, test cut on edge. VF. ($1500)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection.

649. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April 44 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.99 g, 12h). Rome mint; C. Cossutius Maridianus, moneyer. Laureate and veiled head right; apex and lituus flanking neck; pAreNÍ pATriAe upward to left, CAeÍAr upward to right / Cruciform COÍÍuTiuÍ ÂAriDiANuÍ; A A A F • F in angles. Crawford 480/19; Alföldi Type XVII, 86–89 (A13/R7); CRI 112; Sydenham 1069; RSC 8; BMCRR Rome 4187; Kestner –; RBW 1687. Toned, some find patina, flan crack. VF. ($5000)

Ex Thomas A. Palmer Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 757, purchased from PMV (Davidson), April 1986; Münzen und Medaillen AG 66 (23 October 1984), lot 463.

Gaius Cossutius Maridianus was apparently the last man appointed to the recently expanded quatrovirate of moneyers in 44 BC. All of his Caesar heads are veiled, alluding to Caesar’s role as Pontifex Maximus. This issue is the last Caesar portrait type struck in 44 BC and is, according to David R. Sear, “clearly posthumous, presumably belonging to mid-April.”

650. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 42 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.94 g, 9h). Rome mint; L. Mussidius Longus, moneyer. Laureate head right / Rudder, cornucopia on globe, winged caduceus, and apex; L • ÂuÍÍiDiuÍ • LONguÍ in semicircle above. Crawford 494/39a; CRI 116; Sydenham 1096a; RSC 29; BMCRR Rome 4238-9; Kestner 3750; RBW 1742. Lightly toned, some weakness, minor marks and scratches, die shift on obverse. EF. Excellent portait of the elder Caesar. ($4000)

Ex Berk BBS 226 (13 February 2024), lot 385; Berk BBS 222 (22 June 2023), lot 199.

Lucius Mussidius Longus is a moneyer with an otherwise unknown cursus honorum. His nomen Mussidius indicates that he was a novus homo, or up-and-coming man with no long family pedigree. As such, he would have allied himself to any potential long-term power base. In 42 BC, as the Second Triumvirate was defeating Caesar’s assassins, Mussidius oversaw the striking of this denarius of the now-deceased and soon to be deified dictator, a clear nod to the Caesarian cause. Apparently, such a move benefitted the gens Mussidia. A distant relation, T. Mussidius Pollianus, was a senator under the new regime in the first century AD.

Superb Portrait of Julius Caesar

651. The Caesarians. Divus Julius Caesar. 40 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.11 g, 11h). Rome mint; Q. Voconius Vitulus, moneyer. Laureate head right; lituus to left, Diui • iuLi downwards to right / Bull-calf walking left; œ • uOCONiuÍ above, uiTuLuÍ in exergue. Crawford 526/2; CRI 329; Sydenham 1132; RSC 46; BMCRR Rome 4308-10; Kestner 3808; RBW –. Deep cabinet tone with iridescence, die breaks. EF. Exceptional for issue. ($40,000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Dioscuri Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 143, 7 May 2024), lot 431; Goldberg 91 (7 June 2016), lot 1953; Exceptional Roman Denarii Collection (Goldberg 80, 3 June 2014), lot 3085; C.K. Collection (Triton XIV, 3 January 2011), lot 605; Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 506.

Little is known about this moneyer, in the chaos of the Imperatorial period, aside from a few coin types that feature his name. His coins were clearly minted to show his alliance with the Second Triumvirate and specifically to Octavian, as his coins began to display his portraiture on the obverse. The reverse of his coins plays on the tradition of showcasing canting puns, a play on words with the moneyers name. Other examples are Musa with the Muses, Lucius Appuleius Saturninus with Saturn in a quadriga, and D. Silanus L.f. with a mask of Silenus. In this case a Vitulus means calf.

652. The Republicans. C. Cassius Longinus. Spring 42 BC. AR Denarius (13mm, 4.06 g, 7h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Tripod surmounted by cortina and two laurel branches, fillet hanging on either side; C • CAÍÍi upwards to left, iÂp upwards to right / Capis and lituus; LeNTuLuÍ/ÍpiNT in two lines below. Crawford 500/1; CRI 219; Sydenham 1308; RSC 7; BMCRR East 79; Kestner –; RBW 1761. Superb EF. ($1500)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 868979 (July 2010); Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 230 (24 March 2010), lot 262.

The obverse of this denarius closely copies the reverse of the aureus struck by M. Aquinius, and was probably minted on the occasion of the meeting in Smyrna between Cassius and Brutus. The capis and lituus, symbols of the pontificate, recall Spinther’s election to that college in 57 BC.

653. The Republicans. C. Cassius Longinus. Spring 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.78 g, 7h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Diademed head of Libertas right; C • CAÍÍi • iÂp upward to left, LeiBerTAÍ upward to right / Capis and lituus; LeNTuLuÍ/ÍpiNT in two lines below. Crawford 500/3; CRI 221; Sydenham 1307; RSC 4; BMCRR East 77; Kestner 3767; RBW 1762. Toned, a few light marks. Good VF. ($750)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Morton & Eden 68 (10 June 2014), lot 71; Elsen 97 (13 September 2008), lot 205; Münzen und Medaillen AG 66 (22 October 1984), lot 478.

Libertas was a prominent feature on the coinage of the assassins of Caesar, who designated themselves liberatores, those who freed Rome from the indignity of monarchical rule.

654. The Republicans. Brutus. Early 42 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.85 g, 11h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Emblems of the pontificate: securis, simpulum, and secespita; BruTuÍ below / Emblems of the augurate: capis and lituus; LeNTuLuÍ/ÍpiNT in two lines below. Crawford 500/7; CRI 198; Sydenham 1310; RSC 6; BMCRR East 80-1; Kestner 3770; RBW 1766. Minor die rust, slightly off center. EF. ($1500)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 236 (7 July 2010), lot 440.

The obverse depicts the symbols of the college of pontifices to which Brutus belonged, while the reverse bears the symbols of the priestly college to which P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther was elected in 57 BC, namely, the augurate.

655. The Republicans. Brutus. Late summer-autumn 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.84 g, 10h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece; Pedanius Costa, legatus. Laureate head of Apollo to right; Leg upwards to left, COÍTA downwards to right / Trophy composed of cuirass, crested helmet, oval shield with incurved sides, and two crossed spears; iÂp upwards to left, BruTuÍ downwards to right. Crawford 506/2; CRI 209; Sydenham 1296; RSC 4; BMCRR East 59-61; Kestner 3775-6; RBW 1778. Lightly toned with residual luster, minor marks. Near EF. ($2000)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 120 (11 May 2022), lot 746.

Brutus is best known for his role in the assassination of Julius Caesar on 15 March 44 BC. This action, while often thought as an attempt to save liberty and justice, was actually meant to try to preserve aristocracy and privilege. Brutus and the other conspirators wanted to restore power to the Senate, comprised of the wealthiest and most powerful of Roman citizens. This brought him in conflict with Julius Caesar, who wanted to break the old power holds in the Senate, populating it with men of lower rank and birth. In a way, Julius Caesar could be seen as promoting a dictatorship with some flavor of a democracy, whereas Brutus and the other conspirators were attempting to save the aristocracy.

After their assassination of Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius occupied Rome but had to flee when a funeral oration delivered by Caesar’s protégé, Marc Antony, turned public opinion against them. Brutus and Cassius went their separate ways but met again in early 42 BC in Smyrna, Ionia, where they began preparations for the inevitable conflict that would ensue between them and Marc Antony and Octavian, Caesar’s grandnephew. They began using their armies to conquer cities, for which this series of coins was undoubtedly issued. The title IMP on the reverse shows that Brutus still styled himself the savior of the Republic, as that was a title only the Senate could award.

Ex Brand Collection – Pedigreed to 1920

656. The Republicans. Brutus. Late summer-autumn 42 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.53 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece; Pedanius Costa, legatus. Laureate head of Apollo to right; Leg upwards to left, COÍTA downwards to right / Trophy composed of cuirass, crested helmet, oval shield with incurved sides, and two crossed spears; iÂp upwards to left, BruTuÍ downwards to right. Crawford 506/2; CRI 209; Sydenham 1296; RSC 4; BMCRR East 59-61; Kestner 3775-6; RBW 1778. Old cabinet toning, light deposits, a few minor marks under toning. EF. ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Antiqua VIII (2000), no. 102; Numismatica Ars Classica 15 (18 May 1999), lot 222; Sternberg XV (11 April 1985), lot 296; Virgil M. Brand Collection (Part 3, Sotheby’s Zürich, 9 June 1983), lot 236; Dr. F Collection (Cahn 40, 8 March 1920), lot 14.

Illustrated in CRI

657. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Early 42 BC. AR Quinarius (13mm, 1.78 g, 3h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Winged bust of Victory right, with the likeness of Fulvia; iii • uir • r • p • C / Lion walking right; ANTONi, iÂp in exergue, A to left, xLi to right (= 41, Antony’s age at time of issue). Crawford 489/6; CRI 126 (this coin illustrated); Sydenham 1163; Lyon 3; King 76; RSC 3 (Fulvia); RBW 1713. Deeply toned. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (18 July 1990), lot 277.

Fulvia was first married to P. Clodius, the Roman firebrand. After his violent death in 52 BC, she married C. Scribonius Curio, who likewise met an untimely end in Africa. She married Mark Antony in 44 BC, and became an outspoken defender of his interests in Rome while he campaigned in the east (and enjoyed the attentions of Cleopatra). By 40 BC, Fulvia’s strident attacks on Octavian had provoked a reaction, and she had to flee first to southern Italy and then to Greece. She met Antony at Athens, where he upbraided her for antagonizing Octavian when he was trying to maintain a semblance of cordial relations. Fulvia died at Sicyon shortly thereafter.

658. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Early 42 BC. AR Quinarius (13mm, 1.92 g, 5h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Winged bust of Victory right, with the likeness of Fulvia; iii • uir • r • p • C / Lion walking right; ANTONi, iÂp in exergue, A to left, xLi to right (= 41, Antony’s age at time of issue). Crawford 489/6; CRI 126; Sydenham 1163; Lyon 3; King 76; RSC 3 (Fulvia); RBW 1713. Toned, trace deposits, slight roughness, small scrape on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Künker 377 (20 October 2022), lot 5637.

Pedigreed to 1954

659. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavian. Spring-early summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.82 g, 12h). Ephesus mint; M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Mark Antony right; Â ANT • if • Yg • iii uir

• r • p • C •  BArBAT œ p around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAeÍAr • iÂp • pONT • iii • uir

• r • p • C • around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; Sydenham 1181; RSC 8a; BMCRR East 100; Kestner 3793-5; RBW 1798. Toned with hints of iridescence, minor marks. EF. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Superior (3 December 1999), lot 1146; Peus 251 (8 November 1954), lot 325.

After the assassination of Julius Caesar, his power was divided between Mark Antony, the Dictator’s second-in-command and presumed heir, and Gaius Octavius, Caesar’s great-nephew and legal heir. To unite themselves against the assassins, led by Brutus and Cassius, Antony and Octavian, as he was now known, united themselves in what would eventually come to be known as the “Second Triumvirate.” Such a union was at best a tenuous relationship, as both individuals vied to acquire supreme power over the other. Antony, the older of the two, clearly believed himself the senior member. Octavian, on the other hand, at 19 and as Caesar’s legal heir, supposed otherwise. This denarius with each portrait on either side demonstrates Antony’s perceptions in the developing iconography of the new regime: the portrait of Antony may be taken as the obverse reserved for the chief ruler, which Antony believed himself to be, while that of Octavian, on the reverse and much younger with the traces of his first beard still remaining, is the subordinate. While the triumvirate was renewed in 40 BC and sealed through the marriage of Octavian’s sister to Antony, the political arrangement continued to sour, resulting in civil war and the ultimate destruction of Antony at Actium

660. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavian. Spring-early summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.83 g, 12h). Ephesus mint; M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Mark Antony right; Â • ANT

uir • r

p • C •  BArBAT • œ p around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAeÍAr • iÂp

Yg

pONT

iii

iii • uir • r • p

C

around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; Sydenham 1181; RSC 8a; BMCRR East 100; Kestner 3793-5; RBW 1798. Toned, slight die shift on obverse. Near EF. ($1000)

661. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Summer 38 BC. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.91 g, 3h). Athens mint. Mark Antony, veiled, and wearing the priestly robes of an augur, standing right, holding lituus in right hand; Â

N

Augur

iÂp

Ter around / Radiate head of Sol right; iii

ANTONiuÍ

DeÍig

F

TerT around. Crawford 533/2; CRI 267; Sydenham 1199; RSC 13; BMCRR East 141–3; Kestner 3822–3; RBW 1820. Toned with iridescence, minor marks, die breaks. Good VF. ($750)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England.

662. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Autumn 34 BC. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.70 g, 12h). Alexandria mint(?). Bare head of Mark Antony right; Armenian tiara to left, ANTONi • ArÂeNiA • DeuiCTA around / Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right; at point of bust, prow right; CLeORA[TrAe re2]iNAe • re2u • FiLiOru • re2u around. Crawford 543/1; CRI 345; Sydenham 1210; RSC 1; BMCRR East 179–81; cf. Kestner 3836; RBW 1832. Lightly toned with underlying luster, flan crack. Good VF. Two good portraits. ($5000)

The consensus of opinion on the date and mint of this coin was relatively uniform until the publication by R. Newman, “A Dialogue of Power in the Coinage of Antony and Octavian” in AJN 2 (1990), pp. 37-64. Sear (CRI) follows Newman in calling it an issue from Alexandria struck for Antony’s Armenian triumph of the autumn of 34 BC, when the “celebrated and enigmatic” (per Sear) “Donations of Alexandria” took place. Newman states the minting of this coin “must have taken place in 34, the year of Antony’s Alexandrian triumph, since it would otherwise be without context.” The legends on this coin could be translated as “[coin] of Antony, with Armenia being Conquered, for Cleopatra, Queen of Kings and of her Sons, being Kings.” The Armenian crown behind Antony represents his victorious Roman army, the prow beneath Cleopatra (which appears on no other Roman coin of hers) stands for the mighty Egyptian fleet; combined they symbolize the full array of forces that Antony would soon marshal against Octavian.

Ex Benz Collection

663. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.81 g, 6h). Legionary type. Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir

r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; LeG uii across field. Crawford 544/20; CRI 357; Sydenham 1224; RSC 34; BMCRR East 198; Kestner 3849; RBW 1842. Toned, minor marks and scratches. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Künker 347 (22 March 2021), lot 960; Leo Benz Collection (Lanz 88, 23 November 1998), lot 859.

Legio VII Claudia was stationed in Gaul under Caesar until the time of the Civil Wars. They then moved to the newly founded city of Viminacium in Moesia where their sigil, the bull, continued to be used on the city’s coinage through the fourth century.

664. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.75 g, 6h). Legionary type. Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir

r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg xii across lower field. Crawford 544/26; CRI 365; Sydenham 1230; RSC 41; BMCRR East 204; Kestner 3855; RBW –. Toned with light iridescence, porosity, bankers’ marks, die breaks and scratches on obverse, delamination on reverse. Near EF. Well centered and struck. ($750)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 528833 (April 2020); Alba Longa Collection (Áureo & Calicó 339, 14 November 2019), lot 1116; Numismatica Ars Classica 11 (29 April 1998), lot 339.

LEG XVIIII – Rarest of Antony’s Legionary Denarii

665. The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.97 g, 3h). Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg xuiiii across lower field. Crawford 544/34; CRI 379; Sydenham 1241; RSC 54; RBW –; Triton XXVIII, lot 627 (same dies; hammer $20,000). Lustrous, with light iridescence, minor marks, a bit off center on obverse. VF. Extremely rare. ($5000)

Not to be confused with a similar legion under the command of Octavian, this Antonian legion was either disbanded or incorporated into another legion after Actium. Antonian legionary denarii were hammered out in such great numbers that uniformity in die engraving suffered; hence some engravers chose different ways of depicting the same Roman numeral – XIX and XVIIII are both seen, although the longer form is considerably rarer.

666. The Triumvirs. Lepidus and Octavian. November-December 43 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.73 g, 2h). Military mint traveling with Lepidus in Italy. Bare head of Lepidus right; LepiDuÍ

pO¸

Vx

iii

p

C

around / Bare head of Octavian right, wearing slight beard; CAeÍAr

around. Crawford 495/2a; CRI 140; Sydenham 1323; RSC 2; BMCRR Africa 30; Kestner 3760; RBW –. Lightly toned, minor marks and scratches, die breaks on obverse. VF. ($1500)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 749; Vico 115 (15 November 2007), lot 152.

This issue commemorates the foundation of the Second Triumvirate. Lepidus is shown with the title Pontifex Maximus, an office that he received after the assassination of Julius Caesar and held until his death in 12 BC.

Illustrated in Sear and CRI

667. The Triumvirs. Lepidus and Octavian. November-December 43 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.83 g, 6h). Military mint traveling with Lepidus in Italy. Bare head of Lepidus right; LepiDuÍ

around / Bare head of Octavian right, wearing slight beard; CAeÍAr

around. Crawford 495/2a; CRI 140 (this coin illustrated); Sydenham 1323; RSC 2; BMCRR Africa 30; Kestner 3760; RBW –; S 1523 (this coin illustrated). Toned, slight roughness, edge flaws. VF. ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 654; Münzen und Medaillen 61 (7 October 1982), lot 396.

Excellent Early Octavian Portrait

668. The Triumvirs. Octavian. Early 40 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.87 g, 6h). Military mint traveling with Octavian in Italy; Q. Salvius, moneyer. Bare head right, wearing slight beard; C • CAeÍAr • iii • uir • r • p • C around / Winged thunderbolt; œ • ÍALuiuÍ • i f • COÍ • DeÍig around. Crawford 523/1a; CRI 300; Sydenham 1326b; RSC 514; BMCRR Gaul 88-9; Kestner 3803; RBW 1808. Toned with light iridescence, a few minor marks. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (18 July 1990), lot 280.

669. The Triumvirs. Octavian, Divus Julius Caesar, and Agrippa. 38 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 4.10 g, 4h). Military mint traveling with Agrippa in Gaul or Octavian in Italy. Laureate head of the deified Julius Caesar right, vis-à-vis bare head of Octavian left; DiuOÍ iuLiuÍ upward to left, Diui F downward to right / Â • AgrippA • COÍ/DeÍig in two lines. Crawford 534/2; CRI 306; Sydenham 1330; RSC 129; BMCRR 100–1; Kestner –; RBW –. Slate gray toning, scattered light marks, graffiti ‘L∏ziL^’(?) on reverse. Good VF. Very rare. ($7500)

Marcus Agrippa was Octavian’s boyhood friend, lieutenant, and and eventual chosen heir, adopted by the then-known Augustus in 17 BC to ensure a smooth succession. Agrippa’s prominence in political affairs was emphasized in 13 BC, when two of the three moneyers included Agrippa on their coin types. Succession was not to be, however, as Agrippa died the following year.

This coin names Agrippa as “consul designate,” in anticipation of his consulship the following year. It was probably minted in Gaul under Agrippa, who was named governor of Transalpine Gaul in 39 or 38 BC. It was in the latter year, the year this coin was struck, that Agrippa put down an uprising of the Aquitanians.

670. The Triumvirs. Octavian, Divus Julius Caesar, and Agrippa. 38 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.79 g, 6h). Military mint traveling with Agrippa in Gaul or Octavian in Italy. Laureate head of the deified Julius Caesar right, vis-à-vis bare head of Octavian left; DiuOÍ iuLiuÍ upward to left, Diui F downward to right / Â • AgrippA • COÍ/DeÍig in two lines. Crawford 534/2; CRI 306; Sydenham 1330; RSC 129; BMCRR 100–1; Kestner –; RBW –. Deep iridescent toning, scrapes, scuffs and scratches. VF. Very rare. ($3000)

Ex M. L. Vierordt Collection (J. Schulman [139], 5 March 1923), lot 1452.

Prince of Waldeck Collection – Pedigreed to 1935

671. The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 30-summer 29 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.81 g, 9h). Uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?). Laureate head of Octavian, as Apollo, right / Rostral column ornamented with two anchors and six beaks of galleys, surmounted by a statue of Octavian, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left; iÂp • CAeÍAr across field. CRI 423; RIC I 271; RSC 124; BMCRR Rome 4349-51 = BMCRE 633-6; BN 68-71. Toned with hints of iridescence. Good VF. ($1000)

Ex Leu FPL (Autumn 1998), no. 222; Prince of Waldeck Collection (Münzhandlung Basel 1, 4 March 1935), lot 124.

This issue depicts the column decreed by the Senate in recognition of Octavian’s victory over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. The monument stood on the Palatine Hill, before the temple of Apollo.

672. The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 30-summer 29 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.93 g, 12h). Uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?). Laureate head of Octavian, as Apollo, right / Rostral column ornamented with two anchors and six beaks of galleys, surmounted by a statue of Octavian, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left; iÂp • CAeÍAr across field. CRI 423; RIC I 271; RSC 124; BMCRR Rome 4349-51 = BMCRE 633-6; BN 68-71. Lightly toned with hints of iridescence, small die breaks, hairlines. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Morton & Eden 68 (10 June 2014), lot 74.

AEGYPTO CAPTA

673. The Triumvirs. Octavian. 28 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.81 g, 6h). “Aegypto Capta” commemorative. Uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?). Bare head right; lituus behind neck, CAeÍAr upwards to left, COÍ • ui downwards to right / Crocodile standing right with jaws open; AegupTO above, CApTA below. CRI 430; RIC I 275a; RSC 2; BMCRR East 243–4 = BMCRE 650–1; BN 905. Lightly toned, hairlines, minor marks and scratches, scrapes on obverse. Good VF. ($3000)

Following the decisive battle of Actium in August of 30 BC, Octavian invaded Egypt and founded the Prefecture of Egypt, leaving intact the Ptolemaic cultural and administrative structures. Octavian struck this issue to commemorate that event; the reverse depicts a crocodile, the symbol of the country and, locally, an important deity. The reverse legend communicates clearly that the once proud nation of Egypt has been captured and reduced to the status of a Roman province.

ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE

674. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.61 g, 5h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?). Struck circa 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, head right, wearing oak wreath / DIVVS • IVLIVS across field, comet with eight rays and tail. RIC I 37a; RSC 98; BMCRE 323-5 = BMCRR Gaul 135-7; BN 1292-7. Some horn silver, areas of roughness, cleaning scratches, hairlines. Good VF. ($1000)

675. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.74 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?). Struck 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, head left, wearing oak wreath / DIVVS • IVLIVS across field, comet with eight rays and tail. RIC I 37b; RSC 97; BMCRE 326-7 = BMCRR Gaul 138-9; BN 1298-304. Toned, deposits, hairlines, a patch of scratches on obverse. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan with complete legends. ($1500)

Ex Berk BBS 221 (17 November 2022), lot 210.

This denarius reflects Augustus’ use of his coinage to convey a political message. The obverse shows him wearing the corona civica, an oak wreath awarded to an individual who had personally saved a citizen (in Augustus’ case it was the citizen body of the Roman world). The reverse depicts the comet which made a continuous daylight appearance during July 44 BC, and was associated with the deification of Julius Caesar.

Illustrated in CNR – Pedigreed to 1921

676. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.75 g, 5h). Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?). Struck 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / OB CIVIS above, SERVATOS below, oak wreath with the two ties drawn up across center. RIC I 75a; RSC 210; BMCRE 376-7 = BMCRR Rome 4389-90; BN 1164-7; CNR V 676/1 (this coin). Attractive iridescent toning. Near EF. Excellent portrait. Struck with fresh dies. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Joel Malter, February 1979. Ex Glendining 1 (1 December 1927), lot 75; Bourgey (20 December 1921), lot 103.

677. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.88 g, 2h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck 15 BC. ΛVGVSTVS

DIVI • F, bare head right / IMP • X across field, ΛCT in exergue, Apollo Citharoedus of Actium, wearing long drapery, standing facing, head left, holding plectrum in right hand and lyre in left. RIC I 171a; Lyon 28; RSC 144; BMCRE 461-2 = BMCRR Gaul 175-6; BN 1396-1401. Lustrous. EF. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLIII.2 (Summer 2018), no. 478846.

This type commemorates Augustus’ most famous victory, his defeat of the combined naval forces of Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in September of 31 BC.

678. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.83 g, 9h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck 15 BC. ΛVGVSTVS

DIVI • F, bare head right / IMP • X across field, ΛCT in exergue, Apollo Citharoedus of Actium, wearing long drapery, standing facing, head left, holding plectrum in right hand and lyre in left. RIC I 171a; Lyon 28; RSC 144; BMCRE 461-2 = BMCRR Gaul 175-6; BN 1396-1401. Attractive light iridescent toning, underlying luster. EF. ($1500)

Ex Gorny & Mosch 306 (15 October 2024), lot 405; Gadoury (15 October 2022), lot 37 (hammer €4800).

679. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.78 g, 9h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 13-14. [CAESAR AVGVS]TVS • DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head right / TI CAESAR in exergue, AVG • F • TR • POT [XV], Tiberius standing right, driving triumphal quadriga, holding eagle tipped scepter in left hand, laurel branch, and reins in right hand; all horses facing right. RIC I 222; Lyon 90; RSC 300; BMCRE 512; BN 1688-9. Deep iridescent toning, die wear, marks, faint hairlines. VF. ($750)

Ex Berk BBS 214 (18 February 2021), lot 210.

Ex Johns Hopkins University Collection

680. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.77 g, 7h). Uncertain eastern mint. Struck circa 12 BC. CA ES AR • below, youthful, bare head right; all within oak wreath / AVG VST • across field, candelabrum, ornamented with rams’ heads and surmounted by a crescent; all within a floral wreath entwined with two bucrania and two paterae. RIC I 540; RSC 2 (Caius Caesar); BMCRE 684-5; BN 1013-6. Deeply toned, remnants of find patina, shallow cleaning scratches. Near EF. ($1500)

Ex Roma XXV (22 September 2022), lot 804; Johns Hopkins University Collection [inv. 31.7.660] (Part I, Bank Leu & Numismatic Fine Arts, 16 October 1984), lot 714.

Spectacular Agrippa As

681. Agrippa. Died 12 BC. Æ As (27.5mm, 10.52 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Gaius (Caligula), AD 37-41. M • AGRIPPA • L • F • COS • III, head left, wearing rostral crown / S C across field, Neptune standing left, holding small dolphin in right hand and trident in left. RIC I 58 (Gaius); BMCRE 161-8 (Tiberius); BN 77-97. Dark green surfaces, a few shallow scratches on reverse. EF. A spectacular coin, one of the finest known. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, November 1996. Ex Aufhäuser 12 (1 October 1996), lot 455.

Marcus Agrippa was Augustus’ chosen heir, adopted by the latter in 17 BC to ensure a smooth succession. Agrippa’s prominence in political affairs was emphasized in 13 BC, when two of the three moneyers included Agrippa on their coin types. Succession was not to be, though, as Agrippa died the following year.

682. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.91 g, 5h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 1, AD 15-18. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right on chair, holding scepter in right hand and olive branch in left; plain chair legs, double line below. RIC I 25; Lyon 143 (unlisted dies); Calicó 305d; BMCRE 30-3; BN 13-5; Biaggi 169; Jameson 31; Mazzini 15. Lustrous, hairlines, struck with a worn reverse die. Near EF. ($4000)

Ex Elsen 160 (14 November 2024), lot 388.

683. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.87 g, 9h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 1, AD 15-18. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right on chair, holding scepter in right hand and olive branch in left; plain chair legs, double line below. RIC I 26; Lyon 144; RSC 16; BMCRE 34-38; BN 16. Beautiful cabinet tone. Good VF. Fine style. ($1000)

Ex Gorny & Mosch inventory 117655.

684. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.64 g, 5h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 4, AD 18-35. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right, one ribbon on shoulder / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right, holding scepter in right hand and olive branch in left, feet on footstool; ornate chair legs, single line below. RIC I 30; Lyon 150; RSC 16a; BMCRE 48-60; BN 28-31. Bright, slightly granular surfaces. Near EF. ($1000)

685. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.78 g, 10h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 5, AD 36-37. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right; short, parallel ribbons with slight undulations / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right, holding vertical scepter in right hand and olive branch in left, feet on footstool; ornate chair legs, single line below. RIC I 30; Lyon 152; RSC 16a; BMCRE 48-57; BN 32. Toned. EF. Fine-style portrait. Exceptional strike. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Malter IV (29 October 1978), lot 108.

686. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.76 g, 8h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 6, AD 36-37. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right; long, parallel ribbons / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right, holding scepter in right hand and olive branch in left, feet on footstool; ornate chair legs, single line below. RIC I 30; Lyon 154; RSC 16a; BMCRE 60; BN 33-4. Deeply toned, scratches under tone. Good VF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Dr. Paul Rynearson, March 1997.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

687. Drusus. Died AD 23. Æ As (27mm, 11.15 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Tiberius, AD 22-23. DRVSVS • CAESAR • TI

AVG

F

DIVI

AVG

N

bare head left / PONTIF

TRIBVN

POTEST

ITER

around large S

C. RIC I 45 (Tiberius); BMCRE 99-101 (Tiberius); BN 78-82 (Tiberius); S 1794 (this coin illustrated). Attractive green and brown surfaces. Near EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection.

688. Antonia Minor. Augusta, AD 37 and 41. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.67 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 41-42. ANTONIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, wearing wreath of grain ears / SACERDOS DIVI AVGV[STI], two vertical, long torches linked by ribbon. RIC I 68 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 15 (unlisted dies); RSC 5; BMCRE 114 (Claudius); cf. BN 15-17 (Claudius; aureus). Bright surfaces, a few marks, hairlines, scrapes at edge. Good VF. ($1000)

Antonia was the daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia, sister of Augustus, and was raised in the household of her illustrious uncle. In 16 BC she was married to Nero Claudius Drusus, the stepson of Augustus, to whom she bore the great general Germanicus and his brother, future emperor Claudius. Her reputation as a model of matronly virtues kept her afloat, and alive, during the turbulent reigns of the early Julio-Claudian emperors. It was her testimony against her own daughter, Livilla, that saved Tiberius from the conspiracy of his ambitious Praetorian Prefect, Sejanus. Her “reward” was to oversee the execution of Livilla by starvation. Antonia was vocal in her criticism of Caligula’s debauchery; his reaction was to force her to commit suicide at the age of 73 in AD 37. Antonia was never fond of her surviving son, Claudius, but after he became emperor in AD 41, he nevertheless honored her with the posthumous title of Augusta and the striking of coins in gold, silver and bronze coins bearing her image.

689. Germanicus. Died AD 19. Æ As (26.5mm, 10.50 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Gaius (Caligula), AD 40-41. GERMANICVS • CAESAR

P

M

TR

P

IIII

P

P

TI

AVG

F

DIVI

AVG

N

bare head left / C

CAESAR • DIVI

AVG

PRON

AVG

around large S • C. RIC I (1st ed.) 47; BMCRE 74-8 (Caligula); BN 123-5 (Caligula). Brown patina, minor deposits. Near EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, January 1994. Ex Superior (10 December 1993), lot 1840.

The fair-haired young hope of his generation, Germanicus Caesar was the son of the great general Nero Claudius Drusus, famed for “conquering” Germany in the last decade BC, although most of this was undone by the Varian disaster of AD 9. Germanicus was raised in the household of Augustus and proved talented both in political and military endeavors. He won a spectacular triumph in AD 17 for his punitive expeditions into Germany the previous two years, which restored Roman honor. Seemingly destined to become emperor himself, Germanicus died at the age of 34, under mysterious circumstances, while on a diplomatic tour of the Roman East. His marriage to Augustus’s granddaughter Agrippina Senior produced nine children, including the future emperor Gaius ‘Caligula,’ who struck this coin in his father’s honor.

Wonderful Portraits

690. Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.82 g, 1h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 1st emission, after 18 March AD 37. C • CAESAR

AVG

GERM

P

M

TR

POT

COS •, bare head of Gaius (Caligula) right / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right; two stars flanking. RIC I 2; Lyon 157 (unlisted dies); RSC 11 (Caligula and Augustus); BMCRE 4-5; BN 3-8. Attractive, even toning, minor porosity. Near EF. ($5000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, May 1984. Ex Rauch 32 (16 January 1984), lot 589.

As his great-grandfather Augustus did with Divus Julius Caesar, Gaius had coins struck which included a deified ancestor, in this case Divus Augustus. While later emissions of this type leave no doubt, since the legend DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE is included, this earlier denarius, struck in the opening months of the new reign, is more ambiguous: it is anepigraphic, the inclusion of stars argue for recent divinity (Augustus had been deified 23 years earlier), and the features on some of these coins somewhat resemble those of Tiberius. Combined with the historical evidence that Gaius had personally given Tiberius’ funeral oration and had asked the Senate to consider deification for Tiberius, this suggests that Gaius was testing the idea. The Senate, however, refused to pursue the matter further, and the portrait was soon altered to more closely resemble Divus Augustus.

691. Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.82 g, 11h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint.

1st emission, after 18 March AD 37. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERM • P • M • TR • POT • COS •, bare head of Gaius (Caligula) right / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right; two stars flanking. RIC I 2; Lyon 157 (unlisted dies); RSC 11 (Caligula and Augustus); BMCRE 4-5; BN 3-8. Lightly toned, area of minor roughness, reverse shows the die engraver’s centering circle from an early die state. Good VF. ($4000)

Ex Berk BBS 210 (1 April 2020), lot 184.

Two Bold Portraits

692. Gaius (Caligula), with Agrippina Senior. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.67 g, 10h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 2nd emission, 2nd phase, late AD 37-early 38. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERM • P • M • TR • POT, laureate head of Gaius (Caligula) right / AGRIPPINA • MAT • C • CAES • AVG • GERM, draped bust of Agrippina right. RIC I 14 (Rome mint); Lyon 170 (unlisted dies); RSC 2; BMCRE 15; BN 25-6. Lightly toned, faint hairlines. Near EF. Two bold portraits. ($5000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Harold Fleischman Collection, purchased from Torkom Demirjian, 1980.

The accession of Gaius (Caligula) to the imperial throne on the death of his great-uncle Tiberius signaled a kind of “golden age” in that for the first time, not only did a direct biological descendant of Augustus become emperor, but one who could also claim a direct link with several important Republican figures. Through his mother, Agrippina Sr., Gaius was descended from Augustus, and also Agrippa, the victor of Actium. Gaius’ father Germanaicus was the son of Nero Claudius Drusus and nephew of Tiberius, sons of Augustus’ widow, Livia. Through his mother Antonia, Germanicus was the grandson of Mark Antony and Octavia, the sister of Augustus. Accordingly, many of his coins recall his dynastic connections to both the Julians and the Claudians as well as his own family, and included in their designs his mother and his three sisters.

The Praetorian Camp

693. Claudius. AD 41-54. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.77 g, 10h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 43-44. TI CLAVD • CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • III, laureate head right / IMPER RECEPT across upper section of wall, Claudius seated left, holding scepter; to left, signum; all within distyle building with crescent in pediment and flanked by crenelated walls with arched entries; all set on crenelated wall with two arched entries. RIC I 19; von Kaenel Type 18, 349 (V283/R291); Lyon 34 (D152/R164); Calicó 360; BMCRE 20 (same obv. die); BN –; Adda 22; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –; cf. Elkins, Monuments, Figure 71 (for rev. type). Underlying luster, scrape on reverse. EF. Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among the finest specimens in private hands. Was encapsulated NGC AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface 3/5, scuff, NCG certification number 6558860-021, ticket included. Excellent portrait. ($20,000)

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 138 (18 May 2023), lot 644 (hammer 40,000 CHF).

Upon Caligula’s assassination in January, AD 41, Claudius was the sole surviving Julio-Claudian male. When members of the Praetorian Guard found him cowering behind a curtain in the palace, they immediately acclaimed him as Emperor and brought him to the Castra Praetoria, their fortified camp on the outskirts of Rome. Claudius astutely awarded the Praetorians a substantial bonus and, with 10,000 heavily armed soldiers backing him, he easily forced the Senate to accept him as the next princeps. On this aureus, Claudius clearly acknowledges his debt to the Praetorians, depicting the walled Castra with the legend IMPER RECEPT –- “The Emperor Received.”

Illustrated in CNR – Referenced in von Kaenel and Lyon – Pedigreed to 1933

694. Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.73 g, 4h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 46-47. TI CLAVD CAESAR • AVG • P M • TR • P • VI • IMP • XI, laureate head right / PACI ΛVGVSTΛE, Pax-Nemesis, winged, draped, advancing right, with right hand she pulls out a fold of her robe below the neck, holding in left hand a winged caduceus pointed downward at a snake gliding right with head erect. RIC I 39 (Rome); von Kaenel Type 24, 474.601 (V386/R398) = Lyon 47/2b (D211/R230) = CNR XIV 304/1 (this coin); RSC 58; BMCRE 40-1; BN 51. Beautiful old cabinet toning. Good VF. ($3000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Hess (18 December 1933), lot 378.

Nemesis is the goddess who enacts divine retribution on those who display hubris, or arrogance before the gods. By Roman times she is usually depicted as a winged woman holding out a fold of her garment before her, expressing aversion by spitting upon her bosom (supposedly humans could avoid her anger by making the same gesture). From early in his reign, Claudius employed on his coins a version of Nemesis sharing some features with Pax (Peace) along with the legend PACI AVGVSTAE (“the Emperor’s peace”). Claudius’s Nemisis coinage starts in AD 43 and probably refers to his invasion and subsequent conquest of Britain, with Rome meting out “divine retribution” on the arrogant British tribes. “The Emperor’s peace” presumably refers to Britannia being brought within the Pax Romana, albeit by force of arms. Nine decades later Hadrian would employ a similar reverse as a reference to the Bar Kochba conflict.

695. Claudius. AD 41-54. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 28.38 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 41-42. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR • AVG P M TR P IMP, laureate head right / EX S C/ O B/ CIV•ES/ SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath. RIC I 96; von Kaenel Type 54; BMCRE 115-6; BN 152-61. Dark green-brown patina, minor roughness. Good VF. ($1000)

Ex Berk BBS 185 (9 July 2013), lot 205; Gemini X (13 January 2013), lot 557; Claude Burgan Numismatique inventory.

Ex Levy Collection

696. Claudius, with Agrippina Junior. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.70 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT [P P •], laureate head of Claudius right / ΛGRIPPINΛE ΛVGVSTΛE, draped bust of Agrippina right, wearing wreath of grain ears and hair in long plait taken up, two locks falling loosely down neck. RIC I 81; von Kaenel Type 50 (unlisted dies); RSC 4; BMCRE 75-6; BN 82-4. Beautiful cabinet toning, shallow scratches under tone, edge marks. Near EF. ($5000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Bob Levy Collection (Leu 57, 25 May 1993), lot 244; Numismatic Fine Arts XX (9 March 1988), lot 112.

Agrippina Junior was the great-granddaughter of Augustus, daughter of the paragon Germanicus and his admirable wife Agrippina Senior, and sister to the Emperor Gaius “Caligula.” With bloodlines such as these it was only natural that she chose not to play the traditional Roman woman’s role of dutiful subordinate. Her grand-uncle Tiberius arranged her marriage at age 13 to Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, a Roman aristocrat who achieved the Consulship in AD 32. During her brother Caligula’s reign she was initially accorded high honors, including all the rights and privileges of the Vestal Virgins. During this period of favor she gave birth to a son, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus. After Drusilla’s death in June of AD 38, Caligula’s affection cooled for his surviving two sisters, and in AD 39 both were exiled to the Pontine Islands. Agrippina’s exile lasted until Caligula’s assassination in January of AD 41; he was succeeded by his pedantic old uncle Claudius, who allowed all exiles to return. Her husband having died in 40, Agrippina courted and married another wealthy aristocrat, Gaius Sallustius Passienus Crispus, who died in AD 47, leaving her available when Claudius found himself in need of a new wife after executing Messalina in AD 48. The inconvenient fact that such a marriage would be incestuous was patched over with hasty legislation, and the two were wed on New Year’s Day, AD 49. Once installed in the palace she eliminated all rivals for Claudius’ affections and thrust her son into the succession arrangements. She soon became the most powerful woman Rome had yet seen, and her enhanced position is reflected in the Roman coinage.

697. Nero. As Caesar, AD 50-54. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.65 g, 10h). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 51. NERONI CLAVDIO DRVSO GERM COS DESIGN, young, bareheaded, and draped bust right / EQVESTER/ OR DO/ PRINCIPI/ IVVENT in four lines on a shield; behind it, a vertical spear, pointing upward. RIC I 79 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 53 (unlisted dies); RSC 97; BMCRE 93-4 (Claudius); BN 96-7 (Claudius). Attractive even toning, slightly granular surfaces, scratches, a few die breaks on obverse. Good VF. Well centered with complete legends. ($750)

Ex Triton XXVII, Session 6 (17 January 2024), lot 6051; Athena 1 (8 October 1987), lot 185.

In March of AD 51, the thirteen-year-old Nero, adopted son of Claudius, was formally declared an adult, thus taking a step toward Agrippina’s goal of her son becoming the successor to the emperor. Nero was given the title of consul designate, granted honors by the praetorian guards and equites, and also enrolled as priest in the four religious colleges of Rome, the pontifices (simpulum), augurs (lituus), quindecimviri sacris faciendus (tripod) and the septemviri epulones (patera).

Nero’s Triumphal Arch

698. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (37mm, 24.98 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 65. NERO • CLAVD

• CAESAR • AVG • GER • P • M • TR • P • IMP P P, laureate head right, globe at point of neck / S C across field, triumphal arch, showing the front, with a wreath hung across it, surmounted by the emperor in facing quadriga accompanied by Pax and Victory, flanked by two soldiers; statue of Mars in side niche; the faces and plinths of the arch are ornamented with elaborate reliefs. RIC I 432; WCN 422; Lyon 113; BMCRE 329; BN 77; Elkins, Monuments Figure 79 (for rev. type). Dark brown and green patina, some red, smoothed, area of double strike on obverse. Good VF. ($2000)

Ex Stein A. Evensen Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 115, 16 September 2020), lot 625; Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 296 (13 February 2013), lot 250.

This monumental triumphal arch was erected by Nero to commemorate Roman military campaigns against the Parthians in Mesopotamia and Armenia. Although not particularly successful in a military sense, with Paetus losing almost his entire army at Randeia in Armenia, the war did end with a peace treaty favorable to Rome that was upheld for nearly fifty years. This coin type is vitally important for architectural historians, for the arch was dismantled after Nero’s ignominious end in AD 68 and is only known through its depiction on the coins.

The Macellum Magnum

699. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (28.5mm, 13.70 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P, laureate head left, globe at point of neck / MAC AVG, S C below steps, Façade of the Macellum Magnum: statue standing facing on base within cylindrical tetrastyle entrance set on tiered base, upper tristyle story surmounted by ornate conical dome; two-story distyle porch on left, two-story tristyle porch on right. RIC I 400; WCN 501; Lyon 79; BMCRE –; BN 86; cf. Elkins, Monuments Figure 82 (for rev. type). In NGC encapsulation 4281366-007, graded VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, smoothing. ($750)

The Macellum Magnum was Nero’s great provision-market, probably dating from AD 59. This magnificent structure, originally occupying the middle of a square lined with porticoes and shops, was located on the Caelian Hill. It survived in its original state until the late 4th century, when its dilapidated condition necessitated a major reconstruction. During the turbulent 5th century the building again fell into partial ruin and in the latter part of the century it was transformed under Pope Simplicius (468-482) into the church of S. Stefano Rotondo.

700. Nero, with Agrippina Junior. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.52 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 55. NERO CLAVD DIVI F CAES AVG GERM IMP TR P COS, conjoined busts right of Nero, bareheaded, drapery at back of neck, and of Agrippina Junior, bareheaded and draped / AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER, EX S C in left field, chariot drawn left by quadriga of elephants; on two chairs set on chariot are seated two male figures, Divus Claudius, radiate and holding eagle-tipped scepter in right hand, and Divus Augustus, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 7; WCN 37; RSC 4; BMCRE 8; BN 13-14. Toned. Good VF. ($5000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Peter J. Merani Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 133; Classical Numismatic Group 46 (24 June 1998), lot 1171; Aufhäuser 13 (7 October 1997), lot 315.

When Nero, at the age of 17, became emperor after the suspicious death of Claudius, his mother, Agrippina Junior, took the reins. Because of this, she appears on numerous coins with and equal to her son, like on the present coin. As he got older, Agrippina’s overbearing nature became too much for him and Nero decided that she needed to be eliminated. According to several ancient accounts, Nero did not want to kill her directly so he concocted elaborate schemes to make her death look accidental. Each of these plans were thwarted.

First, he tried poisoning Agrippina three times but she took antidotes in advance. Next, he set up a contraption in her bedroom to drop tiles on her, while she slept. However, she found out about his plan in advance and avoided it. Finally, he sent her a letter inviting her to Baiae and when she went out on a ship it was rigged to collapse and drown her. When the boat did as intended, Agrippina simply swam back to shore where she was met by a group of admirers.

Done with scheming and just wanting the deed done, he decided to send his own trusted assassins to finish the job. According to Cassius Dio when they came upon her, weapons in hand, she yelled pointing to her womb “Strike here, for this bore Nero” (Cassius Dio, Historia Romana LXIII.13.).

701. Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.59 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 58-59. NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP •, bare head right / PONTIF • MAX • TR • P • V • P P •, EX S C within oak wreath. RIC I 16; WCN 8; Calicó 424; BMCRE 17-9; BN 23-5; Adda 35. In NGC encapsulation 4372904-042, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, brushed. ($3000)

702. Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.69 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 62-63. NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP •, bare head right / PONTIF MAX TR P VIIII COS IIII P P around, EX S C across field, Virtus, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, right foot on helmet, holding parazonium in right hand resting it on right knee, and holding vertical scepter in left; a pair of shields to left. RIC I 36; WCN 18; Calicó 435; BMCRE 40-1; BN 45; Vinchon (4 December 2024), lot 229 (same dies). Reddish toning characteristic of aurei from the Boscoreale Hoard of 1895, shallow scratches, marks, faint hairlines. Good VF. ($7500)

Purchased by the consignor from Shanna Schmidt. Ex Schulman Vault Collection (Schulman 365, 22 October 2020) lot 1532; Boscoreale Hoard of 1895.

Boscoreale Hoard Nero Aureus

Illustrated in CNR – Pedigreed to 1954

703. Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.45 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / ROMA in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on cuirass, right foot set on helmet, holding Victory in right hand and resting left on parazonium at side; round and oblong shields and greave to right. RIC I 55; WCN 59; RSC 258; BMCRE 83-5; BN 224; CNR XVII 402 (this coin). Toned, a few minor marks under tone, deposits on reverse. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan. ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Leu 28 (5 May 1981), lot 389; Blaser-Frey [1] (24 September 1954), lot 719.

The Temple of Janus

704. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 27.50 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 65. NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, S C across field, Temple of Janus with latticed windows to left and garland hung across closed double doors to right. RIC I 266; WCN 139; BMCRE 161; BN 416 var. (bust type); cf. Elkins, Monuments Figure 77 (for rev. type). Green-brown surfaces, remnants of find patina, minor die breaks on reverse. Good VF. An interesting architectural reverse type with the closed doors of the Temple of Janus, sending the signal to the Roman people that there was no war. ($1500)

Ex collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang (Leu Numismatik AG 12, 15 May 2022), lot 1059; Numismatica Ars Classica L (18 May 2001), lot 1698.

The Temple of Janus was one of Rome’s most ancient centers of worship. It was said that Romulus had built it after he made peace with the Sabines, and that it was king Numa who decreed that its doors should be opened during times of war and shut during times of peace. In all of Roman history until the reign of Nero, the temple doors had been shut perhaps five or six times – once under king Numa (who originated the tradition), once at the end of the Second Punic War, three times under Augustus, and, according to Ovid, once under Tiberius.

In AD 65, when peace had been generally established in the Empire, Nero understandably requested the closing of the temple’s doors. He marked the event with great celebrations and trumpeted his policy of peace by issuing a large and impressive series of coins. The inscription on this issue announces “the doors of Janus have been closed after peace has been procured for the Roman People on the land and on the sea.” The doors of the temple probably remained closed for less than a year, being opened again with the onset of strife in Judaea in AD 66.

705. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 24.92 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 65. NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / S C across field, ROMA in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on cuirass, right foot on helmet, holding Victory in outstretched right hand and resting left hand on parazonium; to right, shields set on ground. RIC I 275; WCN 137; BMCRE 180; BN 364. Green-brown patina. VF. Fine-style portrait. ($1000)

706. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 27.32 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 66. IMP NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P P P, laureate head left / PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, S C across field, Temple of Janus with latticed windows to left and garland hung across closed double doors to right. RIC I 324; WCN 165; BMCRE 163; BN 418; cf. Elkins, Monuments, fig. 77 (for rev. type). Attractive tan-brown river patina, small area of roughness on reverse. Good VF. Excellent portrait. ($1500)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex CNG inventory 969012 (December 2013); Künker 236 (7 October 2013), lot 966.

707. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 25.06 g, 5h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. Struck circa October AD 68. SER • GALBA • IMP • CAESAR • AVG • TR • P, laureate head right / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, S C across field, Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and vindicta in left. RIC I 387; ACG – (A83/P126 – [unlisted die combination]); BMCRE 68; BN 195. In NGC encapsulation 8521458-015, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, edge marks. ($1500) Ex MDC Monaco 4 (15 November 2018), lot 80 (hammer €4200).

Impressive Portrait of Galba

708. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (36.5mm, 26.84 g, 7h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. Struck circa October AD 68. SER • GALBA • IMP • CAESAR • AVG • TR P, laureate and draped bust right / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, S C across field, Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and vindicta in left. RIC I 388; ACG – (A148/P– [unlisted rev. die]); BMCRE 69-70; BN 194. Brown patina, minor roughness. Good VF. Well centered on a broad medallic flan. ($3000)

Ex Meander Collection; Künker 280 (26 September 2016), lot 534; G. Hirsch 111 (12 June 1978), lot 2044.

By AD 68, Servius Sulpicius Galba had governed Hispania for nearly eight years with a single Roman legion, VI Victrix, under his command. In April of that year, with Nero’s support crumbling, Galba proclaimed himself as representing the Senate and People of Rome, in opposition to Nero, thus taking the first steps that would lead to his brief, chaotic reign as emperor. However, the final collapse of Nero’s regime took several months, during which the Roman coinage reflected the uncertain political climate.

Rare Otho Aureus

709. Otho. AD 69. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.06 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP OTHO CAESAR ΛVG TR P, bare head right / SECV RI TAS P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 9; Muona Group 2, Type 9A, Portrait Type D; Calicó 529; cf. BMCRE p. 366, note †; BN 9; Adda 43; Biaggi 273; Mazzini 14. Polished. Fine. Rare. ($7500)

Ex Berk BBS 111 (28 October 1999), lot 33.

Marcus Salvius Otho was a minor functionary in the court of Nero, known more for his enthusiastic participation in the emperor’s revels than for any real competency. His one mistake was in introducing his beautiful wife Poppaea Sabina to his master. Very soon, Otho got the governorship of the remote province of Lusitania, and Nero got Poppaea. With Nero’s downfall, Otho aligned himself with his fellow governor Galba, fully expecting to be named the elderly emperor’s successor. When Galba designated Piso as his successor, the disappointed Otho joined the conspiracy that led to Galba’s assassination. Otho himself would perish three months later, by his own hand as the armies of Vitellius approached Rome.

710. Otho. AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.34 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January–8 March. [I]MP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECV RI TΛS P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 8; Muona Group 1, Type 4B, Portrait Type A; RSC 17; BMCRE 17-8; BN 10. Toned, slightly granular surfaces, scratches and marks under tone. VF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, June 1974.

Excellent Otho Portrait

711. Otho. AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.19 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 9 March-mid April. IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / PONT MAX, Ceres, draped, standing left, holding two grain ears in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 20 (Aureus) note; Muona Group 3, Type 12B, Portrait Type D; RSC 11; BMCRE 9; BN 24-5. Attractive toning, slightly granular surfaces, edge mark. VF. Excellent portrait. ($1000)

From the David Chapman Collection, purchased from Jesús Vico.

712. Vitellius. AD 69. AV Aureus (20mm, 6.97 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April–20 December. A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TRP, laureate head right / S P Q R/ O•B/ C S in three lines; all within oak wreath. RIC I 82; Calicó 574a (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 14; BN 42-4; Adda 47: Biaggi 283; Mazzini 85. Deposits, surface and edge marks, small banker’s mark on reverse. Good Fine. ($7500)

Ex Peus 417 (2 November 2016), lot 201.

The last of Nero’s immediate three successors, Vitellius was declared emperor by his troops while campaigning in lower Germania in January, AD 69. His reign was short lived however, as Vespasian was hailed emperor in Judaea only a few months later. Vitellius’ troops gave little resistance as Vespasian entered Italy. As Vespasian’s army approached Rome, Vitellius attempted to abdicate but was prevented by the Praetorians and his backers, who rioted and burned down the Temple of Jupiter. Vitellius was ultimately dragged out of his hiding place and brutally murdered, his body thrown down the Gemonian Stairs.

Ex Signorelli Collection – Pedigreed to 1952

713. Vitellius. AD 69. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.31 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP ΛVG TR P, laureate head right / PONT MΛXIM, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated right on throne, holding vertical scepter in left hand and patera in right. RIC I 107; RSC 72; BMCRE 34-7; BN 71-4. Toned, faint hairlines under tone. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Superior, May 1982. Ex Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 321; Prof. Angelo Signorelli Collection (Part II, Santamaria, 4 June 1952), lot 1234.

714. Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 18.70 g, 7h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right, globe at point of neck / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, Vespasian standing right, left foot on helmet, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass, right hand on knee, left hand propping her head in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 1134; Hendin 6573; Lyon 27/2a (D67/R77); BMCRE 800; BN –. Rough green patina, pitting. VF. ($2000)

Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Triton XXVII, 9 January 2024), lot 718.

Once again for a long-beleaguered people, the dream of a Judaea free from conquerors was deferred. When Vespasian was acclaimed Emperor by the eastern legions on 1 July AD 69, he left his son Titus in command of ongoing operations to repress the Jewish rebellion. Like his father, Titus was a skilled general and by April AD 70 had forced the rebels and many civilians to seek safety behind the walls of Jerusalem. These he placed under a close siege that dragged on for four months and brought the defenders to extremities of starvation. At last, in August, the forces under Titus stormed the city and set it and the Temple ablaze. Although mopping up operations against surviving rebel elements continued in Judaea until AD 73, for the Roman Empire the siege of Jerusalem had been the culmination of five straight years of warfare, which had devastated the economy and threatened the very foundations of the empire. Titus traveled to Rome in AD 71, the famed golden menorah and showbread table of Jerusalem’s Temple in tow, to celebrate a formal triumph alongside his father and his brother Domitian. Vespasian had destroyed his rivals in AD 69 and upon becoming sole Emperor had named Titus as Caesar. The Roman victory over the Jewish rebels subsequently became a keystone of the numismatic propaganda deployed on the Judaea Capta coins in gold, silver, and bronze struck by both Vespasian and Titus.

