CNG Triton XXV Virtual Catalog

TRITON XXV In Conjunction with the 50th Annual New York International

January 11-12, 2022

TRITON XXV

In Conjunction with the 50th Annual New York International Numismatic Convention

January 11–12, 2022

Barclay Salon, Lobby Level InterContinental New York Barclay, 111 East 48th Street, New York Featuring: Further Selections from the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection Ancient and World Coins from the DMS and Richard L. Horst Collections Greek and Roman Provincial Coins from the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection Syracuse Dekadrachms of Kimon and Euainetos An Extensive Offering of Samarian, Judaean, & Philistian Coinage Ancient Judaean & Related Coinage from the Father & Son Collection Baktrian Rarities from the Melinda Collection The Archytas Collection of Kushan Coinage – Part III An Extremely Rare Apameia Octassarion Depicting Noah’s Ark Roman Coinage from the Thomas A. Palmer Collection Vitellius Aureus from the Este Collection Provenanced to 1538 Iconic AH 77 Dated Umayyad Dinar World and British Coins from the Jeroen de Wilde Collection An Important Selection of Swedish Coins and Plate Money

Classical Numismatic Group, LLC

United States Office: PO Box 479, Lancaster, PA 17608-0479, U.S.A. Tel: (717) 390-9194 Fax: (717) 390-9978

United Kingdom Office: 20 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3QA, U.K. Tel: +44 (20) 7495 1888 Fax: +44 (20) 7499 5916

Email: cng@cngcoins.com

Website: www.cngcoins.com

Grading Conditions English

Proof

Mint State/Uncirculated

Extremely Fine (EF)

Very Fine (VF)

Fine Good/Fair

Deutsch

Français

Polierte Platte Stempelglanz Vorzüglich Sehr Schön Schön Gut

Flan Bruni Fleur de Coin Superbe Très Beau Beau Bien

Italiano

Fondo Specchio Fior di Conio Splendido Bellissimo Molto Bello Bello

Common Abbreviations

AD Anno Domini 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, LLC US$ Account:

€ Account:

PNC Bank, N.A. 249 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15222 Account Number: 5005069595 ABA Number: 031000053 BIC or SWIFT: PNCCUS33

£ Account:

HSBC Bank plc 60 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TR Account Number: 84309198 Sort code: 40 12 76 IBAN: GB82HBUK40127684309198

HSBC Bank plc 60 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TR Account Number: 71170910 Sort code: 40 11 60 IBAN: GB45HBUK40116071170910

BIC or SWIFT: HBUKGB4B BIC or SWIFT: HBUKGB4B

Classical Numismatic Group, LLC is a United States limited company.

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 11 November 2021. 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 and antiquities 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.

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AUCTION TERMS 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.

This is a public, mail bid, and internet auction conducted by Classical Numismatic Group, LLC (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 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.

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.

2.

A buyer’s fee will be charged to all successful bidders as follows on the hammer price: A. 22.5% for written, fax, email, telephone, and live internet bids.

B. 20% for floor bids placed in person at the auction and electronic bids placed directly on www.cngcoins.com.

All written bids, email bids, non-live 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.

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.

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. Lots examined prior to the sale and lots purchased by floor bidders (including bidders executing commission bids on behalf of other parties) may not be returned for any reason except lack of authenticity. All claims of misdescription and all claims of return, except claims regarding authenticity, must be made within 5 days of receipt of material. 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. 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”). If payment is made by credit card, rights of return are governed by these Auction Terms which supercede 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.

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 European Union, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Meet the Team

Mike Gasvoda

Victor England

Eric McFadden

Dave Michaels

Steve Pruzinsky

Ken McDevitt

Bradley R. Nelson

David Guest

Paul Hill

D. Scott VanHorn

Bill Dalzell

Caroline Holmes

Jeffrey B. Rill

Lance Hickman

Tom Mullally

Travis Markel

Dylan Ossman

Karen Zander

Alexandra Spyra

Sharon Pruzinsky

Managing Director Lancaster Office

Managing Numismatist Sale Development Lancaster Office

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Manager IT & Production Lancaster Office

Consulting Director Lancaster Office

Managing Numismatist Cataloging Staff Lancaster Office

Numismatist London Office

Photography Lancaster Office

Consulting Director London Office

Managing Numismatist London Office

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Office Manager Lancaster Office

Director Shows & Consignments Lancaster Office

Managing Numismatist London Office

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Office Manager London Office

Additional Support

Kate Rill

Customer Relations Manager Lancaster Office

Julia Motter

Office Staff Lancaster Office

Numismatic Intern: Maxim Crispin IT Consultant: A.J. Gatlin Printing Control: Robert A. Trimble Auctioneers: Jeffrey B. Rill (License No. 2079118-DCA)

Brian Callahan (License No. 2101904-DCA)

Chief Financial Officer Lancaster Office

Senior Numismatist Lancaster Office

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Accounting Lancaster Office

Participate in Triton XXV using CNG’s Bidding Portal

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, launched in November 2019, 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 Friday, January 7, 2022 • All lots won through the CNG Bidding Portal will be subject to a 20% buyer’s fee

Download our app today.

COVID-19 Information Notice to all our clients who will be attending the NYINC in person: In order to enter the NYINC show, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination and are requested to wear a mask. This includes entry to any NYINC event or auction viewing site or auction room. You may also be required to show such proof and wear a mask to enter the Convention Hotel, the InterContinental New York Barclay. Please bring your mask and vaccination card or other proof of vaccination with you when you come to the Hotel.

CNG will communicate any changes via email and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Lot Viewing Lancaster, PA

Auction lots may be viewed at our Lancaster Office from December 1, 2021 until January 6, 2022, by appointment only, unless the lots are on exhibition at the showings below. 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 9, 2022 - 1 PM until 7 PM Monday, January 10, 2022 - 9 AM until 7 PM Tuesday, January 11, 2022 - 8 AM until 6 PM Wednesday, January 12, 2022 - 8 AM until Noon

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

CNGCOINS.COM SIXBID.COM NumisBids.com 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 14, 2022 - 10 AM until 6 PM Saturday, January 15, 2022 - 10 AM until 6 PM

ORDER OF SALE Session One – Tuesday Morning – January 11 – 9:00 AM Greek Coinage (part 1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–338

Session Two – Tuesday Afternoon – January 11 – 2:00 PM Greek Coinage (part 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339–544 Celtic Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545–549 Oriental Greek Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550–580 The Archytas Collection of Kushan – Part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581–622 Central Asian Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623–633 Roman Provincial Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 634–720

Session Three – Wednesday Morning – January 12 – 9:00 AM Roman Republican & Imperatorial Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721–779 Roman Imperial Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780–1032

Byzantine Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1033–1082

Session Four – Wednesday Afternoon – January 12 – 2:00 PM Early Medieval & Islamic Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1083–1119 World Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1120–1289

Siege & Necessity Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1290–1306 World Medals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1307–1319 British Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1320–1365 British Medals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1366–1368 Large Lots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1369–1378

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Dr. Jay M. Galst 1950-2020

Jay Martin Galst was born on May 15, 1950, in Milwaukee to Julian Galst, a grocer and owner of Galst Foods, and Phyllis Tannenbaum Galst. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin (Madison) in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, Jay moved to New York City where he completed his medical degree at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1976. He then completed his residency in ophthalmology at New York Medical College in 1980. Jay was married to his wife, Dr. Joann Paley Galst, for 48 years. Jay and Joann both grew up in Milwaukee, and they had been best friends since high school.

A coin collector since his childhood, Jay’s father would bring home coins from the day’s receipts at his grocery store, and Jay would then search through them for wheat pennies, buffalo nickels, and other numismatic treasures.

Jay was able to combine his love of numismatics with his professional career as an ophthalmologist, and he wrote a book about the coins, tokens, medals, and similar objects that were all related to the eye. Along with his co-author, Dr. Peter van Alfen, chief curator at the American Numismatic Society, Jay’s magnum opus was published in 2013 as Volume 13 in the supplemental series to Julius Hirschberg’s History of Ophthalmology.

The volume, Ophthalmologia, Optica et Visio in Nummis (“Ophthalmology, Optics and Vision in Numismatics”), is 574 pages long with over 1,700 entries, and many of the coins and artifacts described and documented are from Jay’s own collection.

In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Jay was very active in the coin hobby at both the local and national levels. He joined the New York Numismatic Club in 1981 and served as Secretary-Treasurer (1984-85), Vice President (1986-87), and President (1988-89). He was a member of the Club’s Board of Directors from 1991-2000, and served as Chairman from 2001 until his death. He was also Chairman of the NYNC Centennial Committee.

Jay was a member of the Bronx Coin Club, where he served as President from 1998-2006, and the Chicago Coin Club, which he joined in 1991. Jay was a Life Fellow of the American Numismatic Society, a Life Member of the American Numismatic Association, a Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society, and a member of the American Israel Numismatic Association. For the ANA, he worked as a District Delegate and Exhibit Judge, and was honored for his services to the ANA with their Glenn Smedley Memorial Award in 2015. In 2014, he was voted a Numismatic Ambassador, sponsored at that time by Krause Publications.

Professionally, Jay established a successful private ophthalmological practice in New York City in 1980. He was a Clinical Professor at the New York Medical College, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai, a Senior Attending Surgeon at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, an Honorary Surgeon of the New York City Police Department, and an officer in the Order of St. John. He was involved with the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye in San Francisco since 1985, which is affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, where he served on numerous committees, and he was Co-Chair of the Museum’s Collections Committee from 2018 until his death. In addition, he was a board member of the Cogan Ophthalmic History Society, and a member and past president of the Ocular Heritage Society.

A list of Jay’s professional and hobby accomplishments, while impressive, does not define the man, who is remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues as a kind, compassionate, generous, friendly, thoughtful, and intelligent person. He is missed by all that were privileged to know him.

Dr. Jay M. Galst died on April 12, 2020 at a hospital in Manhattan from complications due to COVID-19. He was 69. In addition to his wife, Jay is survived by his mother; a sister, Terri Frenkel; a son, David; a granddaughter; and a grandson, who was born two and a half months after his death.

CNG is pleased to offer selections from Jay’s ancient coinage and ophthalmology collections in this sale, and our associated electronic auction, CNG 500. His ancient coins feature pedigrees from some of the most important collections of the last fifty years, including the Abramowitz Family Collection, Leo Benz, Brody Family Collection, Abraham Bromberg, Daniel M. Friedenberg, Arthur Houghton, William Herbert Hunt, Edward Janis, Teddy Kollek, Michael F. Price, Robert Schonwalter, Shoshana Collection, and Patrick H.C. Tan. And most of the items from Jay’s ophthalmology collection are plated in his book, Ophthalmologia, Optica et Visio in Nummis.

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The Father & Son Collection My father was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants. In 1907, his family came to America with no English language skills and a tiny savings. Sponsored by cousins and relatives that came before, the family gradually assimilated into American culture and settled into one of the many working-class sections of Philadelphia. My Dad came along in 1930. By then, his family had established a small and successful warehouse and distribution business in northeast Philadelphia.

While attending college, my father had to work and go to school at the same time. During non-school hours and days, he would drive the family delivery truck and at night he would study. Despite the exhausting schedule, he excelled in school, ultimately winning a full scholarship to Harvard Law School. After a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, Dad became a leading attorney in Philadelphia. He married an artist, and lived an eclectic life of travel, art collecting, and involvement in many well-known cultural institutions and non-profit institutions. Sadly, Dad passed away in 2020.

I was born in 1959. By the time I came along, our family was already assembling a wonderful collection of all things beautiful – art, sculpture, ceramics, ancient artifacts, and many other things. Surrounded by the example set by my parents, it was inevitable that I was destined to become a collector too. My first collecting passion in life, at age 11, was collecting U.S. coins.

This childhood hobby became more substantial once I left university and established my own successful business.

Both my father and I were blessed to have extra disposable income with which we indulged our various collecting activities.

By my forties, I was branching out into Early American gold and silver coins, antique oriental carpets, pre-Columbian artifacts, medieval art, and more. Clearly, I had become as avid a collector as my Dad. Around the year 2000, Dad and I both began collecting ancient coins. We spent two decades building our collections. Each piece was researched, discussed, and carefully curated. Our pieces were selected for their great artistry and/or represented a piece of historical importance. It was our opinion that ancient coins of the Greek variety embodied the highest level of artistic development. Greek coins also contributed to the historical record, as many coins told a symbolic tale of personages, deities or events that we might not otherwise have any direct knowledge about. Roman coins also embody beauty and have a high level of historical importance. Jewish coins, although lacking the artistry and beauty of their contemporaneous cousins, still bring life to Biblical history and commemorate one of the most important periods in modern western culture.

In this and coming auctions, we will be presenting pieces that represent different eras of our collecting pastime. The family hopes you enjoy our collection as much as we have.

Richard L. Horst Richard L. Horst was born on January 1, 1934, in St Paul, Minnesota. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, he was hired by Univac in St. Paul before serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. While in St. Paul, he served as president of the Northwest Coin Club. In 1979, he moved with his wife, Joyce, to Colorado Springs, where he consulted for and volunteered at the American Numismatic Association (ANA), teaching classes on Civil War currency at the ANA Summer Seminars and receiving the ANA Presidential Award in 2017.

An avid numismatist and dealer, Dick will be remembered as a kind man, a lifelong history buff, and a numismatic scholar. His wife, Joyce, was by his side at many Coin shows throughout the years. Dick could accurately recount, in an entertaining manner, the historical background of every single coin, note, or antiquity he ever owned. Richard “Dick” L. Horst, 86, passed away on November 10, 2020. Richard will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and colleagues.

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Thomas A. Palmer Tom Palmer has been an active numismatist for over 50 years, with interests ranging from early U.S. silver to ancient coins. He holds life memberships in Florida United Numismatists (FUN), the American Numismatic Association (ANA), Maryland State Numismatic Association (MSNA), and several local clubs. He was General Chairman of the 2003 ANA World’s Fair of Money in Baltimore, and Public Registration Chairman for the ANA convention in 1992 in Orlando. Tom is Past President of the Central Florida Coin Club, MSNA, Baltimore Coin Club, the Ancient Numismatic Society of Washington, D.C., and the Ancient Coin Collector’s Guild (ACCG). He received an ANA Presidential Award in 2002.

Tom has long been extensively involved in numismatic education and outreach. He served on the FUN Board of Directors for sixteen years and was FUN public registration chairman for six years. He was the 1984 winner of FUN’s Literary Award for an article on U.S. Bust Half Dollars. More recently, he was honored by the Numismatic Literary Guild for his article “From the Sublime to the Ridiculous: Celtic Imitations of Thasian Tetradrachms,” which appeared in the November 2019 issue of The Numismatist. Tom has also given presentations to coin clubs throughout Florida and Maryland.

Tom wrote several scripts used in the public radio series, Money Talks, which was sponsored by the ANA, and has given educational presentations at FUN, ANA, and MSNA conventions. Tom was a winning exhibitor of bust halves at FUN and of ancient coins at two different ANA conventions. He also won the ANA’s Thomas Law award as best first-time exhibitor for his exhibit on forty influential ancient coins. Further, he is a certified ANA exhibit judge.

Tom is a retired aerospace engineer and financial manager for the defense industry. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and San Diego State University. He is married to a terrific and supportive woman, Barbara, and they live in Florida.

Tom adds: “I am fortunate enough to have built a nearly complete collection of Roman portrait silver denarii, including women’s portraits, from the Imperatorial era circa 55 BC through the end of large-scale silver denarius production during the reign of Gordian III, circa AD 138–144. There are many historically important and famous (or infamous) persons represented here, and I have striven to be quite selective in finding the best possible example suitable to my means. It took thirty years to put this collection together and, having completed it to my abilities, I am pleased to pass it along to a new generation of collectors!”

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Ray Neff Ray Neff grew up in a small eastern Washington town. After graduation from collage, he was drafted and fought in Vietnam and Cambodia with the 101st Airborne infantry. Upon returning, he began a 42-year career in teaching biology and later chemistry and physics. He and his wife bought a small farm where they raised cattle and three children. A teaching friend introduced Ray to ancient coins.

He was fascinated and began collecting with the history, geography, and beauty in mind. Ray notes, “ It was and is my joy to share these coins and their history with school groups, church groups, and individuals. At this time in my life, it is now time to share through auction the higher- grade coins for others to enjoy.”

Jeroen de Wilde Jeroen is a descendent of a long line of collectors, catching the bug from his grandmother at a very young age. As an economist, his fascination lies in ‘the development of monetary systems, especially monetary unions, and the historical rhyme and patterns they bear witness to through time’. He sees coins as a ‘logbook of the history of mankind’ and his broad interests have led him to form an important collection which traces the evolution of coinage from ancient times to the modern era. Jeroen is an ever active numismatist; publishing articles, serving as a trustee for the American Numismatic Society and advising museums in The Netherlands. He shares a belief that ‘one should keep ones collection as a gardener keeps his garden, refreshing the collection every now and then, so it can flourish ever more in the future.’

Classical Numismatic Group is honoured to offer these first selections from the Jeroen de Wilde Collection. The focus is a spectacular array of Taler and Crown sized pieces in highly desirable states of preservation of which the run of Dutch pieces is particularly impressive. Further selections, including a significant collection of Greek silver fractions, will be offered in CNG 120 in May 2022.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE – THE NYINC IS MOVING!!

America’s Most Prestigious Ancient and Foreign Coin Show The 50th Annual

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL NUMISMATIC CONVENTION BOURSE – JANUARY 13-16, 2022

(Early Birds – Thursday, January 13: 12noon-7PM - $125)

Newe Friday and Saturday, January 14-15: 10AM-7PM January 16: 10AM-3PM Sit $20 for a threeSunday, day pass – 16 and under free with an adult Public Bourse Hours:

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Coins • Currency • Medals and Decorations • Foreign • Ancient Bourse Information:

Kevin Foley

P.O. Box 370650 - Milwaukee, WI 53237-1750 (414) 807-0116 – E-mail: kevinsfoley.kf@gmail.com Visit our website, www.nyinc.info, for the complete Schedule of Events, including auctions, the bourse, educational programs and more

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Session 1 – Tuesday, January 11, 2022 — 9 AM

GREEK COINAGE Pedigreed to 1926

1.

ETRURIA, Populonia. 3rd century BC. AR 5 Asses (14.5mm, 1.80 g). Male head right; ¨ (mark of value) to left / Blank. EC Series 90, 20 (O4) = Vecchi 49.2 (this coin); Vicari 81; Sambon 81; HN Italy 170; SNG ANS 28; SNG München 23; SNG Fitzwilliam 68; BMC 18; Pozzi 42. Deep cabinet tone, a few old scratches under tone on reverse. Good VF. Rare in the market; of the 36 examples noted by Vecchi, only 17 are in private hands. ($3000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 120 (6 October 2020), lot 202; Riche Collection (R. Ratto, 25 January 1926), lot 120.

2.

ETRURIA, Uncertain inland mint. Circa 300-250 BC. Æ (17mm, 4.74 g, 6h). Head of African right / Elephant standing right, bell hanging from neck; below, pellet above  (Etruscan M). Vicari 237 var. (no pellet); Baglione 1c var. (same); HN Italy 69 var. (same); SNG BN 136–7 var. (same); Künker 318, lot 183 = Triton XVII, lot 1 = Künker 94 (Tronnier), lot 36 = Triton V (Freeman), lot 2 = Sternberg XIV, lot 25 (same rev. die). Dark green-brown patina, some roughness. VF. Well centered and struck. Extremely rare variety, only two in CoinArchives (the Künker 318 coin referenced above, and Baldwin’s 99, lot 584). ($500) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Joe Linzalone, 1990s (his stock ticket included).

3.

CAMPANIA, Allifai. Circa 325-275 BC. AR Obol (11.5mm, 0.62 g, 12h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; three dolphins swimming around / Skylla swimming right, holding sepia in right hand and fish in left; Ŭ¬5∫Å@o@ above, mussel below. Campana 2a; Sambon 820; HN Italy 460; SNG ANS 160–4; SNG Lloyd 49–50. Attractive cabinet tone, slight granularity. Good VF. Exceptional for issue. ($750) From the Pythagoras Collection.

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Ex Tronnier, Jameson, and Evans Collections

4.

CAMPANIA, Cumae. Circa 420-385 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.11 g, 11h). Head of female right, wearing diadem / Skylla swimming right above mussel shell; ˜o5Ũ˚ above. Rutter 138 (O107/R127); HN Italy 534; SNG Lockett 66 (same dies); Jameson 39 (this coin); McClean 206 (same dies); Pozzi 71 (same dies). Toned, porosity, light scratch on reverse. VF. ($4000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Prof. Dr. Hagen Tronnier Collection (Künker 94, 27 September 2004), lot 53; Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); Arthur J. Evans Collection.

5.

CAMPANIA, Cumae. Circa 420-385 BC. AR Nomos (18mm, 7.47 g, 12h). Scalp of lion facing, flanked by downward-facing boar heads / Mussel with hinge to right; shell above, [˜]o5Å-Â-¨[˚] around. Rutter 143 (O111/R131); HN Italy 535; SNG Fitzwilliam 105 (same dies); BMC 7 (same dies); de Luynes 133 (same dies). Deeply toned, traces of find patina, a few minor marks. VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Prof. Dr. Hagen Tronnier Collection (Künker 94, 27 September 2004), lot 54; Nomos FPL 6 (Autumn 1976), no. 1.

6.

CAMPANIA, Neapolis. Circa 275-250 BC. AR Nomos (19.5mm, 7.34 g, 1h). Head of nymph left, hair restrained in band, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; quiver behind neck / Man-headed bull standing right, head facing; above, Nike flying right, crowing bull with open laurel wreath held in her extended right hand; E below; [@]Eoπo¬5t[W@] in exergue. Sambon 527; HN Italy 586; SNG ANS 412; SNG BN 829. Deeply toned. Good VF. ($750) Ex Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 39 (27 November 2013), lot 1; Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 29 (31 October 2008), lot 2501.

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Ex Stoecklin and Côte Collections

7.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 490-480 BC. AR Nomos (19mm, 8.08 g, 12h). Phalanthos, nude, riding dolphin right, extending right hand and holding cuttlefish in left; tÅr-Åß to right / Hippocamp right; tÅrÅ-ß above, cockle shell below. Fischer-Bossert Group 3, 52c (V23/R40) = Côte I 25 (this coin); Vlasto 123 (same dies); HN Italy 827; SNG Ashmolean 202 (same dies); SNG Newnham Davis 12 (same dies). Attractive old cabinet tone, a hint of porosity, a few scratches. VF. Traces of undertype visible. ($1500) Ex Künker 326 (7 October 2019), lot 501; Dr. Walter Stoecklin (†1975) Collection (Nomos 14, 17 May 2017), lot 26; Claudius Côte Collection (Part I, R. Ratto, 28 January 1929), lot 25.

Pedigreed to 1952

8.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 450-440 BC. AR Nomos (22.5mm, 7.94 g, 6h). Taras, nude, extending left hand and supporting himself with his right, riding dolphin right upon waves; tÅ[rÅ] to left / Nude youth, holding rein in left hand and supporting himself with his right, riding horse galloping right. Fischer-Bossert Group 11, 146b (V77/R101 – this coin); Vlasto 258 (same dies); HN Italy 847; SNG Lloyd 143 (same obv. die); Basel 81 (same obv. die); Berlin 91 = Kraay & Hirmer 302 (same obv. die); Gillet 69 (same obv. die); Jameson 98 (same obv. die); Nanteuil 83 (same dies). Lovely old cabinet tone, a little off center on obverse. VF. Wonderful artistic execution. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Leu 79 (31 October 2000), lot 215; Münzen und Medaillen AG 37 (5 December 1968), lot 6; Santamaria FPL 4 (1952), no. 3.

9.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 430-425 BC. AR Nomos (23.5mm, 7.75 g, 4h). Taras as Oikistes, his torso bare, wearing himation from his waist, seated left on stool, holding kantharos in extended right hand and cradling scepter in left arm; altar to left / Phalanthos, nude, extending left hand and supporting himself with his right, riding dolphin right; scallop shell below, tÅrÅ@-t5-@W@ around. Fischer-Bossert Group 17, 245 (V117/R184); Vlasto, Taras, Type 33, n = Ward 23 (same dies); Vlasto 212 (same dies); HN Italy 844; SNG Ashmoleon 227–8; BMC 85-6; de Luynes 281-2; McClean 556 (all from the same dies). Old collection tone, light porosity at periphery, some old scratches under tone. VF. ($1500) From the Pythagoras Collection.

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10.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 425-415 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.71 g, 4h). Phalanthos, nude, extending right hand and holding octopus in his left, riding dolphin 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 aryballos and strigilis in his left. Fischer-Bossert Group 18, 278 (V127/R211); Vlasto, Taras, Type 53A; Vlasto 254 = Weber 537 (same dies); HN Italy 844; SNG ANS 860 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 142 (same dies); BMC 80 (same dies); de Luynes 288 (same dies). Toned, traces of find patina, a few small patches of roughness. Good VF. Fine style. ($3000) Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 52 (8 November 2018), lot 52 (hammer £4200).

11.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 380-375/0 BC. AR Nomos (19mm, 7.87 g, 8h). Youth, nude, riding horse left, his right hand placed on his steed’s head, his left on its neck; Å below raised foreleg, the Palladion facing below belly / Phalanthos, nude, extending right hand and supporting himself with his left, riding dolphin left; below, Å above tÅrÅ[s]. Fischer-Bossert Group 32, 481a (V205’/362) = SNG Lockett 163 (this coin); Vlasto 483; HN Italy 875. Deep cabinet tone, minor surface crack on obverse, slight doubling on reverse. Good VF. ($500) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Spink America (11 December 2000), lot 580; Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part I, Glendining, 25 October 1955), lot 133.

Unpublished

12.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 340-335 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.90 g, 1h). Youth, nude, riding horse stepping left, his right hand placed on his steed’s head, and holding rein in his left; in background, another horse steps left; above, Nike flying left, crowning the youth; ˚-Å-¬ in fields / Phalanthos, nude, holding kantharos in extended right hand and supporting himself with his left, riding dolphin left over waves below; tÅrÅs to right. Cf. Fischer-Bossert Group 52, 709 (for similar type); otherwise, unpublished. Iridescent tone, minor metal flaws, slight die shift on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare, unpublished issue. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection.

Although this issue is unpublished, the types are identical to that of Fischer-Bossert 709, in his Group 52. The signature of the magistrate ˚Åis present as of Group 56, but there is a letter ˚ on the Group 52 reverses that may indicate the same person. As such, it is nearly certain that this issue should be placed relative to these issues in Fischer-Bossert.

16

13.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Alexander the Molossian. King of Epeiros, 350-330 BC. AR Diobol (12mm, 1.26 g, 12h). Struck circa 333-331/0 BC. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly left / Thunderbolt; [Ŭ]E$Å@d[roU] above, [to]U @Eoπto¬E[ÂoU] below. Liampi, Ἀλεξάνδρου, pl. 4, 19; Vlasto, Alexander, Type 8; Vlasto 1873–4; HGC 3, 257; Jameson 1123. Old cabinet tone, slightly clashed die on reverse. EF. ($2000) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Tom Cederlind (his stock ticket included).

14.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 325-280 BC. AR Diobol (11mm, 1.07 g, 11h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three rosettes and neck guard inscribed Å, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; Â behind neck guard / Herakles crouching right, [holding club in left hand], right arm strangling the Nemean Lion that is attacking him to right; [TAPA]-NTIN[ΩN] above. Vlasto 1372–3; HN Italy 976; SNG ANS 1444; SNG BN 2117 = de Luynes 327 (same dies).

Deep cabinet tone, a hint of porosity, struck with worn reverse die. Good VF. Exceptional head of Athena. ($500) From the JTB Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 120 (6 October 2020), lot 211; Roma E-Sale 45 (5 May 2018), lot 74; ArtCoins Roma 6 (10 December 2012), lot 41; Gorny & Mosch 204 (5 March 2012), lot 1039; Lanz 147 (2 November 2009), lot 23.

15.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 290-281 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.95 g, 8h). Nude warrior, holding shield and two spears in left hand, preparing to cast a third spear held aloft in right hand, riding horse leaping right; s5Â below / Phalanthos, nude, holding distaff in right hand, riding dolphin left; to right, eagle, with wings closed, standing left; f5¬5s to left, waves below. Fischer-Bossert Group 78b, 1079 (V406/R828); Vlasto 574 (same dies); HN Italy 933; SNG ANS 981 (same dies); Côte I 231 (same dies). Lightly toned, underlying luster, minor edge irregularity. EF. A spectacular coin. ($2000)

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Superb Tarentum Stater

16.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 281-276 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.55 g, 12h). 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). Lustrous. Superb EF. Well centered and struck. ($50,000) 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.

18

17.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Campano-Tarentine series. Circa 281-272 BC. AR Nomos (19.5mm, 6.99 g, 5h).

Diademed head of Satyra left, wearing triple-pendant earring / Youth, nude, riding right, crowning horse with wreath held in his extended right hand, and holding rein in left; cornucopia to upper left; below, dolphin right; tÅ below raised foreleg.

Vlasto 1017; HN Italy 1098; SNG ANS 1288–9. Deep cabinet tone, slightly off center on reverse. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Vinchon (9 May 2019), lot 10.

18 19 18.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 6.56 g, 2h). Reduced standard. Youth, nude, 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; SNG ANS 1106–12; SNG BN 1904–6; SNG Lloyd 206; Dewing 211 (same obv. die). Deep iridescent tone, minor porosity and slight double strike on obverse. Near EF. ($750) Ex Leo & Paula Gorelkin Collection (Triton XVII, 7 January 2014), lot 8.

19.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. AR Nomos (20.5mm, 6.41 g, 2h). Reduced standard. Youth, nude, riding right, crowning horse with wreath held in his extended right hand, and holding rein in left; ˚rÅ to left, 1 below / Phalanthos, nude, holding small crowning Nike and cradling trident in left arm, riding dolphin left; tÅr[Ås] to right, År5s[to] below. Vlasto 868–9; HN Italy 998; SNG BN 2022; Dewing 288 (same obv. die). Toned with some iridescence, slight doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($750) Ex ArtCoins Roma 12 (29 October 2014), lot 23.

20 21 20.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 272-240 BC. AR Nomos (19mm, 6.56 g, 7h). Reduced standard. Youth, nude, riding left, crowning horse with wreath held in his extended right hand, and holding rein in left; sU to right, ¬U˚5>@os below / Phalanthos, chlamys draped over extended right arm, preparing to throw trident he holds aloft in right hand, riding dolphin left; to right, owl standing left, head facing; t&-r&[s] below. Vlasto 836-41; HN Italy 1025; SNG ANS 1165–70; SNG BN 1999–2005; Dewing 271–4. Beautiful iridescent tone, faint cleaning scratches under tone. Near EF. ($750) Ex Dr. Feori Pipito Collection (Superior, 12 December 1987), lot 26.

21.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 272-240 BC. AR Nomos (19.5mm, 6.63 g, 1h). Reduced standard. Youth, nude, riding right, crowning horse with wreath held in his extended right hand, and holding rein in left; EU to left, f5 to right, zE@EÅs below / Phalanthos, holding rhyton in extended right hand and cradling trident in left, riding dolphin left; grain ear to right, tÅ-rÅs below. Vlasto 866 = Bement 114 (same obv. die); HN Italy 1032; SNG ANS 1195 (same obv. die); SNG BN 2021.

Old cabinet tone, minor metal flaw and light die wear on obverse, die break on reverse. Good VF. ($500) From the JTB Collection. Ex Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 49 (20 November 2020), lot 14.

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22.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 240-228 BC. AR Nomos (21.5mm, 6.51 g, 11h). Reduced standard. Youth, nude, holding race torch in extended right hand and rein in left, on horse galloping right; monogram to left, dÅ5ÂÅco1ΔAIMAXOC below / Phalanthos, holding kantharos in extended right hand and cradling trident in left arm, riding dolphin left; Ă to right, tÅrÅ1 below. Vlasto 938–9; HN Italy 1053; SNS ANS 1244 (same rev. die). Deep iridescent tone, trace deposits and a few minor marks, a little die wear. Good VF. ($750) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1998.

23.

LUCANIA, Herakleia. Circa 390-340 BC. AR Nomos (21.5mm, 7.79 g, 4h). Head of Athena right, wearing triplependant earring, pearl necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone; d>˚>f to right / Herakles standing facing, upper torso turned right, wrestling with the Nemean Lion; club and ˚Ŭ to left, [^˙råk¬˙5W˜ to right]; between Herakles’ legs, owl standing right, head facing. Work 34 (same dies); Van Keuren 50; HN Italy 1377; SNG ANS 63 = Sartiges 28; SNG Lloyd 272; Gillet 125; McClean 824. Lightly toned, a couple of minor die breaks, small dig and a couple of patches of find patina on reverse. EF. Artistic dies. ($5000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (16 May 2013), lot 291; Leu 61 (17 May 1995), lot 32.

24.

LUCANIA, Herakleia. Circa 281-278 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.87 g, 7h). Head of Athena right, wearing singlependant earring, pearl necklace, and crested Corinthian helmet decorated with Skylla throwing a stone; ^˙rÅ˚¬˙5W-@ above, E behind neck / Herakles standing left, right hand set on grounded club to left, holding bow and two arrows in extended left hand, lion skin draped over left arm; to upper left, owl standing right, head facing; År5s to left. Work 87 (same dies); Van Keuren 87; HN Italy 1385; SNG ANS 79 (same dies); Dewing 342 (same rev. die); McClean 846. Toned, minor die wear. EF. Fine style. ($1000)

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Signed by Aristoxenos – Ex Hunt Collection

25.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 400-340 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.73 g, 5h). Obverse die signed by the engraver Aristoxenos. Head of Demeter right, wearing wreath of grain ears; barley grain to left, År5 on neck truncation / Grain ear with leaf to left; ÂEtÅ upward on right. Noe 440 (same dies); HN Italy 1522; SNG Lloyd 347 (same dies); Hunt IV 30 (this coin).

Old collection tone, flan flaw on reverse. VF. Clear signature. ($750) Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part IV, 19 June 1991), lot 30.

K. Rutter, in HN Italy, noted that “[t]he dies signed by Aristoxenos are among the finest in the whole Metapontine series.”

Ex Schonwalter and Locker-Lampson Collections

26.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 340-330 BC. AR Double Nomos (27mm, 15.66 g, 4h). Head of Leukippos right, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with charioteer driving fast quadriga right on the bowl, and tiny hippocamp left on the side; to left, forepart of lion right and Åπ˙ / Barley ear with leaf to left; club above leaf, ŵ5 below; µEtÅπo@t5@W@ to right. Johnston Class B, 1.2 (same dies); HN Italy 1574; SNG ANS 430 (same dies); SNG Ashmolean 726 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 493 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 376 = Kraay & Hirmer 242 (same dies); SNG München 982 (same dies); Jameson 306 (same dies); Locker-Lampson 22 (this coin). Deep cabinet tone, minor delamination on obverse, edge split. VF. ($3000) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler. Ex Robert Schonwalter Collection (coin sold privately); Godfrey LockerLampson Collection.

27.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 340-330 BC. AR Nomos (20.5mm, 7.72 g, 3h). Bearded head of Leukippos right, wearing Corinthian helmet; ÅÂ5 to left / Barley ear with leaf to right; ÂEtÅ upward to left, vertical thunderbolt above leaf.

Johnston Class B, 4.4 (same dies); HN Italy 1574; SNG ANS –; SNG Copenhagen 1214 (same dies). Deep iridescent tone, slightly weak strike in center of reverse. Near EF. ($1000) From the JTB Collection.

21

28.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 290-280 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.93 g, 11h). Head of Demeter left, wearing wreath of grain ears; d5 to right / Barley ear with leaf to right; spindle above leaf. Johnston Class D, 1.2 (same dies as illustration); HN Italy 1612; SNG ANS 507 (same obv. die); SNG Ashmolean 776 (same obv. die). Toned, with iridescence around the devices, trace deposits, light hairlines, minor die rust on obverse. Near EF. ($7500) Ex Belser Collection (Nomos 21, 21 November 2020), lot 43. Includes an old German inventory ticket numbered “IA 946.”.

29.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. temp. Pyrrhos of Epeiros. Circa 280-279 BC. AV Tetrobol – Third Stater (13.5mm, 2.79 g, 1h). Bearded head of Leukippos right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone; ¬EU˚5ππ[os] above / Two six-grained barley ears, each with a curly leaf to outside; Â-E across outer fields, s5 between.

Johnston G5.1 (same dies); HN Italy 1630; SNG ANS 397–8; SNG Lockett 404 (same rev. die); Basel 153 = Gillet 202 (same obv. die); Dewing 378; Gulbenkian 72; Jameson 1867. Light red tone, underlying luster. EF. ($7500) Ex Waddell inventory 54821 (ND); Gasvoda Collection (Triton XXII, 9 January 2019) lot 55 (hammer $10000); New York Sale XXXVII (5 January 2016), lot 797; Numismatica Ars Classica 23 (19 March 2002), lot 1043.

Demonstrating the usual flare shown by the die engravers in the service of Pyrrhos during his military expedition in Italy and Sicily, the small gold issues of 280/279 depicting Nike and Leukippos (HN Italy 1629-1631) are of a refinement second to none. The traditional city founder is rendered in exquisite detail with the added novelty of his helmet being decorated with Skylla hurling a stone, the very embodiment of aggressive violence before the enemy in time of war.

30.

LUCANIA, Sybaris. Circa 550-510 BC. AR Nomos (28.5mm, 8.08 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; SNG ANS 828–44; SNG Lloyd 449–50; Basel 168–9; Bement 213; Dewing 406–7; Gillet 215. Toned. EF. Excellent metal for issue. ($3000) Ex Gorny & Mosch 249 (11 October 2017), lot 58 (hammer €4200).

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31.

LUCANIA, Thourioi. Circa 400-350 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.48 g, 3h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla brandishing a spear held aloft in her right hand / Bull butting right; QoUr5W@ above, ivy leaf below; thick exergual line decorated with a crenellated geometric pattern; in exergue, fish right. HN Italy 1787; SNG ANS 1035–6; SNG Ashmolean 944. Attractive iridescent tone, hairline flan crack, some light scratches and a few minor metal flaws.

Near EF. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Property of a Lady (Spink 124, 18 November 1997), lot 1504.

32 33 32.

LUCANIA, Thourioi. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Dinomos – Distater (24mm, 14.25 g, 7h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated on its bowl with Skylla throwing a stone; s5 behind neck, [aphlaston below chin] / Bull butting right; QoUr5W@ and @5 above; in exergue, coiled serpent right. Noe, Thurian, Group K, 2 (same dies); HN Italy 1839; SNG Lloyd 489 (same dies); BMC 41 (same dies); Hunterian 27 (same dies). Die wear, small flan flaw and area of flat strike on obverse. Good VF. ($1500) Ex Kirk Davis FPL 65 (Spring 2015), no. 5.

33.

LUCANIA, Thourioi. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Dinomos – Distater (23.5mm, 15.66 g, 4h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet, the bowl decorated with Skylla throwing a stone held in her right hand / Bull butting right, head facing, on plain ground line; above, [QoUr5W@] above s5; in exergue, tripod between two confronted dolphins. Noe, Thurian, Group K, 8 (same dies as illustration); HN Italy 1859; SNG Lloyd 488; Hunterian 21 (same dies); McClean 1268 (same obv. die); Weber 884 (same obv. die). Old cabinet tone, trace deposits, a few light marks on obverse, indications of undertype on reverse. VF. Well centered. Attractive in hand. ($1500) Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (30 October 2014), lot 159; Edward Gans Collection.

34.

LUCANIA, Thourioi. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Dinomos – Distater (27mm, 15.92 g, 7h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet, the bowl decorated with Skylla throwing a stone held in her right hand / Bull butting right, head facing, on plain ground line; QoUr5W@ above; in exergue, ˙-r[Å] flanking head of lion right; all within shallow incuse square.

Noe, Thurian, Group N, 10 (same obv. die as illustration); HN Italy 1859; SNG ANS 983 (same obv. die); Hunterian 25 (same obv. die); McClean 1268 (same obv. die); Weber 884 (same obv. die). Attractively toned, underlying luster, light hairlines, a couple of small bumps on obverse. Good VF. Well struck on a full flan. ($2000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica M (20 March 2002), lot 2084.

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35.

LUCANIA, Velia. Circa 334-300 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.72 g, 4h). Kleudoros group. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet, the bowl decorated with a sphinx couchant left; 4 behind neck guard / Lion standing left, devouring prey, on tablet inscribed with ethnic; f between legs. Williams Period VI, 330 (O173/R244++); HN Italy 1294; SNG Ashmolean 1270 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 525 (same dies). Toned with traces of iridescence, some faint scratches. Good VF. Well centered. Rare issue with tablet. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 114 (13 May 2020), lot 19; JMG Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 94, 18 September 2013), lot 48; CNG inventory 716632 (October 1999).

36.

LUCANIA, Velia. Circa 300-280 BC. AR Nomos (23mm, 7.49 g, 10h). Philistion group. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with laurel wreath and wing; å behind neck guard, f before neck / Lion standing right; above, horizontal grain ear between f and 5; π below, UE¬˙tW@ in exergue. Williams Period VII, 486 (O241/R340); HN Italy 1309; SNG Fitzwiliam 684 (same obv. die); Ars Classica & Naville XII, 520 (same dies); Jameson 400 (same obv. die). Attractive iridescent tone, slight die wear, a few minor scratches. Good VF. ($1000) Ex ArtCoins Roma 15 (27 April 2015), lot 53.

37.

BRUTTIUM, The Brettii. Circa 216-214 BC. AR Drachm (19.5mm, 4.28 g, 2h). Second Punic War issue.

Diademed and draped bust of Nike right, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace, hair drawn together in a band at the back; star to left / Dionysos, nude but for drapery over left arm, standing facing, crowning himself with wreath in right hand and holding scepter in left; ∫rEtt5W@ to left; to right, thymiaterion above ¬. Arslan dies 47/65’; Scheu S13; HN Italy 1959; SNG ANS 17 (same dies); Ars Classica XVI, lot 291 (same dies). Lovely old collection tone, trace deposits. Choice EF. Well struck from dies of fine style. ($2000) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, May 2003.

24

38.

BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (30.5mm, 8.07 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 and branch in outline and no ethnic; radiate border. Noe, Caulonia, Group A, 23 (same dies); Gorini 3; HN Italy 2035; Ars Classica XVI, lot 306 (same dies). Toned, traces of find patina, die break at edge on obverse. EF. ($10,000) Ex Gorny & Mosch 249 (11 October 2017), lot 117 (hammer €11,000); Bertolami Fine Arts 29 (22 March 2017), lot 86.

39.

BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 475-425 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.91 g, 8h). Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, small daimon running right on extended left arm; ¬¨åk to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted / Stag standing right; ¨Åk above, laurel branch to right. Noe, Caulonia, Group F, 83 (same dies); HN Italy 2046; SNG ANS 176; SNG Lloyd 575; Dewing 489; Hermitage Sale II 166 (same dies). Toned, overstruck on a didrachm of Akragas (outline of crab visible on the obverse). Near EF. Well struck on a broad flan. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 137.

40.

BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 430-420 BC. AR Triobol (12.5mm, 1.24 g, 9h). Tripod, legs surmounted by wreaths and terminating in lion’s feet, set on basis of two lines, the top dotted; o-rJ counterclockwise around from lower right / Pegasos flying left; J below. Attianese 74 var. (ethnic); HN Italy 2127; SNG ANS 323–7 var. (same). Toned, reverse slightly off center and with minor encrustation. EF. Excellent metal for issue. ($750) From the Ray Iwata Collection. Ex Gasvoda Collection (Classical Numismatic Review XLIV.1, Winter 2019), 503350; Lee Rousseau Collection (Goldberg 106, 4 September 2018), lot 1017; Gorny & Mosch 212 (5 March 2013), lot 1069.

25

Ex Gillet Collection – Pedigreed to 1933

41.

BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 425-350 BC. AR Nomos (20.5mm, 7.75 g, 10h). Eagle with closed wings standing left, head right, on the head of a stag right / Tripod with high neck surmounted by wreaths, legs terminating in lion’s feet; ivy leaf to left, Jro to right. Attianese 104; HN Italy 2146; SNG ANS 351–2 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 607 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 183 (same obv. die); Gillet 291 (this coin); Gulbenkian 127 = Sartiges 64 (same obv. die); Hermitage Sale II 188 (same obv. die); Kraay & Hirmer 269 = Bement 282 (same obv. die). Deep cabinet tone, very minor die wear. EF. ($4000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex New York Sale I (3 December 1998), lot 17; Münzen und Medaillen AG 72 (6 October 1987), lot 501; Leu 33 (3 May 1983), lot 211; Charles Gillet Collection; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 329.

The Herakliskos Drakonopnigon - Ex Morgan and Strozzi Collections

42.

BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 400-325 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.59 g, 7h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; ˚rotW@5Å-tÅs around / The Herakliskos Drakonopnigon: the Infant Herakles, nude, crouching facing on rock, head left, strangling a serpent in each hand. Attianese 163; HN Italy 2157; SNG ANS 384 (same rev. die); SNG Lloyd 618 (same obv. die); Dewing 513; Gillet 301 (same dies); Gulbenkian 133 (same obv. die); Jameson 433–4; Kraay & Hirmer 271; Morgan 95 (this coin). Beautiful cabinet tone, light scratch under tone in field on reverse. Good VF. Fine style. ($7500) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 1 December 1996), lot 700; HessLeu [9] (2 April 1958), lot 37; J. Pierpont Morgan Collection (sold privately; not in H. Schulman or Stack’s sales); Marquis Carlo Strozzi Collection (Sambon/Sangiorgi, 15 April 1907), lot 1233.

The figure of Herakliskos Drakonopnigon was depicted in Greek art from the first half of the 5th century BC and represents an important event in the early life of the Greek hero. The birth of Herakles, son of Zeus and Alkmene, enraged Zeus’ wife Hera, who tried to kill the infant by sending two serpents to strangle the sleeping baby in his crib. The following morning, the nurse discovered Herakles playing with the serpents’ lifeless bodies: he had strangled one in each hand.

Ex Moretti Collection

43.

BRUTTIUM, Lokroi Epizephyrioi. Circa 400-350 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.21 g, 4h). Eagle flying right, dead hare hanging from its talons; ¬o below, Č to lower right / Thunderbolt; ¬o˚rW@ above, ¬o below. Pozzi Paolini pl. XXII, 10; HN Italy 2315 var. (no monogram); SNG ANS 530 (same obv. die). Toned, test cut, small die break on obverse, a few light scratches on reverse. Good VF. Very rare with eagle right. ($750) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica O, 13 May 2004), lot 1222.

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44.

BRUTTIUM, Lokroi Epizephyrioi. Circa 350-275 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.56 g, 1h). Pegasos flying left; thunderbolt below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; ¬o˚rW@ to left. Pozzi Paolini Group II, g; Pegasi 13; HN Italy 2342; SNG ANS 513–5; SNG Lloyd 648 (same rev. die); Dewing 521; Pozzi 1731. Toned, flan flaw on reverse. EF. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 93 (22 May 2013), lot 43; Elsen 91 (24 March 2007), lot 9.

45.

BRUTTIUM, Terina. Circa 425-420 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.57 g, 2h). Head of the nymph Terina right, hair in ampyx and tied into knot; tiny f behind neck, tEr5[˜]-Å5o˜ around / Nike, wings spread, holding kerykeion in right hand, wreath in left, seated left on stele. Regling, Terina 25 (dies R/ψ); Holloway & Jenkins 30 (same dies as illustration); HN Italy 2585; SNG Fitzwilliam 861 (same dies); BMC 14–5 (same dies); Hunterian 9 (same dies); Jameson 473 (same dies); Weber 1147 (same dies). Toned, trace deposits, some scratches on reverse. VF. ($3000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Sternberg XVII (9 May 1986), lot 102.

Ex Jameson and Evans Collections – Pedigreed to 1904

46.

BRUTTIUM, Terina. Circa 420-400 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.78 g, 7h). Head of the nymph Terina right, hair in sphendone, decorated with crenellated geometric pattern, and tied into knot; tiny π behind neck, tEr5-nÅ5o-[n] around / Nike, wings spread, holding olive branch in right hand, and supporting herself with her left, seated left on stele decorated with a tiny π. Regling, Terina 43g (dies V/νν) = Jameson 479 = Burlington Fine Arts Club, Exhibition of Ancient Greek Art (London, 1904), pl. CI, 105 (this coin, illustrating the dies in Regling); Holloway & Jenkins 47 (same dies as illustration); HN Italy 2602; BMC 17 (same dies); Boston MFA 213–4 (same dies); Hunterian 12 (same dies). Old collection tone, some light pitting, minor flan flaw on obverse. Near EF. Struck from wonderfully executed dies. ($10,000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex M&M Numismatics I (7 December 1997), lot 18; Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); Arthur J. Evans Collection.

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47.