In one of the most undignifying reinterpretations of a passage from Isaiah, the Romans intended to display the spiritual breaking of the Jewish people: “Thy men shall fall by the sword. And thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn; and utterly bereft she shall sit upon the ground” (Isaiah 3: 25-26). On perhaps the most famous of the reverse types in the Judea Capta series, Judaea, personified as a young woman, is depicted in captivity — chained by a palm tree and bereft on the ground, while the triumphant Vespasian is shown in a general’s armor standing tall above her.

715. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.23 g, 5h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 72. IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P IIII P P COS IIII, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTI, Pax-Nemesis advancing right, pulling out fold of drapery and holding winged caduceus pointed at snake gliding right, head erect. RIC II 1180; Lyon 56; Calicó 656; BMCRE 403-6; BN 307-8; Biaggi 331. Light marks, minor die rust. Near VF. ($2000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 120 (11 May 2022), lot 792.

716. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.53 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa 21 December AD 69-early 70. IMP CAESAR VESPΛSIΛNVS ΛVG, laureate head right / IVDAEA in exergue, trophy; to right, Judaea, veiled and draped, seated right on ground in attitude of mourning, knees drawn up, head resting in left hand, which is propped on knees. RIC II.1 2; Hendin 6509; RSC 226; BMCRE 35-42; BN 23-5. Toned, minor marks. Good VF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXIX (13 August 1992), lot 351; Julius Caesar and His Legacy (Numismatic Fine Arts, 13 May 1991), lot 39; Numismatic Fine Arts XX (9 March 1988), lot 141; Sternberg VIII (16 November 1978), lot 498.

Heifer of Myron

717. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.33 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 76. IMP CΛESAR VESPΛSIΛNVS

ΛVG, laureate head right / COS VII, heifer of Myron walking right. RIC II.1 840; Calicó 622a (same rev. die as illustration); BMCRE 176; BN –; Adda 53; Biaggi 314; Mazzini 117 (same rev. die); Triton I, lot 1356 (same rev. die). In NGC encapsulation 3990650-006, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($7500)

Ex Lattimer Collection (Heritage 3119, 1 November 2024), lot 30038; ArtCoins Roma, with Bertolami 19 (11 November 2015), lot 526.

The reverse is thought to represent the bronze heifer by Myron, the 5th century BC Athenian sculptor. Vespasian placed the monumental work in his Templum Pacis (Temple of Peace), which was constructed following the close of the Jewish War. The temple complex doubled as a sort of public museum, where many of the spoils from the sack of Jerusalem were displayed alongside prominent works of art.

718. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. Æ Dupondius (26mm, 12.38 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 72. T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II, radiate head right / FELICITAS PVBLICA, S C across field, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding winged caduceus upright in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC II 465 (Vespasian); BMCRE 639 var. (obv. legend; Vespasian); BN 628 (Vespasian). Attractive dark brown patina, light smoothing, edge smoothing. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Curtis L. Clay Collection (Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023), lot 49; Rauch MBS 4 (8 September 2000), lot 469.

Flavius Titus Vespasianus was born in AD 41, as son of the successful general Vespasian. Titus had the honor of being raised and educated at court alongside the emperor Claudius’ son, Britannicus. He grew into an intelligent, handsome, and charming young man who became his father’s second in command for the Judaean campaign of AD 66-69. When Nero’s regime collapsed, Titus played a key role in the negotiations with other provincial governors that led to Vespasian’s acclamation as emperor. While Vespasian marched on Rome to confront his rivals, Titus took over direction of the Judaean war. He led his legions with dash, verve and personal courage, thus becoming an idol to his men. The Judaean campaign culminated in the brutal storming of Jerusalem in AD 70. Titus was granted a Triumph and the victory was celebrated with a widespread issue of coinage for Vespasian, Titus and his brother Domitian, both “Judaea Capta” types and simple Victory issues. These types include this Victory aureus of Titus as Caesar, struck cira AD 72-73. Though still theoretically subordinate to his father, Titus is shown wearing the laurel wreath or radiate usually reserved only for the emperor, visually signaling his status as virtual co-ruler with Vespasian.

719. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.43 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 79, to 24 June. T CAESAR IMP VESPΛSIΛNVS, laureate head right / TR POT VIII COS VII, Venus, seen half from behind, naked to the hips, standing right, resting left elbow on column, holding transverse scepter in left hand and crested helmet in right. RIC II.1 1078 (Vespasian); RSC 332; BMCRE 255A (Vespasian); BN 223-4 (Vespasian). Toned, small flan flaw. Good VF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, February 1982.

This charming reverse type, depicting the goddess Venus, leaning on a column, holding a scepter and helmet, with her half-covered derriere turned coyly to the viewer, is rather unusual for a male ruler. Indeed, the same reverse was also used on coins of Titus’ daughter, Julia Titi, in the next reign by his brother’s wife, Domitia, and ultimately by Julia Domna, but never again by a Roman emperor. Venus was supposedly the progenitor of the Julian clan and was thus employed by Caesar on his coinage, and by later emperors as well, although on male issues she usually appears fully clothed as Venus Victrix. Titus, a military man but with an eye for art and beauty, perhaps was captivated by a statue depicting Venus Callipyge (”Venus of the beautiful buttocks”) and ordered that a variant image be employed as a reverse type for his coinage and that of his daughter.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values – Pedigreed to 1912

720. Julia Titi. Augusta, AD 79-90/1. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.52 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Titus, AD 80-81. IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F •, diademed and draped bust right; hair in long plait / VENVS AVGVST, Venus, seen half from behind, naked to the hips, standing right, resting left elbow on column, holding transverse scepter in left hand and crested helmet in right. RIC II.1 388 (Titus); RSC 14; BMCRE 141-3 (Titus); BN 106-7 (Titus); S 2612 (this coin illustrated). Attractive light iridescent toning, minor flan flaws, trace deposits. Near EF ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, October 1989. Ex Hirsch XXXIV (5 May 1914), lot 1027; Hirsch XXXI (6 May 1912), lot 1221.

Flavia Julia Titi was born in AD 65 as the daughter of Titus Flavius Vespasianus, an up-and-coming junior officer in the Roman Army. Titus was soon forced to divorce Julia’s mother, whose family was implicated in a plot against the Emperor Nero. Three years later, Vespasian seized the throne and Titus, his eldest son, was named Caesar and heir-apparent. Julia was Titus’ only child and soon became a pawn in the game of dynastic politics. In her teens, Julia evidently developed an attachment to Titus’ younger brother Domitian. When she came of age, Titus, perhaps reluctantly, proposed that she marry Domitian. But Domitian was enamored with another lady and refused the match. A short time later Julia was betrothed to a cousin, Flavius Sabinus, who was just starting on his political career. In AD 79, Vespasian died and Titus became sole emperor. One of his first official acts was to raise Julia to the rank of Augusta, or Empress, the first woman in more than a decade to hold that exalted position. He struck this lovely coin for the occasion, pairing Julia’s obverse portrait with a charming image of Venus with her half-covered derriere turned coyly to the viewer. Julia thus became the first reigning Roman empress to be honored with a regular issue of Roman coins struck solely in her own name.

721. Domitian. AD 81-96. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.52 g, 5h). Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games) issue. Rome mint. Struck AD 88. DOMITIΛNVS ΛVGVSTVS GERMΛNICVS, laureate head right / COS XIIII LVD SΛEC FEC, herald, wearing long garment to ankles and short over-garment to waist, round cap with two feathers on head, advancing left, holding wand in right hand and round shield in left. RIC II.1 595 (R3; same rev. die as illustration); Calicó 826; BMCRE 130 (same rev. die); BN –; Adda –; Biaggi 401; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Earthen deposits, hairlines, scrapes, edge marks. VF. Extremely rare, apparently the third known. One example is in the British Museum. The other specimen is the Biaggi coin, which is plated in Calicó, and was from the Frank L. Kovacs Collection sold in Helios 1 (17 April 2008), lot 243 (hammer €26,000). ($7500)

Honoring the original system for the celebration of the games, Domitian held the Ludi Saeculares in October AD 88, coming close to the traditional 110-year standard.

The Third Known

Illustrated in Banti – Ex Herzfelder Collection – Pedigreed to 1913

722. Nerva. AD 96-98. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 22.56 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 96. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II DESIGN III P P, laureate head right / ANNONA AVGVST, S C in exergue, Annona standing right, holding cornucopia in left hand, facing Ceres seated left, holding grain ears in outstretched right hand and torch in left; between them, modius on garlanded altar, ship’s stern in background. RIC II 68; Banti 3 (this coin cited and illustrated); BMCRE p. 17, †; BN –. Dark green-brown patina, light smoothing. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Herzfelder Collection (Egger XLIII, 14 April 1913), lot 711.

In order to counteract the public discord engendered by Domitian’s assassination and secure his own position on the throne, Nerva embarked on implementing a number of reforms and methods of alleviating the distress of the citizens of Rome. One of these was the special distribution of grain (frumento constituto) to the populace (plebes urbanae) in addition to that which they were already receiving from the annona, a long-standing public institution that had been subsidizing handouts since the time of Augustus. By Nerva’s day, this regular distribution had become so important that any temporary cessation of the supply could result in urban riots. In order to show his good intentions toward the capital and its people and demonstrate that the grain would continue to flow in an unceasing supply, Nerva made this special distribution. The commemoration of the event on this coin further reminded everyone of the “good emperor” who now ruled.

723. Trajan. AD 98-117. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.49 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 100. IMP CΛES NERVΛ TRΛ IΛN ΛVG GERM, laureate head right / P M TR P C OS III P P, Abundantia-Securitas seated left on chair with crossed cornucopias as arms, holding scepter in right hand. RIC II 32; Woytek 66a; Strack 34; RSC 219; BMCRE 68-70 var. (legend breaks); BN 76. Lustrous, faint hairlines. Superb EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII (4 December 1990), lot 455.

The Circus Maximus

724. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 24.70 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 103-104. IMP CAES NERVAE

TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery / S • P • Q • R • OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C in exergue, view of the Circus Maximus, showing a colonnaded front, with arch, indicating gateway, surmounted by facing quadriga, on right, and, behind it, higher up, a similar arch with quadriga, and another arch, surmounted by quadriga facing right at extreme left: the sides of the Circus are not seen but the back is indicated by a sweep of colonnades: in the interior is the great obelisk in center; to left and right smaller obelisks. RIC II 571 var. (bust type); Woytek 175b; Strack 391; Banti 273; BMCRE p. 181, note *; BN ; Elkins, Monuments Figure 111. Brown patina, areas of porosity, scratches, light smoothing, minor edge bruise. VF. ($2000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Künker 273 (14 March 2016), lot 704.

The Circus Maximus, perhaps the second greatest monument built for the benefit of Rome’s citizens after the famed Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum), was restored by Trajan in AD 103.

Ex Fehrenbach, Johns Hopkins University, Garrett, and Baron Delbeke Collections

725. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 25.84 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 104/5-107. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / S • P • Q • R • OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C across field, Victory, naked to waist, standing right, left foot set on helmet, left knee bent, holding stylus in right hand and resting left hand on shield set on palm tree, inscribed VIC/ DAC in two lines. RIC II 527; Woytek 204bA; Strack 373; Banti 162; BMCRE 812; BN 210-1. Dark green patina, smoothing. Near EF. Wonderful reverse. ($1000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVII.1 (Winter 2022), no. 587418; T. R. Fehrenbach Collection (Heritage 3089, 21 January 2021), lot 32189; Classical Numismatic Review XXVI (Summer 2001), no. 102; Münzen und Medaillen AG 79 (28 February 1994), lot 500; Johns Hopkins University Collection [inv. 44.6.270] (Part I, Numismatic Fine Arts & Bank Leu, 16 May 1984), lot 773; John Work Garrett Collection [inv. G 760], purchased from M. Schulman, 1 April 1927, for $63; Baron Augustus Carolus Delbeke Collection.

726. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Dupondius (27mm, 12.62 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa mid AD 107-110. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, radiate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C in exergue, Trajan on horseback riding right, thrusting spear with right hand at Dacian soldier falling down under horse. RIC II 545; Woytek 318bC; Strack 361; BMCRE 903; BN 331-2. Brown surfaces, scratches, spots of hard green. EF. ($1000)

Ex Triton XXV, Session 5 (25 January 2022), lot 5380.

727. Trajan. AD 98-117. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.15 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 112-113. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, VIA TRΛIΛNΛ in exergue, Via Traiana, partially draped, reclining left, head turned back to right, holding wheel of eight spokes on right knee and resting left arm on rocks, holding branch in left hand. RIC II 266; Woytek 398b; Strack 179; RSC 648; BMCRE 487-91; BN 671 var. (bust type). Lustrous, slightly granular surfaces, minor flan flaws. EF. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Berk BBS 129 (24 October 2002), lot 205.

This evocative reverse celebrates Via Traiana, depicting the highway as reclining female figure holding a wheel. This could refer to the Italian Via Traiana, constructed at the emperor’s expense from AD 109 to 113, which ran 205 miles from Brindisium to Beneventum and largely replaced the old Appian Way. A second major artery, the Via Traiana Nova, stretching from Syria to Egypt, was also constructed at about the same time as part of the runup to Trajan’s offensive against the Parthian Empire.

728. Trajan, with Trajan Pater. AD 98-117. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.46 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck mid AD 112-spring 113. IMP TRAIANVS AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / DIVVS PATER TRAIAN, Divus Trajan Pater, bareheaded and togate, seated left on curule chair, feet on stool, holding patera in extended right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC II 252 corr. (bust type); Woytek 406b; Strack 212; RSC 140; BMCRE 500-4; BN 695-6. Lustrous, faint hairlines. Superb EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 9 (16 July 2003), lot 594. Trajan was the first Roman emperor to hail from the provinces (he was born in Spain) and was quick to establish his lineage. Members of his family appearing on his coins include his father Trajan Pater, general and consul, his wife Plotina, his sister Marciana and her daughter Matidia.

The Via Traiana

Missing From Most Major Private Collections

729. Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.14 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck 20 February-circa autumn AD 116. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GER DAC PARTHICO, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / REGNA • AD SIGNATA, Trajan, bareheaded and in military dress, seated left on sella castrensis set on platform on right, holding out right hand; officers standing to left and right, the one on left holding spear; below, on the ground to left stand three kings, facing Trajan, the foremost holding out his right hand to receive a diadem. RIC II 367; Woytek 564f3 (same rev. die); Strack 250β; Calicó 1079 corr. (obv. legend); BMCRE 614-5; BN 862; Hunter 197; Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. In NGC encapsulation 6327043-003, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style, brushed. Rare. Missing from most major private collections. ($5000)

Ex Heritage 3109 (17 August 2023), lot 32230; Heritage 3101 (25 August 2022), lot 35243.

This attractive reverse composition shows Trajan assigning the kingdoms of Armenia, Parthia, and Mesopotamia to rulers in concert with his invasion in the East. Military gains in the Near East were briefly made by Rome under Trajan, but most did not last.

730. Plotina. Augusta, AD 105-123. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.29 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, AD 112-summer 114. PLOTINA AVG IMP TRAIANI, draped bust right, wearing hair bunched high in front and held in position by a double stephane, hair elaborately waved at back and falls down in a queue / CAES AVG GERMA DAC COS VI P P, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on chair without back, holding palladium in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC II 730 (Trajan); Woytek 705–1 (Trajan); Strack 180 (Trajan); RSC 3; BMCRE 526-7 (Trajan); BN 679-81 (Trajan). In NGC encapsulation 6154823-013, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Rare. ($1500)

Ex Peter J. Merani Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 173 (hammer $2500); Classical Numismatic Group 49 (17 March 1999), lot 1570.

Trajan’s wife Pompeia Plotina Claudia Phoebe Piso was part of a coterie of powerful Spanish-born women who exerted influence over imperial policy and the succession. Born in Gades in AD 64, she was made Augusta by Trajan in AD 100, but did not formally accept the title until AD 105. She is said to have stated, upon entering the imperial palace for the first time, “I enter here such a woman as I would wish to be when I leave.” Coinage with her portrait commenced with this issue in AD 112. Plotina highly favored Hadrian, the emperor’s protege, and probably engineered his betrothal and marriage to Matidia’s daughter Sabina, thus tying him to the imperial family. Some Roman historians accuse Plotina of concealing Trajan’s death for a time in order to stage-manage the appointment of Hadrian as Caesar. She lived into Hadrian’s reign and continued to be honored by him as Augusta. A letter survives from Plotina to Hadrian seeking his endowment of an Epicurean school in Greece. Upon her death in AD 122, she was deified by order of the Senate.

731. Diva Marciana. Died AD 112/4. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.89 g, 7h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, September AD 112-117. DIVA AVGVSTA MARCIANA, draped bust right, wearing stephane, in front of which her hair is built up in three tiers: the hair is massed at top and back of head in a coil / CONSECRATIO, eagle with wings spread, standing left on bar or scepter, head right. RIC II 743 (Trajan); Woytek 719; Strack 198; RSC 4; BMCRE 650-1 (Trajan); BN 756-8 (Trajan). Iridescent toning, areas of find patina. VF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, May 1989.

There is very little in the historical record of Ulpia Marciana, Trajan’s sister. Unlike many other imperial relatives during the Empire, she is reputed to have been of very high character. During Trajan’s reign, Marciana lived as a widow and did not take another husband. She was a close friend of Trajan’s wife, Plotina, and both jointly accepted the title of Augusta in AD 105 (which they had both rejected in AD 98). The date of her death is debatable, and although some scholars believe she died in the year she was hailed Augusta, her death is commonly placed in AD 112 or 114.

732. Matidia. Augusta, AD 112-119. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.27 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, September AD 112-117. MATIDIA • AVG DIVAE MARCIANAE F, draped bust right, wearing double stephane upright on head, in front of which her hair is built up in two tiers: the hair is massed at top and back of head in a coil / PIETAS AVGVST, Matidia (as Pietas), draped, standing front, head left, placing hands on heads of two children, Sabina and Matidia, who stand on either side, raising hands to her. RIC II 759 (Trajan); Woytek 729–1; Strack 53 (Hadrian); RSC 10; BMCRE 660-4 (Trajan); BN 913-4 (Trajan). In NGC encapsulation 6154823-014, graded XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, scratches. ($1500)

Ex Peter J. Merani Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 175; Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 1905; Giessener Münzhandlung 76 (22 April 1996), lot 436.

Cited in Woytek

733. Diva Matidia. Died AD 119. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.33 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, September AD 112-117. MATIDIA • AVG DIVAE MARCIANAE • F, draped bust right, wearing double stephane upright on head, in front of which her hair is built up in two tiers: the hair is massed at top and back of head in a coil / PIETAS • AVGVST, Matidia (as Pietas), draped, standing front, head left, placing hands on heads of two children, Sabina and Matidia, who stand on either side, raising hands to her. RIC II 759 (Trajan); Woytek 729–1 (this coin cited); Strack 53 (Hadrian); RSC 10; BMCRE 660-4 (Trajan); BN 913-4 (Trajan). Toned. Near EF. Exceptional style. ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Stack’s (2 December 1997), lot 723; Michael F. Price Collection (Stack’s, 3 December 1996), lot 172; Numismatic Fine Arts XXX (8 December 1992), lot 252.

Matidia, daughter of Marciana and niece of Trajan, proved to be the lynchpin that held together the imperial succession for the next three generations. Matidia was married three times in succession to important Roman Senators, all of whom predeceased her. Vibia Sabina, her daughter by her first husband, was married to the future emperor Hadrian. By her third husband, she bore Rupilia Faustina, who went on to become mother to Faustina the Elder, future wife of Antoninus Pius; she was also the grandmother of Marcus Aurelius and also his wife Faustina the Younger, and thus great-grandmother (on both sides) to Commodus. Matidia died in AD 119; her son-in-law Hadrian delivered the funeral oration and arranged for her deification.

734. Diva Matidia. Died AD 119. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.10 g, 6h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, AD 119-120 (and later). DIVA • AVGVST A • MATIDIA •, draped bust right, wearing hair coiled and piled on top of head above triple diadem / CONSECRATIO, eagle on scepter, leaning right, head left. RIC II.3 2458 (R2); Strack 134 (Hadrian); RSC 1; BMCRE 328 (Hadrian). VF. Rare. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex CNG inventory 159418 (December 2005).

735. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (18mm, 6.67 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS III, Hercules, naked, seated facing, holding club in right hand and distaff in left; shields to left, round shield in middle, cuirass to right. RIC II.3 508 (same rev. die as illustration); Strack 86γ1; Calicó 1318 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 97 var. (break in obv. legend; same rev. die); Biaggi 636 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6327044-014, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, edge filing. ($3000)

Ex Heritage 3101 (25 August 2022), lot 35247.

736. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.45 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck late AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III, Roma, helmeted, dressed as Amazon in short tunic, standing left, holding Victory in right hand and inverted spear in left. RIC II.3 597; Strack 122δ; RSC 1108; BMCRE 147. Lightly toned, underlying luster. Superb EF. Sharply struck with fresh dies. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, November 1979.

737. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (32.5mm, 25.17 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck late AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P COS III, S C across field, Minerva, helmeted and draped, standing left, dropping incense on candelabrum with right hand, and holding vertical spear in left hand; a round shield, on which a snake coils, rests against her left side. RIC II.3 667 (R2); Strack 574; Banti 580; BMCRE 1250. In NGC encapsulation 2401959-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. Rare with this bust type. ($1000)

A Wonderful Hadrian Aureus

738. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.30 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 124-125. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right, slight drapery / COS above, III in exergue, she-wolf standing left, suckling the Twins (Romulus and Remus). RIC II.3 709 (same dies as 1st illustration); Strack 195α; Calicó 1233a; BMCRE 448 (same dies); Adda 131; Biaggi 598; Jameson –; Mazzini 422. Lustrous, minor marks. Superb EF. A wonderful example of the type. ($15,000)

Ex Collection of a Connoisseur (Künker 365, 4 April 2022), lot 5318; Gemini XIII (6 April 2017), lot 173, purchased from Stack’s via Harlan J. Berk, December 2001.

According to Vergil (Aeneid, Book 2), Aeneas, the son of the goddess Venus and the Trojan Anchises, fled with some remnants of the inhabitants of Troy as it fell to the Greeks, taking with him his son, Ascanius, his elderly father, Anchises, and the Palladium, or ancient sacred statue of Athena. The Trojans eventually made their way west to resettle in Italy. There they intermarried with the local inhabitants and founded the town of Lavinium, and thereby became the nucleus of the future Roman people. One of the descendants of Aeneas’ son Ascanius (known now as Iulus) was Rhea Silvia. Impregnated by the god Mars, she gave birth to the twins, Romulus and Remus. Exposed by their great-uncle, Amulius, the twins were suckled by a she-wolf, until they were eventually rescued. Romulus later founded the city of Rome, and consequently the image of the she-wolf and the twins became the symbol of the city.

739. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.36 g, 6h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – The province alone. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bareheaded bust left, slight drapery / AFRICA, Africa, draped, wearing elephant-skin headdress, reclining left, leaning on a rock, holding scorpion in right hand and cornucopia in left; to left, basket of grain ears. RIC II.3 1497 (same dies as first illustration); Strack 2971/α ο; RSC 137a; BMCRE 821 note. Toned, thin scratch under tone on obverse. Near EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 76 (22 April 1996), lot 443.

Hadrian seems never to have felt fully comfortable in Rome and spent most of his 21-year reign traveling, eventually visiting nearly every Roman province. The local mints often struck special issues of coins to mark the occasion of his arrival.

740. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.57 g, 7h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – The province alone. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / A S IA, Asia, draped, standing left, right foot on prow, holding reaping hook in right hand and rudder upright in left. RIC II.3 1507; Strack 299; RSC 188; BMCRE 830. Lustrous. Near EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Lanz 135 (21 May 2007), lot 673.

741. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.35 g, 6h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – Restitutor type. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bareheaded and draped bust right / RESTITVTORI HISPANIAE, Hadrian, bareheaded and togate, standing left, extending right hand to raise up kneeling Hispania who shoulders olive branch; rabbit right between them. RIC II.3 1583 (same obv. die as illustration); Strack 321; RSC 1261b; BMCRE 888 (same obv. die). Attractive light toning, faint hairlines. Superb EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 5 (Spring 1998), no. E121.

742. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.34 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 133-circa 135. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / SALV S AVG, Salus, draped, standing right, right hand extended, feeding out of patera in left hand serpent coiled around and rising from altar to right. RIC II.3 2048; Strack 264δo; RSC 1335; BMCRE 715-8 var. (break in rev. legend). Lustrous. Superb EF. Bold strike with fresh dies. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 273; Classical Numismatic Group 45 (18 March 1998), lot 2042.

743. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 27.81 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 119-circa mid 120. IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HA DRIANVS AVG, laureate bust right with bare chest, slight drapery / PONT M A X T R POT COS III, S C in exergue, Roma, helmeted, in military dress, seated left on cuirass, left foot on greave, right foot on helmet, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical spear in left; shields and arms to right. RIC II.3 254; Strack 534; Banti 605; BMCRE 1148-9. Attractive enamel-like green patina, some smoothing. Near EF. A wonderful portrait. ($5000)

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 425; Tkalec (22 April 2007), lot 222.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values and Vagi

744. Sabina. Augusta, AD 128-136/7. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.18 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, AD 128-circa 129. SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, draped bust right, wearing double stephane with hair piled up and braided / Ceres, draped, seated left on basket, holding up grain-ears in right hand and torch in left. RIC II.3 2487; Strack 360; RSC 91; BMCRE 919 note (Hadrian); S 3928 (this coin illustrated); Vagi vol. 2, p. 351 (this coin illustrated). Attractive toning, minor scratch on reverse. EF. Struck with artistic dies. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Superior (6 December 1996), lot 1677; Classical Numismatic Group 34 (6 May 1995), lot 332.

Vibia Sabina was the daughter of L. Vibius Sabinus and Salonia Matidia, the favorite niece of the childless emperor Trajan. Sabina married the 24-year-old Hadrian in AD 100, marking him out as the likely successor to the throne, which he achieved in AD 117. Sabina was not formally named Augusta, or Empress, until AD 128, perhaps to coincide with Hadrian receiving the title of Pater Patriae from the Senate. She accompanied Hadrian on many of his famous travels. Although Hadrian reportedly engaged in affairs with both sexes, he frowned on Sabina’s extramarital friendships. In AD 122 he dismissed the famous historian Suetonius Tranquillus and Septicius Clarus for being too familar with her. Sabina’s close friend, the poetess Julia Balbilla, accompanied the royal couple to Egypt in AD 130, where she recorded their presence by inscribing five stanzas on the Colossi of Memnon in Thebes. Both Sabina and Balbilla were thus probably present when Hadrian’s young male favorite, Antinous, drowned in the Nile. The tragedy seemed to kill Hadrian’s wanderlust, and he and Sabina returned to their lavish villa in Tivoli, where they spent most of their remaining days. Sabina died late in AD 136 or early the following year, probably of natural causes (although there were inevitable rumors of poisoning and forced suicide), and Hadrian ordered her deification.

Extremely Rare with This Distinctive, Artistic Portrait

745. Sabina. Augusta, AD 128-136/7. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 26.72 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, circa AD 130-133. SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, draped bust right, wearing wreath of grain-ears, and hair in knot at nape of neck / CONCORDIA AVG, S C in exergue, Concordia, draped, seated left on low seat, holding patera in extended right hand, left elbow resting on figure of Spes on low base; under chair, cornucopia. RIC II.3 2511 (R3; same obv. die as illustration); Strack 863 (Hadrian); Banti –; BMCRE –. River patina, with toned brassy surfaces, minor deposits on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare with this distinctive, artistic portrait. ($1000)

Lustrous Aelius Denarius

746. Aelius. Caesar, AD 136-138. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.96 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TRIB POT COS II, CONCORD in exergue, Concordia, draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left arm on cornucopia, balanced on side of chair. RIC II.3 2709; Strack 398; RSC 11a; BMCRE 1001-2. Attractive iridescent toning, underlying luster. EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts X (17 September 1981), lot 242.

L. Ceionius Commodus, grandson and son of the consuls of AD 78 and 106, brother of Faustina Senior, was born about AD 104. He was praetor in AD 130, and in AD 136 he celebrated his first consulship. That same year Hadrian adopted L. Ceionius Commodus, who took the name of Lucius Aelius Caesar. On 1 January AD 137, he began his second consulship and it was at this time that he began to participate in the coinage. Unfortunately, Aelius predeceased Hadrian, dying of a massive hemorrhage on New Year’s Day AD 138. Hadrian subsequently adopted Antoninus Pius as his new heir, on the condition that Pius likewise adopt Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, the latter being the son of Aelius and Domitia Lucilla.

Two Portraits of Exceptional Style

747. Antoninus Pius, with Marcus Aurelius as Caesar. AD 138-161. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.40 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144. ANTONINVS AVG PI VS P P TR P COS III, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right / AVRELIVS CAESAR • AVG PII F COS •, small bare head of Marcus Aurelius right. RIC III 417a; RSC 15; Strack 110; BMCRE 158. Traces of deposits on reverse. Near EF. Two excellent portraits with exceptional style. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 76 (22 April 1996), lot 451.

748. Antoninus Pius, with Marcus Aurelius as Caesar. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 29.11 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144. ANTONINVS AVG PI VS P P TR P COS III, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right / AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG P II F COS, S C below bust, bareheaded and draped bust of Marcus Aurelius right. RIC III 1212; Banti 9; BMCRE 1209. Handsome dark green patina, minor smoothing. Good VF. ($1500)

Ex CNG inventory 576842; Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale 2021 (10 May 2021), lot 1336; Triton III (30 November 1999), lot 1092; Numismatica Ars Classica I (19 May 1999), lot 1988.

Antoninus Pius and his successor, Marcus Aurelius, ruled over one of the most prosperous epochs in the history of the Roman Empire. And yet it was Hadrian, for all of his controversy, that made this historic succession possible. Childless and with his health declining in AD 136, Hadrian sought to secure the peaceful continuity of power (as well as his legacy) by adopting an heir. His short-lived choice as Caesar was the consul, Lucius Ceionius Commodus, the father of Marcus Aurelius’ eventual co-emperor, Lucius Verus. After the consul’s death from illness in AD 138, Hadrian chose Antoninus, by that time a capable and experienced administrator and public servant, on the condition that he adopt Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his future heirs.

749. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 27.10 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 141-143. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate and draped bust right / S C across field, ITALIA in exergue, Italia, wearing turreted crown, seated left on globe with zones and stars, holding cornucopia in right hand and scepter in left. RIC 746b; Strack 836ζ; Banti 195; BMCRE 1644. Green-brown patina, smoothed. Near EF ($1000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Wild Rose Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 126, 28 May 2024), lot 785; Michele Gioradano Collection (G. Hirsch 355, 12 February 2020), lot 2160; Lanz 156 (2 June 2013), lot 324.

Coins depicting Italia and the Tiber arguably fall within the the Provincial coin issues of Antoninus Pius, which begin early in his reign, and represent something of a continuation from the similar series of his predecessor, Hadrian. Unlike Hadrian, Antoninus never left Italy over the 24 years of his reign and never saw the vast majority of the provinces depicted, although he did serve as governor of Asia during his senatorial career. The provincial sestertii of Antoninus are, as a rule, quite rare and difficult to acquire in pleasing grades.

Ex Ebert, Bauer, Vierordt, and Scheyer Collections – Pedigreed to 1913

750. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 23.14 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck AD 147. ANTONINVS AVG PI VS P P TR P COS IIII, laureate head right / [FELI CI T]AS AV G, [S] C across field, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding capricorn in extended right hand and long, winged caduceus in left. RIC III 770; Strack 989δ; Banti 150; BMCRE 1677. Attractive brown patina, minor flan flaws, inverted double strike on reverse, edge bruises. Good VF. Excellent portrait. ($750)

Ex Robert O. Ebert Collection (Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 174, 11 January 2013), lot 6164; Christie’s (17 March 1981), lot 183; George Bauer Collection (Glendining, 23 January 1963), lot 1266; M. L. Vierordt Collection (J. Schulman [139], 5 March 1923), lot 1452; Joachim Scheyer Collection (A. Hess 147, 1 December 1913), lot 786.

751. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.49 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 151-152. ANTONINVS

AVG PIVS P P TR P XV, laureate head right / COS IIII, Vesta, veiled and draped, standing left, holding simpulum in right hand and palladium at shoulder in left. RIC III 203; Strack 244; RSC 196; BMCRE 762-4. Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 4244487-013, graded Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($750)

Ex Triton XXV, Session 5 (25 January 2022), lot 5387.

752. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.48 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 151-152. ANTONINVS

AVG PIVS P P TR P XV, laureate head right / COS IIII, Annona, draped, standing left, holding two grain ears in right hand and resting left hand on modius set on prow; rudder rests against prow. RIC III 204 var. (no rudder); Strack 242; RSC 288b; BMCRE 765. In NGC encapsulation 5746435-001, graded MS★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. A stunning coin. ($500)

753. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.00 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 153-154. ΛNTONINVS

ΛVG PI VS P P TR P XVII, laureate head left / COS IIII, Antoninus Pius, togate, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and volumen in left. RIC III 233e; Strack 270δo; Calicó 1530 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 815; Mazzini 314 (same obv. die); Biaggi 720 (same obv. die). Lustrous, minor deposits, faint hairlines, small scrape on reverse. Good VF. Rare with laureate head left. ($3000)

Ex New York Sale XXX (9 January 2013), lot 295.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

754. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.15 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 158-159. ΛNTONINVS

ΛVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, bareheaded and draped bust right / TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST, COS IIII in exergue, Temple of the Deified Augustus: octastyle temple on podium of three steps: two statues in center; uncertain figures in pediment; facing quadriga(?) on top of roof; Victories in the angles; four statues in front of temple on left and right. RIC III 290 var. (bust type); Strack 338; RSC 804b; cf. BMCRE 939 corr. (DIV not DIVI); cf. Elkins, Monuments Figure 129 (for rev. type); S 4107 (this coin illustrated). A couple of hairline flan cracks. Superb EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Dr. Paul Rynearson, March 1997.

The second Temple of Divus Augustus, commenced under Tiberius and dedicated by Caligula in August AD 37, suffered during the great fire of AD 80 which began on the Capitoline Hill and spread into the Forum and onto the Palatine. It was possibly restored or rebuilt under Domitian, although it is not mentioned in the Chronographia, and it certainly received further restoration under Antoninus Pius in AD 158. The temple under Antoninus was Corinthian octastyle and contained the seated figures of Divus Augustus and Livia within, generally drawn on the coinage at an elevated level to suggest perspective. The reliefs on the pediment are impossible to identify with any certainty, but the statuary on the roof can be identified as Augustus in quadriga flanked by Romulus on the left and Anchises carrying his father on the right.

Ex Apostolo Zeno Collection (1668-1750)

755. Diva Faustina Senior. Died AD 140/1. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 29.07 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 150-late 150s. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right, wearing hair bound in pearls on top of her head / S C across field, Aeternitas (or Vesta), draped, standing left, holding phoenix on scepter in right hand and palladium in left. RIC III –; Banti 102; BMCRE –. Attractive brown patina. VF. Rare, an unlisted type in RIC III, Banti lists just one example. ($750)

Ex Apostolo Zeno Collection (1668-1750) (Dorotheum, 13 June 1955), lot 1082.

Aeternitas standing left, holds a scepter surmounted by a phoenix, symbol of endless renewal. It could also refer to the eternity of the emperors, empresses, or the entire imperial family, and/or the eternity of the Roman People.

756. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 24.34 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 173. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, laureate head right / VICT/ GERMA/ IMP VI/ COS III/ S C in five lines within laurel wreath. RIC III 1090; MIR 18, 263-6/30; Banti 498; BMCRE 1455. Rough brown patina. Good VF. ($750)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions XX (25 March 1992), lot 752; Classical Numismatic Auctions XVI (16 August 1991), lot 491; Coin Galleries (9 November 1988), lot 396; Numismatic Fine [XVII] (27 June 1986), lot 866; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt FPL 38 (April 1982), no. 169.

This sestertius marks the ongoing campaigns of Marcus Aurelius against Germanic tribes beyond the Danube, AD 169-180. The Romans celebrated many victories during these Marcomannic Wars, but victory on the battlefield did not readily translate into a satisfactory conclusion to the war.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

757. Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.87 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 147-150. FΛVSTINΛE ΛVG P II ΛVG FIL, draped bust right, wearing single circlet of pearls around head / PVDICI TIΛ, Pudicitia, veiled and draped, standing left, drawing out robe in front of face with right hand and raising hem of skirt with left. RIC III 507a (Pius); Strack 493 (Pius); RSC 176b; BMCRE 1056 (Pius); S 4706 (this coin illustrated). Superb EF. Well struck with fresh dies. Attractive portrait, amazing details. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 1 (10 March 1995), lot 464; Numismatica Ars Classica 7 (2 March 1994), lot 749.

758. Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.19 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 152-153. FAVSTINA AVG P II AVG FIL, draped bust right, hair waved and fastened in a bun, low at back / VE NVS, Venus, draped, standing left, holding apple in right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC III 513b (Pius); Beckmann, Faustina, Group IV (dies fd2/VB1); Calicó 2092; BMCRE 1091 (Pius); Mazzini 247 (same obv. die). Lustrous. Good VF. ($3000)

Ex Nomos 25 (20 November 2022), lot 296.

Annia Galeria Faustina the Younger was born in about AD 129 to Antoninus Pius and his wife, Faustina the Elder. In AD 138, the emperor Hadrian arranged for her betrothal to Lucius Verus, also about eight. After Antoninus inherited the throne, he broke the engagement and instead betrothed her to his other adoptive son, Marcus Aurelius. The couple were wed in AD 145 to great rejoicing. Faustina was named Augusta in AD 147, replacing her late mother. Her coinage commences that year and continues for the next three decades, showing her passage from a fresh-faced princess to a mature matron, and providing a pageant of Roman feminine hairstyles over that span.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

759. Diva Faustina Junior. Died AD 175/6. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.29 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Commodus, AD 176 and later. DIVA FAV STINA PIA, draped bust right / AETER NITAS, Aeternitas, veiled and draped, standing facing, head left, drawing fold of veil with right hand and holding long torch in left. RIC III 739 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 50-4/10; RSC 2; BMCRE 706-7; S 5212 (this coin illustrated). Toned. Superb EF. Sharply struck with fresh dies. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Ponterio 31 (25 February 1988), lot 80.

Illustrated in Banti – Pedigreed to 1929

760. Diva Faustina Junior Died AD 175/6. Æ Sestertius (30mm, 21.26 g, 6h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Commodus, AD 176 and later. DIVA FAV STINA PIA, draped bust right / CONSE [CRATIO], S C across field, pulvinar (throne), ornamented and draped, on which a transverse scepter rests right; below, peacock standing facing, head right, tail in splendor. RIC III 1704 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 62-6/10; Banti 44 (this coin cited and illustrated); BMCRE 1577. Attractive brown patina, minor deposits. Good VF. ($1000)

Ex Hunter Collection (Goldberg 72, 5 February 2013), lot 4475; Baranowsky FPL (1929), no. 1418.

761. Lucilla. Augusta, AD 164-169. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 23.91 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 161-162. LVCILLΛE ΛVG ΛNTONINI ΛVG F, draped bust right / PI E TΛS, S C across field, Pietas, veiled and draped, standing left, holding acerra in left hand and sacrificing with extended right hand over lighted and garlanded altar to left. RIC III 1756 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 11-6a; Banti 33; BMCRE 1161 (Aurelius and Verus). Green patina. Near EF. A delicate portrait in fine style. ($750)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLV.2 (Summer 2020), no. 531651; Jack A. Frazer Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 772; CNG inventory 92138 (July 1996).

The second of six daughters born to Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior, Lucilla grew up as an imperial princess, with the strange mix of power and helplessness such a position entailed in ancient Rome. In AD 161, at the age of 12, she was betrothed to Lucius Verus, her father’s co-emperor, who was 18 years her senior and had many years earlier actually been betrothed to her mother. Lucilla lost the title of Augusta after the sudden death of Verus in AD 169 and her subsequent forced marriage to the elderly senator Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus. This loss of status led her into an unsuccessful plot against Commodus in AD 182, with fatal results.

Impressive Early Commodus Sestertius

762. Commodus. As Caesar, AD 166-177. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 26.16 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 177. IMP • L • AVREL • COMM ODVS AVG GERM SARM, laureate and cuirassed bust right / TR P II COS P P, S C across field, DE GERMANIS in exergue, pile of arms: cuirass, shields of various shapes, spears, vexillum, and carnyces. RIC III 1570 var. (Aurelius, bust type); MIR 18, 398-6/35 (Aurelius); Banti 34 var. (same); BMCRE 1657 var. (Aurelius, same). Brown patina, flan crack. Good VF. Very rare with this bust type. ($1500)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Edward J. Waddell inventory 50359 (11 January 2014); Künker 226 (11 March 2013), lot 859.

Because of the high infant mortality within the family, no clear successors to Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus existed. The arrival of Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus and his twin, Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus in AD 161 was viewed as a particularly fortuitous event. The early death of Titus left only his brother Lucius to survive to adulthood. Lucius Verus and his wife Lucilla, one of the two surviving daughters of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior, had their own misfortunes, as all their children died shortly after birth. Thus, by the time Verus himself died in AD 169, the only viable successor remained Aurelius’ son Commodus, who had been granted the title of Caesar in AD 166.

Between his appointment as Caesar and his subsequent appointment as Augustus in AD 177, Commodus accompanied his father on campaign in order to familiarize himself with the necessities of governance and military command. This was a critical time for Marcus Aurelius, whose sole rule at this time was beset both by revolt in Egypt under Avidius Cassius and a long, protracted war with the Marcomanni and Quadi. Commodus’ assumption of his first consulship in January AD 177 and appointment as Augustus in mid-year must have come as welcome relief. In the summer of AD 178, Commodus married Bruttia Crispina to whom he had been betrothed for some time and for which event Marcus Aurelius had made a public sacrifice. These were heady days for the dynasty in that misfortune had been averted and it seemed that the Antonine legacy of calm peaceful rule was to continue. This, however, was not to be as Marcus Aurelius spent the remainder of his reign on campaign in Germania, dying on the frontier in AD 180. The hope inspired in the early days of Commodus’ reign grew dark as apparent megalomania set in, resulting in Commodus’ belief in himself as Hercules reincarnate, a belief that led to his assasination on the last day of December AD 192.

Illustrated in Lempereur and Roman Coins and Their Values

763. Pertinax. AD 193. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.45 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / AEQVIT AVG TR P COS II, Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in extended right hand and cradling cornucopia in left arm. RIC IV 1a; Lempereur Type 7, 179a (D52/R108 – this coin, illustrated); RSC 2; BMCRE 15-17; S 6038 (this coin illustrated). Attactively toned. Near EF. With a powerful portrait. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XIV (29 November 1984), lot 464.

Lempereur Plate Coin

764. Pertinax. AD 193. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.09 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / OPI DIVIN TR P COS II, Ops, draped, seated left on throne, holding two grain ears in right hand, left hand on seat of throne. RIC IV 8a; Lempereur Type 9, 436b (D161/R242 – this coin, illustrated); RSC 33; BMCRE 19-20. Lightly toned. Near EF. ($1000)

From the David Chapman Collection. Ex Triton XIV (4 January 2011), lot 742; Helios 5 (25 June 2010), lot 284.

765. Pertinax. AD 193. Æ Sestertius (29mm, 22.77 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTINAX AVG, laureate head right / LAETITIA TEMPORVM COS II, S C low across field, Laetitia, draped, standing facing, head left, holding wreath in right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC IV 17; Lempereur Type 8, 749h (D275/R384 –this coin); Banti 11 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 27. In NGC encapsulation 6831353-005, graded Fine, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

Ex Brian Holland Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 October 2022), lot 878, purchased from Sovereign Rarities; Classical Numismatic Group 85 (15 September 2010), lot 934.

Illustrated in Lempereur and Roman Coins and Their Values

766. Divus Pertinax. Died AD 193. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.96 g, 6h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus, AD 193-194. DIVVS PERT PIVS PATER, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing right on globe, head left. RIC IV 24A (Septimius); Lempereur Type 2, 16a (D5/R2 – this coin, illustrated); RSC 6; BMCRE 479 (Wars of Succession); S 6547 (this coin illustrated). Attractive toning, some underlying luster. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 11 (29 April 1998), lot 463.

Helvius Pertinax followed a long and winding path to the imperial throne. His father was a former slave who upon freedom became a successful wool merchant. With his wealth, he was able to have his son educated and Pertinax became a grammaticus. In 161, he left his teaching position, opting instead for a military career and greater pay. Once there, he quickly distinguished himself and was rapidly promoted from commander of a cohort to military tribune, then to consul, and eventually to proconsul in several provinces, including Upper and Lower Moesia, Dacia, Syria, Britain and Africa. During his tenure in the army and as proconsul he acquired a reputation for probity and severity, which lead on occasion to mutinies, one of which almost cost him his life. In 189, Commodus appointed him urban prefect of Rome, and from this position he was offered the throne upon the death of Commodus on the last day of December, 192 AD. Unfortunately, the strict measures Pertinax instituted to reform the government and military antagonized important factions, and the emperor was assassinated by disgruntled praetorians on 28 March 193, after a reign of only 87 days.

767. Didius Julianus. AD 193. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.88 g, 12h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / CONCO R D MILIT, Concordia, draped, standing facing, head left, holding aquila in each hand. RIC IV 1; RSC 2; BMCRE 2-3. Attractive toning. VF. Bold portrait. ($1000)

Didius Julianus was born to a wealthy family in AD 137, probably in Milan. He had a prominent government career, including several provincial governorships, in the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Though successful, he did not earn the respect of his fellow senators, who regarded him as a sensualist and a spendthrift. When the Emperor Pertinax was killed by the Praetorians after only a threemonth reign on March 28, AD 193, no ready successor was at hand. Pertinax’s father-in-law, Flavius Sulpicianus, entered the Praetorian camp and tried to get the troops to proclaim him emperor, but he was met with little enthusiasm. Sensing an opportunity, Didius Julianus rushed to the camp and began to make cash promises to the soldiers from outside the wall. Soon the scene became an auction, with Sulpicianus and Julianus striving to outbid each other for the favor of the troops. When Sulpicianus reached 20,000 sesterces per soldier, Didius Julianus upped the bid by a whopping 5,000 sesterces, signaling with hand gestures. The emperorship was sold. Julianus was allowed into the camp and the Praetorians proclaimed him emperor. Confronted by the Praetorian swords, the Senate approved his elevation, but could not hide its disgust. Disturbances broke out throughout the city, and a crowd at the Colosseum loudly called for Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria, to march on Rome. Niger was not the only alternative. Two other provincial governors also declared themselves emperor: Clodius Albinus in Britain, and Septimius Severus in Pannonia. Severus, closest to Rome, immediately marshaled his troops and invaded Italy. Julianus at first tried negotiations, then sent assassins to kill Severus, to no avail. Julianus next tried to fortify Rome but the results were ineffective and ludicrous. With Julianus’ authority in Rome rapidly deteriorating, Severus sent messages to the Praetorians, who renounced their allegiance to Julianus. Seeing their cue, the Senators proclaimed Severus emperor and passed a death sentence on Julianus. On June 1, AD 193, a Praetorian officer found the cringing Julianus hiding in the palace and dispatched him, ending his pathetic 65-day reign.

768. Didius Julianus. AD 193. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.78 g, 6h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / RECTOR ORBIS, Didius Julianus, togate, standing left, holding globe in outstretched right hand and volumen in left. RIC IV 3; RSC 15; BMCRE 7-8. Toned, minor marks under tone. VF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex William Oldknow Collection (Goldberg 120, 2 February 2021), lot 1130.

The reverse of this attractive silver denarius depicts Julianus with the grandiose title “Rector Orbis,” or ruler of the world. In reality, his authority never extended far beyond the immediate environs of Rome.

769. Didius Julianus. AD 193. Æ Sestertius (26mm, 18.23 g, 12h). Rome mint. IM[P CA]ES M DID SEV [ER IV]LIAN AVG, laureate head right / CON[CO]RD MI[LIT], S C across field, Concordia, draped, standing left, holding aquila in right hand and signum in left. RIC IV 14; Banti 1; BMCRE 222. Brown patina. In NGC encapsulation 6154823-005, graded VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. ($750)

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins inventory SH89752; Edgar L. Owen inventory 11176; Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 276 (21 March 2012), lot 420.

770. Didius Julianus. AD 193. Æ Sestertius (27mm, 22.21 g, 11h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID SE VER IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / RECTOR ORBIS, S C across field, Didius Julianus, bareheaded and togate, standing left, holding globe in right hand and volumen in left. RIC IV 16; Banti 6; BMCRE 28. Brown patina, gently smoothed. Good VF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Joel Malter, January 1982. Ex Sternberg XI (20 November 1981), lot 670.

771. Manlia Scantilla. Augusta, AD 193. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.79 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck under Didius Julianus, 28 March to early June. MANL • SCANTILLA AVG, draped bust right / IVNO RE GINA, Juno, veiled and draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left; at feet to left, peacock standing left. RIC 7a (Julianus); RSC 2; BMCRE 11 (Julianus). Toned, with underlying luster, struck with a slightly worn die on reverse. Near EF. ($1500)

Little is known for certain about Manlia Scantilla, the wife of the brief-reigning Didius Julianus. Her name suggests a connection to the prestigious Manlia gens. After securing the throne via the infamous “auction of empire” by the Praetorian Guard in March of AD 193, Didius Julianus granted the title of Augusta to both his wife Scantilla and their daughter, Didia Clara, a renowned beauty. Scantilla, in contrast is more mature and matronly.

Scantilla had little time to enjoy her new status as Augusta, since her husband reigned only 66 days. On 1 June AD 193, he was murdered in the palace by his own Praetorians upon the approach of Septimius Severus, whom the Senate proclaimed Augustus in his stead. Julianus was declared a usurper, although he had been approved, however reluctantly, by the Senate. Scantilla and Clara fared marginally better: they were spared but stripped of their titles and inheritance. Severus gave them the body of Julianus for burial in the family crypt. Scantilla reportedly died in obscurity only a month later. The coinage of Manlia Scantilla in all metals is accordingly quite scarce due to the brevity of the reign.

772. Manlia Scantilla. Augusta, AD 193. AR Denarius (173.28mm, 12 g). Rome mint. Struck under Didius Julianus, 28 March to early June. MANL SCAN TILLA AVG, draped bust right / IVNO RE GINA, Juno, veiled and draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left; at feet to left, peacock standing left. RIC 7a (Julianus); RSC 2; BMCRE 11 (Julianus). Toned, flan crack. VF. Portrait of artistic merit. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Leu 28 (5 May 1981), lot 485.

Exceptional Didia Clara Portrait

773. Didia Clara. Augusta, AD 193. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.12 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Didius Julianus, 28 March to early June, AD 193. DIDIA CLA RA AVG, draped bust right, wearing hair in four ridges and large bun at back of head / HILAR TEMPOR, Hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding palm frond set on ground in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC IV 10 (Didius Julianus); RSC 3; BMCRE 14 (Didius Julianus). Lightly toned, a couple of edge splits. Good VF. Exceptional portrait. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, July 1986.

Didia Clara, the daughter of the brief-reigning emperor Didius Julianus, was reputedly one of the most beautiful women in Rome (in which case, as the historian S. W. Stephenson notes drily, “her coins do her no justice”). After securing the throne, Julianus granted the title of Augusta to both his wife, Manlia Scantilla, and their daughter, Didia Clara. He also quickly had Clara married off to Cornelius Repentius, a man from an influential Senatorial family, who was then made Prefect of Rome and placed in charge of the city’s garrison. However, this would only be temporary as Julianus’ reign was cut short by Septimius Severus. Clara and Scantilla’s lives were spared, but they stripped of their titles and inheritance. While her mother died shortly thereafter, Didia Clara’s fate is unknown.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

774. Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.35 g, 11h). Antioch mint. IMP CΛES C PESC NIGER IVST ΛVG, laureate head right / SΛLVTI ΛVGVSTI, Salus, draped, standing right, feeding snake held in her arms; lighted altar to right. RIC IV 77; RSC 68; BMCRE 312A note; S 6124 (this coin illustrated). Attractively toned, slightly granular surfaces. EF. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Tkalec & Rauch (25 April 1989), lot 321.

Following the death of Pertinax in AD 193, and the “sale” of the Roman throne by the Praetorian Guard to Didius Julianus, the legions of Syria hailed their governor, Pescennius Niger, as emperor. Septimius Severus, who had been proclaimed emperor by the Danubian legions at about the same time, first secured his power by subduing Rome, then marched to encounter Niger. In the ensuing battles, Severus proved to be the stronger adversary, and Niger was overtaken as he attempted escape to Parthia. He was executed, and his head was sent to Severus, who then ruthlessly slaughtered the rest of Niger’s family.

Superb Septimius Severus Aureus

775. Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.14 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, AD 205. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P XIII COS III P P, Jupiter, naked, except for cloak over arm, standing facing, head left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and scepter, nearly vertical, in left; at feet to left, eagle standing left, head right. RIC IV 196; Calicó 2508; BMCRE 469-70 (Severus and Caracalla); Biaggi 1090-1; Jameson –; Mazzini 468. In NGC encapsulation 8558785-001, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, light marks. ($6000)

Although Septimius Severus is often described as the first of the “soldier emperors,” his early career was almost entirely civilian, rising steadily through the ladder of Roman magistracies, much like his predecessors. Nevertheless, his reign proved a major step in militarizing Roman government and life. He entered the Senate in AD 173 and gained some early military experience as a legionary officer in Africa and Syria, where he served under the later Emperor Pertinax. After reaching the consulship in AD 190, he was appointed as governor of Pannonia Superior, which placed him in command of Legio XIIII Gemina Martia Victrix, strategically located within easy march of Italy and Rome. With the assassination of Commodus in AD 193, followed within weeks by the murder of his mentor Pertinax, Severus was hailed as emperor by the XIIIIth at Carnuntum. A lightning march to Rome deposed the pathetic Didius Julianus and placed Severus in firm control of the capital, whereupon he immediately prepared for civil war against two rivals who had likewise been proclaimed in the provinces, Clodius Albinus and Pescinnius Niger. Though wealthy and connected, Severus was from a “new” family and relied heavily on the army to cement his power. He raised military pay and showed his troops many preferments, including ending the longtime ban on marriage for regular soldiers. The army began to think of him as one of their own and, after disposing of Niger and Albinus, he suffered no revolts or serious internal threats for the rest of his reign.

An Outstanding Group of Caracalla Aureii

776. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.31 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 199. ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PONT TR P II, Securitas, draped, seated right on throne, propping head on right hand and resting elbow on back of throne, holding vertical scepter in left hand; at feet to right, lighted and garlanded altar. RIC IV 29; Calicó 2793 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE p. 184, note 156; Biaggi 1211 (same dies); Mazzini 497 (same dies); Elsen 137, lot 175 = Áureo & Calicó 243, lot 83 (same dies). Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 8557492-003, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. Rare. Outstanding Caracalla Aureus, struck with dies of artistic merit. ($20,000)

777. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.36 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 213-217. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITATI PERPETVAE, Securitas, draped, seated right, propping head on right hand and holding scepter in left hand; garlanded altar to left. RIC IV 309A var. (bust type); Calicó 2812 var. (same); BMCRE p. 445, note * var. (same); Adda –; Biaggi 2017 var. (same); Jameson –; Mazzini –. Lustrous, hairlines. Superb EF. Very rare with this bust type. ($10,000)

The Roman populace would certainly have welcomed the restoration of “Everlasting Peace and Security” proclaimed on the reverse of this attractive aureus, issued by Caracalla circa AD 212. Its issue came soon after Caracalla’s murder of his younger brother and co-emperor, Geta, and the bloody purge of his supporters, which had filled the capital with chaos and dread. Awful as these events were, they finally settled a horrific sibling rivalry, which had threatened to tear the Roman Empire apart, and allowed at least a semblance of order and prosperity to return.

The Second Known

778. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.29 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 214. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped, cuirassed, and bearded bust right / LIBERAL • AVG • VIIII, distribution scene: Caracalla, togate, seated left on curule chair on platform; to right, Lictor standing left; to left, Liberalitas, holding abacus and cornucopia, standing left; at base of platform, citizen mounting steps, raising right hand. RIC IV 303 var. (bust type); Calicó 2693 var. (same); BMCRE p. 444, note * var. (same); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –; NAC 67, lot 192 (same rev. die). Lustrous. Superb EF. Extremely rare with this bust type. Likely only the second known example. ($25,000)

The scene in which the emperor makes liberal distributions to citizens is known as a congiarium. This distribution can be thought of as an ancient version of the modern “stimulus check,” as recently offered by the U.S. government in the form of pandemic relief.

The Second Known

779. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.40 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 214. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped, cuirassed, and bearded bust right / P M TR P XVII COS IIII P P, Salus standing right, holding serpent in right hand and feeding it from bowl held in her left; to right, Aesculapius standing facing, head left, globe at feet, leaning on serpent-entwined staff; between, small hooded Telesphorus standing facing. Cf. Triton XVIII, lot 1162; Unpublished, but cf. Calico 2714 for an aureus of the same year depicting Aesculapius and Telesphorus. Lustrous, minor scuffs. Superb EF. Wonderful reverse composition. The second recorded example. ($20,000)

Telesphorus is believed to be a healing god associated specifically with the healing and protection of children. Believed to be of Gallic origin and associated with the Genii Cuculati, he is depicted as a small figure covered by a hooded cloak similar to a cowl. Telephorus first appears on Roman coins under Caracalla, and is often depicted with his father Asclepius and his sister Salus, as is the case on the present coin.

780. Divus Caracalla. Died AD 217. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 4.05 g, 11h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Elagabalus, AD 218-219. DIVO ANTONINO MAGNO, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing left on globe, head right, with wings spread. RIC IV 717 (Severus Alexander); Thirion 500; RSC 32; BMCRE 7 (Elagabalus). Toned, slightly granular surfaces. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 142 (10 October 2005), lot 2743.

Extremely Rare Aureus of Geta as Caesar

781. Geta. As Caesar, AD 198-209. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.12 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, AD 200-205. P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VOTA PVBLICA, Geta, veiled and draped, standing facing, head left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted tripod left, holding volumen in left hand at side; by tripod, prostrate bull; on left, boy standing facing, head right, holding cup downward in right hand and pointing with left hand at altar; in background, between them, flute player, half-length, facing. RIC IV 25 (R3); Calicó 2926 (R4); BMCRE 249 (Septimius and Caracalla); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson 197; Mazzini –. In NGC encapsulation 8558785002, graded MS★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, brushed. Struck with artistic dies. Extremely rare. ($20,000)

Born in March, AD 189 to Severus and his wife Julia Domna, Publius Septimius Geta was only 11 months younger than his brother and was said to closely resemble his father’s coloring and temperament. After Caracalla was named co-Augustus with his father in AD 198, Geta was made Caesar, or junior emperor, unintentionally highlighting his second-class status within the dynastic hierarchy. This perhaps contributed to an intense sibling rivalry between Geta and Caracalla, which, after the boys reached their teens, threatened to tear the family and indeed the empire apart. Each brother cultivated a circle of friends and sycophants, which quickly turned into armed gangs that frequently clashed in the streets of Rome.

Exceptionally Rare Geta Aureus – The Second Known

782. Geta. AD 209-211. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.20 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 211. P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / PONTIF TR P III COS II, Felicitas, draped, standing facing, head left, holding cornucopia in right hand, and long, vertical caduceus in left. RIC IV 78b; Calicó 2909 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 119, note; Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Lustrous, some deposits on obverse and edge. Superb EF. Well struck. Exceptionally rare, the only example to appear in commerce over the last twenty years. RIC and BMCRE both cite the example in the Sir Hyman Montagu Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 20 April 1896), lot 533, which is plated in Calicó. This is the second known example. ($15,000)

Beginning in AD 208, Septimius Severus waged a military campaign against the Caledonians in northern Britain with his sons Caracalla and Geta. Due to his father’s illness, Caracalla took the lead in managing military operations throughout most of the campaign, while Geta took on administrative duties at the campaign base camp at Eboracum (modern York). By AD 210, all three family members were depicted on coins celebrating their success. This aureus refers to the end of the British campaign with Geta’s newly adopted title of “Britannicus.”

783. Macrinus. AD 217-218. AR Denarius (20mm, 2.65 g, 12h). Rome mint, 2nd officina. 2nd emission. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing short beard / FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing facing, head right, right foot on helmet, holding aquila in right hand and signum in left. RIC IV 66; Clay Issue 2; RSC 23a. Lustrous, faint hairlines. Superb EF. Sharp strike with fresh dies, wonderful details. ($750)

Born in Mauretania, Macrinus received a legal education that enabled him to rise high as a bureaucrat in imperial service, to the post of Praetorian Prefect. In AD 216, Macrinus accompanied Caracalla to the east on a campaign, but while the emperor was visiting a temple, Macrinus learned that a letter implicating him in a plot was about to be delivered to Caracalla. Acting quickly, he procured Caracalla’s murder. Macrinus proclaimed his innocence and, while not everyone was convinced, he was still able to have the army leadership proclaim him emperor on 11 April AD 217. Though not a senator (he was the first of equestrian rank to become emperor), he adopted Marcus Aurelius as his model.

The Sacred Stone of Emesa

784. Elagabalus. AD 218-222. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.31 g, 12h). Uncertain eastern mint. Struck AD 218-219.

ΛNTONINVS PIVS FELIX ΛVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SΛNCT DEO SOLI, ELΛGΛBΛL in exergue, slow quadriga right, bearing the sacred Stone of Emesa, upon which is an eagle, surrounded by four sacred parasols. RIC IV 196; Thirion 361; RSC 269 var. (bust type); BMCRE 287 var. (same). Toned. EF. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 636; Leu 33 (3 May 1983), lot 112.

At the age of fourteen, Varius Avitus Bassianus (better known as Elagabalus or Heliogabalus) inherited the office of high priest of the sun god El-Gabal at Emesa in Syria. The deity was worshipped in the form of a conical sacred stone, or baetyl, likely a large meteorite. When an unlikely coup made him emperor in June of AD 218, Elagabalus determined to take the stone with him to Rome and introduce its worship to the whole empire. During his reign, the emperor was devoted to promoting the cult of El-Gabal, building a lavish temple on the Palatine Hill to house the stone. For a brief period, the exotic eastern deity nearly came to dominate the Roman Pantheon.

This issue, struck in AD 218-219, likely refers to the journey from Emesa to Rome. The procession was repeated every year in the transfer of the stone from its principal temple in Rome to its “summer home,” a large and richly decorated temple in the suburbs. Describing the transfer, Herodian (V.6.7) writes:

A six-horse chariot bore the sun god, the horses huge and flawlessly white, with expensive gold fittings and rich ornaments. No one held the reins, and no one rode in the chariot; the vehicle was escorted as if the sun god himself were the charioteer. Heliogabalus ran backward in front of the chariot, facing the god and holding the horses’ reins. He made the whole journey in this reverse fashion, looking up into the face of his god.

Very Rare Diva Julia Maesa

785. Diva Julia Maesa. Died AD 224/5. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.02 g, 7h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Special emission of Severus Alexander, AD 225. DIVA MAESA AVG, draped bust right / CONSE CRATIO, Julia Maesa, veiled, holding scepter in right hand, reclining left on peacock flying upward to right. RIC IV 378 (Alexander); BMCRE 217 (Alexander); RSC 3. Toned. VF. Very rare. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 2032.

While Rome had seen powerful women before, none could compare in authority to Julia Maesa, grandmother of Elagabalus and Severus Alexander, who has rightly been called the first female Caesar. This remarkable denarius portrait conveys the forceful personality of the Augusta who reestablished the Severan dynasty on the throne and guided it through several crises.

786. Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.30 g, 1h). Rome mint. 15th emission, AD 232. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right / IOVI PRO P VGNATORI, Jupiter, naked except for cloak over shoulder, standing facing, right knee bent, head turned back right, holding up thunderbolt in right hand and eagle in left. RIC IV 239; BMCRE 825 var. (break in rev. legend); RSC 84. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 3763664-003, graded MS★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($1000)

Ex Triton XXV – Session 5 (25 January 2022), lot 5395.

The reign of Severus Alexander presents the last relatively tranquil interlude before the mid-third century storm swept away the Pax Romana. Mild-mannered and affable, the youth was really never more than a figurehead ruler, first for his grandmother, the formidable Julia Maesa, and then, after her death in AD 225/6, for his mother Julia Mamaea. As long as the Empire remained at peace, the government functioned smoothly and prosperity reigned. Later generations would view Alexander’s reign as the last episode of a Golden Age and imbued him with all the attributes of an ideal Prince.

787. Diva Paulina. Died before AD 235. AR Denarius (20.5mm, 3.08 g, 12h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. 2nd emission of Maximinus I, AD 236. DIVA PAVLINA, veiled and draped bust right / CONSECRATIO, Diva Paulina, raising right hand and holding scepter in left, reclining left on peacock flying upward to right. RIC IV 2 (Maximinus I); BMCRE 1278 (Maximinus I); RSC 2. Lustrous. Superb EF. Exceptional. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Berk BBS 191 (30 July 2014), lot 254.

As with many other empresses of the later Roman Empire, very little is known about Caecilia Paulina, wife of Maximinus I Thrax. Maximinus is said to have worn his wife’s bracelet as a ring on his thumb, an anecdote intended to emphasize his enormous size. Paulina died either before her husband’s accession or shortly thereafter, as all her coins are posthumous and name her as Diva, or goddess. Some of her portraits appear to be feminized versions of her husband, although this example has a more delicate and distinctive visage.

788. Diva Paulina. Died before AD 235. AR Denarius (20mm, 1.99 g, 12h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. 2nd emission of Maximinus I, AD 236. DIVA PAVLINA, veiled and draped bust right / CONSECRATIO, Peacock standing facing, head left, tail in splendor. RIC IV 1 (Maximinus); BMCRE 135 (Maximinus); RSC 1. Lightly toned, some underlying luster. EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Yves Gunzenreiner Collection (Leu Numismatik AG 1, 25 October 2017), lot 290; Münzzentrum Rheinland 135 (10 January 2007), lot 634.

789. Diva Paulina. Died before AD 235. Æ Sestertius (28.5mm, 15.35 g, 12h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. 2nd emission of Maximinus I, AD 236. DIVA PAVLINA, veiled and draped bust right / CONSECRATIO, Paulina raising right hand and holding scepter in left, reclining left on peacock flying upward to right. RIC IV 3; BMCRE 132; Banti 1. In NGC encapsulation 6154823-008, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750)

Ex BLS Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 476, 9 September 2020), lot 484; Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 416 (14 March 2018), lot 462; Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 366 (13 January 2016), lot 860; Pecunem 21 (7 September 2014), lot 708.

790. Gordian I. AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.04 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical scepter in left; oval shield in front of throne. RIC IV 4; BMCRE 8-9; RSC 8. Lightly toned, underlying luster. EF. ($2500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Superior Stamp & Coin, April 1984. Ex RARCOA (16 March 1984), lot 339.

Gordian I and his son Gordian II share the dubious distinction of having the shortest reigns of any “legitimate” Roman emperors, together ruling a mere 22 days. Despite their brief production run, coins of Gordian I and II are notable for their excellent portraiture. The elder Gordian appears as a distinguished older gentleman with thin, hawkish features, while Gordian II is shown as a younger, plumper and prematurely balding man with a slight beard. This may indicate that official effigies of both were already at the Rome mint when their rebellion against Maximinus I broke out in Carthage, suggesting the whole episode was not as spontaneous as contemporary historians claimed.

791. Gordian I. AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.11 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS AVGG, Securitas, draped, seated left on throne, holding scepter in right hand, left hand at side, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 11; RSC 10. Lightly toned, minor marks. Near EF. ($2000)

792. Gordian I. AD 238. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 22.67 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M T R P COS P P around, S C across field, Gordian I, laureate and togate, standing left, holding up branch in right hand and short transverse parazonium in left. RIC IV 7; BMCRE 4; Banti 1. Dark brown patina. In NGC encapsulation 6154823-011, graded VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5. ($1000)

Ex Berk BBS 212 (9 September 2020), lot 486.

Ex British Museum Collection – Pedigreed to 1866

793. Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (20.5mm, 3.56 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVGG, Providentia, draped, legs crossed, standing left, holding wand in right hand over globe at feet to left, and cornucopia in left, resting left arm on column. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 19, pl. 42, 19 (this coin); RSC 5; Sutherland, Roman 442 (this coin illustrated). Lovely old cabinet toning. Near EF. This coin was traded to a prominent English collector in 1979 and then traded or sold to one or more coin dealers, and ultimately sold to a private collector in California. Comes with a letter from Andrew Burnett. ($3000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts Publication 21 (Fall 1981), no. 38; British Museum Collection, purchased from the estate of Louis, Duc de Blacas d’Aulps, November 1866.

Louis, Duc de Blacas d’Aulps was the eldest son of Pierre Louis Jean Casimir, Duc de Blacas d’Aulps (1771-1839). He was born in London (15 April 1815) and died in Venice (20 February 1866). He added to the collection begun by his ambassador father and in November 1866, following a special Treasury Grant of £48,000, the entire collection was purchased by the British Museum.

794. Gordian II. AD 238. Æ Sestertius (29mm, 18.75 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP CAES M ANT

GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / [R]OMAE AETERNAE, S C in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding Victory on extended right hand and vertical scepter in left; oval shield in front of throne. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 23-6; Banti 4. Dark green-brown surfaces, some pitting, smoothing. Near VF. ($1000)

Ex Dr. Walter Stoecklin (†1975) Collection (Nomos Obolos 9, 25 March 2018), lot 395.

795. Gordian II. AD 238. Æ Sestertius (28.5mm, 17.86 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ROMAE AETERNAE, S C in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding Victory on extended right hand and vertical scepter in left; oval shield in front of throne. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 23-6; Banti 4. Green-brown surfaces, smoothing. VF. ($1000)

796. Gordian II. AD 238. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 17.84 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP CAES M ANT

GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVGG, S C across field, Virtus, helmeted and in military dress, standing facing, head left, resting right hand on oval shield set on ground and holding vertical spear reversed in left hand. RIC IV 8; BMCRE 31-2; Banti 7. In NGC encapsulation 4935608-004, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, lt. smoothing. ($1000)

Ex Werner Collection (Heritage 61258, 20 February 2022), lot 98123; Stack’s Bowers Galleries (17 January 2020), lot 20121.

794

795

797. Pupienus. AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 2.94 g, 6h). Rome mint. 1st emission. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAX PVBLICA, Pax, draped, seated left on throne, holding up olive branch in right hand and transverse scepter in left, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 4; BMCRE 46-7; RSC 22. Lightly toned, tiny flan flaw on reverse. EF. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Superior, June 1981.

Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus, who ruled jointly with Balbinus during the “Year of the Six Emperors” in AD 238, was probably born in the AD 160s. By AD 217 he had risen to the consulship and he served a second time in AD 234. He became Urban Prefect of Rome in the late 230s and cracked down harshly on criminals and vagrants. Along with the rest of the Senate, he fully supported the rebellion of Gordian I and II against the brutal regime of Maximinus I in March of AD 238. When the Gordians came to grief scarcely 21 days after their acclamation, the Senate appointed Pupienus and another senator, Balbinus, as joint emperors. The two men were a study in contrasts, with Pupienus a lean, stern disciplinarian and Balbinus a well-fed, easygoing aristocrat. They also detested one another. Due to his severity as Urban Prefect, Pupienus’s elevation was unpopular among the masses of Rome, who forced the Senate to name the 13-year-old nephew of Gordian II, Gordian III, as Caesar. Pupienus proceeded to northern Italy to raise troops against Maximinus, but he soon learned that the dreaded Maximinus was dead: his own troops had mutinied and murdered him. Thanking the gods for their miraculous intervention, Pupienus proceeded back to Rome amid general rejoicing. Balbinus, however, greatly resented his partner’s enhanced prestige and feared Pupienus’s loyal German bodyguards. The two emperors were still bickering when, in early July, a detachment of Praetorians, who had disliked the Senatorial emperors from the outset, stormed the palace and murdered them. So ended the Senate’s last real chance to name its own rulers.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

Pupienus. AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 2.70 g, 7h). Rome mint. 1st emission. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed

From

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Tkalec (22 April 2007), lot 294.

798.

bust right / P M TR P COS II P P, Pupienus, togate, standing left, holding up branch in right hand and transverse parazonium in left. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 50; RSC 29; S 8528 (this coin illustrated). Attractive toning, some underlying luster. Superb EF. Outstanding portrait. ($500)

the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XX (9 March 1988), lot 339; Ariadne Galleries (9 December 1983), lot 326.

Excellent Portrait

799. Pupienus. AD 238. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 4.72 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES PVPIEN MAXIMVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CARITAS MVTVA AVGG, clasped right hands. RIC IV 10b; BMCRE 87-91; RSC 3. Lightly toned, underlying luster. Superb EF. Fine-style portrait. ($500)

Exceptional Denarius of Gordian III as Caesar

800. Gordian III. As Caesar, AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.13 g, 6h). Rome mint. 1st emission of Balbinus and Pupienus. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bareheaded and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG, emblems of the pontificate: lituus, secespita, guttus, simpulum, and aspergillum. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 62-3 (Balbinus and Pupienus); RSC 182 var. (patera). Lustrous, minor marks. Superb EF. Well struck with fresh dies. ($1000)

Illustrated in Calicó – Pedigreed to 1933

801. Gordian III. AD 238-244. AV Aureus (19mm, 4.90 g, 12h). Rome mint, 2nd officina. 2nd emission, 1st phase, early AD 239. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P II COS P P, Jupiter standing facing, head left, holding thunderbolt and his mantle in right hand over small figure of Gordian at his feet to left and long scepter in left. RIC IV 21; Calicó 3211a (this coin illustrated); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Tiny flan flaw on obverse, faint hairlines. Near EF. Rare. ($4000)

Ex Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 1989.

Gordian III’s six year reign was an island of relative tranquility in the turbulent mid-third century AD. He was the grandson of Gordian I Africanus, patriarch of an immensely wealthy and influential family, who in AD 238 was proclaimed emperor in revolt against the cruel Maximinus I Thrax. The regime collapsed almost immediately, and, through an improbable series of events, the 13-year-old Gordian III was eventually saluted as emperor, the only one of AD 238’s six Roman rulers to survive the year. Due to his youth, he was at first dominated by his mother and a board of senators, who had to walk a tightrope to avoid the fate of previous short-lived regimes. In AD 241, Gordian appointed as Praetorian Prefect the capable Timesitheus, whose daughter Tranquillina became his bride. Timesitheus became a beneficent mentor who kept Gordian’s weak government on an even keel. But in the same year, the Sasanian Persians under Shapur I crossed Rome’s desert frontier and threatened Antioch, forcing young Gordian to take up arms. His army engaged Shapur at Rhesaena in Syria and won a signal victory early in AD 243. But the death of Timesitheus that winter brought Roman progress to a grinding halt. Supplies dwindled, and the new prefect, Philip, blamed the shortage on Gordian’s incompetence. The soldiers grew rebellious. Gordian reportedly offered to abdicate in Philip’s favor, but Philip instead simply seized the throne and had Gordian quietly murdered early in AD 244. Sadly, his youth and gentle nature had proven unsuited to the demands of hard times.

802. Gordian III. AD 238-244. AV Aureus (20mm, 4.53 g, 11h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 3rd emission, mid AD 239. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / LIBERALITAS AVG II, Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding up abacus in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC IV 42; Calicó 3205; Hunter 18; Adda 471; Biaggi –; Mazzini 129. Toned, trace deposits, small mark on obverse, scrape on reverse. Good VF. ($2500)

Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 30 (13 July 2024), lot 2403; Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 939.

Gordian III AR Medallion – Cited in Bardin

803. Gordian III. AD 238-244. AR Medallion (37mm, 29.76 g, 1h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. Special emission, January AD 244. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirssed bust right / AEQVITAS AVGVSTI, the three Monetae, draped, standing left, the central one standing facing, each holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left; at feet to left of the first and third Monetae, a pile on coins. Gnecchi –; Bardin Group 6, 27 (this medallion cited); Michaux 775 (this medallion cited and illustrated); RIC IV 134b (R4); RSC 33 var. (seen from front). Toned, some pitting, smoothing, flan bent. VF. Extremely rare. ($10,000)

From the Arjan Senden Collection. Ex A. Lynn Collection (Freeman & Sear 17, 15 December 2009), lot 582.

The Tres Monetae, female personifications of the metals of gold, silver, and bronze used to strike coins. This iconography regularly appeared on Imperial medallions during economic crises and reflected the efforts of emperors, like Gordian III displayed on this extremely rare medallion, to revive the economy through monetary reform.

Extremely Rare Philip II Aureus

804. Philip II. As Caesar, AD 244-247. AV Aureus (20mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission of Philip I, AD 245. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, bareheaded and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGVSTOR, emblems of the pontificate: aspergillum, simpulum, guttus, secespita, and lituus. Cf. RIC IV 215 (this rev. type listed for radiates only); Bland, Gold 20 (dies PII/Pietas 04); Calicó 3274 corr. (obv. legend); Hunter 2 (same dies). Lustrous. Near EF. Extremely rare. Bland lists four examples in his die study. One additional example listed in CoinArchives. All are struck from the same dies. This coin is probably the sixth known. ($7500)

Born in AD 237, Marcus Julius Severus Philippus was seven years old when his eponymous father, the emperor Philip I, had him proclaimed Caesar early in AD 244. Philip I thus hoped to form something the Roman Empire had lacked since the Severan era: a stable dynasty. Due to the increasing shortage of precious metals during the reign, aurei of both Philips are quite rare. Such shortages forced the regime to be parsimonious in its handouts to soldiers, meaning their loyalties were always highly suspect. This ultimately led to the downfall of the dynasty less than five years after its inception.

805. Pacatian. Usurper, circa AD 248-249. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 3.53 g, 1h). Viminacium mint. 1st emission. IMP TI CL MAR PACATIANVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAX AETER[NA], Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch in right hand and transverse scepter in left hand. RIC IV 5a; Szaivert, Beginn 4; RSC 6a. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6156250-001, graded Ch VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5. Very rare. ($3000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 117 (19 May 2021), lot 596.

Very little is known of the usurper Tiberius Claudius Marinus Pacatianus, who seized power in Upper Moesia in AD 248. Most of our information about Pacatian comes from his coinage. Viminacium is the most probable site for his mint, and a comparison with the local aes coinage shows remarkable similarity of style. Seven different reverses were used on the antoniniani of Pacatian – Concordia, Felicitas, Fides, Fortuna, Pax, Roma and Victory – all common themes in the third century. Such a variety of reverse types would suggest a large issue of coins, though today all coins of Pacatian are very rare, with only approximately 100 specimens of all varieties known.

806. Pacatian. Usurper, circa AD 248-249. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 4.07 g, 6h). Viminacium mint. 1st emission. IMP TI CL MAR PACATIANVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAX AETERNA, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch in right hand and transverse scepter in left hand. RIC IV 5a; Szaivert, Beginn 4; RSC 6a. Toned, somewhat off center, die wear. Near VF. Very rare. ($2000)

Ex Naville Numismatics 65 (30 May 2021), lot 597; Gadoury (1 December 2012), lot 372; Gemini VI (10 January 2010), lot 548.

The Usurper Pacatian

The Usurper Jotapian – Bland Plate Coin

807. Jotapian. Usurper, circa AD 248-249. Antoninianus (21.5mm, 3.49 g, 12h). Nicopolis in Seleucia mint. IM C M F R IOTΛPIΛNVS ΛV, radiate and cuirassed bust right / VICT OR I A AV G, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left hand. RIC IV 2 var. (obv. legend); Bland 8a (Obv. die IV/Rev. die v – this coin); RSC 1 var. (same). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6156250-002, graded Ch VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5. Very rare. ($5000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 117 (19 May 2021), lot 597; George C. Hopkins Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 114, 6 May 2019), lot 794; Lanz 26 (5 December 1983), lot 822.

Jotapian († AD 249) led a short-lived revolt in Syria while Philip I was still emperor. Little is known of Jotapian’s background. It was said that he boasted of a relationship to Severus Alexander, and his unusual name, although otherwise unknown for a man, is attested in its feminine form “Jotape” in the royal houses of Commagene and Emesa. The revolt was brief, and the crude style proves that the revolt was geographically confined, for Jotapian plainly did not control a major Roman mint. His head was brought to Rome and shown to Trajan Decius “as was customary, although Decius had not asked for it” (Aur. Vict., Caes. 29.4).

Very Rare Herennius Etruscus as Augustus Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

808. Herennius Etruscus. AD 251. AR Antoninianus (20.5mm, 4.22 g, 12h). Rome mint. Special emission, mid AD 251. IMP C Q HER ETR MES DECIO AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA GERMANICA, Victory advancing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left hand over left shoulder. RIC IV 154; RSC 41; S 9541 (this coin illustrated). Toned, traces of deposits. Near EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, August 2000. Ex Sternberg [III] (29 November 1974), lot 254. The details of the reign of Trajan Decius are unclear, based primarily on accounts written much later. As such, the exact date of the accession of Herennius is unknown, but was probably in the period just prior to the fateful meeting with the Goths in July AD 251. Literary evidence notes that in the final battle between Kniva’s Goths and the Romans, Herennius was the first of the two emperors killed, leading Decius to deliver an inspiring address to the troops in an attempt to allay their fears. If this account is correct, the traditional view that Decius was the first emperor to die in battle is incorrect – that unfortunate honor belongs to Herennius.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values and Vagi

809. Hostilian. As Caesar, AD 250-251. AR Antoninianus (21.5mm, 4.62 g, 12h). Rome mint, 5th officina. 6th-7th emissions of Trajan Decius, AD 251. C VALENS HOSTIL MES QVINTVS N C, radiate and draped bust right / MARTI PROPVGNATORI, Mars advancing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and shield in left. RIC IV 177b (Decius); RSC 15; S 9556 (this coin illustrated); Vagi, p. 432 (this coin illustrated). Lustrous. Superb EF. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XX (9 March 1988), lot 366.

Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus was the younger son of Trajan Decius, who rose to prominence in the Roman Senate during the chaotic third century AD. His mother was Herennia Etruscilla, a noblewoman of Etruscan descent. Hostilian was probably 11 or 12 when, in AD 249, his father assumed the purple. Early in AD 250, the Goths and Carpi breached the Danube defenses and plundered the Balkans. To meet the threat, Decius took the field himself, and so he named Hostilian Caesar and left the youth and his mother in charge of Rome while he marched north. However, Decius and Herennius both perished in Summer AD 251 in a Gothic ambush at Abrittus. The surviving general, Trebonianus Gallus, was hailed as emperor by the troops. Despite whispers he had conspired in the death of Decius, Gallus asked the Senate to confirm Hostilian as co-Augustus, while naming his own son Volusian as Caesar. Gallus arrived in Rome a few weeks after Abrittus and warmly greeted his young co-ruler. Alas, his returning army also brought a virulent plague, which ravaged the population of the capital. A few months later, Hostilian caught the disease and quickly succumbed, probably in October or November AD 251. Thus the “dynasty” of Trajan Decius lasted barely two years.

Excellent Portrait – Ex Hunt Collection

810. Aemilian. AD 253. AR Antoninianus (21.5mm, 3.40 g, 6h). Rome mint. 1st emission, July. IMP CAES AEMILIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IOVI CONS ERVAT, Jupiter, nude, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and scepter in left hand; to lower left, Aemilian, togate, standing left under Jupiter’s protection. RIC IV 14; RSC 17; DBM 13. Light iridescent toning, slight die wear. Superb EF. An outstanding example with a high relief portrait. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, July 1990. Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt (Part II, 21 June 1990), lot 810; Bank Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 441.

By AD 253, the coinage of the Roman Empire was in a sorry state, with rampant inflation worsened by continuing debasement. Nevertheless, this silver antoninianus, bears an excellent portrait of the short-reigning emperor Aemilian, depicting him as a hard-bitten military man with a close-cropped beard. Usurping the throne in mid-AD 253, Aemilian’s entire reign was only about three months before his own troops murdered him upon the approach of a superior army commanded by Valerian, a sequence of events all too typical of the mid-third century AD.

Very Rare Issue – Pedigreed to 1936

811. Cornelia Supera. Augusta, AD 253. AR Antoninianus (20mm, 3.49 g, 12h). Rome mint. 1st emission of Aemilian, July. C CORNEL S VPERA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent / VESTA, Vesta, draped and veiled, standing left, holding patera in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left hand. RIC IV 30 (Aemilian); RSC 5; DBM 121; H. Mattingly, “The Great Dorchester Hoard of 1936” in NC 1939, p. 28. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6831353-002, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5. Very rare. ($5000)

Ex Conti Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 Octobber 2022), lot 924; Münzen und Medaillen AG 94 (16 December 2003), lot 473; Münzen und Medaillen AG 52 (19 June 1975), lot 737; 1936 Dorchester, Dorset Hoard (IRBCH 470).

The mysterious Gaia Cornelia Supera is unknown to history apart from her coinage, which is extremely rare in the Roman series and somewhat less so in provincial coinage. Scholars now generally accept that she was the wife of the usurper Aemilian, who ruled in Rome for a few months between April and October AD 253.

812. Diva Mariniana. Died before AD 253. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 3.33 g, 12h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. 2nd3rd emissions of Valerian I and Gallienus, AD 255-257. DIVAE MARINIANAE, veiled and draped bust right, set on crescent / CONSECRATIO, Mariniana, raising right hand and holding scepter in left, reclining left on peacock flying upward to right. RIC V 6; MIR 36, 220b; RSC 16. Attractively toned, traces of deposits. Superb EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, June 1992.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values and Vagi

813. Valerian II. Caesar, AD 256-258. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 3.61 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd-5th emissions of Valerian I and Gallienus, AD 255-257. P C L VALERIANVS NOB CAES, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Valerian II standing facing, head left, holding signum in right hand and scepter in left. RIC V 23: MIR S 10738; RSC 81; Vagi, vol. 2, p. 444 (this coin illustrated); S 10738 (this coin illustrated). Lightly toned, some underlying luster, traces of deposits. Near EF. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XX (9 March 1988), lot 404; Sternberg XII (18 November 1982), lot 781.

High Grade Example

814. Macrianus. Usurper, AD 260-261. Antoninianus (20mm, 3.93 g, 6h). Samosata mint. 2nd emission. IMP C FVL MACRIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / SOL INVICTO, Sol, radiate and nude but for chlamys draped over both shoulders, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand; d to left. RIC V 12 (Antioch); MIR 44, 1741k; RSC 12 (Antioch). In NGC encapsulation 6158920-003, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. ($1500)

Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 983; Numismatica Ars Classica 62 (6 October 2011), lot 2071; Ponterio 142 (27 April 2007), lot 1842; Tkalec (28 October 1994), lot 304.

After Valerian’s capture by the Persians in AD 260, the general Macrianus Senior, who controlled the treasury, took charge of the remnants of Rome’s eastern army. The legions elevated to the throne his sons Macrianus Junior and Quietus. The Roman legions then rallied and were able to defeat the Persian army at Corcyra, forcing the Persian king to retreat to the Euphrates. While this usurpation was one of necessity, Gallienus could not contend with it. He sent cavalry commander Aureolus, who also later defected, to defeat the army of the Macriani, and he was successful. Shortly thereafter, Quietus was captured and killed at Emesa by the Palmyrene king and ally of Gallienus Odaenathus, who wisely did not claim the purple for himself.

The Usurper Regalianus – Illustrated in GMP

815. Regalianus. Usurper, AD 260. Antoninianus (19mm, 2.16 g, 3h). Carnuntum mint. IMP C P C REGΛLIΛNVS ΛVG, radiate and draped bust right / ORIENS ΛVGG, Sol, radiate, standing left, raising right hand and holding whip in left hand. RIC V 7; GMP 33 (this coin); MIR 43, 1713f (same dies as illustration); RSC 4a. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6156250-003, graded Ch VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, overstruck, edge chips. Very rare and especially notable with the complete name of the usurper. ($7500)

Ex Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 1140; Roma XVII (28 March 2019), lot 787.

Following the capture of Valerian I by the Persians, a number of usurpations occurred throughout the empire. In Illyricum, one of Valerian’s generals, Cornelius Publius Caius Regalianus, seized power, but was killed by his own troops after a very short reign. All of Regalianus’ coinage has been attributed to a mint in Carnuntum (on the Danube between modern Hainburg in Austria and Bratislava in Slovakia). It was obviously struck in great haste as evidenced by the relatively crude style and the fact that his known coins are all overstruck on other coins.

Selections from the A.K. Collection

Selections from the A.K. Collection

This year the A.K. catalogue – fully illustrated containing the photos and full descriptions of all the coins in each lot – will be ONLY available ONLINE (see individual lots below for details). In previous years we had a separate printed catalogue, which was available during the lot viewing of Triton in New York, or was sent by post on request. In the future we will print a catalogue again combining the lots of two years.

The present selection of the by now well-known A.K. Collection consists of 288 bronze and billon coins. From the Gallic Empire, we have already sold various silver and bronze coins of Postumus in Triton XXVI (2023) lot 810 and 811 and of Laelianus and Marius and Victorinus in Triton XXVII (2024) lot 852 and lot 853. This year, we offer a lot composed mostly of Tetricus I and II, but also including some duplicates of Postumus and Victorinus and imitations and radiates of the Tetrici (lot A). Some official and imitative issues are included in this lot, by way of comparison and as an appetizer for further imitative offerings to come

Next lot (lot B) is part of the huge group of coins from Claudius Gothicus which has been divided across a number of Triton sales. This year we finally offer his coins from the mint of Antioch. Some of these pieces are so rare that RIC online knows of fewer than 10 pieces: B23, B26, B30, B31. We have previously offered the mints of Mediolanum and Rome in Triton XXVI (2023), lot 812, the mint of Siscia in lot 854, the mints of Cyzicus and Smyrna in Triton XXVII (2024) lot 855 and Consecratio issues in lot 857. Last but not least is a fascinating lot of irregular issues struck in the name of Divus Claudius Gothicus. As an emperor he was very popular among the inhabitants of the upper areas of the provinces in the western part of the Roman Empire, so it is understandable that his memorial issues were extensively copied for use in those areas.

This auction also features a wonderful selection of coins of Aurelian and Severina in at least 3 parts: we begin with the mints of Lugdunum, Mediolanum, Ticinum and Rome (lot 818): some of the coins are extremely rare like C04 only one known; C02 and C54 only two known; C08 and C17 only three known; some are illustrated in MIR (= R. Göbl, Moneta Imperii Romani, Die Münzprägung des Kaisers Aurelianus (270/275) (Wien, 1993) like C01, C03, C06, C13, C15, C23, C42, C50, C51, C54, C57, C59, C62, C73.

We continue with a selection of Antoniniani and double Antoniniani of Tacitus and Florianus (lot 819) from different mints: Lugdunum, Ticinum, Rome, Siscia, Serdica, Cyzicus, Antioch, Tripolis. Many of these coins have wonderful toned silvering, with some very rare or extremely rare, including like D22, D31 and D33 (one example known to RIC Online) and D32, D40, D42, D44 (three known to RIC Online).

Finally, the last lot (lot 820) presents a selection of Alexandrian coins of Aurelian, Severina and Tacitus. Many are classified as very rare and extremely rare in RPC X: E11 (two known); E15 and E29 (five known); E30 and E39 (six known).

The coins in this portion of the AK Collection have been illustrated in various publications. Pedigrees include auctions, fixed price lists, and stock of E. Beckenbauer, Munich; M. Brugger, Zug; Bank Leu, Zurich; Dietrich, Zurich; Frey, Freiburg; Heritage, Paris; F.-P. Jacquier, Kehl; Maison Platt, Paris; Muenchner Muenzhandlung K. Kress, Munich; Muenzen und Medaillen AG, Basel; Pilartz, Cologne; D. Rauch, Vienna; F. Sternberg, Zurich; J. Vinchon, Paris; and many more, representing important collections such as those of Bastien, Dattari, Dreyfuß, Frenzel, Goebl, Gutknecht, Naegeli, Rosen, Rosche, and Weder. The quality of the coins ranges from Fine to Extremely fine.

816. Collection of seventy-two (72) Antoniniani of Postumus, Aureolus, Victorinus, Tetricus I and Tetricus II. Various mints. Includes: Postumus (10 coins) // Aureolus (4 coins) // Victorinus (6 coins) // Tetricus I (19) // Tetricus II (24) // Radiates (9 coins). Photos and detailed descriptions available online at http://ak.cngcoins.com. Good Fine to Near EF. Seventy-two (72) coins in lot. ($500)

From the A.K. Collection.

817. Collection of thirty-one (31) Antoniniani of Claudius Gothicus from Antioch mint. Photos and detailed descriptions available online at http://ak.cngcoins.com. VF to EF. Thirty-one (31) coins in lot. ($500)

From the A.K. Collection.

818. Collection of eighty-one (81) Antoniniani and Denarii of Aurelian and Severina. Aurelian (78 total coins). Mints: Lugdunum (2 coins) // Mediolanum (34 coins) // Ticinum (8 coins) // Rome (34 coins) // Severina (3 total coins). All Rome mint: Antoninian (2 coins) and Denarius (1 coin). Photos and detailed descriptions available online at http://ak.cngcoins. com. VF to EF. Eighty-one (81) coins in lot. ($750)

From the A.K. Collection.

819. Collection of fifty-one (51) Double Antoniniani and Antoniniani of Tacitus and Florian. Tacitus (45 total coins). Mints: Lugdunum (9 coins) // Ticinum (5 coins) // Rome (7 coins) // Siscia (7 coins) // Serdica (4 coins) // Cyzicus (6 coins) // Antioch (5 coins) // Tripolis (2 coins) // Florianus (6 total coins). Mints: Lugdunum (1 coin) // Rome (1 coins) // Siscia (1 coin) // Serdica (1 coin) // Cyzicus (2 coins). Photos and detailed descriptions available online at http://ak.cngcoins.com. VF to EF. Fifty-one (51) coins in lot. ($750)

From the A.K. Collection.

820. Collection of fifty-three (53) Alexandrian Tetradrachms of Aurelian, Severina and Tacitus. Aurelian (39 total coins). Dates: Year 1 (5 coins) // Year 2 (6 coins) // Year 3 (3 coins) // Year 4 (8 coins) // Year 5 (11 coins) // Year 6 (3 coins) // Year 7 (3 coins) // Severina (5 coins): year 6 (3 coins) // year 7 (2 coins) // Tacitus (9 total coins). Photos and detailed descriptions available online at http://ak.cngcoins.com. Near VF to Near EF. Fifty-three (53) coins in lot. ($500)

From the A.K. Collection.

Selections from the 2017 Harbridge Hoard

The 2017 Harbridge Hoard was discovered on New Year’s Day 2017 while the finder was metal detecting in Harbridge, a small village within the parish of Ellingham, Harbridge and Ibsley in the New Forest, Hampshire. It was subsequently reported to the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) where the details of the hoard were recorded, before being returned to the owner.

With a terminus post quem of circa AD 282, the hoard contains a total of 4,805 coins (4,804 radiates and one denarius), from Valerian (AD 253-260) to Probus (AD 276-282), with those of emperors Galienus, Victorinus and Tetricus II being strongly represented, alongside various usurpers such as Quietus and Laelianus. Now professionally conserved, the hoard is being offered at public sale in its entirety. The first fourteen lots of fifty-nine coins consist of some highlights and rarities from within the hoard and are followed by the remaining 4,746 coins which are being sold alongside the pot in which the hoard was discovered and its official PAS documentation, as prepared by Dr. Eleanor Ghey, curator of hoards at the British Museum.

Extremely Rare – Among the Finest Known

821. Gallienus. AD 253-268. Antoninianus (19.5mm, 4.67 g, 12h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 4th emission, AD 262263. IMP GALLIENVS P AVG, radiate and draped bust right, holding spear pointing forwards in right hand and holding shield on left shoulder / ORI ENS AVG, Sol, radiate and wearing chlamys draped over both shoulders, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left. RIC V 496 var. (unlisted bust type); MIR 36, 1140t (same obv. die as illustrated example); Toffanin 186/24; RSC 692b var. (same). Dark brown patina with some trace silvering and verdigris, edges hammered, light cleaning scratches. VF. Extremely rare with this bust type. Only four recorded in MIR, one in CoinArchives. Superior to both the MIR illustration and the example in CoinArchives (Roma E-Sale 86, lot 1319). Struck on an exceptionally heavy flan and interesting with the edges hammered. ($500)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

Photo of Lot 835

A Selection of Legionary Issues of Gallienus

822. Gallienus. AD 253-268. Lot of six (6) Legionary Antoniniani. “Legionary series” issues. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 2nd emission, AD 261. Includes:

1) (20.5mm, 2.29 g, 6h). GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / COHN PRAET VI P VI F, radiate lion walking right. RIC V 370; MIR 36, 979r; Toffanin 69/3; RSC 105. Toned, slight porosity, a couple of minor metal flaws. VF.

2) (21.5mm, 3.52 g, 6h). GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / LEG I ITAL VI P VI F, wild boar walking right. RIC V 320; MIR 36, 986r; Toffanin 78/3; RSC 455. Toned, slight porosity, a couple of minor metal flaws. VF. Rare.

3) (20.5mm, 2.27 g, 12h). GALLIENVS AVG, radiate heroic bust left, balteus across right shoulder, aegis on left shoulder, holding spear pointing forwards in right hand, seen from behind / [LEG I MIN] VI P VI F, Minerva, helmeted and draped, standing left, holding Victory right in extended right hand and resting left hand on shield set on the ground to right and with her left arm cradling spear. RIC V 322 var. (unlisted bust type); MIR 36, 986 var. (same); Toffanin 80 var. (same); RSC – but cf. p. 77 (for series). Dark brown-green patina, slight roughness, broken and repaired. Near VF. Extremely rare. This bust type is known for Gallienus but hitherto not for this issue. Toffanin bust type L2L. See p. 57 for an illustration.

4) (20mm, 3.37 g, 6h). GALLIENVS [AVG], radiate bust left / LEG I MIN VII [P VII F], Minerva, helmeted and draped, standing left, holding Victory right in extended right hand and resting left hand on shield set on the ground to right and with her left arm cradling spear. RIC V 323; MIR 36, 989c (same obv. die as illustrated example); Toffanin 81/1; RSC 464. Toned, minor weakness, slight porosity. Good VF. Very rare. RRR in Toffanin.

5) (19.5mm, 2.19 g, 12h). GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / LEG VII CL VI P VI F, bull standing right. RIC V 348; MIR 36, 1006n; Toffanin 101/4; RSC 511. Toned. Good VF.

6) (21.5mm, 2.38 g, 12h). GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / LEG VII CL VII P [VII F], bull standing right. RIC V 350; MIR 36, 1007r; Toffanin 102/4 (same rev. die as illustrated example of 102/1); RSC 515. Toned, some weakness. Good VF. Rare. RRR in Toffanin.

Near VF - Good VF. An outstanding selection including some rare issues. Six (6) coins in lot. ($750)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

823. Lot of eleven (11) mostly Antoniniani. Includes:

1) Gallienus. AD 253-268. Antoninianus (18.5mm, 2.16 g, 12h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 4th emission, AD 262-263. Muled with a reverse die of Salonina. GALLIENVS AVG, radiate head right / VESTA, Vesta, draped, standing right, holding patera in right hand and transverse scepter in left hand. RIC V – but cf. 68 (for reverse); cf. MIR 36, 1174 (for reverse type); cf. Toffanin 215/1 (same); Cunetio 986 (Rome); Normanby –; RSC –. Dark brown patina, light roughness, light cleaning scratches. Near VF. An extremely rare mule of an already rare issue for Salonina. This mule was formerly known from only a single example in the 1978 Cunetio treasure where it was there mistakenly attributed to the Rome mint.

2) Gallienus. AD 253-268. Denarius (19.5mm, 2.08 g, 6h). Rome mint. 9th emission, AD 265-267. IMP GALLIENVS AVG, laureate head right / FORTVNA REDVX, Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder set on globe to left in right hand and cornucopia in left hand. RIC V 352 var. (obv. legend); MIR 36, 666t; Cunetio 1423 corr. (no ς officina mark); Normanby –; RSC 276 var. (same). Dark brown patina and toned partial silvering, some gentle cleaning scratches. Near EF. Very rare. The only denarius in the Harbridge Hoard.

3) Gallienus. AD 253-268. Antoninianus (19.5mm, 2.34 g, 6h). Rome mint, 8th officina. 10th emission, AD 267-268. GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and draped bust right / [APPOLL]INI CONS AVG, centaur walking left, holding globe in extended right hand and cradling rudder held in left hand in left arm; H. RIC V 164; MIR 36, 738(l) (same obv. die as illustrated example); Normanby –; RSC 74a (same obv. die as illustrated example). Dark brown patina, spots of weakness, gentle cleaning scratches. Good VF. Very rare with this bust type. Only one in the BM recorded in MIR, though others are known.

4) Quietus. Usurper, AD 260-261. Antoninianus (19mm, 3.14 g, 6h). Samosata mint. 2nd emission. IMP C FVL QVIETVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower in raised right hand and raising hem of skirt in left hand; star to left. RIC V 11 (Antioch); MIR 44, 1743n; RSC 14a. Toned complete silvering, minor reverse die wear. Near EF.

5) Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Antoninianus (20mm, 2.68 g, 6h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa mid-late AD 268. IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IOVI V I CTO RI, Jupiter, nude, standing facing, head right, about to hurl thunderbolt held in raised right hand and holding transverse scepter in left hand; C|A//–. RIC V.4 427; AGK 40; Normanby 1351. Dark brown patina, minor reverse die wear, gentle cleaning scratches. Near EF. Very scarce issue.

6) A second example of RIC V.4 427. (20mm, 2.68 g, 6h). Dark brown patina, gentle cleaning scratches. Near EF. Very scarce issue.

7) Victorinus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 269-271. Antoninianus (19.5mm, 3.13 g, 6h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 2nd emission, circa mid AD 269-circa early 270. IMP C VICTORINVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust left, seen from the front / SALV S A VG, Salus, draped, standing right, feeding serpent held in both arms from patera held in extended left hand. RIC V.4 574; AGK 21e; Normanby 1434 (same obv. die). Dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, gentle cleaning scratches. Good VF. Rare.

8) Victorinus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 269-271. Antoninianus (18mm, 2.52 g, 1h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 2nd emission, circa 270. IMP C VICTORINVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / COME S AVG, Mars, nude but for helmet and chlamys draped over both shoulders, standing right, holding spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield set on the ground to right. RIC V.4 592; AGK 2; Normanby 1444. Dark brown patina, gentle cleaning scratches. Good VF. Very rare.

9) Divus Victorinus. Died AD 271. Antoninianus (17.5mm, 2.67 g, 12h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. Struck under Tetricus I, 1st emission, circa mid AD 271. [DIVO] VICTORINO PIO, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / CONSACRATIO, eagle standing right on globe, head left, wreath in beak. RIC V.4 639; AGK 1b; Normanby 1454. Dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, reverse die wear, light cleaning scratches. Good VF. Rare.

10) A second example of RIC V.4 639. (18.5mm, 2.55 g, 12h). Dark brown patina, die wear, gentle cleaning scratches. Near VF. Rare.

11) Tetricus I. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 271-274. Treveri (Trier) mint. 2nd emission, circa AD 271. IMP [C G P ESV T]ETRICVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CONCOR D[IA AVG], Concordia, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC V.4 661; AGK 2b; Normanby 1461. Dark brown patina, die wear, gentle cleaning scratches. Near VF. Very rare.

Near VF - Near EF. A wonderful composition of highlights from the Harbridge Hoard including some rare and very rare issues. Eleven (11) coins in lot. ($1000)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

An Exceptional Laelianus Antoninianus

824. Laelianus. Romano-Gallic Usurper, AD 269. Antoninianus (20.5mm, 2.56 g, 2h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa early AD 269. IMP C LAELIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICTO R IA AVG, Victory, draped, running right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm over left shoulder. RIC V.4 472; Gilljam dies XXI/34; AGK 1c. Dark brown patina, slight die wear on obverse, light cleaning scratches. EF. A beautiful example of this desirable but often poorly struck issue. Exceptional. ($1000)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

825. Laelianus. Romano-Gallic Usurper, AD 269. Antoninianus (20.5mm, 2.00 g, 12h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa early AD 269. IMP C LAELIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICTO R I A AV G, Victory, draped, running right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm over left shoulder. RIC V.4 472; Gilljam dies XLVI/38; AGK 1c. Glossy dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, flan crack, light cleaning scratches, light die wear on reverse. Near EF. ($750)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

826. Laelianus. Romano-Gallic Usurper, AD 269. Antoninianus (18.5mm, 2.90 g, 1h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa early AD 269. IMP C LAELIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICTO R I A AV G, Victory, draped, running right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm over left shoulder. RIC V.4 472; Gilljam dies XXXV/19; AGK 1c. Dark brown patina, light cleaning scratches, die wear on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

827. Laelianus. Romano-Gallic Usurper, AD 269. Antoninianus (20.5mm, 2.85 g, 6h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa early AD 269. IMP C LAELIANVS P F [AVG], radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICTO R I A AV G, Victory, draped, running right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm over left shoulder. RIC V.4 472; Gilljam dies XIX/38; AGK 1c. Dark brown patina, slightly compact flan, some roughness, light cleaning scratches. Good VF. ($500)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

828. Marius. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 269. Lot of four (4) Antoniniani. Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa spring AD 269. Includes:

1) (18.5mm, 3.16 g, 1h). IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTO R I A A VG, Victory, draped, running right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm over left shoulder. RIC V.4 490; Gilljam rev. die – (unlisted rev. die); AGK 6a; Normanby 1391.

2) A second example (18.5mm, 2.54 g, 12h). VICTO R I A AV G. Gilljam rev. die 32.

3) A third example. (19mm, 2.37 g, 7h). VICTO R I A AV G. Gilljam rev. die 30.

4) A fourth example. (20mm, 3.17 g, 7h). VICTO R I A AV G. Gilljam rev. die 11.

Dark brown patina, some with toned trace silvering, a couple with die wear on reverse. Average VF - Good VF. This issue is struck reusing Laelianus’ reverse dies. Four (4) coins in lot. ($500)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

829. Marius. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 269. Lot of three (3) Antoniniani. Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa spring AD 269. Includes:

1) (20mm, 2.64 g, 7h). IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICT O R IA AVG, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm. RIC V.4 487; AGK 7b; Normanby 1394. Glossy dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, reverse die wear, light cleaning scratches.

2) (19.5mm, 3.14 g, 7h). IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICTO R I A AV G, Victory, draped, running right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm over left shoulder. RIC V.4 489; Gilljam rev. die 40; AGK 6b; Normanby 1393. Dark brown patina with some toned trace silvering and verdigris, reverse slightly off center, reverse die wear, a few tiny metal flaws, light cleaning scratches. This issue is struck reusing Laelianus’ reverse die. Rare.

3) (19mm, 2.37 g, 7h). IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VIC TO R IA AVG, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond over left shoulder in left hand. RIC V.4 491 (same rev. die as illustrated example); AGK –; Normanby 1395. Dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, some die wear, thin flan crack, light cleaning scratches. Very rare.

All coins: Good VF and VF. Three (3) coins in lot. ($500)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

circa spring AD 269. Includes:

1) (21mm, 3.01 g, 8h). IMP C MARIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SAEC F ELICITAS, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding short caduceus in right hand and cornucopia in left hand. RIC V.4 485; AGK 4b; Normanby 1390. Dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, light cleaning scratches.

2) A second example. (19.5mm, 2.79 g, 6h). Dark brown patina, minor flan crack.

3) A third example. (18.5mm, 2.98 g, 8h). Dark brown patina, slight roughness, gentle cleaning scratches.

4) A fourth example. (19.5mm, 3.16 g, 6h). Dark brown patina with some toned trace silvering, gentle cleaning scratches. All coins: Good VF. Four (4) coins in lot. ($500)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

six

spring AD

C

P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SAEC F ELICITAS, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding short caduceus in right hand and cornucopia in left hand. RIC V.4 485; AGK 4b; Normanby 1390. Dark brown patina, some with toned trace silvering, some die wear, light cleaning scratches. All coins: VF. Six (6) coins in lot. ($500)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

830. Marius. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 269. Lot of four (4) Antoniniani. Treveri (Trier) mint. 2nd emission,

831. Marius. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 269. Lot of

(6) Antoniniani. Treveri (Trier) mint. 2nd emission, circa

269. IMP

MARIVS

832. Marius. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 269. Lot of ten (10) Antoniniani. Includes: CONCORD MILIT (4) // CONCORD MILITVM (2) // VICTORIA AVG (3) // VIRTVS AVG (1). Average VF - EF. A wonderful assortment. Ten (10) coins in lot. ($1000)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

Two Examples of a Very Rare Bust Type

833. Claudius II Gothicus. AD 268-270. Lot of two (2) Antoniniani. Rome mint, 12th officina. 1st emission, circa October-November AD 268. Includes:

1) (20mm, 3.14 g, 6h). [IMP C CLA]V DIVS AVG, radiate heroic bust left, balteus across right shoulder, aegis on left shoulder, holding spear pointing forwards in right hand, seen from behind / PROVIDENT AVG, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding wand over globe set at feet to left in right hand and cornucopia in left hand; resting left arm on column to right. RIC V 91 var. (unlisted bust type); RIC V Online 126 (temp). Normanby –. Dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, obverse somewhat off center, minor weakness, light cleaning scratches.

2) A second example. (18.5mm, 2.76 g, 6h). Dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, obverse somewhat off center, flan crack, light cleaning scratches.

Good VF and VF. Very rare with this bust type. Two (2) coins in lot. ($500)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

834. Lot of eight (8) Antoniniani. Includes:

1) Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (20mm, 4.09 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 1st emission, November-December AD 275. IMP C CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PROVID DEOR, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding wand over globe set at feet to left in right hand and cornucopia in left hand. RIC V Online 3260 (temp); RIC V 49; Lyon 41. Toned near complete silvering, gentle cleaning scratches. EF.

2) Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 4.13 g, 7h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 4th officina. 5th emission, MarchApril AD 276. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / TEMPOR VM FELICITAS, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopia in left hand Δ|A//–. RIC V Online 3315 (temp); RIC V –; Lyon 84. Toned near complete silvering. EF. Very rare.

3) Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (19mm, 3.14 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 2nd officina. 8th emission, June AD 276. IMP C M CL TACITVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower in raised right hand and raising hem of skirt in left hand; –|*//II. RIC V Online 3345; RIC V –; Lyon 112. Toned partial silvering and dark brown patina, gentle cleaning scratches. Near EF. Very rare.

4) Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (22mm, 4.29 g, 6h). Rome mint, 2nd officina. 2nd emission, November-December AD 275. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / LAETITIA FVND, Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and anchor set on the ground to right in left hand; XXIB. RIC V Online 3485 (temp); RIC V 89. Dark brown patina with some green, light cleaning scratches. Near EF.

5) Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (22mm, 5.03 g, 12h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission, NovemberDecember AD 275. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FIDES MI LITVM, Fides, draped, standing left, holding a signum in each hand; XXIς. RIC V Online 3502 (temp); RIC V 87. Attractive dark brown patina with toned underlying partial silvering, some gentle cleaning scratches. EF.

6) Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 3.81 g, 12h). Ticinum mint, 1st officina. 1st-2nd emissions, November AD 275-June 276. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTO RIA G OTTHI, Victory, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and cradling palm frond held in left hand over left shoulder; P. RIC V Online 3361 (temp) and 3399 (temp); RIC V 172. Dark brown patina with some green and toned trace silvering, gentle cleaning scratches. Good VF. Very scarce and from a desirable issue.

7) Florian. AD 276. Antoninianus (22mm, 4.36 g, 1h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 1st emission, July. IMP C M AN FLORIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / TEMPOR VM FELICITAS, Felicitas, draped, standing right, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopia in left hand. RIC V Online 4120 (temp); RIC V –; Lyon 124. Toned near complete silvering, slight reverse die wear, trace cleaning scratches. Near EF. Very rare.

8) Florian. AD 276. Antoninianus (21.5mm, 4.06 g, 6h). Rome mint, 2nd officina. 1st emission, July-August. IMP C FLORIANVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / LAETITIA FVND, Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and anchor set on the ground to right in left hand; XXIB. RIC V Online 4219 (temp); RIC V 34. Toned complete silvering, minor deposits, gentle cleaning scratches. EF.

Good VF - EF. A wonderful selection of these two rulers with some high grade, very rare, and desirable issues. Eight (8) coins in lot. ($500)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

Remainder of the 2017 Harbridge Hoard

Selections from Lot 835

835. Lot of four thousand seven hundred fifty-two (4,752) Antoniniani. Including: Valerian I (25) // Gallienus (830) // Salonina (107) // Valerian II (1) // Saloninus (2) // Diva Mariniana (1) // Divus Valerian II (1) // Claudius II (377) // Divus Claudius II (24) // Quintillus (32) // Aurelian (16) // Severina (1) // Tacitus (25) // Probus (59) // Postumus (172) // Victorinus (1328) // Tetricus I (1149) // Tetricus II (477) // Uncertain Gallic Empire (approximately 58 – including 4 reverse brockages) // Irregular (49) // Uncertain (14). Totaling (4748 classified coins). Lot also includes the pot in which the hoard was discovered, with expertly reassembled fragments and some broken lid fragments, as well as Dr. Eleanor Ghey’s complete cataloging of the hoard in its entirety. Average Fine - EF. ($30,000)

From the 2017 Harbridge Hoard, Hampshire (PAS ID WILT-D0A939; BM Ref 2017T7).

A Handsome Portrait

836. Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Æ Double Sestertius (35mm, 31.73 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 3rd emission, circa late AD 260-circa late 261. IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / [FIDE]S MILITVM, Fides, draped, standing left, holding a signum in each hand. RIC V.4 85; Bastien, Postume 77; Banti 12. Brown patina, areas of roughness. Good VF. An excellent and handsome portrait. ($2000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 99 (13 May 2015), lot 704 (hammer $3250).

837. Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Æ Double Sestertius (30.5mm, 27.68 g, 5h). Treveri (Trier) mint.

3rd emission, circa late AD 260-circa late 261. IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / LAETITI A AVG, galley left with helmsman, four oarsmen, and waves below. RIC V.4 93; Bastien, Postume 364; Banti 26. Dark green patina. In NGC encapsulation 6831353-004, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. This particular coin is likely best classified as an official issue but under Bastien’s unclassified die engravers. ($750)

Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), lot 978; CNG inventory 700177 (January 1997); Kricheldorf XLV (15 December 1996), lot 187; Classical Numismatic Group 36 (5 December 1995), lot 2475.

838. Laelianus. Romano-Gallic Usurper, AD 269. Antoninianus (20mm, 3.23 g, 6h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa early AD 269. IMP C LAELIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICTO R I A AV G, Victory, draped, running right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm over left shoulder. RIC V.4 472; Gilljam dies XVII/42 (unlisted die combination); AGK 1c. Dark brown patina. In NGC encapsulation 6154823-003, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. An excellent example of both dies. ($1000)

Ex Summer Haven Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 462, 26 February 2020), lot 509.

Ex Knobloch Collection

839. Laelianus. Romano-Gallic Usurper, AD 269. Antoninianus (21mm, 3.32 g, 1h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 1st emission, circa early AD 269. IMP C LAELIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICTO R I A AV G, Victory, draped, running right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond cradled in left arm over left shoulder. RIC V.4 472; Gilljam dies IX/16; AGK 1c. Dark brown patina with some verdigris, thin flan crack, minor die wear, slightly off center on obverse. Good VF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts FPL 18 (Summer 1980), no. 56; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 1 May 1980), lot 1319.

The Usurper Zenobia

840. Zenobia. Usurper, AD 268-272. Antoninianus (20mm, 3.30 g, 5h). Antioch mint, 8th officina. 2nd emission, MarchMay AD 272. S ZЄNOBIA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent / IVNO REGINA, Juno, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left hand; at feet to left, peacock standing left, head right; d to left. RIC V 2 corr. (star not noted); RIC V Online 3122 (temp); Bland, Coinage 29, e–k, (dies 45/Jun ii); Carson, Zenobia 3 (same dies); MIR 47, 360b/0; BN 1267a and pl. 86, 288 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 6831353-003, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Rare. ($5000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 109 (12 September 2018), lot 710; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 901.

While a nominal ally of Rome, Odaenathus, ruler of the wealthy eastern trade center of Palmyra and husband of Septimia Zenobia, took full advantage of Rome’s internal and external conflicts to expand his territories. The circumstances surrounding the assassination of Odaenathus around AD 267 are uncertain, but we do know that Zenobia soon after took the title of Augusta and bestowed on her infant son Vaballathus the title of Augustus. Zenobia continued to expand the Palmyrene kingdom, seizing control of Egypt in AD 269 and, with it, the Roman grain supply. To further bolster her position, Zenobia claimed to be the descendent of such illustrious figures as Cleopatra VII of Egypt and legendary Queen Dido of Carthage.

When Aurelian rose to the purple in AD 270, he pragmatically acquiesced to Zenobia and Vaballathus’ rule in the east while he concerned himself with stabilizing the situation in the west. By AD 272, he was prepared to campaign against the usurpers. Palmyra was sacked, and both Zenobia and Vabalathus were captured as they tried to make their way to Persia. Zenobia was brought to Rome and paraded in Aurelian’s triumph in AD 274. According to a later tradition, Aurelian, impressed by her beauty and dignity, reportedly later freed her and granted her a villa in Tibur, where she spent the rest of her life.

841. Zenobia. Usurper, AD 268-272. Antoninianus (20.5mm, 3.70 g, 12h). Antioch mint, 8th officina. 2nd emission, March-May AD 272. S ZЄNOBIA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent / IVNO REGINA, Juno, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left hand; at feet to left, peacock standing left, head right; d to left. RIC V 2 corr. (star not noted); RIC V Online 3122 (temp); Bland, Coinage 29a-d (dies 45/Jun i); Carson, Zenobia 3 (same obverse die); MIR 47, 360b/0; BN 1267a and pl. 86, 288 (same obv. die). Dark green-brown patina with some toned trace silvering, cleaning/smoothing scratches. VF. Rare. ($2000)

Superb Example – Illustrated in Sear

842. Florian. AD 276. Antoninianus (23mm, 4.49 g, 12h). Rome mint, 5th officina. 1st emission, July-August. IMP C FLORIANVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FIDE S MILIT, Fides, draped, standing left, holding scepter in left hand and transverse signum in right hand; XXIЄ. RIC V Online 4233; RIC V 30; BN 1911; S 11857 (this coin illustrated). Toned complete silvering, trace deposits. Superb EF. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, January 1994.

Well Pedigreed & Very Rare Divus Nigrinian

843. Divus Nigrinian. Died circa AD 284. Antoninianus (21mm, 3.63 g, 12h). Rome mint, 1st officina. 6th emission of Carinus, early AD 285. DIVO NIGRINIANO, radiate head right / CONSECRATIO, lighted garlanded altar; KAeA. RIC V 474; Pink VI/2, p. 39. Dark brown patina with some toned trace silvering, minor die wear, trace cleaning scratches. Good VF. Very rare. One of the finest known. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Glenn Schinke, August 2016. Ex Goldberg 91 (7 June 2016), lot 2052; Gorny & Mosch 204 (5 March 2012), lot 2523; Numismatica Ars Classica 54 (24 March 2010), lot 1315 (hammer CHF 5000); Gorny & Mosch 114 (4 March 2002), lot 400; Giessener Münzhandlung 69 (18 November 1994), lot 682.

High Grade Example of the Usurper Julian of Pannonia

844. Julian of Pannonia. Usurper, AD 284-285. Antoninianus (21mm, 4.24 g, 6h). Siscia mint, 1st officina. Struck December AD 284. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICT OR I A AVG, Victory, draped, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling palm frond held in left hand in left arm; S|A// XXI. RIC V 5; Pink VI/2, p. 49; Venèra 4397; S. Estiot, “L’Atelier de Siscia sous les “Règnes de Carus, Carin et Numérien” in NZ 122/123 (2017), p. 281 and pl. C, 53; Vagi p. 383 (the obverse of this coin illustrated). Dark green-brown patina and toned partial silvering. EF. Scarce. Very desirable in high grades. This coin is the illustration for the historical entry for Julian in part one of Vagi’s Coinage and History of the Roman Empire (1999). ($2500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex James Fox Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 40, with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 1725; Tkalec (26 March 1991), lot 432.

Marcus Aurelius Sabinus Iulianus, was a corrector in Northern Italy under Carus. In AD 284, during the struggles surrounding the succession between Carinus and Diocletian, Julian usurped imperial authority in Pannonia for a brief period and began issuing coins from Siscia. Carinus marched from his base in Britain to deal with the usurpation, dispensing with Julianus early in AD 285 near Verona.

Superb Example – Cited in Gautier

845. Diocletian. AD 284-305. AR Argenteus (19mm, 3.56 g, 12h). Ticinum mint. 1st emission, AD 294-295. DIOCLETI ANVS AVG, laureate head right / VICTORIA SARMAT, the four Tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets. RIC VI 16a; Gautier, Argent 9o (this coin); RSC 488d. Highly lustrous. Superb EF. This coin is reportedly illustrated in History of the West to 1500 by R. Cleve (2006). ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 42 (29 May 1997), lot 1097.

Very

Rare High Grade Argenteus – Cited in Gautier

846. Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AR Argenteus (17.5mm, 3.12 g, 5h). Rome mint. 1st emission, late AD 294-early 295. MAXIMIA NVS AVG, laureate head right / PROVIDE NTIA AVGG, the four Tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets. RIC VI 10b; Gautier, Argent 6e (this coin); RSC 486a. Lightly toned with some golden hues. In NGC encapsulation 6639696-002, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare. Only nine examples recorded for this early emission by Gautier. ($750)

Ex G. Hirsch 245 (4 May 2006), lot 680.

Extremely Rare Officina for Maximianus – Cited & Illustrated in Gautier

847. Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AR Argenteus (18.5mm, 3.38 g, 6h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. 2nd emission, AD 295-296. MAXIMIA NVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, the four Tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets; Γ. RIC VI 40b; Gautier, Argent 98a (this coin, illustrated); RSC 622g. Attractive golden and iridescent toning. In NGC encapsulation 4878085-006, graded Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Extremely rare from this officina. This coin one of three cited by Gautier. ($750)

Ex Auctiones GmbH eAuction 48 (22 May 2016), lot 86; Manhattan Sale IV (8 January 2013), lot 187; Nomos AG inventory 13921 (11 June 2014).

Impressive “Tres Monetae” Medallion

848. Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. Æ Medallion (40mm, 47.03 g, 1h). Rome (or Carthage) mint. Struck AD 297-298. VIRTVS MAXIMIANI AVG, laureate and cuirassed half-length bust left, breastplate adorned with gorgoneion aegis, holding a horse by the bridle in right hand and carrying a shield on his left shoulder which is decorated by the she-wolf left, head right, nursing the twins Romulus and Remus / MONETA AVGG, the Tres Monetae standing left, each holding scale over pile of coins in right hand and a cornucopia in left hand. Gnecchi II p. 129, 18 and pl. 127, 6; G. Malingue, “Un médaillon de bronze de l’Empereur Maximien Hercule frappé à Carthage” in BSFN (2007), p. 121, fig. 11 (this medallion illustrated). Dark brown-green patina, scratches. VF. ($10,000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex D.K. Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 123, 23 May 2023), lot 679 (hammer $15,000); Rauch 82 (23 April 2008), lot 591; Künker 133 (11 October 2007), lot 9089; Lanz 128 (22 May 2006), lot 789.

The Tres Monetae, female personifications of the metals of gold, silver, and bronze used to strike coins, regularly appear on Imperial medallions during the economic crisis of the second half of the third century and reflect the efforts of a series of emperors to revive the economy through monetary reform. By the time of the Tetrarchy, massive inflation had crippled the economy and Diocletian implemented dramatic economic reforms, which included the introduction of the silver argenteus and bronze follis in AD 294/5.

G. Malingue in his 2007 article hypothesizes that this series of medallions was possibly struck in Carthage utilizing resources from the Rome mint.

849. Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. Æ Follis (25mm, 9.14 g, 12h). Alexandria mint, 2nd officina. 2nd emission. IMP C L DOMITIИIS DOMITIANVS AVG (sic), laureate head right / GENIO POPV L I ROMANI, Genius standing left, nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, holding patera from which no liquor flows in right hand, and cornucopia in left; eagle at feet to left, standing left, head right; –|B//ALE. RIC VI 20; CNG 102, lot 1091 (same obv. die); CNG 94, lot 1089 (same obv. die, but later die state). Brown surfaces. EF. ($4000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Tkalec & Rauch (14 April 1986), lot 446.

The revolt of Domitius Domitianus in Egypt destabilized a vitally strategic region by interrupting the grain supply to the eastern provinces and opening the possibility of a Sasanian invasion. For almost a year, Domitius Domitianus controlled Alexandria and its mint, striking aurei, argentei, and folles, as well as a series of pre-reform provincial denominations. Diocletian regained control of Alexandria probably sometime in AD 298 and shortly thereafter ended the long tradition of provincial coinage. From this point forward, only imperial denominations were struck at Alexandria, and indeed everywhere else in the empire, until its fall.

850. Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. Æ Follis (25mm, 9.14 g, 12h). Alexandria mint, 2nd officina. 2nd emission. IMP C L DOMITIVS DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right / GENIO POPV L I ROMANI, Genius standing left, nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, holding patera from which no liquor flows in right hand, and cornucopia in left; eagle at feet to left, standing left, head right; –|B//ALE. RIC VI 20. In NGC encapsulation 6158921-002, graded Ch XF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare die pair. ($4000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 118 (13 September 2021), lot 1159; Numismatica Ars Classica 84 (20 May 2015), lot 1168; S.C. Markoff Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 62, 6 October 2011), lot 2087; Numismatica Ars Classica 29 (11 May 2005), lot 630.

851. Constantius I. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AR Argenteus (19mm, 3.00 g, 7h). Siscia mint. 1st emission, autumn AD 294-295. CONSTANTI VS CAESAR, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, the four Tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with eight turrets. RIC VI 44a; Gautier, Argent 32ag corr. (sale date and lot number; this coin); RSC 315†c. Light golden toning, minor marks. Near EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica N (26 June 2003), lot 2157.

Superb and Highly Lustrous – Cited in Gautier

852. Galerius. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AR Argenteus (17.5mm, 2.86 g, 12h). Rome mint, 7th officina. 4th emission, AD 297-circa early 298. MAXIMIA NVS CAES, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, the four Tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets; Z. RIC VI 42b; Gautier, Argent 253i (this coin); RSC 219b. Lightly toned, highly lustrous, trace hairlines, minor die rust on reverse. Superb EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, June 2005. Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 9 (Spring 2004), no. 118.

Seldom Offered Severus II Aureus

853. Severus II. AD 306-307. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.36 g, 1h). Nicomedia mint. Struck AD 306. SEVERVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / HERCVLI VICTORI 1, Hercules, nude, standing right, resting right hand on club set on ground to left and holding the apples of Hesperides and lion’s skin in left hand; SMN. RIC VI 41; Depeyrot 10/1; Calicó 4991; Biaggi 1884. Toned, thin flan crack, somewhat wavy flan, minor marks, light hairlines. Good VF. Very rare. ($7500)

Like many Roman emperors of his time, the Illyrian Severus II gained power and influence by climbing the ranks of the army. In May AD 305 he was made the western Caesar, overseeing his territory from his capital at Milan. Galerius promoted him to co-Augustus on the death of Constantius I Chlorus the following year, and Constantius’ son Constantine I was appointed as the new Caesar. This must not have sat well with Maxentius, son of the former Augustus Maximianus, who was overlooked as a potential successor to his own father. Maxentius revolted in late AD 306, and Severus II led his army south to Rome in early AD 307 in order to put an end to it. A large number of Severus’ troops had previously served under Maximianus, however, and felt more loyalty to their prior commander and his son than to the current Augustus. Many of Severus’ soldiers joined Maxentius army, leaving Severus with no choice but to surrender. Although promised that his life would be spared if he surrendered peacefully, Severus was killed in September of AD 307.

Superb and in High Relief – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

854. Maximinus II. As Caesar, AD 305-310. Æ Follis (26mm, 7.92 g, 12h). Cyzicus mint, 3rd officina. Struck circa AD 308. GAL VAL MAXIMINVS NOB CAES, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, city gate with four turrets and raised portcullis; MKΓ. RIC VI 40; S 14790 (this coin illustrated). Dark brown-green patina with some toned trace silvering, trace smoothing. Superb EF. Very rare. In high relief. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, April 1995.

Highly Detailed Bust Type – The Finest Known

855. Maximinus II. As Caesar, AD 305-310. Æ Follis (24mm, 5.53 g, 11h). Antioch mint, 3rd officina. Struck AD 310. MAXIMINVS NOB CAES, cuirassed bust left, wearing plumed helmet, gorgoneion aegis on cuirass, and balteus across right shoulder supporting shield held on left shoulder; the shield is decorated by motif of two emperors on horseback riding left with two soldiers guarding two kneeling captives in the foreground / SOLI IN VICTAE, Sol, radiate and draped, standing facing, head left, in spread quadriga, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand; Γ//ANT. Cf. RIC VI 144 (for type for Galerius); Sternberg XI, lot 861 (this coin). Dark brown patina and toned partial silvering, tiny metal flaw. Near EF. Very rare issue. Extremely rare from this officina. This coin the first and by far the finest known within the officina. Presently known from five examples, with four other low grade examples recorded by Not in RIC ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1607; Sternberg XI (20 November 1981), lot 861.

Alexander of Carthage – Malingue Plate Coin

856. Alexander of Carthage. Usurper, AD 308-310. Æ Follis (21mm, 5.42 g, 5h). Carthago (Carthage) mint. 2nd bronze issue, spring-summer AD 310. IMP ALEXAND[ER P F A]VG, laureate head right / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, aquila between signum surmounted by hand on left and signum surmounted by wreath on right; [PK]. RIC VI 72; Malingue 12.a#4 (dies V/12.a-B – this coin). Brown-green patina. In NGC encapsulation 6158921-003, graded AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. Bold portrait, most of his name is clear. Rare. ($4000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 118 (13 September 2021), lot 1163 (hammer $8000); Stack’s Bowers Galleries (14 May 2018), lot 70113; Chirty-le-Fort Hoard, no. 20 (found in France, 2007).

The first imperial mint in Carthage was opened by Maximian in AD 297 in order to lead a campaign against rebelling tribes in Mauretania. His son, Maxentius, unconvinced of African loyalties, closed it in early AD 308. The Carthaginian troops who rose against Maxentius proclaimed the Vicar of the Praetorian Prefect for Africa, Alexander of Carthage, otherwise known as Lucius Domitius Alexander, emperor. Domitius Alexander then reopened the Carthage mint, starting production on a wonderful variety of folles. Seventeen reverse types were produced within two years, compared to five reverse types for the previous ten years. Maxentius sent an army to Africa in the fall of AD 310, defeated Domitius Alexander, and recovered the province. The Carthage mint was then permanently closed. No further Roman Imperial coins were struck in the province of Africa until those of Bonifatius over a century later.

Exceptional Example – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

857. Constantine I. As Caesar, AD 306-309. Æ Follis (27mm, 9.48 g, 12h). Ticinum mint, 2nd officina. Struck circa December AD 306-January 307. CONSTANTINVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / VIRTVS AV GG ET CAESS NN, Constantine, laureate and wearing military attire, on horseback galloping right, holding shield on left shoulder thrusting transverse spear held in right hand at an enemy kneeling left who holds both hands outwards; horse trampling another fallen enemy below; ST. RIC VI 83; S 15560 (this coin illustrated). Toned complete silvering with some verdigris. Superb EF. Rare. An exceptionally detailed example. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Dr. Paul Rynearson, January 1988.

Gold Constantine Medallion – Pedigreed to 1969

858. Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Medallion of 1 ½ Solidi (23mm, 6.29 g, 6h). Siscia mint. Struck AD 327. Diademed head right, eyes to God / GLORIA CON STANTINI AVG, Constantine, helmeted and wearing military attire, advancing right, holding a trophy over left shoulder in left hand and dragging captive with hands bound between his back by the hair with right hand, placing right foot on bound captive seated right, head left; SIS. Gnecchi I, 20; RIC VII 206; Calicó –; Depeyrot p. 153; Biaggi 1973. Toned and lustrous, ex-mount, extensive smoothing, light scratches, hairlines, minor deposits. Good VF. Very rare. ($10,000)

From the Luke Sanders Collection. Ex Triton XXVII (9 January 2024), lot 907; Goldberg 70 (4 September 2012), lot 3407; Gemini VIII (14 April 2011), lot 551; Numismatic Fine Arts XIV (29 November 1984), lot 555; Hess-Leu 41 (24 April 1969), lot 565.

Like the emperor Augustus before him, Constantine I adjusted his public image to meet the changing status of his political career. With Constantine’s defeat of Licinius I at Chrysopolis in AD 324, the empire was once again a unified state under a single emperor, a situation that had not existed since the accession of Diocletian some forty years earlier. As Constantine worked to re-establish peace and stability within a restored empire over the next several years – first, by establishing a new imperial capital at the Greek city of Byzantium (dedicated in AD 330 as Constantinople); second, by convening and overseeing an ecumenical council of Christian bishops in AD 325 at Nicaea to address trouble produced by the Arian controversy in the eastern portion of the empire; and third, by enacting a number of reforms aimed at civil administration – a new imperial visage began to emerge on the coinage. This new portrait depicted Constantine wearing a diadem, a feature that was adopted in AD 324 in place of the laurel wreath that previous emperors wore in their role as commanders-in-chief. It also showed the emperor looking slightly upward, as if in the attitude of prayer. This new depiction, which seems to have been intentionally ambiguous, could be viewed by various groups within the empire in the context of their own hopes and aspirations (For a discussion of Constantine’s use of deliberately ambiguous language and imagery, see T.G. Elliot, “The Language of Constantine’s Propaganda,” TAPA 120 [1990], pp. 349-353 and H.A. Drake, Constantine and the Bishops: The Politics of Intolerance [Johns Hopkins, 2000], passim).

For the Christians within the Roman Empire, who had suffered under a series of persecutions during the early fourth century AD, this new image could be interpreted as the culmination of God’s plan to defeat the pagans and create a new Christian Roman Empire. Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea and biographer of the emperor, in his Vita Constantini (IV.15), specifically mentions these coins as an indication of Constantine’s piety: “The great strength of the divinely inspired faith fixed in his soul might be deduced by considering also the fact that he had his own portrait so depicted on the gold coinage that he appeared to look upwards in the manner of one reaching out to God in prayer. Impressions of this type were circulated throughout the entire Roman world.” This new imagery was also replicated on statues erected throughout the empire, a fact also mentioned by Eusebius: “His portrait also at full length was placed over the entrance gates of the palaces in some cities, the eyes upraised to heaven, and the hands outspread as if in prayer.” For contemporary Christians, this portrait was a clearly visible sign of imperial support for them. Likewise for Eusebius, whose imperial biography was intended in part to present Constantine as the paradigm of the new Christian emperor and is the source for this interpretation of the coins, this new image served to validate his argument that Constantine was truly a Christian prince.

For non-Christians too, this new image could be interpreted in the context of their own viewpoints. The diademed portrait without the accompanying obverse legend recalls those royal Hellenistic portraits seen on the silver coinage of the successors of Alexander the Great and subsequent eastern monarchs (R.R.R. Smith, “The Public Image of Licinius I: Portrait Sculpture and Imperial Ideology in the Early Fourth Century,” JRS 87 [1997], p. 187 and note 99). Symbolizing royal authority, it appeared not only on the coinage of various Greek monarchies, but also on Roman Republican coinage where the mythical early Roman kings were depicted (cf. Marcia 28, showing Ancus Marcius). The use of the diadem, which appeared in an array of designs – from a simple plain band to ones which were more detailed and complex, eventually becoming an elaborate and jewel-encrusted construction – served to refigure Constantine in his role now as a Greek βασιλεύς, rather than a purely Roman princeps. Like Alexander the Great before him, Constantine also tried to balance the various and seemingly disparate elements of his new empire. Given that Constantine ruled over both Christian and non-Christian populations - neither of which he wished to alienate - his new portrait on these coins could appeal to the viewpoints of both.

Very Rare Medallion

859. Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Medallion of 1½ Solidi (25mm, 6.73 g, 12h). Nicomedia mint. Struck AD 328-329. Rosette-diademed head right, eyes to God / GLORIA CONSTA NTINVS AVG, Constantine, diademed and wearing military attire, standing left, holding Victory on globe right in extended right hand and spear in left hand, spurning a captive with his right foot who looks upwards at Constantine and whose hands are bound behind his back; flanked to the right by an additional captive seated right with his hands bound behind his back; –|S//SMN. Gnecchi I, 27 and pl. 7, 6; RIC VII 151; Depeyrot p. 155; Biaggi 1975; Mazzini 240. Toned, scrapes, scuffs, marks and edge marks, ex-jewelry. Good VF. Very rare. ($7500)

From the Arjan Senden Collection. Ex Elsen 93 (15 September 2007), lot 902.

Enduring Reverse Type

860. Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.48 g, 5h). Nicomedia mint, 5th officina. Struck AD 335. Laurel and rosette-diademed head right, eyes to God / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield set on left knee with left hand and inscribing VOT/ XXX on it in two lines with stylus held in right hand; to right, small nude genius standing left supporting the shield with both hands; an additional shield resting beside the cuirass to left; SMNM. RIC VII 176; Alföldi 615; Depeyrot 44/1; Adda 605; Biaggi 2025; Mazzini 617a. Toned, scattered light marks, short edge split. Near EF. ($7500)

This reverse type with Victory seated inscribing a shield proved to be one of Rome’s most enduring. It was first introduced in this form by Constantine late in his reign on gold issues such as this one. It was later adapted for the semissis by his sons Constantius II and Constans. While struck initially in both the East and and West, by the time the two halves were permanently split, only the East employed this reverse.

This type survived the coinage reform of Anastasius I, thereby numismatically outlasting Rome in the West. It was used by his successors through Justin II.

The style and design itself gradually degraded over the approximately 250 years it was struck. First the inscription on the shield gave way to stars; later, those stars because random lines. This degradation makes the type an excellent way to study the changes in Late Roman and Byzantine coinage overall.

Choice Example of Rare Issue – Pedigreed to 1925

861. Fausta. Augusta, AD 324-326. Æ Follis (18.5mm, 2.97 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Struck under Constantine I, AD 318-319. FAVS TA N F, bareheaded and mantled bust right / d within wreath with large central jewel. RIC VII 51; LRBC 824. Glossy dark brown and green patina with some trace verdigris. Superb EF. Rare. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Leu 77 (11 May 2000), lot 674; Walter Niggeler Collection (Part 3, Leu & Münzen und Medaillen AG, 2 November 1967), lot 1514; Niklovitz Collection (L. Hamburger [76], 19 October 1925), lot 1852.

862. Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis (18mm, 3.26 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Struck under Constantine I, AD 318-319. HELE NA N F, bareheaded and mantled bust right / d within wreath with large central jewel. RIC VII 50; LRBC 820. Dark brown-green patina, gentle smoothing. EF. Scarce, especially so in high grades. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 49 (17 March 1999), lot 1798.

Ex Hunt Collection – Pedigreed to 1932

863. Hanniballianus. Rex Regum, AD 335-337. Æ Follis (14.5mm, 1.87 g, 12h). Constantinople mint, 6th officina. Struck AD 336-337. FL HANNIBALLIANO REGI, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SE CVRITAS PVBLICA, Euphrates reclining right, leaning on scepter held in right hand and resting left arm on his lap; urn at his right side from which water flows; reed in background; CONSS. RIC VII 147; LRBC 1034. Even dark brown patina. Near EF. ($500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part IV, Sotheby’s New York, 19 June 1991), lot 942; Collection de Monsieur B. (M. Ratto 2, 23 June 1932), lot 250.

Extremely Rare Medallion – The Finest Known

864. Constantine II. As Caesar, AD 316-337. AV Medallion of 1 ½ Solidi (24.5mm, 6.71 g, 6h). Nicomedia mint. Struck under Constantine I, AD 327. CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, laureate and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS CON STANTINVS CAES, Constantine II, wearing military attire, standing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left hand; flanking him, two seated captives; the one of the left bareheaded with his hands bound behind his back, the one on the right wearing cap and resting his right hand on the ground and propping his left hand on his head; both captives directing their gaze upwards towards the emperor; SMN. Gnecchi I –; RIC VII 135; Depeyrot p. 155; Biaggi –. Toned, scuffs and marks, a couple of edge marks. Near EF. Extremely rare. Likely the second known after the example in Vienna that is exjewelry. Consequently, this medallion the finest known. ($10,000)

Superb Example – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

865. Constans. AD 337-350. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.45 g, 6h). Siscia mint. Struck AD 340-350. FL IVL CONS TANS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / OB VICTORIAM TRIVMPHALEM, two Victories, both draped, standing vis-à-vis, together holding between them with both hands a wreath inscribed VOT/ X/ MVL/ XV in four lines; SISd. RIC VIII 115; Depeyrot 9/1; Biaggi –; S 18394 (this coin illustrated). Toned and lustrous. Superb EF. An outstanding example. ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XII (23 March 1983), lot 449; Auctiones AG 12 (29 September 1981), lot 597.

866. Constans. AD 337-350. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.67 g, 7h). Thessalonica mint. Struck AD 337-340. FL IVL CON STANS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVM, Constans, wearing military attire, standing left, holding a trophy in right hand and resting left hand on shield set on the ground to right, flanked by seated captives; the one on his left with hands bound behind his back, and the one on his right holding his head in his right hand and resting his left hand on ground; both captives looking upwards at the emperor; TES. RIC VIII 34; Depeyrot 4/7; Biaggi 2126. Toned, minor die breaks, hairlines. Near EF. An overweight example. ($1500)

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica E (4 April 1995), lot 3259.

867. Constantius II. AD 337-361. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.51 g, 6h). Siscia mint. Struck circa AD 340-circa 350. FL IVL CONSTAN TIVS P F AVG, laurel-and-rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories, both draped, standing vis-à-vis, together holding between them with both hands a wreath inscribed VOT/ XX/ MVL/ XXX in four lines; •SIS•. RIC VIII 121; cf. Depeyrot 11/1 note (for discussion); Biaggi –. Toned, a few thin die breaks. EF. Extremely rare. ($2000)

Ex Bolaffi 37 (9 July 2020), lot 344.

Kent knew of only one example reportedly in the Portugal hoard which required confirmation. Depeyrot knew of no examples and doubted that this type existed with this mint mark. But with this specimen, it is evident that RIC VIII 121 for Siscia is indeed extant.

Very Rare Combination – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

868. Constantius II. AD 337-361. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.37 g, 12h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 351-355. FL IVL CONSTAN TIVS PERP AVGV, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with emperor dragging captive motif on left shoulder / GLORIA REI PVBLICAE, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated facing, holding spear in left hand, and Constantinopolis, turreted and draped, seated left, holding transverse scepter in left hand and resting right foot on prow, together supporting between them a shield inscribed VOT/ XXX/ MVLT/ XXXX in four lines held in their right hands; CONS. RIC VIII 98 var. (no pellet in mint mark); Depeyrot 3/4; Biaggi 2149; S 17754 (this coin illustrated). Toned, with some luster, minor die rust on reverse. Superb EF. Very rare with this obverse legend, mint mark, and obverse shield motif paired together. Only eight known to Depeyrot. High relief. ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, April 1985.

Superb Example – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

869. Constantius II. AD 337-361. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.49 g, 6h). Antioch mint, 2nd officina. Struck AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTAN TIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REI PVBLICAE, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated facing, holding spear in left hand, and Constantinopolis, turreted and draped, seated left, holding transverse scepter in left hand and resting right foot on prow, together supporting between them a shield inscribed VOT/ XX/ MVLT/ XXX in four lines held in their right hands; SMANB. RIC VIII 83; Depeyrot 6/3; Biaggi 2137 var. (officina); S 17740 (this coin illustrated as second example). Toned with some luster. Superb EF. Scarce issue. Very rare from this officina. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Ponterio & Associates, January 1989.

870. Constantius II. AD 337-361. AV Nine Siliquae – 1 ½ Scripulum (15mm, 1.51 g, 6h). Antioch mint. Struck AD 347355. CONSTAN TIVS AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield set on left knee with left hand and inscribing VOT/ XXX on it in two lines with stylus held in right hand; to right, small nude genius standing left supporting the shield with both hands; an additional shield resting beside the cuirass to left; SMAN. RIC VIII 97; Depeyrot 8/5. Toned, compact flan. Good VF. Very rare. ($1500)

Superb Example – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

871. Magnentius. AD 350-353. Æ (26.5mm, 7.95 g, 6h). Ambianum (Amiens) mint. 7th emission, early-10 August AD

353. D N MAGNEN TIVS P F AVG, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, large Christogram; A - ω flanking; AMB. RIC VIII 34; Bastien 135; S 18774 (this coin illustrated). Dark brown patina. Superb EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, November 1998.

Very Rare Issue of Nepotian

872. Nepotian. Usurper, AD 350. Æ (21mm, 4.95 g, 11h). Rome mint, 2nd officina. Struck 3-30 June. FL NEP CONST ANTINVS AVG, laurel-and-rosette diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA ROMANORVM, Nepotian, bareheaded, wearing military attire and paludamentum billowing behind him, on horseback galloping right, thrusting transverse spear held in right hand at an enemy kneeling left who holds raises both hands upwards; a broken spear and a shield strewn on the ground beneath the horse; RS. Cf. RIC VIII 200 (for similar issue); cf. LRBC 643 var. (same); CNG 79, 1245 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6155601-002, graded Ch VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, smoothing. Very rare issue. Extremely rare with this obverse legend and bust type paired with this reverse. Only one other example recorded of the N3 obverse legend and the D5 bust type paired for the GLORIA ROMANORVM reverse type (the CNG 79 coin from the same dies). ($4000)

Ex Werner Collection (Heritage 61258, 20 February 2022), lot 98221 (hammer $8500); Künker 347 (22 March 2021), lot 1252.

Flavius Julius Popilius Nepotianus Constantinus was a nephew of Constantine the Great. Following the death of Constans in 350 AD, Nepotian seized power in Rome. After a turbulent reign of only 28 days, Nepotian fell into the hands of Magnentius’ soldiers and was executed. During his short reign, Nepotian struck a small issue of solidi and large bronzes. His coinage in both metals remains very rare.

873. Julian II. AD 360-363. Æ (28.5mm, 8.68 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 3rd officina. Struck AD 361-363. D N FL CL IVLI ANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS REI PVB, bull standing right; two stars above; –|•//RCONSPΓS. RIC VIII 164; LRBC –. Dark brown surfaces, thin die break on obverse. Superb EF. A well-detailed and expressive portrait. ($750)

Superb Example – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

874. Julian II. AD 360-363. Æ (27.5mm, 8.57 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. Struck AD 361-363. D N FL CL IVLI ANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS REI PVB, bull standing right; two stars above; RCONSPΔS. RIC VIII 163; LRBC 2059; S 19157 (this coin illustrated). Attractive dark brown and green patina, some faint cleaning marks. Superb EF. An outstanding example of this scarce issue. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XVIII (31 March 1987), lot 583.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

875. Jovian. AD 363-364. Æ (28mm, 8.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 3rd officina. D N IOVIAN VS P F AVG, rosettediademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA ROMANORVM, Jovian, pearl-diadmed and wearing military attire, standing facing, head right, holding labarum in right hand and Victory on globe left in left hand; CONSPΓ. RIC VIII 176; LRBC 2062; S 19214 (this coin illustrated). Dark green-brown patina, gentle smoothing. EF. A handsome portrait. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, January 2002.

Very Rare Officina – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

876. Jovian. AD 363-364. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.49 g, 12h). Antioch mint, 1st officina. D N IOVIAN VS PEP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITA S REI PVBLICAE, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated facing, holding spear in left hand, and Constantinopolis, turreted and draped, seated left, holding transverse scepter in left hand and resting right foot on prow, together supporting between them a shield inscribed VOT/ V/ MVL/ X in four lines held in their right hands; ANTA. RIC VIII 223; Depeyrot 18/2; Biaggi 2225 var. (officina); S 19193 (this coin illustrated). Toned. EF. Very rare from this officina. Eight recorded by Depeyrot. ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, July 1989.

877. Jovian. AD 363-364. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.43 g, 5h). Antioch mint, 10th officina. D N IOVIAN VS P F P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITA S REI PVBLICAE, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated facing, holding spear in left hand, and Constantinopolis, turreted and draped, seated left, holding transverse scepter in left hand and resting right foot on prow, together supporting between them a shield inscribed VOT/ V/ MVL/ X in four lines held in their right hands; ANTI. RIC VIII 224; Depeyrot 18/2 corr. (obv. legend also spelled P F P); Biaggi 2225 var. (officina). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4973533-004, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5. Very rare from this officina. An exceptionally high grade example. ($2000)

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

878. Valentinian I. AD 364-375. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.46 g, 12h). Treveri (Trier) mint, 1st officina. Struck mid AD 373-April 375. D N VALENTINI ANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR IA AVGG, Valentinian I and Valens enthroned facing, both crowned and draped, together holding a globe between them with their right hands; Victory, draped, behind and above throne, with wings spread; 7 set on ground between the two emperors; TROBC. RIC IX 17b.3; Depeyrot 43/1; Biaggi 2237; S 19283 (this coin illustrated). Toned, tiny edge split, faint hairlines, minor deposits. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, May 1989. Ex Journal of Numismatic Fine Arts Vol. 3.2-4 (Autumn 1974), no. G99.

879. Valentinian I. AD 364-375. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.34 g, 11h). Thessalonica mint. Struck AD 364. D N VALENTINI ANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR IA AVGG, Valentinian I and Valens, enthroned facing, both crowned and draped, together holding a globe between them with their right hands; Victory, draped, behind and above throne, with wings spread; SMTES. RIC IX 4a.1; Depeyrot 25/1; Biaggi –. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4936364-011, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare. ($750)

880. Valens. AD 364-378. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.53 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck October AD 367. D N VALENS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Valens, laurel-and-rosette-diademed and wearing military attire, standing facing, head right, holding labarum with simple cross on banner in right hand and Victory on globe left in left hand; dCONS7. RIC IX 25b; Depeyrot 21/2; Biaggi –. Toned, heavy hairlines. EF. ($1000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 61 (25 September 2002), lot 2127.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

881. Valens. AD 364-378. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck October AD 367. D N VALENS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Valens, pearl-diademed and wearing military attire, standing facing, head right, holding labarum with simple cross on banner in right hand and Victory on globe left in left hand; dCONS7. RIC IX 25b; Depeyrot 21/2; Biaggi –; S 19553 (this coin illustrated). Toned, light deposits. EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Superior (9 December 1989), lot 3334.

882. Valens. AD 364-378. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.36 g, 5h). Antioch mint, 3rd officina. Struck AD 364. D N VALENS PER F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Valens, wearing military attire, standing facing, head right, holding labarum with simple cross on banner in right hand and Victory on globe left in left hand; cross to left; dANTΓd. RIC IX 2d.xxxvii.3; Depeyrot 20/2; Biaggi 2255 var. (officina). Toned, trace deposits, minor die break on obverse. Good VF. ($750)

Ex Family of Constantine Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 126, 28 May 2024), lot 914.

Extremely Rare Valens Semissis – Unique from This Officina

883. Valens. AD 364-378. AV Semissis (17mm, 2.19 g, 6h). Antioch mint, 5th officina. Struck circa AD 373-circa 375. D N VALENS PER F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield set on left knee with left hand and inscribing VOT/ X/ MVL/ XX in four lines on it with stylus held in right hand; an additional shield resting beside the cuirass to left; staurogram to right; ANOBЄ. RIC IX –; Depeyrot 43/1 corr. (also with staurogram); Biaggi –; Künker 312, lot 3022 = MMAG 43, 494 var. (officina). Toned, light scuff on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare issue (only the Künker/MMAG coin previously known), unique from this officina. ($750)

Ex Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 953.

This Depeyrot entry should probably have been divided into two separate issues with the Paris example with a simple cross as one type and the Künker/MMAG coin with a staurogram as another. This coin also with a stauogram would be placed with the latter of the two issues.

Cited in RIC IX – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values Extremely Rare

– Pedigreed to 1932

884. Procopius. Usurper, AD 365-366. AR Siliqua (18.5mm, 2.01 g, 1h). Constantinople mint, 6th officina. D N PROCO PIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust right / VOT/ V in two lines within wreath with large central jewel; C•S. RIC IX 13(l).2 corr. (no pellet in reverse legend; this coin cited); RSC 14†b; S 19867 (this coin illustrated). Toned. VF. Extremely rare bust type for issue. One misattributed in CoinArchives from the same officina. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts V (23 February 1978), lot 557; Walter Niggeler Collection (Part 3, Bank Leu & Münzen und Medaillen AG, 2 November 1967), lot 1552; F.A. Walters Collection (A. Hess 211, 9 May 1932), lot 1590.

A maternal cousin of Julian II, Procopius had a successful career as a civil servant and was made a comes, or count, after Julian won the throne in AD 361. When Julian prepared his invasion of Persia a year later, he placed Procopius in command of a 30,000-man force intended to join with the allied Armenian army and Julian’s legions in Mesopotamia. Procopius later claimed that his cousin also gave him a purple cloak, along with instructions to succeed him as emperor should Julian be killed in battle. Regardless of the validity of this claim, Procopius failed miserably in his role, contributing to the defeat of Julian’s main force and his death in battle on 27 June AD 363. When the army chose Jovian as emperor, Procopius made no protest and took Julian’s body back to Tarsus for burial. But when Jovian abruptly died a few months later and the brothers Valentinian I and Valens came to power, Procopius decided to make a bid for the throne. While Valens was away from the capital, Procopius re-emerged at Constantinople on 28 September AD 365, wrapped in Julian’s purple cloak. The garrison proclaimed him emperor, and Procopius quickly established control of western Asia Minor. But he showed little strategic sense and soon some of his best officers and soldiers began defecting back to Valens. Meanwhile, Valens built his own forces and maneuvered Procopius into a decisive battle at Nicolea, Phrygia in May AD 366. Procopius suffered a crushing defeat and was summarily executed in the aftermath, ending his eight-month usurpation.

Very Rare Issue – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

885. Theodosius I. AD 379-395. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.51 g, 12h). Sirmium mint. Struck AD 379-380. D N THEODO SIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR IA AVGG, two emperors enthroned facing, both crowned and draped, together holding a globe between them with their right hands; Victory, draped, behind and above throne, with wings spread; 7 set on ground between the two emperors; SIROB. RIC IX 10a; Depeyrot 28/3; Biaggi 2302; S 20418 (this coin illustrated). Toned and lustrous, minor marks. Near EF. Very rare. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Joel Malter, December 1981.

Ex Biaggi Collection – Pedigreed to 1954

886. Theodosius I. AD 379-395. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.46 g, 12h). Constantinople (or uncertain eastern) mint, 6th officina. Struck AD 393-395. D N THEODO SIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AVGGG, Theodosius, wearing pearl-diadem and military attire, standing right, right foot spurning bound captive laying to right and holding labarum in right hand and Victory on globe left in left hand; S|M/S//COMOB. RIC IX 15a.6 (Sirmium); Depeyrot 34/5 (Theodosius II; Sirmium); Biaggi 2303 (this coin). Toned. EF. ($1500)

Ex Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection (1906-1979); G. Hirsch [3] (26 April 1954), lot 1570.

The attribution of the mint for this series of solidi has been the matter of some scholarly debate. J.W.E. Pearce likely dates the issue correctly in RIC IX, however, he somewhat controversially identifies the mint as Sirmium. While this may seem reasonable given the S M across the field (which is found on many earlier issues of that mint), there are significant issues with claiming that this series (known also for Arcadius and Honorius) belongs to the Sirmium mint. Ulrich-Bansa suggested that the S M on this issue refers not to Sirmium but to Sacra Moneta and that the coinage was a product of either Constantinople or Thessalonica (or a combination of the two). This attribution was followed by Grierson and Mays in DOCLR (1992) and later by Kent in RIC X. Kent explains that: “The attribution to Sirmium ... is difficult to accept historically... since the eastern court was certainly at Constantinople during most of the period of issue, it is simpler to recognize it as a coinage of that city ... The possibility that the palatine moneyers were out-stationed for at least part of the time should however be retained” (Kent, 1994, p. 36).

Excellent Portrait – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

887. Aelia Flaccilla. Augusta, AD 379-386/8. Æ (21mm, 4.64 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint, 4th officina. Struck under Theodosius I, AD 383-386/8. AEL FLAC CILLA AVG, diademed and draped bust right / SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Victory, draped, seated right, supporting shield set on cippus with left hand and inscribing a Christogram on it with stylus held in right hand; TESΔ. RIC IX 46; LRBC 1847; S 20608 (this coin illustrated on p. 416). Black surfaces, faint smoothing. EF. Excellent portrait. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XX (9 March 1988), lot 576.

Empress Aelia Flaccilla is venerated as Saint Aelia Flaccilla in the Orthodox Church partly on account of her pious and dedicated maintenance of the Nicene Creed during a time where heretical beliefs (namely Arianism) were rampant throughout the empire. In one notable instance, Sozomen recounts in his Historia Ecclesiastica that Flaccilla orchestrated denying an audience between the emperor, Theodosius I, and Eunomius of Cyzicus (a leader of the radical Anomoean sect of Arianism). Arians rejected that Christ was “begotten not made, of one being with the Father,” or “consubstantial,” and instead considered Christ to be a created being. The Anomoeans went further by stating that Christ was neither of like nature with the Father.

Empress Flaccilla was wary of the influence Eunomius might have on the emperor and his Orthodox beliefs. Sozomen recounts that, “[Eunomius’] reputation reached the ears of the emperor, who would gladly have held a conference with him; but the empress Flacilla studiously prevented any interview from taking place between them, for she feared lest Eunomius might, by his powers of disputation, induce a change in the sentiments of the emperor” (Sozomen, Book VII, Chapter 6). Evidentially, Flaccilla was successful as Eunomius eventually ran afoul of Theodosius’ declaration of faith and was among the rebel leaders who were banished.

888. Aelia Eudoxia. Augusta, AD 400-404. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Arcadius, AD 402-circa 403. AEL EVDO XIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Victory, draped, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield set on left knee with left hand and inscribing a Christogram on it with stylus held in right hand; an additional shield resting beside the cuirass to left; CONOB. RIC X 28 (Arcadius); Depeyrot –; Füeg, Corpus 10; Biaggi –. Toned, light scratch, faint hairlines. Near EF. Very rare. ($3000)

Attractively Toned – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

889. Flavius Victor. AD 387-388. AR Siliqua (16mm, 1.74 g, 12h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. D N FL VIC TOR P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS RO MANORVM, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated facing on throne, head left, holding globe in extended right hand and reversed spear in left; MDPS. RIC IX 19b; Toffanin 473; RSC 6Ac; S 20670 (this coin illustrated). Attractive deep and iridescent toning, minor deposits and marks, slight die wear on reverse, a couple of small test cuts at edge. Good VF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Torkom Demirjian, May 1981. Ex Leu 28 (5 May 1981), lot 598.

Handsome Portrait – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

890. Eugenius. AD 392-394. AR Siliqua (18.5mm, 1.94 g, 12h). Lugdunum (Lyon mint). D N EVGENI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VRBS ROMA, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe right in extended right hand and reversed spear in left hand; LVGPS. RIC IX 46; Lyon 230; RSC 18A; S 20687 (this coin illustrated). Toned with some trace iridescence, slight porosity. Near EF. A wonderful portrait. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, November 1992.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

891. Honorius. AD 393-423. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. Struck AD 397-402. D N HONORI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AVGGG, Honorius, pearl-diademed and wearing military attire, standing right, holding labarum in right hand and Victory on globe left in left hand, left foot spurning bound captive to right; M|D//COMOB. RIC IX 35c and RIC X 1206d; Toffanin 486/2; Depeyrot 16/2; Biaggi 2320; S 20916 (this coin illustrated). Toned and lustrous, trace deposits, a couple of tiny die breaks on obverse. Superb EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 2 (Summer/Fall 1994), no. 158.

Superb Example

892. Honorius. AD 393-423. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 6th officina. Struck AD 408-420. D N HONORI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / CONCORDI A AVGG, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated facing, head right, right foot on prow, holding scepter in right hand and Victory on globe left in left hand; d to left; S//CONOB. RIC X 201; Depeyrot 73/1; Biaggi –. Lightly toned, lustrous, light deposits on reverse. Superb EF. Rare issue for Honorius. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from PMV Numismatics, February 1987. Ex Glendining (11 May 1977), lot 170.

Unique Contorniate Depicting Herodotus

893. Contorniates. Late 4th-5th centuries AD. Æ (37mm, 23.32 g, 12h). ΗΡΟΔ ΟΤΟC, bareheaded, bearded, and draped bust of Herodotus right; incuse PLE monogam to right / T VRREN IVS, charioteer standing right, holding palm frond, leading a horse walking right by its reins. Alföldi, Kontorniat –; but cf. Alföldi 105 for the reverse type (pl. 33, 9 – same reverse die). Attractive olive green and brown patina, a few rim bumps and marks. VF. Unique, the only known specimen depicting the Greek historian Herodotus. ($5000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 906; ArtCoins Roma 8 (4 February 2014), lot 727.

A fascinating contorniate depicting the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. The bust of Herodotus is almost identical to that used for the Greek philosopher Socrates (see Alföldi 84 [pl. 27, 10]), while the reverse type celebrates the racehorse Turrenius, from a die also used for the Roman playwright Terence (Publius Terentius Afer). This contorniate is one of just a few known depictions of Herodotus on an ancient coin or medal.

Feeding and Grooming the Mythical Pegasus

894. Contorniates. Late 4th-5th centuries AD. Æ (35mm, 21.24 g, 11h). Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust left / Pegasus standing right, with raised front left leg, front right hoof in bowl of water; below, female figure right, washing right leg; to right, female figure standing left, offering a bowl of food or water; to left, Cupid seated left on rocks, pouring jar held in both hands; above, a second cupid flying right, brushing the mane. Unpublished in the standard references. Brown patina. Good VF. Unique. Both obverse and reverse types unrecorded in the standard references, and the reverse an otherwise unknown numismatic depiction. ($20,000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection.

This contorniate presents a fascinating pair of otherwise unattested types on the obverse and reverse. The identity of the man portrayed on the obverse is unclear, but the plain diadem he wears suggests that he may be a Hellenistic king – quite possibly Alexander the Great of Macedon, a figure known on other contorniates. While this portrait does not conform to any of the archetypical depictions of Alexander, contorniate portraiture is varied and reflects the time in which these pieces were produced. For example, lot 898 in this sale features a portrait of Divus Trajan that is very reminiscent of Valentinian III. Thus, the man shown here might be Alexander refashioned to meet Constantinian tastes. Alternatively, the figure may represent Bellerophon, the famous Greek hero and rider of the mythical Pegasus, or perhaps a victorious charioteer, an interpretation that would be well in line with the rest of the series. The presence of the royal diadem would preclude the Bellerophon interpretation, but could support the charioteer, as diadems were also presented to victorious racers. However, charioteers were not shown wearing the military cuirass.

The reverse features a complex scene of Pegasus, the steed of Bellerophon, being washed, watered, and crowned. A similar Pegasus grooming scene is depicted on a mosaic from Antiochia ad Orontem (modern Antakya, Turkey), visible today in the Museum Hotel. While mythological scenes are common for contorniates (see lot 898 for example), it is unlikely that this scene is connected to the established mythos of Pegasus. Instead, it most probably draws a real world, contemporary parallel to the care of champion racehorses. Chariot racing was by far the most popular sport in the late Roman period, and there are in fact many explicitly related contorniate types (see lots 895-897). Charioteers raced for factions identified by the colors they wore – the Reds, the Blues, the Greens, and the Whites. The most successful among them were highly paid, the rock stars of their time. The charioteers, or more likely their stableboys, would wash and care for the horses before competing.

Contorniates were privately commissioned pieces given out as new year’s gifts by the Roman elite to their friends and family. At first glance it might be surprising to see how common “pagan” designs such as this are on contorniates given that the Roman Empire had been heavily Christianized by the time they were made. Further examination of Greco-Roman culture and Late Roman and Byzantine art, however, suggests that religion was the foundation for these civilizations, and as religious beliefs gradually changed, some of the mythology was secularized and became purely cultural instead of religious. Contorniates are a fascinating example of this shift. Pagan emperors, stories, and themes appear alongside Christian crosses and other symbols, sometimes engraved on the pieces after striking.

Extremely Rare Divus Augustus Contorniate – Ex Brand Collection

895. Contorniates. Late 4th-5th centuries AD. Æ (37mm, 26.52 g, 5h). In the name of Divus Augustus. DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER, laureate head right; bunch of grapes engraved in right field / Aerial view of the Circus Maximus: spina with obelisk of Augustus flanked by metae and surrounded by colonnaded arcade; triumphal arch surmounted by quadriga and carceres at either end; terrace with statues below. Alföldi, Kontorniat, Addenda 120.4 and pl. 215, 5 (this coin). Green patina, traces of earthen deposits in margins, rough and porous. Good Fine. Extremely rare – one of four known to Alföldi and the only example in private hands. ($2000)

From the Arjan Senden Collection. Ex Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 67, 22 September 2004), lot 1808; Virgil M. Brand (†1926) Collection (Part I, Sotheby’s Zurich, 1 July 1982), lot 119.