BRUTTIUM, Terina. Circa 300 BC. AR Drachm (16.5mm, 1.95 g, 12h). Head of the nymph Terina left, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; tEr5@Å5W@ to left, triskeles behind neck / Nike, holding out right hand, upon which a small bird alights, and supporting herself with her left, seated left on stele; ™ to left. Holloway & Jenkins 112 (same obv. die as illustration); HN Italy 2642; SNG ANS 863 (same obv. die). Old collection tone, a hint of porosity, some marks on reverse.

Good VF. Rare with monogram on reverse. ($500) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Empire Coins, 12 July 1993.

48.

BRUTTIUM, Carthaginian occupation. Circa 215-205 BC. EL Three-eighths Shekel (15mm, 2.80 g, 1h).

Janiform head of Tanit, wearing wreath of grain ears / Zeus, brandishing thunderbolt and holding scepter, in quadriga driven right by Nike. Robinson, Second pl. V, 3 (Capua); Jenkins & Lewis Group XVI, 488 (Capua) = BMCRR 147 (Capua); HN Italy 2013; SNG ANS 146 (Capua); SNG Copenhagen 357. Light scratches. Good VF. Rare. ($5000) Ex Tkalec (29 February 2012), lot 11.

This coinage, previously attributed to Capua in Campania, has been conclusively reattributed to the Carthaginians in Bruttium under Hannibal (see M.H. Crawford, “Provenances, Attributions, and Chronology of Some Early Italian Coinages,” CH IX [2002], p. 274, and HN Italy).

While it is likely that this issue was minted in Bruttium by the Carthaginians, there is a possibility that these coins were struck in Carthage and transported to South Italy for Hannibal’s use (see G.K. Jenkins, “Some coins of Hannibal’s time,” Studi per Laura Breglia, Parte I, GeneraliaNumismatica Greca. Bollettino di Numismatica, Supplemento al No. 4. [Rome, 1987], pp. 223-4).

49.

SICILY, Abakainon. Circa 430-420 BC. AR Litra (13mm, 0.73 g, 5h). Laureate and bearded head of Zeus right / Boar standing right; acorn to right, Å∫Å-5n5Å˚ around from exergue. Campana 10a; Bertino 12; HGC 2, 10; SNG Fitzwilliam 883; BMC 2; Hunterian 1. Toned, small edge chip, slightly weak strike in center of obverse. Good VF. Rare. ($500) From the Ray Iwata Collection, purchased from Apollo Numismatics, October 2016.

50.

SICILY, Abakainon. Circa 410-400 BC. AR Litra (12mm, 0.90 g, 12h). Head of female facing slightly left / Sow and piglet standing left on double exergual line; Å∫Å above. Campana 22; Bertino 20; HGC 2, 21; SNG ANS (pt. 5) 1295; SNG Lloyd 779; SNG Lockett 686. Deeply toned, much find patina remaining. Near EF. ($500) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler.

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Ex Moretti Collection

51.

SICILY, Aitna. 467/6 BC. AR Litra (9.5mm, 0.54 g, 9h). Bearded and balding head of Silenos right, wearing ivy wreath / Winged thunderbolt; `5t-˜`5 around. Caltabiano, Aitna 2c; Campana 3c; HGC 2, 65; SNG Fitzwilliam 948; BMC 12 and 15; Jameson 537. Dark find patina. Good VF. ($750) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica O, 13 May 2004), lot 1275.

52.

SICILY, Akragas. Circa 495-485 BC. AR Didrachm (21.5mm, 8.53 g, 5h). Sea eagle standing left; A˚∞A to right / Crab, tiny E¨ below; all within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period I, Group II, 109 (O46/R66); HGC 2, 94; SNG ANS 921 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 901 (same dies); BMC 15 (same dies). Lightly toned. VF. ($750) From the Pythagoras Collection.

The tiny letters on the reverse of this issue, as well as others found on contemporary issues, are commonly thought to be signatures of unknown artists, but Westermark thinks it more likely that they are initials of mint officials, though the purpose of placing them on these isolated issues is uncertain (see Westermark, Coinage, pp. 48–9).

53.

SICILY, Akragas. Circa 485-480/78 BC. AR Didrachm (18mm, 8.70 g, 3h). Sea eagle standing left; å˚∞å-1å@ around / Crab within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period I, Group III, 162 (O67/R109); HGC 2, 94; SNG Agrigento 83 (same dies); SNG ANS 937 (same obv. die); Naville V, lot 809 (same dies); McClean 2026 (same obv. die). Toned, a few light scratches under tone on obverse, find patina on reverse. Good VF. ($750) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler.

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Ex Lockett and Lloyd Collections – Jenkins Plate Coin

54.

SICILY, Akragas. Circa 485-480/78 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 8.81 g, 3h). Sea eagle standing left; A˚∞A to right / Crab; below, bird standing left; all within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period I, Group III, 188.5 (O71/R130) = SNG Lockett 706 (this coin); Jenkins, Gela, Group III, 11 (this coin illustrated); HGC 2, 94; Comiso 39 (same rev. die). Attractive cabinet tone, some die wear on obverse. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Johnson Family Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 111, 29 May 2019), lot 54 (hammer $4750), purchased from B. A. Seaby, 3 April 1956; Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part 1, Glendining, 25 October 1955), lot 590; A.H. & M.E.H. Lloyd Collection (Helbing, 8 November 1928), lot 3500; Santamaria (27 March 1928), lot 85.

The Face of Akragas – Ex Lockett Collection

55.

SICILY, Akragas. Circa 465/0–445/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.33 g, 1h). Sea eagle standing left; Å˚∞Å1-Å-@tos around / Crab, with carapace in the form of a human face, within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period II, Group II, 349b.29 (O10/R35) = SNG Lockett 692 (this coin); HGC 2, 77; SNG ANS 973 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 804 (same dies); Bement 334 (same dies); Gulbenkian 161 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 171 (same dies). Toned with traces of find patina, small die break on reverse, minor flan flaws (indications of undertype?). EF. ($7500) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part 1, Glendining, 25 October 1955), lot 576; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 268.

From the earliest issues of the coins of Akragas, there are instances where the engraver of a reverse die appears to have synthesized a human face into the features of the carapace of the crab, as here. In fact, Westermark notes many examples, and agrees with the observations of others that even the likenesses of various animal heads are likewise occasionally engraved in the design. She also agrees that the most likely interpretation is that the human-like face is that of the river god Akragas, displayed within the features of the very emblem that is meant to represent him on the city’s coinage. This phenomenon continued to recur on silver issues of the city throughout the fifth century, culminating in the spectacular issue of rare drachms in the third period of coinage, where the features of the carapace are totally transformed into a stark human face peering out from the reverse (cf. Kraay-Hirmer 183).

30

Ex Jameson Collection

56.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 345/38-320/15 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.11 g, 1h). Head of Arethousa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; thymiaterion to right / Horse walking right, crowned with wreath by small Nike flying left; palm tree in background; kerykeion to right, BJ (Punic ḤB) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 2c, 98 (O33/R89 – this coin referenced); CNP 202; HGC 2, 273 (same dies as illustration); Jameson 910 (this coin). Old cabinet tone, traces of find patina, minor die wear on obverse. EF. Struck from artistic dies. ($5000) Ex Northern California Collection (Heritage 3056, 3 August 2017), lot 30047; Leu 79 (31 October 2000), lot 454; Hess-Leu 49 (27 April 1971), lot 77; Hess-Leu [3] (27 March 1956), lot 231; Robert Jameson Collection (published 1913).

Rare Crescent Type

57.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 345/38-320/15 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 16.79 g, 12h). Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with pendants; dolphin downward to right / Horse walking right; palm tree in background; crescent to upper left. Jenkins, Punic, Series 2c, 121 (O41/R109); CNP 174; HGC 2, 278 (same dies as illustration); McClean 3036 (same dies). Even gray tone with subtle iridescence, trace deposits, minor metal flaws. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000) From the L.H. Collection.

This coin demonstrates a more Punic side to Carthage’s series of Attic weight tetradrachms issued in Sicily, with the bust of Arethousa having a more noticeable Punic portrait and features. The reverse features a rare crescent symbol, which this issue is the first to depict alongside the normal horse and palm tree. This rather Punic design would continue to be used in the city’s silver and bronze coinage minted in Africa until the city’s destruction in 146 BC.

Superb Example of a Sought After Die

58.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.96 g, 3h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJM∆M` (Punic ‘MHMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5a, 285 (O91/R234); CNP 271; HGC 2, 293 corr. (varying legend); Ars Classica & Naville 12, lot 1074 (same dies). Attractively toned over lustrous surfaces, usual die break on obverse (diagnostic for die), slight die shift on reverse. EF. Perfectly centered and struck. ($5000) From the L.H. Collection.

This coin is from one of the finest style dies from the series; it is rarely found in this high grade. The most recent example (Roma XXII, lot 166) hammered over $10,000.

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59.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.04 g, 5h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJM∆M` (Punic ‘MHMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5a, 300 (O96/R248); CNP 271; HGC 2, 293 corr. (varying legend); SNG Fitzwilliam 1494 (same dies). Toned, small flaw on chin. EF. Well centered, with a very refined and realistic head of horse. ($3000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Catherine E. Bullowa (Coinhunter).

60.

SICILY, Gela. Circa 490/85-480/75 BC. AR Didrachm (20.5mm, 8.65 g, 10h). Warrior, nude but for helmet, riding right, preparing to cast javelin held aloft in his right hand / Forepart of man-headed bull right; 1E- to right and below.

Jenkins, Gela, Group Ib, 28 (O9/R11); HGC 2, 363; SNG ANS 5; SNG Ashmolean 1720 (same dies); Boston MFA 241 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 156 (same dies); Kampmann p. 12, middle (this coin). Toned, traces of undertype, slight find patina.

EF. ($7500) Ex MoneyMuseum, Zurich Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 348 (hammer $10,000); Leu 71 (24 October 1997), lot 47.

Pedigreed to 1907

61.

SICILY, Gela. Circa 480/75-475/70 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.25 g, 12h). Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Forepart of bearded man-headed bull (river god) right; sÅ-¬-E-1 around; all within shallow incuse circle.

Jenkins, Gela, Group II, 113.3 (O34/R66 – this coin); HGC 2, 338; cf. SNG ANS 25/24 (same obv./rev. dies); SNG Tübingen 580 (same dies). Toned, old scratches under tone on obverse. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 64 (24 September 2003), lot 46; Leu 36 (7 May 1985), lot 41; Münzen und Medaillen AG 53 (29 November 1977), lot 18; Barrachin Collection (Florange & Ciani, 18 December 1924), lot 164; Giuseppe De Ciccio Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 19 December 1907), lot 144.

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Ex Randazzo Hoard

62.

SICILY, Gela. Circa 480/75-475/70 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.68 g, 2h). Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Forepart of bearded man-headed bull (river god) right; sÅ-¬-E-1 around; all within shallow incuse circle. Jenkins, Gela, Group II, 155 (O42/R87); HGC 2, 338; Randazzo 35 (this coin). Toned, traces of find patina, some surface corrosion.

Good VF. ($2000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Randazzo/Sicily, 1980 Hoard (CH VII, 17).

63.

SICILY, Gela. Circa 208-200 BC. Æ Hemilitron (20mm, 6.83 g, 6h). Head of Gelas right, wearing wreath of reeds / Antiphemos, nude but for helmet and cloak, standing right, holding sword in right hand, about to sacrifice ram leaping right below; ˝E¬W5W@ and ˙ to left. Jenkins, Gela, Group XIVa, 555; CNS 64; BAR Issue 1; HGC 2, 385. Dark green patina, some smoothing. Good VF. Artistic reverse. Very rare with ethnic on left, only one example noted by CNS (in Berlin; illustrated in CNS), one in CoinArchives. ($750) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler. Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG 73 (17 October 1988), lot 3 (hammer 1500 CHF).

Deaccessioned from the Berlin Museum

64.

SICILY, Himera. Circa 500-483/2 BC. AR Drachm (21mm, 5.63 g, 7h). Cock standing left / Hen standing right in linear square within incuse square. Kraay Group Va, 134a (O84/R70 – this coin); HGC 2, 423; Asyut 9 (same obv. die). Old cabinet tone, slight granularity, minor scrape on reverse, test cut on edge. VF. ($1000) Ex Gans FPL (April 1960), no. 135; Berlin Museum Duplicates (L. Hamburger [90], 29 May 1929), lot 107.

65.

SICILY, Himera. Circa 425-409 BC. AR Hemidrachm (14mm, 2.09 g, 6h). Pan, holding kerykeion in left hand and blowing into conch shell in his right, riding goat right; ˜-o5ÅrEÂ-[5˙] around lower edge / Nike flying left, holding filleted aphlaston in extended right hand and hem of dress with left; ˜-5-˚-[Å] around. HGC 2, 442; SNG ANS 19; Rizzo pl. XXI, 19.

Toned, find patina on obverse, some porosity on reverse. VF. Struck on a broad flan. ($750) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler.

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66.

SICILY, Katane. Circa 445-435 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.32 g, 4h). Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga of horses right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; ˚ÅtÅnÅ5o-[s] to right. Mirone 42 (same dies as illustration); HGC 2, 567 (same dies as illustration); SNG ANS 1247 (same obv. die); Rizzo, pl. XI, 9 (same dies). Toned, patch of find patina on obverse, minor double strike and flan flaw on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 50 (23 June 1999), lot 470.

The “Maestro della Foglia”

67.

SICILY, Katane. Circa 435-412 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.04 g, 2h). Reverse die signed by the “Maestro della foglia.”. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga of horses right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; plane leaf to left (signature), ˚ÅtÅ@Å5o@ to right. Mirone –; HGC 2, 572 (same dies as illustration); SNG ANS 1256; SNG Lloyd 898; Gillet 392; Gulbenkian 185 = Jameson 541; Pozzi 417; Rizzo pl. XII, 11 (all from the same dies). Lightly toned, minor double strike on obverse. Good VF. Elegant style. ($10,000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Triton I (2 December 1997), lot 240; Numismatica Ars Classica 2 (21 February 1990), lot 68.

During the second half of the 5th century the design of the Katanian tetradrachms underwent a radical change with the introduction of a racing chariot on the obverse and a head of Apollo on the reverse. While reflecting dramatic stylistic developments, these types were to remain relatively unchanged down to the time of the capture of the city in 404 BC by Dionysios, tyrant of Syracuse, who sold the population into slavery. The “Maestro della foglia” or “Master of the Leaf” is the appellation that Rizzo gave to the master engraver who began the transformation of Katanian coin design. The driver and horses come alive, as if they truly are trying to win the race, rather than merely posing.

The face of Apollo begins to carry a hint of a bemused expression, and his locks of hair become more unruly. Over the course of the next decade the successors to this master – Euainetos, Herakleidas, and Choirion – would produce their own unrivaled masterpieces.

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68.

SICILY, Katane. Circa 415/3-404 BC. AR Litra (12.5mm, 0.72 g, 3h). Bearded head of Silenos left, hair in wide band decorated with ivy wreath / Winged thunderbolt; two shields flanking, ˚ÅtÅ@-[Å5W@] around. Boehringer, Kataneische Li 7; Mirone 90; HGC 2, 590; SNG Lloyd 913; Rizzo pl. XIV, 20. Attractive deep gray find patina, with toned silver highlights, small edge chip. EF. Artistic style. Rare. ($5000) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler.

Unique Hemidrachm

69.

SICILY, Katane. Circa 415/3-404 BC. AR Hemidrachm (15mm, 1.70 g, 3h). Obverse die in the style of Prokles.

Bearded head of Silenos left, wearing ivy wreath / Winged thunderbolt; two shields, decorated with stars, flanking; ˚-Å-t-Å-@ Å5-W-@ around. Unpublished as a hemidrachm, for contemporary litra with the same types, cf. Boehringer, Kataneische Li 6; cf.

HGC 2, 590. Toned, underlying luster, some minor flan flaws. Good VF. Apparently unique as a hemidrachm. ($3000) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler.

The present coin bears the same types as an issue of litrai (Boehringer Li 6), but the weight and diameter is clearly that of a hemidrachm. No other examples are presently known.

The dies used at Katane in the mid-late 5th century BC display some of the finest classical style engraving in Sicilian numismatics. Parallels in style between issues of Katane in this period and contemporary signed pieces from other mints have led numismatists to assign many dies to the work of master engravers such as Euainetos. Some litrai dies are signed with the first initial of the artist Prokles, whose full signature is present on contemporary tetradrachms. The unsigned dies are of an identical style, however, suggesting they are also the work of the master, but perhaps before he began engraving his signature. This unsigned hemidrachm is also in the style of Prokles.

70.

SICILY, Katane. Circa 412-410 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 3.58 g, 7h). Dies in the style of Prokles. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; ˚Å-tÅ-[@Å5o@] to right and in exergue / Head of Amenanos right, wearing tainia; two fish flanking, crayfish to lower right, ŵE@Å@-[o%] around. Mirone 80; HGC 2, –; Basel 332 = SNG Lockett 732 = Weber 1271.

Find patina, small edge chip, minor die breaks, light cleaning marks on reverse. VF. Extremely rare with head right, missing from most published collections. ($750) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica R (17 May 2007), lot 1064; Numismatica Ars Classica H (30 April 1998), lot 1149; Sternberg XXXI (27 October 1996), lot 535.

As with the unsigned litrai and unique hemidrachm (see previous lot) of this period, the drachms also have a style that is consistent with the contemporary tetradrachms signed by the artist Prokles.

35

71.

SICILY, Leontini. Circa 430-425 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.05 g, 6h). Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Head of roaring lion right; 6E-o-n-t5-n-on around; barley grain above, to left, and below; leaf to right.

Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 55 (same dies); HGC 2, 671 (same dies as illustration); SNG ANS 257 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1063 (same obv. die); Basel 353 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXIV, 4 (same dies). Untouched find patina, usual die break on obverse. EF. ($4000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group XXXIII (15 March 1995), lot 114; CNG inventory 84755 (November 1994).

72.

SICILY, Leontini. Circa 415-413 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.32 g, 9h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Head of roaring lion right; ¬Eo-˜t-5˜-o[˜] and four barley grains around. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 67 (same dies); HGC 2, 677 (same dies as illustration); SNG ANS 248 (same dies); SNG Lockett 804 (same obv. die); Gillet 450 (same dies); Gulbenkian 220 (same dies); Jameson 635 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 26 (same obv. die); Rizzo pl. XXIV, 15 (same dies). Toned, usual die break on obverse, a few light scratches on reverse. VF. Powerful lion’s head. ($2000) From the Pythagoras Collection.

73.

SICILY, Messana (as Zankle). Circa 500-493 BC. AR Litra (11mm, 0.59 g). Dolphin left within sickle-shaped harbor; Îån below / Nine-part incuse square with scallop shell in center. Gielow 72–8; HGC 2, 768; SNG ANS 304. Find patina. Good VF. ($1500)

74.

SICILY, Messana. 480-478 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 3.92 g, 4h). Charioteer, holding kentron in left hand, reins in left, driving slow biga of mules right / Hare springing right; ÂeÍÍe-˜5-o˜ around. Caltabiano Series IIA, 43.1 (D20/R24 – this coin, also erroneously listed as 41.4); HGC 2, 806; SNG Copenhagen 392 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1110 (same obv. die); Hermitage Sale II 298 (same obv. die). Deep iridescent tone. VF. Rare. ($1000) Ex CNG inventory 884838 (November 2010); Münzen und Medaillen AG 37 (5 December 1968), lot 80; E. Bourgey (17 June 1959), lot 485.

36

75.

SICILY, Messana. 425-421 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.00 g, 7h). Charioteer, holding reins in both hands, driving slow biga of mules right; above, Nike flying right, crowning mules with open laurel wreath held in both hands; in exergue, two dolphins confronted / Hare springing right; below, dolphin right; ÂEs-s-Ř5-o-˜ around. Caltabiano Series XIII, 499.14 (D202’/R207 – this coin); HGC 2, 787; SNG ANS 361 (same dies); SNG Ashmolean 1844 (same dies); Berlin 81 (same dies).

Light iridescent tone with underlying luster, a hint of porosity, light scratch in field on obverse. Good VF. ($2500) From the JTB Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale 2020 (25 May 2020), lot 139; Auctiones AG 17 (7 June 1988), lot 56; Kunst und Münzen [17] (6 June 1977), lot 61.

76.

SICILY, Messana. 420-413 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.19 g, 9h). The nymph Messana, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving slow biga of mules right; ŘÅs-sEµ counterclockwise from right, two dolphins confronted in exergue / Hare springing right; µEs-sÅ-˜5-o-˜ around; below, dolphin right. Caltabiano Series XIV, 539 (D212/R230A); HGC 2, 792; SNG ANS 362; Ars Classica XV, lot 201 (same dies); Ognina 132 (same dies). Attractive iridescent tone, minor die wear, small deposit on reverse. EF. ($5000) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, November 2003. Ex Gorny & Mosch 125 (13 October 2003), lot 50.

Ex Morgan and De Ciccio Collections – Pedigreed to 1903

77.

SICILY, Messana. 412-408 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.12 g, 2h). Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow biga of mules left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, two dolphins confronted / Hare springing right; below, youthful head of Pan right and syrinx; µEssŘ-5-o˜ around. Caltabiano Series XVA, 603.9 (D217/R235) = Morgan 121 (this coin); HGC 2, 795; SNG Fitzwilliam 1077 (same dies); SNG Lockett 829 (same dies). Deep cabinet tone, light marks on reverse. Good VF. ($5000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Stack’s (10 June 1970), lot 684; J. Pierpont Morgan Collection (sold privately; not in H. Schulman or Stack’s sales); Giuseppe De Ciccio Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 19 December 1907), lot 218; Maddalena & Sambon, 7 September 1903), lot 15.

37

78.

SICILY, Messana. 412-408 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.33 g, 11h). Charioteer, holding kentron in left hand and reins in right, driving slow biga of mules left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in extended right hand and fillet in left / Hare springing left; above, traces of letters and dove perched left on hare’s ear; below, grain stalk left; µEssÅn5os in exergue. Caltabiano Series XVA, 615 (D220/R242); HGC 2, 797 (same obv. die as illustration); SNG ANS 378 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1104 (same dies); Jameson 657 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXVII, 5 (same obv. die). Lightly toned over lustrous surfaces. Choice EF. Well centered. Exceptional. ($10,000) Ex Triton XXIII (14 January 2020), lot 108.

Rizzo, Jameson, Forrer, and Evans mention the appearance of small letters, ANAΛ or ANAN, visible to the left of the bird on the reverse.

Caltabiano does not note this “signature” in her corpus, nor is it mentioned in SNG Lloyd, whose example is of the same die. However, the appearance of a signature on this issue would not be without precedent, as there are examples of an artist signing ‘ΣΙΜΙΝ’ on examples in this same time period. (cf. Sotheby’s NY, 21 June 1990, lot 238, SNG ANS 381; Jameson 653).

Ex Durulfé and Empedocles Collections

79.

SICILY, Naxos. Circa 461-430 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 4.22 g, 1h). Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath / Silenos, nude and ithyphallic, squatting half-left, holding kylix in right hand and supporting himself with his left, tail behind; ˜-Å-c5-o˜ around; all within shallow concave circular incuse. Cahn 56.26 (V41/R47 – this coin); HGC 2, 990; SNG ANS 518–9 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1152 (same dies); BMC 9 (same dies); Boston MFA 305 = Warren 274 (same dies); Jameson 676 (same dies); de Luynes 1064 (same dies); Pozzi 507 (same dies); Sartiges 111 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, traces of find patina, die break on obverse (typical for die). VF. Well struck on a broad flan. ($5000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Naville V (18 June 1923), lot 981; Gustave Durulfé Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 9 May 1910), lot 151; G. Empedocles Collection.

38

Ex Jameson and Lestrange Collections

80.

SICILY, Naxos. Circa 461-430 BC. AR Litra (11mm, 0.73 g, 10h). Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath / Grape bunch on encircling vine; ˜Å-c5 across inner fields. Cahn 71.2 (V53/R59) = Jameson 675 (this coin); Campana 9c; HGC 2, 970; SNG ANS 520 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 488 (same dies); BMC 13 (same dies); Hunterian 5 (same dies). Deeply toned, a hint of granularity. VF. Rare. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Robert Jameson Collection (published 1913); Comte Lestrange Collection (Egger XXIII, 26 November 1909), lot 180.

Exceptional For Type

81.

SICILY, Panormos (as Ziz). Circa 405-380 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 15.85 g, 5h). Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath she holds in her extended hands; 8$8 (Punic ṢYṢ) in exergue / Head of female right, hair in sphendone, wearing triplependant earring; four dolphins (only two visible) around. Jenkins, Punic 14 (O3/R13); CNS 334; HGC 2, 1005 (same dies as illustration). Dark toning, minor roughness. Good VF. Exceptional for type. Very rare, only three known to Jenkins, two in CoinArchives. ($2000) From the L. H. Collection.

Ex Knoepke and Jameson Collections

82.

SICILY, Segesta. Circa 440/35-420/16 BC. AR Didrachm (22.5mm, 8.56 g, 12h). Hound standing right on exergue line; dotted circular border / Head of Aigiste right, hair in band; ∫5zÅ-tsE1Es around. Hurter, Didrachmenprägung 138c (V41/R80) = Jameson 705 (this coin); HGC 2, 1137; SNG Ashmolean 1877 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, flan crack, a little die wear on reverse. VF. ($2000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Olga H. Knoepke Collection (Glendining’s, 10 December 1986), lot 75; Robert Jameson Collection (published 1913).

83.

SICILY, Segesta. Circa 412/0-400 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.98 g, 3h). Hound standing right, on the scent; above, head of female right / Head of Aigiste right; sE˝EstÅ[Z5]B around. Hurter, Didrachmenprägung 153 (V45’/R88); HGC 2, 1142; SNG ANS 641 (same dies). Deeply toned, traces of redeposited silver. VF. Rare. ($1500) From the Pythagoras Collection.

39

Ex Lockett, Berlin Museum, and Imhoof-Blumer Collections

84.

SICILY, Segesta. Circa 390/85 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 16.73 g, 2h). Aigiste, holding grain ear in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning her with wreath; in exergue, [s]E-¬EstÅz[5Å] above [grasshopper right] / The hunter Aigestes, nude, standing right, left foot propped on rock, pileus hanging from his neck, and holding in left hand two spears over his shoulder; two hounds below, one at bay right, the other crouched right, sniffing at ithyphallic herm to right. Hurter, Didrachmenprägung, Group IV, T10l (V5/R10) = Lederer 9k = SNG Lockett 855 (this coin); HGC 2, 1109; SNG Fitzwilliam 1148 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1199 (same dies); BMC 43; de Luynes 1122 (same dies); Gillet 516 (same dies). Deep cabinet tone, small area of weak strike at edge, a little off center on reverse. Good VF. Artistic die workmanship. ($10,000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 823; Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part 1, Glendining, 25 October 1955), lot 740; Helbing (20 March 1928), lot 94; Duplicates from the Münzkabinett of the Königliche Museen zu Berlin (Reichmann XXX, 11 December 1924), lot 277; Dr. Friedrich Imhoof-Blümer Collection; J. Hirsch XXXII (14 November 1912), lot 100.

85.

SICILY, Selinos. Circa 540-515 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 8.75 g). Selinon leaf; two pellets across upper field, two pellets flanking stem / Incuse square divided into ten sections. Arnold-Biucchi Group I; Selinus Hoard 10–7; HGC 2, 1209; SNG ANS 665; SNG München 876; Jameson 717. Lightly toned, granular surfaces. Near EF. ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 49 (20 November 2020), lot 73.

40

Ex Massachusetts Historical Society/Adams Family Collection

86.

SICILY, Selinos. Circa 455-409 BC. AR Tetradrachm (20.5mm, 17.29 g, 11h). Artemis, holding reins in both hands, driving quadriga left; beside her, Apollo standing left, drawing bow; ˜o5-t-[˜-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; s-E¬5-˜o-s around above. Schwabacher 6 (Q1/S6); HGC 2, 1220; Bement 437 (same dies); McClean 2576 (same dies); Warren 286 (same dies). Deeply toned, die wear on obverse.

Good VF. ($5000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 42 (29 May 1997), lot 145; Numismatics Fine Arts XXIX (13 August 1992), lot 30; Massachusetts Historical Society/Adams Family Collection (Part I, Stack’s, 5 March 1971), lot 111.

87.

SICILY, Syracuse. The Gamoroi. Circa 500-490/86 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.94 g, 5h). Charioteer, holding reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga right; ߨRÅ above / Head of Arethousa left in incuse circle in center of quadripartite incuse square. Boehringer Series I, 23E (V17/R13); HGC 2, 1302; Bement 442 (same obv. die); Regling, Antike 261 (same dies); Traité I 2248, pl. LXXIV, 2 (same rev. die). Deep collection tone, with some iridescence, light scratch in field on obverse.

Near EF. ($20,000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale 2020 (25 May 2020), lot 146; Galerie Numismatique Drouot 13 (21 November 1980), lot 946.

41

Ex De Ciccio Collection – Cited by Boehringer

88.

SICILY, Syracuse. Gelon I. 485-478 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.55 g, 7h). Struck circa 480-478 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, wings spread, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing tainia and pearl necklace; four dolphins and s¨∞Å-˚-os5-o˜ around. Boehringer Series V, 57.8 (V30/R28 – this coin); HGC 2, 1306; SNG ANS 13 (same dies); de Luynes 1153 (same dies); McClean 2603 (same dies). Toned, cleaning marks under tone on obverse. Good VF. Well executed head of Arethusa. ($7500) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Giuseppe De Ciccio Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 19 December 1907), lot 294.

89.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 17.43 g, 1h). Struck circa 478-475 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; s¨‰å˚os5o-˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series VIIIa, 109 (V50/R75); HGC 2, 1306. Attractive cabinet tone, light cleaning marks. Near EF. Well centered. ($3000)

90 91 90.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 17.17 g, 10h). Struck circa 478-475 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; s¨‰å˚-os5o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series IXa, 215 (V95/R144); HGC 2, 1306; Bement 449 (same rev. die); Randazzo 375 (same dies). Toned, die break on reverse. Good VF. ($1500) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, 2004.

91.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.28 g, 6h). Struck circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; s¨‰A˚os5o-˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XI, 252E (V114/R173); HGC 2, 1307; Randazzo 425–6 (same rev. die). Attractive cabinet tone, minor die wear. VF. ($1500) Ex Dr. Feori Pipito Collection (Superior, 12 December 1987), lot 172. Lot includes a Frank Kovacs stock ticket, as well as an old collection ticket stating “ex Sartoris, 4/11/63”.

42

92.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.15 g, 12h). Struck circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, hoop with single-pendant earring, and necklace; s¨#-A˚o-s5o-˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIIa, 294 (V140/R203); HGC 2, 1307; SNG ANS 96 (same rev. die). Lightly toned, patches of find patina. EF. ($5000) Ex Molard Collection (Nomos 15, 22 October 2017), lot 28 (hammer 8000 CHF); H.K. Collection, purchased from Tradart, 2009.

93.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.32 g, 12h). Struck circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; s-¨#A-˚os5-o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIIa, 343 (V168/R42); HGC 2, 1307; SNG ANS 109 (same obv. die); McClean 2613 (same dies). Underlying luster, indications of undertype. Good VF. ($2000)

94.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.35 g, 3h). Struck circa 466460 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, hoop earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins and sU∞Å˚os5o-˜ around. Boehringer Series XIVa, 483 (V257/R346); HGC 2, 1311; SNG ANS 151; SNG Lloyd 1315; BMC 74; Bement 466; Jameson 760; Kraay & Hirmer 83; McClean 2653; Pozzi 575; Rizzo pl. XXXVII, 2 (all from the same dies). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4284185-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000)

Ex Virzi Collection

95.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.02 g, 1h). Struck circa 450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, hoop earring with small pendant, and pearl necklace; s¨‰Åkos-5-o˜ and four dolphins swimming around. Boehringer Series XV, 515.7 (V270/R366 – this coin); HGC 2, 1311; BMC 83 (same dies); Bement 468 (same dies); Jameson 765 (same dies); de Luynes 1174 (same dies); McClean 2660 (same dies); Pozzi 578 (same dies). Toned, traces of find patina, a few light marks and scratches. Good VF. ($3000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Tom Virzi Collection (J. Hirsch XXXII, 14 November 1912), lot 189.

43

Reverse Illustrated in Boehringer – Ex Virzi Collection

96.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.27 g, 2h). Struck circa 450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, hoop earring with small pendant, and pearl necklace; s¨‰Åkos5-o-˜ and four dolphins swimming around. Boehringer Series XV, 519.2 (V271/R369 – this coin, the reverse illustrated); HGC 2, 1311; SNG ANS 617 (same dies); McClean 2661 (same dies).

Beautiful old collection tone, a little die rust on obverse, minor edge split. Good VF. Attractive style, and with a fantastic pedigree. ($3000) Ex Nomos 12 (22 May 2016), lot 30; Münzen und Medaillen AG 66 (23 October 1984), lot 3; Naville IV (17 June 1922), lot 321; Tom Virzi Collection (J. Hirsch XXXII, 14 November 1912), lot 185.

Ex Hunt, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and Bartlett Collections

97.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.34 g, 10h). Struck circa 450440 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, singlependant earring, and necklace; s¨∞Å˚os5-o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XVIa, 557.2 (V282/R387) = Boston MFA 374 = Hunt II 254 (this coin); HGC 2, 1311; SNG ANS 180 (same dies); Bement 469–70 (same dies); Jameson 766 (same dies). Lovely old cabinet tone beneath lightly lacquered surfaces, die break on obverse. Near EF. ($3000) Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions XVI (16 August 1991), lot 46; Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s, 21 June 1990), lot 254; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts VIII, 6 June 1980), lot 38; Francis Bartlett Collection (collection purchased by the Boston MFA in 1903).

44

Signed by Euainetos & Eukleidas

98.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.38 g, 1h). Obverse die signed by Euainetos, reverse by Euklei[das]. Struck circa 415-409 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands; EUÅ5@Eto in tiny letters on exergue line (only a trace visible), wheel in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, hair in ampyx, decorated with a swan, and sphendone, inscribed E¨˚¬E5, wearing hook-shaped earring and pearl necklace; four dolphins around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 37b (O12/R23 – this coin); Tudeer 37; SNG ANS 266; SNG Lloyd 1374 = Bement 500; SNG München 1055; BMC 190 = Rizzo pl. XLII, 19 and XLV, 2; Boston MFA 404 = Warren 374; Dewing 844; Gillet 617; Gulbenkian 276; Hirsch 599; Jameson 802; Pozzi 1262 (all from the same dies). Lightly toned, typical die break at edge on reverse. Good VF. ($7500) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Hess-Leu [19] (12 April 1962), lot 97.

The magnificent artistic flowering in Sicily in the 5th century BC has its origins in times of great strife. By the middle of the century, the situation began to resemble that of Renaissance Italy, where local princes engaged in continual warfare among themselves while employing the finest artists and craftsmen of their time. The result was the patronizing of some of the most talented coin engravers in history. In Syracuse, by the late 5th century BC these engravers were proudly signing their work, preserving the names of Kimon, Euainetos, Eumenos, Sosion, Herakleidas, Eukleidas and others for posterity. Their handiwork included several collaborative efforts, including coins with obverse and reverse dies signed by different artists, as seen here (and the following lot).

45

Signed by Phrygillos & Euarchidas

99.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.35 g, 5h). Obverse die signed

by Phrygillos, reverse die signed by Euarchidas. Struck circa 415-409 BC. Head of Arethousa left, hair in ampyx, inscribed f[rU], and sphendone, wearing single-pendant earring; s¨rÅ˚os5o˜ above, four dolphins around / Charioteer, holding flaming torch in right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands; E¨Årc5dÅ above exergue line to lower right; in exergue, grain ear left. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 54 (O18/R33); Tudeer 54; HGC 2, 1335; SNG ANS 279 (same dies); SNG München 1061 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 108 (same rev. die); Rizzo pl. XLII, 14 (same dies). Lightly toned, flan flaw on reverse. Good VF. ($3000) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, circa 1998. Lot includes an old Schweizerischer Bankverein stock ticket for this coin.

In the Style of Eukleidas - Ex Virzi Collection

100.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 17.31 g, 5h). Unsigned dies in the style of Eukleidas. Struck circa 405 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike 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; [s¨-r-Å]-˚os-5-[W-@] and four dolphins around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 98h (V34/R66) = Tudeer 98c (this coin); HGC 2, 1345; SNG ANS 299 (same dies); BMC 195 = Rizzo pl XLVIII, 15 (same dies); Dewing 859-60 (same dies); Gulbenkian 297 (same dies).

Old cabinet tone, slight doubling on obverse. Good VF. Struck with artistic dies. ($5000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 42 (29 May 1997), lot 171; Münzen und Medaillen AG 72 (6 October 1987), lot 124; Münzen und Medaillen AG XXVIII (19 June 1964), lot 76; Tom Virzi Collection (J. Hirsch XXXII, 14 November 1912), lot 364.

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Kimon’s Thrice-Signed Dekadrachm Ex Béhrend Collection and Bibliothèque Nationale de France

101.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (35mm, 43.32 g, 12h). Obverse and reverse dies signed by Kimon. Struck circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with laurel wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line inscribed ˚5ÂW@ (only traces visible), 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 3p (dies A/γ) = J. De Foville “Choix des monnaies grecques du Cabinet de France” in RN 1913, pl. I, 173 (this coin); Scavino 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).

Lovely old cabinet tone, very light die rust on obverse, thin die break and slightly off center on reverse. Near EF. A wonderful coin in hand with an exceptional pedigree. ($60,000) Ex Morton & Eden 96 (24 October 2018), lot 316; Morton & Eden 66 (7 November 2013), lot 340; Denyse Béhrend Collection (before 1985); Münzen und Medaillen AG XXV (17 November 1962), lot 419; deaccessioned from the Départment des Monnaies, Médailles et Antiques, Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

Nothing is known about the personal life of the Syracusan master engraver Kimon, other than the approximate years he was active, circa 415390 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 KI) on dies for denominations large and small. His unique style, the essence of cool 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.

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Ex Morgan and Nervenga Collections

102.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (34.5mm, 43.18 g, 2h). Unsigned dies in the style of Kimon. Struck circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with laurel wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, 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 and open-weave sakkos; sUr-Å˚os5W@ behind hair, four swimming dolphins around. Jongkees 8i (dies B/η) = Morgan 161 = H.J. Berk, “100 Greatest Ancient Coins” (Atlanta, 2008), pp. 34–5, 6 (this coin); Scavino 8 (D2/R7); HGC 2, 1298; SNG Ashmolean 2023 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 517 (same dies); Boston MFA 434 (same dies); Pozzi 611 (same dies). Wonderful cabinet tone, with golden hues around the devices, moderate die rust on obverse, usual die breaks on reverse. Near EF. Of artisic merit, from the dies of a master celator. ($50,000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. (inv. cc33694). Ex Leu 13 (29 April 1975), lot 66; Hess-Leu [9] (2 April 1958), lot 94; J. Pierpont Morgan Collection (sold privately; not in H. Schulman or Stack’s sales); Giuseppe Nervenga Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 18 November 1907), lot 769.

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103.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Hemidrachm (15.5mm, 2.08 g, 5h). Struck circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer, holding [kentron] in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with wreath held her extended hands; two dolphins confronted in exergue / Head of Arethousa left, hair in ampyx and sphendone; two dolphins flanking, s¨r[Å]˚os5o@ below. Boehringer, Münzprägungen, pl. II, 18; HGC 2, 1367 (Second Democracy); SNG ANS 305; SNG Lloyd 1376–7; SNG Lockett, 978–9. Old cabinet tone. VF. Struck on a broad flan from artistic dies. Rare. ($2000) From the Pythagoras Collection.

104.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Hemidrachm (14mm, 2.00 g, 11h). Struck circa 405-400 BC. Head of Athena facing slightly left, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet and linear necklace; s-U and four dolphins flanking / Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; two dolphins confronted in exergue. Boehringer, Münzprägungen, p. 66; HGC 2, 1369; SNG ANS 312; Basel 483; BMC 231. Dark toning with much find patina remaining, a hint of porosity. VF. Well struck. Rare. ($500) From the Pythagoras Collection.

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The Dekadrachms of Euainetos The engraver Euainetos seems to have begun his series of signed dekadrachm dies a few years after Kimon; perhaps he began as an apprentice and “graduated” to master status. His dekadrachm design superseded that of Kimon and became a paradigm for coinage throughout the classical world. His Arethousa is less human and more divine than his predecessor’s vision. The wreath of grain ears woven into her hair symbolizes the agricultural bounty of Sicily. His racing chariot is the essence of action, almost photographically frozen in time, with the charging, rearing horses appearing to levitate above the ground line. The design was widely copied on later coinage of Syracuse, as well as by the Carthaginian forces in Sicily.

105.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (37.5mm, 41.24 g, 5h). Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos. Struck circa 405-380/67 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; sU-rÅ-k-o-[s5W@] above, scallop shell behind neck, four dolphins swimming around. Gallatin dies R.XI/E.I; Scavino 53 (D11/R21); HGC 2, 1299; SNG ANS 372 (same dies); Boston MFA 426 = Warren 359 (same dies); Consul Weber 686 (same dies); Hunterian 55 (same dies); Jameson 829 (same dies). Old collection tone, only a hint of the usual die rust and a minor delamination on obverse. EF. A spectacular example, struck on a broad flan from fresh dies. ($30,000) From the Menlo Park Collection. Ex CNG inventory 711395 (March 1999).

106.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (33.5mm, 43.41 g, 8h). Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos. Struck circa 405-380/67 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness, shield], greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; [sU-rÅ-k]o-[s]-5W@ above, pellet below chin, four dolphins swimming around. Gallatin dies R.XXI/J.II; Scavino 59 (D18/R31); HGC 2, 1299; SNG ANS 375 (same dies); BMC 179 (same dies). Lightly toned, flan a little irregular. NGC photo certificate 5872730-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($20,000) Sold for the benefit of the American Numismatic Society to benefit the Chair of the Executive Director. Ex Lanz 156 (2 June 2013), lot 62.

107.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (34.5mm, 42.84 g, 5h). Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos. Struck circa 405-380/67 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness, shield], greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; [sU-r-Å-k-os5W@ behind hair], pellet and scallop shell flanking neck, four swimming dolphins around. Gallatin dies R.XXIII/F.IXa; Scavino 69b (D20/ R26a – this coin); HGC 2, 1299; SNG ANS 374 (same rev. die); SNG Blackburn 187 (same dies); Virzi Sale 327 (same rev. die). Old cabinet tone, usual die rust on obverse, a couple of die breaks on the reverse. Near EF. ($30,000) Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 544 (June 1991), no. 24.

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105

106

107

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108.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. Æ Drachm (30mm, 31.35 g, 10h). Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with wreath; sUrÅ above / Sea-star between two dolphins. Holloway, Further, Series 4; CNS 62; HGC 2, 1436; SNG ANS 455; SNG Lloyd 1452; Basel 494; Virzi 1422. Dark green patina, some minor smoothing. Near EF. A wonderful example. ($2000)

109.

SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. Æ Dilitron (26mm, 20.71 g, 2h). Timoleontic Symmachy coinage. 2nd series, circa 339/8-334 BC. Head of Zeus Eleutherios left, wearing laurel wreath; zEUs E-¬-EU[Q] E[r5os] around / Horse rearing left; sU[rÅ]-˚-os5W-@ around. Castrizio Series II, 1; CNS 80; HGC 2, 1439; SNG ANS 533-41; SNG Lloyd 1456-7; SNG Morcom 717; Basel 499; Favorito 17; Laffaille 225; Virzi 1500–14. Attractive green and red-brown patina, light smoothing in fields. EF. Exceptional for issue; among the finest known. ($7500)

110.

SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AV Hemistater – Drachm (14.5mm, 4.20 g, 1h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving galloping biga right; triskeles below, sUrÅ˚os5-W-@ around. Bérend, l’or, pl. 9, 1; BAR Issue 1; HGC 2, 1276; SNG ANS 549; SNG Fitzwilliam 1325 (same obv. die); Dewing 935; Gillet 715. Toned, minor die shift on obverse. Good VF. ($3000) Ex WN Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 106, 13 September 2017), lot 46; Noble 107 (18 November 2014), lot 3195.

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111.

SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.93 g, 5h). Struck circa 310-306/5 BC. Head of Kore right, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ˚orÅs to left / Nike standing right erecting trophy to right; Å˝ÅQo˚¬Eos to left, triskeles to lower left. Ierardi 146 (O38/R99 – this coin); BAR Issue 23; HGC 2, 1536; SNG ANS 674 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 381 (same dies). Dark iridescent tone, trace deposits and a few light marks under tone on obverse. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Stack’s (22 April 2009), lot 1041.

112.

SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AV 100 Litrai – Double Dekadrachm (17mm, 5.69 g, 2h). Struck circa 304-289 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with a griffin, and pearl necklace / Winged thunderbolt; Å˝ÅQo˚¬Eos above, ∫Ås5¬Eos and p in two lines below. Bérend, l’or 17 (D6/R6); BAR Issue 29; HGC 2, 1535; Boston MFA 464 (same dies); Gillet 717 (same dies); Gulbenkian 341 (same dies). Underlying luster, light scuff and two areas of flatness on edge. EF. Well centered. ($7500)

113.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AV Drachm – Hemistater (14mm, 4.36 g, 12h). Struck circa 218/7-215 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears and necklace; [symbol to right] / Nike, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga left; & below, [5]ErW@os in exergue. Carroccio – (unlisted dies, but cf. D20 and D37 for similar); BAR Issue 55; HGC 2, 1539. Toned, compact flan. EF. ($5000) Ex Stack’s (9 January 2015), lot 41.

114.

SICILY, Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AR 16 Litrai – Tetradrachm (26mm, 12.99 g, 12h).

Struck circa 218/7-215 BC. Diademed and veiled head left; star to right / ∫Å%5¬5%%Å% f5¬5%t5do%, Nike, holding reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga right; f above. CCO 166 (D10/R21); BAR Issue 65; HGC 2, 1556; SNG ANS 874 (same rev. die); McClean 1401 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 4282798-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 108 (16 May 2018), lot 22; Volteia Collection (Classical Numismatic Review XLI/1, Spring 2016), no.

421933; Lanz 149 (24 June 2010), lot 61.

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115.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieronymos. 215-214 BC. AR 10 Litrai (23mm, 8.44 g, 11h). Diademed head left / Winged thunderbolt; ∫Å%5¬EW% and Â5 above, 5ErW@UÂoU below. Holloway 11 (O5/R10); BAR issue 80; HGC 2, 1567; SNG Fitzwilliam 1433 (same obv. die); Hunterian 306 (same dies). Light iridescent tone, trace deposits in hair, light scratches, some flan flaws. Near EF. ($1000) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Palladium Numismatics, April 1996.

Ex Hunt Collection

116.

SICILY, Thermai Himeraiai. Punic Issues. Circa 350-330 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.27 g, 7h). Charioteer, wearing Phrygian helmet, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; altar in exergue / Bare head of female left, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; three dolphins swimming around, ram of ship to right. Jenkins, Punic 1 (D1/R1 – this coin illustrated (2nd coin)); Campana 11; CNP 319b; HGC 2, 1610; SNG Lloyd 1040 (same dies); BMC 1 (same dies); Hunt II 296 (this coin); McClean 2310 (same dies). Wonderful old cabinet tone, traces of find patina, minor flan flaw on obverse, two shallow test cuts on edge. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000) Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s, 21 June 1990), lot 296; Leu 22 (8 May 1979), lot 44.

The Coinage of Carthage

117.

CARTHAGE. Circa 350-320 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 9.22 g, 10h). Carthage mint. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring, and necklace with eleven pendants / Horse standing right; three pellets to right of foreleg. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIf, 31 (same dies); MAA 4; CNP 1.5f. Lustrous, slight die wear. Near EF. Fine style. ($10,000) By the third century BC, the Punic goddess Tanit and the horse had become the standard types of Carthaginian coinage and remained so for the balance of the city’s existence. Tanit was the primary deity of Carthage. A celestial divinity with some fertility aspects, she was the North African equivalent of Astarte. She is always depicted on the coinage wearing a wreath of grain, which may have been borrowed from Demeter and Persephone as the Carthaginians assimilated the Sicilian culture into their own during the various Punic excursions to the island. The use of the horse on the reverse is usually considered part of the foundation myth of Carthage. According to Virgil’s Aeneid, the Phoenician colonists who founded Carthage were told by Juno (or Tanit) to establish the new colony at the place where they discovered a horse’s head in the ground. Another theory is that the obverse head is actually Demeter or Persephone, whose worship was introduced to Carthage in 396 BC to make amends for the destruction of the goddesses’ temples outside Syracuse by the Carthaginian army.

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118. CARTHAGE. Circa 350-320 BC. AV Stater (20mm, 9.36 g, 3h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with eight pendants / Horse standing right; three pellets to right of forelegs. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIh, 73; CNP 1.5h; MAA 4. Lustrous, minor die wear. Choice EF. Sharply struck from artistic dies. ($15,000) Ex American Collection; Nomos FPL (Winter/Spring 2016), no 21.