896. Contorniates. Late 4th-5th centuries AD. Æ (35mm, 20.79 g, 12h). In the name of Nero. NERO CAESAR AVG GERM IMP, laureate head right; crude cross(?) hand-engraved in right field / Aerial view of chariot race in the Circus Maximus: spina with obelisk of Augustus flanked by metae, lap-counter, and statues of horseman and boar right; above, two quadrigae right and dog chasing stag right; two quadrigae left below, one with charioteer holding palm and extending hand. Alföldi, Kontorniat 209 var. (obv. legend and exact depiction of Circus). Brown patina, some porosity, scuffs and scratches. VF. ($2000)

From the Arjan Senden Collection.

897. Contorniates. Late 4th-5th centuries AD. Æ (39mm, 27.22 g, 12h). In the name of Divus Trajan. DIVO NERVAE

TRAIANO, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; PE monogram engraved in right field / Aerial view of chariot race in the Circus Maximus: spina with obelisk of Augustus flanked by metae, lap-counter, and statues of horseman and boar right; two quadrigae left above; two quadrigae right below, one with charioteer holding palm and extending hand; figure between, waving mappa. Alföldi, Kontorniat 357.6 and pl. 145, 12 (this coin). Brown patina, some smoothing in fields, spot of roughness. VF. ($3000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Künker 273 (14 March 2016), lot 1017; Myers 3 (12 October 1972), lot 251; Malloy FPL XIV (December-January 1969/70), no. 117; Thomas Ollive Mabbott Collection (Part II, H. Schulman, 27 October 1969), lot 4896; Baron Friedrich von Schennis Collection (J. Hirsch XXXIII, 17 November 1913), lot 1542.

898. Contorniates. Late 4th-5th centuries AD. Æ (39mm, 25.39 g, 12h). In the name of Divus Trajan. DIVO NERVAE TRAIANO, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Hercules and the Cretan Bull – Hercules standing left, grasping the head of the Cretan bull, on hind legs and jerking its head backward. Alföldi, Kontorniat 374.2 and pl. 156, 6 (same dies and die state). Dark brown patina, some roughness, struck from damaged dies. Good VF. Extremely rare – only four recorded by Alföldi. ($2000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Bertolami E-Auction 64 (13 January 2019), lot 763 (hammer £4000).

899. Theodosius II. AD 402-450. AV Tremissis (14mm, 1.50 g, 12h). Constantinople mint. D N THEODO SIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory standing facing, head left, holding wreath in right hand and globus cruciger in left hand; d to right; CONOB. RIC X 213, 249, and 273; Depeyrot 70/1. Some luster. EF. ($750)

Ex Tom Borchers Collection.

Very Rare Variety – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

900. Theodosius II. AD 402-450. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.49 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 443-450. D N THEODOSI VS · P · F · AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / IMP . XXXII COS XVII · P · P ·, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding globus cruciger in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left hand, left foot on prow; d to left; shield resting beside the throne to right; COMOB. RIC X 310; Depeyrot 84/1; Biaggi –; S 21140 (this coin illustrated). Toned, light hairlines. EF. Unlike Kent, Depeyrot does not distinguish between the various legend punctuation variations for this series. However, this particular configuration is R5 in RIC X. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Superior Coin & Stamp, March 1984.

Excellent Eudocia Tremissis – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

901. Aelia Eudocia. Augusta, AD 423-460. AV Tremissis (14.5mm, 1.51 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 423-450/455. AEL EVDO CIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace / Cross within wreath with large central jewel; CONOBd. RIC X 335 (Theodosius II; wreath ties 11); Depeyrot 72/2; S 21245 (this coin illustrated). Toned, trace deposits. Superb EF. An excellent example. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Leu 65 (21 May 1996), lot 524.

Aelia Eudocia, the woman who would become empress as the wife of Emperor Theodosius II, came from an unusual background considering her eventual status. Born circa AD 400/1 in Athens to a Greek family, she was first named Athenais. Her father was one of the last pagan professors of rhetoric at Plato’s Academy at Athens. When he died when she was around twenty years old, she was dismayed to learn that her father had left the vast majority of his estate to her brothers and had left to her only “100 gold coins,” though he predicted a great destiny for her. After her brothers refused to include her in their substantial inheritance, she went to live with an aunt who suggested that she seek justice from the emperor. She gained an audience with Pulcheria, the emperor’s sister who counseled him as he came of age. The emperor, having expressed a desire to marry, was delighted with Athenais and a match was arranged between the two; however, Pulcheria ensured that her brother’s new wife was baptized as a Christian, subscribed to the Christian faith, and was renamed.

Regrettably for the harmony of the imperial household, a rivalry eventually developed between the two principal women which greatly strained their relationship. It does seem as though Eudocia’s conversion was authentic, for she developed an interest in church matters and even acquired relics. During her time, her husband, Emperor Theodosius II alongside his sister Pulcheria, presided over the return of the relics of his parents’ rival, the former Patriarch of Constantinople, John Chrysostom. Theodosius reportedly went so far as to beg forgiveness before Chrysostom’s tomb for the sins committed against him by his parents.

Unfortunately for Eudocia, she eventually fell out of grace not only with her jealous sister-in-law, but ultimately with her husband as well. Eventually, Theodosius dismissed Eudocia from the imperial capital. Contemporary historians writing after this period make little to no mention of the empress due to her fall from grace. She lived for some time in exile, but remained a figure in church activities in the Holy Land before she died. In the end, Eudocia died retaining her dignity despite her sudden fall from power at court.

902. Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Tremissis (15.5mm, 1.48 g, 1h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 420-450/453. AEL PVLCH ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped, bust right, wearing earring and necklace / Cross within wreath with large central jewel; CONOBd. RIC X 214 (Theodosius II; wreath ties 5); Depeyrot 72/4; Biaggi –. Toned and lustrous, spot of die rust on reverse. Superb EF. Well struck. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, August 2009. Ex Hess-Divo 309 (28 April 2008), lot 239.

Unlike Kent in RIC X, Depeyrot makes no distinction within this issue concerning the different wreath ties found on these tremisses.

Very Rare Pulcheria Solidus – Cited by Füeg

903. Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 443-450. AEL PVLCH ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / IMP . XXXXII · COS · XVII · P · P ·, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding globus cruciger in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left hand, left foot on prow; shield resting beside the throne to right; d to left; COMOB. RIC X 295; Depeyrot 84/3; Füeg, Corpus 32.28 (this coin); Biaggi –. Toned, trace find patina, a few faint scratches. EF. Rare. ($5000)

Ex Family of Constantine Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 126, 28 May 2024), lot 928; Tkalec (19 February 2001), lot 425.

The sister of Emperor Theodosius II, Aelia Pulcheria, was a major force in the life of the young emperor. Governing him as a young man until he came of age, Pulcheria prepared the emperor for his duties and served as a constant guiding voice and counselor to him. Present throughout his accomplishments and major events, Pulcheria eventually won the contest between her and her brother’s wife, Aelia Eudocia, who was eventually dismissed from court. While she was a teenager, Pulcheria took a vow of virginity which she maintained until her death. This dedication to God inspired some of Theodosius’ imperial propaganda during wars with the Sasanian Persians, and the Romans considered Pulcheria’s pious dedication of her virginity to be a source of blessing upon the Empire from God. Theodosius died unexpectedly after being mortally injured during a hunting accident in AD 450. Upon his death, Pulcheria was tasked with appointing his successor. She chose a man of Roman stock, though not of nobility, named Marcian. She married the new emperor on the condition that he not make her violate her vow of virginity, to which Marcian agreed. This unconventional marriage was made possible by church officials, who sponsored the agreement and decreed that God approved of the union and arrangement.

904. Constantine III. AD 407-411. AR Siliqua (15mm, 1.61 g, 12h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck 1 May AD 408-end 409. D N CONSTAN TINVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AAVGGG, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding Victory of globe right in right hand and reversed spear in left hand. RIC X 1529 var. (rev. legend); King, Fifth, p. 287; Lyon 251; RSC 4b. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2400089-001, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Rare. A superior strike to most. ($1000)

Extremely Rare Issue of Galla Placidia

905. Galla Placidia. Augusta, AD 421-450. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.45 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 423-425. GALLA PLA CIDIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / VOT XX MVLT XXX, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand and fold of drapery in left hand; d in upper left field; CONOB. RIC X 231 (Theodosius II); Depeyrot 75/5; Biaggi –. Toned, slight wavy flan, light hairlines. VF. Extremely rare. Only four known to Depeyrot (all but the Trau coin in museum collections). No others in CoinArchives. ($2000)

Ex CJR Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 124, 19 September 2023), lot 726.

Ex Hunt Collection – Pedigreed to 1901 – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

906. Johannes. Usurper, AD 423-425. AV Tremissis (12.5mm, 1.45 g, 6h). Ravenna mint. D N IOHAN NES P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory, draped, advancing right, holding wreath in raised right hand and globus cruciger in left hand; R|V//COMOB. RIC X 1904; Depeyrot 12/3; Ranieri 55-56; Biaggi –; S 21118 (this coin illustrated). Toned, light deposits. Good VF. A desirable issue with an outstanding pedigree. ($3000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s New York, 21 June 1990), lot 920; Dupriez (1 May 1901), lot 474.

While Johannes himself proved to be little more than a footnote in history, his short-lived usurpation had a large ripple effect through the next century in both the western and the eastern portions of the Empire. Honorius, the Western Roman emperor, died childless in AD 423, leaving no clear successor. His eastern colleague Theodosius II was thus presented with an opportunity to reunite both halves of the empire, but for reasons unclear he was indecisive and made no concrete plans for the succession in the west. Initially, he neither pressed his own claim nor named an alternative successor. Eventually, Theodosius II named young Valentinian III, the son of the late Constantius III and Galla Placidia, as his Caesar, and later Augustus, and married him to his daughter Licinia Eudoxia (an occasion celebrated by a rare solidus coinage at Thessalonica).

The imperial couple marched westwards, led by the Alano-Roman magister militum Ardaburius, along with his son Aspar. Johannes’ forces managed to capture Ardaburius and bring him back to the western capital of Ravenna, however, Aspar managed to both free his father and capture the city along with Johannes. Decades later, surely in part due to his stunning success in the west, Aspar would become magister militum in the East and hand pick Leo I to succeed Marcian in AD 457. Regrettably for Aspar, Leo proved more strong-willed than he expected, and, rather than serving as placeholder ruler until his death, Aspar’s appointee went on to established a new dynasty in the East that would last until the death of Anastasius I in AD 518.

It is clear from the historical sources that the forces of Johannes and Theodosius were fairly evenly matched, and the fifth century might have played out quite differently if Johannes had been able to make use of all of his resources. Johannes had earlier sent off the young upstart Flavius Aëtius to rally the fearsome Huns to his cause. Aëtius was successful, but they arrived in Italy too late to aid Johannes. Aëtius himself managed to leverage his position at the head of a fresh army without a cause to strongarm the weary forces of Theodosius into appointing him magister militum per Gallias via his dialogue with Galla Placidia. Aëtius would spend the next seven years scheming and backstabbing his way upwards until he eventually become the de facto ruler in the West. He cemented his place in Roman history in AD 451, when at the head of a diverse coalition he destroyed the seemingly invincible Attila the Hun’s dreams of Roman subjugation at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains.

907. Valentinian III. AD 425-455. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.35 g, 6h). Consular issue. Ravenna mint. Struck AD 435. D N PLA VALENTI NIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed bust left, wearing consular robes, holding mappa in right hand and cruciform scepter in left hand / VOT X MVLT XX, Valentinian, wearing consular robes, enthroned facing, holding mappa in raised right hand and cruciform scepter in left hand; R|V//COMOB. RIC X 2036; Ranieri 99-100; Depeyrot 14/1; Biaggi –. Lightly toned with some underlying luster, doubling, tiny die breaks. Near EF. Very rare. ($3000)

Ex Family of Constantine Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 126, 28 May 2024), lot 932; Gorny & Mosch 107 (2 April 2001), lot 639.

Superb Example – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

908. Valentinian III. AD 425-455. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.49 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 6th officina. Struck October AD 425-429. D N VALENTIN IANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Theodosius II and Valentinian III enthroned facing, both nimbate and wearing consular robes, both holding mappa in raised right hands and cruciform scepter in their left hands; d above; S//CONOB. RIC X 242; Depeyrot 79/2; Biaggi 2346 var. (officina); S 21262 (this coin illustrated). Lightly toned, lustrous, double struck on reverse. Superb EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Pegasi, September 1996.

Ex Biaggi and Lockett Collections

Illustrated in RIC X and Roman Coins and Their Values

909. Licinia Eudoxia. Augusta, circa AD 439-490. AV Tremissis (15mm, 1.44 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Marcian, AD 450-455. AEL EVDO XIA AVC, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace / Cross within wreath with large central jewel; CONOBd. RIC X 522 (Marcian; pl. 20, first illustration – this coin); Depeyrot 72/3 (Theodosius II); S 21368 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 2359 (this coin). Toned, minor edge marks, light graffiti on reverse. Near EF. Very rare and sometimes mistaken for an issue of Aelia Eudoxia. ($2000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, May 2010. Ex Tkalec & Rauch (15 April 1985), lot 427; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection (1906-1979); Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Part VIII, Glendining, 26 May 1959), lot 220, purchased from Baldwin’s.

Licinia Eudoxia was the only surviving child of the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II, and in AD 424, at the age of two, was betrothed to her four-year-old cousin, the future Emperor of the Western Roman Empire Valentinian III, in order to reunify the two halves of the Roman world. Their marriage produced two daughters, but was abruptly terminated when Valentinian was assassinated by two Scythians, Optelas and Thraustelas. The powerful senator turned usurper, Petronius Maximus, did not punish the murderers of Valentinian, and, after buying off the military and palace officials, cemented his claim to the throne by forcibly marrying Eudoxia only a few days after her husband’s murder. Maximus also married his son Palladius to Eudoxia and Valentinian’s daughter Eudocia, thereby severing her engagement to Huneric, the son of the Vandal king Gaiseric.

Deeply unhappy, Eudoxia somehow managed to contact Gaiseric to beseech him to depose Maximus. The Vandals successfully besieged Rome and carried Eudoxia off to Carthage, along with her daughters; Maximus perished amidst the siege and his body thrown into the Tiber. In AD 462, after seven years in Carthage, Eudoxia and her daughter Placidia were ransomed by Leo I and moved to Constantinople, while Eudocia remained in Carthage and married Huneric as her parents had originally intended. The rest of Eudoxia’s life passed unrecorded; even her exact date of death is unknown.

Superb Example – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

910. Marcian. AD 450-457. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 7th officina. D N MARCIA NVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; d to right; Z//CONOB. RIC X 510; Depeyrot 87/1; Biaggi –; S 21379 (this coin illustrated). Toned and lustrous. Superb EF. ($1000)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, October 1989.

Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

911. Leo I. AD 457-474. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 9th officina. D N LEO PE RPET AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; d to right; Θ//CONOB. RIC X 605; Depeyrot 93/1; Biaggi –; S 21404 (this coin illustrated as second example). Toned with some luster, a couple of minor marks. EF. ($750)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, November 1980.

High Grade Example of a Rarer Issue

912. Leo I. AD 457-474. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. D N LEO PE RPE T AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVCCC, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; d to right; Δ//CONOB. RIC X 630; Depeyrot 93/1; Biaggi –. Toned and lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 6823140-030, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. A high grade example of this issue which is scarce for Leo compared to the prolific output of RIC X 605. ($1000)

913. Libius Severus (Severus III). AD 461-465. AR Half Siliqua (12.5mm, 0.92 g, 12h). Rome mint. D N LIB SEVERVS P F A, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Christogram within wreath with large central jewel; RM. RIC X 2713 var. (obv. legend); RSC 16†c var. (same). Toned, light find patina, minor scratches. VF. Very rare. An unlisted shorter obverse legend. ($1500)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

Cited & Illustrated in Lacam

914. Anthemius. AD 467-472. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Rome mint. D N ANTHE MIVS P F AVG, pearldiademed, helmeted, draped, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear in right hand over right shoulder and shield on left shoulder / SALVS R EI P VBLICAE, Anthemius and Leo I standing facing, both wearing military attire and holding spear in their right and left hands respectively, together holding globus cruciger between them in their left and right hands respectively; (ROMA) monogram/•//COMOB. RIC X 2831; Lacam Class III, Variety 1, pl. CXII, no. 5 and pl. 25, 37 (this coin cited and illustrated); Depeyrot 65/2; Biaggi 2375. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6158921-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, ex-mount, bent. Pedigreed to a private collection before 1983 per Lacam. ($3000)

Ex DMS Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 1030; Robert O. Ebert Collection (Stack’s, Bowers and Ponterio 174, 12 January 2013), lot 5521.

Excellent Anthemius Tremissis – Illustrated in Roman Coins and Their Values

915. Anthemius. AD 467-472. AV Tremissis (13mm, 1.46 g, 6h). Rome mint. D N ANTHEMIVS P F AVG, pearldiademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Cross within wreath with large central jewel; COMOB. RIC X 2847; Lacam Type II, Variety 1, pl. CXXXII (3rd-6th illustrations) and pl. 30 121; Depeyrot 32/3 (Ravenna); Biaggi –; S 21626 (this coin illustrated). Toned, short flan crack, minor deposits. EF. Rare. ($1500)

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 2 (21 February 1990), lot 915.

Very Rare Tremissis of Aelia Ariadne

916. Aelia Ariadne. Augusta, AD 474-515. AV Tremissis (14mm, 1.45 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Zeno, AD 476-491. AEL ARIA DNЄ [AV]G, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace / Cross within wreath with large central jewel; CONOBd. RIC X 934-5 var. (obv. legend); Depeyrot 110/1; MIRB 17 corr. (same rev. die as illustrated example; citing incorrect Bank Leu Auction); NAC 34, 122 = Bank Leu 22, 424 (same rev. die); Biaggi. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 8558452-001, graded AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 2/5, double struck w/ rotation, wavy flan. Very rare. ($20,000)

Aelia Ariadne was the lynchpin of the Leonid dynasty that spanned the end of the Eastern Roman Empire and the start of the Byzantine Empire and also presided over the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire. She was born sometime before the death of Emperor Marcian to future emperor Leo I. Leo was chosen to be emperor by his patron, Aspar, the magister militum per orientem and the most powerful man in the empire. Leo I was not expected to produce an imperial dynasty. In fact, his appointment and expected tenure as emperor was likely intended to be short. Aspar may well have placed Leo I on the throne in order to bide his time in solidifying his own imperial dynastic ambitions. Writing on Leo I’s appointment, Peter Crawford noted in his 2019 Roman Emperor Zeno: The Perils of Power Politics in Fifth-Century Constantinople that “such a combination of poor lineage, obscurity, age and close connections to Aspar makes it seem that Leo meant as a place-holder, elevated to allow Aspar to pave the way for the accession of his own family” (Crawford, 45). However, Leo proved to be more strong-willed than Aspar bargained for. Leo I and his wife Aelia Verina harbored dynastic ambitions and managed to produce a son. This potential heir, however, soon died in infancy. Ariadne consequently became an extremely important factor in the imperial succession. Leo married her to an Isaurian soldier named Zeno, who helped bring about the downfall of Aspar on accusations of treason. Aspar lost control of his puppet and was ultimately eliminated.

But if the new Leonid dynasty were to endure, Leo I would need a viable heir. Ariadne and Zeno soon produced a son, Leo II, who became Leo I’s presumptive successor. When the elder Leo’s health began to falter, he raised his eponymous grandson to the rank of Caesar in October AD 473, then Augustus in January AD 474. Leo I died a few days later, and the sickly seven-year-old Leo II became sole emperor. Leo’s widow Verina arranged for Leo II to appoint his own father, Zeno, as co-emperor on 9 February AD 474, an arrangement that lasted until Leo II died in November of the same year. Afterwards, Zeno ruled as sole emperor. Zeno ruled with Ariadne by his stead until AD 491. However, they did not produce any other children after Leo II. Ariadne clearly was a powerful Augusta, as she was able to choose a new husband to be Zeno’s successor upon his passing. Like her father, she chose an official of lesser importance named Anastasius. Anastasius I proved to be a wise ruler and a competent reformer, and by his death in AD 418 he had filled the Byzantine empire’s coffers with twenty-three million solidi, which later paid for Justinian I’s wars of reconquest. Ariadne died in AD 415, and as the elderly couple had no children, Anastasius’ death three years later spelled the end of the Leonid dynasty and made way for the Justinian.

All of Aelia Ariadne’s coinage is quite rare and was likely struck during the time of her first husband, emperor Zeno’s, second reign from AD 476-491. This very rare tremissis is an excellent example of this famous Augusta who, numismatically, was present during the transition from the late Eastern Roman Empire to the Byzantine. As such, she is the only empress to span both periods in the coinage.

917. Odovacar. King, AD 476-493. AV Tremissis (14mm, 1.47 g, 6h). In the name of the Eastern Emperor Zeno. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. Struck AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP ΛVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Cross within wreath with large central jewel; COMO[B]. RIC X 3610; Lacam Type 1, pls. CXCIX-B (1st-3rd illustrations) and 53, 66-67; MEC I, 58-60; Toffanin 545/5; Ulrich-Bansa pl. XV, 180α (same obv. die). Toned, trace deposits, tiny flan flaws, minor die wear on obverse. Good VF. Very rare. From an earlier obverse die state than the Ulrich-Bansa coin. This coinage dates to the period of Zeno’s second reign wherein Odovacar was still attempting to be recognized as the legitimate Western ruler by the recalcitrant Zeno. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

Traditionally, the reign of Flavius Odovacar (AD 476-493) has been viewed as the end of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Middle Ages in the West. A member of the foederati – allied Germanic tribes who served in the Roman army in return for land – Odovacar was appointed their leader in Italy in AD 475 by the magister militum Orestes, who promised in return a third of the Italian peninsula if Odovacar and his Germans would assist Orestes’ revolt against the western emperor, Julius Nepos. Following the defeat of Nepos, Orestes elevated his son, Romulus, to the rank of Augustus, and immediately set about revoking his earlier arrangement with the foederati. Consequently, Odovacar revolted against Orestes, who was ultimately defeated and executed. Subsequently, Odovacar was proclaimed rex Italiae and, on 4 September AD 476, he compelled the young Romulus to abdicate, sending the imperial insignia to Zeno in Constantinople, and thus ending Roman imperial rule in the West. Zeno, however, insisted that the exiled Julius Nepos was still the legitimate western ruler and refused to recognize Odovacar’s reign as legitimate. For his part, Odovacar instituted a number of wise policies during his reign, provided his foederati with lands in Italy and made them beneficiaries of a special tax. He retained the Roman administration, senate, legal institutions, and tax system – all of which gained him the support of the senate and people. This popularity, along with Odovacar’s military successes against the Vandals and his alliances with the Visigoths and Franks, prompted Zeno, the Roman emperor in the East, to push for Odovacar’s removal from power. In AD 488, Zeno called on the Ostrogothic king, Theoderic, to overthrow Odovacar. Over the next five years, Theoderic slowly pushed Odovacar back to the old Roman capital at Ravenna where, after a protracted siege, in AD 493, Odovacar surrendered. Under the terms of the peace, Theoderic and Odovacer would share the rule of Italy. At the banquet arranged to celebrate this treaty, however, Theoderic killed Odovacar with his own hands and promptly proceeded to eliminate Odovacar’s family and supporters.

Ex Brand Collection – Pedigreed to 1914

918. Odovacar. King, AD 476-493. AR Half Siliqua (14.5mm, 0.90 g, 12h). In the name of the Eastern Emperor Zeno. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. Struck AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP G, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing right, head left, supporting a cross with both of its wings. RIC X 3623 var. (obv. legend); Toffanin 547/1 var. (same); MEC I, 61 var. (same). Toned, both sides double struck, trace find patina, minor marks. Good VF. Very rare. Well centered and struck. Despite the double strike on the obverse, the legend remains clear enough to determine that this coin features an abbreviated obverse legend versus that which is usually encountered on this very rare issue. ($1500)

From the James A. Lock Collection. Ex Virgil M. Brand (†1926) Collection (Part 7, Sotheby’s, 25 October 1984), lot 698, purchased from Helbing, 1914.

919. Uncertain 4th-5th Century Emperor(s). Fragment of a gold bar (7x9mm, 2.38 g). [...]OV/[...] in two lines / Blank. Cf. J. P. Morgan Collection (Wayte Raymond), pp. 50-51, no. 3 (for a complete example of this class of gold bar); cf. Franz Trau Collection (A. Hess, 22 May 1935), lots 4467 and 4468 (for other examples of late Roman gold bars). Toned, chiseled out, light scrape, light scratches. VF. ($1000)

From an American Academic Collection.

End of Session 3

Session 4 – Wednesday, January 14, 2026 — 2 PM

BYZANTINE COINAGE

920. Anastasius I. 491-518. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.39 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck 492-507. D N ANASTA SIVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; d to right; I//CONOB. DOC 3i; MIBE 4a; SB 3. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6823140-019, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, clipped. Notably with the rarer cross decoration on the helmet rather than the trefoil. ($1000)

Upon the death of Emperor Zeno, his widow, Ariadne, was tasked with appointing a successor to the throne. She selected Anastasius, a competent court official and married him, cementing her continued position as empress. Anastasius proved to be an effective ruler for his time, particularly in the area of finances. He completely reformed the coinage and his reforms fundamentally shaped the history of Byzantine coinage which then stood as a model system in stark contrast to the deteriorating situation in the west. Anastasius was also notably Greek Orthodox, a requirement the people requested during the appointment process. Anastasius I is considered to be the first Byzantine ruler on account of both the developments during his rule, and due to the diverging paths the eastern and western portions of what had long stood as the Roman Empire took during this time. This distinction, is however, largely convenient. The rulers and citizens of the eastern empire, ‘Byzantines,’ thoroughly considered themselves to be Romans and referred to themselves as such on their coinage. It was not until after the fall of the Byzantine state in the mid 15th century AD that western historians began referring to the eastern empire at this time as the ‘Byzantine’ Empire rather than the continuation of the Roman. In fact, it was even used as a derogatory distinction. Nonetheless, distinguished as the first Byzantine emperor, Anastasius laid the foundational groundwork essential for a successful civilization that is often overlooked or underappreciated. In but one facet, the financial largess that his policies created enabled Justinian I’s bold plans of reconquest and his expensive campaigns just a decade after Anastasius’ reign. Ultimately, the groundwork that Anastasius laid set the stage for a thriving civilization that endured for a millennium.

921. Justin II. 565-578. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, uncertain officina. Struck 565-567. D N I VSTI [NV]S PP AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding Victory on globe right in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVCCC, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated facing on throne, head right, holding scepter in right hand and globus cruciger in left hand; d to left; [...]//CON[OB]. DOC 5; MIBE 1; SB 346. Lightly toned, both sides with dramatic rotated double strike, edge mark with sharp edge. EF. Both sides struck at 12 and 3 o’clock. ($750)

Ex Rauch Summer Auction (19 September 2011), lot 1229.

Justin II was the nephew of Justinian I the Great and inherited the throne after his uncle’s long, tumultuous reign, possibly through subterfuge. He immediately faced a multitude of crises caused by Justinian’s ambitious policies, and quickly proved unequal to the challenge. Much of Italy was lost to the Lombards and Justin’s refusal to pay tribute led to renewed conflicts with Persia and the Avars. After seven years the stress of ruling seems to have unhinged his mind, and he suffered from worsening bouts of insanity, which saw him careening around the palace on a wheeled throne and demanding loud organ music be played all the time. During one lucid interval his wife, Sophia, convinced him to adopt a capable young general, Tiberius, as his heir and surrogate ruler. Justin relinquished his power and died six years later in AD 578. His gold coinage differs from his predecessor’s in showing a figure of Victory on the obverse crowning him, while a seated figure of Constantinople replaces the angel previously depicted on the reverse; both elements are throwbacks to an earlier age and fit with his commitment to old Roman ideals.

Very Rare Light Weight Issue

922. Justin II. 565-578. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 3.74 g, 6h). Light weight issue of 20 siliquae. Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck 567-578. D N I VSTI NVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding Victory on globe right in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated facing on throne, head right, holding scepter in right hand and globus in left hand; I//OBXX. DOC (9); MIBE 9a; SB 351. Minor deposits, a couple of light scratches, hairlines. Near EF. Very rare. ($1000)

Ex Helios 7 (12 December 2011), lot 175.

Berk Plate Coin – Well Pedigreed

923. Tiberius II Constantine. 578-582. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. [CONSTAN]T A ЧC ЧIЧ FЄLIX, crowned facing bust, wearing consular robes, holding mappa in raised right hand and eagle-tipped scepter surmounted by cross in left hand / [ЧICTOR] TI bЄRI ACIς, cross potent set on four steps; CONOB. DOC 2; MIBE 2; Berk, Roman 75 (this coin) SB 420. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4184433-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 3/5. The “I” after CONOB attested to in Heritage’s cataloging of this coin is in fact a die break. ($750)

Ex Heritage 3042 (17 September 2015), lot 29268; Andre Constantine Dimitriadis Collection (Heritage 3035, 3 September 2014), lot 29334; “An Important Private Collection of Byzantine Coins” (Sotheby’s New York, 2 November 1998), lot 123; Harlan J. Berk Collection; Bonham’s (3 December 1980), lot 51.

924. Maurice Tiberius. 582-602. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 5th officina. Struck 583/4-602. O N mAVRC TIB PP AVG, helmeted, draped, and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORI A AVGGG, angel, draped, standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram in right hand and globus cruciger in left hand; Є//CONOB. DOC 5e; MIBE 6; SB 478. Lightly toned, lustrous. Superb EF. Well centered and struck. ($1000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 88 (14 September 2011), lot 1562.

925. Maurice Tiberius. 582-602. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.45 g, 7h). Constantinople mint, 9th officina. Struck 583/4-602. O N MAVRC TIb PP AVC, helmeted, draped, and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORI A AVGG, angel, draped, standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram in right hand and globus cruciger in left hand; Θ//CONOB. DOC 5i; MIBE 6; SB 478. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6631251-008, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750)

926. Phocas. 602-610. AR Quarter Siliqua – 120 Nummi (10mm, 0.38 g, 6h). Ravenna mint. Struck 602-607. D N FOCA S PP AVC, draped and cuirassed bust right, wearing diadem surmounted by cross / Large ΦK within wreath. DOC 130a; MIBE 58a; Ranieri 516; SB 702. Toned, slight porosity. Near EF. Very rare. ($1000)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

Extremely Rare Officina for Issue

927. Heraclius. 610-641. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.33 g, 7h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. Struck 610-613. b N hЄRACL IVS PP AVC, draped and cuirassed facing bust, wearing plumed helmet decorated with a cross, holding cross in right hand / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on two steps; Δ//CONOB. DOC 2 var. (unlisted officina); MIB 3; SB 730. Toned, lightly clipped, light deposits, faint hairlines, doubling on reverse. EF. Extremely rare for this issue from the 4th officina. While the 5th and 10th officinae are relatively well represented, Hahn reports only one for the 4th in Istanbul in MIB. A search of CoinArchives yielded no other examples. ($750)

Ex Gadoury (30 October 2020), lot 199.

Additionally with an interesting obverse legend composition. As the Istanbul example was not studied, it is uncertain at this time if either die is shared between this and the Istanbul coin and/or if the obverse legend is of similar configuration.

928. Heraclius. 610-641. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.09 g, 7h). Light weight issue of 22 siliquae. Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck 610-613. d N hЄRACLI ЧS PP AVC, draped and cuirassed facing bust, wearing plumed helmet decorated with a cross, holding cross in right hand / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; I//OB+d. DOC 6 var. (unlisted officina); MIB 58; SB 774. Toned, with some luster, hairlines, graffito on reverse. EF. Very rare. ($1000)

Ex iNumis MBS 23 (22 October 2013), lot 291.

929. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine. 610-641. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.35 g, 7h). Uncertain eastern military mint(?). Struck circa 613-circa 616. bb NN ҺЄRACLIЧS Єτ ҺЄRA CONSτ, crowned facing busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, both wearing chlamys, above exergual line; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; I//CONOB. DOC 187a (Alexandria); MIB 773-4 (Cyprus?; or eastern military mint); Bendall, Jerusalem, Type 4, fig. 8 (uncertain eastern military mint?); SB 851 (Jerusalem). Toned, lightly clipped, minor die rust on obverse, light graffiti on reverse. EF. ($750)

Very Rare & Exceptional Rome Mint Fraction

930. Justinian II. First reign, 685-695. AR Eighth Siliqua – 30 Nummi (8mm, 0.29 g, 6h). Rome mint. Crowned facing bust, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand / Large Rm; cross above; all within border. DOC 68; MIB 43; Aue, Silbermünzen, p. 113, 13-18; M. D. O’Hara, “A Find of Byzantine Silver from the Mint of Rome for the Period A.D. 641752” in SNR 64 (1985), p. 122, 10; SB 1308. Attractive light iridescent toning. Near EF. Very rare. Approximately 10-15 known. The last example to sell in CoinArchives hammered for ($13,000) in Gemini XII. An exceptional example. ($2000)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

931. Philippicus (Bardanes). 711-713. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.27 g, 7h). Constantinople mint, 9th officina. D N FILЄPICЧS MЧL [TЧς AN], crowned facing bust, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and eagle-tipped scepter in left / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; Θ//CONOB. DOC 1i; MIB 1; SB 1447. Lightly toned and lustrous, clipped, hairlines. EF. A wonderful strike. ($1500)

Ex Berk BBS 150 (8 August 2006), lot 49.

During the first overthrow of Justinian II in 695, Bardanes made a tacit play for the throne. However, Leontius successfully took the purple before he could solidify his position. Under Tiberius III Apsimar, Bardanes was reassigned far away from the political scene at Constantinople and sent to the Ionian island of Cephalonia. However, Justinian later reassigned him to Cherson during his second reign following his resumption of power. It was during this campaign that the army revolted and proclaimed Bardanes as Emperor. Following his overthrow of Justinian, Bardanes (who took the name Philippicus) attempted to assert control over all of Byzantium’s possessions. However, he failed to secure the support of the Pope in Italy which led to a continuing deterioration of the untenable situation in Italy. Harboring heretical monophysite beliefs, Philippicus was additionally not readily accepted in Orthodox circles and went so far as to remove the Patriarch in favor of one favoring the monothelete heresy. His precarious position as Emperor was ultimately undone when the Bulgar Khanate under Khan Tervel invaded with the casus belli of avenging his ally Justinian. A military revolt broke out from the Opsikion theme in Thrace and Philippicus was overthrown.

932. Anastasius II Artemius. 713-715. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. ∂ N ARTЄ[MI] ЧS A NASTASIЧS MЧL´, crowned facing bust, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; Δ//CONOB. DOC 2c; MIB 2; Füeg 2.D.21; SB 1463. Toned, slightly compact flan, minor marks, light deposits. Good VF. ($1000)

Ex UBS 78 (9 September 2008), lot 2053.

An effective court bureaucrat, Artemius was elevated to the throne following a revolt by the Opsikion theme against Philippicus. Many of the policies adopted by Artemius, who took the regnal name Anastasius II, were wise and helped stabilize the empire following two decades of tumult. He was additionally Orthodox and removed Philippicus’ heretical appointee as Patriarch, John VI. However, during his campaigns against the Arabs (which included dispatching future emperor Leo III to Syria), the Opsikion theme revolted a second subsequent time while on campaign at Rhodes. Anastasius was deposed and fled to Nicaea but was allowed to live and retire to a monastery at Thessalonica. However, in 719, Anastasius revolted against then Emperor Leo III from Thessalonica in an effort to retake the throne. Receiving support from the Bulgars, Anastasius orchestrated a plot to have the gates of Constantinople opened for his mercenary army; for, the walls and defenses that Anastasius himself had rebuilt and constructed during his reign would have been an immense obstacle to overcome in taking the city. Unfortunately for him, his message was intercepted, the plot exposed, and his conspirators in Constantinople were executed. With the siege unsuccessful, Anastasius was handed over to Leo by his Bulgar army. He was then executed along with the chief coconspirators of his revolt including the archbishop of Thessalonica, Niketas Xylinitas.

933. Leo IV the Khazar, with Constantine VI, Leo III, and Constantine V. 775-780. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 776-778. LЄOҺ VS S ЄςςOҺ COҺSτ[A/ O Һ]ЄOS •, crowned facing busts of Leo IV and Constantine VI, both wearing chlamys; cross above, • between / LЄOҺ PAP´ COҺSτAҺτIҺOS PAτ´ Θ, crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, both wearing loros; cross above, • between. DOC 1a; Füeg 1.15; SB 1583. Toned, small marks. Superb EF. An excellent and early vibrant strike with parts of the die engraver’s centering circle still visible on the reverse. ($1000)

934. Constantine VI & Irene, with Leo III, Constantine V, and Leo IV. 780-797. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 780-790. SIRIҺI AVΓ´ AV mI τHR , crowned facing busts of Constantine VI, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger in right hand, and Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cruciform scepter in left hand; cross above, • between / COҺSτAҺτIҺOS CΛS´ R´ Ь´, Constantine V, Leo III, and Leo IV seated facing, each wearing crown and chlamys. DOC 1.8; Füeg Ir.2.7/C.2.1 (obv./rev.); SB 1593. Toned, slight weakness, minor mark. VF. ($750)

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2011), lot 872 (hammer $3250).

935. Constantine VI & Irene, with Leo III, Constantine V, and Leo IV. 780-797. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 790-792. SVIRIҺ IΛΓ´ m´A VτOV, crowned facing busts of Constantine VI, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger in right hand, and Irene, wearing loros and holding cruciform scepter in left hand; cross above, • between / COҺ SτAҺτIҺOS C[Λ/] Ь´ Δ´, Constantine V, Leo III, and Leo IV seated facing, each wearing crown and chlamys. DOC 2; Füeg 4.17 (Ir.4.8/C.4.18 – same rev. die as illustrated example); SB 1591. Toned, minor marks. EF. Well struck without the prevalently encountered weakness. ($1000)

936. John I Zimisces. 969-976. AV Histamenon Nomisma (22mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺm, nimbate facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, draped, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left / + ΘЄOTOC ЬOHΘ ´ Iω ∂ЄS, crowned facing half-length figures of John, wearing loros, holding patriarchal cross in left hand, and the Theotokos, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorion, to right, who crowns John with her right hand; manus Dei to upper left. DOC 3; Füeg 4.B; SB 1785. Toned, minor doubling. Good VF. ($750)

Extremely Rare Variety

937. Basil II Bulgaroktonos, with Constantine VIII. 976-1025. AV Histamenon Nomisma (22mm, 4.23 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 977-circa 989. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTҺIm, nimbate facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, draped, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left; • within circle in quarters of nimbus / + ЬASIL C CONSτAҺTI Ь R, crowned facing half-length busts of Basil, wearing loros, and Constantine, wearing chlamys, together holding long patriarchal cross between them with their right hands; crossbar with • beneath on shaft of patriarchal cross. DOC 2j var. (no pellet on patriarchal cross shaft); Füeg II 2.JJ; SB 1796. Toned, minor doubling, scratch, small delamination on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare variety, only one known to Füeg. ($750)

The son of Romanus II, Basil II theoretically inherited the purple at the age of five when his father died in AD 963. However, he was overshadowed by regents and co-emperors until AD 976. He had to fight off several challenges to his rule and was not fully secure until AD 989. The experience made a hard, austere man of him. Monastic in tastes and militant in manners, he never married and devoted his whole reign to administering the state and leading armies into battle. He expended enormous efforts toward destroying the Bulgarian menace once and for all. At the Battle of Kleidion in 1014, he acquired his nickname “Bulgar–slayer” (Bulgaroktonos) when he captured and blinded 15,000 Bulgarians; the Bulgarian Tsar Samuel reportedly died of a heart attack when he beheld the fate of his men. The Fatamids and Arabs also felt Basil’s wrath, and he oversaw the annexation of Georgia to the Empire. He kept wealthy aristocrats on a short leash and favored peasants and small farmers, the backbone of the army. By Basil’s death in 1025, the medieval Byzantine Empire had reached its greatest size, power, and prestige. Maintaining it would require rulers possessing similar devotion to duty; regrettably, this character was lacking from many of his successors who proceeded to squander away his legacy with astonishing speed.

Extremely Rare Tetarteron – Cited & Illustrated in Füeg

938. Basil II Bulgaroktonos, with Constantine VIII. 976-1025. AV Tetarteron Nomisma (21.5mm, 4.07 g, 7h). Constantinople mint. Struck circa 977-circa 989. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺm, nimbate facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, draped, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left; • at the end of each nimbus extremity / + ЬASIL C CONSτAҺTI Ь R, crowned facing half-length busts of Basil, wearing loros, and Constantine, wearing chlamys, together holding long patriarchal cross between them with their right hands. DOC – but cf. 8b, 8g, and (8j) (for other varieties of this class); Füeg II 8.E (this coin cited in corpus and illustrated); SB 1802. Toned. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of only two cited by Füeg. ($1000)

Ex Leu Numismatics & Numismatica Ars Classica (26 May 1993), lot 247.

939. Michael VII Ducas, with Maria. 1071-1078. AV Tetarteron Nomisma (19mm, 4.06 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. + ΘKЄ RO HΘЄI +, nimbate facing bust of the Theotokos, wearing tunic and maphorion, holding nimbate facing bust of the Holy Infant; L ΘV, both with macron above, flanking the Theotokos / + MI X AHΛ S MA RIA, crowned facing busts of Michael, wearing loros, and Maria, wearing jeweled robe, together holding between them a long cross with the shaft ornamented with an X above pellet within crescent, held in their left and right hands respectively. DOC 5a; SB 1872. Toned, thin flan crack. Near EF. ($750)

Extremely Rare Trachy

940. John III Ducas (Vatatzes). Emperor of Nicaea, 1222-1254. AR Trachy (32mm, 2.46 g, 6h). Magnesia mint. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left hand; IC XC, both with macron above, flanking Christ’s nimbus / [...]/ЄC/ΠO/T - O/K/ω/N/A/N in two columnar groups, crowned facing figures of John, holding cruciform scepter in right hand, and St. Constantine, holding akakia in left hand, both wearing loros, together holding long patriarchal cross surmounted by star ornament between them held in their left and right hands respectively. DOC 20; SB 2074. Toned, crystallized, edge chips, fragile. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($1000)

Unique Byzantine Basilikon

941. Andronicus II Palaeologus, with Andronicus III. 1282-1328. AR Basilikon (18mm, 1.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck circa 6 June-October 1321. [...]IT OP´AT •, Christ Pantokrator, nimbate and draped, enthroned facing, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left hand; large B to right / [...]TEΓИIKO AVTOIΠIOC, Andronicus II and Andronicus III, both crowned and wearing loros, standing facing, together holding ornate labarum between them, held in their left and right hands respectively; both of them resting their right and left hands on their chests respectively. DOC –; T. Popov, “НОВ

III” in Minalo 4 (2023), pp. 4-6, fig. 1 (this coin cited and illustrated); SB –. Toned, some weakness, minor scratch. Good VF. Unique. The only example known to Popov. ($1000)

Ex Bucephalus Black Auction 14 (9 January 2023), lot 1156.

After Michael IX died, the younger Andronicus III rebelled against his grandfather Andronicus II and escalated the situation into a dramatic civil war. The older and younger Andronici reached a treaty on 6 June 1321, with Andronicus II recognizing his grandson as his heir and co-emperor. It is likely at that time, perhaps at the insistence of the younger emperor, that the series of coinage to which this extremely rare issue belongs was struck. Since relations between the two emperors worsened again by October 1321, and with the next stage of the civil war ensuing, the coinage would have been suspended only shortly after it was started. This very tight dating would explain the exceptional rarity of this coin type today.

Unique Trachy

942. Andronicus II Palaeologus. 1282-1328. AR Trachy (22mm, 1.21 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck circa 1282-circa 1294. Γ/f - ΓЄ/P in two columnar groups, nimbate facing half-length figure of St. George, wearing military attire, holding sword over right shoulder in right hand and shield in left hand; lys to lower left / A/N´/I/K/C - A/Є/[...]/I/[...] in two columnar groups, crowned facing figure of Andronicus, wearing ornate jeweled chlamys, holding cruciform scepter over right shoulder in right hand and ornate labarum in left hand; lys to left bisecting columnar inscription. DOC –; T. Popov,

1282 – 1294 г.” in Numismatics, Silligraphy and Epigraphy 20 (2024), pp. 129–35, fig. 2 (this coin cited and illustrated); SB –. Toned, minor weakness, edge chip and subsequent flan fracture on reverse. Good VF. Unique. The only example known to Popov. ($1500)

Ex Concordia Numismatics 17 (27 June 2024), lot 866.

This extremely rare trachy belongs to the period of Andronicus II’s reign before Michael IX was crowned as co-emperor.

Extremely Rare Silver Palaeologan Weight

943. Andronicus II Palaeologus, with Michael IX. 1282-1328. AR Basilika Weight (23mm, 2.08 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 1295-1320. Somewhat blundered legend intended to read as “Autocrators and Despots” when translated, Andronicus and Michael, both crowned and wearing loros, standing facing, together holding a patriarchal cross set on a bifurcated base between them, held in their left and right hands respectively; both of them resting their right and left hands on their chests respectively / + XAP/AΓMA CЄ/ΠTON KAT/ABOΛIKVB/AIΛOV in five lines within dotted border. DOC –; PCPC 383; G. Schlumberger, “Deux Exagia de L’Époque des Paléologues” in RN (1884), pp. 427-429 and fig. 1; Bendall, Weights 22; SB –. Toned, some find patina, marks. VF. Extremely rare. The reverse legend is of iambic triameter and reads as “money from the sacred mint discredits false coin” when translated. ($1000)

Ex Constantine XI Hoard – Published by Bendall

944. Constantine XI Palaeologus (Dragases). 1448-1453. AR Stavraton (21mm, 6.77 g, 12h). Constantinople mint. Struck 1449-1453. Nimbate facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left hand; no sigla / [KωNCTANTINOC ΔЄCΠOTHC O ΠAΛЄOΛOΓ] / [ΘV XAPITH] BACIΛЄV[C POMЄON] in two circular lines, nimbate and crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing loros; no sigla. DOC 1787 var. (sigla); Bendall, Coinage 93 (this coin); LBC 1095 var. (same); PCPC –; SB –. Attractively toned. In NGC encapsulation 6558565-001, graded AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 5/5. Very rare. ($30,000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Gasvoda Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 123, 23 May 2023), lot 823; Long Valley River Collection (Roma XX, 29 October 2020), lot 761, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, 16 July 1990; circa 1990 Constantine XI hoard.

Constantine XI, a member of the last Byzantine dynasty, the Palaeologan, was a heroic figure despite being fated to be the final Byzantine ruler. One of the younger sons of Emperor Manuel II, Constantine distinguished himself during the siege of Constantinople in 1422 during the last days of Manuel II’s rule. After Manuel suffered a stroke and became incapable of governing, Constantine’s older brother, future emperor John VIII, took the reins of the government on behalf of his father. However, John’s first priority was to seek to rally support for the Byzantine state against the ascendant Ottomans. In pursuit of this objective, he embarked on a tour of Western Europe. In his stead, he left his younger brother Constantine as regent and granted him the title of despot. Constantine effectively administered what was left of the shrinking Byzantine State in his brother’s absence, but John’s quest to enlist western support for Byzantium was ultimately unsuccessful.

Once John assumed the imperial mantle upon the death of Manuel II, Constantine was tasked with governing one of the few remaining possessions of the once-illustrious Byzantine Empire – the Depostate of Morea. Constantine again proved himself a capable ruler and administrator, using the limited resources he had at his disposal to recover Morea from the Franks who had occupied the Peloponnesos since the Fourth Crusade. Ultimately, Constantine’s Morea encompassed the entire Peloponnesos and, along with Epirus, constituted the bulk of Byzantine possessions outside of Constantinople which was itself quickly shrinking into a city-state as more and more territory was lost to the Ottomans.

When John died in 1448 without issue, Constantine was designated as his successor and called to assume the fateful position of emperor. Crowned at the citadel at Mystras, Constantine traveled from Morea to Constantinople in a hired Catalan galley – a succinct representation of how miserably Byzantine power had dwindled by the mid 15th century. The Byzantine fleet had been previously destroyed during the reign of John VI in a disastrous naval engagement in 1349 with the Genoese. All Constantine could do in his new station as emperor was prepare for the inevitable attack by the Ottomans. He worked to repair the city walls and recruit and muster as many soldiers as possible to mount his final defense of the city. As part of that effort, coins such as this rare example were minted to pay the mostly hired soldiers.

The attack came in late May of 1453. Constantine himself manned the ramparts and fought valiantly during the city’s final defense. He was ultimately killed upon the city walls and his corpse mutilated by the invaders. Thus ended the Byzantine Empire, an institution that lasted nearly a millennium and outlasted its parent Western Roman Empire by five centuries.

EARLY MEDIEVAL COINAGE

945. OSTROGOTHS. Theoderic. As king of the Goths, 474/5-493, or ruler of Italy, 493-526. AV Tremissis (14mm, 1.49 g, 6h). In the name of Anastasius. Rome mint. Struck 491-518. D N ANASTA SIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath in left hand and globus cruciger in right; pellets at each end of ground line; d to right; COMOB. COI 14; MIB 10; MEC 1, 114-5. Lustrous, small edge ding. Superb EF. ($750)

Ex ArtCoins Roma 19 (1 November 2015), lot 811.

In AD 493, the Ostrogoth Theoderic was sent by the East Roman Emperor Zeno to remove the then-ruler of Italy, the Skiric Odovacer (who had had dismissed the last Roman emperor of the West), and to then serve as Zeno’s imperial representative there. While the Ostrogoths were technically subordinates of the eastern emperor, they were, in reality, the de facto rulers of the Italian peninsula.

946. OSTROGOTHS. Theodahad. 534-536. Æ 40 Nummi – Follis (25mm, 9.99 g, 5h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. D N THEODΛ HΛTVS REX, helmeted and mantled bust right / VICTORIΛ PRIИCIPVM, Victory standing right on prow of galley, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and palm frond over shoulder in left; S C across field. COI 89b, dies C7/L16; MIB 81; MEC 1, 141-3 var. (legend breaks). Dark green patina, green deposits, smoothing. Near EF. Rare. ($1500)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

947. VISIGOTHS, Spain. Sisebut. 612-621. AV Tremissis (19mm, 1.43 g, 5h). Eliberi (Granada) mint. + SISEBVTVS RE, facing bust / + PIVS ELIBERRI, facing bust. MV 272a; Miles, Visigoths 186a-b; CNV 217; Chaves 147 var. (legends); MEC 1, –. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6968639-007, graded MS 64. Top Pop. ($1000)

948. LOMBARDS, Lombardy. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 6th century. AV Tremissis (16mm, 1.44 g, 6h). In the name of Justin II. Struck after circa 568. D N IVSTI NVS P P AVC, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIΛ ΛVCVςTORVN, Victory advancing right, head right, holding wreath in left hand and globus cruciger in right; pellets at each end of ground line; star to right; CONO. Bernareggi, Moneta –; BMC Vandals–; cf. Arslan 2 (for type); cf. MEC 1, 298 (same); Adams I 376 (same dies). Deposits, light cleaning scratches. EF. ($750)

Ex ArtCoins Roma 6 (10 December 2012), lot 1284.

949. LOMBARDS, Lombardy. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 6th century. AV Tremissis (17mm, 1.50 g, 7h). In the name of Justin II. Struck after circa 568. D N IVSTI NVS P AVC, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath in left hand and globus cruciger in right; star to right; CONOB. Bernareggi, Moneta –; BMC Vandals–; cf. Arslan 2 (for type); cf. MEC 1, 298 (same). In NGC encapsulation 2137351-004, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Broad flan. ($750)

Ex Naumann 143 (4 August 2024), lot 791; Gadoury (15 November 2019), lot 540.

950. LOMBARDS, Tuscany. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Circa 620-700. AV Tremissis (12mm, 1.41 g, 6h). Uncertain mint in Pavia (Ticinum [?]). VIIVI – – VIIV ·:, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; B to right / :: VIVIOIVIIVIVOVIV, cross potent. Bernareggi, Moneta 16a; cf. BMC Vandals 1-8 (for type; Perctarit); cf. MEC 1, 316-7 (for type). Toned, scuffs, edge marks. Good VF. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

951. LOMBARDS, Lombardy & Tuscany. Aripert II. 700-712. AV Tremissis (21mm, 1.30 g, 9h). D N AR IPЄRS R, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; G to right / SCS MI HAHIL, St. Michael standing left, holding long cross in right hand and round shield in left. Bernareggi 52; BMC Vandals –; MEC 1, 321. A few faint scratches, usual areas of weak strike. EF. Rare. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

The reverse type of the standing figure Saint Michael was introduced to the Lombardic coinage during the reign of Cunincpert (688-700). ‘The explanation for the new type was apparently the king’s experience at the battle of Coronate in c. 690, when it was believed that the archangel intervened in person to give him victory over his rival Alahis, who had sworn him loyalty in the church of St Michael at Pavia and then broken his oath. The type was retained by the next few rulers.’ Grierson, p. 21.

952. LOMBARDS, Beneventum. Gisulf II. 742-751. AV Tremissis (14mm, 1.35 g, 12h). D N IO IVS P P, crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left / VICT Vς TO, cross potent; ς to left, symbol to right; CONOB. D’Andrea & Moretti, Lombards 42b (this coin); Oddy type 2, SG.408; MIR 165; BMC Vandals 3 (same dies); MEC 1, –. A few faint scratches. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000)

Ex Roma XXII (7 October 2021), lot 905; Künker 270 (2 October 2015), lot 9065; Künker 205 (12 March 2012), lot 1290.

953. LOMBARDS, Beneventum. Arichis II. 758-787. AV Solidus (22mm, 3.95 g, 6h). Struck 774-787. D N S VI – –CTORIΛ, crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTIR û PRINCIPI, cross potent; A to left, pellets flanking base; C ONO B. Oddy SG.441; MIE 182; BMC Vandals 11; MEC 1, 1096. Iridescent toning, thin flan crack. Near EF. Rare. ($1000)

Ex Roma XXII (7 October 2021), lot 907; Numismatica Ars Classica 109 (25 May 2018), lot 1305.

954. LOMBARDS, Beneventum. Grimoald III, with Charlemagne, king of the Franks. 788-806. AV Tremissis (16mm, 1.18 g, 6h). Struck 788-792. GRIM – – VΛLD, crowned bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand / DOMS û CAR • R, cross potent; ςR monogram to left, pellets flanking base; VIC▶. Oddy Type 1, SG.443; MIR 189; BMC Vandals 8; MEC 1, –. Iridescent toning, edge marks. Good VF. Rare. ($1000)

From the James A. Lock Collection. Ex I. Vecchi 16 (9 October 1999), lot 619; Numismatica Ars Classica B (25 February 1996), lot 2316.