119. CARTHAGE. Circa 350-320 BC. AV Fifth Stater (9.5mm, 1.49 g, 12h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and necklace / Horse standing right, head left. Jenkins & Lewis Group III, 134 (same dies); CNP 79; MAA 7; SNG Copenhagen 131; SNG Lloyd 1661; Weber 8493–5. A few marks. Good VF. Well centered and struck. ($1000)

120. CARTHAGE. Circa 350-320 BC. AV Tenth Stater (7.5mm, 0.85 g, 6h). Carthage mint. Palm tree with two date clusters / Head of horse right. Jenkins & Lewis Group III, 136–55; CNP 239; MAA 8; SNG Copenhagen 133. Die rust, a few light marks. Good VF. ($750)

Choice Carthage Tridrachm

121. CARTHAGE. Circa 270-264 BC. AV 1½ Shekels – Tridrachm (22mm, 12.47 g, 12h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with twelve pendants / Horse standing right, head left.

Jenkins & Lewis Group IX, 393 (same dies); CNP 76; MAA 26; SNG Copenhagen 181; Basel 569; Gulbenkian 384 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 210. Lustrous, a few light marks. Choice EF. ($25,000) Ex Palombo 16 (21 October 2017), lot 22; where it was graded by NGC MS 5/5, 4/5, fine style.

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122.

MOESIA, Dionysopolis. Circa 225-190 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 16.46 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, grape bunch above ¤. Price 952 var. (monogram); Terzian 1.1 = Black Sea Hoard 96 (this coin); HGC 3, 1770. Light golden tone, small metal flaw on obverse, a few hairlines on reverse. EF. Wonderful style. ($1000) Ex Freeman & Sear inventory G9463 (ND); “Black Sea” Hoard, 96.

123.

MOESIA, Istros. Circa 313-280 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 5.76 g, 7h). Facing male heads, the left inverted / Sea eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; 5str[5˙] above, { below. Dima Subgroup IV, Group IV, Subgroup IV, 4; AMNG I 417; HGC 3, 1802. Toned, die shift on reverse. EF. ($500) Ex Leo & Paula Gorelkin Collection (Triton XVII, 7 January 2014), lot 88.

124.

THRACE, Abdera. Circa 475-450 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.82 g). Smor–, magistrate. Griffin with curved wing seated left, raising left forepaw; s-Â-or clockwise around from upper left; to lower left, potbellied satyr dancing facing, head right / Quadripartite incuse square. May, Abdera, Group III, 110 (A95/P89); AMNG II 29; HGC 3, 1133; BMC 4 = Regling, Antike 228 (same dies); Jameson 1030 (same dies); Locker-Lampson 128 = Weber 2371 (same dies). Lightly toned with traces of find patina, minor porosity, short hairline flan crack, a few light scratches. Near EF. Rare issue, only eleven examples recorded by May, and just two in CoinArchives. ($2000)

125.

THRACE, Abdera. Circa 450-425 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 14.74 g, 12h). Herodoto(s), magistrate.

Griffin with curved wing seated left, raising left forepaw; to lower left, cock standing left / Eπ ˙-ro-do-to around raised quadripartite incuse square; all within shallow incuse square. May, Abdera, Period IV, 132 (A111/P108); AMNG II 50; HGC 3, 1136; SNG Spencer 98 (same dies); BMC 67 (same dies); Berlin 28–9 (same dies); de Luynes 1748 (same dies). Attractively toned, light scratches. Near EF. ($5000) 56

126.

THRACE, Abdera. Circa 360-350 BC. AR Tetrobol (15.5mm, 2.53 g, 1h). Molpagores, magistrate. Griffin springing left / Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath, in linear square; Âo¬-πÅ-˝o-r˙s around; all within incuse square. May, Abdera, Period VII, 416 (A288/P337/1); HGC 3, 1221 corr. (some with head left); Klein 80 (this coin). Attractive iridescent tone, small area of roughness. EF. Well centered. ($750) From the Ray Iwata Collection. Ex CNG inventory 510850 (April 2019); Künker 318 (11 March 2019), lot 573; Hauck & Aufhäuser 18 (6 October 2004), lot 44; Dieter Klein Collection.

127.

THRACE, Ainos. Circa 461/0-459/8 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22.5mm, 15.97 g, 1h). Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos with pelleted rim / Goat standing right; Å5@5 above, facing head of Silenos to lower right; all within incuse square.

May, Ainos, Group VIII, 39 var. (A–/P31 [unlisted obv. die]); AMNG II 261; HGC 3, 1266; SNG Lockett 1153 (same rev. die).

Toned, light pitting, minor scratches. Near EF. ($10,000)

128.

THRACE, Byzantion. Circa 210-195 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 16.82 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; 5∏ to inner left, ∫U on throne. Marinescu Issue 81, 188 (O74/R181); Müller –; HGC 3, 1398; Mektipini 126 (same dies). Toned, some minor marks, light scratches on obverse. EF. Attractive in hand. ($1500) Ex Roma VII (22 March 2014), lot 490.

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129.

THRACE, Byzantion. Circa 150-120 BC. AV Stater (20mm, 8.50 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; Û to inner left, ∫U on throne; in exergue, ornamented trident left. Marinescu Issue 135, 453 (O174/R432); cf. Müller 231 (tetradrachm); HGC 3, 1383; Bement 889 (same dies); Hermitage Sale I 141 (same dies). Attractive light red tone over lustrous surfaces, a couple of faint scratches on obverse. Great surfaces.

Choice EF. ($5000) Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXV (29 November 1990), lot 51; Tkalec & Rauch (16 November 1987), lot 80; Numismatic Fine Arts XVIII (31 March 1987), lot 88; Leu 25 (23 April 1980), lot 97; Santa Barbara Museum Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts I, 20 March 1975), lot 103.

130.

THRACE, Mesambria. Circa 275/50-225 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.94 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Å%5¬EW% ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in inner left field, crested Corinthian helmet right above Z. Karayotov I 12 (O7/R11); Topalov, Messambria 13; Price 992; HGC 3, 1567; ANS inv. 1955.26.2 (same dies). Even medium gray tone, some light hairlines and marks. EF. Struck from artistic dies. ($750)

131 132 131.

ISLANDS off THRACE, Thasos. Circa 150-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.86 g, 11h). 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; ˙rÅ˚¬Eo¨% to right, %Wt˙ro% to left, QÅ%5W@ in exergue; 6 to inner left. Prokopov, Silberprägung, Group I, 4 (V A2/R 4); Le Rider, Thasiennes 51; HGC 6, 358; ANS inv. 1965.275.13 (same dies); Boston MFA 869; Gulbenkian 891. Light golden tone, minor marks, light pitting on reverse. Near EF. Well centered. Interesting and attractive style. ($750) 132.

ISLANDS off THRACE, Thasos. Circa 90-75 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33.5mm, 16.55 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; ˙rÅ˚¬Eo¨% to right, %Wt˙ro% to left, QÅ%5W@ in exergue; 8 to inner left.

Prokopov, Silberprägung, Group XII, – (unlisted dies, but nearly identical to V AB9/R 514); Le Rider, Thasiennes 52; HGC 6, 359. Even deep gray tone, some light scratches. Good VF. Well centered. ($500) 58

133.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.16 g, 12h). Lampsakos mint. Struck 297/6-282/1 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; B to inner left, crescent in exergue.

Thompson 49; Müller 399; HGC 3, 1750b; SNG BN 2548–9. Attractively toned, a couple tiny die flaws. Choice EF. Fine style. ($5000) Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 7 (Winter 2007), no. 54; Giessener Münzhandlung 33 (3 June 1986), lot 61.

134.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 17.32 g, 12h).

Lampsakos mint. Struck 297/6-282/1 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; herm to outer left, B to inner left. Thompson 50; Müller 91; HGC 3, 1750b; SNG BN –. Toned, a couple light cleaning marks under tone. EF. Fine style portrait. ($3000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 114 (13 May 2020), lot 96.

135.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.00 g, 12h). Magnesia on the Maeander mint. Struck circa 297/6-282/1 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; M to outer left. Thompson 101; Müller 301; Armenak 825–6; de Luynes 1817 (same obv. die); Meydancikkale 3624. Tiny flan flaw and light scrape on obverse. EF. ($2000) From the Tareq Hani Collection.

59

136.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.04 g, 6h). Smyrna mint.

Struck circa 287/6-282/1 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; f to outer left; to inner left, turreted head of Tyche right. Thompson 237; Müller 408; Wheaton 133 (same dies). Lightly toned, trace deposits on obverse. Near EF. Rare. ($2000)

137.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.83 g, 1h). Uncertain mint. 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; no control marks. Thompson –; Müller –; Mektepini 232 (same dies); CNG 87, lot 276–7 (same obv. die); CNG E-399, lot 26 (same obv. die). Deep iridescent tone. EF. ($2000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Littleton Coin Co., 17 August 2015.

Thompson 242 records a type without control marks attributed to Pella, but the style and fabric of this piece is distinctly different from the norm at that mint.

138.

KINGS of THRACE, Celtic. Kavaros. Circa 230/25-218 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.46 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Kabyle mint. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, Artemis Phosphoros standing facing above A erased in die. Draganov 874–5 var.

(O5/R– [unisted rev. die]); Black Sea Hoard 8 (OA/R2 – this coin); Price 883; Peykov F2010; HGC 3, 1355. Even light gray tone, some faint hairlines, area of minor roughness on each side, small mark at edge on reverse. EF. ($1000) Ex “Black Sea” Hoard, 8.

60

139.

KINGS of THRACE, Local Dynasts. Skostokos. Circa 285/4-273/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.27 g, 12h).

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 var. (unlisted dies); Thompson 257 var. (extra control marks); Müller 114; HGC 3, 1750r; Weber 2727. Iridescent tone, slight die shift. EF. Well centered. Very rare, only six examples noted by Fischer-Bossert, seven additional specimens in CoinArchives. ($2000) 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.

140.

THRACO-MACEDONIAN TRIBES, Bisaltai. Circa 475-465 BC. AR Tristater – “Oktadrachm” (33mm, 28.95 g).

Reduced Aeginetan standard. Horse walking right, bridle held by nude warrior in background, walking right, wearing petasos and holding two spears; to right, bearded head right; 15-[sÅ]-˝t5˚W clockwise around from the top / Quadripartite incuse square. Peykov A3080 (second illustration) corr. (helmet, not head) = Lanz 74 (20 November 1995), lot 142; Topalov Type 33; HPM –; AMNG III/2, –; HGC 3, 274 var. (unlisted symbol); CNG E-335, lot 123 var. (distribution of ethnic, helmet above spears); NY Sale XLII, lot 85 var. (same). Test cut. Good VF. Extremely rare with this symbol. ($7500) The Bisaltai were a tribe of Pelasgian or Thracian origin and occupied the territory between the rivers Echedoros and Strymon, including the metalliferous mountains, which separate the territory of the Bisaltai from the territory of the Krestonioi and Mygonia on the west (Herodotos 7, 115). At the time of the invasion of Xerxes in 480 BC, the Bisaltai were governed by a Thracian ruler who was independent of Macedonian influence, and refused to assist the Great King of Persia when his army crossed Thrace to invade mainland Greece. At some point after the Persian retreat, Alexander I of Macedon, who was in the service of Persians as early as 492 BC, annexed the territory as far as the Strymon valley. Capturing its rich silver mines, he issued the first regal Macedonian coinage, which is indistinguishable from the Bisaltian but for the placing of his own name. The absence of Bisaltai oktadrachms in the Asyut hoard led Price and Waggoner to suggest a mintage date of circa 475-465 BC. This coinage was terminated about the same time as the disaster at Drabeskos in 465/4 BC, in which the Athenian colonists of Ennea Hodoi (later Amphipolis) were exterminated by the native Thracians, though it is unknown whether this coinage is directly related to the Bisaltai’s involvement in this conflict.

141.

MACEDON, Akanthos. Circa 525-470 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.95 g). Lion right, attacking bull crouching left, biting into its hindquarter; Q above; floral ornament in exergue / Quadripartite incuse square. Desneux 64 (D62/R58); AMNG III/2, 5; HGC 3, 383; SNG ANS 10; Hirsch 952 (same dies). Light scratches. EF. ($5000) 61

142.

MACEDON, Akanthos. Circa 470-430 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.13 g). Lion right, attacking bull crouching left, biting into its hindquarter; in exergue, fish left / Å˚Å-n-Q5o-n in shallow incuse square around quadripartite square in relief. Desneux 97 var. (unlisted dies); AMNG III/2, 21; HGC 3, 385; Weber 1863. Underlying luster, light scratch on reverse.

EF. ($5000)

143.

MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 385 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.44 g, 5h). Olynthos mint. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; c-Å-¬-˚5d-EW@ around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group G, – (unlisted dies); AMNG III/2, 4; HGC 3, 497. Lightly toned, edge split, light die wear on obverse. EF. ($7500)

144.

MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 383/2 BC. AR Tetrobol (14.5mm, 2.41 g, 6h). Olynthos mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; c-Å-¬-˚5d-EW@ around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 80 (A56/P52); AMNG III/2, 18–9; HGC 3, 498; SNG ANS 532 (same obv. die). Attractively toned, with some iridescence.

Superb EF. ($1000) Ex Künker 270 (2 October 2015), lot 8188; Hess-Divo 326 (28 May 2014), lot 28.

145.

MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 382-379 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 14.41 g, 12h). Olynthos mint.

Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; c-Å-¬-˚5d-EW@ around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group I, – (unlisted dies); AMNG III/2, –; HGC 3, 498. A little die wear on obverse, minor double strike on reverse. EF. High relief head of Apollo. ($7500) 62

146.

MACEDON, Mende. Circa 460-423 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.16 g, 10h). 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@-dÅ-5o-@ within linear square around vine of five grape clusters within linear square; all within shallow incuse square. Noe, Mende –; AMNG III/2, –; HGC 3, 545; SNG ANS 331 (same rev. die); SNG Ashmolean 2291–3; SNG Copenhagen 209; Dewing 1043; Gillet 759. Toned, short flan crack, some porosity, minor double strike on obverse. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 230.

Rare Selinos Variety

147.

MACEDON, Mende. Circa 460-423 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.82 g, 6h). Inebriated Dionysos, wearing chiton draped from his waist, holding kantharos in his extended right hand, reclining left on the back of an ass standing right; to right, Silenos standing right, holding thyrsos in his right hand, and in his left, a wine-skin draped over his shoulder / µE@-dÅ-5-o@ within linear square around vine of five grape clusters within linear square; all within shallow incuse square.

Noe, Mende 45 (same dies); HGC 3, 545 corr. (symbols on obv.); SNG ANS 332 (same rev. die); Gulbenkian 408 = Jameson 1959 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight roughness, light cleaning marks in periphery on reverse. VF. A rare type with Silenos walking before ass; only four examples in CoinArchives, all inferior to the present specimen. ($3000)

148.

MACEDON, Neapolis. Circa 375-350 BC. AR Drachm (13.5mm, 1.89 g, 5h). Facing gorgoneion / Head of nymph right, wearing laurel wreath; @-E-o-π clockwise around. AMNG III/2, 11; HGC 3, 586; SNG ANS 439 (same dies). Beautifully toned, a few minor marks. EF. ($750) Ex Dr. Walter Stoecklin (†1975) Collection (Nomos 14, 17 May 2017), lot 90.

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149.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip II. 359-336 BC. AR Drachm (14.5mm, 3.40 g, 1h). Pella mint. Struck circa 359355/4 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, Philip, wearing kausia, chlamys, tunic, and boots, raising right hand and holding rein in left, on horseback left; ' below. Le Rider Group IA, 34 (D23/R27); SNG ANS 345 (same dies); SNG Alpha Bank –; SNG Saroglos –. Typical granular surfaces. Good VF. Very rare denomination for Philip II, and only one example of this issue (the ANS coin) noted by Le Rider. ($2000)

150.

KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip II – Alexander III. Circa 340/36-328 BC. AV Stater (16.5mm, 8.59 g, 3h). In the name and types of Philip II. Amphipolis mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππ[oU], charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving biga right; kerykeion below. Le Rider Group II.1, 49 (D25/R39); SNG ANS 248 (same dies); SNG Alpha Bank –; SNG Berry 80; SNG Saroglos –. Lightly toned, underlying luster. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Pegasi inventory 111005500 (ND).

151.

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Drachm (17.5mm, 4.27 g, 1h). Miletos mint.

Struck under Philoxenos, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; monogram in left field. Price 2090; ADM I Series I; SNG Alpha Bank 629–32; SNG Saroglos 771. Lightly toned, underlying luster. EF. ($300) Price 2090 comprises two varieties, one with Zeus’ legs parallel (or spread), the other with his legs crossed, though this distinction is not delineated in his corpus.

152.

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.54 g, 12h). Arados mint.

Struck under Menes, circa 325/4-324/3 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with serpent, and necklace / [Å]¬E$Å@droU, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; 1 in left field. Price 3423 (Byblos); SNG Berry 172. Underlying luster, trace deposits, a few light scratches, a hint of die rust on obverse. Near EF. ($3000) 64

153.

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.19 g, 10h). 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; bee in left field; below throne, P above M. Price 3620a corr. (no strut); ANS inv. 1944.100.80354 (same dies); ANS inv. 1944.100.80353 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, tiny flan flaw on obverse, minor double strike on reverse. Near EF. Well centered and in high relief. ($1500)

Unpublished

154.

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.59 g, 12h). Uncertain mint.

Possibly a posthumous issue. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with serpent, and necklace / [Å]¬E$Å@d[roU], Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; in left field, + above sU. Unpublished. Lustrous, a few short scratches, die break on obverse, scuff at edge on reverse. EF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($5000)

155.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.23 g, 2h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 322-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å-@-droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, Athena Promachos standing right. Price 109; Troxell, Studies, Issue G2; SNG Saroglos 220–1; ANS inv. 1944.100.28295 (same obv. die). Light golden tone with underlying luster, a few tiny flan flaws, small die break on obverse, die shift on reverse. Superb EF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($1000)

156.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.25 g, 5h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 322-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås-5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Macedonian helmet in left field. Price 113; Troxell, Studies, Issue H3. Lightly toned. EF. ($1000) 65

Unique Philip II Type Stater from Ephesos

157.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.61 g, 12h). In the types of Philip II. Magnesia on the Maeander mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319 BC. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; below, E-f-E above bee left.

Unpublished. Underlying luster, minor die shift on obverse and edge bump. Near EF. Unique. ($7500)

158.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 17.14 g, 3h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Uncertain mint in Cilicia. Struck under Philotas or Philoxenos. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / [∫Å]s5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; wreath in left field, d5 below throne. Price 2949 (Side[?] mint). Beautiful even gray tone with golden hues around the devices. Near EF. High relief. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Pars Coins. Ex Roma VIII (28 September 2014), lot 432.

159.

KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip III – Lysimachos. Circa 323-280 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 17.11 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Uncertain mint in western Asia Minor. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / [Å]¬E$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; squat amphora in left field. Price 2719A; Nomos 20, lot 118 (same obv. die).

Lightly toned, trace deposits, minor die break on obverse. Near EF. Very rare, only one in CoinArchives, none in Pella (though Price quotes a specimen in the ANS). ($1000)

160.

KINGS of MACEDON. Antigonos I Monophthalmos. As Strategos of Asia, 320-306/5 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.20 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Sidon mint. Dated RY 23 of Abdalonymos (311/0 BC). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Y (date) in left field, s5 below throne.

Price 3514; Newell, Dated 59 (dies XXXI/α); DCA 874; ANS 1944.100.35231 (same dies); Rouvier 1193 (same dies). Toned, underlying luster, trace deposits, light marks. EF. High relief for issue. ($1000) 66

161.

KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As regent, 317-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.24 g, 4h). 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, youth, holding palm frond in left hand and rein in right, on horseback right; dolphin below, À below raised foreleg. Troxell, Studies, Group 9, 331–2; Le Rider pl. 46, 9 & 19; HGC 3, 988; SNG ANS 749–56 (and same obv. die as 740). Lightly toned over lustrous surfaces. Near EF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan K. Kern.

162.

KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As regent, 317-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.39 g, 3h). 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, youth, holding palm frond in left hand and rein in right, on horseback right; aphlaston below, À below raised foreleg. Troxell, Studies, Group 9, 323-5; Le Rider pl. 46, 17–8; HGC 3, 988; SNG ANS 740 (same dies). Iridescent tone, a little die wear.

EF. ($1500)

163.

KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As regent, 317-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.15 g, 3h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 316-311 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@ droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; grain ear in left field, À below throne. Troxell, Studies, Issue L4; Price 130. Lightly toned around the devices. Superb EF. Well struck. ($1000) From the DMS Collection.

164.

KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As Regent, 317-305 BC, or King, 305-298 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.31 g, 5h). In the name and types of Philip II. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 307-297 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5π-πoU, youth, holding palm frond in left hand and rein in right, on horseback right; below, ¬ above torch; * below raised foreleg. Le Rider pl. 47, 20; HGC 3, 988; SNG ANS 784–7. Even gray tone, with light golden tones around the devices. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Davissons 10 (30 April 1998), lot 43.

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165.

KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.02 g, 12h). Salamis mint. Struck circa 300-295 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¬E-Ws 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; ı to left, A between legs. Newell 23 (unlisted obv. die); HGC 3, 1012a; SNG München 1038; SNG Ashmoleon 3244. Lightly toned. Good VF. ($2000) Ex RAJ Collection (Triton XVII, 7 January 2014), lot 161; CNG Inventory 160489 (January 2006).

166.

KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.95 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Miletos mint. Struck circa 295/4 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@ droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; õ in left field, labrys below throne. Newell 48 (unlisted dies); Price 2147 corr. (monogram); ADM I Series XIII; HGC 3, 1009c. Attractive old collection tone. Good VF. Well centered on a broad flan. Rare issue as a tetradrachm, only three in Pella (including the one coin listed in ADM and Newell), eight in CoinArchives. ($1500) Ex San Vicente Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, September 2006.

Very Rare Stater in the Name of Demetrios I

167.

KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.58 g, 1h). In the types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 294-293 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with serpent, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace / ∫Å-s5¬EWs d˙µ˙tr5oU, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; z to inner left, 9 to inner right. Newell 93 (dies T/cc); HGC 3, 1006d; SNG Berry 334 (same dies); Hirsch 1007 (same dies). Die wear and a few marks on obverse, light cleaning scratches on reverse.

Near EF. Very rare, six noted by Newell, one additional in CoinArchives. ($10,000)

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168.

KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.07 g, 12h).

Contemporary imitation of Amphipolis mint issue 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 inner left, : to inner right. For prototype: cf. Newell 116; cf. HGC 3, 1014b. Minor flan flaws, light scuff on reverse. Near EF. ($1500) From the Tareq Hani Collection.

Extremely Rare Issue

169.

KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.08 g, 12h). Demetrias mint. Struck circa 294/0-288 BC. Diademed and horned head right / ∫Ås5¬EWs d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios, nude, standing left, head facing, right foot propped on rock, holding trident in left hand, right arm resting on leg; â to lower left and o to lower right. Newell – (unlisted issue, but struck from obv. die CXLVI); HGC 3, 1014e; CNG 87, lot 393 (same obv. die).

Struck from worn dies, scuff and light scratches on obverse, minor doubling on reverse. EF. Extremely rare, only the second known from this issue, and one of only three with Poseidon’s head facing on the reverse. ($3000) From the Tareq Hani Collection.

170.

KINGS of MACEDON. Perseus. 179-168 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 16.83 g, 12h). Attic standard. Pella or Amphipolis mint; Zoilos, mintmaster. Struck circa 174–173 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5-¬EW% ∏Er-%EW%, eagle, wings spread, standing right on thunderbolt; g (mintmaster’s monogram) above, Â5 to right, f below; all within oak wreath; below, plow right. Mamroth, Perseus 8; HGC 3, 1091; SNG Copenhagen 1267; SNG Manchester 745. Lightly toned, a few light marks, a couple of minor die breaks. Near EF. ($1500)

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171.

KINGS of MACEDON. Perseus. 179-168 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.22 g, 12h). Attic standard. Pella or Amphipolis mint; Au-, mintmaster. Struck circa 173-171 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5-¬EW% ∏Er-%EW%, eagle standing right on thunderbolt; Q (mintmaster’s monogram) above, A to right, Y between legs; all within oak wreath; below, plow left. Mamroth, Perseus 15; HGC 3, 1091; Jameson 1013; McClean 3675; Rhousopoulos 1203; Weber 2220. Old collection tone, minor die break on obverse. EF. Well centered and struck on a broad flan. ($3000) Reportedly ex John J. Slocum Collection, purchased from Sepheriades, Athens, in 1963.

172.

KINGS of MACEDON. Perseus. 179-168 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 15.31 g, 12h). Reduced Attic standard.

Pella or Amphipolis mint; Au-, mintmaster. Struck circa 171-168 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5-¬EW% ∏Er-%EW%, eagle standing right on thunderbolt; 9 above, Q (mintmaster’s monogram) to right, Y between legs; all within oak wreath; below, plow left. Mamroth, Perseus 25; HGC 3, 1091; SNG München 1199; Rhousopoulos 1204; Ward 409. Toned, a couple of insignificant die breaks on obverse, small scrape under tone on reverse. EF. Fine style portrait. ($2000) Ex Friend of a Scholar Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015), lot 1343, purchased from Maison Platt, January 1985.

173.

MACEDON (Roman Protectorate), Republican period. First Meris. Circa 167-149 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.88 g, 8h). Amphipolis mint. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder, in the center of a Macedonian shield / Club; 1 and µÅkEdo@W@ above, ∏rWt˙% below; all within oak wreath, thunderbolt to left. Prokopov, Silver, Group III, 694 (O145/R561 – this coin, illustrated); SNG Ashmolean 3292 (same obv. die). Deeply toned. Choice EF. Well centered and struck. ($1500) Ex Gorny & Mosch 107 (2 April 2001), lot 134.

174.

KINGS of PAEONIA. Patraos. Circa 335-315 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 12.65 g, 5h). Astibos or Damastion mint. Head of Apollo right, with short hair, wearing laurel wreath / Warrior on horse rearing right, thrusting spear held in his right hand at enemy below who defends with shield on his left arm; ∏-Å-trÅoU around. Paeonian Hoard I 439–44 (same dies); Peykov E2160 (same dies as right side illustration); NBRM Paeonia 40 (same obv. die); HGC 3, 148. Light iridescent tone around the devices, typical die wear, minor edge split. EF. Well centered and struck. ($750) 70

175.

EPEIROS, Ambrakia. Circa 404-360 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 8.21 g, 7h). Pegasos flying right; Å below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthan helmet with neck guard; cicada to right. Ravel, Colts 141 (A58/P92); Pegasi 93 (same dies); HGC 4, 213; BMC 23 (same dies). Toned, edge splits, light porosity, hairlines on obverse, double struck and scuff on reverse.

Good VF. Very rare, only one other on CoinArchives (CNG 93, lot 217 [hammer $4750]). ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Heritage 3071 (6 January 2019), lot 33075. Includes old Frank Kovacs stock ticket.

176.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 479-460 BC. AR Obol (9mm, 1.02 g, 2h). Head of the nymph Larissa left; horizontal labrys to left / Sandal of Jason right; ¬A above; all within incuse square. BCD Thessaly I 1098 var. (no labrys); BCD Thessaly II 349.1/350.1–2 (same obv. die/rev. type); HGC 4, 403. Toned, typical light porosity. VF. Very rare with labrys on obverse and sandal right on reverse. ($500)

177.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 460-400 BC. AR Obol (12.5mm, 0.93 g, 3h). Horse trotting right; oß above / The nymph Larissa seated left on hydria, kicking ball to lower left; Åß5rŬ to left and above; all within incuse square. BCD Thessaly II 164 (same dies); HGC 4, 491 (same dies as illustration); SNG Copenhagen 115 (same dies). Bright surfaces, typical granularity. Near EF. ($300)

178.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 450/40-420 BC. AR Drachm (19.5mm, 6.00 g, 4h). 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; ¬År-[5]sÅ5 around; all within incuse square. Lorber, Thessalian 54 (same dies as illustration); BCD Thessaly II 173-4 var. (longer ethnic); HGC 4, 420. Toned, a couple die breaks. Good VF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex BCD Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 399, 14 June 2017), lot 87; Vinchon (13 November 1986), lot 156.

179.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 380-365 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 6.03 g, 12h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx ornamented with grain ears, single-pendant earring, and necklace / Mare standing right; below, in background to right, foal standing right; ¬År5-sÅ5W@ above and below. L-S Series VI, Type A, dies O4/R1; Lorber, Hoard 8 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II 295 (same dies); HGC 4, 445; SNG Berry 544 (same dies). Attractive iridescent tone, remnants of find patina. EF. ($1500) 71

180.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 356-342 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 6.14 g, 12h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, hair in ampyx, wearing single-pendant earring and plain necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; ¬År5s-Å5W@ above and below. Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-III; BCD Thessaly II 316; HGC 4, 453; Gulbenkian 477; Traité IV 701. Beautiful old collection tone, minor die wear on reverse. EF. Excellent metal and fine style. ($2000)

181

182

181.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 356-342 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 5.86 g, 6h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, hair in ampyx, wearing single-pendant earring and plain necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; ¬År5s-[Å]5W@ above and below. Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-III; BCD Thessaly II 316; HGC 4, 453; Gulbenkian 477; Traité IV 701. Toned, a little off center. Good VF. ($750) Ex BCD Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 96, 14 May 2014), lot 198.

182.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 356-342 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 6.12 g, 5h). Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, hair in ampyx, wearing single-pendant earring and plain necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; plant below, ¬År5s-[Å]5W@ above and below. Lorber, Hoard, Phase L-III, 61–3; BCD Thessaly II 320; HGC 4, 454. Toned, underlying luster. Good VF. ($750) Ex Ponterio 11 (1 September 1983), lot 11.

183.

AKARNANIA, Anaktorion. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 8.45 g, 1h). Pegasos flying right; J below / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; tripod in wreath and J to left. Imhoof-Blumer, Akarnaniens 60; Pegasi 30; BCD Akarnania 89; HGC 4, 758. Deeply toned, minor verdigris. EF. Well centered and struck on a broad flan. ($1000) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Palladium Numismatics, November 1996.

Pedigreed to 1961

184.

LOKRIS, Lokri Opuntii. Circa 370-360 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 11.74 g, 1h). Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace / Ajax, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, holding sword in right hand, shield decorated with coiled serpent on left arm, advancing right on rocks; round shield below, oπo@-[t]5W@ around. H&D Group 4, 49b (O4/R12 – this coin); BCD Lokris 15; HGC 4, 989. Old cabinet tone, slight granularity, minor double strike. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Jim Gilman Collection, purchased from Atlantis Ltd., June 2001; Coin Galleries FPL II.6 (1961), no. A1105.

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Fine Style Amphiktionic Delphi Stater Pedigreed to 1959

185.

PHOKIS, Delphi. Circa 338/6-334/3 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 12.20 g, 7h). Amphiktionic issue. Head of Demeter left, wearing veil and wreath of grain ears / Apollo seated left on omphalos, right elbow resting on top of large kithara to left, left hand holding long laurel branch that rests on his left shoulder; tripod to left, ÅÂf5-kt5o-@W@ around. Kinns, Amphictionic 7 (O1/R5 – this coin); BCD Lokris 388; Svoronos, Delphi 32; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 22; Boston MFA 977–8 (same obv. die); Gulbenkian 487; Pozzi 1368; Rhousopoulos 1665 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 462. Toned. Near EF. Fine style. Rare. ($50,000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1358; Superior (1 December 1990), lot 2018; Numismatica Ars Classica 1 (29 March 1989), lot 165; Hess-Leu (24 March 1959), lot 199.

In 373/2 BC, an earthquake destroyed the great Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Although reconstruction on the site commenced, the Phokian occupation of the sanctuary during the Sacred War of 355-346 BC prevented any full-scale work from occurring. In 338/6 BC, the Amphiktionic League decided to melt down the coinage comprising the temple treasury and mint a new series of coinage that would be used to finance a full reconstruction project. This new series comprised staters, drachms, and hemidrachms, whose types reflected the two sanctuaries controlled by the Amphiktionic League: the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and the Temple of Demeter at Anthela (near Thermopylai). The obverse of the staters depicts a left-facing head of Demeter, wearing a veil and grain-ear wreath in her traditional guise as the goddess of grain and fertility.

On the reverse, Apollo is seated in a contemplative manner on an omphalos, holding a laurel branch and resting his elbow on a kithara. The omphalos, kithara, and laurel branch each recall a significant aspect of Apollo’s mythology, with the omphalos signifying his oracular seat at Delphi, the kithara his dominion over music, and the laurel (ἡ δάφνη) his personal badge, the result of his unrequited love for the nymph Daphne.

73

186.

EUBOIA, Eretria. Circa 500-465 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 8.33 g, 10h). Cow standing right, head reverted with hind leg scratching muzzle, on ornate ground line; E below / Octopus within incuse square. BCD Euboia 313 (same obv. die); HGC 4, 1505; Boston MFA 1025 (same obv. die); McClean 5698 (same obv. die). Toned, some die wear on obverse, area of weak strike. VF. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 67 (22 September 2004), lot 546; BCD Collection (not from Lanz sale).

187.

EUBOIA, Eretria. Circa 500-465 BC. AR Obol (7mm, 0.57 g, 9h). Head of ox facing / Octopus within incuse square. BCD Euboia 333–4; HGC 4, 1513; SNG Copenhagen 473; BMC 33; Pozzi 3381. Toned, granular surfaces. VF. Exceptional octopus. ($500) From the JTB Collection. Ex BCD Collection (not in Lanz sale).

188.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 500/490-485/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (20.5mm, 17.21 g, 5h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with small spiral on the bowl, and round earring / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Seltman Group Gi (unlisted dies); Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 4, 26 = BMC 4 = GPCG pl. 4, 31; Asyut Group IVa; HGC 4, 1590. Lightly toned, typical slight roughness. VF. Struck on a broad flan, allowing for nearly the full crest to be visible. ($7500) Ex Patrick Mulcahy Collection (Roma E-Sale 53, 7 February 2019), lot 148; Roma IX (22 March 2015), lot 181.

189.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 465/2-454 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.17 g, 1h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, 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, spread tail feathers; olive sprig and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Starr Group V.B, 178 (O153/R168); Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 10, 4 (same dies); HGC 4, 1596; Boston MFA 1066 = Warren 821; Gulbenkian 517; Hirsch 177 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 360–1; Rhousopoulos 1973. Lightly toned, minor marks. Good VF. ($1500) 74

Two Superb Owls

190.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.18 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 sprig and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 49; Dewing 1611–22; Gulbenkian 519–21. Lightly toned over fully lustrous surfaces. Superb EF. Fine style, well centered on a broad flan. ($2000)

191.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.19 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 sprig and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 49; Dewing 1611–22; Gulbenkian 519–21. Fully lustrous surfaces. Superb EF. Fine style, and well centered. ($2000)

192.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 4.00 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 palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left, ÅQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 10; HGC 4, 1631; SNG Copenhagen 41–3; SNG München 60–4; Dewing 1599-602. Toned, typical granular surfaces, short flan crack. Good VF. Well centered and struck on a broad flan, with much of the crest visible. Early style. ($1500)

193.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Drachm (15.5mm, 4.28 g, 8h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left, ÅQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 10; HGC 4, 1631; SNG Copenhagen 41–3; SNG München 60–4; Dewing 1599-602. Toned, edge splits, minor flan flaw on obverse. VF. Excellent metal for issue, and struck on a broad flan. ($750) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Pegasi Numismatics.

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194 195 194.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 165-42 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.78 g, 12h). New Style coinage. Mened(emos), Epigen(es), and Theophr–, magistrates. Struck 135/4 BC. Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the protomes of four horses above the visor, a Pegasos in flight rightward above the raised earpiece, and a curvilinear ornament on the shell / Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; Å-œE above ÂE-@Ed>E∏5>˝E@o>QEOfr (magistrates’ names) in five lines across field; to left, Asklepios standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; Å on amphora, ˙r below; all within wreath. Thompson 348b (same obv. die); HGC 4, 1602.

Lightly toned, underlying luster, minor double strike on reverse. EF. ($1500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

195.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 165-42 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 16.36 g, 12h). New Style coinage. Mened(emos), Epigen(es), and Sopha–, magistrates. Struck 135/4 BC. Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the protomes of four horses above the visor, a Pegasos in flight rightward above the raised earpiece, and a curvilinear ornament on the shell / Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; Å-œE above ÂE-@Ed>E∏5>˝E@o>%ofÅ (magistrates’ names) in five lines across field; to left, Asklepios standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; E on amphora, d5 below; all within wreath. Thompson 351a (same obv. die); HGC 4, 1602. Toned, some deposits on obverse, double struck on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

196.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 165-42 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.86 g, 12h). New Style coinage. Dorothe(os), Dioph-, and Diokle(ides), magistrates. Struck 132/1 BC. Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the protomes of four horses above the visor, a Pegasos in flight rightward above the raised earpiece, and a curvilinear ornament on the shell / Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; Å-œE above dWr>oœE>d5o>˚¬E d5of (magistrates’ names) in four lines across field; to right, forepart of lion right; ∫ on amphora, ÂE below; all within wreath. Thompson 384g = Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 46, 17 (same dies); HGC 4, 1602. Lightly toned over lustrous surfaces, slight die wear, a couple of light marks. EF. Well struck. ($1500) From the Ray Neff Collection.

197.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 480-457 BC. AR Stater (19.5mm, 12.08 g, 10h). Sea turtle, head in profile, with ‘T-back’ design on shell / Large square incuse with skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIa; Milbank Period III, pl. I, 15; HGC 6, 435; SNG Copenhagen 507; SNG Delepierre 1522–6; ACGC 123; Boston MFA 1111–2; Dewing 1674– 8; Gillet 947; Gulbenkian 523; Jameson 1199; Rosen 219. Iridescent tone, a few minor flan cracks, some die wear on obverse. VF. ($1500) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

76

199

198

198.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 456/45-431 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 12.34 g, 12h). 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, flan a bit irregular, small banker’s mark on obverse. EF. ($2000) From the DMS Collection. Ex CNG inventory 706020 (May 1998).

199.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 370 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 12.05 g, 11h). Land tortoise with segmented shell / Large square incuse with thin skew pattern. Milbank pl. II, 14; HGC 6, 438; SNG München 566–9; SNG Delepierre 1545; Dewing 1686. Attractive collection tone, with blue iridescence, slightly off center. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Oslo Mynthandel 7 (10 October 1981), lot 226.

200.

CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 350/45-285 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 8.55 g, 5h). Pegasos flying left; J below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; ˝ below chin; to right, dove flying left within wreath. Ravel Period V, 1029; Pegasi 419; BCD Corinth 110 = SNG Lockett 2094; HGC 4, 1848. Deep gray tone with iridescence around the devices, a couple minor flan flaws and small deposits. EF. ($1000) Ex Gasvoda Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 109, 12 September 2018) lot 129; Harlan J. Berk Inventory cc58434 (January 2010); Italia Numismatica Vol. 11, No. 5 (May 1960), no. 267.

201

202

201.

SIKYONIA, Sikyon. Circa 431-400 BC. AR Stater (23.5mm, 12.08 g, 12h). Chimaera standing right; sE above / Dove flying right; bow above tail feathers; all within wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 202.1 (this coin); HGC 5, 188; Myron Hoard pl. H, 21 (same rev. die). Attractive collection tone, underlying luster, some die rust on obverse. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 78 (14 May 2008), lot 678; BCD Collection (LHS 96, 8 May 2006), lot 202.1; Oldenburg (1 November 1991), lot 145.

202.

SIKYONIA, Sikyon. Circa 350-340 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 11.66 g, 2h). Chimaera standing right, raising left forepaw; s5 below / Dove flying left; Â above tail feathers; all within wreath. Apparently unpublished. Toned, some roughness and a touch of porosity. VF. Extremely rare issue, possibly unique. ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Sheik Saud Al Thani Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 123, 9 May 2021), lot 526; Gorny & Mosch 196 (7 March 2011), lot 1557.

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203.

SIKYONIA, Sikyon. Circa 335-330 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 12.22 g, 1h). Chimaera standing left, raising right forepaw; wreath above, sE below / Dove flying left; Å to left; all within wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 220 (this coin); HGC 5, 201; Traité II 775, pl. CCXX, 11. Attractive iridescent tone. Good VF. Well centered and struck. ($5000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Goldberg 63 (31 May 2011), lot 2454; BCD Collection (LHS 96, 8 May 2006), lot 220; Sotheby’s (27 March 1987), lot 407.

204.

ELIS, Olympia. 83rd-87th Olympiad. 448-432 BC. AR Stater (25.5mm, 11.58 g, 5h). Eagle flying right, grasping hare with its talons / Thunderbolt with wings above and volutes below; V-Å across upper field; all in linear square within incuse square. Seltman, Temple – (dies –/βλ [unlisted obv. die]); BCD Olympia –; HGC 5, 315 var. (ethnic on obv.). Struck from worn dies. Near VF. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 79 (17 September 2008), lot 271.

Ex BCD Collection – HGC Plate Coin

205.

ELIS, Olympia. 107th-108th Olympiad. 352-348 BC. AR Hemidrachm (16mm, 2.68 g, 6h). Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / Eagle, with closed wings, standing right; V-Å across field, olive leaf to right. Seltman, Temple –; BCD Olympia 143 (this coin); HGC 5, 441 (this coin illustrated); SNG Delepierre 2158; BMC 84; Dewing 1896. Lightly toned.

VF. ($750) Ex BCD Collection (Leu 90, 10 May, 2004) lot 143; Burgan 18 (24 December 1984), lot 257.

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Detailed Labyrinth

206.

CRETE, Knossos. Circa 300-270 BC. AR Drachm (18.5mm, 5.19 g, 5h). Head of Hera left, wearing ornamented stephanos, triple-pendant earring, and necklace / Labyrinth; Å-r flanking, ˚@Ws5 below. Svoronos, Numismatique 70; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG Lockett 2529; BMC 26–7; Boutin 155; Dewing 1987–8; Evans 1597–9; de Luynes 2334; Traeger –. Deep old collection tone, slight roughness. Good VF. Well centered and struck with a clear, detailed labyrinth. ($10,000) Lot includes an old dealer ticket, noting “JM ‘65” and priced $130.

The ancient city of Knossos, the remains of which were excavated by Sir Arthur Evans, beginning in 1900, was founded in the Minoan Period (circa 1700-1400 BC) as a large and complex palace-city. Although the exact origin of the word labyrinth, as well as its location, remains open to scholarly conjecture, the intricate maze of rooms and interior courtyards of this palace-city contributed to the later Greek use of the word to describe a maze and the source of the events connected with it to Crete.

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.

207.

CYCLADES, Naxos. Circa 200-150 BC. AR Didrachm (23mm, 7.21 g, 12h). Chian standard. Kalli[d, a, or l]–, magistrate. Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath / Krater decorated with garland; @Å$5 above, ˚Ŭ¬5[d, Å or ¬] to left, filleted thyrsos to right. Nicolet-Pierre, Cratérophores 15 var. (magistrate; D5/R– [unlisted rev. die]); HGC 6, 629.

Iridescent tone, some scratches, minor edge chips. EF. Extremely rare with this magistrate. ($5000) The magistrate of H. Nicolet-Pierre’s group 15 is purported to be Kallin–, based off the reverse of her example 15a. On that piece, there is enough of the final letter of the magistrate’s name visible to be certain that it is an N. On the present example, from the same obverse die, this final letter is somewhat obscured, but enough is visible to ensure that it is a triangular-shaped letter, and cannot possibly be an N. Thus, this coin introduces a new magistrate to the series.

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Extremely Rare Drachm of Aristarchos – Possibly the Only Example in Private Hands

208.

KOLCHIS, Dioskourias. Aristarchos. Circa 63-47 BC. AR Drachm (17.5mm, 3.93 g, 1h). Dated RY 12 (52/1 BC). Radiate head (with features of Pompey?) right / År5%tÅrcoU [t]o¨ E∏5 ˚o¬c5do%, Tyche seated right, holding grounded rudder and round vessel(?); ∫5 (date) in exergue. G. R. Tsetskhladze, “On the numismatics of Colchis: the classical archaeologist’s perspective” in Dialogues d’histoire ancienne 19 (1993), pp. 245–6; Golenko p. 573; HGC 7, 207; DCA –; SNG Ashmolean 34; SNG BM Black Sea 1020. Lightly toned, minor deposits, test cut, scrape and light scratch on obverse.

VF. Extremely rare, approximately six examples previously recorded, all in museum collections (Ashmolean, Berlin, BM, BN, and the Hermitage [2 pieces]). None in CoinArchives; possibly the only example in private hands. ($5000) Kolchis, located along the eastern curve of the Black Sea in present-day Georgia, was a land of mystery in the Greek world famous as the destination of the Argonauts and home of the Golden Fleece. It was settled by the Greeks in fifth century BC but remained home to numerous nationalities, with more than 70 languages reportedly spoken among its inhabitants. In 63 BC, the Roman general Pompey the Great gained control of Kolchis as a result of his defeat of Mithridates VI of Pontos. The historian Appian almost casually mentions that, as part of his eastern settlement, Pompey “made Aristarchos dynast of the Kolchians.” Among the privileges granted by Pompey was apparently the right to strike silver coins. However, the drachms struck by Aristarchos remain extremely rare, with only seven known specimens, including the present example; six of these are in museum collections. All depict on the obverse an idealized radiate male head with features resembling those of the young Pompey, reflecting his role in the appointment of Aristarchos. The length of Aristarchos’s reign is unknown; all known drachms are dated Year 12 after the Pompeian settlement, or 52/1 BC. His reign is unlikely to have survived the revolt of Pharnakes II in 48 BC, which saw the destruction of many cities in Kolchis.

209.

PONTOS, Amisos (as Peiraieos). Circa 435-370 BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 5.72 g, 2h). Persic standard. Kte–, magistrate. Head of Hera left, wearing ornate stephanos, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace, drapery at base of neck / Owl standing facing on shield, with wings spread; hippocamp to outer left, sword in sheath to outer right, ˚t-˙ across inner field, [π]E[5rÅ] in exergue. Malloy 1by; RG 1; HGC 7, 229; SNG BN 1096; SNG BM Black Sea –; Ward 584. Deep iridescent tone, minor double strike on reverse. Near EF. ($500) From the Kalevala Collection.

210.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 16.77 g, 12h).

Pergamon mint. Dated month 9, year 208 BE (June 89 BC). Diademed head right / Pegasos grazing left; ∫Å%5¬EW% above, Â5QrÅdÅtoU>EU∏Åtoro% in two lines below; star-in-crescent to left; to right, ˙s (year) above Ú; œ (month) in exergue; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ p. 12, dies D48/R– (unlisted rev. die); HGC 7, 338; DCA 688; SNG von Aulock 6678; Dewing 2120; Hirsch 1416; Rhousopoulos 3215. Toned, trace deposits, double struck on reverse. Near EF. Excellent portrait. ($2000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan K. Kern.

80

Magnificent Mithradates Tetradrachm

211.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.76 g, 11h). 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/R9; HGC 7, 340; DCA 692; SNG Ashmolean 201 (same obv. die); Davis 186 (same obv. die); Pozzi 2100 (same obv. die); Weber 4789. Toned, a few light marks under tone. EF. Well centered and struck. ($20,000) Ex PGB Collection (Nomos 5, 25 October 2011), lot 174 (erroneously citing rev. die R4), acquired from G. Hirsch in 1983.

Mithradates is the Hellenistic monarch par excellence, his career driven by megalomaniacal ambitions leading to murderous assaults upon family and followers 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, 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.

212.

KINGS of BITHYNIA. Nikomedes II Epiphanes. 149-127 BC. AR Tetradrachm (40mm, 16.35 g, 12h). Nikomedeia mint. Dated 150 BE (148/7 BC). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Eπ5fÅ@oU% @5˚oÂ˙doU, Zeus Stephanophoros standing left; to inner left, eagle standing left on thunderbolt above ‘ above q (date, in monogram form). RG 40; HGC 7, 642; DCA 443; BMC 1. Toned, minor double strike, a few light scratches on reverse. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan. Rare date, only three in CoinArchives. ($750) 81

Electrum of Kyzikos The celebrated electrum coinage of Kyzikos began in the first half of the sixth century, and from the beginning the coinage was notable for the variety and inventiveness of its designs. These staters and fractions were regarded as gold coins and circulated throughout a large area along with the gold darics of the Persian Empire. On all of the coins of Kyzikos, large or small, was engraved the tunny-fish (θυννος), which constituted an important product in the Kyzikene economy. The long awaited corpus initiated by the late Friedrich Bodenstedt is now being continued by Maria Kaiser-Raiss. In the meantime, we must rely on the synthesis of material put together by Hans von Fritze in 1914, augmented (and corrected) by the articles by Sylvia Hurter and Hans-Joachim Liewald. Hurter studied the electrum coinage of Kyzikos for some time before her untimely death in 2008. It was her conviction that the arrangement of the coins by Agnes Baldwin Brett in the catalog of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts was the most accurate to date (reflected in the “Editor’s note” at the beginning of the article on the Kyzikene coins in Moscow and St. Petersburg in SNR 2007). Thus, the coinage of Kyzikos below is arranged accordingly.

More controversially, Yuri Pokras (“A New Iconography for the Electrum Coins of Kyzikos,” The Celator November 2000, pp.18-26) has tried to argue that Athens invested Kyzikos with the status of subsidiary mint, and that the presence of specific types parallels each city-state’s inclusion into an alliance with Athens.

The orator Aristotelis, in the second century BC, stated the following in his speech regarding the people of Kyzikos: “It is enough for one just to glance at the location and the nature of this city to immediately understand that the name ‘blissful’ given to it by God was factual, so convenient is its land and its sea. As it is built in front of Asia Minor and since its dominion extends from the Black Sea to the Hellespont, Kyzikos joins the two seas together or rather all the seas that man navigates. Thus, ships continuously pass by or arrive at the harbor or depart from the harbor. Justly it should be called ‘blissful’ just as is Corinth because, as it is built in the mid part of the seas, it joins, as if it was the center of the world, all men who sail the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to Kolchis at the far side of the Black Sea.”

213.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9mm, 2.68 g). Head of tunny right; above and below, small headless tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Hurter & Liewald III 14.1 (hemihekte); Von Fritze I –; Boston MFA –; SNG BN –; cf. SNG von Aulock 7263 (hemihekte); CNG 115, lot 176; CNG E-400, lot 121; Triton XIII, lot 1266. Minor flan flaw on obverse. VF. Very rare. ($1000)

214.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (19mm, 16.20 g). Head of lion left; to right, tunny upward / Quadrapartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 39; Greenwell 115; Boston MFA 1414 = Warren 1537; SNG BN 178; BMC 39; Gillet –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson 1403; Kraay & Hirmer 700; Myrmekion –; cf. Rosen 432 (hekte); Weber 4985. VF. Well centered. ($3000) From the Siren Collection.

215.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte (11mm, 2.65 g). Forepart of ram left; to right, tunny upward / Quadripartite incuse square of mill-sail pattern. Cf. Von Fritze I 46 (unlisted denomination); cf. Greenwell 132 (stater); cf.

Boston MFA 1420 = Warren 1556 (stater); SNG BN –; BMC –; FSD –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson 2166 = SNG von Aulock 1175; Rosen –; cf. Weber 4984 (stater). Residual luster, light scratch on obverse. Near EF. Well centered on a round flan. Very rare as a hekte. ($2000)

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216.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (20mm, 16.15 g). Facing head of Silenos, protruding tongue; at sides, two tunnies upward / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze I 77 (unlisted denomination); cf. Greenwell 45 (same); cf. Boston MFA 1424 = Warren 1465 (hekte); cf. SNG BN 208 (hekte); BMC –; cf. FSD SHM 1193 (hemihekte); Gillet –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson –; Myrmekion –; cf. Rosen 455 (hekte); Weber –; M.J. Price, “1. A Field in Western Thrace” in CH II, 2 = Hess-Divo 325, lot 210 = Sincona 10, lot 113 = Vinchon (24 Nov. 1994), lot 61. Minor edge splits. VF. ($4000) From the Siren Collection.

Very Rare Triton Stater

217.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (19mm, 16.05 g). Triton reclining left, holding wreath in raised left hand, leaning on left elbow, on tunny left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 126; Greenwell 11; cf. Boston MFA 1425 (hekte); SNG BN 275; BMC 24; FSD –; Gillet 1054; cf. Gulbenkian 614 (hekte); Jameson 2190; Myrmekion 56; Rosen 502; Traité –; Weber –. A couple of small scrapes on obverse. VF. Very rare. ($5000)

218 219 218.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hemihekte (9mm, 1.31 g). Triton reclining left, holding wreath in raised left hand, leaning on left elbow, on tunny left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze I 126 (unlisted denomination); cf. Greenwell 11 (same); cf. Boston MFA 1425 (hekte); cf. SNG BN 276 (hekte); cf. BMC 24 (stater); FSD –; cf. Gulbenkian 614 (hekte); cf. Jameson 2561 (hekte); cf. Rosen 503 (hekte); Traité –; Weber –; Münzen und Medaillen AG 52, lot 168; Triton XI, lot 209. VF. Rare as a hemihekte. ($1000) From the Siren Collection.

219.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.66 g). Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; to right, tunny diagonally downward left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 64; Greenwell 26; cf.

Boston MFA 1432 = Warren 1445 (stater); SNG BN –; BMC 20; cf. FSD 17 (stater); cf. Gulbenkian 608 (stater); cf. Jameson 2168 = Weber 4970 (stater); Pozzi 2164; cf. Rosen 445 (stater). In NGC encapsulation 4241617-002, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare as a hekte, only five in CoinArchives. ($1500)

220.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (18mm, 16.15 g). Forepart of winged stag left; to right, tunny diagonally downward left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 102; cf. Greenwell 128 corr. (obv. type; unlisted denomination); Boston MFA 1434 = Warren 1549; SNG BN –; BMC –; FSD –; Gillet –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson 2181; Myrmekion –; Rosen 481; Weber –. Good VF. ($3000) From the Siren Collection.

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221.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (20mm, 16.22 g). Forepart of winged lioness left; to right, tunny upward / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 96; Greenwell 117; cf. Boston MFA 1438 (hekte); SNG BN 237; BMC –; FSD –; Gillet –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson –; Myrmekion –; cf. Rosen 472 (hekte); Weber –. A couple of minor edge splits. Good VF. Well centered. ($3000) From the Siren Collection.

222.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (16mm, 16.17 g). Facing gorgoneion, mouth opened and tongue protruding between her teeth, six coiled serpents rising from her head, another two emanating from below her ears; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 129; cf. Greenwell 75 (unlisted denomination); Boston MFA 1445 = Warren 1492; SNG BN –; BMC –; FSD –; Gillet 1085; Gulbenkian –; Jameson 2191 = Weber 4972; Myrmekion –; Rosen –.

Minor edge split. Good VF. Well centered. ($5000) From the Siren Collection.

223.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.68 g). Satyr kneeling left, holding in his extended right hand a tunny fish by the tail / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 122; Greenwell 41; cf. Boston MFA 1461 = Warren 1461 (stater); SNG BN 270 = de Luynes 2432; SNG von Aulock 7289; BMC –; cf. FSD 29 (hemihekte); Gulbenkian –; cf. Jameson 1398 (stater); Rosen 496; Traité II 2701; cf. Weber 4980 (stater). Rotated double strike on obverse. EF. ($750)

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224.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (16.5mm, 16.13 g). Warrior, nude but for helmet, blowing into trumpet(?) held in right hand, left hand holding sheathed sword behind, crouching left on tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 115; Greenwell 96; Boston MFA –; SNG BN 261 = Pozzi 2180 corr. (weight); BMC –; FSD –; Gillet –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson –; Myrmekion 27; Rosen –; Traité I 2633; Weber –. A little off center on obverse, a couple of light scratches on reverse. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Numismatik Naumann 85 (5 January 2020), lot 130.

Extremely Rare Type

225.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Stater (15.5mm, 16.01 g). Bearded satyr seated right, holding uncertain object in each hand, on tunny right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 171; Greenwell 44; Boston MFA –; SNG BN 317; BMC 68; FSD –; Gillet –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson –; Myrmekion –; Rosen –; Weber –. VF. Well centered on an oblong flan. Extremely rare, one of only three in CoinArchives. ($4000)

226.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11.5mm, 2.67 g). Kerberos standing left on tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 103; Greenwell 141; Boston MFA 1539 = Warren 1570; SNG BN 244; SNG von Aulock 7300 = SNG Lockett 2691 = Pozzi 2191; BMC –; FSD –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson 2183; Rosen 484; Weber –. Some light marks, a couple of light scratches on reverse. Good VF. ($1000) From the Siren Collection.

This rare type depicts Kerberos, the guardian of the entrance to the Underworld. It was 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 coinage are rare, found only on coins minted in this period by Epeiros, Cumae, and Kyzikos. Due to this rarity, the type serves as an incredibly beautiful example of an important subject of Greek mythology.

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Timotheos – Famed Athenian General – Associate of Plato and Isokrates

227.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Stater (17mm, 15.91 g). Bearded head of Timotheos right, wearing laurel wreath; [below, tunny right] / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 197; Greenwell 81; Boston MFA 1561 = Warren 1500; SNG BN 337; SNG von Aulock –; ACGC 965; Dewing –; Gillet –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson 2207 = Pozzi 2177; Kraay & Hirmer 721; Rosen –. Lightly toned. VF. Well centered on a compact flan. ($10,000) Ex JTB Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 317; Marti Hervera and Soler & Llach 1090 (25 February 2016), lot 21; Marti Hervera and Soler & Llach 1088 (15 October 2015), lot 29.

J.P. Six (NC 1898, pp. 197-198) first suggested that the bearded male portrait on this stater was that of the Athenian general Timotheos (d.

354 BC), who had raised the siege of Kyzikos in 363 BC (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6), noting a similarity between the coins and a marble portrait in the Capitoline Museum (no. 46). Other authors subsequently took different views. However, in “The Cyzicenes: A Reappraisal,” AJN 5-6 [1993-1994], pp. 9-11, Mildenberg defended Six’s hypothesis. He noted that Kyzikos was under Persian control from 540 BC until 445 BC, and then from 387 BC until the end of the Achaemenid Empire. During the almost sixty year interval, Kyzikos was allied with Athens as a member of the Delian League. Kyzikos, however, was not banned from continuing to strike electrum staters (per League rules), because Athens saw the coinage as a valuable means of payment and in its best interest. Thus, when Athenian forces under the command of Timotheos successfully raised the Persian siege of Kyzikos in 363 BC (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6), the citizens placed the portrait of the victorious general, complete with laurel wreath, on this issue of staters to show their appreciation of his services and subtly honor him in an already-accepted Athenian associated context.

Timotheos was the son of Konon and a Thracian mother (Ath. 13.577a). A prominent citizen, Timotheos was an associate of both the philosopher Plato and the Athenian orator Isokrates. Between 378 BC and 356 BC, he frequently served as strategos, in which capacity he was able to secure an Athenian alliance with Kephallenia, and friendship with the Akarnanians and the Molossians. In 373 BC, he was assigned command of a fleet to relieve Korkyra from Spartan control. Because the expedition was underfunded, the relief was delayed, prompting Timotheos to be brought to trial. Through the intervention of his allies, including Jason, the ruler of Pherai and the tagos (ταγός) of the Thessalian League, Timotheos was acquitted. Following his acquittal, and with the assistance of Amyntas III of Macedon, Timotheos took Korkyra (Diod. Sic. 15.47). For this, a statue was raised in his honor in Athens (Aeschin. In Ctes. 243). In 363 BC, Timotheos raised the siege of Kyzikos, for which these staters may have been issued (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6). In 366 BC, Timotheos was sent to aid Ariobarzanes, the satrap of Phrygia, but when he discovered that the satrap was in revolt against the Great King, Timotheos turned his attention to the northern Aegean. There, he captured Samos after a siege of 10 months, followed by similar conquests along the Thraco-Macedonian coast. A legal action brought against him by Apollodoros (the speech of which is attributed to Demosthenes), is noteworthy for illustrating the reversal of fortune of the once-great and honored general. Timotheos was once again in command during the Social War (357-355 BC), but competing personalities among the leadership again brought Timotheos to trial. Found guilty and unable to pay the heavy fine imposed on him, Timotheos retreated to Chalkis in Euboia, where he died. In remorse for their treatment of the once-favored general, the Athenians forgave a greater part of the debt that had passed on to his son, Konon. They also brought his ashes back to Athens, burying them in the Keramikos and erecting statues to him in the Agora and on the Akropolis.

Unpublished Hemihekte

228.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (8.5mm, 1.38 g). Eagle with spread wings alighting right upon tunny right; all on raised disk / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 221 (unlisted denomination); cf.

Greenwell 152 (same); Hurter & Liewald II –; cf. Boston MFA 1570 = Warren 1577 (stater); cf. SNG BN 349 (stater). Small scuff on obverse. Near EF. Unpublished as a hemihekte, none in CoinArchives. Extremely rare. ($750) From the Siren Collection.

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229.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 390-341/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.97 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, 12–4; SNG BN 396–402 var. (symbol on rev.); Hunt II 465. Old collection tone, minor marks, small test punch on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Leu 74 (19 October 1998), lot 228; Peus 277 (25 October 1971), lot 115.

Extremely Rare Parion Tetradrachm

230.

MYSIA, Parion. Circa 165-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (39mm, 16.95 g, 12h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Apollo, laureate and draped at the waist, holding a laurel branch in right hand and resting his left on grounded bow to right; W to outer left; to inner left, 6 above lit altar; Å∏o¬¬W@o% Å˚tÅ5oU ∏År5Å@W@ around. Meadows, Parion, Group 1, 1 = Spink 106, lot 59 (same obv. die); SNG BN –; NAC 29, lot 29 (same obv. die). Toned with some iridescence.

Good VF. Extremely rare Hellenistic tetradrachm of Parion; Meadows only knew of five examples for the entirety of the series, comprising four issues. This coin is one of only three presently known for this particular issue, and is the sole example with this reverse die. ($15,000) Ex Nomos 5 (25 October 2011), lot 179.

231.

ISLANDS off TROAS, Tenedos. Circa 100-70 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 15.05 g, 12h). Janiform head of a bearded male left, laureate, and female right, wearing stephanos / Labrys; tE@Ed5W@ above, Ē and grape bunch to left of handle, trident to right; all within wreath. Callataÿ, Tenedos –; HGC 6, 390. Iridescent tone, roughness and porosity, a couple short scratches, tiny nick on edge. VF. Extremely rare, unpublished with these control marks. ($7500) 87

232.

AEOLIS, Kyme. Circa 155-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.66 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Kallias, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right; one-handled cup below raised foreleg, ˚UÂÅ5W@ to right, ˚Ŭ¬5Ås below; all within wreath. Oakley dies 13/b; SNG von Aulock 1636; SNG Copenhagen 103; SNG Fitzwilliam 4313. Lightly toned, area of weak strike, minor die break on obverse. EF. ($1000)

233.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Late 6th - 5th centuries BC. AR Tetrobol (13.5mm, 2.47 g, 12h). Phokaic standard. Janiform head of bearded satyr, left, and nymph, right / Head of female left, wearing diadem, of archaic style, within incuse square. Unpublished, but cf. Bodenstedt E3, for this type in electrum. Toned, some porosity, worn obverse die. VF. Extremely rare. ($1000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

234.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Mid 1st century BC. AR Tetradrachm (32.5mm, 13.81 g, 1h). Bearded head of Zeus-Ammon right, wearing laurel wreath / Facing xoanon of bearded Dionysos facing, wearing polos; ÂUt5¬˙-@ÅW@ flanking, E∏5Å-@Å% across lower field; all within wreath of ivy, an unclear monogram and g flanking ties. Unpublished, but cf. Naumann 81, lot 165 = Leu Numismatik 4, lot 259 for similar. Deeply toned, with some find patina remaining, roughness, die break on reverse.

VF. Extremely rare. ($7500) The reverse of this extremely rare type of tetradrachm from Mytilene displays a xoanon or wooden sculpture of Dionysos. Dionysos was extremely important on Lesbos where a number of mysteries associated with him took place. The images of Athena and Dionysus first appear on the earliest electrum issues of Mytilene. The terminus or xoanon of Dionysus on the prow has also long been associated with the coinage of Mytilene, appearing on its bronze issues. According to Pausanias (10.19.3), an unusual olive-wood “head of unusual features” was caught up in the nets of some Methymnian fishermen off the coast of Lesbos. Although they threw the head back into the sea, they nevertheless picked it up in their nets again and again. Finally, the Methymnians travelled to Delphi to ask the Pythia for assistance on what they should do. She responded, “worship Dionysos Phallen.” Subsequently, a cult was established on Lesbos, including a festival in which the object was processed through the streets of Mytilene. Likewise, the city of Krounoi in Moesia was renamed Dionysopolis in Moesia when a similarly unusually-shaped piece of wood was recovered from the sea near there.

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235.

IONIA, Ephesos. Phanes. Circa 625-600 BC. EL Forty-eighth Stater (5mm, 0.28 g). Head of stag right / Abstract geometric pattern within incuse square. Fisher-Bossert, Phanes 52 (O33/R47); Weidauer –; Linzalone LN1106; SNG von Aulock 7788 (same dies); Zhuyuetang 10 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6156331-004, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Well centered. ($1000)

236.

IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 123-119 BC. AV Stater (20mm, 8.36 g, 12h). Draped bust of Artemis right, wearing stephanos and single-pendant earring, hair drawn together and tied in the back, bow and quiver over shoulder / Cult statue of Artemis of Ephesos facing, arms outstretched horizontally at sides, fillet hanging from each; E-f flanking its head, thymiaterion to inner right. Jenkins, Hellenistic, pl. B, 6 = BM 1896,0601.67 = Montagu I 567 (same dies); Head p. 69, 2–6 var. (control mark); Gulbenkian 985 var. (same); CNG 114, lot 292 (same dies); Münzen und Medaillen AG 41, lot 191 (same dies). Light marks.

Good VF. ($3000) This coin is struck from the same obverse die as two other staters that Jenkins was able to securely date to 122/1 BC and 121/0 BC, so he assumed that the present issue, with thymiaterion, must belong to the years adjacent to those (see Jenkins, Hellenistic, p. 184).

237.

IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Circa 150-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32.5mm, 16.61 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˙Âos ∏ÅUsÅ@5oU to left, ;Å˝@˙tW@ to right, meander pattern below; all within laurel wreath. Jones dies 18/– (unlisted rev. die); SNG von Aulock 7922; SNG Copenhagen 844; A. Ellis-Evans, “Coins from the Kirikhan Hoard in Hatay Archaeological Museum” in NC 180 (2020), 66 (same rev. die). Attractively toned. Choice EF. Well struck in high relief. Wonderful style. ($2000) Ex Monetarium 42 (September 1984), no. 40.

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238.

IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Circa 150-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.86 g, 11h). 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. Jones obv. die 8; SNG von Aulock 7922; SNG Copenhagen 844; Jameson 1504 (same obv. die). Attractive light tone, underlying luster, minor die break on reverse. EF. Well centered and struck on a broad flan. ($1500) Ex Nomos 5 (25 October 2011), lot 186.

239.

IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Circa 125-120 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 8.44 g, 1h). 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. Triton XXIII, lot 361 (same dies); CNG 111, lot 243 (same dies); CNG 106, lot 376 (same dies); Heritage 3096 (3 August 2017), lot 30066 (same dies); otherwise unpublished in the standard references. Lightly toned, underlying luster, some die rust. Good VF. ($4000)

240.

IONIA, Miletos. Circa 600-546 BC. EL Stater (20.5mm, 13.97 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 stag right and a stellate pattern. Hilbert Phase 2, S34.2 (dies A18/Hk4-F112-X – this coin); SNG Kayhan 440 (same die and punches). Double struck on obverse, a few small scrapes. Near EF. ($15,000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 219 (10 March 2014), lot 235; Gorny & Mosch 125 (13 October 2003), lot 203; Giessener Münzhandlung 89 (5 May 1998), lot 200; Monetarium 59 (Spring 1993), no. 73; Giessener Münzhandlung 60 (5 October 1992), lot 199.

90

241.

IONIA, Miletos. Circa 600-546 BC. EL Stater (21mm, 13.85 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 square punches containing, respectively, a stellate pattern and the head of a stag right. Hilbert Phase 2, S30.3 (dies A16/G23) = CH VIII, pl. I, 5 (this coin); SNG Kayhan 440; Boston MFA 1882 = Warren 1710 (same rev. punches); Zhuyuetang 18 (same rev. punches). Double struck on obverse, some light scrapes and scratches.

Near VF. ($4000) Ex Goldberg 21 (15 September 2003), lot 1562; Classical Numismatic Group 45 (18 March 1998), lot 423; 1990 Western Asia Minor Hoard (CH VIII, 2).

242.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 625/0-522 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.62 g). Head of seal left / Incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 2.2; SNG von Aulock –; BMC 7; Boston MFA 1894. Lightly toned, minor flan flaws. EF. Well centered. ($2000)

243

244

243.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 625/0-522 BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (7.5mm, 1.11 g). Head of seal left / Incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 2.2; SNG von Aulock –; BMC 9; Pozzi 2494. A few light scratches. Near EF. ($1000) 244.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 625/0-522 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.54 g). Forepart of bull right, head reverted; to left, small seal downward / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 28; SNG von Aulock 3122; BMC 73–4.

A few scratches. Good VF. Perfectly centered. ($1000)

245

246

245.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.59 g). Horned head of river god left; to right, small seal upward / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 35; SNG von Aulock –; BMC 4; Kraay & Hirmer 597.

In NGC encapsulation 4372845-001, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500) 246.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.57 g). Head of ram left; below, small seal left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 37; SNG von Aulock –; BMC 28; Boston MFA 1896. In NGC encapsulation 6156331-002, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. A high grade specimen with a wonderfully detailed image of a ram. ($2000) Ex Gorny & Mosch 195 (7 March 2011), lot 235 (hammer €7000).

91

Third Known

247.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 387-326 BC. EL Hekte (10mm, 2.43 g). Draped female bust left, with frontal band and laurel wreath(?) in hair that is drawn back and tied at the neck, wearing hoop earring and necklace; trace of seal below / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt –; CNG E-449, lot 149; Golden Horn Collection (Stack’s, 12 January 2009), lot 2045 = Auctiones eAuction 40, lot 50 = Auctiones eAuction 53, lot 6; otherwise unpublished. Near EF. Extremely rare, one of three known. ($2000) Ex Triton XV (3 January 2012), lot 1230; Gorny & Mosch 186 (8 March 2010), lot 1383.

The Beginnings of Coinage Other than the literary tradition ascribing the origin of coinage to the kings of Lydia, there is little evidence for a more exact chronology of early Greek coinage. The tradition, buttressed by limited archaeological studies, does confirm Asia Minor as the place of origin, most likely Lydia or Ionia, and a date somewhere around 650-625 BC. The alloy used was a mixture of gold and silver known to the Greeks as elektron.

Although ancient sources indicated that this alloy was a natural ore found in nugget form in many riverbeds in the region, recent studies have concluded that this was actually not the case, and that the electrum used in coinage was, in fact, man-made. The earliest coins were of a globular shape and without design; later, simple striated and punched patterns of squares, rectangles, and swastikas were included. The earliest true types may have developed from the use of personal seals, the most widely known being the stater of Ephesos with a stag bearing the inscription “I am a seal of Phanes”. These devices later took on the characteristics of civic symbols, although it would be dangerous to link a specific symbol to a particular city in this early period. The most secure form of classification has been by weight standard, based on two major, and several lesser-used, standards. The Milesian standard, with a stater of roughly 14 grams, saw circulation in Lydia and parts of Ionia.

The Phokaic standard of roughly 16 grams was also used in Ionia as well as Mysia. Persic, Aeginetan, and Euboic standards saw scattered use in early coinage, limited in time and extent of circulation. The intrinsic value of the early electrum, even down to the 1/96 stater, was too high for use in everyday commerce, and early coinage must have been used only for the transfer of large sums of money, such as mercantile transactions, payment of government expenses (mercenaries, tribute and such), and donatives, either for services rendered to individuals or the state, or to religious foundations. The Artemision deposits, hoards of early electrum found at the site of the temple of Artemis at Ephesos, are examples of the latter.

248.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12mm, 4.70 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Plain globular surface / Two incuse squares. Cf. Weidauer Group II (unlisted denomination); Artemision –; Elektron I 3; Rosen –; Traité I 11; SNG Kayhan 673; SNG von Aulock 7762. As made. ($2000)

249.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (11mm, 4.73 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Irregular plain surface / Two incuse squares. Cf. Linzalone 1005; otherwise, unpublished in the standard references. In NGC encapsulation 5872782-007, graded AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare. ($2000)

250.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12.5mm, 4.78 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. Good VF. Rare as a trite. ($5000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Elsen 124 (14 March 2015), lot 70.

92

251.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (11mm, 4.66 g). Lydo-Milesian standard.

Globular surface with cluster of pellets / Two incuse squares. Weidauer –; Elektron –; Traité I 3; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock 7761; Boston MFA 1749; Pozzi 2350; Rosen 253. In NGC encapsulation 4241546.002, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500)

252 253 252.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 625-600 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9mm, 2.51 g). Phokaic standard. Raised clockwise swastika pattern / Quadripartite incuse square. Weidauer –; Elektron II 53; Rosen 314; Traité I 117-8; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock 1777. Light scratch on obverse. Good VF. ($750) 253.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 625-600 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.54 g). Phokaic standard. Raised counterclockwise swastika pattern / Quadripartite incuse square. Weidauer –; Elektron II 53 var. (clockwise swastika); Rosen 314 var. (same); Traité I 117-8 var. (same); SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock 1777 var. (same). Slightly worn obverse die.

Good VF. ($750)

254.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (11mm, 4.81 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Carapace of scarab beetle / Two incuse squares with geometric designs. Weidauer –; SNG Kayhan 673; Konuk & Lorber 36 = Linzalone 1110 (“ram”). Typical worn obverse die. In NGC encapsulation 5872782-012, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($2000)

256 255 255.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12mm, 4.69 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Facing head of lion or panther within triangular incuse [on a raised area] / Two square punches with raised lines within. Weidauer 1589; SNG von Aulock –; Boston MFA –; Traité I 28. In NGC encapsulation 5872643-006, graded Ch VF, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare denomination, much rarer than the hekte and hemihekte. ($1500) This trite is part of an electrum series consisting of staters, trites, hektes, hemihektes, and twenty-fourth staters (cf. Weidauer 156-65). Miletos and Samos have been proposed as the possible mint, though the former is now discounted by R. Hilbert’s die study of the electrum issues of that mint.

256.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12mm, 4.67 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Facing head of lion or panther within triangular incuse on a raised area / Two square punches with raised lines within. Weidauer 158-9; SNG von Aulock –; Boston MFA –; Traité I 28. In NGC encapsulation 5872643-003, graded Ch F, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5. ($1000) 93

257.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 550-525 BC. EL Stater (13mm, 14.27 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Forepart of bridled horse left; rosette at breast, floral symbol (lotus?) at nape of the neck / Two incuse squares flanking central rectangular incuse.

Fischer-Bossert, Horses, Series I, 2o (dies H2/H1-H3 – this coin); Weidauer 138–9; ACGC 56; Konuk & Lorber fig. 7; Le Rider, Naissance, pl. III, 7; SNG Kayhan 714 (same punches); Traité pl. II, 24. In NGC encapsulation 4884540-003, graded AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare. ($3000) Ex Hess-Divo 329 (17 November 2015), lot 92.

258.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Ardys – Alyattes. Circa 630s-564/53 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13mm, 4.71 g). LydoMilesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, “sun” with four rays on forehead / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XV, 64–75; Kurth –; Artemision 7; SNG Ashmolean 749–53; Traité I 43; BMC 2. In NGC encapsulation 6055569-005, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($2000)

259.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Ardys – Alyattes. Circa 630s-564/53 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12mm, 4.74 g). LydoMilesian standard. Sardes mint. Confronted lion heads (die positioned to feature the right side lion); [Â5Òåkuk between] / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XVIII (unlisted denomination); Wallace, KUKALIṂ, pl. I, 1-4; Kurth 15 (same obv. die and punches); Traité –; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock –. Struck with a worn die. VF. Rare. ($5000) This rare issue has been the object of much scholarly debate. At the time of Weidauer’s study, she argued that the names WALWET and […]

KALIL[…] (the full legend was then unknown), are not the names of kings but more likely the names of magistrates. Since Weidauer’s publication, other examples have come to light, allowing the full legend to be discerned as KUKALIṂ, which translates to “I [belong] to Kukaś” (for a detailed linguistic explanation of how this conclusion was reached, see Wallace, KUKALIṂ, p. 38). The Lydian name Kukaś could be transliterated into Greek as Gyges (Γύγης), just as the WALWET could be transliterated into Greek as Alyattes (Ἀλυάττης).

Although G.M. Browne (“A new Lydian text,” Kadmos 39 [2000], pp. 178-9) found it attractive to assign those coins with the KUKALIṂ legend to the early Lydian king Gyges (circa 680-644 BC), Wallace has shown on numismatic grounds that this cannot be correct. Observing punch links between hektai with the KUKALIṂ legend (Weidauer Group XVIII) and those with the WALWET legend (Weidauer Group XVII), as well as visible signs of wear and damage on these same punches between the two series, Wallace argues that the WALWET and KUKALIṂ issues were roughly contemporary. Thus, the Kukaś of the KUKALIṂ coinage was a close contemporary of Alyattes named Gyges, rather than the earlier Lydian king of the same name. Most likely this Kukaś was a member of the Lydian royal family, since the design for the anvil die may have derived from a royal seal showing opposing lion heads. Wallace further argues that there are two distinct groupings within the larger Lydian series, which can be attributed to separate mints, with the KUKALIṂ coins belonging to the group he assigns to a subsidiary, or “branch”, mint. If these coins were struck by a subsidiary Lydian mint in one of the territories it controlled (cf. Herodotos 1.6.1), then Kukaś may have been its governor, just as Kroisos had been in Adramytion before he became king of Lydia (Nic. Dam. FGrH. 90, fr. 65).

While Wallace’s evidence for the contemporaneity of the WALWET and KUKALIṂ coinage is firmly based, his evidence for the two groupings is speculative, and not convincing. First, he speculates that there are two forms of obverse dies, one with two opposing lion heads separated by the signature, and another form that shows only one lion head before which is the signature. An inspection of the published examples, however, shows this is probably incorrect. Whenever there is sufficient space on the dies to show whether there is an opposing head on the die, an opposing head is always present (cf. Weidauer 91-94, 97-98, and 100-102). All other examples only show a single lion head, but all of these have flans that are too small to see whether another head is opposite the one that is visible (cf. Weidauer 95-96 and 99). It is therefore most likely that all of the trite and hekte dies feature two opposing heads separated by the signature. Wallace also argues that there is a distinct stylistic difference between the two groupings, with the “branch” mint group having a more “primitive and rustic” style. Again, an inspection of the published examples renders this subjective observation moot, as there is a wide variation of style across all of the dies, from which one may discern multiple groupings. What is more likely is that the dies were created by a variety of engravers, whose styles varied somewhat from one another. In sum, the WALWET and KUKALIṂ coinage were all likely struck contemporaneously during the reigns of Ardys or Allyates, at a single mint in the captial Sardes. The translation of the names, WALWET to Allyates and KUKALIṂ to Gyges, is certain, but the identification of these individuals and the reason for their use on this series are as yet unknown.

94

260.

KINGS of LYDIA. Alyattes. Circa 620/10-564/53 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.28 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, 101–2 (same obv. die); Kurth G18 (same rev. punches[?] as illustration); SNG Ashmolean 754; SNG Kayhan 1012; Traité I 51–2. Minor edge splits, typical die wear. VF. ($2000)

261.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13.5mm, 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, 89; Kurth G26; SNG Ashmolean 749–51; SNG Kayhan 1013; Boston MFA 1765–6; Traité I 44.

Banker’s mark on edge. Good VF. ($2000)

262 263 262.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (7mm, 1.18 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, “sun” with no rays on forehead / Incuse square.

Weidauer Group XVI, 90; Kurth G29–30; SNG Ashmolean 757; SNG Kayhan 1731; Boston MFA 1770; Traité I 47. Light scratches. Near EF. ($750) 263.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (7mm, 1.13 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Ephesos mint. Head of boar right / Incuse square. Hilbert, Bermerkungen 7 (A5/P6); Spier p. 332, 5 (A4/P2); Kurth G11 (same die and punch); SNG Kayhan 1011 (same die and punch); Linzalone 1084 (same die and punch). In NGC encapsulation 5872643-025, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare. ($1500)

264 265 264.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13.5mm, 4.68 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Ephesos mint. Lion couchant left within double rectangular frame / Two square punches containing a stellate design and avian standing left. Hilbert, Bermerkungen 23 (A15/P7-P8); cf. Kurth G4 (hekte, same stellate punch); Artemision 101 (same punches); Roma XIII, lot 234 (same die and punches); Giessener Münzhandlung 48, lot 416 = NFA XXV, lot 143 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 5872643-017 (erroneously attributing the coin to Miletos), graded Ch VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Extremely rare, only three trites noted by Hilbert. ($5000) See the following lot for a hekte also using reverse punch P7.

265.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.31 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Ephesos mint. Lion couchant left within double rectangular frame / Two square punches containing a stellate design and avian standing left. Hilbert, Bermerkungen 23 (A16/P7-P5); Kurth G11 (same die and punches); Artemision 48 = Weidauer 128 (same die and punches); Linzalone 1118 = Triton X, lot 328 (same die and punches). In NGC encapsulation 5872643-022 (erroneously attributing the coin to Miletos), graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Extremely rare, only three hektai noted by Hilbert. ($2500)

95

266.

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AV Third Stater (11mm, 2.67 g). Light standard. Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Kurth G52; Walburg Group II; Berk 6; Traité I 404–5; SNG von Aulock 8212; BMC 36; Boston MFA 2074; de Luynes 2779. Lustrous. Choice EF. Exeptional for issue. ($7500)

267

268

267.

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AV Sixth Stater (9mm, 1.79 g). Heavy standard. Sardes mint.

Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Kurth G53; Walburg Group III; Berk 7; Traité I 400 = de Luynes 2800; SNG von Aulock –; BMC –; Boston MFA –. Underlying luster, light marks. Good VF. ($3000) 268.

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AV Twelfth Stater (6.5mm, 0.67 g). Light standard. Sardes mint.

Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Incuse square. Kurth G56; Walburg Group VI; Berk 10–3; Kurth G56; Traité –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG München 9; BMC –; Boston MFA –; Gulbenkian 759. Lustrous. EF. Well centered and struck. ($2000)

269.

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 10.70 g). Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Kurth S1; Berk 20; Traité I 407–8; SNG Ashmolean 760; SNG von Aulock 2873–4; SNG Lockett 2980 = Pozzi 2730; SNG Lockett 2981 = Bement 1566 = Weber 6773; BMC 37; Boston MFA 2070; Rosen 662. Toned, light scratches under tone on reverse. Good VF. Well struck on excellent metal. ($5000) From the Ray Neff Collection. Ex Dr. Stephen Gerson Collection (Gemini VI, 10 January 2010), lot 207.

270.

CARIA, Kaunos. Circa 430-410 BC. AR Stater (19.5mm, 11.56 g). Winged female figure running right, head left, holding kerykeion in right hand and wreath in left / Baetyl(?) with small horn-like projection (handles?) on apex; granulated protuberances (or eagles?) at sides; all within incuse square. Konuk Period IV, 94 (O36/R35); Troxell, Winged 26 (same dies); HN Online 787; SNG Delepierre 2783 = Bement 1612 (same dies); BMC 6 (same dies); Dewing 2359 = Pozzi 2820 (same dies).

Lightly toned, granular surfaces, die wear on obverse, a few marks on reverse. Good VF. Well struck for issue. ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 200 (10 October 2011), lot 1868.

96

Spectacular Knidos Tetradrachm

271.

CARIA, Knidos. Circa 350-330/20 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 15.33 g, 12h). Chian standard. Autokrates, magistrate.

Head of Aphrodite right, wearing stephanos, triple-pendant earring, and necklace / Forepart of lion right; ÅUto˚rÅt˙s above, ˚@5 below. Ashton, Late 12 var. (A–/P12 [unlisted obv. die]); HN Online 1599.3 (this coin); Waddington 2322; Triton XIII, lot 205 (same dies); Gorny & Mosch 146, lot 244 = Giessener Münzhandlung 60, lot 213 (same rev. die). Lightly toned. Superb EF. Well struck from dies of fine style. Very rare issue, and one of only four known of Autokrates. ($20,000) From the Bellwether Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, 26 May 2007. Ex Triton X (9 January 2007), lot 339.

An important city which comprised settlements on both the mainland and an adjoining island that was bridged by a causeway, Knidos was a partner in the Dorian Hexapolis, a federation of six regional cities of Doric colonization, which included Kos, Halikarnassos, Lindos, Ialysos, and Kamiros. Because of its connection with the trading routes along the Ionian coast, Knidos became an important and affluent trading center, and the city was adorned with numerous impressive public buildings, both within the city itself and in the surrounding countryside. Among these buildings were the Temple of the Triopian Apollo, where the members of the Hexapolis met and whose symbol was the lion; hence, the use of the lion as one of the civic badges on the coinage.

Because Knidos had been originally settled by Phoenicians prior to its Doric colonization, it also possessed a large temple dedicated to Aphrodite Euploia – the Phoenician Asherar-yam. As a result of the godessess’s importance to the city, the head of Aphrodite was included on the coinage. Because of the city’s connection with Aphrodite, in the fourth century BC, Knidos acquired a cult-statue of the goddess by the sculptor Praxitiles. After it was rejected by the citizens of Kos – for whom it had been commissioned – because it showed Aphrodite nude for the first time, Knidos purchased the statue, erecting it in an open air temple so that it could be viewed from all angles. As a result, it became a popular tourist attraction and the subject of numerous tales of all types.

Referenced by HN Online – Pedigreed to 1932

272.

CARIA, Uncertain (‘Mint B’). Circa 450 BC. AR Stater (17.5mm, 11.66 g, 3h). Nude male deity, with curved wings and winged feet, advancing right; ∫ over right wing / Lion standing left, head right, raising forepaw; above,  (I[?]psy in Carian) above small ∫; all within incuse square. Konuk, Coin M34 corr. (I in legend not noted, but see M33); Troxell, Winged 41; HN Online 643.5 = Schefold 448 (this coin); SNG Delepierre 2785 (same dies); Boston MFA 2338 (same dies). Toned, area of weak strike, light scratch in field on obverse under tone. Good VF. Struck from dies of exceptional style. Rare. ($1500) From the JTB Collection. Ex Triton X (9 January 2007), lot 342; Gorny & Mosch 122 (10 March 2003), lot 1426; Münzen und Medaillen AG 88 (17 May 1999), lot 236; Peus 338 (27 April 1994), lot 456; 1932 Caria Hoard (IGCH 1180).

97

273.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Hidrieus. Circa 351/0-344/3 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 15.10 g, 12h). Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding labrys and inverted spear; E to left, 5dr5EWs to right. Konuk, Identities 28; Babelon, Perses –; HN Online 2209; Pixodarus 6 (same dies). Lightly toned, some redeposited silver, slight die shift on reverse. Near EF. Rare with this control mark, only two in CoinArchives. ($2000) From the Menlo Park Collection. Ex CNG inventory 706086 (November 1998).

274.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Pixodaros. Circa 341/0-336/5 BC. AR Didrachm (20.5mm, 6.94 g, 1h). Halikarnassos mint.

Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right; π5$odÅroU to right. Konuk, Identities 30; Babelon, Perses 414–21; HN Online 241; SNG Keckman 280; SNG von Aulock 2375–6. Lustrous, light marks. EF. ($1500) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Palladium Numismatics, December 1998.

275.

ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 250-229 BC. AR Didrachm (20.5mm, 6.65 g, 12h). Mnasimachos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud to right; Â@Å%5ÂÅco% above, r-o flanking stem; to left, Athena Nikephoros standing left. Ashton 208; HN Online 395; HGC 6, 1439; SNG von Aulock 2807; SNG Copenhagen 765; SNG Keckman 537–8. Iridescent tone. EF. Well centered and struck from artistic dies. ($1000) Ex Nomos 9 (21 October 2014), lot 169.

276.

ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 229-205 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.56 g, 12h). Ameinias, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud to right; rod5o@ above; to left, prow right; ÅÂE5@5Å% flanking stem. Ashton 212; HN Online 387; HGC 6, 1432; SNG von Aulock 2799; SNG Copenhagen 759; SNG Keckman 542. Lightly toned, slight die wear on obverse. EF. ($2000) Ex Douglas O. Rosenberg Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 109, 12 September 2018), lot 178, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, September 1989.

98

277.

ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 229-205 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 13.48 g, 12h). Eukrates, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud to right; rod5o@ above; thunderbolt to left, EU˚rÅt˙s flanking stem. Ashton 214; HN Online 847; HGC 6, 1432; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen 754; SNG Keckman 547. Iridescent tone. EF. ($2000) Ex Historical Coin Review XIV.3 (May/June 1989), no. 47.

278.

LYCIA, Phaselis. 4th century BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.40 g, 2h). Prow of galley right, fighting platform decorated with facing gorgoneion; to right, cicada downward / Stern of galley left, pole mounted on the deck from which a wreath hangs; fÅ-s above. Heipp-Tamer Series 6, unlisted variety; CNG E-411, lot 164; CNG E-402, lot 251; CNG 103, lot 317; CNG 102, lot 536; CNG 99, lot 280 (all from the same dies). Lightly toned over lustrous surfaces. Good VF. ($750) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 400 (28 June 2017), lot 282.

279.

LYCIA, Phaselis. 4th century BC. AR Stater (21mm, 10.26 g, 5h). Prow of galley right, fighting platform decorated with facing gorgoneion; to right, cicada upward / Stern of galley left; fÅs above; below, dolphin right. Heipp-Tamer Series 6, unlisted variety; CNG 103, lot 316; CNG 102, lot 534; CNG 100, lot 1520; CNG 99, lot 279 (all from the same dies). Lightly toned, die erasure in field on reverse (diagnostic for die). Good VF. ($750) Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 87 (14 December 2020), lot 71.

280.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Uncertain dynast. Circa 500-470/60 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 9.68 g). Forepart of boar left / Incuse square divided by large X, with inward curved protuberances on three sides. Müseler II, 1 var. (squared protuberances); Falghera 14–6 var. (same); SNG Copenhagen Supp. 370 var. (same); SNG von Aulock 4049–50 var. (same); BMC 8; Demirler 17–21 var. (same); Reuter –. Toned, double struck on obverse. EF. Excellent metal for issue. Very rare variety. ($1000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Sheik Saud Al Thani Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 123, 9 May 2021), lot 749; Gorny & Mosch 196 (7 March 2011), lot 1798.

99

Two Very Rare Issues of Kheriga

281.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Kheriga. Circa 440-410 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 9.34 g, 2h). Wehñte (Phellos) mint. Head of Aphrodite right, hair in band, wearing single-pendant earring / Owl standing left, head facing, in the center of a tetraskeles; Vf-Cx-tf-zg (we-hñ-te-ze in Lycian) around; all within incuse square. Mørkholm & Zahle II 4 var. (legend); cf. Müseler V, 45 (third stater); Falghera 132 var. (legend); cf. SNG Copenhagen Supp. 440 = SNG von Aulock 4166. Toned, granular surfaces, struck with worn obverse die, weak strike. Near VF. Very rare. ($1500)

282.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Kheriga. Circa 440-410 BC. AR Twelfth Stater (11mm, 0.73 g, 2h). Wehñte (Phellos) mint.

Head of Aphrodite left / Owl standing left, head facing, in the center of a tetraskeles; e-f-r-Eu (x-e-r-ig in Lycian) around; all within incuse square. Mørkholm & Zahle II 8; cf. Müseler V, 45 (third stater); Falghera –; SNG Copenhagen Supp. –; SNG von Aulock –; cf. BMC 23 (third stater). Toned, granular surfaces. VF. Very rare. ($500)

Second Known

283.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Kherei. Circa 410-390 BC. AR Stater (18.5mm, 7.46 g, 6h). Wehñte (Phellos) mint. Head of Aphrodite left, hair in band and tied in bun at the back; c/m: uncertain geometric design within incuse square / Owl standing left, head facing; efrgE [VfCxt] (xerẽi wehñt in Lycian) at sides; all within incuse square. Müseler VI, 1 (same dies); otherwise, unpublished. Find patina. Good VF. Extremely rare, apparently only the Müseler coin (Roma VII, lot 709 [erroneously attributed to Teththiweibi]) published; none in CoinArchives. ($15,000) From the Bes Collection.

284.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Trbbenimi. Circa 390-375 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 9.74 g). Zagaba mint. Facing head of lion / Triskeles with t in center; zA-u (ZA-G in Lycian) and fish left around. Müseler VIII, 19 (same dies); Falghera 212 var. (no T on rev., same obv. die); Podalia 26 var. = SNG von Aulock 4208 var. (same); SNG Copenhagen Supp. –; CNG 100, lot 1537 (same dies); CNG 99, lot 298 (same dies). Lightly toned, a couple edge splits, some die wear on obverse. Good VF. Rare. ($1500) 100

Exceptional Classical Portrait

285.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Mithrapata. Circa 390-370 BC. AR Stater (25.5mm, 9.86 g, 7h). Forepart of lion right / Head of Mithrapata left; µEtR®π-®-T-® (MITHRAPATA in Lycian) around, triskeles to lower right; all within incuse square.

Mildenberg, Mithrapata 3 (dies 2/2); Podalia 37–50 (A2/P2); Müseler VII, 67–9 (same dies); Falghera –; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 472 var. (arrangement of letters); SNG Ashmolean 1200 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 4237 (same dies); Reuter 98 (same obv. die). Toned, usual minor die wear. Good VF. ($5000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Allan Smith, M.D. Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 102, 18 May 2016), lot 549; Classical Numismatic Group 99 (13 May 2015), lot 302.

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, but also have two innovations that set them at the pinnacle of classical portraiture. First, the portrait is moved to the obverse of the coin, emphasizing the importance of the individual. Second, and most prominently, the portrait is not in the traditional profile, but in a dramatic facing state. Obviously influenced by Kimon’s facing Arethusa-head coinage at Syracuse, these depict Perikles looking out from the surface of the coin with a serene countenance and his hair flowing around him as if blown by the wind.

This depiction captures the essence of the earlier idealized portraits, conveying to the viewer a sense that Perikles was more than a mere man, but retaining the realism in its individualized features. 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 Maussollos of Caria invaded the region circa 360 BC.

286.

PAMPHYLIA, Aspendos. Circa 420-410 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 10.87 g, 6h). Two wrestlers, each nude but for belt, grappling; ˙ below; all within circular pellet border / Slinger, nude, in throwing stance right; clockwise triskeles to left, Est to right; all within circular pellet border. Tekin Series 1; SNG BN 44 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 4502 (same dies). Toned, traces of find patina, minor die wear on obverse, scratch in field on reverse. VF. Well centered. Very rare. ($1000)

101

287.

PAMPHYLIA, Side. Circa 205-100 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.70 g, 12h). Attic standard. Dei(no)-, magistrate.

Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand; to left, pomegranate above dE5. Seyrig, Side 6; SNG BN 674-6; SNG von Aulock 4786. Light scratch on reverse. EF. ($1000) Ex Allan Smith Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 102, 18 May 2016), lot 557; Classical Numismatic Group 88 (14 September 2011), lot 401 (hammer $2200).

288.

CILICIA, Kelenderis. Circa 430-420 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 10.76 g, 7h). Nude youth, holding whip in right hand, dismounting from horse rearing left; Å below horse’s belly / Goat kneeling left, head right; ˚E¬ and branch with ivy leaf and berries above; all within shallow incuse circle. Casabonne Type 2; Celenderis Series I, 3 var. (O–/R15 [unlisted obv. die]); cf. SNG BN 46; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock 5617. Deep iridescent tone, underlying luster, die wear on obverse. EF. ($1000) Ex Nomos 18 (5 May 2019), lot 198.

289.

CILICIA, Kelenderis. Circa 410-375 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.72 g, 12h). 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 –. Lightly toned, underlying luster. EF. Rare variety. ($1000)

290.

CILICIA, Kelenderis. Circa 410-375 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 10.72 g, 8h). Nude youth, holding whip in right hand, dismounting from horse rearing right / Goat kneeling right, head left; banch of ivy and ˚E¬E-@; all within shallow incuse circle.

Casabonne Type 4; Celenderis Series IV, unlisted variety; SNG BN 73 (same dies); SNG Levante 24 (same dies); SNG von Aulock –. Lustrous, struck with a worn obverse die, slight die shift on reverse. EF. Rare variety with ivy branch. ($750) 102

291.

CILICIA, Mallos. Circa 440-390 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 11.12 g, 6h). Winged male figure, in kneeling-running stance left, holding solar disk with both hands / Swan with closed wings standing right; ÂÅr above; all within incuse circle.

Casabonne Type 2; SNG BN 375–6 (same obv. die); SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; Dewing –; Traité II 1393, pl. CXXXVII, 19 (same obv. die). A little off center, some die wear on obverse, slight die shift on reverse. Good VF. Very rare. ($750) From the JTB Collection.

292.

CILICIA, Nagidos. Circa 400-385/4 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 10.78 g, 1h). Aphrodite seated left, holding [patera] in extended right hand; to right, Eros, nude, standing left, grasping Aphrodite’s arm with his right hand, and holding wreath in his left; 5s to outer right / Bearded Dionysos, nude but for drapery hanging from arms, standing left, holding kantharos in extended right hand, thyrsos in left; grape bunch hanging from vine to left, [@Å˝]5dEW@ to right. Casabonne Type 1; Lederer Group 1, unlisted variety; SNG BN 1 var. = SNG Levante 1 var. (legends); SNG von Aulock – . Some die wear, trace deposits.

Good VF. Very rare variety. ($750)

293 294 293.

CILICIA, Soloi. Circa 440-410 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 10.61 g, 12h). Amazon kneeling left, quiver and bowcase at her side, testing bow held in both hands / Grape bunch on vine; so¬EW@ to left, Ď above, bee to right. Casabonne Type 3; SNG BN 133 (same obv. die); SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –; BMC –. Lightly toned, small earthen deposit on reverse.