955. LOMBARDS, Beneventum. Sicard. 832-839. Pale AV Solidus (23mm, 3.73 g, 6h). SIC – – ARDV •, crowned bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand; wedge to right / VICTOR • û PRINCIPI, cross potent set on two steps; S I across field; CONOÐ; small wedge to either side of steps. Oddy SG.476; MIR 220; BMC Vandals 3-4; MEC 1, 1108. Iridescent toning, flan crack. Good VF. ($750)

956. LOMBARDS, Beneventum. Interregnum. 890-897. AR Denaro (18mm, 1.14 g, 4h). + BENEBENTV, Latin cross; A and ω flanking / + S•C•A MARIA, large X with central crossbar. MIR 251; BMC Vandals –; MEC 1, 1119. Iridescent toning, minor edge marks. VF. Very rare. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection. Ex Triton I (2 December 1997), lot 1904.

Extremely Rare Burgundian Half Siliqua

957. BURGUNDIANS. Gundobad. 473-516. AR Half Siliqua (13mm, 1.15 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Victory advancing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond over left shoulder; uncertain legend (L SE? or G SI?)/ L D flanking / PAX ET ABVNDANTIA, Gundobad monogram. Oddy, Moneta, –; Belfort 2260 = Stahl, Merovingiens 76 = Lanz 141, lot 923; CGB 11, lot 579; MEC 1, –. Toned, porosity, a few light cleaning scratches. VF. Well centered. Extremely rare –only two examples in CoinArchives. ($2000)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

The upper letters in the obverse field are unclear. Not visible in the sole published example, the CGB cataloger descibed it as possible reading L SE. Considering the unique reverse legend – PAX ET ABVNDANTIA – this issue is likely a donative struck on a special occasion. One tempting event is the marriage of Gundobad’s son, Sigismund, to Ostrogotha, daughter of King Athalaric in 494.

Extremely Rare Avar Solidus – Pedigreed to 1922

958. AVARS. Uncertain king. 6th-7th centuries AD. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.27 g, 11h). Imitating Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine. Struck after circa 625. VITOICVVDIVIV[...], crowned facing busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, both wearing chlamys; cross above / DVTΘVNC VICHDV, cross potent set on three steps; CONOB. Cf. Jónas fig. 6 (for similar); Bóna fig. 3a-b (same obv. die); cf. MIB 21 (for prototype). Scratches, scuffs, edge marks and filing (as usual for type). Good VF. Very rare. No other examples of this variety in CoinArchives. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 51 (15 September 1999), lot 1559; “An Important Private Collection of Byzantine Coins” (Sotheby’s New York, 2 November 1998), lot 237; Virgil M. Brand Collection (Part I, Sotheby’s Zürich, 1 July 1982), lot 106; Max Verworn Collection (A. Hess, 14 June 1922), lot 245.

The Avars, a people of undetermined origin and language, played an important role in eastern Europe from the sixth century, building a domain in the area between the Adriatic and Baltic seas and the Dnieper river. In 588, they were allied with the Lombards in the overthrow of the Gepids, allies of Byzantium, and established themselves in the Hungarian plain. The Avars often engaged in war with the Merovingians and with Byzantium, almost occupying Constantinople in 626. After circa 650, revolt and internal discord coinciding with the creation of the Bulgarian state weakened their empire, which, however, survived until 685 when it submitted to Charlemagne.

959. UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid 5th century AD. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.52 g, 6h). Imitating an issue of Marcian. C N N ΛACIA INVS V E AVς, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield on left shoulder / VICTOA ΛΛVCCCΔ, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; star to right; COIIVO. Cf. Fagerlie 377 (for another imitation of Marcian). Minor edge mark. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000)

Ex Künker 216 (8 October 2012); Baldwin’s 47 (25 September 2006), lot 227; Guy Lacam Collection (Dürr & Michel, 8 November 1999), lot 372; Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 1138; Peus 282 (30 October 1973), lot 547.

960. UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid 5th century AD. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.49 g, 7h). Imitating an issue of Theodosius II. DPTPΔOOO SIVSPPAG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / 9OX+IIDSO9O +SCPIXXXXΔ, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated left, holding globus cruciger in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left hand, right foot on prow; star over pellet to left; shield resting beside throne to right; ObObO. Cf. Fagerlie 341-350 (for other, more faithful imitations of the type) and 336-8 (for obv. style). Lightly toned, scrape on face. EF. Very rare. ($1000)

Ex Künker 216 (8 October 2012); Guy Lacam Collection (Dürr & Michel, 8 November 1999), lot 372.

961. UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid to late 5th century AD. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.24 g, 6h). Imitating an issue of Arcadius. D N ABCADI VS PP AVC, pearl-and-rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / OИCOBOI Λ ΛVCCC, Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, head right, holding scepter in right hand and shield inscribed IOI/MVY/X in left hand; Γ//◀OИO▶. Fagerlie –; MEC 1, –; Morton & Eden 68, lot 158 (same obv. die); Peus 337, lot 651 = Peus 321, lot 775 (same obv. die); CNG 91, lot 1137 (same obv. die); CNG E-313, lot 531 = CNG 93, lot 1418 (same dies). Lustrous, slightly wavy, a few marks. EF. ($2000)

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica B (25 February 1992), lot 2299; Numismatica Ars Classica 3 (17 September 1990), lot 134; Numismatica Ars Classica 1 (29 March 1989), lot 1029.

The style of this piece, while distinctive, is difficult to pin down among numerous chaotic imitative gold issues of the 5th century. The cataloger of the Peus example saw parallels to the extremely rare solidi of the Suevi (cf. MEC 1, 285). Other auction appearances of this type offered tentative attributions to the Visigoths in Spain and to Gaul.

Extremely Rare Fine Style Imitation

962. MEROVINGIANS. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Mid-late 6th century. AV Tremissis (15mm, 1.46 g, 6h). Imitating an issue of Justinian I. Uncertain (Gallic?) mint. D И IVSTIII ΛИUS P ΛVC, diademed and draped bust right / VICTORSΛ ΛVGΛSTORVM, Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath in right hand and globus cruciger in left; V to left, d to right; COIIOI in exergue. NM –; Belfort –; Prou –; Stahl, Merovingiens 50 (this coin); MEC 1, –. Toned, a few minor scratches, scuff, edge marks. Good VF. Extremely rare. The only example this cataloger could find of this particular variety. An exceptionally fine style imitation. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection. Ex N.K. Collection [Nadia Kapamadji] (Bourgey, 27 October 1992), 524; Bourgey (4 November 1975), lot 322.

Extremely Rare Argenteus Minutus

963. MEROVINGIANS, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. temp. Childeric I - Clovis I. Late 5th-early 6h centuries AD. AR Argenteus Minutus (15mm, 0.30 g, 5h). Imitating an issue of Valentinian III. Colonia (Cologne) mint. VΛNIV ITAVC, diademed, cuirassed, and draped bust right / ΛV IΛVI, Roma seated left, holding small Victory in right hand and long cross in left; d to left, pellet to right. Cf. J. Lafaurie, “Les dernières émissions impériales de Trèves au Ve siècle” in Mélanges Bastien, pl. 25, 3 and 16; MEC I pp. 90, 105, & 111-2; CNG 106, lot 915 (hammer $2200); Künker 236, lot 1321. Toned, deposits, wavy flan, minor marks, slightly ragged edge, holed (as are most all related issues). VF. Extremely rare – only two examples on CoinArchives. ($1000)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

The argentei minuti are the earliest silver coinage attributed to the Merovingian period. They are all copies of late 4th century Roman siliquae, with weights ranging from 0.40 to 0.20 g, and are found primarily in the region between the Seine and Moselle rivers in northern Francia, with a particular focus around Cologne, the likely mint site for this and other contemporary pseudo-Imperial silver issues. Most examples have been found in graves, and were holed and worn on a necklace or bracelet, and, while some pieces bear good Latin legends, many are partially or completely degraded as on the present piece. Scholarly debate as to the exact role of these and other silver coins in Francia is ongoing, with disagreement as to whether they served a primarily ceremonial purpose, either as a donative or produced explicitly for grave goods, or they circulated more broadly in the economy. For further discussion, see J. Chameroy and P.-M. Guihard, eds, Argentum Romanorum sive Barbarorum : Tradition und Entwicklung im Gebrauch des Silbergeldes im römischen Westen (4.-6. Jh.) (Mainz, 2020).

The Second Known Denier of Abbo, Ally to Charles Martel

964. MEROVINGIANS, Arles. Abbo. Patrician of Provence, fl. 730s. AR Denier (12mm, 1.03 g, 10h). ABBO monogram; crosses flanking / ARLATE monogram. P. Schiesser, “Les deniers d’Abbon et de Mauronte frappés à Arles,” in Monnaies et Monnayages en Avignon entre Provence et Papauté: Actes du colloque des 25-28 mai 2017 au Musée Calvet –Avignon (Paris, 2022), fig. 1 var. (direction of Arles monogram); NM –; Belfort –; Prou –; MEC 1, –. Toned, slight porosity. Good VF. Extremely rare and historically important. Only the second known example. ($1500)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

Around 733, set against a backdrop of collapsing Merovingian authority and rising Arab raids from Spain, the Patrician of Provence, Maurontus, rose in revolt. The patrician knew he would be unable to resist the inevitable reprisal from majordomo Charles Martel and sought an ally in the very force that the general had defeated only a few months earlier at the famous Battle of Tours: the Umayyad Caliphate. Maurontus called on Yusuf ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Fihri, then the Wali of Narbonne and the future governor of al-Andalus. In about 736, Arles and Avignon were both briefly conquered by the rebels and their Arab allies, and control of the region would oscillate between Maurontus and Martel until the rebel’s ultimate defeat in 739. Throughout the conflict, Abbo, rector of Maurienne and Susa, remained loyal to Martel. For this he was awarded the title of Patrician of Provence in 732. Abbo would be the last to hold that title, as the position would be reduced to missus dominicus during the rise of the Carolingian dynasty under Pepin the Short.

Ex Prince of Fürstenburg Collection – Pedigreed to 1932

965. MEROVINGIANS, Chalon-sur-Saône. Circa 620-640. AV Tremissis (12mm, 1.12 g, 3h). Ausarius, moneyer. C[...]FIT, diademed and draped bust right / [...]SΛRII, cross potent with pellet at lower terminal. NM 20 (this coin cited); Belfort –; Prou –; MEC 1, –; Stahl, Merovingiens –. Toned, a few minor deposits and marks. VF. Extremely rare. The sole recorded example. ($1000)

From the James A. Lock Collection. Ex Prince of Fürstenberg Collection (Cahn 79, 14 December 1932), lot 1009.

966. MEROVINGIANS, Frisia. Circa 630-635. AV Tremissis (13mm, 1.32 g, 12h). Dronrijp type. Diademed and draped bust right / Latin cross on base, set on four pellets; Λ II across field. NM 8; Belfort 2442; cf. MEC 1, 517–21 (for series); cf. Stahl, Merovingiens 323-32 (for series). Worn and rusted dies, area of weak strike, a few light scratches, tiny edge split. Good VF. Rare, one of five known examples from these dies. ($1000)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

967. MEROVINGIANS, Limoges. Circa 700-725. AR Denier (12mm, 1.26 g, 9h). Scobilio, moneyer. Cross above large ЄR; pellets around / SC[OBEL M]ON, cross ancrée, pellets in lower quarters; all within wreath. M. Parvérie, “Les deniers Mérvingiens de Limoges,” in Bulletin de la societe numismatique du Limousin 87 (2020), fig. 9-10 (same dies); NM 2; Belfort 6339; Prou 822-3; MEC 1, –; Stahl, Merovingiens –. Toned, minor porosity. VF. Very rare, only one similar example in CoinArchives. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

Very Rare Imitation of Marseille

968. MEROVINGIANS, Marseille region(?). Mid-7th century AD. AV Tremissis (14mm, 1.09 g, 12h). Contemporary imitation copying Clovis II(?), King of Neustria and Burgundy, 639-657. Uncertain moneyer. + COL◊ ITV, diademed bust right / + SCΓΛ[...], cross potent set on pellet; M Λ flanking. Cf. NM 61-62 (for similar); cf. Belfort 6252 and 6254 (same); Stahl, Merovingiens –; MEC 1, –. Wavy flan, edge marks and filing, flan crack, slight bend. VF. Very rare. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

Marseille is one of the few regions in the Merovingian territories to regularly strike coinage bearing a royal name. While that mint usually struck good quality coins signed with their distinct M A signature, the present example is crude, with several retrograde letters indicative of a contemporary imitation. The obverse legend may be devolved from that of Clovis II, who came to the throne of Nesutria at the age of six. Initially the government was in the hands of his mother Nanthild, but after her death in 642 the real power was in the hands of the magnates. As a result Clovis is regarded as an early ‘roi faineant’ or ‘do-nothing king.’

Unpublished Merovingian Denier

969. MEROVINGIANS, Marseille. Abbey of Saint-Victor. Circa 670. AR Denier (10mm, 1.07 g, 10h). [...]ЄLΛIS, head right / MΛSS[ILIΛ CI]VIT, Latin cross pattée; Λ S flanking; all within wreath. Cf. CNG 93 (22 May 2013), lot 1422 (for rev.); Chaponnière & Hess-Divo 3 (11 May 2012), lot 533 (for rev.; hammer CHF 3800); otherwise unpublished. Find patina, minor porosity. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

970. MEROVINGIANS, Orléans. Circa 585-675. AV Tremissis (10mm, 1.22 g, 4h). Maurinus, moneyer. + MAVRNVS MON, diademed and draped bust right; cross to upper right / [+ AVRI]LIANIS CIV, cross potent set on steps with two pellets for terminals. NM 24; Belfort 513; Prou 627; Stahl, Merovingiens 153 (same dies); MEC 1, –. Lightly toned, scuff, a few light scratches. VF. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

971. MEROVINGIANS, Rouen(?). Circa 725-750. AR Denier (12mm, 0.91 g, 5h). Diademed head right with crested hair; S to right / Undeciphered monogram. P. Schiesser, “Les trouvailles de deniers mérovingiens (vers 670 - vers 750) dans l’Aube,” in Le monnayage à Troyes et en Champagne de l’antiquité à nos jours: Aces du colloque des 11-14 novembre 2021 au Musée des Beaux-Arts et d’Archéologies de Troyes (Paris, 2022), no. 162. Find patina. VF. Very rare. ($750)

Unpublished

972. MEROVINGIANS, Uncertain. Circa 675-700(?). AR Denier (12mm, 0.74 g, 10h). Contemporary imitation of a Banassac issue of the moneyer Elafius. PAX, bearded bust left; five annulets above / + + ELAFIVS MO, eagle facing with wings spread, head right. Apparently unpublished. For original type in gold: NM 10; Belfort 652. Toned, some porosity, edge marks. Good VF. ($750)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

This fascinating denier copies the ubiquitous gold tremisses struck at Banassac (modern Lozère), particularly the type with the PAX obverse legend. Here, the chalice traditionally depicted on the coinage of Banassac is transformed into an eagle, while the once finely rendered obverse bust takes on a bearded, dwarven feel. While the original type is dated by Depeyrot to circa 620-640, minting in Banassac appears to have been severely curtailed by the age of the denier, and this coin is more likely an imitation of the late 7th century at the earliest.

Very Rare Portait Denier of Louis the Pious

973. CAROLINGIANS. Louis ‘le Pieux’ (the Pious). As Emperor Louis I, 814-840. AR Denier (18mm, 1.68 g, 12h). Dorestad mint. Struck 814-819. HLVDOVVICVS IMP AVG, laureate and draped bust right / DORESTΛTVS, galley. Coupland, Money Class I; Depeyrot 413; M&G 330; BMC 29; MEC 1, 757. Toned, porosity, minor marks. Near VF. Very rare. ($3000)

974. CRUSADERS, Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus. Henry II. King of Cyprus & Jerusalem, 1285-1324. EL Bezant –Hyperpyron (27mm, 4.05 g, 7h). Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; barred ዢý ҟý across field /

, Henry standing facing, holding long cross with crescent on shaft in right hand and globus cruciger in left; cross to right. M&P Type 4C, pl. 14, 1-3 (dies B/a); Metcalf, Crusades –; CCS 33 (Hugh III). Toned, flan cracks, triple struck, some flan roughness. VF. Very rare. Three in CoinArchives. The one example of this die combination is holed. ($1500)

ISLAMIC COINAGE

Gold Dinar from the Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz

975. Umayyad Caliphate, Gold coinage. AV Dinar (19.1mm, 4.04 g, 6h). Ma‘din Amir al-Mu’minin bi’l-Hijaz mint. Dated AH 105 (AD 723/4). Obverse margin: Muḥammad rasul Allah arsalahu bi’l-huda wa din al-haqq li-yuzhirahu ‘ala al-din kullihi, Obverse field: La ilaha illa / Allah waḥdahu / la sharik lahu / Reverse margin: bism Allah duriba hadha al-dinar sanat khams wa mi’at, Reverse field: Allah ahad Allah / al-samad lam yalid / wa lam yulad. Ma‘din / amir al-mu’minin / bi’l-Hijaz. Fahmy 130 (same dies); Bernardi 48Ed; Album 134K; ICV 232; cf. Morton & Eden 48, lot 12 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 6978029-001, graded AU 50. Extremely rare, only the third example to be offered at auction. ($1,000,000)

From the collection of Yahya Jafar, Dubai.

Only two examples of this remarkable coin have ever been offered for sale at auction, both of which are now understood to be held by institutions. Both pieces achieved the same hammer price of £3.1 million:

• Morton and Eden (London) auction 46, 4 April 2011, lot 12 ($6,000,000 including 20% buyer’s premium)

• Morton and Eden (London) auction 103, 24 October 2019, lot 11 ($4,780,000 including 20% buyer’s premium)

These two pieces are included in the most recent census of these coins (Vardanyan 2022), which lists a total of nine published specimens. To this can be added the coin offered here, which was struck from the same pair of dies as the example sold in April 2011.

Specialist References:

Bernardi 2010 Bernardi, G., Arabic Gold Coins Corpus I (Trieste, 2010) Fahmy 1965 Fahmy, A.M., Fajr al-sikka al-‘arabiyya (Cairo, 1965)

Miles 1950 Miles, G.C., Rare Islamic Coins, ANS Numismatic Notes and Monographs 118 (New York, 1950) Miles 1972 Miles, G.C., “A Unique Umayyad dinar of 91h” in Revue Numismatique, 6e Serie, Tome 14 (1972), pp. 264-8. Vardanyan 2022 Vardanyan, A., The Jeselsohn Collection of the Coins of the Holy Land: Volume IV, Islamic and Crusader Coinage (Jerusalem, 2022)

EXTREMELY RARE AND OF GREAT HISTORICAL INTEREST AND IMPORTANCE, dinars from the ‘Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz’ have the distinction of being the first Islamic coins which mention a location within the present-day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The inscription which makes this coin so special is to be found in the bottom three lines of the reverse field. It reads Ma‘din Amir al-Mu’minin bi’l-Hijaz, which simply means ‘Mine of the Commander of the Faithful, in the Hijaz’. Around this is the circular marginal legend giving the date of the coin, which translates as ‘In the name of Allah was struck this dinar in the year five and one hundred’.

Ma‘din, meaning ‘mine’, can be used figuratively as well as literally - much as one might describe someone as ‘a mine of information’ in English. But it is surely used in its literal sense here, referring to a place from which ores or metals are mined and recovered. Ma‘din clearly has this sense when used on ‘Abbasid silver dirhams struck less than a century after this dinar, on which it is added to the mint-name in the margin. Ma‘din al-Shash and Ma‘din Bajunays clearly mean ‘the mine at Tashkent’ and ‘the mine at Bajunays’ respectively. Moreover, legends on other Umayyad coins are either religious (verses from the Qur’an) or practical (giving information about where, when and by whom they were struck. We should not expect the significance of Ma‘din Amir al-Mu’minin bi’l-Hijaz to be anything different.

Amir al-Mu’minin, meaning ‘Commander of the Faithful’, is the caliph’s formal title. It was first used by ‘Umar b. al-Khattab (AH 13-23), some fifty years before the term khalifa, ‘successor’, came into use under ‘Abd al-Malik b. Marwan (AH 65-86). The title amir al-mu’minin does not otherwise appear on Islamic gold dinars before the caliphate of Harun al-Rashid (AH 170-193), and the coin offered here is an example of the earliest to bear the caliph’s ancient title.

Two caliphs ruled during the year AH 105, when Yazid II (AH 101-105) was succeeded by Hisham (AH 105-125), but Miles seems right to suggest that Hisham is the caliph mentioned here (Miles 1972, p.266). Yazid II appears to have spent his last year in Syria, but Hisham is known to have travelled to Arabia, delivering a funeral speech at the cemetery near al-Madina later in AH 105 (al-Tabari 1472). Thus Hisham can be shown to have been in the Hijaz in the year when these remarkable coins were issued, while Yazid was not.

Remarkably, Miles was able to suggest a plausible candidate for exactly where the ‘mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz’ may have been located. According to Miles, who built on earlier research by Paul Casanova, the caliph ‘Umar (AH 99-101) purchased a mine called the Ma‘din Bani Sulaym, located between Medina and Mecca at a location called al-Furu‘. This mine had previously been held by the sons of Bilal al-Harith, who had been granted it by the Prophet himself. The historian al-Baladhuri (circa AH 210-280) gives a fascinating and detailed account of the circumstances of ‘Umar’s purchase of this mine:

‘The Prophet granted certain mines in the vicinity of al-Furu‘ to Bilal b. al-Harith al-Muzani. Authorities relate that the Prophet had in fact granted Bilal a piece of land where there were both a mountain and a mine. The caliph ‘Umar b. ‘Abd al-‘Aziz later bought part of this land from the sons of Bilal, on which another mine was then discovered. At this, the sellers said, “What we sold you was agricultural land, not a mine,” and they duly presented him with a statement written by the Prophet himself on a palm-leaf. ‘Umar kissed it, and rubbed the Prophet’s writing over his eyes. Then he said to his steward, “Find out what the income and expenses relating to that property are, charge them the expenses and give them the surplus.”’

- Al-Baladhuri, Futūh al-Buldān, 13-14 (slightly abridged and adapted).

In this episode, we are taken back to events which occurred during the most important, formative years of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad himself is seen bestowing a grant of land on one of his Companions, Bilal b. al-Harith. Bilal had the honour of being the standard-bearer for the contingent from Muzayna which fought alongside the Prophet in the Capture of Mecca in AH 8 (AD 630), and among the many authorities cited by al-Baladhuri for his account of these events is a freedman of Bilal himself.

Once the mine had been purchased by the caliph ‘Umar, Miles had no difficulty accepting that it could have then been passed down to his successors: ‘Casanova quite reasonably argued that the mine became known as the Mine of the Amir al-Mu’minin and that Yazid II inherited it from his predecessor; hence the phrase amir al-mu’minin on the issue of 105 H’ (Miles 1972, p. 266). If this is correct, then the mine mentioned on this coin not only belonged to at least three caliphs, but had previously been granted by the Prophet Himself as a gift to one of His Companions.

Thus the existence of a ‘Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz’, as so named on this coin, finds support from both geographical and historical sources. We know that the caliph Hisham himself was in the Hijaz during the year that this coin was struck, and we know that a gold mine in the Hijaz had been purchased by a preceding caliph only five years previously. What is less clear, and which remains the subject of scholarly debate, is why it was felt important to add this phrase to these extremely rare dinars, and what information this was intended to convey

Most Umayyad gold dinars do not bear a mint-name. Because almost all Umayyad gold was struck at a single mint, usually located in Damascus, this seems to have been felt unnecessary. But a small number of dinars with mint-names were issued in Spain and North Africa from AH 100 onwards, and examples dated AH 105 accordingly have marginal legends reading duriba hadha al-dinar bi-Ifriqiya sanat khams wa mi’at (‘Was struck this dinar in Africa in the year five and one hundred’). Because the Ma‘din legend on the present coin is not found in the margin, where the mint is invariably placed on Umayyad dinars and dirhams, some scholars have inferred that Ma‘din Amir al-Mu’minin bi’l-Hijaz cannot be a mint-name in the normal sense. Rather, it has been suggested that it must indicate the source of the gold, which was mined in the Hijaz but taken elsewhere to be coined. This was the view of Miles, who wrote ‘I think we must assume that this special issue, like the usual ones, was the product of the Damascus mint, and that the phrase ma‘din, etc., refers to the gold from which the coins were struck.’ (Miles 1972, p. 267). But if this were correct, why do other mediaeval Islamic gold coins not carry similar information? Gold and silver must have come to Islamic mints from many sources, mines included, and the ‘Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz’ can hardly have been active in AH 105 alone. If one looks for possible reasons specific to the year AH 105, the most obvious ones are surely the accession of the new caliph (Hisham), his journey to the Hijaz, and his visit to al-Madina. These events are centred on Arabia, not Damascus. Moreover, the suggestion that the coins were struck in Damasc us using gold sent there from the mine seems difficult to reconcile with what we know of the new caliph’s movements. Hisham was evidently still in Arabia in the year AH 106, not having yet returned to Syria.

As evidence for his belief that the Ma‘din Amir al-Mu’minin bi’l-Hijaz dinars were struck at Damascus, Miles demonstrated that the obverse dies used to strike these coins were not only prepared at the Umayyad capital, but were used at the mint there. Proof of this comes from the existence of standard Umayyad dinars dated AH 105, struck using the same obverse dies as the special Ma‘din coins. But we know that coin dies, including ones which had already been used, could and did move between mints in the mediaeval Islamic world, and the simple tools needed to strike coins by hand were eminently portable. Die-linking the Hijaz dinars to regular Umayyad ones shows that the dies used in their manufacture were prepared at Damascus (incidentally confirming the authenticity of these coins also). Given that Damascus was not only the capital but the location of the main Umayyad gold mint, this is unsurprising. But this does not mean that dinars with the Ma‘din Amir al-Mu’minin bi’l-Hijaz legend were necessarily struck at Damascus. And if Hisham had wished to take mint-workers and equipment with him on his journey to the Hijaz, with a view to striking coins on his travels, one would surely expect the mint-workers to have taken existing, usable obverse Damascus dies with them rather than preparing new ones.

Given that a major pilgrim route went right past the Ma‘din Bani Sulaym – an inscription recording the rebuilding of this road in AH 304 was found among old mine-workings there (Miles 1950) – Hisham might easily have taken decided to visit his mine en route and strike a small quantity of special gold dinars there bearing the Ma‘din Amir al-Mu’minin bi’l-Hijaz legend. Because this legend was quite lengthy and could not be accommodated in the marginal legend, the dieengravers decided to fit it in the last three lines of the obverse field instead. This explanation requires no speculation as to why it was necessary to name the Hijaz mine and the year AH 105 on Umayyad dinars, but not other mines or other dates. Thus we have good reason to believe that these excessively rare, fascinating and historically important coins were not just struck from gold mined in the Hijaz, but are also the first Islamic gold coins struck in present-day Saudi Arabia.

976. Ilkhanids. Abu Sa’id Bahadur. AH 716-736 / AD 1316-1335. AV Dinar (23.5mm, 5.25 g, 1h). Type G. Uncertain Antolian imitation. Uncertain mint and AH date. Diler –; SICA 9, –; Album, p. 236, note 554 = New York Sale XXIII, lot 452 (this coin). Areas of weak strike, underlying luster. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($750)

Ex Silk Road Collection (Part I, David Feldman, 1 December 2024), lot 10259; New York Sale XXIII (6 January 2010), lot 452.

WORLD COINAGE

977. ALBANIA, Republic of Albania. Amet Zogu. As President, 1925-1928. AV 20 Franga Ari (21mm, 6h). Vienna mint. Dated 1927 V. Bust of George Castriot (“Skanderbeg”) right / Lion of St. Mark facing slightly right, holding gospel and oak branch. KM 12; Friedberg 6. In PCGS encapsulation 51052600, graded MS 65. ($1500)

The First Armenian Coin Inscription

978. ARMENIA, Greater Armenia. Kingdom of Lori. Kiurke II. Curopalatus, 1048-1100. Æ Follis (26mm, 8.22 g, 10h). Nimbate bust of Christ facing, holding Gospels; ՅՍ ՔՍ flanking / + ՏՐ Ո/ԳՆԷ

(“May the Lord help Kiurike the Curopalates”). M. Garabedian, “Coins of King Kiurke” in Armenian Numismatic Journal I (2005), 1-19 var. (rev. legend arrangement); AC 514. Brown patina, corrosion. VF. Extremely rare. Garabedian knew of only five in private collections, with three further in CoinArchives since. ($10,000)

Byzantine advances against Islam in Asia Minor allowed the Armenian people to regain their independence, beginning with the coronation of Ashot as king in 885. Through various conquests and marriage alliances, Ashot attempted, ultimately unsuccessfully, to unite the Armenian nation under one flag. As this fragile confederation of principalities broke off from the central Bagratid authority (one of the ancient Armenian ruling families), the capital was transferred to the city of Ani. This territorial breakdown continued, however, as Byzantine security concerns over Islam resulted in increasing annexations of Armenian-held lands, with the kingdom of Lori being the final holdout in the region. This kingdom was then disestablished following the death of Kiurike’s son, David II, in 1118.

The first inscription in the Armenian language to be found on a coin and the only medieval coin struck in Greater Armenia, this type was based directly upon the anonymous Byzantine Folles of John Zimisces and Basil II, both of which were commonly circulated in Armenia at the time.

979. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Sigismund. Archduke, 1446-1490. AR Guldiner – Taler (41mm, 31.66 g, 10h). Hall mint. Dated 1486. Crowned, draped, and armored figure standing facing, holding globe-tipped scepter on shoulder and hilt of sword; to left, coat-of-arms held by lion; to right, crested and crowned helmet / Knight in German Gothic armor, holding banner, on caparisoned horse galloping right; 1486 below; helmet decorated with elaborate crowned crest; coats-of-arms around. Moeser & Dworachak 89; Moser & Tursky 64; Levinson IV-49a; Frey 274; Davenport 8087. Toned, lightly chased in fields, faint edge marks. VF. ($6000)

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 1091.

The increasing pace of international trade in the late 15th century created a need for a large silver coin, and fresh discoveries of silver ore in the Alpine foothills provided the raw material for their production. As a result, Archduke Sigismund of Tyrol set up a mint in Hall (east of Innsbruck) close to the silver mines of nearby Schwaz. The Hall mint, operating from within the protective walls of Burg Hasegg, quickly became a major innovator in mint technology. Sigismund’s half guldiners of 1484 and full guldiners of 1486 are regarded as the bridge between medieval and modern coinage. Though the types are evocative of medieval knighthood, these coins represent a significant advancement as the first crown-sized silver coins to circulate in Europe.

The First Large Silver Issue of the Hall Mint Dated 1484

980. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Sigismund. Archduke, 1446-1490. AR Half Guldiner (34mm, 3h). Hall mint. Dated 1484. Crowned, armored, and draped bust right, holding scepter and resting hand on hilt of sword / Knight in German Gothic armor, holding banner, on caparisoned horse galloping right; 1484 below; helmet decorated with elaborate crowned crest; coats-of-arms around. Moeser & Dworachak 67; Moser & Tursky 60; Levinson IV-45a; Frey 261. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6613336-001, graded VF 30. The first large silver issue of the Hall mint. ($2500)

Ex V.L. Nummus Online Auction 26 (15 September 2024), lot 134; V.L. Nummus 17 (6 November 2021), lot 238.

Top Pop Linz Mint Dukat

981. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Ferdinand I. Archduke, 1521-1564. AV Dukat (21mm, 3.53 g, 8h). Linz mint. Dated 1547. Coat-of-arms / St. Ladislaw standing facing, holding halberd and globus cruciger. Markl 319; Friedberg 43. In NGC encapsulation 8419259-004, graded MS 61. Top Pop. ($1500)

982. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Ferdinand II. Emperor, 1619-1637. AV Dukat (20mm, 3.50 g, 11h). Graz mint. Dated 1627. Crowned and armored figure of Ferdinand standing right, holding scepter and globus cruciger / Crowned doubleheaded eagle holding scepter and sword; collared coat-of-arms on breast; crowned coat-of-arms below. Herenik 186; KM 460; Friedberg 167. In NGC encapsulation 8419875-005, graded AU 58. Top Pop ($2000)

Top Pop Ferdinand III Dukat

983. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Ferdinand III. Emperor, 1637-1657. AV Dukat (23mm, 3.47 g, 8h). Wien (Vienna) mint. Dated 1654. Crowned and armored figure of Ferdinand standing right, holding scepter and globus cruciger; crowned coats-of-arms flanking / Crowned double-headed eagle holding scepter and sword; collared coat-of-arms on breast; crowned coat-of-arms below. Herenik 207; KM 950; Friedberg 235. In NGC encapsulation 8409879-004, graded MS 63. Top Pop. ($7500)

984. AUSTRIA, Salzburg (Prince-Archbishophric). Paris Graf von Lodron. 1619-1653. AV Dukat (21mm, 3.46 g, 12h). Dated 1650. Coat-of-arms surmounted by tasseled gallero / St. Rupert seated facing, holding salt cellar and crozier. Zöttl 1365; Probszt 1141; KM 109; Friedberg 756. In NGC encapsulation 8419875-006, graded MS 61. ($1000)

Extremely Rare Bohemian Dukat

985. BOHEMIA, Kingdom of Bohemia. Ferdinand I. As King, 1526-1564. AV Dukat (21mm, 3.39 g, 4h). Praha (Prague) mint. Dated 1536. Crowned lion rampant left / St. Wenceslaus standing right, head facing, holding banner and resting shield on ground; coat-of-arms below. Dietiker 158; Friedberg 10. In NGC encapsulation 8419875-007, graded AU Details, edge filing. Extremely rare. ($30,000)

Top Pop Matthias Dukat

986. BOHEMIA, Kingdom of Bohemia. Matthias. As King, 1612-1617. AV Dukat (21mm, 3.47 g, 10h). Praha (Prague) mint. Dated 1617. Crowned and armored figure of Matthias standing right, holding scepter and globus cruciger; crowned coats-of-arms flanking / Crowned double-headed eagle holding scepter and sword; collared coat-of-arms on breast. Dietiker 546; KM 168; Friedberg 15a. In NGC encapsulation 8414822-007, graded AU 58. Top Pop ($6000)

987. BOHEMIA, Kingdom of Bohemia. Matthias. As Emperor, 1611-1619. AR Taler (41mm, 28.60 g, 4h). Praha (Prague) mint. Dated 1618. Armored and draped bust right, wearing ruff; below, crowned lion rampant right / Crowned double-headed eagle; crowned and collared coat-of-arms on breast. Dietiker 509; Voglhuber 116; Davenport 3061; KM 161. Toned, minor flan flaws, edge marks. VF. ($1000)

Potosí Royal Presentation 8 Reales

988. BOLIVIA, Colonial (as Alto Perú). Carlos II. King of Spain, 1665-1700. AR 8 Reales (41mm, 26.79 g, 5h). Royal presentation strike (Redondo). Cob type. Potosí mint. Dated 1669/8 P E. Crowned coat-of-arms / Crowned Pillars of Hercules set on ocean waves. Lázaro 181 (same obv. die); Menzel Po-288; ME 7543; Calicó y Trigo 344; KM R26. In NGC encapsulation 8405751-001, graded XF Details, plugged. A rare royal presentation piece. ($3000)

Ex Áureo & Calicó 387 (17 March 2022), lot 160; Isabel de Trastámara Collection (Áureo & Calicó 302, 13 December 2017), lot 371; Cayón (6 July 2016), lot 840 (hammer €4700); Cayón (21 January 2011), lot 3230.

Many assayers at the Spanish crown’s new world mints struck “royal” or “presentation” pieces. Particular care was taken in the striking of these coins, which generally exhibit full or nearly full legends and careful, well-centered strikes. Often found holed, these coins, “...give an idea of what the mints were actually capable of doing when they devoted the necessary effort to minting full-design, high-quality cob coins” (Menzel p. 31)

Last Year for Type

989. BRAZIL, Colonial. Joao V. King of Portugal, 1706-1750. AV Dobrão – 20,000 Réis (38mm, 53.49 g, 12h). Minas Gerias mint. Dated 1727 M. Crowned coat-of-arms / Jerusalem cross. Gomez 38.04; KM 38.04; Friedberg 33. In NGC encapsulation 8419618-001, graded AU 58. The last year of the type before the introduction of the potrait designs. ($5000)

Ex NumisCorner 2 (15 July 2024), lot 1753.

990. BULGARIA, First Empire. Petar I, with Irina (Maria Lakapena). 927-969. PB Seal (21mm, 11.78 g, 12h). + IhS XPISτЧS (rosette), facing bust of Christ Pantocrator; IC XC, each with macron above, across field / ΠЄTPOC R[A]CI ЄVCHC, half-length facing busts of Petar, crowned, draped, and cuirassed, and Maria, crowned and wearing loros, holding patriarchal cross between them. Iordanov Type III.3Ав, 85; Youroukova & Penchev 10. Brown and gray patina, thick deposits on reverse. VF. ($2000)

Ex Triton XXVI (10 January 2023), lot 1004.

1936 Dot Quarter in High Grade

991. CANADA. George V. 1910-1936. AR 25 Cents (24mm, 5.82 g, 12h). Ottawa mint. Dated 1936. GEORGIVS V DEI

GRA: REX ET IND: IMP:, crowned and mantled bust left / Crown above 25/ CENTS/ CANADA/ ––/ 1936 in five lines within maple wreath; · below. KM 24a. Attractively toned with some iridescence, fully lustrous. In PCGS encapsulation 58744938, graded MS 64. Low mintage. ($1500)

From the Alexander Christopher Collection.

When King George V died on 20 January 1936, as per the usual Canadian practice, the coinage continued through the end of year bearing his name and effigy. By December of 1936, the pre-production of the coinage was well underway for George’s heir and successor, Edward VIII. However, Edward’s resolve to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson plunged the United Kingdom into a constitutional crisis concerning the Church of England, of which the king is the supreme governor. Consequently, Edward ultimately chose to abdicate in favor of his younger brother who succeeded to the throne as King George VI on 11 December 1936. This rapid change in ruler caused a problem for the coinage as all the work prepared for Edward’s 1937 coinage was wasted and pre-production would now need to begin for coinage for George VI instead. This delay resulted in a coinage shortage in Canada. The decision was made to continue releasing George V’s coinage into circulation in early 1937 but with a tiny dot placed beneath the date on the reverse. However, while specimens were made for the Cent, 10 Cent, and 25 Cent denominations, only a small mintage of 25 Cents were released into circulation. This circulating example remains but one step away from a Gem 65 and is highly desirable in high grades in addition to being from a fascinating historical episode in British and Canadian history. There are only eight examples graded higher at PCGS, and with none higher at NGC.

Very Rare Large Yuan Dynasty Bronze

992. CHINA, Yuán dynasty. Shùn (Toghan-Temür). AD 1333-1368. Æ Five Qian (76mm, 246.0 g, 12h). Jí’ān mint in Jiānxī province (?). Cast 1350-1368. Zhi Zheng Zhi Bao in Hànzì characters / Quan Chao Wu qian (Equivalent in paper money to five qian) in Hànzì characters; Ji (Jian?) above. Hartill 19.124; BN, Chinoises IV –; Shanghai IV 139-40. Green patina with earthen deposits, some encrustation on reverse. VF. Very rare. ($10,000)

From the Norman Frank Collection.

The Yuan mainly relied on paper money from the onset of the dynasty in 1271. Coins were only issued sporadically over the next seventy years, mainly to serve as offerings to Buddhist temples. However, in 1350, the counselor Toqto’a completely reformed the economic system, creating a new issue of paper money in 1352 and reintroducing the circulation of coins on a wider scale. In addition to the standard coins of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 wen, he also produced some more unusual issues, like the present lot. The Zhi Zheng Zhi Bao series are especially large and finely made coins, with calligraphy traditionally attributed to Zhou Boqi. These measures were an attempt to inspire confidence in the new pieces. Despite this, their mintage was local, attributed to Ji’an in Jiangxi Province. Alternatively, the character Ji could also refer to its original meaning of “auspicious,” rather than being a mintmark. This coin was denominated not in wen (cash), as was typical for bronze issues, but instead in qian, a unit of measurement for silver at around 3.77 grams per qian. The series consists of five coins, with 5 qian as the highest denomination. The characters quan chao provide the reasoning behind this different system: the new coins were directly exchangeable for the paper money. Under the banknote system, a banknote worth 1 guan (1000 wen) was officially equivalent to 1 liang (10 qian) of silver. Hence, the stated denomination of this coin, 5 qian, is equivalent to 500 wen in banknotes.

After revolts broke out and spread throughout China, the overissuance of paper money to pay the military caused its value to decouple completely from the value of the coinage itself, leading to widespread inflation. Only six years later, paper money had become so worthless that bartering was reintroduced. The Yuan dynasty itself fell in 1368, leaving behind this coin as its greatest numismatic legacy.

993. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Wénzōng (Xiánfēng). AD 1851-1861. Æ 500 Cash (56mm, 60.10 g, 12h). Board of Revenue (Běijīng) mint, west branch. Cast March-August 1854. Xian Feng Yuan Bao in Hànzì characters / Dang Wubai (Value Fifty) in Hànzì characters and boo chiowan in Manchu script. Hartill 22.712. Brown and green surfaces, rim bumps. VF. ($1000)

From the Norman Frank Collection.

994. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Wénzōng (Xiánfēng). AD 1851-1861. Æ 1000 Cash (60mm, 77.67 g, 12h). Board of Revenue (Běijīng) mint, west branch. Cast March-August 1854. Xian Feng Yuan Bao in Hànzì characters / Dang Qian (Value One Thousand) in Hànzì characters and boo chiowan in Manchu script. Hartill 22.714. Brown surfaces with some green, rim bumps, scuffs and dings. VF. ($1000)

From the Norman Frank Collection.

995. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Wénzōng (Xiánfēng). AD 1851-1861. Æ 1000 Cash (62mm, 76.22 g, 12h). Board of Revenue (Běijīng) mint, west branch. Cast March-August 1854. Xian Feng Yuan Bao in Hànzì characters / Dang Qian (Value One Thousand) in Hànzì characters and boo chiowan in Manchu script. Hartill 22.714. Brown patina, a few minor rim bumps and scattered marks. VF. ($750)

From the Norman Frank Collection.

An Exquisite Prince Qing Hui Mint 500 Cash

996. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Wénzōng (Xiánfēng). AD 1851-1861. Æ 500 Cash (55.5mm, 58.79 g, 12h). Prince Qìng Hui (Board of Revenue) mint. Cast May-July 1854. Xian Feng Zhong Bao in Hànzì characters / Dang Wubai (Value Five Hundred) in Hànzì characters and boo chiowan in Manchu script; crescent and pellet flanking dang. Hartill 22.720. Pale brown and green patina, minor marks, small casting flaw on rim. Good VF. An exceptionally well made example, with a crisp and finely made interior rim. Undoubtedly a specimen that was specially crafted. Extremely rare as such. ($1000)

From the Norman Frank Collection.

The Prince Hui mint was authorized to begin producing cash to pay the army in April 1854. By May of that year, three furnaces had been established with the goal of producing 100,000 li (strings of cash). The project was to be short lived. Production of the 200 Cash and larger denominations ceased on 24 July. The mint was unable to obtain enough copper to continue production and was shuttered by August, with the remaining surplus copper transferred to the Board of Revenue.

997. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Wénzōng (Xiánfēng). AD 1851-1861. Æ 100 Cash (71mm, 507.14 g, 12h). Fuzhou mint in Fujian province. Cast circa 1853-1855. Xian Feng Tong Bao in Hànzì characters / Yi Bai (One hundred [cash]) in Hànzì characters and boo fu in Manchu script. Hartill 22.784. Brown surfaces, a few casting flaws and light circulation scratches. Near VF. ($1500)

From the Norman Frank Collection.

998. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Wénzōng (Xiánfēng). AD 1851-1861. Æ 100 Cash (72mm, 204.6 g, 12h). Fuzhou mint in Fujian province. Cast circa 1853-1855. Xian Feng Tong Bao in Hànzì characters / Yi Bai (One hundred [cash]) in Hànzì characters and boo fu in Manchu script. Hartill 22.784. Brown surfaces, scratches. VF. ($2000)

From the Norman Frank Collection.

Photos reduced

999. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Wénzōng (Xiánfēng). AD 1851-1861. 10,000 Cash Note (24.6x13.4 cm). With Jiangsu province tax stamp. Dated RY 8 (AD 1859/60). Blue ink with red stamps. Pick A6e. In PMG encapsulation 2338542-133, graded Very Fine 30, spindle holes at issue. ($1500)

1000. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. General issues. AR 10 Cents (18mm, 2.64 g, 12h). Tiānjīn Central mint. Dated year 3 of Pǔyí (AD 1911). Legend in Hànzì characters / Flying imperial dragon coiled leftward around legend in Hànzì characters, with flaming pearl at mouth. CCMCSS CE.4.2; L&M 41; KM (Y) 28. In PCGS encapsulation 52626396, graded XF 40. ($1000)

From the Alexander Christopher Collection.

Old Man Dollar

1001. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Provincial issues. Taiwan. AR 7 Mace 2 Candareens – Dollar (41mm, 12h). In the name of Xuānzōng (Dàoguāng). Struck 1838-1850. Shouxing (God of Longevity) facing, holding staff; “swastika” pattern to lower right / Sacrificial urn; annulets and Taiwan Fu Ku in Manchu script around. CCMCSS TW.3.2; L&M 319; KM (C) 25-3. In PCGS encapsulation 57673607, graded XF Details, test cut. ($7500)

As trade had long brought western-style coinage to Taiwan’s shores, it is no surprise that the earliest modern silver coins of China appear here. The first of these types, bearing only legends on either side, and this “Old Man Dollar” were produced from the funds of the provincial government to pay for soldiers stationed in Taiwan to fight rebels. Bearing the emperor’s regnal title, these coins were intended to conform to the standard of the Spanish milled dollar, yet merchants remained skeptical. Many of these coins are found extensively chopped marked.

1002. CHINA, Qīng dynasty. Provincial issues. Zhílì. AR 7 Mace 2 Candareens – Dollar (39mm, 12h). Běiyáng Arsenal (Tiānjīn) mint. Dated RY 34 of Dézōng (Guāngxù) (AD 1908). Legend in Hànzì characters around legend in Manchu script / Flying imperial dragon facing, coiled leftward around fireball. CCMCSC PY.8.2; L&M 465; KM (Y) 73.2. In NGC encapsulation 8191124-007, graded MS 62. ($2000)

High Grade Kiau Chau 5 Cent

1003. CHINA, Foreign Enclaves. German-occupied Jiāozhōu (Kiau Chau). 1898-1922. NI 5 Cent (18mm, 11h). Berlin mint. Dated 1909. Crowned eagle facing with wings spread, head left; anchor in background, collared coat-of-arms on breast / Legend in Hànzì. Jaeger 729; KM (Y) 1. In NGC encapsulation 8221643-005, graded MS 64+. Rare high grade circulation strike. ($500)

Extremely Rare 1665 Copenhagen Mint Dukat

1004. DENMARK. Frederik III. 1648-1670. AV Dukat (24mm, 3.48 g, 4h). København (Copenhagen) mint. Dated 1665. Crowned, cuirassed, and draped bust right / Crowned cruciform Fs around central 3. Schou 7; Hede 24B; KM 265.2; Friedberg 101; L.E. Bruun Collection (Part II, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 March 2025), lot 13155 (NGC AU 58; hammer €24,000). In NGC encapsulation 8419324-001, graded MS 62. Extremely rare – only two other examples known: the Bruun example cited above, and one in the Danish National Museum. Top Pop ($15,000)

Cutting off an Usurpation

1005. DENMARK. Frederik III. 1648-1670. AR Krone (41mm, 22.36 g, 2h). København (Copenhagen) mint. Dated 1659 Crowned monogram set on clouds / Hand holding sword reaching from the clouds, cutting off outstreched hand to right reaching for Danish crown above. Schou 34; Hede 100A; Bruun 6285 (this coin); Davenport 3576; KM 221. Old cabinet toning. In NGC encapsulation 8223208-022, graded AU 58. A stunning example with wonderful strike and eye appeal. ($4000)

Ex L.E. Bruun (1852-1923) Collection; Johan H. Guildal Collection.

On 11 February 1659, the Danish repelled an attack on Copenhagen by the Swedes. The reverse imagery on this coin colorfully illustrates the result of the battle, in which the Danish successfully held off the Swedish attempt to take the Danish crown.

1006. FRANCE, Royal. Jean II le Bon (the Good). 1350-1364. AV Mouton d’or (30mm, 4.70 g, 6h). Paris mint. Authorized 17 January 1355. Agnus Dei standing left, head upturned right; behind, banner flying from ornate cruciform staff; all within tressure of fourteen arcs / Cross tréflée and feuillue, and fleurdelisée; in center of cross, cinqefoil within angled quadrilobe; lis in quarters; all within angled quadrilobe; in spandrels, lis flanking angles. Duplessy 291; Ciani 354; Friedberg 280. Toned, trace of deposits in devices, slightly wavy flan. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Ayers Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 117 (19 May 2021), lot 859.

1007. FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.77 g, 2h). Authorized 20 April 1365. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semée of seven lis to left and right, holding sword and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, annulet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360A; cf. Ciani 457A; Friedberg 284. Near EF. ($1000)

1008. FRANCE, Royal. Louis XV le Bien-Aimé (the Well-Beloved). 1715–1774. AV Louis d‘or au bandeau (24mm, 8.15 g, 6h). Paris mint; différents: fox/rosette. Dated 1753 A. Head left, hair tied in bandeau / Crown over two coats-of-arms. VG 341; Duplessy 1643; KM 513.1; Friedberg 464. Lustrous. UNC. ($1000)

1009. FRANCE, Royal. Louis XV le Bien-Aimé (the Well-Beloved). 1715–1774. AR Écu de Navarre (38mm, 24.31 g, 5h). Paris mint; différens trefoil/rosette. Dated 1718 A. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Sobin 18; VG 318; Duplessy 1657; KM 435.1. Lustrous, slight haymarking, usual weak strike on obverse. AU. ($750)

1374 – The First Collectible Early Dated Coin

1010. GERMANY, Aachen (City). AR Groschen (26mm, 2.13 g, 8h). Jungheit mint. Dated 1374 (in Roman numerals). Crowned half-length facing bust of Charlemagne, holding lis-tipped scepter and globus cruciger; coat-of-arms below / Long cross pattée. Levinson I-3a; Frey 2; Menadier 94. Toned, some roughness and deposits, scratches, slightly ragged edge. VF. Very rare. ($3000)

From the Robert Levinson Collection.

Levinson notes: “This coin is generally referred to as the first collectible early dated coin, all others prior to it being permanently encased in museum collections or no longer extant.”

1011. GERMANY, Brandenburg-Preußen (Electorate & Duchy). Friedrich Wilhelm. 1640-1688. AV Dukat (22mm, 3.44 g, 8h). Minden mint. Dated 1670 HB. Draped bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Neumann 11.28; KM 413; Friedberg 2275. In NGC encapsulation 8409897-001, graded MS 62. ($4000)

1012. GERMANY, Braunschweig (Free & Hanseatic City). nomine Ferdinand III. Holy Roman Emperor, 1637-1657. AV Dukat (23mm, 3.47 g, 5h). Dated 1640. Coat-of-arms / Legend in five lines within ornate frame. Jesse, Braunschweig 113; KM 35; Friedberg 534. Scratches, slightly wavy flan. AU. ($2000)

Extremely Rare Hornsgulden

1013. GERMANY, Kleve (Duchy). Johann II. 1481-1521. AR Hornsgulden (34mm, 14.51 g, 2h). Kleve mint. Dated 1502. Ornately crested helmet over coat-of-arms / Ornately crested helmet over coat-of-arms. Cf. Noss, Kleve 206 (for half denomination; same obv. die as illustration); cf. Historiches Museum Frankfurt M17625 (Half Horngulden; same dies). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 8420735-001, graded AU 53. Extremely rare. Only three Halbhornsgulden known to Noss, with no mention of a heavier type or example, such as this coin. Top Pop. ($2000)

NGC labels this a “1/2 Gulden,” comparing it to a later weight standard. As Noss describes the type as “Halber Hornsgulden – 6 Stüber brabantisch,” with a weight of 7.59 g, we must assume that this example, at double weight, would be a full Hornsgulden.

The Siege of Landau

1014. GERMANY, Landau. Besieged by Marshal de Villars, 1713. AR 2 Florin 8 Kreuzer (38x43mm, 21.36 g). War of the Spanish Succession issue. Dated 1713. Stamped with the coat-of-arms of Karl Alexander, Duke of Württemberg, two rectangular stamps reading PRO/ CÆS : & IMP : and BEL : LANDAU/ 2 · FL : 8X, and four crowned monograms / Blank. Edge: hand reeded. Korchnak 314; Maillet pl. LXIX, 7; KM 13. Old cabinet toning, collector’s number ‘1753’ in ink in left field. Near EF. ($1000)

Ex G. Hirsch 308 (13 February 2015), lot 3423, purchased from M.G., 1959.

In 1701, a Grand Alliance against Louis was established. Consisting of England (after 1707, Great Britain), the Dutch Republic, and the Holy Roman Empire, their candidate was Charles, the son of Leopold I. By this point, however, the Empire was weakened by the increasing independence of German states within it. Subsequently, Catholic Bavaria allied itself with France.

William III, Louis’ chief rival, had died shortly after the war began. His sister-in-law Anne succeeded him. The new queen relied on John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, as her commander. His victories at Blenheim, Ramilies, Oudenaard, and Malplaquet, sealed his reputation as a great general. By 1710, however, the situation was at a standstill. Churchill’s victories in the Low Countries were offset by the Alliance’s defeat in Spain. The war’s cost made it unpopular in Britain. The succession of the Alliance candidate to the throne of Austria made an Austro-Spanish union no better to Britain than the Franco-Spanish one that made them join the Alliance in the first place. Now, with the Tories in power, the administration of Robert Harley initiated peace talks with France and ceased active military participation, much to the consternation of Churchill and the Whigs.

Without British support, the other Allies were forced to make peace. Under the treaties of Utrecht in 1713, and Rastatt and Baden in 1714. Phillip renounced his claim to the French throne and was confirmed as King of Spain. Spain retained its overseas possessions, while their European territories were divided between Austria, Britain, and Savoy. In the long run, Britain emerged as the leading European maritime and commercial power, bringing to an end almost a century of Dutch influence and the end of the Dutch Republic as a major power. The break-up of the Holy Roman Empire continued, paving the way for the creation of more powerful German states, most notably Prussia.

1015. GERMANY, Landau. Besieged by Marshal de Villars, 1713. AR 1 Florin 4 Kreuzer (31mm, 11.05 g). War of the Spanish Succession issue. Dated 1713. Stamped with the coat-of-arms of Karl Alexander, Duke of Württemberg, two rectangular stamps reading PRO/ CÆS : & IMP : and BEL : LANDAU/ 1 · FL : 4X, and four crowned monograms / Blank. Korchnak 315; Maillet pl. LXIX, 8; KM 12. Attractively toned, deposits on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

Ex Baden-Württembergische Bank FPL (April 2002), no. 1080.