EF. ($750) 294.

CILICIA, Soloi. Circa 410-375 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 10.63 g, 10h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin on the bowl / Grape bunch on vine tendril; A to upper left, so¬EW@ to right. Casabonne Type 5; SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; Traité –; Athena Fund II 791 (same dies).

Lightly toned, minor banker’s mark on obverse. EF. Well centered. Very rare. ($1000)

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. ($1000) 103

296.

CILICIA, Soloi. Circa 410-375 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 10.74 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 –. Deeply toned, underlying luster, minor die wear on obverse. EF. Well centered and struck. Very rare, only five in CoinArchives. ($1000)

297.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Circa 440-420 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.54 g, 7h). Bellerophon riding Pegasos left, preparing to hurl spear at Chimaera, lunging upward at him, below / Nergal standing left, holding ax in right hand, left hand raised with open palm facing upward; zrt lGr; (NRGL TRZ in Aramaic = “Nergal of Tarsos”) across upper field, grain ear to left, small tree to right; all in dotted square within incuse square. Casabonne Group A, Type A2; Müseler, Tarsos, Group 1, c; Mildenberg, Nergal, pl. 28, 5 = NAC 25, lot 201 = NAC 10, lot 253 (same obv. die); Baldwin’s 37, lot 724 = Brindley Collection 213 = Lanz 48, lot 363 (same obv. die); Roma XV, lot 273 (same dies); Triton XXI, lot 513 (same dies). Struck with worn reverse die, two test cuts on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, the fifth known. ($2000)

298.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Circa 410 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 10.37 g, 12h). Male figure, wearing satrapal dress, holding flower in right hand and rein in left, on horse galloping left; two lances in background / Archer, wearing quiver and bow case on far hip, kneeling right, drawing bow; to left, astragalos above arm, zrt (TRZ in Aramaic) below; grain ear to right; all in dotted square within incuse square. Casabonne Type G1; Müseler, Tarsos, Group 5, m var. (bee on obv.); SNG BN 214 var. (same); SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –. Toned, partial find patina, small delaminations on obverse. Good VF. Very rare. ($1500)

299.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Circa 410 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 10.71 g, 1h). Male figure, wearing satrapal dress, holding rein in left hand, on horse galloping right / Hoplite, nude but for Corinthian helmet, holding spear in right hand and round shield decorated with gorgoneion in left, kneeling left; zrt (TRZ in Aramaic) to right. Casabonne Type F10; Müseler, Tarsos, Group 5, l; SNG BN 226; SNG Levante 61; SNG von Aulock 5913. Lightly toned, die break on obverse, die shift on reverse. Good VF. ($1000) 104

300.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Tarkumuwa (Datames). Satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia, 384-361/0 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 10.57 g, 7h). Struck circa 380 BC. Female head facing slightly left, hair in ampyx, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace with seven pendants / Bearded head right, wearing crested Attic helmet, drapery around neck; wMdRt (TRKMW in Aramaic) to right. Casabonne Series 1; Moysey Issue 4, obv. die 15; SNG BN 258-70; SNG Levante 79; SNG von Aulock 5939 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 292 (same obv. die); Jameson 1617. Attractive light toning, minor die break on reverse. EF. ($2000)

301.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Pharnabazos. Persian military commander, 380-374/3 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 10.66 g, 5h).

Struck circa 380 BC. Head of Arethusa facing slightly left, hair in ampyx, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace with pendants; to left, fish upward / Bearded head left, wearing crested helmet with raised earflap and floral motif, drapery around neck; ˚5¬5˚o@ and klÓ (ḤLK in Aramaic) to left. Casabonne Series 2; Moysey Issue 3, dies 2/– (unlisted rev. die); SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –; Hunterian 2 (same obv. die); Jameson 2603 = Pozzi 2847 (same obv. die [erroneously listed under obv. die 1 in Moysey]). Lightly toned. EF. Great style. Very rare with fish and this legend. ($2000)

302.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Pharnabazos. Persian military commander, 380-374/3 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 10.74 g, 2h).

Struck circa 380-379 BC. Baal of Tarsos seated left, holding lotus tipped scepter; zRtL`b (B’LTRZ in Aramaic) to right / Bearded male head (Ares?) left, wearing crested Attic helmet; wzbnRp (FRNBZW in Aramaic) to left, kLh (HLK in Aramaic) to right. Casabonne Series 4; Moysey Issue 2; SNG BN 251–6; SNG Levante 71–2; SNG von Aulock –. Lightly toned, some scratches, reverse slightly off center. EF. ($750)

Ex Hunt Collection

303.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Mazaios. Satrap of Cilicia, 361/0-334 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.92 g, 10h). Baal of Tarsos seated left, head and torso facing, holding eagle, grain ear, and grape bunch in extended right hand, lotus-tipped scepter in left; rt (TN in Aramaic) to left, M (M in Aramaic) below throne, zRtL`b (B’LTRZ in Aramaic) to right / Lion left, attacking bull left; ydzM (MZDY in Aramaic) above, å below. Casabonne Series 2, Group C; SNG BN –; SNG Levante 106; SNG von Aulock –; BMC –; Traité –. In NGC encapsulation 5770046-001, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, brushed. ($1000) Ex San Vicente Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), 362, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, October 2000; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 459; Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part IV, Sotheby’s New York, 19 June 1991), lot 438.

105

304.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Mazaios. Satrap of Cilicia, 361/0-334 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 11.01 g, 12h). Baal of Tarsos seated left, head and torso facing, holding eagle, grain ear, and grape bunch in extended right hand, lotus-tipped scepter in left; rt (TN in Aramaic) to left, M (M in Aramaic) below throne, zRtL`b (B’LTRZ in Aramaic) to right / Lion left, attacking bull left; ydzM (MZDY in Aramaic) above. Casabonne Series 2, Group D; SNG BN 335; SNG Levante Supp. 20; SNG von Aulock 5960.

Deep iridescent tone, traces of find patina, minor die wear and slight die shift on obverse. EF. ($1000) Ex Künker 38 (29 September 1997), lot 155.

305.

CILICIA, Uncertain. 4th century BC. AR Obol (8mm, 0.86 g, 12h). Janiform head, the left bearded / Bearded triple head. Göktürk 37; SNG BN –; SNG Levante 201–2. Lightly toned. VF. ($500) Ex Jim Gilman Collection; Cederlind 142 (5 April 2007), lot 102; Cederlind 139 (29 June 2006), lot 68.

306.

CILICIA, Uncertain. 4th century BC. AR Obol (9mm, 0.59 g, 3h). Female head (Arethousa?) facing slightly left, wearing single-pendant earrings and pearl necklace / Facing head of Bes. Göktürk 44; SNG France 486; SNG Levante 233.

Toned, a little porous. EF. ($750) From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 102 (18 May 2016), lot 573.

106

Salome, Daughter of Herodias – Cited by Josephus, Antiquities 18.5

307.

KINGS of ARMENIA MINOR. Aristoboulos, with Salome. AD 54-92. Æ (19.5mm, 6.59 g, 12h). Dated RY 13 (AD 66/7). ∫å45¬EW4 [år54to∫oU¬]oU Et 5˝, diademed and draped bust of Aristoboulos left / ∫å45¬54-4˙4 4å¬[oÂ˙4], diademed and draped bust of Salome left. Kovacs 300; Meshorer 365 corr. (date); Hendin 1257a; RPC I 3840 corr. (same); Triton XXIV, lot 741 (same dies [hammer $32,000]). Dark green patina. EF. Rare in this condition. ($10,000) Salome is described in the Gospels (Matthew 14 and Mark 6) only as the daughter of Herodias, who asked Herod Antipas for the head of John the Baptist in return for his daughter’s risqué dance for the king. Salome’s name is supplied by Josephus in Antiquities 18.5, where he also informs us that she grew up to marry her great-uncle Philip the Tetrarch and, after Philip’s death, her cousin Aristoboulos, who is featured on the obverse of this coin and with whom Salome had three sons. Aristoboulos was the son of Herod V of Chalkis and great grandson of Herod I, and was appointed king of Armenia Minor in the first year of Nero’s reign.

The present issue was struck in AD 66/7 (year 13 of Aristoboulos’s reign), the first year of the Jewish war and around 40 years since the execution of John the Baptist, which has been tentatively dated to some time between AD 25 and 29. Hendin (5th ed., p. 275) suggests that Aristoboulos struck this issue for propagandistic and political purposes, in the first year of the war, as a show of loyalty to Rome and his patron Nero.

When RPC was published, citing three known examples of this type, the date was off the flan on two pieces and the one example with partial date had been tentatively read as date Α or Η (RPC p. 570). Frank Kovacs subsequently discovered an example with a clear date 13 (Hendin p. 275, pl. 24, same obverse die as the present coin), and Kovacs’s opinion was that other reported dates were most likely mis-readings of that date. The publication of additional specimens has since confirmed Kovacs’ opinion, and it is now clear that all coins of this type are dated year 13.

Aristoboulos Marks the Outbreak of the Jewish War

308.

KINGS of ARMENIA MINOR. Aristoboulos. AD 54-92. Æ (26.5mm, 12.23 g, 12h). Citing Nero as Emperor.

Dated RY 13 (AD 66/7). ∫å45¬EW4 [år5]4to∫oU¬oU Et [5˝], diademed head left / @ErW>@5 * ˚¬~U> d5o * ˚~54å> r5 4E∫å4tW> ˝Erµ~@>[5]˚W in six lines within wreath. Kovacs 301; Meshorer –; Hendin 1257; Sofaer 171; RPC I 3839.

Attractive dark green patina with a few small breaks at edge. Good VF. With a good portrait. Very rare. ($5000) Aristoboulos was the son of Herod of Chalkis and the great-grandson of Herod the Great. Josephus serves as our only literary source for the reign of Aristoboulos, informing us that he was appointed king of Armenia Minor by Nero in AD 54 (Ant. XX.158). He married Salome (daughter of Herod II and widow of Philip the Tetrarch), who has traditionally been identified as the young woman who demanded the head of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1–12; Mark 6:14–29). Aristoboulos’s long reign would suggest he was a loyal client of Rome, as does the evidence we can glean from his coinage.

Interestingly, coins of Aristoboulos were only struck for regnal years 13 and 17 (AD 66/7 and AD 70/1), which coincide with the outbreak and conclusion of the Jewish War. This seems to indicate that Aristoboulos’s coins were issued in the context of the revolt as a way for the Herodian ruler to reaffirm his faithfulness to Rome.

107

309.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’. 95-56 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 16.13 g, 12h). Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 80-68 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing tiara decorated with star between two eagles / ∫Å%5¬EW-% t5˝rÅ@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding laurel branch in extended right hand; below, rivergod Orontes swimming right; 1 to inner right, M on rock; all within wreath. SCADA Group 1, obv. die A4; Kovacs 74.1; M&D 2; CAA 17; AC 30. Minor die break on obverse. Good VF. ($1500)

Two Extremely Rare Cypriot Staters

310

311

310.

CYPRUS, Paphos. Uncertain king. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 11.05 g, 8h). Man-headed bull (river-god Bokaros?) kneeling right, head left; pellet-in-crescent above, uncertain devices in exergue / Astragalos; s 1 (ba-si in Cypriot) flanking. Destrooper-Georgiades –; cf. Masson and Amandry pl. I, 4; Zapiti & Michaelidou –; Tziambazis –; cf. Traité I 956, pl. XXVII, 7 = De Luynes 3006; cf. BMC 1; cf. Jameson 2334; cf. Weber 7701. Some die wear. EF. Excellent metal. Extremely rare, only this example in CoinArchives. ($15,000) Ex Roma XVIII (29 September 2019), lot 661.

311.

CYPRUS, Salamis. Nikodamos. Circa 460-450 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 11.17 g, 1h). Ram couchant right; above, oinochoe above rvs1 (pa-si-le-wo in Cypriot); F^èô† (se-ni-ko-ta-mo in Cypriot) below / Head of ram left; èò5s1 (pa-si | ni-ko in Cypriot) above, ankh-like symbol and olive branch below. Masson & Amandry p. 33, pl. II, 4–5 = Kunstfreund 169 = Gillet 1169 var. (on reverse, barley grain rather than legend above, no ankh-like symbol below); otherwise unpublished.

Lightly toned. Good VF. Well centered. Apparently unique. ($10,000) Ex Dr. Albert Potts Collection (Roma XVI, 26 September 2018), lot 358.

108

312 313 312.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.50 g, 5h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I mint. Struck circa 311-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing single pendant earring, necklace, and triple-crested Corinthian helmet adorned with a serpent / ∫Å-s5¬EWs ŬE$Å@ dro[U], Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; below left wing, pellet above µ5; © below right wing. SC 81.2; Price 3748; HGC 9, 3a; SNG Saroglos 166–8. Underlying luster, lamination on obverse, a few tiny flan flaws on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) 313.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos I Soter. 281-261 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.01 g, 12h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5-ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; Û to outer left, ¢ to outer right. SC 379.3d; ESM 157; HGC 9, 128g; Hunterian 16. Lightly toned, some minor marks. Near EF. High relief portrait. ($1000) From the JTB Collection.

314.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos II Theos. 261-246 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.91 g, 11h). Uncertain mint 28, in Syria or Mesopotamia. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t-5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in his right hand, left hand holding tip of bow set on ground to right, seated left on omphalos; no control marks. SC 577.2; Le Rider, Antioche p.

53, 18–9 (obv. die A4); WSM 1143; HGC 9, 238p. Double struck, a few scratches on obverse. Good VF. Very rare, ten noted

by Le Rider, none in CoinArchives. ($750) From the MNL Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

315.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Andragoras. Usurper king of Parthia, circa 245-239/8 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.86 g, 6h). Turreted head of Tyche right, wearing single-pendant earring and linear necklace; ” to left / Athena standing left, holding owl in extended right hand and resting arm on shield set on ground below to right; transverse spear in background, Å@drÅ˝oroU to right. SC –; Taylor, Birds, Series 6.2, 223 var. (unlisted dies); MIG Type 20; HGC 9, –; BMC Arabia p. 193, 4. In NGC encapsulation 6155758-001, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Very rare, and among the finest. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

The identification of Andragoras has been a matter of debate. Justin mentions two people by that name: (1) a noble Persian appointed by Alexander the Great as governor of Parthia (xii.4.12), and (2) a Seleukid governor of Parthia about the middle of the 3rd century who was defeated by Arsakes (xli.4.7). Both extremely rare gold staters and scarce silver tetradrachms are known in his name, neither of which bear the royal title Basileos. What literary evidence exists derives from the later Greco-Roman historians of Alexander (Arrian and Curtius), as well as the first century AD historian, Pompeius Trogus (known later through Justin). One possible contemporary piece of evidence – a Greek inscription from Gurgan – mentions Andragoras as a high official under Antiochos I (see J. Wolski, “Andragoras était-il Iranien ou Grec?” in Studia Iranica 4 [1975], pp. 166-69). The most recent reading of the evidence suggests that both gold and silver coins were issued by the Seleukid Satrap Andragoras. During his brief rule, Andragoras may have formed a diplomatic alliance with the breakaway Baktrians under Diodotos I, and issued his gold and silver coinage. The proximity to Baktria is likely why his coins are often found comingled with those of early Baktrian rulers such as Sophytes. In any event, his period of authority did not last long: Andragoras’s territory was overrun from the north by the nomadic Parni (who became the Parthians), and he was defeated and killed by Arsakes I, who thereafter founded the Arsakid dynasty of the now independent kingdom of Parthia.

109

316.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos Hierax. Circa 242-227 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.36 g, 12h). Abydos mint. Diademed head of Antiochos I right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5o-coU, 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, eagle standing left above q; long torch to inner left. SC 842.2; Houghton, Lampsacus, Group B, dies A5/P7; HGC 9, 405b; CSE 652 (same dies). Minor die wear on obverse, light double strike on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, only one example noted by Houghton (in CSE), and this is the only example in CoinArchives. ($1000) From the MNL Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 215 (14 October 2013), lot 909.

317.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos Hierax. Circa 242-227 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.04 g, 12h). Alexandreia Troas mint, “Workshop B”. Series II, Group B. Head right, wearing winged diadem / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5-ocoU, 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, I above Ü; in exergue, horse grazing left. SC 882.3; ESM –; HGC 9, 399g; Mektipini 211. Toned, slight die wear on obverse, minor double strike on reverse. EF. Rare. ($2000) From the MNL Collection. Ex Roma E-Sale 1 (31 August 2013), lot 278.

Published Antiochos Hierax Drachm – Ex MNL and Houghton Collections

318.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos Hierax. Circa 242-227 BC. AR Drachm (18.5mm, 4.16 g, 1h). Magnesia on the Maeander mint(?). Diademed head of Antiochos II right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t-5ocoU, Apollo, drapery around legs, seated left on omphalos, testing bow in right hand, resting left hand on ompalos; 5 to outer left, : to outer right. SC 909 (this coin referenced and illustrated); CSE 620 (this coin); HGC 9, 408 (this coin illustrated). Deep gray tone with slight iridescence, hairline flan crack, a few marks and light deposits. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($4000) From the TAB Collection. Ex MNL Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 109, 12 September 2018), lot 252; Roma E-Sale 34 (18 February 2017), lot 117; Arthur Houghton Collection (Leu 45, 26 May 1988), lot 262; Kastner 6 (26 November 1974), lot 175.

110

320 319 319.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.80 g, 12h). Uncertain mint 68, in northern Mesopotamia. Struck circa 197-192/0 BC. Diademed head right (Type D) / ∫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; Ø and ñ to outer left. SC 1132.4; WSM 857 (unlisted dies); HGC 9, 447ff; O. Hoover, “Commerce (Pamphylia or Cilicia Hoard), 2000 (CH 10, 292)” in CH 10, 707 (same obv. die). Bright surfaces, struck from worn dies, light scuff on obverse.

Good VF. Rare. ($750) From the MNL Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

Published Elephant Tetradrachm 320.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.37 g, 12h). Uncertain mint 68, in northern Mesopotamia. Struck circa 192/0-187 BC. Diademed head right (Type E) / ∫Å%5¬E[W%] Å@t5ocoU, elephant standing right; E% to right. SC 1135.1 (this coin referenced); Houghton Elephants, Group 8, 93 corr. (weight; A4/P9 – this coin); WSM –; HGC 9, 451c. Toned, surfaces a little porous, minor flan flaw on obverse. VF. Extremely rare, only one noted by Houghton (this coin), three additional in CoinArchives. ($2000) From the MNL Collection. Ex Richard P. Miller Collection (Gemini XI, 12 January 2014), lot 278; Gemini II (10 January 2006), lot 134; Arthur Houghton Collection.

321 322 321.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.25 g, 5h). Ekbatana mint. Diademed head right (Type Ai) / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t-5ocoU, 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, Ω above head of horse left; O to outer right. SC 1230c; ESM 579, pl. XLIII, 10 (same dies); HGC 9, 447ss; Weber 7872. Some die wear on obverse. Good VF. Well centered. ($750) From the MNL Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. (inv. cc80117).

322.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos IV Philopator. 187-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.68 g, 12h). Ptolemaïs (Ake) mint. Struck circa 180-175 BC. Diademed head right / 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 103–5 (D1/R7); HGC 9, 580h. Deeply toned, traces of find patina and light scratches on reverse. Good VF. Rare. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Superior (8 December 1995), lot 834.

323.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos IV Epiphanes. 175-164 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.92 g, 12h). Ptolemaïs (Ake) mint. Struck circa 167-164 BC. Head right, wearing diadem terminating in stars; J to left / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU QEoU E∏5fÅ@oU% @5˚EforoU, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; palm frond to outer left, µ in exergue. SC 1476.1f; Mørkholm 9, obv. die A7; HGC 9, 620c. Lightly iridescent tone, minor scratches and marks. Good VF. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abramowitz Family Collection (Superior Galleries, 8 December 1993), lot 316.

111

Coinage to Fight the Maccabean Revolt?

324.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos V Eupator. 164-162 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 16.58 g, 12h). Ptolemaïs (Ake) mint. Struck 164 BC. Diademed head of Antiochos V as a young child right; Q to left / ∫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; Q to outer left, “ to outer right, <A in exergue. SC 1581a; Houghton & Le Rider II 6 (D1/R2 – this coin, illustrated); HGC 9, 751b; CSE 772 (same obv. die); SNG Spaer 1252 (same obv. die). Toned, minor die wear. Good VF. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Robert Schonwalter Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1493.

The unusually youthful portrait on this very rare issue of Ptolemaïs led Houghton and Le Rider to speculate that these tetradrachms may belong to a coregency of Antiochos IV and V during the former’s eastern campaign. The absense of the title Eupator from this issue, which would have been assumed by Antiochos V at the time of his father’s death, suggests this issue was struck when Antiochos IV was still living.

While Antiochos IV was in the east, Lycias, the Seleukid vice regent, was campaigning in Judaea to put down the revolt of the Maccabees, and it is possible that he required coinage to be produced at the mint of Ptolemaïs for this purpose. Interestingly, the monogram on the obverse of this issue, which is different from all other obverse controls at Ptolemaïs, could be resolved as the first letters of Lysias’s name.

325.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios I Soter. 162-150 BC. Æ (26mm, 19.35 g, 12h). Uncertain Mint 83, probably in northern Syria. Head of lion left in fillet border / ∫Å%5¬EW% d˙Â˙tr5oU [%]Wt˙ro%, head of boar right; ¿ to left. SC 1660a; HGC 9, 823; CSE 2, 415. Earthen dark green surfaces, slightly off center on obverse. Good VF. Rare, and among the finest known. ($2000)

Ex Houghton Collection

326.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Alexander I Balas. 152-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.19 g, 1h). Ptolemaïs (Ake) mint.

Dated SE 162 (151/0 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, eagle standing left on prow left; palm frond behind; to left, Ĝ above ∫$r (date); ∏to to left, ( between legs. SC 1842.1 corr. (monogram); LSM pl. 1, A (same dies); HGC 9, 884; DCA 120; CSE 750 (this coin). Iridescent tone, a few patches of horn silver. Good VF. Rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Arthur Houghton Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 69, 8 June 2005), lot 569.

112

Cult Statue of Athena Magarsia

327.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Alexander I Balas. 152-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 15.11 g, 12h). Mallos mint.

Diademed head right; Â to left / Cult figure of Athena Magarsia standing facing, wearing aegis, holding spear; rosettes over shoulders, Ě to outer left, | to outer right. Cf. SC 1896.2 (for type, no control marks noted); Houghton, Mallos –; HGC 9, 878. Some roughness, scattered marks, tiny delaminations along edge. VF. Extremely rare, only one tetradrachm of Balas from Mallos known (the CSE coin). ($750) The Temple of Athena at Magarsos, near Mallos, was an important cultic sanctuary in the Hellenistic period. The central statue of Athena Magarsia is known only from the handful of coins that have survived, and which show a blending of Greek and eastern motifs.

328.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios II Nikator. First reign, 146-138 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 4.11 g, 12h). Seleukeia in Pieria mint (probably). Diademed head right / [∫Å]%5¬EW% d˙µ˙tr5oU [@]5˚Åtoro%, upright anchor; lotus flower to inner left. SC 1927.1; HGC 9, 982; SNG Spaer 1634–5. Underlying luster, slightly off center. EF. ($1000) From the TAB Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

329.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VI Dionysos. 144-142 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.78 g, 1h). Phoenician standard. Ptolemaïs (Ake) mint. Dated SE 170 (143/2 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; grain ear in background; L OP (date) to left, õ (mint monogram) to right, 6 between legs. SC 2022.2 var. (monogram between legs); HGC 9, 1033; DCA 179. Find patina, scattered marks. Good VF. Rare date for type, and the second known with this monogram between the eagle’s legs (see CNG 111, lot 349, for the other). ($750)

330.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios II Nikator. Second reign, 129-125 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 3.98 g, 1h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Struck 129-128 BC. Diademed head right / [∫]Å%5¬EW% d˙µ˙tr5oU QEoU [@]5˚Åtoro[%], Zeus Nikephoros seated left; $ to outer left, d below throne. SC 2168.2a; Schwei Group 9, 38 (a4/p23) = Sunrise 214 (this coin); SMA 323; HGC 9, 1127a. Hairline flan crack. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the TAB Collection. Ex Sunrise Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 177; Peus 351 (25 April 1997), lot 304; Numismatic Fine Arts XX (9 November 1988), lot 790.

113

331.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VIII Epiphanes (Grypos). 121/0-97/6 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 15.97 g, 12h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Third reign at Antioch, 109-96 BC. Diademed head right within fillet border / ∫`%5¬EW% `@t5oco¨ E∏5f`@o¨%, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; Ÿ above ` to outer left, Å below throne; pellet within Nike’s wreath.

SC 2309.2i; SMA 406; HGC 9, 1200; CSE II 739. Lightly toned, underlying luster. EF. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

332.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos IX Eusebes Philopator (Kyzikenos). 114/3-95 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.75 g, 11h). Tarsos mint, first reign. Struck circa 114/3-112 BC. Diademed head right within fillet border / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@ t5ocoU f5¬o∏Åtoro[%], Sandan standing right on back of horned lion-griffin standing right upon garlanded altar with baldachin; to outer left, 1 above :. SC 2349.2; HGC 9, 1230. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2400247-005, XF★, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan K. Kern.

333.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios III Eukairos. 97/6-88/7 BC. AR Hemidrachm (12mm, 1.68 g, 12h). Damaskos mint. Diademed head right within fillet border / [∫Å%5¬EW%] d˙Â[˙tr5oU QEoU] f5¬[o∏Åtoro% %Wt˙ro%], diadem; & below. SC 2453; HHV 1–3 (A1/P1) = Houghton & Spaer 4–6 = SNG Spaer 2828–30 (same dies); HGC 9, 1307. Roughness, some cleaning marks. VF. Extremely rare, only three known, all in the Spaer collection; none in CoinArchives. ($500)

334.

PHOENICIA, Sidon. 107/6 BC-AD 43/4. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 13.48 g, 1h). Phoenician standard. Dated RY 12 (100/99 BC). Veiled, draped, and turreted bust of Tyche right, wearing single-pendant earring and pearl necklace / Eagle standing left on ram of galley left; palm frond in background; to left, l 5∫ (date) above E5; %5dW@5W@ to right. Levy p. 329; HGC 10, 275; DCA 882; de Clercq 359; Triton XXIV, lot 771 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, underlying luster, minor mark in field on obverse, some edge loss on reverse. Near EF. Rare. ($2000) 114

E&E-T Plate Coin

335.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. Uncertain king. Circa 440-425 BC. AR Shekel (21mm, 13.63 g, 6h). Dolphin right; [nclc (Phoenician ŠLŠN) 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.2.1, 51 (O7/R3 – this coin, obverse illustrated); Rouvier 1775 = BMC 1; HGC 10, 314; AUB 1; Bement 1740; Kraay & Hirmer 681 (same rev. die); Jameson 1775 = Rosen 756. Toned, light scrape, test cut on reverse, with corresponding flat area on obverse. Good VF. ($750) From the JTB Collection. Ex Norman Frank Collection; Classical Numismatic Group 51 (15 September 1999), lot 590; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 501.

336.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. ‘Ozmilk (Azemilkos). Circa 349-311/0 BC. AR Shekel (20mm, 8.05 g, 12h). Dated RY 15 (335/4 BC). Deity, holding reins and arched bow, riding hippocamp right above two lines of waves; below, dolphin right / Owl standing right, head facing; crook and flail in background; 0o above ‹‹‹‹‹ (’ [for ‘Ozmilk] and 15 [date], in Phoenician) in right field. E&E-T Group II.2.1.26, unlisted dies; HGC 10, 349; DCA 918. Lightly toned, minor marks. Good VF. Well centered. ($750)

337.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (28.5mm, 14.22 g, 1h). Dated CY 9 (118/7 BC). Bust of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, lion skin around neck / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, lQ (date) above club; # in left field, b (Phoenician B) between legs; tUroU 5Er&% ˚&5 &%U¬oU around. DCA-Tyre 21; Rouvier 1973; HGC 10, 357; DCA 919; BMC 64. Toned. Good VF. XXIV graffiti cut on edge. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Joel L. Malter & Co. (lot 317 in an uncertain sale).

338.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (27mm, 14.01 g, 12h). Lifetime of Christ issue. Dated CY 146 (AD 20/1). Bust of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, rÂ? (date) above club; to right, ˚r above ÷; b (Phoenician B) between legs; t¨ro¨ 5Er`% [˚`5 `%¨¬o¨] around. DCA-Tyre 525; Rouvier –; RPC I 4659; HGC 10, 357; DCA 920; BMC 201. Attractively toned. EF. Good style for this late period. ($1500) From the Ray Neff Collection.

End of Session 1 115

Session 2 – Tuesday, January 11, 2022 — 2 PM

339.

LEVANTINE REGION, Uncertain. Late 5th-early 4th century BC. AR Obol (9mm, 0.59 g, 9h). Imitating Athens.

Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray to left, åQ[E] to right. Samaria Hoard 272 (this coin). Lightly toned. EF. Excellent metal for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Athena Fund (Part II, Sotheby’s Zurich, 27 October 1993), lot 997 (part of); Samaria, before 1990 Hoard (CH 8.587 = CH 9.413).

340.

LEVANTINE REGION, Uncertain. Late 5th-early 4th century BC. AR Hemiobol (6mm, 0.35 g, 8h). Imitating Athens. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray to left, åQE to right. Samaria Hoard 306 (this coin). Lightly toned. EF. Excellent metal for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Athena Fund (Part II, Sotheby’s Zurich, 27 October 1993), lot 997 (part of); Samaria, before 1990 Hoard (CH 8.587 = CH 9.413).

341.

LEVANTINE REGION, Uncertain. 4th century BC. AR Drachm(?) (15mm, 3.37 g, 8h). Forepart of Pegasos right / Male head right in dotted square within incuse square. Mildenberg, Bes, 19 (this coin; Philisto-Arabian?); SNG BN 1132 (Kyzikos) = Waddington 873; Traité II 1069. Toned, some die wear and a few small cleaning marks on obverse, a hint of granularity on reverse. VF. Rare. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, 1995. Ex Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 212; Virgil Brand Collection [unnamed] (Hess-Leu 31, 6 December 1966), lot 531.

342.

LEVANTINE REGION, Uncertain. 4th-3rd centuries BC. AR Obol (10.5mm, 0.67 g, 8h). Imitating Athens reverse. Facing gorgoneion / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, ~QE to right; all within incuse square. Cf. CNG 115, lot 342; cf. CNG 82, lot 740; cf. CNG E-174, lot 73, otherwise, unpublished in the standard references.

Lightly toned, minor flan flaw at edge on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($2000)

116

The Coinage of Samaria Around 900 BC, Omir, the king of Israel, founded Samaria as his new capitol. The “watch mountain” guarded several strategic passes in the north, and soon became the most prosperous city in the region. The first phase of its existence ended with the Assyrian conquest of 721 BC, when the Israelite population was deported to Babylon, to be replaced by a mixed community of Chaldeans, Syrians, and Arabs. When the Israelites returned with the Persians after 539 BC, they settled into a diffuse cosmopolitan city, with numerous pagan temples and cults, the most significant being those of Baal and Astarte. Surrounded by these disparate foreign influences, the Samaritans evolved into a distinctive Jewish sect that survives to the present day in small towns at the foot of their sacred mountain, Mt. Gerizim.

The Samaria Hoard and other recent finds in the region have revealed an amazingly complex coinage that was unknown until the last decade.

Both Samaria and Judaea produced a fractional coinage in the 4th century BC, reproducing Greek and Persian types with legends naming the province. However, Samaria went well beyond the standard types, using types with Persian kings and deities, animals fantastic and natural, other Semitic types, as well as traces of Greek mythology.

343.

SAMARIA, Samarian-signed Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (8mm, 0.81 g, 10h). Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing facing, wings spread; n c (Aramaic Š N) flanking. Meshorer & Qedar 87; Sofaer 31. Toned, some find patina. VF. Exceptional reverse. Rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 25 July 2001.

Ex Nablus Hoard

344.

SAMARIA, Samarian-signed Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.53 g, 6h). King of Persia seated right, on throne with back terminating in swan’s head, holding flower in right hand and scepter in left; nc (ŠN in Aramaic) to left / Fourwinged deity standing right, wearing crown, holding flower in right hand and uncertain object in left; Zm (MZ in Aramaic) to left.

Meshorer & Qedar 100; Sofaer 41; Nablus 335 (this coin). Lightly toned. Good VF. Well struck for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, March 1989. Ex 1968 Nablus Hoard (IGCH 1504 = CH 9.440).

M&Q and CS Plate Coin – Ex Samaria Hoard

345.

SAMARIA, Samarian-signed Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (10mm, 0.86 g, 5h). Head right, wearing Persian tiara / Forepart of horse galloping right; nyrMv (ŠMRYN in Aramaic) to left. Meshorer & Qedar 75 = CS 1 (this coin referenced and illustrated in both); Sofaer 46; Athena Fund II 960 = Samaria Hoard 1 (this coin). Lightly toned, struck from worn dies. VF. Very rare. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Athena Fund (Part II, Sotheby’s Zurich, 27 October 1993), lot 960; Samaria, before 1990 Hoard (CH 8.587 = CH 9.413).

117

346.

SAMARIA, Samarian-signed Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (9.5mm, 0.80 g, 5h). Male head left, wearing headdress of animal or creature; rMv (ŠMR in Aramaic) to left / Palm tree flanked by two goats standing on hind legs.

Meshorer & Qedar 110; Sofaer 61. Lightly toned, struck from heavily worn obverse die. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex New York Sale III (7 December 2000), lot 175 (hammer $750).

347.

SAMARIA, Samarian-signed Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Hemiobol (7mm, 0.21 g, 9h). Mare standing right; below, foal recumbent left; all within dotted border / Persian king standing right, battling lion standing left on its hind legs; c (Š in Aramaic) between. Meshorer & Qedar 106; Sofaer 68. Attractively toned. Good VF. Rare. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Gil Chaya, 11 June 2005.

348.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (10mm, 0.72 g, 12h). Crowned head of Persian king right / Lion seated left; 4S (Aramaic SN) above; all in dotted square within incuse square. Meshorer & Qedar 52; Sofaer 70–1. Find patina. Near EF. Rare. ($1500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 84 (21 May 2015), lot 707 (hammer 2100 CHF).

349.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.78 g, 12h). Head of Bes facing; n S (S N in Aramaic) flanking / Two lions standing facing; zig-zag line (waves?) below. Meshorer & Qedar 53; Sofaer 74. Toned.

Good VF. Well centered on excellent metal. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Gil Chaya, 29 June 2004.

350.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.34 g, 12h). Facing head of Bes / Lion standing facing; DoE to left, olive spray and ß (Aramaic S) to right. Meshorer & Qedar 54; Sofaer 75. Find patina. EF. Exceptional for issue. ($750) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontantile 51 (7 July 2013), lot 2.

118

351.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Hemiobol (7mm, 0.29 g, 9h). Stag recumbent right, head left; Òc (ŠL in Aramaic) above; all within dotted square border / Winged griffin with long horn seated right; Òc (ŠL in Aramaic) above; all within dotted square border. Meshorer & Qedar 63 (this coin referenced and illustrated); Sofaer 79–80.

Deeply toned. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex New York Sale III (7 December 2000), lot 172 (hammer $725).

352.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.74 g, 2h). Helmeted male figure advancing left, head right, holding bridle of horse forepart left, head right; Òc (ŠL in Aramaic) to left; all within dotted square / Lion leaping left, head right; cÒ (LŠ in Aramaic) to upper right; below, head of ram right; all within dotted square. Meshorer & Qedar 66; Sofaer 87. Toned, a touch of porosity. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, May 1994.

Hendin Plate Coin

353.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (9mm, 0.58 g, 8h). Persian king seated right, holding flower, which he smells, in right hand and scepter in left / Male figure standing right, holding flower, which he smells, in right hand and scepter in left; lbhydb (BDYḤBL in Aramaic) to left. Meshorer & Qedar 13; Sofaer 89–90; Hendin 6033; Hendin (5th ed.) 1027 (this coin illustrated). Toned, compact flan. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXIV (19 November 1990), lot 150.

Ex Nablus Hoard

354.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (10mm, 0.56 g, 4h). Bearded man (Persian king?) seated right, holding flower, which he smells, in right hand and scepter(?) in left; thymiaterion to right, tb (BT in Aramaic) above; all within dotted circle border / Persian king or hero, holding dagger in right hand, sacrificing bull he holds up by its horn with his left hand. Meshorer & Qedar 6; Sofaer 99–100; Nablus 396 (this coin). Attractively toned, some roughness on obverse. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXIV (19 November 1990), lot 147; 1968 Nablus Hoard (IGCH 1504 = CH 9.440).

119

M&Q and CS Plate Coin

355.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (6.5mm, 0.30 g, 11h). Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet and circular earring / Stag couchant right, head left; b (B in Aramaic) above. Meshorer & Qedar 78 = CS 6 (this coin referenced and illustrated in both); Sofaer 101. Lightly toned. Good VF. Excellent metal. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Stack’s (3 December 1996), lot 705.

356.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (10.5mm, 0.76 g, 1h). Horned head of creature facing within square guilloche-pattern border / Winged sphinx recumbent right; K (D in Aramaic) above; all within square guilloche-pattern border. Meshorer & Qedar 31; Sofaer 124. Toned. EF. Exceptional for issue--perfectly struck from fresh dies, and excellent metal, extremely rare thus. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Gil Chaya, 11 June 2005.

M&Q Plate Coin

357.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (10mm, 0.61 g, 12h). Female head facing / Bearded head right, wearing Persian headdress; H;R (WNY in Aramaic) to left. Meshorer & Qedar 78 (this coin referenced and illustrated); Sofaer 173. Toned, some find patina, scratches on obverse. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Gil Chaya, 16 October 1999.

358.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Hemiobol (7mm, 0.25 g, 12h). Female head facing / Bearded head right, wearing Persian headdress. Meshorer & Qedar 72; Sofaer 174–5. Find patina, scratch in field on reverse. Near EF. Exceptional for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, 16 January 2003.

Hendin Plate Coin

359.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (9.5mm, 0.69 g). Bearded triple head / Five discs, one in the center with the others arrayed in cruciform around, each with owl standing right, head facing. Meshorer & Qedar 141; Sofaer 185; Hendin 6043; Hendin (5th ed.) 1042 (this coin illustrated). Toned, some die wear. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXXIV (22 October 1998), lot 195.

It is thought that the reverse depicts the reverse of five Athenian coins or shields.

120

360.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (9mm, 0.78 g, 1h). Head of horned creature right / Forepart of bull right; traces of inscription to right. Meshorer & Qedar 159; Sofaer 206. Toned, some find patina, a few minor scratches. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, October 1995.

On all published examples, the inscription on the reverse is either partially off the flan (as here), or muddled (such as that in Sofaer, it is described as “flower?”).

M&Q Plate Coin

361.

SAMARIA, “Middle Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.65 g, 6h). Lion standing right; lb (BL in Aramaic) above; all within dotted circle border / Lion right, attacking stag lying right; all within dotted circle border. Meshorer & Qedar 19 (this coin referenced and illustrated); Sofaer 213. Deeply toned, slightly off center on obverse.

VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, 18 January 2001. Ex Brian Kritt FPL 23 (1993), no. 14.

Extremely Rare Drachm

362.

SAMARIA, “Middle or Southern Levantine” Series. Circa 375-333 BC. AR Drachm (16.5mm, 3.73 g, 1h).

Male figure standing left, holding spear in both hands, with which he runs through horse to left, standing upright on its hind legs / Bearded male seated left on klismos, playing kithara he holds in both hands; cuneiform signs in upper fields; to lower right, head of lion(?) facing. Meshorer & Qedar 128; cf. Sofaer 250 (obol). Toned, some roughness. VF. Extremely rare as a drachm. ($30,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, December 1996.

121

363.

JUDAEA, Achaemenid Province (Yehud). Anonymous. Circa 375-332 BCE. AR Gerah – Twenty-fourth Shekel (7mm, 0.27 g). Horn or shofar / Falcon upward, head left, wings spread; [dhy (YHD in Phoenician) to right]. MCP YHD 12, dies O1/R1; Meshorer 19; Hendin 6061; HGC 10, 446; Bromberg–; Shoshana –; Sofaer –; Spaer –. Find patina. Good VF. Extremely rare, only seven examples in the MCP database, one in CoinArchives (Triton XXIII, lot 484). ($7500)

364.

JUDAEA, Achaemenid Province (Yehud). Anonymous. Circa 375-332 BCE. AR Gerah (7.5mm, 0.44 g, 11h).

Crowned head of Persian king right; circular motif to lower right / Owl standing right, head facing; lily to left, dhy (Y[HD] in Phoenician) to right. MCP YHD 09, dies O1/R1 (this coin referenced & illustrated); Meshorer 6; Hendin 6056; HGC 10, 437; Bromberg 317; Shoshana II 20046; Sofaer –; Spaer 4. Toned, a little off center on obverse. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), lot 125.

365.

JUDAEA, Achaemenid Province (Yehud). Anonymous. Circa 375-332 BCE. AR Half Gerah (7.5mm, 0.30 g, 9h). Lily / Falcon flying upward, head right, wings spread; dhy (YHD in Phoenician) to right. MCP YHD 14, dies O1/ R2 (this coin referenced & illustrated); Meshorer 15; Hendin 6059; HGC 10, 442 corr. (Hendin reference); Bromberg 1; Shoshana I 20074; Sofaer 10; Spaer 12. Lightly toned, fine cleaning marks, slight doubling on reverse. Good VF. Well centered and struck. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased circa 1995.

Symbolically and historically, this is one of the most important coins that was ever struck in Judaea. It is one of the earliest Jewish coins, and is the model for the modern Israeli shekel. It depicts the lily, known as shoshan in Hebrew, the ancient symbol of rebirth and of the city of Jerusalem. As Rabbi Emil Hirsch describes, “As it withers in the sunlight, but blooms beneath the dew, so Israel withers away except God becomes as dew for her (Hos. xiv. 5), and she is renowned among the nations as the lily among the flowers.”

“Ear of God”

366.

JUDAEA, Achaemenid Province (Yehud). Anonymous. Circa 375-332 BCE. AR Gerah (6mm, 0.23 g, 7h). Ear (of God?) / Falcon upward, head right, wings spread; dhy (YHD in Phoenician) to right. MCP YHD 13, dies O1/R1 (this coin referenced & illustrated, noted among “the finest 3 specimens”); Meshorer 18; Hendin 6060; HGC 10, 440; Bromberg –; Shoshana –; Sofaer –; Spaer –. Find patina, compact flan. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000) From the Father & Son Collection, purchased from J.-P. Fontanille, 5 July 2012.

In his seminal work, A Treasury of Jewish Coins, Y. Meshorer identified the obverse type as God’s ear (pp. 11–2), stating: “In ancient forms of ritual and prayers to various deities, the notable relationship between man and his god was that between supplicant and listener: the supplicant voices his prayer and entreaties to his god, and the god listens and tries to carry out his wishes. Thus the god’s most important organ was his ear that heard the prayer. Indeed, an appeal to the gods and an appeal to the God of Israel was to be directed to their ears, and there are many examples of this in the Bible, including: ‘Incline Thine ear unto me and hear my speech’ (Ps. 17:6); ‘Incline Thine ear unto me and save me’ (Ps. 71:2), and ‘Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and answer me’ (Ps. 86:1).”

122

367.

JUDAEA, Macedonian Period. Hezekiah. Circa 332-302/1 BCE. AR Half Gerah – Ma’ah (6.5mm, 0.20 g). [Facing head of male] / Owl standing right, head facing; [HjpH (HPḤH in Phoenician) to left], HyQ4jy (YḤZQYH in Phoenician) to right. MCP YHD 24, dies O6/R8; Meshorer 22; Hendin 6069; HGC 10, 450; Bromberg 319; Shoshana II 20048; cf. Sofaer 20; Spaer 22. Toned. VF. ($500) From the Bes Collection.

368.

JUDAEA, Macedonian Period. Hezekiah. Circa 332-302/1 BCE. AR Half Gerah – Ma’ah (7.5mm, 0.21 g). [Facing head of male] / Owl standing right, head facing; HjpH (HPḤH in Phoenician) to left, HyQ4jy (YḤZQYH in Phoenician) to right. MCP YHD 24, dies O9/R11 (this coin referenced & illustrated); Meshorer 22; Hendin 6069; HGC 10, 450; Bromberg 319; Shoshana II 20048; cf. Sofaer 20; Spaer 22. Toned. EF. Exceptional reverse. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, 3 December 1983.

Hasmonean Coinage Rising to power in the shadow of the withering Seleukid Empire, the Hasmonean dynasty began roughly twenty years after the Revolt of the Maccabees. Led by Mattathias the Hasmonean, an elder faith leader from the village of Modiin, and his five sons, the revolt spawned out of a furious rejection of Hellenistic values forcefully imposed on the Jewish ways of life by the Seleukids. Raising a small army in response to the Seleukid king, Antiochos IV Epiphanes, sending troops to oversee religious conversion in Modiin, Mattathias waged war against the empire. Eventually the movement was passed along to his son, the legendary Judah “The Maccabee” — his name possibly derived from the Aramaic maqqaba meaning “The Hammer”. A gifted general proficient in guerilla tactics, Judah defeated the Seleukid army of Apollonios, and liberated Jerusalem and its Temple in 164 BCE. His victory was met with such rejoicing that the Temple was rededicated for eight days in a grand festival that would endure each year through the millennia — the Jewish tradition of Chanukah. Fighting continued for several years, ultimately ending in a treaty between Judah and Lysias, the viceroy of Antiochus IV. As David Hendin writes, “Freedom of worship was once again guaranteed, and Jerusalem was recognized as the religious capital of the Jewish nation.”

Established by Judah’s brother, Simon Thassi, the Hasmonean dynasty lasted from roughly 140 BCE to 37 BCE, and during its prominence it facilitated the expansion and full independence of Judaea. Temporarily unhindered by military obligations, Simon’s Judaea was bustling and prosperous — even garnering the support of the Seleukid-hating Roman Senate in 139 BCE. Much of Hasmonean rule, otherwise, was marred by civil conflict. Judean-Seleukid struggle would also continue on and off for years until the Seleucids were finally relegated to obscurity by their own hand, torn asunder by civil war of their own. The dynasty would again be threatened with the rise of Pompey the Great in Rome, who would eventually lead the Roman Republic to conquer Judaea in 63 BCE, turning the province into a tributary state.

The coinage produced during this time was some of the most important in the history of Judaea, as the first Jewish dynastic coinage ever struck. The lily, the ancient symbol of Jerusalem and of rebirth, supplanted on early coinage the traditional position of the Seleukid king on the obverse, marking Jewish religious independence.

369.

JUDAEA, Hasmoneans. John Hyrkanos I (Yehohanan). 135-104 BCE. Æ Prutah (15.5mm, 2.28 g, 1h). In the name of Seleukid king Antiochos VII Euergetes (Sidetes). Jerusalem mint. Dated SE 182 (132/1 BCE). Lily / [∫]Å%5¬EW[%] Å@t5ocoU EUEr˝EtoU, upright anchor; Å∏r (date) below. Meshorer p. 30; Hendin 6165; SC 2123; HGC 9, 1103; DCA 209; Bromberg –; Shoshana –; Sofaer 1; Spaer –. Dark green-brown surfaces. Near EF. Exceptional for issue. ($500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Gemini IX (8 January 2012), lot 172.

123

370.

JUDAEA, Hasmoneans. John Hyrkanos I (Yehohanan). 135-104 BCE. Æ Double Prutah (18.5mm, 4.48 g, 1h).

Jerusalem mint. Crested helmet right, with cheek pieces and laurel wreath on the bowl / Double cornucopia adorned with ribbons; mydXJyJ ®bjX ldgJ nJKJ nnjXJy (“Yehohanan the High Priest and Council of the Jews” in Paleo-Hebrew) around. Meshorer Group H; Hendin 6167; Bromberg –; Shoshana I 20082; Sofaer 147; Spaer 51. Rough dark red-brown surfaces. VF. Very rare. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Schweizerische Kreditanstalt 4 (3 December 1985), lot 168.

Meshorer and AJC Plate Coin – Ex Grosswirth Collection

371.

JUDAEA, Hasmoneans. Alexander Jannaios (Yehonatan). 103-76 BCE. Æ Half Prutah (11.5mm, 1.44 g, 6h).

Jerusalem mint. Upright palm frond; KlmJ nnjXJy (“Yehonatan the King” in paleo-Hebrew) around / Lily. Meshorer Group O3 (this coin illustrated); AJC Group B3 (this coin illustrated); Hendin 6183; HGC 10, 643; Bromberg –; Shoshana I 20085; Sofaer 220; Spaer 59. Green and black patina, some earthen deposits, off center on reverse. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, August 1985. Ex A. Grosswirth Collection.

372.

JUDAEA, Hasmoneans. Mattathias Antigonos (Mattatayah). 40-37 BCE. Æ Eight Prutot (24.5mm, 13.69 g, 12h).

Jerusalem mint. Double cornucopia; [dy ®bj ldg]h nhKh y[¡¡m] (“Mattatayah the High Priest and Council of the Jews” in Paleo-Hebrew, partially blundered) around and between / Wreath; ∫Å1[5¬EW1 Å@t5˝o@oU] around from lower right.

Meshorer 36f; Hendin 6197; HGC 10, 646; Bromberg 326; Shoshana I 20089–90 var. (legends); Sofaer 425; Spaer 63 var. (legends). Dark green-brown patina, off center on obverse. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, September 1986.

373.

JUDAEA, Hasmoneans. Mattathias Antigonos (Mattatayah). 40-37 BCE. Æ Eight Prutot (24mm, 13.64 g, 1h).

Jerusalem mint. Double cornucopia; dy ®bj ldgh nhKh y¡¡m (“Mattatayah the High Priest and Council of the Jews” in Paleo-Hebrew, partially blundered) around and between / Wreath; Å@[t5˝o@oU ∫Å]15¬EW1 around from lower left. Cf. Meshorer 36c/36a (for obv./rev.); Hendin 6197; HGC 10, 646; Bromberg 14; Shoshana I 20089–90 var. (legends); Sofaer 424; Spaer 63. Earthen dark green patina. VF. Well struck for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, September 1983.

124

Exceptional Menorah Prutah

374.

JUDAEA, Hasmoneans. Mattathias Antigonos (Mattatayah). 40-37 BCE. Æ Prutot (14.5mm, 2.04 g, 6h).

Jerusalem mint. Showbread table; [lKdg nh„h] y¡¡m (“Mattatayah the High Priest” in Paleo-Hebrew) around / Sevenbranched menorah; ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5 around. Meshorer 41; Hendin 6203; HGC 10, 650; Bromberg 19; Shoshana I 20093–4; Sofaer 446; Spaer –. Dark green-brown patina. Near EF. aWell centered on a round flan, showing full menorah and nearly full legends. Likely the finest known example of this classic rarity. ($75,000) Perhaps the most famous of all Judaean coins are the humble bronze prutahs bearing the image of the golden seven-branched menorah and the showbread table that stood in the Jerusalem Temple. When struck by the last Hasmonean king, Mattathias Antigonos, it was one of very few images of the menorah that had ever been seen, as the Mosaic ban on graven images was long thought to to apply to sacred objects as well as deities and living creatures. Use of such formerly forbidden images on a coin was a desperate appeal to patriotism, as Mattathias was being challenged by the Roman-backed Herod for kingship in Judaea. Created under siege conditions, surviving examples of the menorah prutot are frequently poorly struck, heavily worn or otherwise damaged by the passage of time. This specimen, well centered and bearing clear images and full legends, certainly ranks among the best and most complete surviving examples, if not the finest known.

Rare Variety – Meshorer, AJC, and Hendin Plate Coin

375.

JUDAEA, Hasmoneans. Mattathias Antigonos (Mattatayah). 40-37 BCE. Æ Prutah (10mm, 0.93 g, 12h).

Jerusalem mint. Showbread table with two stacks of showbread; [lKdg nh„h y¡¡m (“Mattatayah the High Priest” in PaleoHebrew) around] / Seven-branched menorah; [∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5 around]. Meshorer 42 (this coin illustrated); AJC Group Z, 2 (this coin illustrated); Hendin 6203a; Hendin (4th ed.) 485a (this coin illustrated); HGC 10, 650; Bromberg 19 var. (no stacks on table); Shoshana I 20093–4 var. (same); Sofaer 446 var. (same); Spaer –. Brown surfaces, broken and repaired, typical compact flan. Good VF. Very rare. ($10,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, September 1985. Ex A. Grosswirth Collection.

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Herodian Coinage Lasting from roughly 40 BCE to CE 95, the Herodian dynasty of Judaea was established by Herod I, a vassal ruler of the Roman Empire. Born to an assimilated Jewish Idumenean family and advisors to the Hasmonean dynasty, Herod was declared king in 40 BCE by the Roman Senate and the Triumvirate under Mark Antony, and later by Augustus (though it would not be until 37 BCE that Herod would actually possess a kingdom). Herod was a jealous, polarizing ruler particularly notable for his historical proximity to the life of Jesus, and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible: “...Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king…” (Matthew 2:1). As David Hendin writes, “While Herod was undeniably Jewish, he was less popular with Jews than with the Romans. Inside his own nation, Herod was considered cruel, vengeful, and power-hungry.” He oversaw enormous public works projects during his reign, more than doubling the size of the Temple Mount and renovating the Second Temple. Furthermore, as Hendin continues, “Members of the dynasty Herod founded became official and unofficial spokesmen for the Jewish people not only in their kingdom, but throughout the ancient world. The influence of Herod and his descendants continued to affect decisions by the imperial court in Rome for more than a century.”

Herodian coinage, a robust and varied series in Judaean numismatics, is most notable for some of its later issues, which can be considered some of the earliest Roman provincial coinage in Judaea. One coin, struck under Agrippa I, goes so far as to depict Agrippa and Herod of Chalcis crowning Claudius with a wreath as a translated legend reads “A vow and treaty of friendship and alliance between the Great King Agrippa and Augustus Caesar, the Senate and the People of Rome.” Due to its importance in the history of Roman provincial coinage, some coinage of the later dynasts in the Herodian line will be made available in the Roman provincial portion of this auction.

376.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod I (the Great). 40-4 BCE. Æ Eight Prutot (23mm, 8.06 g, 1h). Mint in Samaria (Sebaste?). Dated RY 3 (38/7 BCE). Ornate helmet; palms flanking / ˙rWdoU ∫&%5¬EW%, tripod; l˝ (date) to left, › to right. A&F Type 1, dies O16/R68; Meshorer 44c (same obv. die); Hendin 6204; RPC I 4901; HGC 10, 651; DCA 804; Bromberg 20–1; Shoshana I 20095; Sofaer 1–7; Spaer 68. Earthen dark brown surfaces. VF. Exceptional strike on a broad flan. ($1000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontanille 69 (8 January 2015), lot 3.

377.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod I (the Great). 40-4 BCE. Æ Four Prutot (20.5mm, 6.26 g). Mint in Samaria (Sebaste?).

Dated RY 3 (38/7 BCE). Macedonian shield / ˙rWdoU ∫&%5¬EW%, crested helmet right; l˝ (date) to left, › to right. A&F Type 2, dies O2/R5; Meshorer 45; Hendin 6205; HGC 10, 652; DCA 805; Bromberg 22; Shoshana I 20097; Sofaer 8–11; Spaer 69. Red-brown surfaces, with some green. Good VF. Exceptional for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Superior Galleries, September 1986 ($1175). Ex Empire Coins FPL 33 (ND [c.

1985/6]), no. 40; Sternberg XVII (9 May 1986), lot 202.

378.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod II Archelaos. 4 BCE-6 CE. Æ Prutah (14.5mm, 1.49 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. ˙r-wo-U (sic), anchor / (œ/Å@ in two lines within wreath. Meshorer 69c; Hendin 6224; RPC I 4913; Bromberg –; Shoshana –; Sofaer 67; Spaer 82. Earthen dark brown surfaces. EF. Exceptional. ($300) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (11 February 1988), lot 75.

126

379.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Unit (25.5mm, 14.11 g, 11h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 24 (20/1 CE). t5∫(/r5Å1 in two lines within wreath / ˙rwdoU t(trÅrc, palm frond; l ˚d (date) flanking. K&F dies O1/ R1, 2 (this coin); Meshorer 75; Hendin 6230; RPC I 4918; Bromberg –; Shoshana I 20107; Sofaer 87; Spaer –. Earthen greenbrown patina. Good VF. Well struck for issue. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, December 1992.

380 381 380.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Half Unit (19mm, 7.43 g, 12h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 24 (20/1 CE). t5∫(/r5Å1 in two lines within wreath / ˙rwdoU t(trÅrc, palm frond; l ˚d (date) flanking. K&F dies O6/R12, 1 (this coin); Meshorer 76; Hendin 6231; RPC I 4919; Bromberg –; Shoshana I 20108 (same dies); Sofaer 88–9; Spaer 88. Dark green patina, light earthen dusting. Near EF. Exceptional. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Krindler, February 1988.

381.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Quarter Unit (14.5mm, 4.98 g, 12h). Tiberias mint.

Dated RY 24 (20/1 CE). t5∫(/r5Å1 in two lines within wreath / ˙rwdoU t(trÅrc, palm frond; l ˚d (date) flanking.

K&F dies O2/R12, 2 corr. (lot number, this coin); Meshorer 77; Hendin 6232; RPC I 4920; Bromberg 29; Shoshana I 20109; Sofaer 91; Spaer 89. Earthen black patina. VF. ($500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontanille 45 (13 January 2013), lot 2.

382 383 382.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Half Unit (17mm, 6.00 g, 1h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 33 (29/30 CE). t5∫(/r5`1 in two lines within wreath / ˙rwdoU t(tr`rcoU, palm frond; l ¬˝ (date) flanking. K&F dies O2/R17, 3 (this coin); Meshorer 80; Hendin 6235; RPC I 4923; Bromberg 338 (same dies); Shoshana I 20112; Sofaer 95; Spaer 90. Green-brown surfaces, light earthen dusting. VF. ($500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 355 (15 July 2015), lot 204 (hammer $750).

383.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Unit (23mm, 9.66 g, 12h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 34 (30/1 CE). t5∫(/r5`1 in two lines within wreath / ˙rwdoU t(tr`rcoU, palm frond; l ¬d (date) flanking. K&F dies O2/ R15; Meshorer 83; Hendin 6238; RPC I 4926; Bromberg –; Shoshana I 20116; Sofaer 98; Spaer 91 (same obv. die). Earthen black surfaces. VF. ($500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontanille 108 (15 October 2018), lot 8 (hammer $2120).

127

384 385 384.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Half Unit (18.5mm, 5.30 g, 12h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 34 (30/1 CE). t5∫(/r5`1 in two lines within wreath / ˙rwdoU t(tr`rcoU, palm frond; l ¬d (date) flanking. K&F dies O1/R8, 5 (this coin); Meshorer 84; Hendin 6239; RPC I 4927; Bromberg 339 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20117 (same obv. die); Sofaer 99 (same obv. die); Spaer 92 (same obv. die). Dark green patina, light earthen dusting. VF. ($750) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontanille 46 (6 February 2013), lot 4 (hammer $2626).

385.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Unit (24mm, 14.57 g, 12h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 37 (33/4 CE). t5∫E/r5&% in two lines within wreath / [˙rW]doU tEtr&rcoU, palm frond; l ¬Z (date) flanking, cornucopia to lower left. K&F dies O1/R1; Meshorer 87; Hendin 6242; RPC I 4930; Bromberg 340; Shoshana –; Sofaer 104; Spaer –.

Earthen green surfaces. VF. Well struck for issue. ($1000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontanille 68 (12 August 2014), lot 3 (hammer $3499).

386 387 386.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Half Unit (19mm, 6.35 g, 12h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 37 (33/4 CE). t5∫E/r5&% in two lines within wreath / ˙rWdoU tE-tr&rcoU, palm frond; l ¬Z (date) flanking. K&F dies O2/R18, 1 (this coin, illustrated); Meshorer 88; Hendin 6243; RPC I 4931; Bromberg 33; Shoshana I 20118 (same obv. die); Sofaer 105; Spaer –. Earthen dark green-brown patina. VF. ($750) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontanille 68 (12 August 2014), lot 4.

Ex Shoshana Collection 387.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod III Antipas. 4 BCE-39 CE. Æ Unit (22 mm, 14.91 g, 12h). Struck for Roman Emperor Gaius (Caligula). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 43 (39/40 CE). ˝Å5W/˚Å51År/˝ErÂÅ/@5˚W in four lines within wreath / ˙rWd˙1 t-Etr&rc˙1, palm tree with two date clusters; EtoU 1-½ (date) flanking. K&F Series B, dies O3/R4, 4 = Shoshana I 20119 (this coin); Meshorer 91; Hendin 6246; RPC I 4934; Bromberg –; Sofaer 111; Spaer –. Earthen dark green-brown surfaces, minor roughness. Good VF. Exceptional for issue. ($1500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Shoshana Collection (Part I, Heritage 3003, 8 March 2012), lot 20119.

388.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod IV Philip. 4 BCE-34 CE. Æ (13mm, 1.86 g, 12h). Caesarea Panias mint. Dated RY 34 (30/1 CE). ΦΙΛ[ΙΠ] ΠΟΥ, bareheaded and draped bust right / LΛΔ (date) within wreath with central jewel or berry.

Meshorer 108; Hendin 6263; RPC I 4950.3 = Sofaer 143 (same dies). Brown surfaces with some red and green on reverse, cleaning marks. VF. Exceptional portrait. ($3000) Herod Philip was the first Jewish ruler to place his portrait on coins. Hendin (p. 257) notes: “Philip was able to immortalize his face on his coins largely because so few Jews lived in the territories over which he ruled. Jews would have taken this act as an insult and violation of the Mosaic Law against ‘graven images’.”

128

389.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Agrippa I. 37-43 CE. Æ (19.5mm, 6.51 g, 12h). Caesarea Paneas mint. Dated RY 2 (37/8 CE). ∫&-45¬EU4 [&˝r5]∏∏&4, diademed head of Agrippa I right / [&˝r5]∏∏& U5oU ∫&45¬E[U4], Agrippa II, holding rein and raising hand, on horse galloping right; l∫ (date) below. Meshorer 113; Hendin 6268; RPC I 4974; Bromberg 40 = Shoshana I 20134 (same dies); Sofaer 147–8; Spaer 111. Earthen dark green-brown patina. VF. Choice for issue. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, December 1992.

The Jewish War The notorious defector and only surviving Jewish historian of his time, Josephus, writes that “[The Jewish War] was the greatest not only of the wars of our time, but so far as accounts have reached us, well nigh of all that ever broke out between cities or nations.” Twenty thousand Jews massacred in an hour, a Roman army routed by knife-wielding rebel factions, civil wars, multiple emperors, plague, famine, and cities razed to ash — all contributed to a monumental aggregation of death, destruction, and diaspora that would shock much of the ancient world.

During the siege of Jerusalem alone, an estimated 1.1 million people would lose their lives, and many more would be forced into slavery or brutally executed en masse after the fall of the city.

The Jewish War was born out of a repudiation of severe Roman taxation by a largely impoverished, politically-unrepresented, and idealisticallyfragmented Jewish population. In 66 CE, the procurator Florus demanded 17 talents, or 51,000 shekels, from the Temple of Jerusalem, causing immense outrage and rebellion. After several failed attempts to quell discontent, the Temple priests banned all sacrifices for non-Jews, and a ragtag group of knife-wielding sicarii murdered an entire garrison at Masada. In retaliation, the Roman government organized the execution of twenty thousand Jews in one hour in the city of Caesarea — just one example of many acts of violence made in quick succession. The foundation for a costly and epic eight-year war had been set, which would ultimately push Jewish civilization to the brink of destruction.

Despite the all-encompassing turmoil on both sides and the civil struggle that enveloped the different Jewish factions during the war, the Jewish silver coinage produced up until Jerusalem’s destruction was remarkably consistent and of high quality. David Hendin, one of the leading scholars of Biblical and Ancient Judean coins, remarks that these silver coins were “uniform in weight, purity, shape, and striking” and that the engraving of the dies was the “best in the history of Judaea.” Even aside from excellent production standards upheld during this period, this was a watershed era of autonomy in the history of Jewish coinage as “neither the Selucids nor the Romans had previously allowed the Jews to issue silver coins.” Like the bronze issues of this time (which were struck by a separate and more radical political party), these coins celebrated Jewish independence, giving life to the dream of a Judaea freed from the oppression of foreign conquerors.

390.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (23.5mm, 1419 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 1 (66/7 CE).

Omer cup; ! (“1” in Hebrew = date) above, pellets flanking; L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcrQ 2Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem [the] holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 8.4 (O3’/R8 – this coin); Kadman 1; Meshorer 184; Hendin 6382; Bromberg 369 (same dies); Shoshana I 20196 (same obv. die); Sofaer 1 (same obv. die); Spaer 162 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, a touch off center. EF. ($7500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Antiqua FPL VII (1999), no. 54.

129

391.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (23.5mm, 13.63 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 1 (66/7 CE).

Omer cup; ! (“1” in Hebrew = date) above, pellets flanking; L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcrQ 2Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem [the] holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 23 (O8/R17); Kadman 2; Meshorer 187; Hendin 6383; Bromberg 371 (same dies); Shoshana II 20106 (same obv. die); Sofaer 2 (same dies); Spaer 163 (same dies). Attractive even gray tone. EF. ($7500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased Herb Kreindler, December 1990.

392.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Half Shekel (18mm, 6.65 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 1 (66/7 CE).

Omer cup; ! (“1” in Hebrew = date) above, LQcY ¥SH (“Half Shekel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcrQ 2Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem [the] holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 13 (O4/R10); Kadman 3; Meshorer 188; Hendin 6384; Bromberg 61; Shoshana I 20199; Sofaer 4; Spaer 166. Lightly toned, a few light marks, minor die wear. EF. ($7500) From the Father & Son Collection.

393.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (23mm, 13.92 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 2 (67/8 CE).

Omer cup; @c (“Y[ear] 2” in Hebrew = date) above, L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch – (O10/R41 [unlisted die combination]); Kadman 8; Meshorer 193; Hendin 6387; Bromberg 63; Shoshana I 20202; Sofaer 7–8; Spaer 167–8. Lightly toned. Near EF. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, 1990’s.

Ex Shoshana Collection

394.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Half Shekel (18mm, 7.07 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 2 (67/8 CE). Omer cup; @c (“Y[ear] 2” in Hebrew = date) above, LQcY ¥SH (“Half Shekel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 18 (O2/R17); Kadman 9; Meshorer 195; Hendin 6388; Bromberg I 65; Shoshana I 20204 (this coin); Sofaer 9–10 (same obv. die); Spaer 170. Lightly toned, minor deposits. EF. ($7500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Shoshana Collection (Part I, Heritage 3003, 8 March 2012), lot 20204.

130

395.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (22mm, 14.01 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 3 (68/9 CE). Omer cup; Gc (“Y[ear] 3” in Hebrew = date) above, L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 20 (O3/R18); Kadman 20; Meshorer 202; Hendin 6390; Bromberg I 69; Shoshana I 20207–9; Sofaer 29; Spaer 174. Toned, some find patina remaining. Near EF. ($5000) From the Father & Son Collection.

396.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Half Shekel (18.5mm, 6.80 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 3 (68/9 CE). Omer cup; Gc (“Y[ear] 3” in Hebrew = date) above, LQcY ¥SH (“Half Shekel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 8 (O1/R8); Kadman 23; Meshorer 203; Hendin 6391; Bromberg 71; Shoshana I 20210 (same obv. die); Sofaer 30; Spaer 175. Toned, trace deposits, minor flan flaw in field on reverse. Near EF. ($7500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Gemini IX (8 January 2012), lot 188 (hammer $10,500); Cornelius C. Vermeule III Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 50, 23 June 1999), lot 942.

Year Four Shekel

397.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (22mm, 14.06 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 4 (69/70 CE).

Omer cup; rc (“Y[ear] 4” in Hebrew = date) above, L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcurQY 2¥Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch – (unlisted dies); Kadman 27; Meshorer 207; Hendin 6393; Bromberg 382; Shoshana I 20212 = Shoshana II 20124; Sofaer 36; Spaer 178. Lightly toned, a few light marks. Good VF. Rare. ($20,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from a German dealer, 1993.

Year 4 shekels are decidedly rarer than those of Years 1-3, reflecting the deteriorating military and political situation of the Judean rebels.

While surviving shekels of each of the first three years number in the hundreds, just over 50 survive for Year 4. The Jewish forces, increasingly confined to the environs of Jerusalem, were suffering severe shortages of everything from precious metals to foodstuffs, meaning there was far less silver available to strike coins, and very little in the way of goods for them to be spent buying.

131

Rare Siege Half Shekel – Ex Bromberg and Shoshana Collections

398.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. Æ Half Shekel (27mm, 17.00 g, 1h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 4 (69/70 CE). Etrog flanked by two lulav bunches; ¥ßH o@RF ¡3c (“year four, half” in Hebrew) around / Palm tree with two date bunches, flanked by baskets of dates; X¥ß ¡L!GL (“to the redemption of Zion” in Hebrew) around. MCR FJR-13, dies O4/ R10 (this coin); Kadman 32; Meshorer 211; Hendin 6396; Bromberg 73 = Shoshana I 20215 (this coin); Sofaer 39; Spaer 179–80. Brown surfaces, some minor pitting. Good VF. Rare. ($7500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Shoshana Collection (Part I, Heritage 3003, 8 March 2012), lot 20215 (hammer $16,500); Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part I, Superior, 5 December 1991), lot 73.

By Year 4 of the Jewish War (69/70 CE), the Romans had gained the initiative and the rebellion was in dire straits. The Jews of Jerusalem were desperately short on supplies and engaged in bloody internecine battles for political control of the remaining rebel forces. The shortage of precious metals witnessed a severe drop in the number of silver shekels and their fractions from the temple mint (see previous lot). It also resulted in what has been called the world’s first issue of “siege coins.” This consisted of bronze coins intended to circulate along with the silver shekels, inscribed “half” and “quarter,” along with a much smaller denomination without a value that is surely an eighth-shekel. The large half-shekels are, by far, the rarest of these, with surviving specimens numbering in the mid thirties. The symbolism of the bronzes is distinct from that of the silver shekels, emphasizing Feast of Tabernacles on the holy day of Sukkot. Here the obverse depicts two lulavs (bound palm branches) and an etrog (citron fruit), while the reverse depicts a seven-branched palm tree (perhaps symbolizing the Menorah) flanked by two date baskets. The Paleo-Hebrew reverse inscription “to the redemption of Zion” marks a departure from previous coin slogans calling for the “freedom of Zion,” perhaps indicating awareness that the flame of freedom would soon be snuffed out by the Romans, and that any salvation would be more spiritual than physical.

399.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. Æ Quarter Shekel (20.5mm, 8.29 g, 6h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 4 (69/70 CE). Two lulav branches; o¥@R o@RF ¡3c (“year four, quarter” in Hebrew) around / Etrog; 3X¥ß ¡L!GL (“to the redemption of Zion” in Hebrew) around. MCR FJR-14, dies O4/R5; Kadman 33; Meshorer 213; Hendin 6397; Bromberg 76 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20216; Sofaer 41–3; Spaer 181–2. Earthen green-brown patina. Good VF. ($2000) From the Father & Son Collection, purchased from Amphora Coins (David Hendin), 24 August 2011.

132

400.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. Æ Eighth Shekel (21mm, 6.49 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 4 (69/70 CE).

Lulav branch flanked by etrogs; o@RF ¡3c (“year four” in Hebrew) around / Omer cup; 3X¥ß ¡L!GL (“to the redemption of Zion” in Hebrew) around. MCR FJR-15, die O29; Kadman 38; Meshorer 214; Hendin 6398; Bromberg 77; Shoshana I 20217–9; Sofaer 44 (same rev. die); Spaer 183 (same obv. die). Earthen dark green-brown surfaces. Good VF. Well struck. ($750) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontanille 56 (13 January 2014), lot 5.

401.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. Æ Eighth Shekel (19.5mm, 6.00 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 4 (69/70 CE). Lulav branch flanked by etrogs; o@RF ¡3c (“year four” in Hebrew) around / Omer cup; 3X¥ß ¡L!GL (“to the redemption of Zion” in Hebrew) around. MCR FJR-15, die O47; Kadman 38; Meshorer 214; Hendin 6398; Bromberg 77; Shoshana I 20217–9; Sofaer 44–9; Spaer 183; SNG ANS 457 (same rev. die). Dark brown surfaces, small area of roughness on obverse. Near EF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, April 1979.

402.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. Æ Eighth Shekel (20mm, 4.92 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 4 (69/70 CE). Lulav branch flanked by etrogs; o@RF ¡3c (“year four” in Hebrew) around / Omer cup; 3[X¥ß ¡L]!GL (“to the redemption of Zion” in Hebrew) around. MCR FJR-15, die O23 (this coin illustrated); Kadman 38; Meshorer 214; Hendin 6398; Bromberg 77; Shoshana I 20217–9; Sofaer 44–9; Spaer 183. Earthen dark brown surfaces, a little off center, slightly irregular flan. EF. ($500) From the Father & Son Collection, purchased from Fontanille Coins, 3 September 2012.

133

Year Five Shekel

403.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (21mm, 13.19 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 5 ([August] 70 CE). Omer cup; Yc (“Y[ear] 5” in Hebrew = date) above, L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcrQY 2Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 11 (O4/R8); Kadman 45; Meshorer 215; Hendin 6399; Bromberg 389; Shoshana I 20220 = Hunt I 116 (same dies); Sofaer –; Spaer –. Lightly toned, a little off center.

Good VF. Very rare. ($150,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, January 2007.

The storied shekels of the fifth year of the Jewish War are by far the rarest and most storied. Meshorer has written (TJC p. 130) that “[t]he amazing fact with regard to the coins of the fifth year is that they were struck then, in the last four months of the Jewish War against the Romans. At that time the striking of bronze coinage came to a complete halt. In those trying days, normal activities such as commerce and the consumption of goods no longer took place in Jerusalem, and there was thus no need to continue issuing these coins. On the other hand, silver shekels were still an important factor in the Holy City on account of their ritual value. Fulfillment of the precept of paying the half-shekel tribute to the Temple was all important, and the shekels continued to be minted even in the fifth year of the war.”

134

The Bar Kochba Revolt Though the full extent of its causes are debated, what is certain is that the Bar Kokhba Revolt of 132-135 CE was bloody and devastating.

Hadrian made a brief visit to Judaea circa AD 130, 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 Jehovah. 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 Kokhba), 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 through the end of the Roman and Byzantine era, 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 until the brief reign of Hostilian (251 CE).

As David Hendin notes, Bar Kokhba’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 Kokhba 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 Kokhba] 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.

404.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.25 g, 12h). Dated year 1 (132/3 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, L!RC¥ ¡L!GL ¡H! ¡3C (“year one of the redemption of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 3 (O1/R3); Meshorer 218 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6402; Bromberg 79 (same dies); Shoshana I 20223 (same dies); Sofaer 1 (same dies); Spaer –. Attractively toned. EF. Struck from fresh dies. ($50,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Brody Family Collection (Part I, New York Sale XXXIX, 10 January 2017), lot 48.

135

Year 1 “Abu Jara”

405.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (31.5mm, 25.99 g, 12h). Dated year 1 (132/3 CE). 3„o2C/!¥C3/ [L!RC]¥ (“Shim‘on, Prince of Israel” in Hebrew) in three lines within palm wreath with ties below, medallion above / Amphora; L!RC¥ ¡L![GL ¡]H! ¡3C (“year one of the redemption of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 1 (O1/R1); Meshorer 220b (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6405; Bromberg 227 (same dies); Shoshana I 20229–30 (same dies); Sofaer 3 (same dies); Spaer 236. Earthen dark green-brown surfaces, some roughness, weakly struck in center. Near VF. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, February 1990.

406.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (23mm, 10.36 g, 12h). Dated year 1 (132/3 CE). Palm frond within laurel wreath; L!RC¥ !¥C3 3„o2C (“Shim‘on, Prince of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Chelys of five strings; L!RC¥ ¡L!GL ¡H! ¡3C (“year one of the redemption of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 20 (O1/R1); Meshorer 223b (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6406; Bromberg 233 (same dies); Shoshana I 20238–9 (same obv. die); Sofaer 17 (same dies); Spaer 238 (same obv. die). Earthen dark brown/black patina. Near EF. Well struck. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, December 1997.

407 408 407.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (23mm, 12.11 g, 12h). Dated year 1 (132/3 CE). Palm frond within laurel wreath; L!RC¥ !¥C3 3„o2C (“Shim‘on, Prince of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Chelys of five strings; L!RC¥ ¡L!GL ¡H! ¡3C (“year one of the redemption of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 24 (O1/R5); Meshorer 223e (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6406; Bromberg 235 (same dies); Shoshana II 20142 (same dies); Sofaer 21 (same dies); Spaer 238–9 (same obv. die). Earthen dark green patina. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased September 1990.

408.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (25mm, 9.70 g, 6h). Dated year 1 (132/3 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; L!RC¥ !¥C3 3„o2C (“Shim‘on, Prince of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Vine leaf on tendril; L!RC¥ ¡L!GL ¡H! ¡3C (“year one of the redemption of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 46 (O2/R11); Meshorer 222 (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6407; Bromberg 568 (same dies); Shoshana I 20240–1; Sofaer 5–6 (same rev. die); Spaer 244 (same dies). Green-brown surfaces, some deposits, indications of undertype on reverse. Good VF. ($300) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex William Stern Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts XXVIII, 23 April 1992), lot 247.

136

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Pozzi Collection

409.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (18.5mm, 5.88 g, 5h). 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 148.4 (O1/R2 – this coin, illustrated); Meshorer 225; Hendin 6409b; Bromberg 256 (same dies); Shoshana II 20149 (same dies); Sofaer 26 (same dies); Spaer 256 (same rev. die). Dark green patina. Good VF. Choice for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXIX (30 October 1995), lot 188; Hess–Leu [21] (3 April 1963), lot 112; Prof. S. Pozzi Collection (not in Naville sale).

Undated Hybrid Zuz

410.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.21 g, 1h). Undated, struck early year 2 (133 CE). o2C (“Shim‘” in Hebrew) within wreath / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right; 5Y∑;Y R$oL! (“Eleazar the Priest” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 5.8 (O3/R3 – this coin, illustrated); Meshorer 234a; Hendin 6413; Bromberg 127–8 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20250 (same dies); Sofaer 36–7 (same obv. die); Spaer 199-200 (same dies). Lightly toned, overstruck on a denarius of Trajan (part of obv. legend visible on the reverse). Near EF. ($2000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex D. Friedenberg Collection (Goldberg 25, 6 February 2004), lot 3072; Leu 28 (5 May 1981), lot 287.

David Hendin (p. 388) notes: “While this coin is not dated, the only other use of the Eleazar name on a zuz is combined with a die of the first year. Thus, this must be a hybrid issue of the first and second year rather than a coin of the third year, where other undated issues are assigned.”

Hybrid Zuz Overstruck on Plotina

411.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.42 g, 12h). Undated, struck early year 2 (133 CE). o2C (“Shim‘” in Hebrew) within wreath / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right; 5Y∑;Y R$oL! (“Eleazar the Priest” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 7.6 (O4/R5 – this coin); Meshorer 234a; Hendin 6413; Bromberg 442 (same dies); Shoshana I 20252 (same dies); Sofaer 36–7; Spaer 199-200. Iridescent tone, minor scratches on reverse, overstruck on a denarius of Plotina (RIC III Trajan 730). Near EF. ($2000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXVI (14 August 1991), lot 162.

Plotina’s portrait and partial legend is visible on the reverse, while traces of seated Vesta, and her clear drapery and scepter, is visible on the obverse. See lot 877, below, for an example of the undertype.

137

Dated Hybrid Zuz – Mildenberg Plate Coin

412.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.28 g, 6h). Obverse dated year 1, reverse dated year 2 (struck early year 2, 133 CE). Grape bunch on vine with small leaf; L!RC¥ ¡L!GL ¡H! ¡3C (“year one of the redemption of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Chelys with three strings; L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y[ear] 2 of the Freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 11.12 (O2/R7 – this coin, illustrated); Meshorer 236 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6412; Bromberg 444 (same dies); Shoshana II 20150 (same dies); Sofaer 39 (same dies); Spaer 202 (same dies). Lightly toned, hairline flan crack, small spots of verdigris, overstruck on a denarius or drachm of Trajan (portion of his portrait visible on the reverse). Good VF. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 325; Abraham Bromberg Collection [Private collection 2 in Mildenberg] (not in Superior sales).

Ex Bromberg Collection

413.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 12.84 g, 1h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, cross above, 2LC∑R¥ (“Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 10.11 (O2/ R8 – this coin); Meshorer 230 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6415; Bromberg 81 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20258 (same dies); Sofaer 30 (same dies); Spaer 189 (same obv. die). Toned, traces of undertype visible. Near EF. ($7500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Paul Rynearson, June 1993. Ex Abraham Bromberg Collection [Private collection 2 in Mildenberg] (not in Superior sales).

414.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.84 g, 12h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, cross above, 2LC∑R¥ (“Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 14 (O3/ R8); Meshorer 230a (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6416; Bromberg 82 (same dies); Shoshana I 20260 (same obv. die); Sofaer 31–4; Spaer 190 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of undertype (uncertain Flavian tetradrachm with two portraits).

EF. ($7500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, December 1990.

138

415.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 13.17 g, 1h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, cross above, 2LC∑R¥ (“Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 17 (O4/ R11); Meshorer 230a (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6416; Bromberg 84 (same dies); Shoshana I 20262 (same dies); Sofaer 31 (same obv. die); Spaer 190. Lightly toned, slight doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 315.

Mildenberg and Meshorer Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg Collection

416.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 14.94 g, 12h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, star above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 34.2 (O8/R24) = Bromberg 93 (this coin); Meshorer 233 (this coin illustrated); Hendin 6417; Shoshana I 20273 (same dies); Sofaer 35 (same obv. die); Spaer 192. Toned, minor double strike on reverse. EF. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Bromberg Collection (Part I, Superior, 5 December 1991), lot 93.

417.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.30 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 34 (O5’/R22); Meshorer 250a (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6420; Bromberg 140 (same dies); Shoshana I 20289 (same dies); Sofaer 55–6 var. (rev. legend); Spaer 207 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, a few deposits, traces of undertype. EF. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXVI (14 August 1991), lot 166; Leu 7 (9 May 1973), lot 289.

139

418 419 418.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18.5mm, 3.43 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE).

Grape bunch on vine tendril; #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Palm frond; L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 40 (O7/R12’); Meshorer 248a (same rev. die); Hendin 6423; Bromberg 143 (same dies); Shoshana I 20303 (same dies); Sofaer 53 (same dies); Spaer 209 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of undertype.

Near EF. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Paul Rynearson, June 1993. Reportedly ex Abraham Bromberg Collection (not in Superior sales, nor Mildenberg).

419.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17mm, 3.32 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE).

Grape bunch on vine tendril; #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Chelys with three strings; L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 43 (O8/R25); Meshorer 240 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6422; Bromberg 144 (same dies); Shoshana I 20300 (same dies); Sofaer 42 (same dies); Spaer 210–1 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor verdigris, traces of undertype. Near EF. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, 2 February 1990.

420 421 420.

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’); Meshorer 253 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6424; Bromberg 145 (same dies); Shoshana I 20310 (same dies); Sofaer 58; Spaer 208. Lightly toned, overstruck on a denarius of Titus (as augustus, with COS VII P P on reverse). EF. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), lot 153.

421.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17.5mm, 3.19 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!C¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Isael” [sic] in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 47 (O8/R27); Meshorer 242 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6425; Bromberg 146 (same dies); Shoshana I 20314–5 (same dies); Sofaer 44 var. (rev. legend); Spaer 212 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of undertype. Near EF. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, December 1989.

422.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.37 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE).

Grape bunch on vine tendril; #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Palm frond; L!C¥ RHL @C (“Y(ear) 2 of the freedom of Isael” [sic] in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 50 (O11/R29’); Meshorer 248b (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6423; Bromberg 148 (same dies); Shoshana I 20307–8 (same dies); Sofaer 54 (same rev. die); Spaer 212 (same dies). Lightly toned, overstruck on an uncertain denarius of Hadrian. VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 63 (21 May 2003), lot 817.

140

423 424 423.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17.5mm, 3.28 g, 1h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) in two lines within wreath / Kithara with three strings; L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 58 (O14/R30); Meshorer 241 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6431; Bromberg 151 (same dies); Shoshana I 20319 (same dies); Sofaer 43 (same obv. die); Spaer 213 (same obv. die). Lightly toned. Good VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), lot 154.

424.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17.5mm, 3.44 g, 12h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) in two lines within wreath / Palm frond; L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 60 (O14/R32); Meshorer 247 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6427a; Bromberg 153 (same dies); Shoshana I 20316–7 (same dies); Sofaer 51 (same dies); Spaer 215 (same dies). Lightly toned, die break on reverse, traces of undertype. Good VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, 13 February 1992.

Two Year 2 “Abu Jaras”

426

425

425.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (31.5mm, 18.61 g, 12h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). 2Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem” in Hebrew) in two lines within palm wreath with ties below, medallion above / Amphora; L!Rc¥ [R]HL @c (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 18.10 (O5/R12 – this coin); Meshorer 255a (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6432; Bromberg 231 (same dies); Shoshana I 20320 (same dies); Sofaer 60 (same dies); Spaer 237 (same dies). Dark green-brown patina, small area of weak strike. Good VF. Exceptional for issue. ($15,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXIX (30 October 1995), lot 193; Hess–Leu 24 (16 April 1964), lot 248.

426.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (30.5mm, 17.45 g, 12h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). 3[∑]o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) in two lines within palm wreath with ties below, medallion above / Amphora; L!Rc¥ [R]HL @c (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 19 (O6/R12); Meshorer 256 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6433; Bromberg 232 (same dies); Shoshana I 20321 (same dies); Sofaer 62 (same dies); Spaer –. Earthen green patina.

Good VF. Rare. ($10,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex New York Sale XLVIII (14 January 2020), lot 86. Reportedly ex T. Kaplan Collection. Lot also includes a Numismatica Ars Classica stock ticket for this coin.

141

Rare Transitional Issue

427.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (21mm, 6.70 g, 12h). Dated year 2, but late issue struck with obverse die used for year 3 (134 CE). Palm frond within laurel wreath; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around / Chelys of five strings; L!Rc¥ [R]HL @c (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 30 (O2/ R8); Meshorer 296a (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6435; Bromberg 238 (same dies); Shoshana –; Sofaer 106 (same dies); Spaer 241 (same dies). Dark green-brown patina, light earthen dusting, some roughness. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 343.

Though the reverse of this issue is dated to year 2, the obverse die used for this issue was used on the earliest middle bronzes dated year 3 (see lot 466, below).

428.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (26.5mm, 10.54 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; o2C (“Shim’” in Hebrew) across field / Grape leaf; L!RC¥ RHL BC (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 48 (O3/R12); Meshorer 260 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6436; Bromberg 569 (same dies); Shoshana II 20197 (same obv. die); Sofaer 66 (same dies); Spaer 246 (same obv. die). Earthen dark brown patina.

Near EF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, November 1997.

429 430 429.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (24mm, 11.88 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; o2c (“Shim’” in Hebrew) across field / Grape leaf; L!Rc¥ RHL Bc (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 71 (O5/R35); Meshorer 260a (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6436; Bromberg 247 (same obv. die); Shoshana II 20201 (same obv. die); Sofaer 69 (same dies); Spaer –. Brown surfaces, areas of minor roughness. VF. ($300) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXIV (19 November 1990), lot 187.

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg Collection 430.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (24mm, 10.38 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; 3[∑]o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) across field / Grape leaf; L!RC¥ RHL BC (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 86.1 (O7/R50) = Bromberg 573 (this coin); Meshorer 259a (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6436a; Shoshana I 20325 (same rev. die); Sofaer 85 (same rev. die); Spaer 249 (same rev. die). Brown surfaces, minor roughness. VF. ($300) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part II, Superior, 10 December 1992), lot 573.

142

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg and Schonwalter Collections

431.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (22.5mm, 9.49 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; #⁄o2c (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) across field / Grape leaf; L![Rc¥ RHL Bc] (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 91.3 (O7/R55 – this coin, illustrated); cf. Meshorer 259c; Hendin 6436a; Bromberg –; Shoshana –; Sofaer 80 (same dies); Spaer –. Brown surfaces, traces of undertype. Good VF. ($300) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1369; Robert Schonwalter Collection; Abraham Bromberg Collection [Private collection 2 in Mildenberg] (not in Superior sales).

432.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (20mm, 3.66 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; 5Y∑;Y R$oL! (“Eleazar the Priest” in Hebrew) irregularly arranged across field / Grape leaf; L!Rc¥ RHL [Bc] (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 152 (O2/R4); Meshorer 265 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6437; Bromberg 579 (same dies); Shoshana I 20328 (same dies); Sofaer 105 (same dies); Spaer 257 (same rev. die). Olive green patina with light earthen dusting, area of flat strike. VF. Very rare issue retaining Eleazar legend from year 1, only 4 examples noted by Mildenberg. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Patrick H. C. Tan Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 97, 17 September 2014), lot 371; David Hendin Collection.

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg and Schonwalter Collections

433.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (20mm, 5.71 g, 6h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; 2Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem” in Hebrew) in two lines across field / Grape bunch on vine tendril with leaf; L!Rc¥ [R]HL @c (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 153.1 (O2/R6 – this coin, illustrated); Meshorer 266 (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6438; Bromberg 260 (same dies); Shoshana I 20328 (same rev. die); Sofaer 104 (same dies); Spaer 257 (same dies). Dark brown surfaces with some green encrustation. Good VF. ($400) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1375; Robert Schonwalter Collection; Abraham Bromberg Collection [Private collection 2 in Mildenberg] (not in Superior sales).

143

434 435 434.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (26mm, 11.58 g, 6h). Irregular issue. Dated year 2 (133/4 CE).

Palm tree with two bunches of dates; #⁄o2C (“Shim‘” in Hebrew) across field / Grape leaf; L!RC¥ RHL BC (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in retrograde Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 168–70 var. (O7/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Meshorer 261 var. (obv. legend; same rev. die); Hendin 6436a; Bromberg 266 var. (same; same rev. die); Shoshana –; Sofaer 97 (same rev. die); Spaer –. Dark green patina, light earthen dusting. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, 2003.

435.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (23mm, 7.30 g, 6h). Irregular issue. Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; o2c (“Shim‘” in Hebrew) irregularly arranged across field / Grape leaf; L!R[c¥] RH[L Bc] (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in retrograde Hebrew) around. Mildenberg – (O23/R28 [unlisted die combination]); cf. Meshorer 261; cf. Hendin 6436a; Bromberg –; Shoshana –; Sofaer 93–5 (same obv. die); Spaer –. Olive brown surfaces.

VF. ($300) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex William Stern Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts XXVIII, 23 April 1992), lot 359.

436.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.34 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, star above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 50 (O13/R36); Meshorer 270 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6439a; Bromberg 417 (same dies); Shoshana I 20358 (same dies); Sofaer 113 (same obv. die); Spaer 193 (same dies). Lightly toned, die breaks on obverse. Near EF. ($4000) From the Ray Neff Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk.

438 437 437.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.27 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, star above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 58 (O12/R44); Meshorer 270 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6439a; Bromberg 422 (same dies); Shoshana II 20216 (same dies); Sofaer 113 (same dies); Spaer 193 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, die break on obverse, traces of undertype. Near EF. ($4000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1369; Robert Schonwalter Collection.

438.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.43 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, star above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 63 (O14/R48); Meshorer 267; Hendin 6439; Bromberg 109 (same dies); Shoshana I 20339–40 (same obv. die); Sofaer 108; Spaer 194. Toned, overstruck on an uncertain Flavian tetradrachm. Good VF. ($4000) 144

439.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.50 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, star above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 78.8 (O12/R61 – this coin); Meshorer 267b (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6439; Bromberg 114 (same dies); Shoshana II 20210 (same dies); Sofaer 107–8; Spaer 194 (same obv. die). Toned, trace deposits. Good VF. ($4000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Teddy Kollek Collection (Leu 86, 5 May 2003), lot 598.

440.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.60 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, star above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 80 (O12/R45); Meshorer 267; Hendin 6439; Bromberg 116 (same dies); Shoshana I 20350 (same obv. die); Sofaer 108; Spaer 194 (same obv. die). Toned, overstruck on a tetradrachm of Nero (his portrait and partial legend visible on the reverse). Near EF. ($4000)

441.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 14.01 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 88 (O16/R88); Meshorer 269b (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6441b; Bromberg 119 (same dies); Shoshana I 20363 (same dies); Sofaer 112 (same dies); Spaer 195 (same dies). Lightly toned, die break on obverse. Good VF. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1379; Robert Schonwalter Collection.

145

442.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.23 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 95 (O17/R65); Meshorer 269 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6441; Bromberg 124 (same dies); Shoshana I 20370 (same dies); Sofaer 110 (same obv. die); Spaer 196 (same obv. die). Light double strike, traces of undertype, tiny spot of verdigris on reverse. Near EF. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Claude Amsellan, April 1989.

443.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Sela – Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.20 g, 12h). Irregular issue.

Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Façade of the Temple at Jerusalem; showbread table within, star above, 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) at sides, some letters retrograde and/or inverted / Bundle of lulav; etrog to left, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around, some letters retrograde and/or inverted. Mildenberg 102 (O23/R77); Meshorer 268 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6439a; Bromberg 440 (same dies); Shoshana I 20357 (same dies); Sofaer 109 (same dies); Spaer 197 (same dies). Toned, some roughness. Near EF. ($4000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, July 1994.

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg Collection & Fawar Hoard

444.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.35 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 61.8 (O14/R33) = Bromberg 154 (this coin); Meshorer 279b (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6443; Shoshana I 20372 (same dies); Sofaer 130–1 (same obv. die); Spaer –. Toned, overstruck on a denarius of Vespasian (the outline of his portrait visible on the reverse). EF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part I, Superior, 5 December 1991), lot 154; El Fawar 1978 Hoard (Mildenberg no. 26).

146

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg Collection & Fawar Hoard

445.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.25 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). #⁄o2c (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 83.22 (O14/R53) = Bromberg 478 (this coin); Meshorer 283b corr. (illustration is retrograde; same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6445; Shoshana I 20390 (same obv. die); Sofaer 115; Spaer 218 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, minor die breaks. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part II, Superior, 10 December 1992), lot 478; El Fawar 1978 Hoard (Mildenberg no. 26).

446.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17mm, 2.78 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). ∑o32C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Flagon with handle; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 88 (O15/R57); Meshorer 284s (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6450; Bromberg 481 (same dies); Shoshana I 20400 (same obv. die); Sofaer 119 (same obv. die); Spaer –. Lightly toned, traces of undertype. Near EF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Brody Family Collection (Goldberg 98, 6 June 2017), lot 1629, purchased from David Hendin.

447.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18.5mm, 3.18 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). ∑o32C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Elongated kithara; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 96 (O15/R65); Meshorer 272a (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6451; Bromberg 486 (same dies); Shoshana I 20410 (same dies); Sofaer 125 (same dies); Spaer –. Lightly toned, small area of weak strike, overstruck on a denarius of Trajan (his left-facing bust visible on obv.). Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXXII (10 June 1993), lot 230.

448.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.08 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). ∑3o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Palm frond; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 115 (O17/R80); Meshorer 279 (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6452; Bromberg 173 (same dies); Shoshana II 20234 (same dies); Sofaer 132 (same rev. die); Spaer –. Lightly toned, minor edge split, overstruck on a Bostra drachm of Trajan. Near EF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 381.

147

449 450 449.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.50 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). ∑3o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Elongated kithara; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 117 (O18/R67); Meshorer 272c (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6456; Bromberg 175 (same dies); Shoshana I 20429 (same dies); Sofaer –; Spaer –. Some tiny spots of verdigris, traces of undertype.

EF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

450.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.40 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). ∑3o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Elongated kithara; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 130 (O19/R67); Meshorer 272c (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6456; Bromberg 182 (same dies); Shoshana I 20434 (same dies); Sofaer –; Spaer –. Bright surfaces, overstruck on a denarius of Titus as augustus (the outline of his portrait and nearly full legend visible on the obverse). Near EF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, 27 June 2006.

AJC Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg Collection

451.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.45 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). ∑3o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Two upright trumpets; pellet between, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 131.6 (O19/R91) = Bromberg 50 (this coin); Meshorer 276 (same dies as illustration); AJC II 59 (this coin illustrated); Hendin 6453; Shoshana I 20420 (same dies); Sofaer 137 (same dies); Spaer 222 (same dies). Toned, traces of undertype visible. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part II, Superior, 10 December 1992), lot 501.

452.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.27 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). ∑3o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right, 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 138 (O20/R92); Meshorer 283; Hendin 6454; Bromberg 186 (same dies); Shoshana II 20243 (same dies); Sofaer 116–7; Spaer 221 (same dies). Toned, overstruck on a denarius of Trajan (partial legend visible on reverse). Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Brody Family Collection (Part I, New York Sale XXXIX, 10 January 2017), lot 183, purchased from David Hendin, August 1993.

148

Ex Bromberg and Shoshana Collections – 1978 Fawar Hoard

453.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.32 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 144.2 (O11/R63) = Bromberg 189 = Shoshana I 20470 (this coin); Meshorer 274; Hendin 6462; Sofaer 126 (same obv. die); Spaer 224 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, some spots of verdigris, traces of undertype. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Shoshana Collection (Part I, Heritage, 8 March 2012), lot 20470; Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part I, Superior, 5 December 1991), lot 189; J. Schulman 270 (23 June 1980), lot 2140; El Fawar 1978 Hoard (Mildenberg no. 26).