Two Top Pop Mainz Dukats

1016. GERMANY, Mainz (Archbishophric). Johann Philipp von Schönborn. 1647-1673. AV Dukat (20mm, 3.46 g, 5h). Mm: crossed axes. Dated 1664 MF. Armored bust left / Coat-of-arms surmounted by elector’s cap and cross; sword and crozier behind. KM 116; Friedberg 1656. In NGC encapsulation 8419259-002, graded MS 63. Top Pop. ($1000)

1017. GERMANY, Mainz (Archbishophric). Johann Philipp von Schönborn. 1647-1673. AV Dukat (20mm, 3.46 g, 12h). Mm: crossed axes. Dated 1667 MF. Armored bust right / Coat-of-arms surmounted by elector’s cap and cross; sword and crozier behind. KM 118; Friedberg 1656. In NGC encapsulation 8419259-001, graded MS 62. Top Pop ($1000)

1018. GERMANY, Mecklenburg-Güstrow (Duchy). Gustav Adolf. 1636-1695. AV Dukat (22mm, 3.49 g, 10h). Wismar mint. Dated 1668. Armored bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Kunzel, Mecklenburgische 486 A/a; KM 81; Friedberg 1700. In NGC encapsulation 8414822-008, graded AU Details, cleaned. ($6000)

1019. GERMANY, Nürnberg (city). AV 2 Dukat (28.5mm, 6.91 g, 12h). Commemorating the New Century. Dated 1700 GFN (in chronogram). Three coat-of-arms in cartouches; above, dove standing left with olive branch in beak / Agnus Dei standing left on globe, cradling banner inscribed PAX with hoof. Kellner 51; KM 259; Friedberg 1882. Lustrous, hairlines, edge marks. AU. ($1500)

From the Ayers Collection, purchased from Karl Stephens.

Very Rare Rostock Dukat – Top Pop

1020. GERMANY, Rostock (Hanseatic city). nomine Leopold I. Holy Roman Emperor, 1658-1705. AV Dukat (23mm, 3.45 g, 4h). Dated 1661. Coat-of-arms with griffin supporters / Crowned double-headed eagle; globus cruciger on breast. Kunzel, Rostock 49 A/a; KM 90; Friedberg 2591. In NGC encapsulation 8414822-002, graded AU 58. Very rare. No examples of this date in CoinArchives. Top Pop ($4000)

1021. GERMANY, Sachsen (Duchy & Electorate [Albertine line]). Johann Georg I. Elector, 1611-1656. AV Dukat (23mm, 3.47 g, 5h). Dresden mint. Dated 1637 SD. Armored figure of Johann Georg standing right, holding sword over shoulder / Coat-of-arms. Clauss & Kahnt 117; KM 390; Friedberg 2684. In NGC encapsulation 8419875-008, graded MS 60. Top Pop ($1500)

Born in Dresden to the powerful House of Wettin, Johann Georg I (1585 - 1656) became the Elector of Saxony upon the death of his brother, Christian II. He was an important figure throughout the Thirty Years War, on both sides of the conflict. Initially supporting the Habsburg Ferdinand II, his Lutheran faith resulted in a schism as the Habsurgs became increasingly hostile to Protestants. He did little to combat their hostility, primarily deferring to the authority of the emperor, only agreeing to a military alliance with the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus after Saxony had been invaded. He later betrayed this alliance, realigning himself with Ferdinand, and in the process declared war on Sweden. Peace was eventually restored through the Peace of Westphalia, and Johann Georg would remain as Elector of Saxony until his death in 1656.

1022. GERMANY, Sachsen (Duchy & Electorate [Albertine line]). Johann Georg II. Elector, 1656-1680. AR Breiter Doppeltaler (63mm, 57.16 g, 4h). On the Vikariat. Dresden mint; mm: acorn. Dated 1657. Mantled figure of Johann Georg right on horseback, holding sword over shoulder and reins; coat-of-arms below / Legend in 12 lines. Clauss & Kahnt 489; Davenport 398; Schnee 897; KM 460. Toned, mount marks, edge marks, scratches. VF. ($1500)

From the Drewry Family Collection, purchased from Pegasi.

1023. GERMANY, Schlesien-Breslau [Wrocław] (city). AV Dukat (21mm, 3.52 g, 6h). Dated 1528. Crowned lion rampant left / St. Wenceslaus standing facing, holding banner and resting sword on ground; coat-of-arms on sword. Saurma, Schlesische 17; Kopicki 8812; Friedberg 442. In NGC encapsulation 8414822-004, graded AU 55. Top Pop. ($3000)

Extremely Rare Off-Metal Strike in Gold

1024. GUATEMALA, Republic. 1839-pres. AV 5 Centavos off-metal strike (15mm, 2.13 g, 6h). Guatemala mint. Dated 1925. Scroll surmounted by quetzal left over rifles crossed in saltire; all within wreath / Column surmounted by quetzal left. Adams I 722 (this coin); cf. Stickney C242 (for regular issue); KM 238.1a. In NGC encapsulation 8409894-002, graded MS 62. Extremely rare – recorded mintage of only eight. ($1500)

Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection (Part I, Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015), lot 722; Stack’s (8 December 1988), lot 2463.

1025. HUNGARY, Kingdom of Hungary. Mátyás Hunyadi. 1458-1490. AV Florin – Goldgulden (21mm, 3.68 g, 6h). Nagyszeben (Sibiu/Hermannstadt) mint. Struck 1463-1464. Coat-of-arms / St. Ladislaus I standing facing, holding ax and globus cruciger; ɇ and ะ across field. Lengyel 36/18; Frynas H 34.2; Huszár 674; Friedberg 20. Small area of weak strike. EF. ($1500)

1026. HUNGARY, Kingdom of Hungary. Mátyás Hunyadi. 1458-1490. AV Florin – Goldgulden (21mm, 3.40 g, 2h). Nagyszeben (Sibiu/Hermannstadt) mint. Struck 1468-1469. Coat-of-arms / St. Ladislaus I standing facing, holding ax and globus cruciger; ɇ to left, coat-of-arms to right. Lengyel 36/31; Frynas H 34.2; Huszár 674; Friedberg 20. Good VF. Rare. ($1500)

Ex Leipziger & Höhn 105 (12 November 2024), lot 831 (hammer €2700).

1027. HUNGARY, Holy Roman Empire. Mátyás II. 1608-1619. AV Dukat (22mm, 3.47 g, 5h). Körmöcbánya (Kremnica) mint. Dated 1616 KB. Mátyás standing right, holding scepter and globus cruciger / Madonna seated facing, holding scepter and infant Christ; crowned coat-of-arms below. Huszár 1083; KM 42; Friedberg 81. In NGC encapsulation 8419875-009, graded AU 58. ($3000)

1028. HUNGARY, Holy Roman Empire. Ferdinánd II. 1619-1637. AV Dukat (23mm, 3.43 g, 5h). Körmöcbánya (Kremnica) mint. Dated 1627/6 KB. Ferdinánd standing right, holding scepter and globus cruciger / Madonna seated facing, holding scepter and infant Christ; all within glory of rays; crowned coat-of-arms below. Huszár 1166; KM 78; Friedberg 98 (overdate not recorded). In NGC encapsulation 8414602-010, graded MS 61. Top Pop ($2000)

1029. HUNGARY, Holy Roman Empire. József II. 1780-1790. AR Taler (41mm, 28.06 g, 12h). Körmöcbánya (Kremnitz) mint. Dated 1782 B. Crowned and collared coat-of-arms with angelic supporters; set on crossed laurel branch and palm frond / The Madonna seated facing slightly right in clouds, holding scepter and Holy Infant, holding orb. Huszár 1869; Davenport 1168; KM 395.1. Wonderful iridescent toning. In NGC encapsulation 8399647-006, graded MS 66. Top Pop. ($1500)

From the Alexander Christopher Collection.

1030. INDIA, Medieval (Northern India). Chahamanas of Sakambhari. Vigraharaja IV. Circa 1150-1164. AV Dinar (20.5mm, 4.08 g, 12h). Rama, nimbate, stading left, holding arrow in raised right hand, and unstrung bow in his left, at feet to left, hamsa bird perched to right in vine; lotus to right; śri ra ma in Devanagari across field / srimad vigra/haraja de/[va] in Devanagari in three lines. Deyell 213a; Album 29, lot 1378 = Skanda Collection, lot 169 (same dies). Toned, areas of peripheral flat strike, tiny edge splits. VF. Very rare. ($7500)

Top Pop

1031. INDIA, Medieval (Northern India). Yadavas of Tribhuvanagiri (Bayana). Kumarapala. Circa 1145-1171. Pale AV 2 1/4 Masha (12mm, 2.07 g, 12h). Lakshmi seated facing / śrima ku/marapala/deva in Devanagari; two pellets at end of legend. Cf. Deyell 150 (AV 4 1/2 Masha); cf. MNI 441 (same [listed as Chalukyas of Anahillapataka]); Friedberg –; Zeno –. Toned, light die rust. Good VF. Unique. ($750)

Ex Chand Collection (previously on loan to the British Museum, inv. no. 9.7.11).

Three Extremely Rare Gadyanas of the Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra

1032. INDIA, Medieval (Central Deccan). Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra. Vinayaditya. Circa 1047-1098. AV Gadyana (17mm, 4.02 g, 11h). Śārdūla (mythical lion) standing on pedestal right beneath ornate parasol; moon and sun flanking / śri ma/laparo/lugonda in Kannada in three lines. Ganesh & Girijapathy, Hoysalas Type 2, G.2; Chattopadhyaya –Mitchiner, South –; MNI –; Marudhar Arts 22, lot 95 (same rev. die). Reddish toning in devices, some doubling, struck with worn reverse die. VF. Extremely rare. ($1500)

1033. INDIA, Medieval (Central Deccan). Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra. Vinayaditya. Circa 1047-1098. AV Gadyana (19.5mm, 4.01 g, 3h). Gandaberunda (two-headed bird) standing right on śārdūla (mythical lion) standing right on pedestal; moon and sun flanking; standard to right / śri ma/laparo/lugonda in Kannada in three lines. Cf. Ganesh & Girijapathy, Hoysalas Type 2; Chattopadhyaya –Mitchiner, South –; MNI –; Marudhar Arts 22, lot 97. Toned with underlying luster, areas of weak strike and doubling. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($2000)

For a detailed discussion of this coin type, see Hoysalas of Dorasamudra (https://sites.google.com/view/indiancoinsandhistory/coins-ofsouthern-indian-dynasty)

1034. INDIA, Medieval (Central Deccan). Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra. Vishnuvardhana or Bittideva. Circa 11081152. AV Gadyana (15mm, 4.04 g, 12h). ‘Conqueror of Nolambavadi’ issue. Rama, holding arrow in right hand and bow in left, standing facing on śārdūla (mythical lion) standing right; moon and sun flanking; lamp to right / śri no/nambavadi/gonda in Kannada in three lines. Ganesh & Girijapathy, Hoysalas Type 4, G.6; Chattopadhyaya 338; cf. Mitchiner, South I, 203; MNI 704. Toned, worn dies. VF. Extremely rare. ($1000)

1035. INDIA, Medieval (Central Deccan). Western Chalukyas of Kalyana. Jayasimha II Jagadekamalla. 1015-1043. AV Pagoda (20.5mm, 3.87 g). Flan stamped with with four punchmarks of stylized lion left, temple symbol with pellets, two jaya in Kannada, and two śri around central stylized lion left / Blank. Mitchiner, South I 275. Traces of deposits. EF. ($500)

1036. INDIA, Medieval (Central Deccan). Chalukyas of Kalyana or Kalachuris of Kalyana. Uncertain ruler. 11th-12th centuries AD. Pale AV Pagoda (22.5mm, 3.75 g). Flan stamped with uncertain punchmarks around central male figure right, wearing headband, earring, and brandishing spear / Blank. Adams II, lot 69; Chand 8.6.14 (this coin). Traces of hard green deposits, wavy flan. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($750)

Ex Silk Road Collection (Part I, David Feldman, 1 December 2024), lot 10228; Ponterio 138 (31 March 2006), lot 906.

1037. INDIA, Medieval (Southern Deccan). Gangas of Talakad (Western Gangas). Uncertain ruler. Circa 1080-1138. AV Gajapati Pagoda (14mm, 3.91 g). Caparisoned elephant standing right; uncertain Kannada letters (...ā?) to upper left; floral symbols between legs and to right / Floral scroll. Ganesh & Girijapathy, Karnataka –; cf. Mitchiner, South I 192-3 (for type); cf. MNI 702 (same); Friedberg 288. In PCGS encapsulation 40890969, graded MS 64. ($750)

1038. INDIA, Islamic Sultanates. Delhi. Ghiyath al-Din Tughlu. AH 720-725 / AD 1320-1325. AV Tanka (28mm, 9h). Qila‘ Deogir mint. AH date off flan. al-sultan legend / Continuation of legend. CIS D302; Rajgor Type 1092; Friedberg 445. In NGC encapsulation 6634948-020, graded AU 58. ($750)

Top Pop

1039. INDIA, Islamic Sultanates. Bengal. Sikandar bin Ilyas. AH 758-792 / AD 1357-1389. AV Tanka (28mm, 9h). Type 10. Balda al-Mu‘azzam Mu‘azzamabad mint. Dated AH 786 (AD 1384/5). al-wathiq legend; [al-imam legend around] / yamin legend within scalloped border. Cf. CIS D302 (AR); Rajgor –; Friedberg 526. In NGC encapsulation 8291963-013, graded AU 58. Very rare in gold. Top Pop. ($3000)

1040. INDIA, Islamic Sultanates. Bahmani. ‘Ala’ al-Din Ahmad Shah II. AH 838-862 / AD 1435-1457. AV Tanka (20.5mm, 11.13 g, 6h). Muhammadabad mint. Dated AH 855? (AD 1460/1). al-sultan legend / abu’l muzaffar legend; AH date in exergue. CIS BH81; Rajgor Type 2608; Friedberg 614 (Kulbarga). Toned, underlying luster. UNC. Bold strike. Rare. ($1000)

1041. INDIA, Islamic Sultanates. Gujarat. Qutb al-Din Bahadur Shah. AH 932-943 / AD 1525-1537. AV Tanka. Dated AH 942 (AD 1535/6). al-sultan legend and AH date; all within scalloped border / bahadur legend within scalloped border. Cf. CIS G 340 (AV fractional tanka) and G357 (AR third tanka); cf. Rajgor Type 2331 and 2318 (same); Friedberg 589 var. (date unlisted). In NGC encapsulation 6657305-001, graded MS 64. Top Pop. ($1000)

1042. INDIA, Islamic Sultanates. Malwa. ‘Ala al-din Mahmud I. AH 839-873 / AD 1436-1469. AV Tanka (26mm, 11.09 g, 11h). Hadrat Shadiabad mint. Dated AH 864? (AD 1460/1). al-sultan al-a‘zam legend / sikandar al-thani legend. CIS M21 (date unlisted); Rajgor Type 3064 (date unlisted); Friedberg 634; Zeno 224165 = Album 34, lot 2379. Toned, slightly wavy flan. AU. Bold strike. Rare. ($1000)

Ex Ponterio 158 (7 January 2011), lot 474.

1043. INDIA, Islamic Sultanates. Malwa. Ghiyath Shah. AH 873-906/AD 1469-1500. AV Tanka (20x19mm, 11.06 g, 3h). Square module. Dated AH 878 (AD 1473/4). al-wathiq legend / Continuation of legend. CIS M66; Rajgor Type 3123; Friedberg 645. Toned, several shroff marks. VF. ($1000)

1044. INDIA, Mughal Empire. Jalal al-Din Muhammad Akbar. AH 963-1014 / AD 1556-1605. AV Mohur (23mm, 10.91 g, 9h). Dar al-Sultanat Agra mint. Dated AH 983 (AD 1575/6). Shahada and AH date within ornate pelleted frame; oaths of the Rasidun in outer margins / Name and titles of Akbar and pious invocation; all within ornate pelleted mehrabi frame, continuation of invocation above, mint formula below. Liddle Type G-6; cf. BM 65; IMC (Wright) 71-4 var. (AH date); Hull 1205; SACPM (KM) 108.1; Friedberg 720a. Matte surfaces, some underlying luster. UNC. ($1500)

1045. INDIA, Mughal Empire. Jalal al-Din Muhammad Akbar. AH 963-1014 / AD 1556-1605. AV Square Mohur (19x19mm, 11.70 g, 9h). Urdu Zafar Qarin mint. Dated alf [AH 1000] (AD 1591/2). Shahada and AH date within lettered diamond frame; oaths of the Rasidun in outer corners / Name and titles of Akbar and mint formula; AH date in upper middle field. Liddle Type G-19; BM 73; IMC (Wright) 101; Hull 1236; SACPM (KM) 112.4; Friedberg 725g. In NGC encapsulation 8419854-001, graded AU Details, Removed from jewelry. ($1000)

Attractive Restrike

1046. INDIA, Mughal Empire. Nur al-Din Muhammad Jahangir. AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. AR Rupee (26mm, 11.18 g, 12h). Zodiac Type, Class C. Agra mint. Dually dated [Isfandarmuz] AH 1031 and RY 16 (20 February – 20 March AD 1621), though a later restrike. Constellation of Mahik/Matsya (Pisces the Fish): tête-bêche pair of carp; radiate sun behind / Couplet citing mint formula, Jahangir, and his father, Akbar; RY and AH dates to left. Liddle –; BM –; IMC (Wright) –, but cf. 582 (for obv.); cf. Hull 1464; SACPM (KM) –, but cf. 180.20 (mohur). Iridescent toning. Good VF. An attractive restrike of this extremely rare issue. ($2000)

1047. INDIA, Mughal Empire. Muhyi al-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir. AH 1068-1118 / AD 1658-1707. AV Mohur (23mm, 10.87 g, 1h). Dar-al-Jihad Haidarabad mint. Dually dated AH 1114; RY 46 (AD 1703/4). Couplet citing name and titles of Aurangzeb; AH date in upper middle / Mint formula and RY date. BM –; IMC (Wright) –; Hull 1688; SACPM (KM) 315.20; Friedberg 810. In NGC encapsulation 8419854-005, graded MS 62. ($1000) Ex Ponterio 158 (7 January 2011), lot 475.

1048. INDIA, Independent States. Mysore. Krishna Raja Wodeyar. AH 1225-1285 / AD 1810-1868. AV Pagoda (12mm, 3.42 g, 12h). Umamaheśwara type. Uncertain mint. Siva and Parvati seated facing / śri pra/krishnara/ja in Devanagari. Mitchiner, South I 1090; MNI 1024; Friedberg 1358. In NGC encapsulation 6758206-002, graded MS 65. ($750)

The Siege of Multan

1049. INDIA, Independent States. Sikh Empire. Mulraj Chopra. Diwan of Multan. 1844 - 22 January 1849. AV Rupee (9mm, 0.64 g, 12h). Siege of Multan by the British issue, 19 April 1848 - 22 January 1849. Multan mint. Dated VS 1905 (AD 1848). sahai/satguru (may the true teacher help) in Persian / Pipal leaf; VS date above; mundarka (name of mint or state) in Persian. Herrli 11.09.04; KM 87; Friedberg 1395; Zeno 224210 = Album 34, lot 2672 (same dies). In PCGS encapsulation 44552590, graded MS 65. Top Pop. ($750)

1050. INDIA, Independent States. Vijayanagar. Devaraya II. 1423/4-1446. AV Quarter Varaha (9mm, 0.83 g, 3h). Unnamed (Hampi) mint. Caparisoned elephant standing left / sri de/varaya in two lines. G&G 6.2.2; Oswal 101, lot 337 (same dies). Lightly toned. Good VF. Very rare. ($750)

Extremely Rare

1051. INDIA, Princely States. Awadh. Nasir al-Din Haidar. AH 1243-1253 / AD 1827-1837. AV Ashrafi (23mm, 10.27 g, 11h). Subah Awadh Dar al-Saltana Lakhnau (Lucknow) mint. Dated AH 1253 and RY 10 (struck AD 1837). Legend citing Nasir al-Din Haidar; AH date in central field / Crowned khatar with tiger supporters; crown flanked by pennants, parasol above; mint formula and RY date in outer margin. KM –, but cf. 235 ([half ashrafi] for rev.); David Fore Collection (Baldwin’s 84), lot 1141 (same rev. die). Toned, deposits, marks. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($2000)

1052. INDIA, Princely States. Gwalior. temp. Jayaji Rao. AH 1258-1304 / AD 1843-1886. AV Mohur (20mm, 10.84 g, 3h). In the name of Muhammad Shah, Mughal emperor. Lashkar mint. Pseudo-dated AH 11[30 and RY 2] (Struck AD 1843). Persian couplet citing Muhammad Akbar II; to upper right, RY date above AH date / Mint formula for Shahjahanabad and RY date; bow and arrow and जी (ji in Devanagari). Lingen & Wiggins 7; KM 133; Friedberg 1124. Toned. AU. ($1000)

1053. INDIA, Princely States. Gwalior. temp. Jayaji Rao. AH 1258-1304 / AD 1843-1886. AV Mohur (24mm, 10.75 g, 4h). In the name of Shah Alam II, Mughal emperor. Lashkar mint. Pseudo-dated AH 11[30 and RY 2] (Struck AD 1843). Persian couplet citing Muhammad Akbar II; to upper right, RY date above AH date / Mint formula for Shahjahanabad and RY date; bow and arrow and जी (ji in Devanagari). Lingen & Wiggins 12; KM 155; Friedberg 1125. Toned, deposits, tiny hairline die break on obverse. AU. ($1000)

1054. INDIA, Princely States. Hyderabad. Mir Mahbub Ali Khan II. AH 1285-1329 / AD 1869-1911. AV Half Ashrafi (22.5mm, 5.63 g, 12h). Haidarabad mint. Dated AH 1329 and RY 44 (AD 1911). Chahar Minar gateway; immobilized ۹۲ (92 in eastern Arabic numerals) above; ﻣ (initial mim in Persian) in doorway; AH date below / Calligraphic legend citing name and titles; RY date to left. KM Y# 43.2; Friedberg 1162. Light die rust, areas of underlying luster. UNC. ($750)

1055. INDIA, Princely States. Hyderabad. Mir Osman Ali Khan Asaf Jah VII. AH 1329-1368 / AD 1911-1948. AV Ashrafi (26mm, 11.16 g, 12h). Haidarabad mint. Dated AH 1343 and RY 14 (AD 1925). Chahar Minar gateway; immobilized ۹۲ (92 in eastern Arabic numerals) above; ع (initial ain in Persian) in doorway; AH date below / Calligraphic legend citing name and titles; RY date to left. KM Y# 57a; Friedberg 1165. Underlying luster, light marks, hairline die break on obverse. UNC. ($1500)

1056. INDIA, Princely States. Hyderabad. Mir Osman Ali Khan Asaf Jah VII. AH 1329-1368 / AD 1911-1948. AV Half Ashrafi (22mm, 5.56 g, 12h). Haidarabad mint. Dated AH 1343 and RY 14 (AD 1925). Chahar Minar gateway; immobilized ۹۲ (92 in eastern Arabic numerals) above; ع (initial ain in Persian) in doorway; AH date below / Calligraphic legend citing name and titles; RY date to left. KM Y# 56.2; Friedberg 1166. Light marks, areas of underlying luster. AU. ($750)

1057. INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1651-1835. Proof AR Rupee Pattern denomination set. Benares mint. Dated AH 1229 and RY 17/49 (Struck 1815). All coins: Persian couplet citing Shah ‘Alam II; fish (with barbels) and sun symbols, no differentiating marks / Mint and RY date formula; flower symbol. Edge: \\\\\. Includes the following:

(a) Proof AR Rupee Pattern (27mm, 11.34 g, 12h). CEEIC 7.142; Pridmore 291; KM –. In NGC encapsulation 6928251013, graded PF 65.

(b) Unfinished Proof AR Half Rupee Pattern (21.5mm, 5.67 g, 12h). CEEIC 7.143; Pridmore 292; KM –. In NGC encapsulation 6928251-014, graded PF 64.

(c) Unfinished Proof AR Quarter Rupee Pattern (21.5mm, 2.83 g, 12h). CEEIC 7.144; Pridmore 293; KM –. In NGC encapsulation 6928251-015, graded PF 65.

All NGC graded. Includes special Capital Plastics denomination holder ($5000) Ex Drewry Family Collection (Triton XXVIII, 14 January 2025), lot 922; Stack’s (22 October 1985), lot 1650.

Top Pop

1058. INDIA, Colonial. British India. Madras Presidency. AV Pagoda (11mm, 3.41 g). Madras mint. Struck circa 1678-circa 1740. Vishnu standing facing, symbols to left and right / Granulated convex surface. CEEIC 1.2; Pridmore 2; SACPM (KM) –; Friedberg 1570. In PCGS encapsulation 48132823, graded MS 64. Top Pop ($1000)

1059. ITALY, Lucca. Republic. 1169-1805. AV Scudo d’oro del sole (24mm, 3.40 g, 4h). Struck 1550-1552. Coat-of-arms / Radiate bust of Christ facing slightly left. Bellesia 34/C; MIR 179/5; Friedberg; 490. Toned, a few minor scratches. Good VF. ($750)

1060. ITALY, Mantova (Duchy). Federico II Gonzaga. 1530-1540. AV Scudo del sole (24mm, 2.96 g, 1h). Mantova mint. Crowned coat-of-arms / Christ rising from Sepulchre; Cross and instruments of the Passion in background. Bignotti 1; MIR 446; Friedberg 528. Edge marks. Near EF. ($2000)

1061. ITALY, Mantova (Duchy). Vincenzo I Gonzaga. 1587–1612. AR Ducatone (41mm, 26.34 g, 12h). Draped and cuirassed bust right / Crowned and double-collard coat-of-arms. Bignotti 22; MIR 545; Davenport 8295; KM –. Iridescent toning, cleaned, a few marks and scuffs, test cut, edge splits. EF. Rare. ($1500)

Very Rare Early Neapolitan Bronze

1062. ITALY, Napoli (Duchy). Sergio I. 840-864. Æ Follaro (27mm, 7.14 g, 6h). Bust of St. Gennaro facing, holding gospel / Half-length figure of Sergio facing, wearing loros, holding scepter and globus cruciger; star to lower right. MIR 9; Pannuti-Riccio 1; MEC 14, 5. Brown patina, slightly off center. Good Fine. Very rare. ($1500)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

1063. ITALY, Napoli (Kingdom). Filippo III di Spagna. 1598-1621. AR Mezzo scudo – Cianfrone (33mm, 16.32 g, 10h). Napoli mint. Dated 1617 IC C. Radiate and armored bust right, wearing ruff / Crowned eagle facing with wings spread, head left, holding olive branch and thunderbolt. MIR 201/1; Pannuti-Riccio 3a; KM 24. Toned, faint hairlines, minor deposits and marks, double struck. Near VF. Rare. ($1500)

1064. ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Alexander VI. 1492-1503. AV Fiorino di camera (22mm, 3.34 g, 9h). Rome mint. Crossed keys surmounted by papal tiara over coat-of-arms; all within quadrilobe / St. Peter standing left in boat, casting net. MIR 519/4; Muntoni 8.3; Berman 529; Friedberg 31 (Vatican). Small scuff. Good VF. ($1500)

Extremely

Rare Carpentras Mint Scudo

1065. ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VIII. 1592-1605. AR Scudo d’argento – Piastra (39mm, 29.87 g, 5h). Carpentras mint. Ottavio Acquaviva, cardinal. Dated 1599 BM. Bust right, wearing piviale decorated with two figures / Coatof-arms surmounted by tasseled gallero. MIR 1505/4; Muntoni 131 (same dies as illustration); Berman 1523; Davenport 8340. Toned, spot of edge filing, edge mark, slightly porous flan as made. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($7500)

In 1274, Philippe III of France granted the Comtat Venaissin – and with it the city of Carpentras – to Pope Gregory X. The importance of the city would rise during the Avignon papacy, when it was made the capital of Comtat Venaissin. Carpentras city briefly hosted a Papal mint from 1586-1603, minting primarily minor denominations, as well as a few extremely rare large silver issues, such as this Scudo d’argento.

The First Venetian Ducat

1066. ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Giovanni Dandolo. 1280-1289. AV Ducato (19.5mm, 3.52 g, 6h). Struck 1285-1289. St. Mark standing right, presenting banner to Doge kneeling left / Christ standing facing within mandorla containing nine stars. Paolucci 1; Papadopoli 1; MEC 12, 1062; Friedberg 1215. Edge marks, trace of deposits. Good VF. Very rare. ($5000)

Though their rivals in Genoa and Florence began striking gold 32 years earlier, the first gold coin of Venice was only authorized in a resolution of 31 October 1284 and struck early the following year. Struck at a weight standard of 67 to the mark, this new denomination soon became known as the “ducato,” no doubt in reference to the final word in the reverse legend. The innovation would prove to be an unparalleled excess. Beyond merely supplanting the gold coinage of their competitors in trade, the Venetian ducat became a standard unit of account and international currency of such popularity that it would be copied from Europe to India. The designs first seen here would persist for over 400 years and, on the related zecchini, until a final issue under Habsburg occupation in the early 19th century

Extremely Rare Venetian Countermarked Ashrafi

1067. ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Coinage for Cyprus. AV 8 Bezants (19mm, 3.41 g, 3h). Countermarks applied circa 1517/8. ‘8’ and uncertain pattern (9? 6? zigzag?) in two countermarks on an Ottoman Ashrafi of Selim I (Misr mint. Dated AH 923 [AH 1517/8). For countermarks: cf. Broome, “Countermarked Islamic Gold Coins in Venetian Cyprus,” in NC 167 (1997), B and pl. 42, 13 (for first countermark); cf. Paolucci, Zecca p. 188-9 (for silver countermarks of this series). For host: Damali 9-mS-A1a-923; Album –; ICV 3154. Deposits. Countermarks: VF. Host: VF. Extremely rare. Only two gold pieces of this series in CoinArchives. ($5000)

In 1489, with the Ottoman threat looming over Cyprus, the Republic of Venice took direct control of the island, officially deposing Queen Caterina Corner. No Cypriot coinage would be struck by the Republic for several decades. In its absence, worn Lusignan issues and exported Venetian types supplied the markets of Cyprus. Around 1518, when new 8 and 16 Soldi denominations were issued back home, Venetian authorities revalued and countermarked the Venetian-type silver circulating on Cyprus. In addition, a limited number of Ottoman and Mamluk coins were also countermarked. These coins are extremely rare today, with only two examples found in CoinArchives, in addition to the four published by Broome.

Metcalf has suggested that the ‘zigzag’ pattern stamped near the edge was intended to prevent clipping.

1068. ITALY, Kingdom of Italy. Umberto I. 1878-1900. AV 50 Lire (28mm, 6h). Rome mint. Dated 1884 R. Bare head left / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms within wreath; star above. MIR 1097a; KM 25; Friedberg 19. Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 6637268-008, graded MS 62. Top Pop. ($4000)

1069. ITALY, Kingdom of Italy. Vittorio Emanuele III. 1900-1946. AR 5 Lire (37mm, 6h). Rome mint. Dated 1914 R Uniformed bust right / Italia standing left in quadriga rearing left, holding olive branch and round shield. MIR 1136a; KM 55. In NGC encapsulation 6647354-012, graded MS 61. Very rare in mint state. A masterpiece of modern engraving, deriving the reverse type from the coinages of ancient Magna Graecia and Sicily ($3000)

The coinage of Vittorio Emanuele III reflects the tumultuous changes that Italy underwent in the 46 years of his reign. His earliest issues resemble those of his murdered father, Umberto I: simple, realistic portraiture and conservative eagles and wreaths so common in 19th century European numismatics. These are replaced with a series of classically-inspired designs, rich in symbolism and easily deserving of a place among the finest examples of 20th century numismatic art. The smaller denominations of this period are equally charming, depicting the natural bounty of the country. Finally, after the rise of Mussolini and the fascists, the coinage takes on a stark, totalitarian appearance. The king’s portrait depicts him bare headed and aged, harkening back to portraits of Julius Caesar, and is paired with those reverse types so prominent in the fascist era: sharp, angular eagles and the ancient fasces itself.

1070. JAPAN, Edo Period. Tempo Era. 1830-1844. AV Koban (31x59mm, 11.21 g, 12h). Edo (Tokyo) mint. Struck 1837-1858. Ichi Ryo in Hanji within rectangular panel over Mitsutsugu in Hanji within rectangular panel; paulownia flowers above and below / Several official stamps. Hartill, Japanese 8.24; JNDA 09-21. Light scratches. Near VF. ($1000)

1071. JAPAN, Modern. Meiji Era. 1868-1912. AV 2 Yen (18mm, 2h). Osaka mint. Dated Meiji year 3 (AD 1870). Flying dragon curled left around flaming pearl / Sunburst crest superimposed on sacred mirror with a wreath of paulownia and chrysanthemum branches surrounded by imperial flags. JNDA 01-4; KM (Y) 10. In NGC encapsulation 4932513-008, graded MS 66. ($1000)

Extremely Rare Lithuanian Ducat – Only the Second to Come to Market

1072. LITHUANIA, Grand Duchy. Zygimantas IV Vaza. 1588-1632. AV Ducat (21mm, 3.46 g, 1h). Vilnius mint. Dated 1591. Crowned and armored bust right, wearing ruff / Crowned coat-of-arms. S&K 2157; Ivanauskas 7SV4-3; Kopicki 3557; Hutten-Czapski –; Friedberg 7 (date not recorded); Heritage 3041, lot 32346 (hammer $65,000) = Antykwariat Numizmatyczny - Muchal niemczyk 11, lot 206 (hammer 360,000 PLN). In NGC encapsulation 8414450-001, graded AU Details, obv. spot removed. Extremely rare. Only one example in CoinArchives. ($40,000)

Zygimantas (Sigismund) IV Vaza issued a remarkably brief series of gold ducats from the Vilnius mint. None appear to have been issued in the first year of his reign, and only the years 1589, 1590, and 1591 are known today, with the later being the rarest. Due to regional gold shortages, minting of the ducat denomination at Vilnius was abruptly suspended in 1591, with Zygimantas’s mint at Poznán in Poland also closed at this time.

Only one other of this date has come to market in recent memory, an example graded VF 35 by NGC. The cataloger of that specimen in its most recent appearance noted that the date was first recorded for a ducat as early as 1875, and that Gumowski knew of two (now untraced) at the time of his 1921 work on the Vilnius mint. The date was missing from the great Hutten-Czapski Collection.

1073. LOW COUNTRIES, Brabant (Duchy). Johanna van Brabant. 1355-1406. AV Pieter d’or (27mm, 4.04 g, 7h).

Leuven (Louvain) mint. Struck 1355-1383. Half-length bust of St. Peter facing, holding Gospels and keys; all with tressure of nine arches; each arch ending in lis; trefoils in spandrels / Cross qudrilobée, fleurdelisée and feuillue; Ⴛ in center of cross. Delmonte, Or 45; Delmonte, Brabant 199; De Mey, Louvian & Brabant 225; Friedberg 11. Lustrous, a few faint hairlines, edge mark. Near EF. ($1500)

From the Ayers Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 735743 (September 2003).

1074. LOW COUNTRIES, Nijmegen (City). AR Daalder – 30 Stuiver (41mm, 10h). Mm: chi-rho. Dated 1563. Lion standing left, holding coat-of-arms by ribbon / Crowned double-headed eagle facing with wings spread; coat-of-arms on breast. Passon, Nijmegen 50 H/b; CNM 2.36.10; Delmonte, Argent 638; Davenport 8548. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6054614-019, graded AU 53. ($1000)

Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (27 February 2023), lot 74697.

The Siege of Middleburg

1075. LOW COUNTRIES, Dutch Revolt. Middleburg. Besieged by Dutch and English forces, 1572-1574. AR 36 Stuivers – Daalder Klippe (35x35mm, 28.71 g). Third issue. Dated 1574

3BL :/ · SOLI · DEO ·/ · HONOR · with floral sprays above and below, in oval stamp; above, stamp bearing the coat-of-arms of Zeeland / Blank. Korchnak 410; Maillet pl. LXXXIV, 15; P&W Mi07; CNM 2.35.7; Delmonte, Argent 167. Toned, a few light scratches, trace of double strike. Near EF. ($1000)

In 1559, William the Silent, Prince of Orange, was given the governorship of several Dutch provinces by the Spanish king Philip II. However, William’s good relationship with the Spanish Habsburgs did not last long. William’s frustration with the Spanish arose from several issues. He, along with many Catholic Dutch, was unhappy with the persecutions of non-Catholics. He also felt that the Spanish were undermining the influence of the native Dutch noblemen. Finally, taxation was a contentious issue; the rich merchants of the Netherlands felt that they were funding an unfairly large share of the Habsburgs’ costly wars. In response to these perceived injustices, William arose as a very popular supporter of the Dutch resistance, helping to form a confederacy dedicated to reducing Spain’s power in the region. When Philip II discovered William’s role in the rebellion, the Prince was stripped of his holdings in the Netherlands. In response, William raised an army and began attacking coastal towns held by the Spanish. In 1572, he besieged Middelburg, a town in the province of Zeeland. The city eventually surrendered in 1574 and was occupied. These events marked the opening phases of the Eighty Years’ War, a long struggle by the Dutch to gain independence from Spain.

The Siege of Amsterdam

1076. LOW COUNTRIES, Dutch Revolt. Amsterdam. Besieged by the States-General, December 1577-8 February 1578. AR 40 Stuiver Klippe (35x36mm, 27.00 g). Dated 1578. Crowned city coat-of-arms with lion supporters; 1578 · XL below; all within circular pearl border; soldeervaasje (solder pot) stamp above / * P */ AR · ET/ * FO * in three lines; all within wreath. Korchnak 19; Mailliet pl. III, 3; P&W Am 01; CNM 2.02.1; Delmonte, Argent 186. Attractive old cabinet toning, edge split, a few light scratches and marks. EF. ($1500)

Ex Nederlandsche Muntenveiling (11 September 2000), lot 66.

In the Dutch Revolt, Amsterdam initially refused to join Holland, Zeeland, and the southern provinces, all of whom wanted to push the Spanish from Dutch territory. In late 1577, the rebel Dutch forces blockaded the city. The blockade ended in February of 1578, when Amsterdam grudgingly agreed to join the rebellion against Spain. Soon after, the Catholic town council was replaced by Protestant members loyal to William, Prince of Orange, thus positioning Amsterdam as a participant in the Dutch struggle for independence. During the blockade, the city struck several denominations of silver siege coinage.

Very Rare

1077. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Holland. 1581-1795. Piedfort AR Dukaton (41mm, 63.59 g, 12h). Dordrecht mint. Dated 1693. Knight right on galloping horse, holding raised sword; crowned coat-of-arms below / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned lion supporters. P&W Ho45.1; CNM 2.28.84; Delmonte, Argent 1014a; KM P10. Attractively toned. Superb EF. Very rare. ($5000)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex J. de Wilde Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 1208.

1078. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Utrecht. 1581-1795. AR Leeuwendaalder – Lion Daalder (41mm, 26.85 g, 6h). Dated 1650. Armored half-length figure of soldier left, head right; coat-of-arms below / Lion rampant left. P&W Ut38; CNM 2.43.67; Delmonte, Argent 845; KM 32.1. UNC. Rare in this grade. ($1500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex J. de Wilde Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 1203.

Top Pop

1079. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Zwolle. 1581-1795. AV Dukat (23mm, 3.48 g, 5h). In the name of Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor. Mm: coat-of-arms. Dated 1662. Ferdinand standing right, holding scepter and globus cruciger / Legend in four lines within ornately framed tablet. P&W Zw12; CNM 2.52.29; Delmonte, Or 1134; KM 68; Friedberg 213. In NGC encapsulation 8419259-003, graded MS 62. Better type with date in legend. Top Pop. ($1000)

1080. MEXICO, Colonial. Juana y Carlos. Queen & King of Spain, 1506-1516. AR 4 Reales (35mm, 13.52 g, 2h). Late Pillars and Waves series. Mexico City mint; Juan Guitiérrez, assayer. Posthumous issue, struck 1544-1548. Crowned coat-ofarms / Crowned Pillars of Hercules over waves. Nesmith 46e; Menzel Mx-94; BW –. Toned, a few marks, flan split. Good VF. Well struck. ($750)

From the Ayers Collection. Ex World-Wide Coins of California (James F. Elmen) XXXVI (18 November 1999), lot 372.

1081. MEXICO, Mexican Revolution. State of Chihuahua. Hidalgo del Parral. AR 50 Centavos (30mm, 5h). Issued under the Fuerzas Constitucionalistas. Dated 1913. Liberty cap; glory of rays in background / Denomination within wreath; radiant sun above. Edge: reeded. G&B 76; Bailey 285; KM 608. Toned. In PCGS encapsulation 57655307, graded MS 61. ($750)

1082. NEPAL, Shah dynasty. Prithvi Vira Vikrama. SE 1803-1833 / AD 1881-1911. AV Bakla Asarphi – Tola (26mm, 4h). Dated SE 1825 (AD 1903). Legend within quadrate around central ornate design; additional designs around; SE date in exergue / Legend and design in three lines within center of floral design; additional legend in petals. Edge: plain. RGV 1138; KM 674.3; Friedberg 16. In NGC encapsulation 6773132-017, graded MS 65. ($1000)

1083. NORWAY. Fredrik III. 1648-1670. AR Speciedaler (44mm, 28.72 g, 7h). Christiana mint. Dated 1654 FG. Crowned and armored bust right / Crowned lion rampant left, holding ax. Schou 7; Hede 17; Bruun 9682 (this coin); Davenport 3595; KM 48. Rich golden toning with underlying luster. In NGC encapsulation 8223496-002, graded AU Details, cleaned. ($4000)

Ex L.E. Bruun (1852-1923) Collection.

1084. NORWAY. Fredrik III. 1648-1670. AR Speciedaler (44mm, 28.72 g, 8h). Christiana mint. Dated 1661 FG Crowned and armored bust right / Crowned lion rampant left, holding ax; all within wreath. Schou 23; Hede 33B; Bruun 9858 (this coin); Davenport 3607; KM 54. Toned with full luster underneath. In NGC encapsulation 8223500-010, graded AU 58. A well struck lion. ($4000)

Ex L.E. Bruun (1852-1923) Collection.

1085. POLAND, Monarchy. Stefan Batory. 1576-1586. AV Dukat (21mm, 3.36 g, 10h). Gdańsk (Danzig) mint. Dated 1586. Crowned and armored bust right / Coat-of-arms with leonine supporters. Dutkowski & Suchanek 137 III; Kopicki 7452; Hutten-Czapski –; Friedberg 3. In NGC encapsulation 8414602-011, graded XF Details, edge filing. ($2000)

Very Rare Malbork Mint Dukat

1086. POLAND, Monarchy. Zygmunt III Wasa. 1587-1632. AV Dukat (22mm, 3.51 g, 1h). Malbork (Marienburg) mint. Dated 1592. Crowned and armored bust right, wearing ruff / Crowned coat-of-arms. Kopicki 1400; Hutten-Czapski 859; KM 1400; Friedberg 82. In NGC encapsulation 8419875-003, graded AU Details, bent. Very rare. Only three examples in CoinArchives, this the finest. ($15,000)

1087. POLAND, Monarchy. Zygmunt III Wasa. 1587-1632. AV Dukat (23mm, 3.49 g, 2h). Gdansk (Danzig) mint. Dated 1629 SB. Crowned and armored bust right, wearing ruff / Coat-of-arms with leonine supporters. Dutkowski & Suchanek 190 III; Kopicki 7540; Hutten-Czapski 1607; KM 5.5; Friedberg 10. In NGC encapsulation 8409897-003, graded UNC Details, obv damage. ($4000)

Top Pop Toruń Dukat

1088. POLAND, Monarchy. Jan II Kazimierz. 1648-1668. AV Dukat (25mm, 3.40 g, 12h). Toruń (Thorn) mint. Dated 1666 HD L. Crowned, draped, and collared bust right / Coat-of-arms supported by angel with wings spread. D&S, Thorvnensis 1591; Kopicki 8356; MP 1799j; Hutten-Czapski 2307; KM 33; Friedberg 60. In NGC encapsulation 8414605-002, graded MS 62. Very rare. Top Pop. ($15,000)

Spanish Morabitino

1089. SPAIN, Castile & León. Alfonso VIII el Noble (the Noble). King of Castile, 1158-1214. AV Maravedí – Morabitino (26mm, 3.79 g, 2h). Tulaitula (Toledo) mint. Dated Safar era 1228 (AD 1190). ME 1023; MEC 6, 360-2 var. (date). In NGC encapsulation 6881832-004, graded MS 63. ($2000)

The morabitini ‘form the most interesting monetary development of twelfth-century Spain. Alfonso VIII of Castile, who had the highest proportion of Moorish subjects and was the ruler most connected with the Muslim world, struck at Toledo, from the 1180s onwards, gold morabitini or alfonsini with Arabic inscriptions that were Christian in content. They were dated not by the Christian era or by the Hijra but by the ‘Spanish’ era, reckoned from the ‘conquest’ of Augustus in 38 BC.’ (Grierson, p.103)

1090. SWITZERLAND, Canton of Zürich. Zürich. AV Dukat (23mm, 3.48 g, 12h). Struck after 1662. Lion rampant left, holding sword and shield / Legend in four lines within ornate lion border. HMZ 2-1138d; KM A90; Friedberg 464. In NGC encapsulation 8414602-012, graded MS 64. ($3000)

1091. SWITZERLAND, Republic and Canton of Genève. Genève. AV Dukat (22mm, 3.29 g, 4h). Dated 1644 B Legend in five lines within cartouche / Crowned double-headed eagle facing with wings spread; coat-of-arms on breast. HMZ 2-311a; KM 42; Friedberg 256. Areas of weak strike, slight crimp. VF. ($2000)

1092. SWITZERLAND, Republic and Canton of Genève. Genève. AV Dukat (22mm, 3.41 g, 11h). Dated 1650 M Legend in five lines within cartouche / Crowned double-headed eagle facing with wings spread; coat-of-arms on breast. HMZ 2-311g; KM 42; Friedberg 256. Slightly wavy flan. Near EF. ($5000)

1093. TIBET. 1912-1951. AV 20 Srang (26mm, 12h). Ser-Khang (Lhasa) mint. Dated BE 15-53 (AD 1919). Lion crouching left; eight lucky Buddhist symbols around / Floral design. CCMCSC TB.2; L&M 1063A; KM (Y) 22; Friedberg 1. In PCGS encapsulation 51010513, graded AU 58. ($4000)

The Ser-Khang (”Gold House”) mint was located in the south west of Lhasa, near the Norbulingka Palace. It was established by Tsarong Shape in 1918 with the permission of the Dalai Lama, who rewarded Shape with a percentage of the profits of the mint as a reward for his assistance during the leader’s exile during the Chinese invasion of 1910-1913. The mint struck all Tibetan gold coins until their mintage ceased in 1921, though it continued striking the copper Sho issues until it finally closed in 1929.

The “Gold House” of Lhasa

An Impressive Array of Transylvanian Dukáts

Transylvania (derived from the medieval Latin trans silvam = “across the forest”) is an area located in the Carpathian basin in modern day Romania. Situated near the edges of the Mediterranean and Eastern European worlds, the region has long been at the confluence of various cultures. Transylvania was inhabited in ancient times by the Dacians, a Thracian people, before being conquered by the Roman emperor Trajan in AD 106, adding a wealthy, silver-rich province to the Empire. After the withdrawal of the Romans under Aurelian, the region found itself at the front lines of the Great Migrations, and control of the area passed between Goths, Gepids, Vandals, Sarmatians, and Huns, as nomadic tribes flowed southeastward through Europe.

In the 11th century, Stephen I, the first Christian king of Hungary, led his army into the region to conquer the native Slavic and Romanian peoples, beginning the Hungarian settlement of the region. Over the following centuries, these Hungarians would come to dominate the politics of the region, ruling as vovoides (dukes), and maintaining varying degrees of independence, while still swearing fealty to the kings of Hungary. By the mid-12th century, Hungarian kings, seeking to protect their eastern border, encouraged German settlement, leading to the addition of a third major ethnic group to the region. Among the various waves of German settlers were a number of the famed Teutonic Knights, who constructed a number of fortifications in the area, giving Transylvania its German name of Siebenbürgen (“seven forts”).

From the late 16th century onward, Transylvanian history was characterized by the struggle between the rising power of the Hapsburgs to the west, and the encroaching Ottoman Empire to the east. The local rulers struggled to retain their autonomy between these two massive empires, beginning with the rebel Eastern Hungarian Kingdom of Szapolyai kings, who contested the Hapsburg accession to the Hungarian throne. These monarchs, as well as their princely successors, would generally seek the protection of the Ottoman sultan against the greater threat of the Austrians. Perennial conflicts wracked the region, as Ottoman and Austrian armies raged back and forth, punctuated by brutal civil wars between various foreign-supported claimants. The Hapsburgs eventually took the upper hand after their victory over the Ottomans at the Battle of Vienna in 1683, leading to the loss of Ottoman protection for Transylvania and the deposition of the native rulers in 1691. The territory of Transylvania was fully incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire as a Grand Principality in 1745.

The complicated history of the region resulted in the production of an interesting and artistically important coinage. The 16th-18th century issues of Transylvania are among the most impressive issues struck in Europe at the time. In addition to the usual minors, talers, and ducats, the Transylvanian princes produced a number of large gold and silver multiples, both in the usual circular format and in more exotic hexagonal, sun, and moon shapes. During the various conflicts, several interesting necessity pieces were also struck.

1094. TRANSYLVANIA, Principality. Gábor Báthory. 1608-1613. AV Dukát (24mm, 3.48 g, 11h). Kolozsvár (Klausenburg / Cluj-Napoca) mint. Dated 1613 KO. Bust right, wearing short fur cap with feather / Crowned coat-of-arms within ouroboros (serpent devouring its own tail); K O flanking. Resch 190; MBR 1049; KM 98; Friedberg 337. In NGC encapsulation 8414822-003, graded MS 62. Top Pop ($6000)

Rare and Top Pop Katalin Dukát

1095. TRANSYLVANIA, Principality. Katalin Brandenburgi. 1629-1630. AV Dukát (21mm, 3.44 g, 12h). Kolozsvár (Klausenburg / Cluj-Napoca) mint. Dated 1630 CV. Facing bust wearing elaborate lace collar / Radiant Madonna and Child on clouds set on crescent; below, coat-of arms. Resch 3; MBR 1939; KM 221; Friedberg 371. In NGC encapsulation 8414605001, graded AU 55. Rare. Top Pop ($15,000)

Top Pop

1096. TRANSYLVANIA, Principality. György Rákóczi I. 1630-1648. AV Dukát (21mm, 3.47 g, 12h). Gyulafehérvár (Karslburg / Alba Iulia) mint. Dated 1646 AI. Half-length armored bust right, holding scepter over shoulder and resting hand on hilt of sword, wearing short brimmed fur cap with feather / Crowned eagle standing left, holding sword, atop seven small towers. Resch 46; MBR 2004; KM 261; Friedberg 384. In NGC encapsulation 841482-006, graded MS 63. Top Pop ($5000)

1097. TRANSYLVANIA, Principality. György Rákóczi II. 1648-1660. AV Dukát (23mm, 3.49 g, 11h). Nagybánya (Frauenbach / Baia Mare) mint. Dated 1650 NB. Half-length armored bust right, holding scepter over shoulder and resting hand on hilt of sword, wearing short brimmed fur cap with feather / Madonna seated facing on crescent, holding infant Christ; coat-of-arms below. Resch 20A; MBR 2064; KM 274; Friedberg 399. In NGC encapsulation 8409897-002, graded MS 61. ($7500)

1098. TRANSYLVANIA, Principality. György Rákóczi II. 1648-1660. AV Dukát (22mm, 3.46 g, 10h). Nagybánya (Frauenbach / Baia Mare) mint. Dated 1657 NB. Half-length armored bust right, holding scepter over shoulder and resting hand on hilt of sword, wearing short brimmed fur cap with feather / Madonna seated facing on crescent, holding infant Christ; coat-of-arms below. Resch 119; MBR 2180; KM 298; Friedberg 399. In NGC encapsulation 8414822-005, graded MS 63. Top Pop ($6000)

1099. TRANSYLVANIA, Principality. György Rákóczi II. 1648-1660. AR Talar (41mm, 2h). Nagybánya (Frauenbach / Baia Mare) mint. Dated 1656 NB. Half-length armored bust right, holding scepter over shoulder and resting hand on hilt of sword, wearing short brimmed fur cap with feather / Crowned coat-of-arms. Resch 106; MBR 2161; Davenport 4751; KM 286. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 3498615-005, graded AU 55. Top Pop. ($2000)

WORLD MEDALS

Superb Struck Cavino

1100. ANCIENT THEMES. Divus Titus. Died AD 81. Æ “Sestertius” (34mm, 20.53 g, 6h). By Giovanni da Cavino (1500-1570). DIVO AVG T DIVI VE SPESIAN, Divus Titus seated left on curule chair, holding branch in right hand; arms around; S C below / View of the Flavian Amphitheater (The Colosseum), seen from aerial perspective; to left, porticus of the Baths of Titus; to right, Meta Sudans; interior dotted with spectators. Johnson & Martini 1607; Klawans 1. Brown patina, ragged flan as made. Near EF. A superb struck example. Very rare as such. ($1000)

From an American Academic Collection.

Very Rare Gold Medallet on the Majority of Henri V

1101. FRANCE, Royal (Restored). Henri V. Prétendant et comte de Chambord, 1820-1883. AV Medallet (1818mm, 3.98 g, 6h). The Majority of Henri V. Dated 29 September 1833. HENRI V · ROI DE FRANCE ·, bare head left / DIEU L’A DONNÉ ·, 29/ SEPTEMBRE/ ჭ 1833. ჭ . Collignon 1060. Hairlines, edge marks. UNC. Very rare in gold. ($1500)

Ex Monnaies de Collection 10 (13 October 2022), lot 658 (hammer €3200).

When Henri V was born seven months after the murder of his father Charles Ferdinand, the French monarchists heralded it as a miracle (even coining Henri “the miracle child”). Following the abdication of his grandfather Charles X and shortly later the Dauphin Louis Antoine, the young Henri was to succeed to the throne. Yet Louis-Philippe ignored this plan and, seven days later, was himself chosen by the National Assembly. Henri left France in exile. In the following years, he maintained contact with his Legitimist supporters and would come close to the throne again following the disaster at Sedan in 1870. However, this plan was stymied by the noble’s obstinate insistence that the nation abandon the Tricolour. The Third Republic remained in power and Henri died in exile.