454 455 454.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17.5mm, 2.89 g, 7h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Palm frond; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 148 (O11/R60); Meshorer 281 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6457; Bromberg 507 (same dies); Shoshana I 20437 (same dies); Sofaer 133 (same obv. die); Spaer 225 (same obv. die).

Lightly toned, traces of undertype. Near EF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Alan Levin Collection (Goldberg 41, 28 May 2007), lot 2649, purchased from David Hendin, May 1999. Reportedly ex Y. Meshorer Collection.

455.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.43 g, 6h). 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) around. Mildenberg 153 (O11/R85’’); Meshorer 277; Hendin 6458; Bromberg 210 (same dies); Shoshana I 20445 (same dies); Sofaer 138; Spaer 226 (same dies). A few small spots of verdigris, overstruck on a denarius of Domitian as Augustus. EF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

456.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19.5mm, 3.27 g, 7h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Flagon with handle; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 155 (O11/R57); Meshorer 286; Hendin 6461; Bromberg 512 (same dies); Shoshana I 20464 (same dies); Sofaer 122; Spaer –. Overstruck on a denarius of Vespasian (his face visible on the reverse). Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, December 1989.

149

457.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 2.92 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 156 (O11/R58’); Meshorer 285 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6460; Bromberg 192 (same dies); Shoshana I 20457 (same dies); Sofaer 120; Spaer 227 (same dies).

Lightly toned, areas of weak strike. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Reportedly Mildenberg 156.23, from the inventory of Herb Kreindler, April 1979, and El Fawar 1978 Hoard (Mildenberg no. 26).

458.

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); Meshorer 285 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6460; 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. ($750)

459

460

459.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18.5mm, 3.35 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) around. Mildenberg 167 (O21/R107); Meshorer 277; Hendin 6458; Bromberg 196 (same dies); Shoshana II 20259 (same dies); Sofaer 138 (same dies); Spaer 231 (same dies). Lightly toned, overstruck on an uncertain Flavian denarius or drachm. Good VF. ($600) 460.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.22 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 176 (O22/R110); Meshorer 274a-b (same obv. die); Hendin 6462; Bromberg 200 (same dies); Shoshana I 20477 (same dies); Sofaer 127 (same obv. die); Spaer 223–4. Toned, trace deposits, overstruck on a denarius or drachm of Vespasian (his portrait visible on the obverse). Good VF. ($600)

461.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (20mm, 3.23 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 186 (O22/R120); Meshorer 274a-b (same obv. die); Hendin 6462; Bromberg 203 (same dies); Shoshana I 20482 (same dies); Sofaer 127 (same obv. die); Spaer 223–4. Underlying luster, a few spots of verdigris, traces of undertype. EF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Reportedly Mildenberg 186.72, from the inventory of Herb Kreindler, April 1979, and El Fawar 1978 Hoard (Mildenberg no. 26).

150

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg Collection & Fawar Hoard

462.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18.5mm, 3.62 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 205.8 (O24/R133) = Bromberg 209 (this coin); Meshorer 275 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6462; Shoshana I 20487 (same dies); Sofaer 129 (same dies); Spaer 223–4. Lightly toned, traces of undertype. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part I, Superior, 5 December 1991), lot 209; El Fawar 1978 Hoard (Mildenberg no. 26).

463.

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); Meshorer 274; Hendin 6462; 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. ($750)

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg Collection & Fawar Hoard

464.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.42 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 216.7 (O24/R139) = Bromberg 540 (this coin); Meshorer 275 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6462; Shoshana I 20497 (same dies); Sofaer 129 (same obv. die); Spaer 223–4. Lightly toned, overstruck on an uncertain denarius of Trajan. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part II, Superior, 10 December 1992), lot 540; El Fawar 1978 Hoard (Mildenberg no. 26).

465.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (19mm, 3.18 g, 6h). Irregular issue. Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Grape bunch on vine tendril; #⁄o2c (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around / Palm frond; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 265 (O57/R179); Meshorer 282; Hendin 6457a; Bromberg 226 (same dies); Shoshana I –; Sofaer 135 (same dies); Spaer –. Lustrous, overstruck on an uncertain denarius of Trajan. Near EF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 86 (5 May 2003), lot 629.

151

466 467 466.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (21mm, 6.27 g, 12h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE).

Palm frond within laurel wreath; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around / Elongated kithara; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 32 (O2/R11); Meshorer 297 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6463; Bromberg 239 (same obv. die); Shoshana II 20291 (same obv. die); Sofaer 161–2 (same dies); Spaer –. Green sufaces with light earthen dusting. Near EF. Exceptional for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Brody Family Collection (Part I, New York Sale XXXIX, 10 January 2017), lot 223, purchased from ILM, August 2006.

467.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (28mm, 11.98 g, 6h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE).

Palm tree with two bunches of dates; 3∑o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) across field / Grape leaf; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 115 (O10/R79); Meshorer 283 (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6464; Bromberg 576 (same dies); Shoshana I 20502; Sofaer 145 (same dies); Spaer 250 (same rev. die). Dark green patina.

Near EF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (17 July 1991), lot 27.

468 469 468.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (20mm, 3.91 g, 6h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). Palm tree with two bunches of dates; 5Y∑;Y R$oL! (“Eleazar the Priest” in Hebrew) irregularly arranged across field / Grape leaf; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 155 (O4/R4); Meshorer 300 (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6465; Bromberg 262 (same dies); Shoshana I 20505 (same dies); Sofaer 164 (same rev. die); Spaer 259 (same dies). Earthen dark green-brown surfaces. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Waddell (20 June 2001), lot 156.

469.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (19.5mm, 5.80 g, 6h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE).

Palm tree with two bunches of dates; 2Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem” in Hebrew) in two lines across field / Grape leaf; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 157 (O4/R7); Meshorer 301 (same rev. die as illustration); Hendin 6466; Bromberg 263 (same rev. die); Shoshana I 20506 (same rev. die); Sofaer 166–7 (same rev. die); Spaer 260 (same rev. die). Earthen dark green patina. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, December 1990.

Mildenberg Plate Coin – Ex Bromberg Collection

470.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. Æ (16.5mm, 3.22 g, 6h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE).

Palm tree with two bunches of dates; 3[∑]o2C (“Shim‘[o]n” in Hebrew) irregularly arranged across field / Grape leaf; [2LC∑]R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the freedom of Jer[usalem]” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 229.1 (O5/R5) = Bromberg 591 (this coin); Meshorer 304 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6467b; Shoshana –; Sofaer –; Spaer –. Brown surfaces with copper highlights. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 420; Abraham Bromberg Collection [Private collection 2 in Mildenberg] (not in Superior sales).

152

Unique Askalon Didrachm – Gitler & Tal Plate Coin

471.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Askalon. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Didrachm (16.5mm, 7.80 g, 12h). Imitating Athens reverse type. Head of female right, with oriental hairstyle / Owl standing facing, wings spread; faint å (Phoenician ’aleph) to upper left, traces of olive spray to upper right; all within incuse square. Gitler & Tal III.2DD, a = H. Gitler, “New fourth century BC coins from Ascalon” in NC 156 (1996), D (this coin); HGC 10, 494 corr. (legend; this coin illustrated).

Toned, minor roughness. VF. Unique didrachm from Askalon. ($50,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 83 (6 May 2002), lot 255; Martin Huth Collection.

In the 1996 article, H. Gitler noted a slightly different legend on the reverse, with the ’aleph to the upper right, and a nun to the upper left.

His reading was subsequently copied by the cataloger at Leu. However, in the more recent publication of the coins of Philistia, Gitler & Tal revised the reading, noting the ’aleph to the upper left, with an olive spray to the upper right. On close inspection of the reverse, it appears that this revised reading is more likely correct, though neither the letter, nor the device, are clearly visible.

472.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Askalon. 98/7-54/3 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 12.42 g, 1h). Dated CY 35 (70/69 BC). Diademed and draped bust of Antiochos VIII right / eagle standing left on thunderbolt; to left, monogram above dove standing left; l E¬ (date) to right. Gitler & Master 28–30 var. (O22/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Rosenberger 21 (same obv. die); HGC 10, 516; DCA 80. Lightly toned, some porosity. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

473.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Azotos (Ashdod). Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (14.5mm, 3.27 g, 12h). Head of female right, with oriental hairstyle / Janiform head of bearded male, left, and female, right, wearing oriental headdress containing Udjat eye left between two floral ornaments; all within incuse square. Unpublished, but cf. Gitler & Tal II.13D for similar. Toned, test cut, struck with worn obverse die. VF. Extremely rare. ($4000) From the Bes Collection.

153

Ex British Museum Collection

474.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘Azah). Circa 353-333 BC. AR Drachm (14mm, 4.01 g, 1h). Imitating Athens reverse type. Janiform bearded male and female heads with oriental hairstyle / Owl standing right, head facing; grain ears flanking, HZ[o] (Phoenician [A]ZH) to right. Gitler & Tal V.3D, b (same dies); Mildenberg, Philisto-Arabian 3b = BMC Palestine p. 176, 2, pl. XIX, 2 (this coin); HGC 10, 544. Toned, some die wear, old scratches under tone. VF. Good metal for issue. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1306; Robert Schonwalter Collection; Hess-Leu [19] (12 April 1962), lot 368; British Museum Duplicates (Naville V, 18 June 1923), lot 2851, acquired by the museum from William Webster, 1868.

Hendin Plate Coin

475.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘Azah). Circa 353-333 BC. AR Drachm (13.5mm, 3.87 g, 12h). Imitating Athens pi-style coinage. Helmeted head of Athena right, with profile eye and pi-style palmette, 7 (Aramaic M) on cheek / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, [¡QE to right]. Gitler & Tal V.25D; HGC 10, 542; Hendin (4th ed.) 421 (this coin illustrated). Lightly toned, minor roughness. Good VF. ($2000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Dr. Jonathan Herbst Collection (Superior, 8 December 1995), lot 1086.

476.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘Azah). Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (13.5mm, 3.99 g, 11h). Bearded male head right, with oriental hairstyle / Forepart of horse right; Zo (Phoenician AZ) to upper left; all in pelleted square border within incuse square. Gitler & Tal VI.1D[variant]; HGC 10, 547. Find patina, usual test cut. Near EF. Well struck for issue, and from an early die state. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler. Ex Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), lot 122.

477.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘Azah). Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (9mm, 0.73 g, 2h). Head of female right, with oriental hairstyle / Forepart of horse right; traces of Zo (Phoenician AZ) to upper left; all in pelleted square border within incuse square. Gitler & Tal VI.2O; HGC 10, 564 corr. (obv. type). Toned, traces of find patina, struck with worn reverse die. VF. Very rare. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abramowitz Family Collection (Superior Galleries, 8 December 1993), lot 210.

154

Gitler & Tal Plate Coin

478.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘Azah). Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (7.5mm, 0.60 g, 9h). Janiform bearded male and female heads with oriental hairstyle / Forepart of horse right; traces of o (Phoenician AZ) to upper left; all in pelleted square border within incuse square. Gitler & Tal VI.8O, b (this coin); HGC 10, 567. Toned, trace deposits, slightly off center on obverse. Good VF. Good metal. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Superior (6 December 1991), lot 513.

479.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘Azah). Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.69 g, 3h). Head of bearded male right, with oriental hairstyle / Head of Bes facing; Zo (Phoenician AZ) flanking; all in pelleted circular border within incuse circle. Gitler & Tal VI.13O; HGC 10, 569. Toned, slight roughness on obverse. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, 7 December 2000.

480.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘zah). Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (14.5mm, 3.24 g, 4h). Head of male right, with oriental hairstyle / Head of Bes facing; Z o (’ z in Aramaic) across lower field; all in dotted square within incuse square. Gitler & Tal VI.14D; HGC 10, 552. Find patina, some cleaning scratches, rotated double strike on obverse, test cut on reverse. VF. ($3000) From the Bes Collection.

481.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Gaza (‘zah). Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.66 g, 10h). Head of male right, with oriental hairstyle / Head of Bes facing; Z o (’ z in Aramaic) across lower field; all in dotted square within incuse square. Gitler & Tal VI.14O; cf. HGC 10, 569. Find patina, off center on obverse. VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the Bes Collection.

482.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Circa 353-333 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 16.95 g, 9h).

Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with profile eye, wearing crested Attic helmet with pi-style palmette and three olive leaves on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; [olive spray] and crescent to left, ˚ (Phoenician Z) and ~QE to right.

Gitler & Tal V.5T; HGC 10, 594. Toned, graffiti on obverse, small test cut on reverse. VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 13 January 2007.

155

483.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (15mm, 3.92 g, 9h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing crested Attic helmet with pi-style palmette and three olive leaves on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, ÅQE to right; all within shallow incuse square.

Gitler & Tal IX.1D; HGC 10, –. Toned, tiny flan flaw on obverse. Near EF. ($2000)

484.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Circa 353-333 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 3.62 g, 10h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with profile eye, wearing Attic helmet with two olive leaves on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, ~QE to right. Cf. Gitler & Tal X.1D; HGC 10, –. Toned, some die wear. VF. Very rare. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 10 January 2005. Ex Robert Schonwalter Collection.

485.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (13.5mm, 3.71 g, 3h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing crested Attic helmet with pi-style palmette and three olive leaves on the bowl / Owl standing left, head facing; to left, horse upward; to right, olive spray above Q above murex shell; all within incuse square. Unpublished, but cf. Gitler & Tal XII.1–5 for similar. Toned, struck from worn dies. VF. Extremely rare. ($5000) From the Bes Collection.

486.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (9mm, 0.69 g, 12h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing crested Attic helmet with pi-style palmette and three olive leaves on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray to left; to right, Å above murex shell. Gitler & Tal XII.6O; HGC 10, –.

Toned, double struck on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare and exceptional for issue. ($750) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

487.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (13.5mm, 3.65 g, 2h). 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 / Hybrid janiform head, the left facing gorgoneion and perpendicularly oriented, the right a bearded head in profile right; all in dotted square within incuse square. Gitler & Tal XIII, 5D; HGC 10, 597. Toned, much find patina remaining, some granularity. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000) 156

Extremely Rare Winged Lion Drachm

488.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (14.5mm, 3.34 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 curved palmette on the bowl / Winged lion seated right, raising left forepaw; B (Aramaic B) above; to right, facing head of Bes; all in dotted square within incuse square. Gitler & Tal XIII, 14D, b (same dies); HGC 10, –. Toned, test cut on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($10,000)

Unpublished

489.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (14.5mm, 3.17 g, 12h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Horse heads, conjoined back-to-back, within incuse square. Unpublished, but cf. Gitler & Tal XIII, 17 and XXVII, 8 for similar issues. Toned, some roughness, struck with worn obverse die. VF. Extremely rare. ($7500) From the Bes Collection.

490.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (9.5mm, 0.74 g, 4h). Lion lying right; crenelated city wall with three towers in background; [waves below] / Horse right, restrained by male standing facing in foreground, holding goad; all in dotted square within incuse square. Gitler & Tal XV.3O; HGC 10, –. Toned, struck with heavily worn obverse die. VF. ($750) From the Bes Collection.

491.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (9mm, 0.76 g, 7h). Bearded male head right, with oriental hairstyle / Head of female right, with oriental hairstyle, in dotted circle border within incuse circle. Gitler & Tal XVI.11O, b (this coin); HGC 10, –. Lightly toned, slight roughness, die break on reverse. Good VF. Very rare. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 25 July 2001.

157

Exceptional Design

492.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (13.5mm, 3.32 g, 9h). Head of male right, with oriental headdress, in guilloche-pattern border / Forepart of lion right facing lion hind facing left; below, bearded male face and neck downward; all in dotted square within incuse square. Gitler & Tal XIX.20D; HGC 10, –. Deep iridescent tone, double struck on obverse. EF. A highly interesting reverse type. Very rare. ($3000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

493.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm(?) (13mm, 2.70 g, 5h).

Bearded head of male left, with oriental headdress / Forepart of horse left; olive spray below; all in dotted square within incuse square. Cf. Gitler & Tal XXII; HGC 10, –. Toned, test cut on reverse. VF. ($3000) From the Bes Collection.

Gitler & Tal Plate Coin – Ex Schonwalter Collection

494.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 3.58 g, 6h). Bearded male head right, wearing oriental headdress, within guilloche-pattern border / Calf-bearer (moschophoros) standing right; at feet, dog standing right; c (Aramaic S) to upper right, branch to lower right; all in square guilloche-pattern border within incuse square. Gitler & Tal XXVI.1D, c (this coin); HGC 10, –. Old cabinet tone, test cut on reverse. Good VF. Very rare. ($5000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1316; Robert Schonwalter Collection; Sternberg XXIX (30 October 1995), lot 109.

495.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (14.5mm, 3.27 g, 12h). Two confronted heads, the left bearded, each wearing headdress in form of lion forepart / Bearded head right, wearing headdress in form of lion forepart; c (Aramaic Š) to lower left; all within ornate square border. Gitler & Tal –; Sofaer 258; Meshorer & Qedar 34 corr. (obv. headdresses not noted); HGC 10, –. Toned, minor roughness, light earthen deposits, test cut. VF. Very rare. ($3000) From the Bes Collection.

This type was attributed to Samaria by Meshorer & Qedar, but the authors of the Sofaer collection noted that the types were clearly more consistent with issues of Philistia, and thus was more likely to be from that region.

158

496 497 496.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Drachm (12mm, 3.72 g, 7h). Head of female left, with oriental hairstyle / Horse standing right; uncertain staff-like ornament in background; all in dotted square within incuse square. Unpublished. Toned, granular surfaces, struck with worn dies. Near VF. Extremely rare. ($3000) From the Bes Collection.

497.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Half Shekel (19mm, 5.89 g, 12h). Pre-reform coinage.

Petra mint. Dated RY 3 (28/7 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right; [h (Nabataean Ḥ) to lower right] / eT∫n r¬m Ar¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK’ MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas the King, King of the Nabataeans), eagle standing left; o (Nabataean S) to upper left, h (Nabataean Ḥ) to upper right, tbt tn! (ŠNT TLT in Nabataean = year three [date]) across central field. CN 25; Barkay, King 9; Meshorer, Nabataea 89–90; DCA 962. Toned, some roughness, cleaning scratches. VF. Rare. ($2000)

Third Known

498.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Quarter Shekel (16mm, 3.22 g, 12h). Petra mint.

Dated RY 3 (28/7 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right / eT∫n r¬m Ar¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK’ MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas the King, King of the Nabataeans), camel standing left; tbt tn! (ŠNT TLT in Nabataean = year three [date]) at end of legend above, o (Nabataean S) and h (Nabataean Ḥ) flanking camel’s neck. CN 26; Barkay, King 7; Meshorer, Nabataea –; DCA –. Find patina, some scratches and die wear on obverse. VF. Extremely rare; Barkay records only two known. ($10,000) From the Bes Collection.

499.

NABATAEA. Obodas II. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Half Shekel (22.5mm, 5.54 g, 12h). Pre-reform coinage. Petra mint.

Dated RY 6 (25/4 BC). Diademed head right / eT∫n r¬m Ar¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK’ MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas the King, King of the Nabataeans), eagle standing left on thunderbolt; t! tn! (ŠNT ŠT in Nabataean = year six [date]) across central field. CN 35; Barkay, King 17; Meshorer, Nabataea –; DCA –. Toned, small edge split, roughness, cleaning marks, die break on obverse. Near VF. Extremely rare. ($2000)

Extremely Rare Zeus-Dushara Sela

500.

NABATAEA. Obodas II. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ (18.5mm, 4.81 g, 12h). Petra mint. Dated RY 10 (21/0 BC).

Head of Zeus-Dushara right, wearing laurel wreath; thunderbolt over far shoulder / Ar¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK’ in Nabataean = Obodas the King), diademed and draped bust of Obodas right; r!a tn! (ŠNT 10 in Nabataean = year 10 [date]) at end of legend to left. CN 47; Barkay, King 28 = Hoover & Barkay 24 = Roma E23, lot 241; Meshorer, Nabataea –; DCA 968; CNG 114, lot 428; CNG 78, lot 967. Toned, a few small scratches, scrape on obverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, perhaps the fourth, and finest, known. ($5000) From the Bes Collection.

159

Unique Year 12 Sela’

501.

NABATAEA. Obodas II. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ (20mm, 4.54 g, 12h). Petra mint. Dated RY 12 (19/8 BC).

Wreathed head of Obodas right / Diademed head of Obodas right; tr∫a (‘BDT in Nabataean = Obodas) to upper right, o (Nabataean S) below chin, 16 (“12” [date] in Nabataean) to upper left. CN 49 var. (year 10; same obv. die); Barkay, King 30 var. (same; same obv. die); Meshorer, Nabataea –; DCA –. Iridescent tone, flan crack, roughness, cleaning marks. VF. Apparently unique for year 12. ($7500) From the Bes Collection.

502.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ (16mm, 4.00 g, 1h). Petra mint. Dated RY 18 (13/2 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to left / eT∫n r¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas King of the Nabataeans), diademed and draped bust of Obodas right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to inner left, 11160 tn! (ŠNT 18 in Nabataean = year 18 [date]) at end of legend to left. CN 60; Barkay, King 40; Meshorer, Nabataea 34; DCA 965. Lightly toned, slight roughness, a couple scratches. Good VF. Well centered and struck, with a clear date. ($1000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Fontanille 58 (6 February 2014), lot 5.

503.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ (16mm, 3.97 g, 1h). Petra mint. Dated RY 18 (13/2 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to left / [eT∫n r¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas King of the Nabataeans)], diademed and draped bust of Obodas right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to inner left, 11160 tn! (ŠNT 18 in Nabataean = year 18 [date]) at end of legend to left. CN 60; Barkay, King 40; Meshorer, Nabataea 34; DCA 965. Toned, light roughness, minor cleaning marks, slightly off center. Good VF. Clear date. ($1000)

504.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ (17mm, 4.30 g, 1h). Petra mint. Dated RY 20 (11/0 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to left / eT∫n r¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas King of the Nabataeans), diademed and draped bust of Obodas right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to inner left, 4 tn! (ŠNT 20 in Nabataean = year 20 [date]) at end of legend to left. CN 64; Barkay, King 44; Meshorer, Nabataea 38; DCA 962. Toned, a little off center on obverse. Good VF. Clear date. ($1000) From the Bes Collection.

160

505.

NABATAEA. Aretas IV, with Huldu. Circa 9/8 BC-AD 40. AR Sela’ (18mm, 3.84 g, 1h). Petra mint. Dated RY 5 (5/4 BC). Head of Aretas right, wearing laurel wreath / [hma Qhr] eT∫n r¬m ttrh (ḤRTT MLK NBṬW [RḤS ‘MH] in Nabataean = Aretas King of the Nabataeans, who loves his people), jugate draped busts of Aretas, wearing laurel wreath, and Huldu, wearing diadem, right; W t[n!] (ŠNT 5 in Nabataean = year 5 [date]) at end of legend to left. CN 111 var. (letters flanking busts on rev.); Meshorer, Nabataea –; DCA –. Toned, some roughness, a little off center. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000)

506.

NABATAEA. Rabbel II, with Shuqailat II. AD 70/1-105/6. AR Half Sela’ (12mm, 1.80 g, 12h). Petra mint. Dated RY 2 (AD 70/1). Draped bust of Rabbel right, wearing laurel wreath; ligate 1s (Š 1 in Nabataean = y(ear) 1 [date]) to right / Draped bust of Shuquailat right, wearing veil and laurel wreath; ligate 1s (Š 1 in Nabataean = y(ear) 1 [date]) to right. CN 215; Barkay, Coinage 3; Meshorer, Nabataea, sup. 5; DCA 986. Toned, minor roughness, slightly off center. VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the Bes Collection.

507.

ARABIA, Northwestern. Lihyan. Circa 350-250 BC. AR Drachm (14mm, 4.16 g, 7h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet; o (Aramaic ‘) before crest / Incuse owl standing right, head facing; uncertain object to upper left (head of ram downward?), Aramaic legend to right; all within incuse square. Huth, Athenian, fig. 6, b; Huth 35 var. (legend). Find patina, slightly irregular flan. VF. Extremely rare. ($2000) From the Bes Collection.

508.

PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp. Darios I to Xerxes I. Circa 505-480 BC. AV Daric (14mm, 8.31 g). LydoMilesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, drawing bow / Incuse punch. Carradice Type II (pl. XI, 11); Meadows, Administration 319; BMC Arabia –; Sunrise 19. A couple of small marks. Near EF. Well centered. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 338.

161

509.

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 and bow / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group C (pl. XIV, 42); cf. Meadows, Administration 323; BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 12; Sunrise 28. Trace deposits. Good VF. Well centered. ($2000) Ex Nomos 5 (25 October 2011), lot 195. Reportedly ex Edward Gans Collection and Lady Duveen Collection.

Extremely Rare Double Daric of Mazaios

510.

PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. Mazaios. Satrap of Babylon, circa 331-328 BC. AV Double Daric (19.5mm, 17.07 g, 9h). Baal seated half-left, head and torso facing, holding scepter in right hand, grain ear and grape bunch on vine in left, upon which an eagle, wings folded, stands right / Lion left, grasping the back of a bull collapsing left, biting into its neck; all in linear square. F. Holt & O. Bopearachchi, The Alexander Medaillion (2011), note 106; ibid. figs. 51–2 var. = Miho Museum, Treasures of Ancient Bactria (2002), 44 a–b var. (rev. type right); CNG 117, lot 322; Heritage 3073, lot 30206. For Mazaios’ Cilician silver prototype, cf. SNG Levante 100–6, and for similar local issues of the same type struck contemporaneously with this gold, cf. SNG BN 352–3. In NGC encapsulation 4278488-001, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Extremely rare. ($25,000) From the Melinda Collection.

This extraordinary gold issue, unknown until the discovery of two examples in the Mir Zakah II deposit, bears the familiar types used by Mazaios as satrap of Cilicia for his silver staters, but without the usual legend and monograms. Mazaios was appointed satrap of Cilicia about 361 BC, and the region known as ‘Across the River’ (modern Syria, Lebanon, and Israel) was later added to his domain. In 331 BC, as Alexander marched into the heart of the Persian Empire, Mazaios at first led a spirited resistance, then abruptly surrendered Babylon to him and switched sides. Alexander rewarded Mazaios by retaining him as governor, a position he held until his death in 328 BC. Alexander made Babylon one of his most important mints, where a large quantity of regular ‘imperial’ coinage was struck. Babylon also produced a substantial group of local coinages, and it is among these that the present type is to be placed. Persian gold was routinely issued without legend, as were many of Mazaios’ standard double darics of the ‘running king’ type (MIG Type 14 = BMC Persia XX, 1). Perhaps it was an initial emergency issue that was later superseded, or perhaps it was a local variation for a special purpose.

162

Impressive Double Daric

511.

PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. temp. Stamenes – Seleukos. Satraps of Babylon, circa 328-311 BC. AV Double Daric (21mm, 16.62 g). Imitating Achaemenid type. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, holding spear in right hand, bow in left; no control marks / Patterned incuse punch. CNG 114, lot 435; otherwise, unpublished without control marks. In NGC encapsulation 4278696-002, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Extremely rare with no control marks, apparently the second known. ($30,000) From the Melinda Collection.

The mint, date of issue, and purpose for the distinctive “Archer” double darics have been long debated. The types are drawn from the later series of Persian darics, which showed a running figure (often referred to as the Great King) holding a spear and bow on the obverse. In the double daric design, however, the King’s robe has a border of beading along the bottom, and the reverse features a somewhat symmetrical wavy design. Since the late nineteenth century, numismatists who have studied this coinage have generally agreed that they were struck after the death of the last Persian Great King, Dareios III, in 330 BC, based on the commonality of the control marks on these coins that also appear on Alexandrine issues from the Babylon mint. The ending date, at the beginning of the reign of Seleukos I, has not been controversial.

These conclusions remained unchallenged until H. Nicolet-Pierre re-examined the series in her 1999 article, “Argent et or frappés en Babylonie entre 331 et 311 ou de Mazdai à Séleucos” in Travaux Le Rider. There, she argued that, in conjunction with a series of silver staters that shared control marks, as well as the coins’ style and manufacture, the double darics were struck in Babylon. The metal analysis of the double darics, however, showed a distinct difference from that of the Alexander type staters struck there, which suggested that they were not intended to circulate together, nor were they struck for the same purpose. Nicolet-Pierre also departed from the prior conventional wisdom that these coins were struck from the time of Dareios’ death, placing their issuance after the death of Alexander in 323 BC. In a more recent study, G. Le Rider (in Alexandre le Grande: Monnaie, Finances et Politique [Paris, 2003]) challenged Nicolet-Pierre’s revised dating of the series. Her revised dating was based on an earlier study of a hoard of eastern Athenian imitations that she co-authored with M. Amandry. In that study, the co-authors had concluded that the ΣTA MNA found on some of the tetradrachms, also found on some of the double darics, were two names, with the second perhaps being a patronym. As possible candidates for the ΣTA they considered three individuals: Stamenes, the satrap of Babylon from 328-323 BC; Stasanor, the satrap of Drangiana from 328-321 (and Areia from 323), and then satrap of Baktria and Sogdiana from 321-circa 317; and, finally, Stasander, the satrap of Areia and Drangiana from 321 (he disappears from the historical record after 317). Since Nicolet-Pierre thought the double darics marked M-ΛY were the first issue, which must be after Alexander’s death, this eliminated Stamenes of Babylon, and Stasanor during his tenure in Drangiana and Areia. Le Rider, while accepting the possibility of her dating, focused on the MNA portion of the inscription, which he thought may be associated with the same MNA found on the Athena-Eagle coins that traditionally had been assigned to Sophytes and dated from before Alexander’s death. If correct, this would preserve the earlier chronology that favored a series of issues struck by the satraps of Babylon from the Mazaios to Seleukos.

The question of the beginning of the series remained open until the recent analyses of the coinage of Sophytes by B. Kritt (in The Seleucid Mint of Aï Khanoum [Lancaster, 2016]) and S. Jansari (“The Sophytes Coins: From the Punjab to Bactria and Back Again” in NC 178 [2018]), convincingly placed all of the Sophytes coinage after 323 BC. As such, it appears that the later chronology proposed by Nicolet-Pierre is correct. However, her designation of the M-ΛY issue as the earliest is based on a subjective interpretation of the relative chronology of all the issues, some of which do not share exact control marks as they are on any Alexandrine issues, and these, in Le Rider’s view, may be earlier.

With little doubt, the double darics were struck in Babylon, circa 328/3–311 BC, alongside a series of silver staters with which it was connected through the use of common control marks and struck on a local, Persic standard. These control marks also find parallels among the Alexander type coinage, but their different metal content and weight standard suggest that they are products of either different mints or officinae in Babylon. Nicolet-Pierre suggested that the Alexander coinage and the staters and double darics were struck at separate mints (Nicolet-Pierre, p. 302). Such a division of the mint into two workshops under Seleukos I was already identified by the authors of SC (SC I pp. 39-40 and 43–5). As noted by Nicolet-Pierre (with which Houghton and Lorber concur), the mint (or workshop) that produced the coins on the local Persic standard had a special connection to the satrap, which was explicit under Seleukos, whose personal badge, an anchor, became a constant symbol on the coinage produced there. The fact that the coins were struck on the local standard suggests they were meant for some element of the local population, whereas the Alexandrine issues from the “imperial” mint (or workshop), struck on the Attic standard, were meant for payments that circulated in the west, as evidenced by the fact that most of these coins are found in western hoards.

Alexander’s use of distinctly Persian types would seem to be counterintuitive, since it is generally assumed that he would impose his own types and convert the local economy to the Attic standard on his conquered territories. Modern studies of Alexander’s policies, however, show that Alexander was conservative in the way he administered his conquered territories by preserving local customs and norms as much as possible. With few exceptions, local coinages continued to be used for local transactions throughout his empire, and darics remained the common gold currency for the rare cash transactions of this region. The precise reason that a double daric denomination was created, though, remains a mystery. Nonetheless, by using a Persian type featuring Greek letters and monograms, the issue is a visual representation of the marriage of Eastern and Western influences in Alexander’s empire.

163

512.

PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. temp. Stamenes – Seleukos. Satraps of Babylon, circa 328/3-311 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 15.66 g, 11h). Babylon mint. Baal seated left, holding scepter propped on knee; kantharos to left / Lion advancing left; ˝ above. Nicolet-Pierre 8.5 (this coin referenced); Davis 288 (this coin). Toned, minor die wear. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Jim Gilman Collection; Norman Davis Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 669.

Extremely Rare Early Imitation Owl

513.

NEAR EAST or EGYPT, Uncertain mint. Mid-late 5th century BC. AR Tetradrachm (20mm, 15.57 g, 8h).

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 sprig and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references. For prototype, cf. Starr Periods II–IV. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4632667-001, graded AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. Extremely rare imitation of an early Classical owl. ($1000)

514 515 514.

NEAR EAST or EGYPT, Uncertain mint. Mid-late 5th century BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.81 g, 11h).

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 sprig and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Cf. Van Alfen, Mechanisms, Group III.C.1, Fig. 14. For prototype, cf. Kroll 8. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4935014-004, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750) 515.

EGYPT, Pharaonic Kingdom. Uncertain pharaoh(s). Late 5th–mid 4th centuries BC. AR Tetradrachm (22.5mm, 17.19 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 sprig and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Van Alfen, Mechanisms, Group III.A.1, Fig. 2 = Buttrey Type M; Van Alfen, Owls, p. 18, 1–43; Anderson & Van Alfen 59–65. EF. ($1000)

516.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.56 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis mint. Struck circa 323 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with serpent, and necklace / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; no control marks. CPE 2; Svoronos –; Zervos Issue 72, unlisted dies; Price 3961; SNG Saroglos 172.

Underlying luster, minor die wear and small flan flaw at edge on obverse, slight doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($4000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. (inv. cc67700).

164

517.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 15.61 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 / Athena Alkidemos advancing right, brandishing spear in right hand and wearing shield on extended left arm; to right, helmet, (, and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 69; Svoronos 162; Zervos Issue 28, dies 509/b; SNG Copenhagen 29; Heynen p. 132, 133 (same dies). Attractive cabinet tone, a few small scratches on obverse. Good VF. ($1500) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan K. Kern.

Extremely Rare Oktadrachm of Ptolemy I

518.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AR Oktradrachm (32mm, 27.56 g, 11h).

Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 294-282 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; ( to left. CPE 140; Svoronos 233; SNG Copenhagen 70–1; BMC –; Boston MFA Supp. 319; Noeske –. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 5778823-008, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 1/5, repaired, Damaged, Countermarks, Graffiti. Extremely rare, only two noted by Svoronos, three in hoards noted in CPE. ($5000)

519.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 14.22 g, 12h).

Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 294-282 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck, tiny d behind ear / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; to left, P above O. CPE 168; Svoronos 255; SNG Copenhagen 70–1; Boston MFA 2264; Noeske 41–2. Attractive deep iridescent tone, a couple of marks in field on obverse, graffito in field under tone on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

520.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285246 BC. AV Half Mnaïeion – ‘Tetradrachm’ (20.5mm, 13.86 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; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; QEW@ above. CPE 314; Svoronos 604; Olivier & Lorber dies unlisted; SNG Copenhagen 133; Adams III 2084; Boston MFA 2275; Dewing 2753-4; Noeske 38. In NGC encapsulation 6154814-005, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, graffito, Flan flaw. ($4000) 165

521.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285246 BC. AV Half Mnaïeion – ‘Tetradrachm’ (20.5mm, 13.88 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; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; QEW@ above. CPE 314; Svoronos 604; Olivier & Lorber dies unlisted; SNG Copenhagen 133; Adams III 2084; Boston MFA 2275; Dewing 2753-4; Noeske 38. Earthen deposits. VF. ($3000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from David Hendin.

522.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (26mm, 27.71 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 252/1-250/49 BC. Head right with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephanos; lotus-tipped scepter in background, Q to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE 388; Svoronos 460; Olivier & Lorber dies 1/30, 127 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 134; Noeske 39; Hirsch 1808; Jameson 1811; Pozzi 3221–2 (all from same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 6156275-002, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, brushed. ($7500) Ex Stuttgarter Münzauktion I (Gorny & Mosch, 22 November 2010), lot 321.

Arsinoe II, daughter of Ptolemy I and Berenike I, was born in 316 BC. Her early life saw her married off to Lysimachos of Thrace at the age of 15 and then to her half-brother, the brutal Ptolemy Keraunos. She conspired against the latter and was forced to flee circa 280 BC to the protection of Egypt, ruled by her younger full brother, Ptolemy II. Her beauty, charm and intelligence utterly captivated Ptolemy, and, after eliminating his previous wife with an accusation of treason, Arsinoe married her brother, probably about 276 BC. Sibling marriage was traditional among Egyptian royalty but among the Greeks it was known only among deities; thus their union advanced the concept of rulers being worshipped as divinities. Though unscrupulous, Arsinoe proved a capable queen and co-ruler, taking charge of Egypt’s foreign affairs.

Her death in 270 or 268 BC was marked by her full deification and a huge outpouring of gold coinage bearing her veiled portrait. The ram’s horn just visible emerging from the veil is a further symbol of her deification, reminiscent of the horn of Ammon on images of the deified Alexander.

523.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (29mm, 27.74 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 252/1-250/49 BC. Head right with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephanos; lotus-tipped scepter in background, ˚ to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE 390; Svoronos 475ζ (same dies); Olivier & Lorber dies 1/7, 191 (this coin); Troxell, Arsinoe, Group 3, p. 44 and pl. 7, 3 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen –; Adams –; BMC 10 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 2268 (same obv. die); Pozzi 3223 (same obv. die). Light marks, hairline flan flaw on reverse. Near EF. ($10,000) Ex Guy Collection; Freeman & Sear inventory G8875 (2007).

166

524

525

Very Rare Ake Mint Mnaieion 524.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (29mm, 27.67 g, 12h). Ptolemaïs (Ake) mint. Dated RY 2 of Ptolemy III (246/5 BC). Head right with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephanos; lotus-tipped scepter in background / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet; ∫ (date) to lower left; below, fi (Ptolemaïs monogram) above Å. CPE 856; Svoronos 1034; Troxell, Arsinoe –; SNG Copenhagen –; Adams –; BMC 5; Boston MFA –; Noeske –. Some light scratches and marks. Good VF. Very rare. ($15,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Christie’s New York (13 September 1990), lot 15.

Extremely Rare Joppa Mint Issue 525.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (29mm, 27.62 g, 12h). Joppa mint. Dated RY 6 of Ptolemy III (242/1 BC). Head right with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephanos; lotus-tipped scepter in background / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet; ? (date) to lower left; below, X (Joppa monogram) above Q. CPE 879; Svoronos –; Troxell, Arsinoe 41; SNG Copenhagen –; Adams –; BMC –; Boston MFA –; Noeske –. Some scrapes and marks, small edge bruise. VF. Extremely rare, only one noted by CPE and Troxell, and the present coin is the sole example in CoinArchives. ($30,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Robert Schonwalter Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1538.

167

526.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (27mm, 27.76 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy VI and/or VIII, circa 204-116 BC. Head right with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephanos; lotus-tipped scepter in background, ˚ to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. Olivier Group 7, 3528–9 (D44/R123); Svoronos 1499γ (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 322; BMC 39; Boston MFA 2298; Hermitage Sale II 1577–8. Lustrous, some die rust, a few fine cleaning hairlines. Choice EF. ($15,000) Ex Triton XXIV (20 January 2021), 805 (hammer $30,000).

527.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. Æ Drachm (43mm, 72.66 g, 11h).

Alexandreia mint. Series 5B. Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EµÅ5oU, eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; filleted cornucopia to left, ^ between legs. CPE B395; Svoronos 964; SNG Copenhagen 171–2; Noeske 117–9; Weiser 71. Attractive brown surfaces. Good VF. Bold portrait. ($1000)

528.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. Æ Triobol (34mm, 34.52 g, 11h).

Alexandreia mint. Series 5B. Horned head of Zeus Ammon right, wearing taenia / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; filleted cornucopia to left, ^ between legs. CPE B396; Svoronos 965; SNG Copenhagen 173–5; Noeske 120–2; Weiser 72. Brown surfaces, small edge split. Good VF. ($750)

Very Rare Ptolemy III Portrait Tetradrachm

529.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 13.57 g, 12h).

Ephesos (II) mint. Struck circa 245 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; E-f flanking. CPE 779 (same dies as illustration); Svoronos 904; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; Boston MFA –; Noeske –. Darkly toned, some roughness, cleaning scratches in field on reverse. VF. Very rare. ($1500) 168

530.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (26.5mm, 27.75 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 3/7, 43 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 196; BMC 103 (same dies); Bement 1851 (same dies); Boston MFA 2283; Kraay & Hirmer 803; Noeske 137; Pozzi 3239 (same obv. die); Weber 8264 (same obv. die). Lustrous, two miniscule scrapes on edge. EF. Very rare without the usual die rust around the radiate diadem. ($15,000) From the DMS Collection. Ex LHS 95 (25 October 2005), lot 750.

Ptolemy IV struck an extensive series of oktadrachms for his father Ptolemy III, portraying him with the divine attributes of Helios (the radiate diadem), Zeus (the aegis), and Poseidon (the trident, the middle prong modified with the addition of the Egyptian lotus tip). The syncretization of this imagery has been discussed by numerous authors who offer diverse interpretations, suggesting that it may assimilate Ptolemy III with Serapis, or associate him with Aion Plutonions (a god of wealth, fertility, and rebirth) or Alexander the Great (as a conqueror of the Orient).

The totality of the imagery, moreover, “alludes to Ptolemy’s great victory over the Seleucids in the Third Syrian War, a theme that was especially resonant during the Fourth Syrian War” (CPE, p. 431) when these commemorative issues were struck.

531.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (26.5mm, 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 3/10; SNG Copenhagen 196; BMC 103 (same obv. die); Bement 1851 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 2283; Kraay & Hirmer 803; Noeske 137; Pozzi 3239 (same obv. die); Weber 8264 (same obv. die). Underlying luster, light marks, only a hint of the usual die rust on the obverse. EF. ($10,000)

169

532.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (25.5mm, 27.78 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 3/11, 99 (this coin, illustrated [but photo switched with no. 119]); SNG Copenhagen 196; BMC 103 (same obv. die); Bement 1851 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 2283; Kraay & Hirmer 803; Nanteuil 452 (same dies); Noeske 137; Pozzi 3239 (same obv. die); Weber 8264 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6156281-002, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, Fine Style, smoothing. ($10,000) Ex Guy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 117, 19 May 2021), lot 332 (hammer $14,000); Freeman & Sear inventory G8882 (2007).

533.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy IV Philopator. 222-205/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 13.69 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 219-217 BC. Jugate draped busts right of Serapis, wearing laurel wreath with small atef crown above his forehead, and Isis, wearing grain ear wreath with miniature horned disc above her forehead / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left, head right, on thunderbolt; filleted double cornucopia over shoulder, d5 between legs.

CPE 892; Svoronos 1123-4; Landvatter Group 4, 49 (O12/R39); SNG Copenhagen 197–8; BMC 7–8 (Ptolemy VI); Boston MFA 2284; Noeske 139. Old iridescent tone, light cleaning scratches. VF. ($1500) Ex Renes Collection (Elsen 93, 15 September 2007), lot 411, purchased from Jean Elsen, December 1987.

This type is thought to have been issued in celebration of the Ptolemaic victory over the Seleukids at the battle of Raphia during the Fourth Syrian War. Official propaganda proclaimed that these two deities, Serapis and Isis, had intervened on behalf of the Egyptians, saving them from defeat (see C. Lorber, “The Ptolemaic Era Coinage Revisited,” NC 2007, p. 116, and L. Bricault, “Serapis et Isis, Sauveurs de Ptolémé IV à Raphia,” Chronique d’Égypte LXXIV (1999), pp. 334-43).

Thomas Landvatter, in his die study cited above that appeared in the 2012 ANS American Journal of Numismatics (Second Series, Vol. 24, p.

88), suggests that this issue was “carrying a very specific ideological message directed more widely throughout the empire: Ptolemy IV was equating himself and his wife Arsinoe with the divine sibling-spouses Serapis and Isis.” Landvatter also notes that “[t]his was an ideological statement made during wartime, meant to have wide appeal and explicitly associate the Ptolemaic king and queen with two of the most popular deities in the Eastern Mediterranean.” Indeed, the popularity of the Serapis/Isis cult would outlive the Ptolemaic dynasty and continue well into the Roman Imperial period, only to be eventually usurped by the Christian and Muslim faiths.

170

Extremely Rare Askelon Mint Issue

534.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy IV Philopator. 222-205/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.84 g, 12h).

Askelon mint. Dated RY 3 (220/19 BC). Jugate draped busts right of Serapis, wearing laurel wreath with small atef crown above his forehead, and Isis, wearing grain ear wreath with miniature horned disc above her forehead / ∫Å%5¬EW% [∏t]o¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left, head right, wings closed, on thunderbolt; filleted double cornucopia over shoulder, &s to left, l˝ (date) to right. CPE 940 (this coin referenced); Svoronos –; Landvatter Group 8, 97a (O33/R86 – this coin); DCA –; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; Boston MFA –; Noeske –. Toned, a few deposits, area of weak strike at edge. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of only four examples noted by Landvatter, one additional noted in CPE, none in CoinArchives. ($2000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Superior (10 December 1993), lot 1773.

535.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy V Epiphanes. 204-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 13.96 g, 12h). Alexandreia or an uncertain mint in Phoenicia. Struck circa 199/7 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU %Wt˙ro%, eagle standing left, wings closed, on thunderbolt; 6 to left, spearhead to right. Svoronos 1250; Carlen, Spearhead, Group 1, 13 (O3/R7) = Athena Fund II 948 (this coin, illustrated in Carlen); SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 53–4; Boston MFA –; de Luynes 3584; Noeske –. Lightly toned, a little redeposited silver on obverse, small mark in field on reverse. Near EF. Rare. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Athena Fund (Part II, Sotheby’s Zurich, 27 October 1993), lot 948; 1960 Balatah (Shechem), Samaria Hoard (IGCH 1588).

536.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy V Epiphanes. 204-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.09 g, 1h).

Uncertain mint 46, probably on the Levantine Coast. Struck circa 199/8 BC. Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left, wings closed, on thunderbolt; ò to left. CPE 1109; Svoronos 1258; Carlen & Lorber p. 169; Mørkholm, Coins 15–19 (A2/P5); SNG Copenhagen Supp. 1301 var. (also wearing aegis); BMC 55 var. (same); Boston MFA 2287; Noeske –. Toned, trace deposits. Near EF. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 250.

171

Extremely Rare Dated Ptolemaïs Mint Issue

537.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy V Epiphanes. 204-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 13.81 g, 12h).

Ptolemaïs (Ake) mint. Dated RY 6 (200/199 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left, wings closed, on thunderbolt; T to left, l? (date) to right. Svoronos –; Carlen & Lorber p. 170; Mørkholm, Coins 3 (A1/P3 [Ioppe mint]); SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; Boston MFA –; Noeske –. Lightly toned, struck with worn obverse die. VF. Extremely rare, only one other example known, in the ANS. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Tucker Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts [XXIV], 18 October 1990), lot 1011.

This issue was originally attributed to Ioppe based on the presence of the canonical mint monogram of that city found on the year 5 coins of this series (the first of the this dated series). Although the monogram here more resembles that of Ptolemaïs, the obverse die link to the year 5 coins suggested it may be the result of an engraver’s error, changing the central O in the monogram to an I. However, a unique year 7-dated issue was recently discovered that is obverse die linked to the year 5 and 6 coins, which also has the Ptolemaïs mint monogram (Morton & Eden 64, lot 85), which suggests that the mint monogram was not incorrectly engraved. Either the mint or the dies must have been relocated from Ioppe to Ptolemaïs after year 5.

538.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy VI Philometor. Second sole reign, 163-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 14.21 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; no control marks. Svoronos 1489; Olivier 3965–8 (obv. die D71); SNG Copenhagen 262–8; BMC p. 100, 3; Boston MFA 2291; Noeske 192–3. Old collection tone, patches of find patina and light deposits. Near EF. With a sculptural portrait and a beautifully detailed reverse. ($1500)

539.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (Physcon). 145-116 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 14.02 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Dated RY 31 (140/39 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; l¬Å (date) to left, ∏Å to right. Svoronos 1504; Olivier 4482–5 (obv. die D50); DCA 54; SNG Copenhagen 623; BMC –; Boston MFA –; Noeske –. Beautiful iridescent toning, a few scratches on reverse. EF. Perfectly centered and with a charming portrait. ($2000)

172

540.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Kleopatra VII Thea Neotera. 51-30 BC. Æ Diobol – 80 Drachmai (26.5mm, 18.96 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å45¬544[˙4 ˚¬Eo∏]ÅtrÅ4, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; cornucopia to left, P to right. Svoronos 1871; SNG Copenhagen 419-21; BMC 4-5; Boston MFA 2304; Noske 382; Weiser 183. Brown patina. In NGC encapsulation 4279266-002, graded XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5. ($2000)

Choice Kleopatra Obol

541.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Kleopatra VII Thea Neotera. 51-30 BC. Æ Obol – 40 Drachmai (22mm, 8.75 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å45¬544˙4 ˚¬Eo∏ÅtrÅ4, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; cornucopia to left,  to right. Svoronos 1872; SNG Copenhagen 422–4; BMC 6–11; Boston MFA –; Noeske 383; Weiser 184. Red-brown patina. Near EF. Exceptional for issue, with a lovely portrait. ($10,000) Ex Roma XVIII (29 September 2019), lot 674.