BRITISH COINAGE

1102. CELTIC, Atrebates & Regni. Verica. Circa AD 10-40. AV Stater (17mm, 5.21 g, 10h). Warrior Rex type (Atrebatic J). Cavella mint. Tablet inscribed COÂ • F / Warrior, preparing to hurl spear, on horse leaping right; lituus to lower left; uir above, rex below. Allen & Haselgrove Series C, 17-20 (Dies F/e); Bean VERC2-1; ABC 1190; Van Arsdell 500–1; SCBC 120. Toned, faint cleaning scratches, edge split, struck from a worn obverse die. AU. ($1000)

Very Rare

1103. CELTIC, North-Eastern Thames area. Uninscribed. Circa 60-20 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 5.65 g, 1h). SS type (Trinovantian F). ∞ ∞ in slightly banded fields / Disjointed horse right with annulet on shoulder and beaded mane; wing motif above, wheel below, pellet-in-pelleted annulet to right. ABC 2237; Van Arsdell 1509-1; Hobbs 350; SCBC 34. Scratches and scuffs. Near EF. Very rare. ($2000)

The Second Known Thrymsa of Eadbald from Canterbury

1104. ANGLO-SAXON, Substantive Gold Phase. Eadbald. King of Kent, 616-640. AV Thrymsa – Shilling (10mm, 1.32 g, 2h). Canterbury mint. , diademed bust right / , cross on globe within beaded circle. EMC 2023.0159 (this coin); Abramson, Gold 410 = A&W type V.xvi, 307 = MEC 8 table 4, no. 9a and 3 = Blackburn, “Two New Types of Anglo-Saxon Gold Shillings,” in Coinage and History in the North Sea World c. 500-1250, (Leiden: Brill, 2006), fig. 3 var. (legends); Sutherland –; Metcalf –; North –; SCBC 758A. A few minor marks. Good VF. Extremely rare and important. The second known thrymsa of Eanbald from Canterbury. ($10,000)

Found near Canterbury, late 2022.

The first and only king to be named on a coin in this period, Eadbald’s succession to the Kentish throne proved a considerable setback to the nascent English Church established by St. Augustine during the reign of Aethelberht, Eadbald’s father, the first Anglo-Saxon king to be baptized. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for 616 relates that Eabald ‘abandoned his baptism and lived by heathen custom, inasmuch as he had his father’s widow as wife. Then Laurentius, who was Archbishop in Kent, decided to go south across the sea to Rome and abandon it all: but the apostle Peter came to him in the night and fiercely scourged him because he wished to abandon God’s flock thus, and ordered him to go to the king and preach the true faith to him. And he did so and the king was baptized.’ Eadbald would go on to rule for 25 years during which time he successfully maintained Kentish independence against the growing power of Northumbria, helped foster the growth of the English Church and retain relations with Merovingian Gaul. The present coin is only the second known thrymsa of Eadbald from the Canterbury mint, with the other example in the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Very Rare ‘Constantine’ Type Thrymsa

1105. ANGLO-SAXON, Pale Gold Phase. Circa 645-665/70. AV Thrymsa – Shilling (12mm, 1.14 g, 9h). ‘Oath-taking’ or ‘Constantine’ type. Mint in East Anglia (South Suffolk). Diademed bust right, arm extending right with open hand on cross / , stylized trophy within double-pelleted wreath; two saltire crosses flanking pole. Marsden 10 (dies 1/D) = EMC 2003.0136; Abramson, Gold 750; Sutherland 26 (same obv. die); A&W type V.xxiv; Metcalf p. 47; MEC 8 table 3, 26; North 17; SCBC 766. Minor deposits, porosity, scratches and scrapes. VF. Very rare type, and from the rarest reverse die in the series with saltire instead of regular crosses. ($4000)

This coinage was previously classified as the Constantine or ‘Oath-taking’ type, based on a supposed derivation of the obverse type from certain coins of Constantine the Great (cf. Sutherland pp. 39 and 80, and A. Gannon, The Iconography of Early Anglo-Saxon Coinage (Oxford, 2003), p. 65). However, Marsden conclusively argues that the obverse type here is novel, and that the reverse, in fact, is the derived type, taken from late Roman bronzes showing a trophy with two captives below that were struck in London, Lyon, and Trier under Constantine, circa AD 320. These Roman bronzes were still common objects during the 7th century in Britain, and frequently used as pendants.

1106. ANGLO-SAXON, Pale Gold Phase. Circa 640-665. AV Thrymsa – Shilling (12mm, 1.22 g, 8h). ‘Two Emperors’ type. Mint in East Anglia (South Suffolk). Diademed and draped bust right; pseudo legend around / Two small busts facing; above, Victory with wings enfolding the figures; pellet to each side of Victory’s head. Woods, Production, Style B; Sutherland 27 and 29-30 (unlisted dies); A&W Type V.xxvii; MEC 8 table 3, 30; North 20; SCBC 767; New York Sale LVIII, lot 1136 (hammer $11,000) = William L. Subjack Collection (Vecchi 11), lot 9 (same dies). Toned. Near EF. Rare. ($3000)

Trade across the North Sea and the Channel and political ties with Merovingian France stimulated the birth of an Anglo-Saxon gold coinage in the second quarter of the seventh century. The design of this thrymsa is based on late Roman solidi of the fourth century which bore a reverse depicting two seated co-emperors with a figure of Victory above.

Choice PADA PaIA Thrymsa

1107. ANGLO-SAXON, Transitional/Pre-Primary Phase. Circa 665/70-670/5. Pale AV Thrymsa – Shilling (11mm, 1.15 g, 7h). PADA series, Rigold PaIA. Mint in Kent. Helmeted bust right; annulets flanking helmet, clockwise around from lower left / Standard inscribed (PADA in Runic); above, cross with annulet terminals flanked by uncertain letters; to left and right; below, tufa decorated with pellet and two annulets, flanked by . Abramson, Gold 930; Abramson 1-10; MEC 8 table 3, 31; North 151; SCBC 768. Toned. EF. A choice example. Rare. ($4000)

With the handsome bust derived from a Constantinian prototype, and the distinctive runic inscription in the center of the standard on the reverse, type PaIA is the earliest, and stylistically the finest, of the enigmatic PADA issues.

Rare PADA Type IB Pale Gold Issue

1108. ANGLO-SAXON, Transitional/Pre-Primary Phase. Circa 665/70-670/5. Pale AV Thrymsa – Shilling (12mm, 1.27 g, 9h). PADA series, Rigold PaIB . Mint in Kent. Helmeted bust right; upwards to right, upwards to left / , standard inscribed . Abramson, Gold 990; Abramson 1-20; Sutherland 83; SCBI 67 (Abramson), 18 (same dies); SCBI 63 (BM), 32; North 32; SCBC 768A. Toned, porosity, light scratches, minor edge marks, edge chip. VF. Rare. ($2000)

From the James A. Lock Collection. Ex Gemini II (11 January 2006), lot 558; Classical Numismatic Group 37 (20 March 1996), lot 2544; Classical Numismatic Group 28 (8 December 1993), lot 659.

1109. ANGLO-SAXON, Secondary Sceattas. Circa 730-750. AR Sceatt (12mm, 0.95 g, 12h). Series QIID. Mint in East Anglia (Mid-Suffolk). Quadruped standing left, with cross-tipped tail; pellets around / Bird standing left; crosses over shoulder and to left, pellets around. Abramson 64-100; MEC 8 Series Qb; North –; SCBC 809. Iridescent toning. EF. Rare. ($1000)

From the James A. Lock Collection.

1110. ANGLO-SAXON, Archbishops of Canterbury. Æthelheard, with Offa of Mercia as overlord. 792/3-805. AR Penny (19.5mm, 1.27 g, 3h). Three-line type. Canterbury mint. Struck circa 792/3-796. Ḩ ¨ዞዝዢ⌦ / Hዞ¨ʼዝ / ¨ʼæዞዩ in three lines / Ḩ Ȯ Ḩ / ḦมḦ ℽዟዟ¨ / Ḩ ʼዞҢ / in three lines. Chick 247d-e (same obv. die); SCBI 67 (BM), 747 (same obv. die); North 229; SCBC 885. Toned. Near EF. ($5000)

In 792 Offa of Mercia increased the weight of the Penny following a similar reform to the Denier by Charlemagne in France. This superb coin was struck for Archbishop Aethelheard acknowledging Offa’s overlordship. Kent had been the first Anglo-Saxon kingdom to convert to Christianity and the bishop of Canterbury, the capital of Kent, gained a primacy in the early English church. This was recognized by the award of minting rights to Archbishops by successive monarchs.

Strong Offa Portrait

1111. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Offa. 757-796. AR Penny (16mm, 1.27 g, 5h). Light coinage, portrait type. London mint; Pendræd, moneyer. Struck circa 785-792/3. Bust right; in tablet to right, ℽዟዟa , to left, ʼዞҏ ; serpent-like figure above / ม ዩ ģn ዝʼ ģዝ in angles of cross fleury, quatrefoil of pellets at center. Chick 67a-d var. (central rev. design); SCBI 9 (Ashmolean), 12 var. (same); North –; SCBC 905. Toned, old scratches and marks. VF. Strong portrait. ($2000)

From the Evergreen Collection.

Rare Beonna Sceatt

1112. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of East Anglia. Beonna. Circa 749-760/5. AR Sceatt (14mm, 0.97 g, 2h). Mint in northern East Anglia (Thetford?); Efe, moneyer. Struck circa 757-760/5. + ᛒᚾᚾᚪ  around pellet within beaded circle / Central lozenge with joined quincunx; /Ḧ/    in quadrants, triple-pellets flanking each letter. Archibald C51 (dies 11/28) = EMC 1985.0079 (this coin); SCBI 63 (BM) 784-831; North 430; SCBC 945. Find patina, minor mark. VF. Rare. The only recorded example from these dies. ($1500)

From the James A. Lock Collection. Ex Glendining (10 June 1985), lot 230. Found Hacheston, Suffolk, before 1985.

‘In the 750s or early 760s a little known East Anglian king, Beonna, introduced a reformed coinage with a regal inscription after the Northumbrian model and having on the reverse a geometrical design with a moneyer’s name as on earlier East Anglian issues. The initiative was to be short-lived; it did not survive the Mercian conquest of East Anglia and the imposition of the new penny of Frankish fabric which was to become the staple coin of England throughout the Middle Ages.’ Grierson, p. 36.

1113. ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Danish Northumbria). Imitations of Alfred the Great. Circa 885-915. AR Penny (20.5mm, 1.43 g, 4h). Two-line (’Guthram’) type. Uncertain mint; Ludig, moneyer. ม ዞ⌦ ዟr ዞዝ ʼዞ , small cross pattée / ⌦⎍ዝዢ / ű ዦɭ in two lines; pellet between. SCBI 48 (Northern), 887 (same dies); BMC 353 var. (obv. legend; Alfred); North 475/1; SCBC 966. Old cabinet toning. Good VF. ($2500)

From the Evergreen Collection.

The line between the official two-line coinage of Alfred and the Viking imitations is a blurry one. As the present example die matches an ex Cuerdale Hoard coin attributed in SCBI 48 as an imitation, we are following that description.

1114. ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Danish Northumbria). Cnut. Circa 900-905. AR Penny (29mm, 1.44 g, 12h). Class IIe/Cunneti type. York mint. Ḷ ü n ⎍ ˸ ʼ Ḷ ዞ ҟ arranged around inverted patriarchal cross with pellets in upper angles / ม ü⎍n Ḷ nዞ˸ Ḷ ˸ዢ , short cross pattée with pellets in second and third quarters. SCBI 29 (Merseyside), 252 var. (obv. symbols); BMC 975 var. (same); North 501; SCBC 993. Old cabinet toning. Near EF. ($750)

From the Evergreen Collection.

Alfred Penny – Ex Lockett, Bruun, Montagu, & Brice

1115. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great. 871-899. AR Penny (20mm, 1.44 g, 6h). Two-line type (BMC xiv). Canterbury mint; Dunning, moneyer. Struck circa 880-899. ม ዞ⌦ዟʼዞዝ ʼዞX ዝℽʼℽ , small cross pattée / ዝ⎍nnዢ / nü ዦℽ in two lines; pellets above and below, three pellets between. SCBI –; BMC 19; North 638; SCBC 1069. Old cabinet toning. Good VF. Well struck. ($3000)

Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CX.3 (June 2002), no. HS1060; Spink 69 (20 April 1989), lot 56; R.C. Lockett Collection (Part III, Glendnining, 4 November 1958), lot 2708 (part of); L.E. Bruun (Part I, Sotheby & Co., 18 May 1925), lot 66; H. Montagu (Part I, Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 18 November 1895), lot 514 (part of); W. Brice Collection (purchased en bloc by Montagu, 1887).

Alfred the Great (871-899), King of Wessex, succeeded his brother Aethelred I and bought a respite so that he could strengthen Wessex against future Danish attacks. He is the only English monarch to ever earn the epithet “the Great.” Alfred implemented legal, administrative, and military reforms that ensured that his successors would unite all England and end the Danish threat. A scholar, he translated into English Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy and, in tandem with his biographer Bishop Asser, sponsored a general revival of letters and arts in England. In 878, he negotiated the Treaty of Wedmore dividing England into an expanded Kingdom of Wessex and the Danelaw. In 880, Alfred recaptured London and in celebration struck splendid pennies bearing the city’s monogram.

1116. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Eadmund. 939-946. AR Penny (22mm, 1.43 g, 9h). Horizontal-Rosette 1 (HR 1) type (BMC i). Mint in the east Midlands; Wulfgar, moneyer. ม ዞ©ዝዦ⎍nዝ ʼዞม , small cross pattée / ዩ⎍üüű© / ʼüӲ ዦɭͿ in two lines; rosettes above and below, three crosses between. CTCE 230; cf. SCBI 64 (Grosvenor), 304-312 (for similar); North 691; SCBC 1105. Toned, minor deposits, slight edge loss. Near EF. ($1000)

From the Evergreen Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 42 (29 May 1997), lot 1454. Edmund (939-946), the son of Edward the Elder and his third wife, Queen Eadgifu, succeeded his half-brother and issued numerous charters and three law codes. He faced challenges from the Hiberno-Norse sea kings of Dublin who battled to secure York.

1117. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. 946-955. AR Penny (22mm, 1.18 g, 3h). Horizontal-Trefoil 1 (HT 1) type (BMC i). Mint in the Midlands or South; Beso, moneyer. ม ዞ©ዝʼዞዝ ʼዞม , small cross pattée / ዛዞӲዞ ዦ / ɭnዞͿɭ in two lines; trefoils above and below, three crosses between. CTCE 14; SCBI 34 (BM), 507 var. (rev. legend); North 706; SCBC 1113. Toned, areas of weak strike, a few scratches under tone. VF. Very rare moneyer, and with an unusual reading of MONETO. ($750)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 91 (19 September 2012), lot 1460 .

Eadred (946-955), King of Wessex, succeeded his older brother Edmund, but he suffered from ill health and failed to regain control of York from the Hiberno-Norse.

1118. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Confessor. 1042-1066. AR Penny (19mm, 1.35 g, 4h). Hammer Cross type (BMC xi, Hild. G). Hastings mint; Wulfric, moneyer. Struck circa 1059-1062. ม ዞ²ዝዩ²ʼ ʼዝ ʼዞ , crowned bust right, scepter before / ม ዩ⎍⌦ዟʼዢü ɭn H ® ˞Ϳዢ , voided cross, arms terminating in inward-facing crescents. Freeman 68 (this coin cited); SCBI 30 (American), 629-30 (same dies); North 828; SCBC 1182. Old cabinet toning. Near EF. ($750)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular LXXVIII.7-8 (July-August 1970), no. 8310.

Edward the Confessor, the son of Aethelred II and Emma, grew up an exile at the Norman court and was more inclined to the life of a monk rather than a king. The English nobility headed by Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex, invited him to assume the throne because they feared Magnus the Good of Norway would assert his claim at the head of a Viking fleet. The pennies of Edward’s long and troubled reign carry an imaginative range of types.

1119. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Harold II. 1066. AR Penny (18mm, 1.29 g, 6h). Pax type (BMC i, Hild. A). Lews mint; Osweald, moneyer. ม ዡ©ʼɭ⌦ዝ ʼዞҟ ©nű⌦ , crowned head left, scepter to left / ม ɭәዩɭ⌦ዝ ɭn ⌦ዞዩዞዞዢ , ዩ a ҟ across central field. King 278, pl. XXX, 35 (same dies); SCBI 1 (Fitzwilliam), 972-3 (same dies); North 836; SCBC 1186. Deeply toned, areas of weak strike, double struck on obverse. Good VF. ($3000)

Purchased by the consignor from Silbury Coins. November 2015.

Harold II Godwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England (5 January - 14 October 1066). The reverse type of PAX was a hopeful pledge to his subjects that he could defend England from the two other contenders: Harald Hardrada of Norway and William, the Duke of Normandy. Harold won a decisive victory over Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge (25 September 1066), but risked battle against Duke William too soon and fell at Hastings.

1120. NORMAN. William I ‘the Conqueror’. 1066-1087. AR Penny (19mm, 1.21 g, 8h). Profile/Cross Fleurée (BMC i). Romney mint; Wulfmær, moneyer. Struck 1066-circa 1068. ม

®T ʼ

, crowned bust left; scepter to left /

ʼዢዢ , cross fleurée, with pellet-in-annulet at center. SCBI 12 (Ashmolean), 11-7 (same dies); BMC 39-41 (same dies); North 839; SCBC 1250. Toned, edge split, flan crack, surfaces cracks. Near VF. ($1000)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex David Hess FPL 2-68 (February 1968), no. 173.

The Battle of Hastings, fought on 14 October 1066, is one of the decisive events in English history. The death of Harold II, felled famously by an arrow in the eye, marked the end of some 500 years of Anglo-Saxon rule and civilization. On Christmas Day 1066, the victor, William, Duke of Normandy, was crowned in Westminster Abbey and by 1070 the Norman conquest of England was effectively complete. In his new realm William found a highly efficient monetary system that he wisely retained.

1121. NORMAN. Henry I. 1100-1135. AR Penny (20mm, 1.25 g, 11h). Pellets in Quatrefoil type (BMC xiv). London mint; Ordgar, moneyer. Struck circa 1123. [ แ ] ƌĩnʼƩæѝs ʼĩҟ , crowned facing bust, holding scepter; star to right / แ ɭʼēŷ¥ʼ [ Ḧ ɭ ] n Ḧ ǹѝnēĩn , quatrefoil with central star and three pellets in each limb; lis in each quarter. SCBI 27 (Lincolnshire), 223941; BMC 142 var. (legends); North 870; SCBC 1275. Toned, minor marks, some minor roughness. VF. ($750)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Triton XV (4 January 2012), lot 1888.

Henry I married Matilda of Scotland (Good Queen Maud), who was the granddaughter of Edward Aethling, the son of Edmund Ironside. By this marriage, Henry united the Norman royal family to the house of Wessex. In 1106, at the Battle of Tinchebray (28 September 1106), Henry defeated his elder brother Duke Robert Curthose and so united the thrones of England and Normandy.

MS 64 Calais Noble – Ex Doubleday

1122. PLANTAGENET. Edward III. 1327-1377. AV Noble (34mm, 6h). Fourth coinage, Treaty B period, Group b. Calais mint. Struck 1361-1369. Ed ѾaRd Ḻ dEi Ḻ ŷRa Ḻ REҞ Ḻ aNŷǹ Ḻ dNS Ḻ ƌҼÝ # ⎜ # aʠ Ϳ= , Edward standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; ornaments -11-11, ropes 3/2, quatrefoils 4/4, lis 4 / ๘ iƌý Ḻ aѝͿEM Ḻ ͿRaNSiENS

Ḻ ʖER Ḻ MEdiѝ Ḻ iǣǣɨRѝM Ḻ iÝ¥Ϳ , voided short cross potent over cross fleurée; in each angle, crown over lion passant over voided trefoil; at center, ý within quadrilobe; all within polylobe, with trefoils in spandrels. Lawrence 3; Schneider 96; Doubleday 266 (this coin); North 1235; SCBC 1505. In NGC encapsulation 3743670-013, graded MS 64. ($10,000)

Ex Künker 251 (3 July 2014), lot 3058; Heritage 3030 (6 January 2014), lot 24045; Dr. Robert Hesselgesser Collection (Goldberg 42, 23 September 2007), lot 789; Goldberg 37 (10 September 2006), lot 3638; Gordon V. Doubleday Collection (Glendining, 7 June 1972), lot 266.

At the Treaty of Bretigny, ratified in October 1360, Edward III renounced his claim to the throne of France in return for recognition of his right to rule a host of French territories without doing homage for them. A new coinage was ordered for the Tower mint of London and the recently opened mint at Calais to reflect the change in the king’s titles and also to convert the huge quantities of gold paid by the French as a ransom for their king, Jean II, captured by the English at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356.

Edward’s new ‘Treaty period’ coinage, in the words of Potter ‘undoubtedly represents the highest level of workmanship reached during the reign.’ The gold in particular, struck from deeply engraved dies of excellent style, ‘was as perfect as technical skill could care to make it.’

1123. PLANTAGENET. Edward III. 1327-1377. AV Half Noble (27mm, 3.92 g, 4h). Fourth coinage, Treaty period, Group a. London mint. Struck 1361-1369. # ED ѾaRD Ḻ DEi Ḻ ŷ Ḻ REҞ Ḻ aNŷǹ Ḻ DNS Ḻ ƌҼÝ # ⎜ # aʠ Ϳ= , Edward standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; ornaments -11-11, ropes 3/2, quatrefoils 3/2, lis 4 / ๘ dɨ⍴ƩNE Ḻ NE Ḻ fѝRɨRE Ḻ ˸ѝɨ Ḻ aRŷѝaS Ḻ ⍴E , voided short cross potent over cross fleurée; in each angle, crown over lion passant over voided trefoil; at center, E within quadrilobe; all within polylobe, with trefoils in spandrels. Lawrence 1; Schneider 80 var. (legend stops); North 1238; SCBC 1506. Lightly toned, scrape and associated dent, slight crimp to edge. EF. Crisply struck and in high grade. ($1500)

From the Evergreen Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 2925.

1124. PLANTAGENET. Edward III. 1327-1377. AV Quarter Noble (19mm, 1.90 g, 1h). Fourth coinage, Treaty period, group b. London mint. Struck 1361-1369. ๘

⍒NŷL , coat-of-arms within double polylobe with lis on cusps / ๘ ĿҞ⍒LͿ⍒BƩͿV⎀

, ornate cross with lis at ends and in center; lion passant in angles; all within double polylobe. Lawrence 1; Schneider 90; North 1244; SCBC 1511. A few marks. VF. ($1000)

Ex Arthur M. Fitts III Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 1383; T. H. Law Collection (Stacks, Bowers & Ponterio 176, 13 August 2013), lot 20011, purchased from Ford, 1973.

1125. LANCASTER. Henry V. 1413-1422. AR Farthing (9mm, 0.30 g, 11h). Class G. London (Tower) mint. ม ƌENˆƩý

, crowned facing bust /

dɨN , long cross pattée, triple pellets in quarters. Withers Type 2, 6/a; North 1413; SCBC 1798. Toned. Good VF. An excellent example of this very rare little coin. ($1000)

Bold Portrait

1126. LANCASTER. Henry VI. First reign, 1422-1461. AV Noble (33mm, 6.92 g, 12h). Annulet issue. London mint; im: –/lis. Struck 1422-circa 1430. ƌENˆƩý ჭ dƩ= $ ŷˆa= $ ˆEҢ $ aNŷǭ $ ⎜ $ fˆaNý= $ dNS $ ƌҼÝ , Henry standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; ornaments 1-1-1, ropes 2/1, quatrefoils 3/3 / ჭ Ʃƌ=ý ᛋ aѝͿ=ი ͿˆaNSƩENS

⍴EdƩѝ⍴ ი Ʃǭǭɨˆѝ=ი ƩÝaͿ , voided short cross potent over cross fleurée; in each angle, crown over lion passant over voided trefoil; at center, ƌ within quadrilobe; all within polylobe, with trefoils in spandrels. Whitton, Heavy 4f; Schneider 279 (same obv. die); North 1414; SCBC 1799. Areas of weak strike. EF. Bold portrait. ($4000)

From the Evergreen Collection, purchased from Steinberg, 1996.

The only son and heir of Henry V and Catherine de Valois, and the grandson and heir of Charles VI of France, Henry VI was a person in whom many great expectations were invested, but who, because of his age and mental ill-health, not only precipitated the onset of the so-called “Wars of the Roses”, but also reinvigorated French confidence in the Hundred Years War through English mismanagement and the appearance of Jeanne d’Arc.

Henry VI, a baby of only nine months, became king in 1422 with the sudden death of his father. During the king’s minority, a tripartite regency was established, made up of the king’s uncles. By 1424, however, factionalism between the regents began to arise, so that by 1429 when Henry VI achieved his majority, many of the successes of Henry V in France were lost.

1127. YORK. Edward IV. First reign, 1461-1470. AV Ryal (34mm, 7.62 g, 8h). Light coinage, type VII. York mint; im: –/lis. Struck 1461-1464. EdѾaˆd= $ dƩ= $ ŷˆa= $ ˆEҢ $ aNŷǭ= $ ⎜ $ fˆaNý= $ $ dNS= ƩÝ= $ ᚤ , Edward standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; Ŀ on banner at stern, rose on hull, small Ŀ in waves / ჭ Ʃƌý= $ aѝͿ= $ ͿˆaNSƩENS ! ʁEˆ ! ⍴EdƩѝ⍴ ! Ʃǭǭɨˆѝ ! ƩÝaͿ $, radiant sun, with rose in center, over floreate cross with lis at ends; in each quarter, crown above lion passant left; all within tressure of eight arches, with trefoils in spandrels. Blunt & Whitton type VII; Schneider (Additions) 423B var. (legend stops); North 1553; SCBC 1957. Flan crack, edge marks. VF. ($2000)

From the Evergreen Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 42 (29 March 1997), lot 1464.

The restoration of Edward IV to the English throne was one episode in the thirty-year dynastic conflict known to history as the “Wars of the Roses” (1455-1485). So-named because of the roses employed by the competing houses – a red one for the Lancastrians and a white one for the Yorkists – the war was the result of the conflict that occurred between the sons of Edward III and their respective descendants in competition for the English throne. Beginning with the deposition in 1399 of Richard II by Henry Bolingbroke (subsequently Henry IV), the Lancastrian branch became the ruling family. The untimely death of Henry’s successor, Henry V in 1422, left the throne to the infant Henry VI. Until 1437, when he achieved his majority, the country was ruled by regents; after this, Henry’s own inability to rule effectively, as well as his personal insanity, created a volatile political instability that allowed for the rise of the Yorkists. In 1461, Henry VI was deposed by Edward, Duke of York, who became Edward IV. Edward, through the support of his cousin, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick (“The Kingmaker”) consolidated his position as king, but the two fell out over Edward’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, the widow of a Lancastrian sympathizer. Warwick rebelled, capturing Edward, but subsequently being compelled by the nobles to release him. In 1470, Warwick again rebelled, restoring Henry VI (who had been in the Tower since 1465) again briefly to the throne. Following the decisive Battle of Tewkesbury on 4 May 1471, Edward IV was restored as king and Henry VI, deposed for the final time, was re-imprisoned in the Tower, where he died a little over two weeks later. Edward and the House of York now ruled unopposed, since direct Lancastrian opposition had been checked. Only Henry Tudor, the great-great grandson of John of Gaunt, remained – an exile in France.

1128. YORK (Restored). Richard III. 1483-1485. AR Groat (25mm, 3.04 g, 2h). Type 3. London mint; im: sun and rose 2. Struck circa June 1484–22 August 1485. (sun and rose) ˆƩýaˆd dƩ ᚤ ŷˆa ᚤ ˆEҢ ᚤ aNŷǭ ᚤ ⎜ ᚤ fˆaNý= , crowned facing bust within tressure of arches; fleurs on cusps / (sun and rose) ʁɨSѝƩ dEѝ⍴ ᚤ a dƩѝͿɨˆE=ᚤ ⍴Eѝ⍴ / ýƩѝƩ ˸aS ǭɨN dɨN , long cross pattée; triple pellets in quarters. Winstanley 12; North 1679; SCBC 2157. Iridescent toning with hints of luster, chip. Near EF. ($2000)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection, purchased from Wolfe Coin.

1129. STUART. Charles I. 1625-1649. AV Unite (34mm, 9.02 g, 10h). Group A, class II. Tower (London) mint; im: lis. Struck 1625. ჭ CAROLVS · D : G : MAG : BRI : FR : ET · HI : REX ·, crowned first bust right, wearing coronation robes and large ruff; XX (mark of value) to right / FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA ჭ , crowned coat-of-arms. Schneider, Tower, Group A, Class II; Brooker 23-5 var. (legend stops); Schneider 115 var. (same); North 2146; SCBC 2685. Lightly toned, hairlines and scratches, edge split, double struck. Near EF. ($2000)

From the Michael Casick Collection of British Hammered Coins, purchased from Wolfshead Gallery, March 2018. Ex Baldwin’s of St. James’s 13 (27 November 2017), lot 126.

1130. STUART. Charles I. 1625-1649. AR Halfcrown (35mm, 15.30 g, 12h). Type 6. York mint; im: lion passant. Struck 1643-1644. (lion passant) CAROLVS · D : G MAG · BRIT · FRAN · ET · HIB · REX ·, Charles on horseback left, holding sword and reins; EBOR below / · CHRISTO (small floral spray) AVSPICE (small floral spray) REGNO (lion passant) ·, crowned coat-of-arms, square topped shield; crowned C R flanking. Bull 570; Brooker 1082-3; Besly, York 3-C; North 2314; SCBC 2868. Old cabinet toning with hints of underlying luster, minor flan flaws. EF. ($2000)

From the Michael Casick Collection of British Hammered Coins. Ex Baldwin’s FPL (Summer 2013), no. BH069; Baldwin’s FPL (Winter 2008), no. BH048.

Very Rare Worcester Mint Halfcrown

1131. STUART. Charles I. 1625-1649. AR Halfcrown (34mm, 14.08 g, 8h). Worcester mint; im: –. Struck 1644-1645. CAROLVS Ḽ D Ḽ G Ḽ MAG Ḽ BR Ḽ FRAN Ḽ ET Ḽ HI Ḽ RX, Charles on horseback left, holding sword and reins / CHRISTO ḥ AVSPICE ḥ REGNO, crowned coat-of-arms. Allen, Mints C-17; Brooker 1149 (same dies); Bull 669/17; North 2592; SCBC 3100. Old cabinet toning, ragged edge, some cabinet friction. Near VF. Very rare. Only four of this variety known to Bull. ($2000)

From the Michael Casick Collection of British Hammered Coins.

1132. STUART, Siege money. Newark. 1645-1646. AR Shilling (25x25mm, 4.97 g, 12h). In the name of Charles I. Dated 1645. Large crown; C R flanking, XII (mark of value) below / OBS :/ NEWARK/ 1645. Brooker 1224 var. (rev. legend); North 2640; SCBC 3143. Old cabinet toning, scratches. VF. ($1000)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CXX.3 (September 2013), no. EH5003.

Beautiful Early Die State Cromwell Crown

1133. COMMONWEALTH. Oliver Cromwell. Lord Protector, 1653-1658. AR Crown. Blondeau’s mint, Drury House, London. Dies by Thomas Simon. Dated 1658/7. Lessen E12; Bull 240; ESC 10; SCBC 3226. Rich dappled cabinet toning with some underlying luster. In NGC encapsulation 2118346-002, graded MS 61. Rare. A very early strike bearing virtually no trace of the characteristic obverse die flaw. ($7500)

From the Deer Creek Collection. Ex Mildenhall Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Keystone 5, 13 October 2021), lot 1; Spink 98 (16 June 1993), lot 449; Capt. H. E. Paget Collection (Glendining, 25 September 1946), lot 194; E. Yates Collection, purchased by Baldwin 1939; H. Temple Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 26 November 1901), lot 55.

1134. COMMONWEALTH. Oliver Cromwell. Lord Protector, 1653-1658. AR Shilling. Blondeau’s mint, Drury House, London. Dies by Thomas Simon. Dated 1658. Lessen J28; ESC 1005; North 2745; SCBC 3228. Toned with traces of luster in legends. EF. ($1500)

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection, purchased from Wolfe.

“The Sweeter of the two...”

Extremely Rare and Important Pattern Crown in Gold

1135. STUART. Charles II. 1660-1685. Proof AV Pattern Crown (39mm, 52.74 g, 6h). Tower (London) mint. Dies by John Roettiers. Dated 1662. CAROLVS · II · DEI · GRATIA, laureate head right / · MAG · BR · FRA · ET · HIB · REX · 16 62, crowned cruciform coats-of-arms with interlocking Cs in quarters; rayed Garter star at center. Edge: DECVS · ET · TVTAMEN. W&R 50 (this coin cited); Linecar & Stone 1A (this coin cited); Bull 426; Bull, Gold p. 208, RRGA1 (this coin illustrated); ESC 69. Lustrous surfaces with splashes of warm red color. Roettier’s iconic portrait accentuated by cameo frost. In NGC encapsulation 6066350-049, graded PF 63 Cameo. Extremely rare, one of only five in private hands. The most extensively provenanced example and arguably the finest, with only the Montagu specimen in contention. Top Pop. ($750,000)

Ex Paramount Collection (Heritage 3096, 25 March 2021), lot 30294; Heritage 296 (30 July 2002), lot 12106; John Jay Pittman Collection (Part III, David Akers, 6 August 1999), lot 3834 (illustrated on front cover); Palace Collections of Egypt [King Farouk] (Sotheby’s, 24 February 1954), lot 810; John G. Murdoch Collection (Part II, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 8 June 1913), lot 616 (£130); Simpson Rostron Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 16 May 1892), lot 378 (purchased from Spink); William Lloyd Collection (S. Leigh Sotheby & John Wilkinson, 27 July 1857), lot 224 (part of; “Charles II, Crown, with numerals…”); Duke of Devonshire Collection (Christie & Mason, 26 March 1844), lot 504; Marmaduke Trattle Collection (Sotheby & Son, 30 May 1832), lot 3068; Thomas Dummer Collection (Gerard, 28 June 1785), lot 59; likely Thomas Lee Dummer Collection (†1765).

In the early years of the restored Stuart monarchy, the mint’s sole priority was to convert bullion into coin as quickly and cheaply as possible, resulting in nearly two years of production of hammered coinage. Abortive steps had been made to modernize their equipment by Frenchman Pierre Blondeau under the Commonwealth, including rolling and blank production, but had been resisted by the coiners of the Tower mint. Nevertheless, Blondeau was authorized to strike gold and silver portrait coins of Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell in 1656, and was granted the use of Drury House for the purpose. By 1662, the time had come for the Tower mint to fully modernize and adopt the new widespread technology of the screw press. But who was to engrave the dies for this new, milled coinage?

The engraving of the portrait punches for the 1660-1662 hammered coinage had initially been given to Chief Engraver Thomas Rawlins, a royalist who had previously engraved the impressive city view Oxford crown for Charles I. Rawlins failed to follow through, instead hiring Thomas Simon as an outside engraver and directing him to undertake the task. It was Simon’s work with these puncheons that made him an obvious choice for the new milled dies. The competition would come from John (Jan) Roettiers and his brother, Joseph. The Roettiers brothers arrived in England from Antwerp in 1661 at the invitation of King Charles himself. Their father, Philip Roettiers, had lent the king money during his exile, and the pair were obviously well-connected at court from the moment of their arrival. Thomas Simon, in contrast, had remained in England during the Commonwealth and had in fact even engraved the dies for Blondeau’s portrait coinage of Oliver Cromwell. Both engravers were ordered to prepare dies for Unites and Crowns, resulting in what is undoubtedly the most famous contest in numismatics.

Roettiers submitted two designs: one with a laureate head of the king (as on the present coin), and another with a laureate and draped bust. He also employed a variety of edges, including DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An ornament & safeguard), the same with the addition of the date 1662, and a plain edge. These patterns were well received, including by the diarist Samuel Pepys, who viewed both these and Simon’s Cromwell crowns over diner at the Tower, where he was joined by John Roettiers. Pepys writes, “[Mint official Henry Slingsby] extolls those of Rotyr’s above the others; and, indeed, I think they are the better, because the sweeter of the two…” (9 March 1662/63)

Thomas Simon, however, did not immediately respond. Evidently consumed by his other work for the Mint and its associated problems, his response to the Roettiers patterns were not struck until 1663. That response exhibits a superbly detailed baroque portrait coupled with two edge varieties, known as the famous “Petition” and “Reddite” crowns. The latter urges the reader, REDDITE QVÆ CAESARIS CAESARI &CT POST (Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s…), while the former “petitions” the King to compare this work to that of the Roettiers. Despite Pepys’s praise for his competitors, it is Simon’s entries that are today held as the pinnacle of English numismatic art.

Ultimately, the task of engraving the dies for the new milled coinage was awarded to Roettiers. Court politics undoubtedly played some role in the decision, but technical problems with Simon’s other work for the mint, particularly the high failure rate of his puncheons, must also have been a contributing factor. (See C.E. Challines, A New History of the Royal Mint [Cambridge, 1992], p. 348-351)

The exquisite example offered in this lot is one of a precious handful of specimens from the famous contest known in gold. It was one of John Jay Pittman’s favorite of the many coins he owned and often featured in his numerous exhibits of British coins. Bull (English Silver Coins, 6th ed. [2015]) and W&R both note four known examples, to which six more can be added. A corpus of known specimens is listed below.

1) The present example. Ex Paramount Collection (Heritage 3096, 25 March 2021), lot 30294; Heritage 296 (30 July 2002), lot 12106; John Jay Pittman Collection (Part III, David Akers, 6 August 1999), lot 3834 (illustrated on front cover); Palace Collections of Egypt [King Farouk] (Sotheby’s, 24 February 1954), lot 810; John G. Murdoch Collection (Part II, Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 8 June 1913), lot 616 (£130); Simpson Rostron Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 16 May 1892), lot 378 (purchased Spink); William Lloyd Collection (S. Leigh Sotheby & John Wilkinson, 27 July 1857), lot 224 (part of; “Charles II, Crown, with numerals…”); Duke of Devonshire Collection (Christie & Mason, 26 March 1844), lot 504; Marmaduke Trattle Collection (Sotheby & Son, 30 May 1832), lot 3068; Thomas Dummer Collection (Gerard, 28 June 1785), lot 59; likely Thomas Lee Dummer Collection (†1765)

2) H. Montagu (Part III, Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 13 November 1896), lot 823 (purchased by Rollin); W. Brice Collection (collection acquired en block by Montagu in 1887); H.H. Duncombe (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 21 June 1869) lot 155; J. Baker (S. Leigh Sotheby & John Wilkinson, 1 June 1855), lot 54; Thomas Thomas (S. Leigh Sotheby & Co., 23 February 1844), lot 915. The inclusion of Trattle in the description from the Montagu catalog is erroneous and should refer to the plain edge version.

3) Numismatica Genevensis 22 (24 November 2025), lot 239 (Hewitt pedigree appears erroneous); Monnaies de Collection 10 (13 October 2022), lot 1023 (NGC PF 61)

4) Christie’s (18 February 1992), lot 500; Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 717 (May 1978), no. A460

5) Vivian Hewitt Collection (Glendining, 13 April 1972), lot 373

6) British Museum E.3465

7) Royal Mint Museum (Hocking, Catalogue of the Coins, Tokens, Medals, Dies, and Seals in the Museum of the Royal Mint. Vol. I: Coins and Tokens [London, 1906], no. 1358)

8) National Museum of Scotland (Holmes, “The Lindsay Carnegie Collection at the National Museums of Scotland,” in BNJ 74 [2004], p. 149); Lindsay Carnegie (1840-1911) Collection

9) Hunterian Museum. Ex William Hunter Collection

10) Hunterian Museum. Ex Thomas Coats Collection

Very Rare Pattern Farthing in Silver

1136. STUART (ORANGE). William III & Mary. 1688-1694. Pattern AR Farthing (22mm, 4.05 g, 6h). Tower (London) mint. Dated 1694. GVLIELMVS · ET · MΛRIΛ, jugate busts of William, laureate and cuirassed, and Mary, draped, right / BRITAN NIΛ ·, Britannia seated left on globe, holding branch and scepter, resting arm on coat-of-arms; 1694 in exergue. Double exergue line. Peck 624. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6134512-013, graded MS 63. Very rare. Top Pop. ($2000)

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 93 (22 May 2013), lot 889 (hammer $2400); Classical Numismatic Group 91 (19 September 2012), lot 1547; Colin D. Cooke Collection (Colin Cooke, 26 May 2006), lot 630, purchased from Spink, 1969; Charles Wilson Peck Collection; Dr. E. C. Carter Collection.

Pre-Union Date, Post-Union Type

1137. STUART. Anne. 1702-1714. AV 5 Guineas. Dated 1706. Transitional issue dated before the Union, but with PostUnion types. Holloway 68; Bull, Gold 448; MCE 200; Schneider 599; SCBC 3566. Warm red toning. In NGC encapsulation 6066351-003, graded MS 61. Rare. ($150,000)

Ex Paramount Collection (Heritage 3096, 25 March 2021), lot 30310.

The monarchies of England and Scotland had been in personal union since the accession of James VI of Scotland to the throne of England as James I following death of Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1602. This arrangement was not always comfortable for the two neighboring countries, particularly under Charles I and the restored Stuart monarchs later in the 17th century, and the two parliaments often found themselves opposed. On 22 July 1706, the Treaty of Union was signed by the two countries, officially beginning the process of joining the two nations to be completed on 1 May 1707, when the Parliament of Scotland and the Parliament of England each signed the respective Acts of Union.

This imposing gold 5 Guineas bears the features the 1706 date combined with the coat-of-arms of England and Scotland, adopted on the rest of the English coinage in 1707, indicating it was produced in the intervening period between the Treaty of Union and the Acts of Union.

1138. HANOVER. George III. 1760-1820. AR Dollar. Struck 1797. Oval countermark of George III on a Lima mint pillar type 8 Reales dated 1795 (LIMÆ) IJ 8 Reales. Bull 1858; ESC 133; SCBC 3765A. Iridescent toning with underlying luster. In NGC encapsulation 8409906-015, graded MS 62, c/s: UNC Strong. ($1500)

In the late 18th century, the circulating coinage in Britain was in a pathetic state. Counterfeit coins, both in copper and silver, were the rule, rather than the exception. The Royal mint, rather than competing with the flood of false issues, simply shut its doors.

In 1788, industrialist Matthew Boulton stepped in to attempt to reform the copper coinage where the government would not. A wealthy industrialist and partner of the steam-engine inventor James Watt, Boulton had made his fortune manufacturing other small metallic objects. Using the steam technology at his disposal, he created the first modern mint at Soho in Birmingham. Yet Boulton was initially unable to obtain a patent to strike coinage and instead opened his mint to merchants. The vast majority of provincial tokens struck in England at this time originated from the Soho mint.

Meanwhile, the Bank of England endeavored to stabilize the silver coinage. Taking Spanish eight reales coins, they stamped on them a small image of King George, valuing them at a dollar of five shillings. This simple solution did not fare well with the public, as they were extremely easy to counterfeit. The failed issue spawned a popular nursery rhyme, “The Bank to make their Spanish dollars pass/Stamped the head of a fool on the head of an ass.” The Bank soon turned to Boulton and his steam presses. By 1805, fully struck dollars from the Soho mint could be seen in change.

The Rarest Una & the Lion Pattern

1139. HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. Proof Pattern AV 5 Pounds (37mm, 38.38 g, 12h). London mint. Dies by W. Wyon. Dated 1839. VICTORIA D : G : BRITANNIARUM REGINA F : D :, head left with hair bound in two fillets, the first with six full scrolls showing above the lock of hair, the second with eleven leaves / DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS, Victoria (as Lady Una) leading lion left, holding scepter and globus cruciger; MDCCCXXXIX in exergue. Edge: plain. Holloway 1d; W&R 280; Linecar & Stone 19A var. (struck here in gold); Bull, Gold 1051; SCBC 3851. In NGC encapsulation 8396372-001, graded PF 62 Ultra Cameo. Extremely rare. W&R gave this variety a rarity rating of 7, placing it among the rarest of the famous Una & the Lion patterns. Five additional examples can be found in CoinArchives. Top Pop. ($200,000)

In Edmund Spenser’s 1590 epic poem The Faerie Queene, the Lady Una quests to free her parents, who are being held captive by a dragon. Separated from the Redcrosse knight, the young woman is set upon by a vicious lion.

It fortuned out of the thickest wood

A ramping Lyon rushed suddainly, Soone as the royall virgin he did spy, With gaping mouth at her ran greedily, To haue attonce deuour’d hr tender corse: But to the pray when as he drew more ny, His blodue rage asswaged with remorse, And with the sight amazd, forgat his furious forse.

In stead thereof he kist her wearie feet, and lickt her lilly hands with fawning tong, As he her wronged innocence did weet.

O how can beautie maister the most strong, And simple truth subdue auenging wrong?

(Book 1, Canto 3)

The beast is struck by Una’s beauty and innocence, stopping him in his tracks, and joins the young woman on her journey. This scene saw a resurgence of popularity in the early 19th century, with many Victorians seeing in their new Queen Victoria the same beauty and innocence of Spenser’s Lady Una. Indeed, on this superb pattern 5 Pound, the great engraver William Wyon draws on the scene to combine the image from Spenser’s poem with the lion as a symbol of English royalty. Wyon’s work on this pattern is widely held by collectors to be among the finest examples of numismatic engraving in the entire English series.

Ex Murray, Lockett, & Sheriff MacKenzie

1140. SCOTLAND. James VI. 1567-1625. AR Ten Shillings (32mm, 5.96 g, 10h). Seventh coinage. Edinburgh mint; im: quatrefoil. Dated 1593. ḥ · IACOBVS · 6 · D · G · R · SCOTORVM ·, armored bust right / ḥ · NEMO · ME · IMPVNE · LACESSIT · 1593 ·, crowned thistle with three flowers. Burns 1; SCBI 58 (Edinburgh), 1512 (same rev. die); SCBC 5493. Iridescent toning, small edge split. Near EF. ($2000)

Ex Geoffrey Cope Collection; M. Rasmussen FPL 18 (Winter 2009/10), no. 291; J.K.R. Murray Collection (Spink 57, 29 April 1987), lot 254; N. Asherson (not in Spink sale); R.C. Lockett (Part II, Glendining, 26 October 1960), lot 937 (part of); Sheriff Mackenzie Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 21 February 1921), lot 332 (part of).

BRITISH MEDALS

The William Browne Prize – Presented to John Fraser, Linguist and Cryptographer

1141. HANOVER. Sir William Browne, President of the Royal College of Physicians. 1692-1774. AV Medal (35mm, 24.00 g, 10h). Cambridge University – William Browne Prize for Classical Odes and Epigrams. By L. Pingo. Dated 3 January 1692 and 1765. Presented to John Fraser, 1904. ESSE ET VIDERI, bust left; below, D · GVLIELMVS BROWNE · EQVES ·/ NAT III NON · IAN · A · I · MDCXCII / SVNT SVA PRAEMA LAVDI, student kneeling left, presenting scrolls to Apollo, seated left, resting hand on lyre and crowning the student with wreath; in exergue, ELECTVS COLL · MED/ LOND · PRAESES A · S/ MDCCLXV. Edge: JOHN FRASER 1904. Eimer, Pingo 52; BHM 92; Eimer 711. In PCGS encapsulation 50811011, graded SP 62. ($3000)

Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (12 August 2024), lot 40212; Baldwin’s 101 (28 September 2016), lot 3653.

The William Browne Prize for Classical Odes and Epigrams was established in the will of Sir William Browne, President of the Royal College of Physicians, upon his death in 1774. Medals of five-guinea weight were to be distributed to Cambridge undergraduates, with the first awarded in 1775. This particular example was awarded to John Fraser, then a student at Trinity College. Fraser would go on to become one of Britain’s greatest linguists, lecturing in Celtic at Aberdeen University and ultimately serving as the Jesus Professor of Celtic at Jesus College, Oxford. His linguistic accomplishments would even lead him to be tapped to join the elite group of codebreakers who deciphered the German Enigma cypher at Bletchley Park.

End of Session 4

Banti

GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY

Please refer to our online bibliography at www.cngcoins.com for a complete listing of specialized and general references used, and abbreviations.

ANCIENT

A. Banti. I grandi bronzi imperiali. 9 Vols. Florence. 1983-1986.

BMC Various authors. Catalogue of Greek Coins in the British Museum. 29 Vols. London. 1873-1927.

BMCRE

BN

Bodenstedt

H. Mattingly et al. Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum 6 Vols. London. 1932-1962.

J. Giard. Bibliothèque Nationale, catalogue des monnaies de l’empire romain. 3 Vols. Paris. 1976-present.

F. Bodenstedt. Die Elektronmünzen von Phokaia und Mytilene. Tübingen. 1981. Boehringer

E. Boehringer. Die Münzen von Syrakus. Berlin and Leipzig. 1929. Bopearachchi

O. Bopearachchi. Monnaies Gréco-Bactriennes et Indo-Grecques. Paris. 1991. Depeyrot

G. Depeyrot. Les monnaies d’or (Diocletian à Constantin I, Constantin II à Zenon). Wetteren. 1995-1996. Calicó

X. Calicó. The Roman avrei catalogue. 2 Vols. Barcelona. 2002.

CNS R. Calciati. Corpus Nummorum Siculorum: la monetazione di bronzo. 3 Vols. Italy. 1983-87.

Crawford M. Crawford. Roman Republican Coinage. 2 Vols. Cambridge. 1974.

CRI

D. Sear. The History and Coinage of the Roman Imperators 49-27 BC. London. 1998. Fischer-Bossert

W. Fischer-Bossert. Chronologie der Didrachmenprägung von Tarent 510-280 v.Chr. Berlin 1999. Flament

Hendin

C. Flament. Le monnayage en argent d’Athènes. De l’époque archaïque à l’époque hellénistique (c. 550-c. 40 av. J.-C.). Lovainla-Neuve. 2007.

D. Hendin. Guide to Biblical Coins. 6th Edition. New York. 2021. HN Italy

N.K. Rutter, ed. Historia Numorum. Italy London. 2001.

Kumar S. Kumar. Treasures of the Gupta Empire. A Catalogue of Coins of the Gupta Dynasty. San Francisco. 2017. Meshorer Y. Meshorer. A Treasury of Jewish Coins from the Persian Period to Bar Kokhba. Jerusalem. 2001.

MK R. Göbl. Münzprägung des Kušanreiches. Vienna. 1984.

MIR R. Göbl, et al. Moneta Imperii Romani. 5 Vols. Vienna. 1984-present.

Price M.J. Price. The Coinage in the Name of Alexander the Great and Philip Arrhidaeus London. 1991.

Prieur M. Prieur. A type corpus of the Syro-Phoenician tetradrachms and their fractions from 57 BC to AD 253. Lancaster. 2000.

RIC H. Mattingly, et al. The Roman Imperial Coinage. 10 Vols. London. 1923-1994.

RPC A. Burnett, et al. Roman Provincial Coinage 9 Vols. London and Paris. 1992-present.

RSC D. Sear, et al. Roman Silver Coins. 5 Vols. London. 1978-1987.

SC A. Houghton & C. Lorber. Seleucid Coins: A Comprehensive Catalog. 2 Parts. Lancaster. 2002 and 2008.

Sellwood D. Sellwood. An Introduction to the Coinage of Parthia 2nd edition. London. 1980.

SNG ANS Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, American Numismatic Society. New York. 1969-present.

SNG BM Black Sea Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, British Museum, 1: The Black Sea. London. 1993.

SNG Copenhagen Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Danish National Museum. Copenhagen. 1942-1979.

SNG BN Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Cabinet des Médailles, Bibliothèque Nationale. Paris. 1993-2001.

SNG Kayhan Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Turkey 1: The Muharrem Kayhan Collection Istanbul. 2002.

SNG Levante Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Switzerland; E Levante - Cilicia. Bern. 1986.

SNG Lloyd Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Lloyd Collection. London. 1933-1937.

SNG Lockett Sylloge Nummorum Greacorum, Lockett Collection London. 1938-1949.

SNG München Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, München Staatlische Münzsammlung. Berlin. 1968-present.

SNG von Aulock Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Sammlung Hans Von Aulock. Berlin. 1957-1968.

Starr C. Starr. Athenian coinage 480-449 BC London. 1970.

Svoronos J. Svoronos.

. Athens. 1904-08.

Traité E. Babelon. Traité des monnaies grecques et romaines. 9 Vols. Paris. 1901-1932. Weidauer L. Weidauer. Probleme der frühen Elektronprägung. Fribourg. 1975.

BYZANTINE, MEDIEVAL, WORLD, and BRITISH

Album S. Album. A Checklist of Popular Islamic Coins. 3rd ed. Santa Rosa. 2011. Biaggi E. Biaggi. Monete e zecche medievali italiane dal seculo VIII al seculo XV. Torino. 1992. Bitkin V. Bitkin. Composite Catalogue of Russian Coins. 2 vols. Kiev. 2003.

BMC Vandals W. Wroth. Catalogue of the Coins of the Vandals, Ostrogoths and Lombards and of the Empires of Thessalonica, Nicaea and Trebizond in the British Museum. London. 1911. (Reprinted as Western and Provincial Byzantine Coins in the British Museum.)

CIS S. Goron and J.P. Goenka. The Coins of the Indian Sultanates. New Delhi. 2001.

CNI Corpus Nummorum Italicorum. 20 Vols. Rome. 1910-1943.

Davenport J.S. Davenport. Various works on European crowns.

ESC H.A. Seaby & P.A. Rayner. The English Silver Coinage from 1649 London. 1992. Friedberg R. Friedberg. Gold Coins of the World. 8th ed. Clifton. 2009.

KM C.L. Krause & C. Mishler. Standard Catalogue of World Coins Krause Publications. Iola. Levinson R.A. Levinson. The Early Dated Coins of Europe. Clifton, NJ. 2007. Lunardi G. Lunardi. Le monete delle repubblica di genova. Genoa. 1975.

MEC P. Grierson & M. Blackburn. Medieval European Coinage Cambridge. 1986.

MIB W. Hahn. Moneta Imperii Byzantini. 3 Vols. Vienna. 1973-81.

MIBE W. Hahn and M.A. Metlich. Money of the Incipient Byzantine Empire. Vienna. 2000.

MIR Various. Monete Italiane Regionali. 5 Vols. Pavia. ND.

NM G. Depeyrot. Le numéraire mérovingien. 5 vols. Wetteren. 1998-2001. North J.J. North. English Hammered Coinage. 2 Vols. London. 1963, 1975.

SB D. Sear, et al. Byzantine Coins and Their Values 2nd edition. London. 1987.

SCBC Standard Catalogue of British Coins. London. Annually.

SCBI Various authors. Sylloge of the Coins of the British Isles.

America’s Most Prestigious Ancient & Foreign Coin Show January 2026 Friday, January 16: 10AM - 6:30PM Saturday, January 17: 10AM - 6:30PM Sunday, January 18: 10AM - 2:30PM

Public Bourse Hours:

General Admission $30 (No Cash) three-day pass valid Friday-Sunday

Early Bird/Professional Preview - Thu, January 15: 12 Noon-6:30PM - $150 (No Cash) Four day pass valid Thursday-Sunday

Skip the lines when you come to the convention by pre-registering online. Purchase your pass online (General Admission or Early Bird) and show up with a valid government-issued photo ID to pick up your pass. Go to NYINC.Info and click on Buy-A-Pass tab (top far left). The 2026 NYINC badges will require your photo for enhanced security.

* Hotel Reservation: Visit our website, www.nyinc.info, to book at our special discounted rates. Click on the “HOTEL

tab at upper left.

* Auction Lot Viewing Saturday, Jan. 10 Through Sunday, Jan. 18th * Auction sessions Mon, Jan. 12 Through Sun, Jan. 18

Convention Chairman Paul Russell

P.O. Box 33319, Fort Worth, TX 76162 Email: prussell@nyinc.info