542.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Kleopatra VII Thea Neotera. 51-30 BC. Æ (18mm, 3.89 g, 11h). Chalkis ad Libanon mint. Dated RY 21 (Egyptian) and 6 (Phoenician) of Kleopatra (32/1 BC). [∫Å15¬51]1˙1 ˚¬(o-[∏]ÅtrÅ1, diademed and draped bust right / [(to]U1 ˚Å toU ˚Å5 ? œ(Å1 [@(wt(rÅ1], Athena advancing right, holding wreath in extended right hand and filleted palm frond in left, within wreath. Svoronos –; Olivier & Aumaître 217–23 (D14/ R48); RPC I 4772; HGC 9, 1452; DCA 477; BMC –; Boston MFA –; Noeske –. Green and brown patina, light smoothing, some cleaning scratches. Good VF. ($1000) From the Michael Stolt Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 484 (27 January 2021), lot 450.

173

543.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Kleopatra VII Thea Neotera. 51-30 BC. Æ (13.5mm, 2.72 g, 1h). Dora mint.

Dated RY 31 (33/2 BC). Head right within laurel wreath / Poppy between two grain ears; l Ŭ (date) across field. Svoronos –; Meshorer, Coins 15; RPC I 4754; HGC 10, 157; DCA –; Sofaer 7 corr. (Meshorer reference). Earthen dark green patina. VF. Among the finest known of this very rare issue. ($2000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, 15 January 2005.

544.

KINGS of MAURETANIA. Juba II. 25 BC-AD 24. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.42 g, 12h). Caesarea mint. Dated RY 42 (AD 17/8). ∞Ec 5¨∫Å, head right, wearing lion skin, club over shoulder / Capricorn right; filleted cornucopia above, globe to right, r•xxxxii (date) below. Spoerri-Butcher Group 40.a, dies K24/R1; Mazard 212; MAA 171; SNG Copenhagen –.

Deeply toned, minor edge chip. EF. ($300) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Palladium Numismatics, May 1996.

CELTIC COINAGE

545.

EASTERN EUROPE, Imitations of Philip II of Macedon. 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 14.11 g, 12h). Baumreiter type. Mint in the Carpathian region. Celticized head of Zeus right, S-like ornament in hair / Plumed horseman riding left, holding branch or scepter; animal to left. OTA 129.1; Flesche 691; Lanz 416-7; CCCBM I 65; KMW 1083.

Attractive collection tone. EF. High relief. ($3000) Ex Edward J. Waddell, Ltd. inventory 53768 (ND); Eugene Wankmüller Collection (Künker 295, 25 September 2017), lot 51 (hammer €2400).

174

546.

EASTERN EUROPE, Imitations of Philip II of Macedon. 3rd-2nd centuries BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 13.56 g, 10h). Dreifacher perlkranz type. Mint in the Banat region. Celticized head of Zeus right, wearing wreath in the form of three rows of pearls / Figure on horse riding right; O to right. OTA 64; Flesche 668; Lanz 347–9; CCCBM I –; KMW 1043.

Toned, minor die wear. VF. Well centered and struck. ($750) Ex Schweizerische Bankverein 43 (15 Septmber 1997), lot 20.

547.

EASTERN EUROPE, Imitations of Philip II of Macedon. 2nd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (21.5mm, 11.71 g, 12h). Kroisbach–mit Reiterstumpf type. Mint in the Burgenland-West Slovakian region. Diademed, beardless head right, with “boxer’s nose” and pronounced jaw line / Rider on horseback left, showing only his torso, hair bound with diadem and tied into a topknot with three trailing curls. OTA 469; Flesche 524–7; Lanz 743–5; CCCBM I 152-4; KMW 1391. Deep iridescent tone, some scratches. EF. ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 273 (19 November 2020), lot 12; Heritage 3071 (6 January 2019), lot 33005.

548.

EASTERN EUROPE, Imitations of Philip II of Macedon. 2nd-1st centuries BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.35 g, 2h). Zweigreiter type. Mint in the Banat region. Celticized head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / Figure on horse riding right; wreath to upper left, branch below. OTA 44A var. (rev. type left); Flesche 662; Lanz –; CCCBM I S24; KMW 1029-30. Lightly toned. Choice EF. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 85 (15 September 2010), lot 134.

175

Pedigreed to 1909 – Illustrated in the 1912 British Numismatic Journal

549.

GAUL, Northwest. Baiocassi. Pale AV Stater (23mm, 7.17 g, 9h). Celticized head right, hair flowing around; above, boar(?) standing right; ornament hanging to right / Celticized biga right, charioteer devolved into creature above; ‘vexillum’ to right, hanging from wavy line held by charioteer; below, boar standing right. B. Roth, “Ancient Gaulish Coins, including those of the Channel Islands” in BNJ 1912, p. 8, 1 = (this coin, illustrated); Blanchet p. 316, n. 2; cf. Depeyrot, NC VIII, 7 (see also p. 18, 9.11 = Brenot & Sheers 946, for a silver stater from the same dies); cf. D&T 2254–5; cf. de la Tour 6982. Toned, slightly soft strike on obverse. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($2000) Ex Peus 425 (7 November 2019), lot 32; Auctiones AG 8 (27 June 1978), lot 2; P. J. Prankerd Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 15 November 1909), lot 316 (part of; lot purchased by A. H. Baldwin & Sons).

ORIENTAL GREEK COINAGE

Correcting Sellwood and Sunrise

550.

KINGS of PARTHIA. Mithradates II. 121-91 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 15.74 g, 12h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Struck circa 120/19-109 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; Q in exergue. Sellwood 24.2 corr. (monogram); Sunrise 281 corr. (same); Shore –; PDC 614445 = Goldberg 62 (1 February 2011), lot 3150 (this coin). Iridescent toning, traces of deposits in devices, areas of slight double strike. EF. Extremely rare monogram. High relief portrait. ($2000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, 18 August 2011. Ex Goldberg 62 (1 February 2011), lot 3150; Goldberg 59 (30 May 2010), lot 2237; Goldberg 55 (29 October 2009), lot 93; Ponterio 148 (9 January 2009), lot 388.

176

Baktrian and Indo-Greek Coins from the Melinda Collection Alexander the Great’s conquests in Baktria and Northern India resulted in more than three centuries of Greek rule in those far-flung enclaves, producing some of the best coin portraiture ever found in any era of numismatics. In many cases, coins are the only evidence for a ruler’s existence, and yet the excellence of portraiture and workmanship is such that, if one of them was time-transported to the present and walked into a room, you would recognize him immediately from his coin effigy. The following section includes coins from the Melinda Collection (and selections from other holdings as well), which focuses on the coinages of the Greek-ruled east, includes several spectacular and seldomseen examples of portraits, in some cases unseen in commerce for more than a century.

551.

BAKTRIA, Local issues. Sophytes. Circa 280/78-270 BC. AR Drachm (15.5mm, 3.72 g, 6h). Attic standard.

Uncertain mint in the Oxus Regios. Male head right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with laurel wreath and wing on cheek piece; ;@Å on truncation of neck / %WfUtoU to right, cock standing right; kerykeion to left. Cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes 3 (hemidrachm); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SMAK pl. 30 = Triton XV, lot 1343; SNG ANS 21-24; cf. MIG Type 29b; HGC 12, 14. Find patina, traces of deposits, light scratches and minor smoothing. EF. ($1500) From the Melinda Collection.

Apart from the substantial coinage struck on his behalf, little is known about the local Baktrian dynast Sophytes. An attempt has been made to associate him with the Sopeithes of Diodorus Siculus (17.91-94), a northern Indian king who, as a young man, fought against Alexander during the Indian campaign of circa 325 BC. The Sophytes coinage, however, is much later, struck circa 280-270 BC, and inter-connected with two earlier groups: the Athenian imitations of tetradrachms, drachms and hemidrachms, and the Eagle group, both of which were published

by Nicolet-Pierre and Amandry. Like the trophy issue of Seleukos I, minted two decades earlier, the Sophytes coins, with his name on the reverse, show a helmeted portrait, in this case an elaborately decorated Attic-Macedonian type. The obvious differences between the two nevertheless belies the similarity in the images they project, suggesting that Sophytes was consciously modeling his own portrait after that of Seleukos I, making it the first Baktrian portrait coin type. For a detailed discussion of the coinage of Sophytes, see SMAK chapter 3 – “The Chronology of Sophytes.”

Euthydemos the Bold

552.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I Theos Megas. Circa 225-200/195 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.56 g, 12h). Mint B (“Baktra”). Struck circa 206-200 BC. Diademed older head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EUœUd˙;oU to left, Herakles seated left on rock, holding club set on rocks; } below rock. Kritt B17; Bopearachchi 12A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 113; MPHB Group IV, 521 (dies 149/362); SNG ANS 141-2; MIG Type 94a; HGC 12, 43. In NGC encapsulation 4277508-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

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.

177

Demetrios the Invincible

553.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Demetrios I Aniketos. Circa 200-185 BC. AR Tetradrachm (36mm, 16.81 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing elephant skin headdress / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, d˙;˙tr5oU to left, Herakles standing facing, crowning himself, holding club and lion skin; D to inner left. Bopearachchi 1F; cf. Bopearachchi & Rahman 124 (illustrated example is fourrée); MPHB Group IIB, dies 21/57 (unlisted die combination); SNG ANS 190; MIG Type 103c; HGC 12, 63. Well struck. In NGC encapsulation 3989727-002, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

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 Tadjikistan, 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.

554.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos II. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.95 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EUQUd˙;oU to left, Herakles standing facing, holding wreath in extended hand, cradling club in arm draped with lion skin; } to inner left. Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman 142; MPHB Group IV, dies 27/72; SNG ANS 216; MIG Type 113d; HGC 12, 72. In NGC encapsulation 4283231-003, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1997.

Euthydemos II is not mentioned by any historian, but from his scarce coinage it appears he was either a much younger brother or son of Demetrios I Aniketos. His portrait presents a youthful appearance, with curly hair and fleshy cheeks. Unlike his namesake Euthydemos I, he does not age, indicating his reign was relatively brief. The standing figure of Herakles on the reverse of his coins is similar to that of Demetrios I, except that he holds his wreath at his side instead of crowning himself with it. One chronological clue is that he shares with Agathokles and Panetaleon the issuance of smaller denomination cupro-nickel coins, the only times this alloy was used on coinage in antiquity. His reign thus either came shortly before theirs or was contemporary. About his fate we can say little, other than he appears not to have lived long beyond adolescence.

178

Extremely Rare Pantaleon

555.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Pantaleon Soter. Circa 185-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 15.91 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫å%5GE∑% to right, ∏Å@tŬEo@to% to left, Zeus enthroned left, holding in right hand statue of Hekate, who holds torch in each hand, and scepter; D to inner left. Bopearachchi 1A = MIG Type 157a = HGC 12, 100 (same dies as illustration); Bopearachchi & Rahman 168 (same obv. die); MPHB dies 2/1 (unlisted die combination); SNG ANS –; HGC 12, 100; CNG 115, lot 398 (same dies); NAC 77, lot 107 (same dies). Toned, light die rust. EF. With an attractive, high-relief portrait of fine style. Extremely rare and among the finest known. ($50,000) From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, November 1998.

Known only from his coins, the identity of this Greco-Bactrian king has long been a subject of debate. Some nineteenth century scholars, who were working with a more limited selection of coins, believed that Pantaleon, along with Agathokles, was a son of Diodotos I. But as more numismatic evidence came to light it was clear that kings such as Agathokles, Antimachos, and Pantaleon could not be part of the Diodotids who ruled in the early period of Bactrian independence from the Seleukids.The coinages of Pantaleon and Agathokles are similar in many respects, leading some authorities to suspect that they were relatives. The portrait on this tetradrachm, for example, is closely linked to those of Agathokles, suggesting there was an effort to demonstrate unity or solidarity. Pantaleon’s well-modeled image is somewhat older and heavier than that of Agathokles, and has a less pronounced chin. A further indication that Pantaleon and Agathocles were closely associated is the fact that Agathokles struck pedigree tetradrachms for Pantaleon (as savior). This would suggest that Pantaleon was either a predecessor or a contemporary who died before Agathokles, whose coinage demonstrates that his reign was significantly longer than that of Pantaleon.

The six examples of this issue are known from one obverse and three reverse dies: 1. A/a a. London, British Museum, inv. 1888,1208.108 [Bopearachchi 1A(illustration); MIG Type 157a; HGC 12, 100] b. NAC 77, lot 107 c. CNG 115, lot 398 d.Triton XXV, lot 555 (the present example) 2. A/b

a. Triton I, lot 594

3. A/c

a. Bopearachchi & Rahman 168

179

Extremely Rare Diodotos I Pedigree Issue

556.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos I Soter. Circa 255-235 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.75 g, 12h).

Prototype Pedigree issue by Agathokles Dikaios, circa 185-175 BC. Diademed head of Diodotos I Soter right / d5odotoU to right, %∑t˙ro% to left, Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above eagle standing left; D to inner right. Bopearachchi –; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; MPHB dies 27/75; SNG ANS –; MIG –; HGC 12 –. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 3759751-006, graded Ch XF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. Extremely rare, one of only two known specimens, and the only one to have appeared at auction since 1905. ($50,000) From the Melinda Collection.

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.

This remarkable tetradrachm bears a lifelike portrait of Diodotos I and repeats his reverse type of Thundering Zeus; however instead of the royal title Basilios, it bears the epithet Soter, making the inscription “of Diodotus the Savior.” Soter was not used by Diodotos during his lifetime, hence this must be a “pedigree” issue struck by a later ruler. But which one? Unusually, the issuing king is not named. The best clues we have are the overall style, fabric, and the monogram in the inner right field, all of which match pedigree coins struck in the name of Agathokles Dikaios circa 185-175 BC. According to Simon Glenn in “Money and Power In Hellenistic Bactria” (ANS, 2020, pp. 140-143), these factors point to our coin being an extremely rare “prototype pedigree” issue by Agathokles, of which only one other example in the name of Diodotos Sotor exists. This piece, now held by the British Museum, “was a curiosity for many years,” going back to its appearance in a Schulman auction in 1905. It was assumed by most numismatists and historians that the coin was issued by Diodotos I himself or by his son and immediate successor, but Glenn notes “the decision to omit the name of the issuing king is an odd one and was soon corrected on later (pedigree) issues.”

180

557.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.94 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, Å˝Åœok¬EoU% to left, d5kÅ5oU in exergue, Zeus standing facing, holding scepter and figure of Hekate; who holds torch in each hand; } to inner left. Bopearachchi 1C = Aï Khanoum III 124; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; MPHB Series II, 105 (dies 16/52; SNG ANS 230 var. (monogram); MIG Type 137 (monogram unlisted); HGC 12, 81. Attractive find patina that is slightly worn on the highest points, areas of minor porosity, hairline die break on reverse. Superb EF. High relief portrait. Extremely rare with ΔIKAIOY in exergue. ($5000) From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, November 1998.

Like many Greco-Baktrian and Indo-Greek rulers, Agathokles Dikaios (“the Just”) is a near complete mystery to us in terms of his origins, rise to power and the extent of his realm. On his rare “pedigree” coinage he claims the previous Baktrian Kings Diodotos I, Euthydemos and Demetrios as his ancestors; however these were from rival houses, and Agathokles also claims kinship to Alexander the Great and an “Antiochos Nikator,” possibly Antiochos II or III, to whom he almost certainly bore no blood relation. The evidence supports the conclusion that he was a usurper who seized control, or was appointed to rule, a portion of the vast, unwieldy kingdom along with his contemporaries Antimachos Theos, Panteleon and Apollodotos I, whose coins were struck in the same 20 year span in the early second century BC. Of his character we can deduce little aside from the personality hinted at by his extraordinary coin portraits, which depict a lean man with a head of tight, curly hair, a sharply pointed nose, compressed lips, and a bit of a mad gleam in his eye. Whatever his origins and personal qualities, his reign was cut short by the rise of Eukratides I “The Great,” who seems to have suppressed his rivals and assumed full control of all Bactria in about 170 BC.

Masterpiece of Hellenistic Portraiture

558.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Apollodotos I Soter. Circa 180-160 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 16.84 g, 12h). Diademed and draped elderly bust right, wearing kausia; all within bead-and-reel border / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, Å∏oGGodotoU to left, Athena seated left, holding Nike in extended right hand, spear in left, resting her left elbow on shield; Í in exergue. Bopearachchi 1A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 194 (same obv. die); SNG ANS –; MIG –; HGC 12, 116. Toned, a hint of porosity, a few light scratches, hairline die break on reverse. Good VF. Magnificent high relief portrait.

Extremely rare. ($30,000) From the Melinda Collection.

Apollodotos I Soter (“Savior”) is unknown to history aside from his coins, of which the rare Attic-weight tetradrachms like this piece are among the finest of all of Hellenistic portrait coins. He is shown as rather aged and jowly, with a hint of a smile, wearing a distinctive Macedonian sun-hat called a kausia. In these respects he resembles another contemporary Baktrian ruler, Antimachos I Theos, who may be his brother or other close relation. His area of control was likely centered in Gandhara, now in northwestern Pakistan, and likely extended into northern India, as his small square silver drachms are commonly found there. He could thus be considered the first fully Indo-Greek ruler, although too little is known about his area of control to be certain.

181

Four Issues of Eukratides I Megas (“The Great”) True to his self-granted title, Eukratides Megas was, from our perspective, greatest of the Greco-Baktrian kings, judging from the number and variety of surviving coins. 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 Demetrius 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 (”Greatest”).

Only Menander I Soter, who controlled northern India, seems to have held out against him. Often depicted on his coins wearing a broadbrimmed 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.

559.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.96 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding palm fronds and spears, on horses rearing right; à in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1D; Bopearachchi & Rahman 232; SNG ANS 432; MIG Type 168a; HGC 12, 130. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4530918-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($750)

560.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.96 g, 12h). Helmeted, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding palm fronds and spears, on horses rearing right; Í in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6E; Bopearachchi & Rahman 240-242; SNG ANS 465; MIG Type 177ee; HGC 12, 131. Iridescent toning, underlying luster.

Superb EF. ($1500) Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (2 August 2017), lot 20059 (there in NGC encapsulation 3588719-002, graded Ch MS, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5).

182

561.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 17.02 g, 12h). Helmeted, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding palm fronds and spears, on horses rearing right; à in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6X; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 472; MIG Type 177e; HGC 12, 131. In NGC encapsulation 3989727-001, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. ($1500) From the Melinda Collection.

562.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 16.91 g, 12h). Helmeted, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding palm fronds and spears, on horses rearing right; § in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6DD; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 474; MIG Type 177dd; HGC 12, 131. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4530918-002, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

183

Eukratides I – Possible Parricide

563.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides II Soter. Circa 145-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.75 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right within bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% to right, EUkrÅt5doU to left, Apollo, holding arrow, standing left and leaning on bow set on ground; N to inner left. Bopearachchi 1D; Bopearachchi & Rahman 286-7; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 164b; HGC 12, 161. In NGC encapsulation 4278010-002, Ch XF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500) From the Melinda Collection.

Eukratides I Megas appears to have had three sons: Eukratides II, Plato, and Heliokles II, one or more of whom might have ruled jointly with him. However, the historian Justin claims one of these royal sons not only rose up and slew his father, but desecrated his corpse by riding over it repeatedly with a chariot. Which son proved a parricide is unknown, but most historians seem to finger his namesake Eukratides II for the deed. His silver coins, all struck on the Attic standards, depict him as a somewhat fleshier version of his father, leading early students of Baktrian coinage to conclude they were struck by the same ruler. The reverse, showing a standing figure of Apollo holding a bow and arrow, is quite distinctive and evokes coins of the faraway Seleukid kingdom. At some point he adopted the title Soter (Savior), perhaps to credit himself with saving the kingdom from the “tyranny” of his father.

Last Greco-Baktrian King

564.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Heliokles I Dikaios. Circa 145-130 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 11.39 g, 12h). Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet covered with pelt of scales and adorned with head of Gorgon and wing; all within bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% to right, ˙¬5o˚¬EoU% to left, d5kÅ5oU in exergue, Zeus Nikepohoros enthroned left; ; to inner left. Bopearachchi 3A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 286a; HGC 12, 170. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4278153-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

The longest-reigning son of Eukratides I Megas, Heliokles “the Just” was the last Greek king to rule all of Baktria proper, although later IndoGreek kings might have reconquered portions of it. Heliokles appears to have fought a long rear-guard action against numerous invaders who poured into Baktria after the death of Eukratides, among them the Parthians, Scythians, and the Yuezhi, Asiatic steppe nomads and expert mounted archers in the same mold as the later Huns and Mongols. Ai Khanoum, the capital city, appears to have fallen suddenly about 145 BC, after which Heliokles moved his capital into the Kabul valley before finally being overwhelmed circa 130-125 BC. The invaders absorbed Greek culture and produced coins that combined Greek, Parthian and Indian motifs. This polyglot culture survived for some centuries, eventually evolving into what we now refer to as the Indo-Skythian, Indo-Parthian and Kushan cultures.

184

One of Two Recorded and the Only One in Private Hands

565.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Menander I Soter. Circa 155-130 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.84 g, 1h).

Attic Standard. Diademed and draped bust right within bead-and-reel border / ∫Å%5¬EW% %Wt˙ro% to right, ;E@~@droU to left, Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing shield on left arm, decorated with aegis, and thunderbolt in right hand; B to inner left. Bopearachchi 11B and pl. 28, A = Bopearachchi, Graeco-Bactrian, 2 = MIG Type 212a = HGC 12, 179 = Leu 13, lot 329 (this coin); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –. Toned. Spectacular portrait. In NGC encapsulation 3759751006, graded Ch XF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Bopearachchi cites only two examples – this coin, and the specimen in the Bibliothèque Nationale, none in CoinArchives. ($150,000) From the Melinda Collection. Ex Leu 13 (29 April 1975), lot 329 (where it hammered CHF 60,000).

Menander I Soter, known as Melinda in Indian lore, is likely the most famous Greek ruler of the far east, and is the only one whose reign left an indelible imprint on Indian historical traditions. His reign overlapped and extended beyond that of Eukratides I Megas in Baktria, apparently beginning circa 155 BC in the northern Punjab. His was reputedly born near Sagala (modern Sialkot, Pakistan) and later made that city his capital. How he rose to power is unrecorded, but he successfully resisted the efforts of Eukratides to invade and absorb this region in about 150 BC. When Eukratides was assassinated in 145 BC, Menander counter-invaded and seized all of that king’s Indian possessions. Ultimately he ruled a large swath of northern India that extended as far south as the Hindu holy city of Mathura. An enduring tradition paints Menander as a convert to Buddhism, and a long conversation between the king and a Buddhist sage named Nagasena is recorded in a text called the Melinda Panha (”Questions of Melinda”). He is described as “learned, eloquent, wise, and able, and a faithful observer... of all the various acts of devotion and ceremony” required by the faith. “Many were the arts and sciences he knew... as a disputant he was hard to equal, harder still to overcome.” It concludes, “as in wisdom so in strength of body, swiftness, and valour there was found none equal to Milinda in all India.

He was rich too, mighty in wealth and prosperity, and the number of his armed hosts knew no end.”

The extensive coinage of Menander’s reign is testament to a thriving economy; however, nearly all surviving coins are bilingual issues on the Indo-Greek standard, tetradrachm weight of about 9.9 grams. The full Attic-weight silver tetradrachm offered herein is one of only two recorded specimens on this standard; a third, with a helmeted “heroic” bust, was sold in Triton VI (12 January 2003, lot 537). O. Bopearachchi dates the issue to circa 145 BC, when Menander regained the Baktrian portion of his kingdom previously lost to Eukratides, after the death of that usurper. Bopearachchi posits that the Attic weight coinages of Menander and other Indo-Greek kings were special issues struck for a region that was still accustomed to the old weight coinage, as opposed to the more prevalent, and lighter, Indian standard.

185

The Mysterious Zoilos

566.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Zoilos I Dikaios. Circa 150-130 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 8.74 g, 12h). ∫~%5¬EW% d5k~5oU zo5¬oU, diademed and draped bust right / ÅlÓJ ÅkM# Åjrhm (maharajasa dhramikasa jhahilasa in Kharosthi), laureate Herakles standing facing, head slightly right, holding wreath in right hand and cradling club in left arm draped with lion skin; T to inner left. Bopearachchi 2A = MIG Type 255 = HGC 12, 217 illustration (example [in the Ashmolean] chipped; same dies); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; CNG 91, lot 425 = Triton XV, lot 1349 (same dies). Rough find patina. Good Fine. Extremely rare, only the CNG coin in CoinArchives. ($2500) From the Melinda Collection.

Very little is known of the reign of Zoilos I. A coin of Zoilos I, overstruck by Menander I Soter, suggests that Zoilos I came to power under Menander (see R.C. Senior. “Menander versus Zoilos - another overstrike,” ONS Newsletter No. 150 [Autumn 1996], p. 12, ill. 2). Zoilos ruled northern India and apparently occupied the Paropamisadai and Arachosia. His reverse type evokes much earlier issues of the Baktrian King Demetrios I Aniketos; whether this implies a distant dynastic relationship is unknown.

Extremely Rare Theophilos Dikaios Tetradrachm

567.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Theophilos Dikaios. Circa 130-129 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 9.76 g, 12h). ∫Å%5GE∑% d5kÅ5oU hEof5¬oU, diademed and draped bust right / slfA≠ skM# sjrHµ (maharajasa dhramikasa theaphilasa in Kharosthi), laureate Herakles standing facing, crowning self with wreath in right hand and cradling club in left arm; forearm draped in lion skin; N to inner left. Bopearachchi Série 2 (monogram unlisted) and pl. 48, K (same obv. die); cf. Bopearachchi 4A (for a drachm with this monogram); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG –; HGC 12, –, but cf. 224 (for type) Zeno –. Lightly toned. Artistic portrait. In NGC encapsulation 3818925-001, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style.

Extremely rare, Bopearachchi cites only a drachm with this monogram, none in CoinArchives. ($30,000) From the Melinda Collection.

Except for his extremely rare coins, Theophilos “the Just” is unknown to history. The name, meaning “beloved of god,” occurs infrequently in the pre-Christian Greek world, most famously as a correspondent of the evangelist Luke. The few coins found suggest his brief rule, perhaps no more than a year, was confined to the Paropamisadai and Western Gandhara, perhaps as a successor to Zoilos I, with whom he shares reverse iconography. Coins are struck on both the Indic and Attic standards, the latter perhaps as tribute payment north of the Hindu Kush.

The reverse design of Herakles holding a club and crowning himself recalls the very similar issues of the Baktrian ruler Demetrios I nearly a century earlier. It is unknown whether this implies a dynastic connection. It is also uncertain whether Theophilos Dikaios is the same ruler as Theophilos Autokrator, of whom a few very rare Attic-weigh tetradrachms are known. These employ a very different reverse type, a seated Athena, in addition to a different epithet.

186

Antialkidas “Victory Bearer”

568.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Antialkidas Nikephoros. Circa 130-120 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 9.37 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% @5k˙foroU å@t5åGk5doU, diademed heroic bust left, seen from behind, with aegis on left shoulder, brandishing spear in right hand / sdKLAˇA sr@yj sjrhm (maharajasa jayadharasa amtialikidasa in Kharosthi), Zeus standing facing slightly left, holding in his right hand Nike, who stands right on a globe and holding wreath, and cradling scepter in his left arm; behind, elephant standing slightly raised right with trunk raised; n to left. Bopearachchi 8A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; cf. SNG ANS 1057 (for rev.); MIG Type 274a; HGC 12, 254. Toned, areas of light porosity. Good VF. ($2500) From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1998.

In Antialkidas we have the rare incident of an Indo-Greek ruler who has left an imprint on history aside from his coinage. In this case, his name is mentioned as King in a Brahmi inscription on a pillar erected by a certain Heliodoros, who was the ambassador of Antialkidas to a Sunga king named Kasiputra. The inscription, and his scarce coinage, suggest he ruled eastern Gandhara, Arachosia and parts of the Parapomisadai.

His unique reverse type combines Greek and Indian motifs: Zeus Nikephoros (“Victory bearer”) with an Indian elephant standing behind him, its foreleg raised.

Philoxenos “the Invincible”

569.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Philoxenos Aniketos. Circa 125-110 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 9.57 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% Å@5˚˙toU j5¬o$E@oU, diademed heroic bust left, seen from behind, wearing aegis and brandishing spear in right hand / snSUf sthˇpA sjrhm (maharajasa apadihatasa atimidorasa in Kharosthi), Philoxenos, in military attire, on horse rearing right; % and N below. Bopearachchi 7A and pl. 44, B = Spink 65, lot 111 (same dies); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG –; HGC 12, 269 = CNG 72, lot 1049; Zeno – . In NGC encapsulation 2851084-002, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Extremely rare, only three examples in CoinArchives. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1998.

Like most Indo-Greek rulers, Philoxenos “The Invincible” is unknown to history aside from his coinage. He struck extremely rare coins on the Attic standard and a much larger bilingual issue on the reduced Indian standard; these are found primarily in the Punjab and Gandhara, where his reign seems to have been centered. The scarcity of his coinage indicates his reign must have been brief. Bopearachchi dates his reign to circa 100-95 BC; HGC 9 dates it somewhat earlier, 125-110 BC. The obverse of this rare issue is clearly modeled on the great “heroic” tetradrachms of Eukratides, with the addition of an elaborate aegis over his lead shoulder.

187

Exceptional Diomedes Soter Portrait

570.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Diomedes Soter. Circa 115-105 BC. AR Tetradrachm (19mm, 9.88 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% %∑t˙ro% d5od˙;oU, diademed and draped bust right / stMyD srt{ sjrhµ (Maharajasa tratarasa Diyumitasa in Kharosthi), the Dioskouroi on rearing horses right, holding palm fronds and spears; á to lower right. Bopearachchi 3A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 1215; MIG Type 347a; HGC 12, 279. In NGC encapsulation 2051085-002, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Outstanding portrait. Very rare. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

Like his near-contemporary Philoxenos, Diomedes seems to have ruled over parts of the Paropamisadai, Punjab and Gandhara. His reverse type copies the famous issues of Eukratides I the Great, but whether this implies a familial connection or simply seeks to portray Diomedes as a great ruler and conqueror like Eukratides is unknown.

Hermaios Soter, with Kalliope

571.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Hermaios Soter, with Kalliope. Circa 105 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 9.73 g, 11h). ∫~%5GE∑% %∑t˙ro% ErÂ~5oU ˚~5 ˚~GG5o∏˙%, conjoined draped busts right of Hermaios, diademed, and Kalliope, wearing stephane / ypyLk sy mrÓ srt{ sjrhm (Maharajasa tratarasa Hiramayasa Kaliyapaya in Kharosthi), Hermaios, in military attire, on horse rearing right, bow in bow case and spear attached to saddle; G to lower right . Senior, Hermaios H1bT; Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 1318; MIG Type 407a; HGC 12, 287. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 2051085-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

Hermaios Soter was the last Indo-Greek king in the Paropamisadai, a region spanning modern Pakistan and Afghanistan south-east of Kabul.

His wife, with the musical name Kalliope, is depicted on many of his coins and may be the daughter of a previous or allied ruler, possibly Philoxenos, whose coinage shares the same reverse type and some control marks. Whether the joint portrait indicates a true joint reign, or is intended to celebrate a dynastic marriage or alliance, is unknown.

188

Very Rare Helmeted Issue

572.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Hermaios Soter. Circa 105-90 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 9.79 g, 12h). ∫~%5GE∑% %∑t˙ro% ErÂ~5oU, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / symrÓ srt{ sjrhm (maharajasa tratarasa hiramayasa in Kharosthi), radiate Zeus-Mithra enthroned facing slightly left, extending right hand in benediction and cradling long scepter in left arm; h to inner left, % monogram to inner right. Senior, Hermaios H3bT; Bopearachchi 4B; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 412c; HGC 12, 291. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4277064-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare helmeted bust. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

Hermaios, whose realm mainly included the Paropamisadai, appears to have enjoyed a relatively long reign by Indo-Greek standards. His Indic-standard silver coins circulated widely enough to be heavily imitated by the Indo-Skythian rulers that followed. He is shown on this rare variety with a broad-brimmed helmet recalling that of Eukratides I Megas. His reverse type depicts a novel version of the Greek Zeus syncretized with the Iranian deity Mithra, perhaps suggesting a close relationship, or even vassal status, with the contemporary Indo-Skythian Maues, who ruled in Gandhara and employs a similar reverse type on some of his issues.

Rare Agathokleia & Strato I Soter

573.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Agathokleia & Strato I Soter. Circa 105-85/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 9.77 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% %∑t˙ro% %tråt∑@o% kå5 å˝åœok¬E5å%, diademed and draped bust of Strato I and draped bust of Agathokleia conjoined right / Ey∞ˇgA st— srt{ sjrhµ (Maharajasa tratarasa Stratasa Agatikriyae in Kharosthi), Athena Alkidemos standing left, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; _ to inner left. Bopearachchi 6A; Haughton, Silver, pp.

135-6 and pl. VIII, 2 (same obv. die); Bopearachchi & Rahman 418; SNG ANS 987; MIG Type 306a; HGC 12, 314. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4277064-002, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

The numismatic evidence suggests that Strato and Agathokleia co-ruled a portion of the Indo-Greek Kingdom, likely encompassing western Ghandara and parts of the Punjab, sometime in the later second century BC, but their possible connection with the other Indo-Greek dynasts remains entirely conjectural. The early consensus was that Agathokleia was the wife or sister of Menander I Soter (circa 155-130 BC), and that Strato was their son, for whom she served as regent in the early part of the reign. Further studies indicated that a gap of at least 20 years came between the reign of Menander and that of Agathokleia and Strato, precluding a direct succession. Agathokleia’s name suggests she may be a descendant of the earlier Greco-Baktrian king Agathokles. Her prominence is indicated by a small coinage with her portrait alone on the obverse, making her the only female to appear by herself on a coin of the series.

189

Strato in Heroic Pose

574.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Strato I Soter. Circa 105-85/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 9.74 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% %∑t˙ro% %tråt∑@o%, diademed heroic bust left, wearing aegis and brandishing spear in right hand / st— srt{ sjrhµ (maharajasa tratarasa stratasa in Kharosthi), Athena Alkidemos standing left, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; _ to inner left. Bopearachchi Série 3 (monogram unlisted), and pl. 35, F = MIG Type 314a = Haughton, Silver, 18 and pl. IX, 5 = MIG Type 314a = HGC 12, 319 (same obv. die); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –, but cf. 993. In NGC encapsulation 2051084-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000) From the Melinda Collection.

After an apparently brief regency or joint reign with his mother Agathokleia, she disappears from the coinage and Strato continues alone. The heroic pose seen here, brandishing a spear in the manner of Zeus hurling a thunderbolt, evokes much earlier issues by the great Eukratides I of Baktria, while the reverse imitates issues of Menander. Strato’s coins indicate a reign of some duration, as his portraits show signs of aging, with some depicting him as bearded.

575.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Strato I Soter. Circa 105-85/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 9.74 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% %∑t˙ro% kå5 d5kå5oU %tråt∑@o%, diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / st— skM# srt{ sjrhµ (Maharajasa tratarasa dhramikasa Stratasa in Kharosthi), Athena Alkidemos standing right, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; h to lower left. Bopearachchi 23A; Haughton, Silver 16; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 996; HGC 12, 330. Traces of light iridescence, some die wear on obverse. EF. ($1500)

190

Rare Artemidoros Tetradrachm

576.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Artemidoros Aniketos. Circa 100-80 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 9.44 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% å@5k˙toU årtE;5d∑roU, diademed and draped bust right; one diadem tie angled / sdKLAˇA sr@yj sjrhm (maharajasa jayadharasa amtialikidasa in Kharosthi), Artemis standing left, quiver at shoulder, drawing bow; § to left.

Bopearachchi 2A var. (bust with straight diadem ties); Bopearachchi & Rahman 498; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 398a var. (same); HGC 12, 352. In NGC encapsulation 4283231-002, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Very rare monogram. ($2000) From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, circa 1998-9.

The finds of coinage suggest that Artemidoros “the Invincible” reigned over parts of eastern Gandhara and western Punjab. Despite its rarity, his coinage, all on the Indic standard, is surprisingly varied, with two distinct reverse types on his silver tetradrachms and three on his drachms, along with a wide variety of bust types. This reverse type, depicting Artemis drawing her bow, likely is a canting pun on his name, a masculine version of Artemis.

Heliokles II – Radiate Zeus Reverse

577.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Heliokles II Dikaios. Circa 90-75 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 9.90 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% d5kÅ5oU ˙25ok2EoU%, diademed heroic bust left, seen from behind, with aegis on left shoulder, brandishing spear in right hand / sy∞yL˙ skM# sjrHµ (maharajasa dhramikasa hiliyakreyasa in Kharosthi), Zeus, radiate, standing facing, holding thunderbolt and scepter; H to inner left. Bopearachchi 4A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 468; SNG ANS 1148-9; MIG Type 291a; HGC 12, 379 = CNG 69, lot 820. In NGC encapsulation 2051085-003, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Extremely rare, three in CoinArchives, including the CNG 69 specimen. ($5000) From the Melinda Collection.

Heliokles II is unknown to history apart from his coins. His rule seems to have included the city of Taxila and parts of eastern Gandhara and western Punjab. His name and reverse type suggest a connection to the earlier Greco-Baktrian king Heliokles I (circa 145-130 BC), although Zeus is here portrayed with a radiate crown, implying a syncretic amalgamation with Helios or Mithras.

191

578.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Apollodotos II Soter Philopator Megas. Circa 80-65 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 9.24 g, 12h). ∫~%5¬EW% ;E˝~¬oU %Wt˙ro% k~5 j5¬o∏~toro% ~∏oGGodotoU, diademed and draped bust right / stdlpA srt{ sjrhm (maharajasa tratarasa apaladatasa in Kharosthi), Apollodotos right on horseback, holding whip, @ to inner right. Bopearachchi 4A and pl. 61, J = HGC 12, 390 (same dies); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type –. Find patina, a few light scratches and porosity under the patina. VF. Extremely rare, Bopearachchi records only one example, none in CoinArchives. ($2000) From the Melinda Collection.

Apollodotos II seems to be the rare instance of a Greek ruler recovering and ruling territory lost to the invading Skythians. Some of his coins are overstruck on issues of the Indo-Skythian King Maues, suggesting he succeeded that ruler or seized his throne. Two reverse types are recorded for his Indic silver tetradrachms: A striding Athena Promachos (similar to that of Menander), much rarer, the king on horseback to right, making a gesture of benediction, as seen here. The obverse inscription describing him as “Great Savior, Father-Loving” indicates his father was someone of stature, possibly another Indo-Greek king.

Extremely Rare Amyntas Tetradrachm

579.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Amyntas Nikator. Circa 80-65 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 8.96 g, 12h). ∫~%5GE∑% @5˚åtoro% ~ÂU@toU, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / stMA sr@yj sjrhm (maharajasa jayadharasa amitasa in Kharosthi), Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing shield on left arm, decorated with aegis, and thunderbolt in right hand; G to inner left. Bopearachchi 5A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 395a; HGC 12, 421. Find patina, some roughness. VF. Extremely rare. ($5000) From the Melinda Collection.

The coinage of Amyntas is among the rarest of the Indo-Greek series, but this includes the largest silver pieces ever struck in the ancient world.

Two immense double-dekadrachms, nearly 70 mm in diameter and weighing @ 85 grams apiece, were found in the Kunduz hoard of 1946.

The reasons for their minting are entirely unknown. Aside from these Attic-standard giants, all other coinage of Amyntas is on the Indo-Greek standard; even these are almost never seen in commerce. The iconography suggests an attempt to evoke the great reigns of Eukratides I and Menander nearly a century earlier.

580.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Hippostratos Soter. Circa 65-55 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 9.61 g, 12h). ∫~%5GE∑% %∑t˙rä% 5∏∏ä%tr~täU, diademed and draped bust right / st—π˙ srt{ sjrhm (maharajasa tratarasa hipustratasa in Kharosthi), Hippostratos, in military attire, on horse rearing right; 2 below. Bopearachchi 3A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 662-3; SNG ANS 1622-3; MIG Type 441a; HGC 12, 449. In NGC encapsulation 4283231-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. ($2000) From the Melinda Collection. Reportedly ex Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1999.

Hippostratos “the Savior” reigned in the waning years of Greek power in India, but his coinage projects great strength and confidence. Find spots suggest his reign in Gandhara and the Western Punjab, perhaps continuing the Greek revival begun by Apollodotos II. He is shown on the reverse astride a horse, helmeted and in full Macedonian-style armor, reflecting the tradition of great cavalry begun by Alexander the Great nearly three centuries earlier.

581.

No Lot. 192

The Archytas Collection of Kushan Part III

Lot 604

Lot 594

Lot 608

Lot 585

Lot 583

Lot 586

Lot 603

The Archytas Collection of Kushan Part III Formed over the past thirty years, the Archytas Collection represents one of the finest holdings of Kushan coins in private hands. Replete with coins of exceptional quality, extreme rarity, and considerable historical and iconographic interest, this dedicated collector has created an extraordinary numismatic record of the Kushan Empire which flourished in Central Asia from the first to the fourth centuries AD. The name Kushan derives from the Chinese term Guishuang, used to describe one branch of the Yuezhi, a loose confederation of IndoEuropean people who had been living in the Xinjiang Province of modern China. Driven west by the Xiongnu nomads between 176 and 160 BC, the five groups of the Yuezhi – the Xiumi, Guishuang, or Kushans, Shuangmi, Xidun, and Dumi – reached the Hellenistic kingdom of Baktria by 135 BC. They expelled the ruling Greek dynasties there, forcing these kings farther south to settle along the Indus River. In the following century, the Guishuang bound the other tribes of the Yuezhi into a powerful state. As the Guishuang, or Kushans, were the predominant power, their name became that by which the entire confederation was known. At its height, the Kushan Empire encompassed most of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as large parts of northern India, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Diplomatic ties were maintained with the empires of Rome to the west and China to the east.

The earliest Kushan coins were struck to the same standards of the issues of Indo-Greek kingdoms that the Kushans conquered. They comprised mainly of tetradrachms and drachms in silver and bronze with legends in Greek. Under Vima Kadphises, a major reform resulted in the introduction of a spectacular gold coinage of dinars weighing approximately eight grams along with multiples and fractions. The types extolled the might of the Kushan kings and their religious affinities. The earliest gold dinars bore legends solely in Greek, subsequent issues had legends in both Greek and Kharoshti. As the empire grew to its greatest extent under king Kanishka, the Kushan language, written in adaptation of the Greek alphabet with some local alterations, was increasingly used.

Like their Roman contemporaries, the Kushans incorporated much of the culture and religion of the many varied peoples they ruled into their own. With an empire straddling the cross roads of the ancient world, the Kushan pantheon came to represent an unparalleled syncretism of western and eastern elements. The Kushan gold coinage displays this remarkable diversity to the fullest extent as evinced by the Archytas Collection. Greek gods and heroes appear alongside fertility gods of ancient Iran. Siva, greatly revered by king Vima Kadphises, and other Shaivite gods of the Indian Subcontinent compete with deities and avatars of Zoroastrianism. The Buddha, championed by king Kanishka I, takes his place as do deities linked to Sumerian, Akkadian, and ancient Egyptian beliefs. As time passed, and the fortunes of the empire waned, the coinage witnesses a shrinking of this broad pantheon till only Siva, accompanied by his faithful Nandi bull, and Ardoksho, the great goddess of fertility and wealth, remained.

After the death of Vasudeva I in AD 225, the Sasanian Empire under Ardashir I conquered Kushan lands in Baktria and northern India. The southern portion of this territory remained under direct Sasanian control, while in the north arose the Kushanshahs, or Kushano-Sasanians, Sasanian nobles who ruled the region as vassals, striking broad flan dinars blending Kushan and Sasanian elements. By AD 270, Kushan control of the Ganges plain was ceded to the rising Gupta kingdom and by AD 320 the Guptas were pressing on the last remaining Kushanheld territories. During this period, several rebel leaders and generals appeared, further weakening the Kushan state. By the middle of the fourth century AD, the former Kushan vassal, Kidara, absorbed the now-moribund Kushan Empire into his dominions. Kushan style dinars continued to by struck by the Kidarites and subsequent dynasties for hundreds of years.

Works Consulted Alram M. Alram. Nomina Propria Iranica in Nvmmis. IPNB Vol. 4. Vienna. 1986.

ANS Kushan D. Jongeward and J. Cribb. Kushan, Kushano-Sasanian, and Kidarite Coins: A Catalogue of Coins from the

American Numismatic Society. New York. 2015.

Bopearachchi, Premiers O. Bopearachchi. “Premiers souverains kouchans: leur chronologie et iconographie de leur monnayages”

in Journal des Savants 2008.

Bopearachchi, Some O. Bopearachchi. “Some Observations on the Chronology of the Early Kushans” in Res Orientales XVII

(2007).

Cribb, Heraus J. Cribb. “The ‘Heraus’ coins: their attribution to the Kushan king Kujula Kadphises, c. AD 30-80” in

Essays Carson-Jenkins.

Cribb & Bracey J. Cribb and R. Bracey. Kushan Coins Catalogue. London. 2011.

Cunningham Maj. Gen. Sir A. Cunningham. “Coins of the Kushâns, or Great Yue-ti” in NC 1892.

Donum Burns R. Göbl. Donum Burns. Die Küsanmünzen im Münzkabinett Bern und die Chronologie. Wien. 1971.

FdS F. Altheim and R. Stiehl. Finanzgeschichte der Spätantike. Frankfurt am Main. 1957.

MK R. Göbl. Münzprägung des Kusanreiches. Vienna. 1984.

Rosenfield J.H. Rosenfield. The Dynastic Art of the Kushans. Berkeley. 1967.

Sunrise B. Nelson, ed., Numismatic Art of Persia: The Sunrise Collection. Part I: Ancient – 650 BC to AD 650.

Lancaster. 2011.

Zeno ZENO.RU - Oriental Coins Database. Online database at zeno.ru

194

Exceptional Tetradrachm of Antialkidas Nikephoros

582.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Antialkidas Nikephoros. Circa 130-120 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 9.79 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% @5k˙joroU å@t5åGk5d5oU, diademed heroic bust left, seen from behind, with aegis on left shoulder, brandishing spear in right hand / stKLAÓH sr@yj sjrhµ (maharajasa jayadharasa amtialikitasa in Kharosthi), Zeus standing facing slightly left, holding in his right hand Nike, who stands right on a globe and holding wreath, and cradling scepter in his left arm; behind, elephant standing slightly raised right with trunk raised; n to left. Bopearachchi 8A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; cf. SNG ANS 1057 (for rev.); MIG Type 274a; HGC 12, 254 (this coin illustrated). Attractive iridescent tone. EF. A high grade example with an exceptional portrait. Extremely rare as such. ($5000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex William and Louise Fielder Collection (Triton VIII, 11 January 2005), lot 660.

195

Chariot Type Double Dinar

583.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (25 mm, 15.94 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria. bacilEyc ooh mo kadfickc (sic), diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises, cradling club in left arm, seated right in canopied chariot drawn by pair of horses; miniature charioteer before Vima, holding whip / Å9`k m˙ År·Óhm jr·Óg¬ ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa loga’iśvaraja maha’iśvarasa vima kathpiśasa in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva with two heads (mustached human and horned animal) standing facing, human head left, holding trident in right hand and water flask in left; left arm draped with animal skin; 0 (Three Jewels) to left; 9 to right. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série VI, 9 = Bopearchchi, Some 2 (this coin); MK –, but cf. 5 (dinar); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Adams IV –. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($50,000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Triton XI (8 January 2008), lot 370.

On this exceedingly rare gold double dinar, the only specimen to have ever appeared at public auction, we find Vima Kadphises carrying a club and riding in a parasoled chariot, drawn by two horses. The parasoled chariot was the preserve of the most powerful rulers of Ancient times from the Middle East across to China and down into the Indian Subcontinent. For the Kushans the use of the chariot may have been familiar because of their Yueh Chi ancestry. A similar parasoled chariot to that which is depicted on this coin was discovered among the Terracotta Army in the tomb complex of Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC), the first Chinese emperor.

196

584.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Dinar (19mm, 7.95 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria. bacilEyc oohm o kadfichc, diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises, cradling club in left arm, seated right in canopied chariot drawn by pair of horses; miniature charioteer before Vima, holding whip / Å9`k m˙ År·Óhm jr·Óg¬ ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa loga’iśvaraja maha’iśvarasa vima kathpiśasa in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva with two heads (mustached human and horned animal) standing facing, human head left, holding trident in right hand and water flask in left; left arm draped with animal skin; 0 (Three Jewels) to left; 9 to right. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série VII, 11 = Bopearchchi, Some 4 (this coin); MK 5 (O1/R1); ANS Kushan 265; Donum Burns –; Adams IV 2125 (same dies). Good VF. Very rare. ($20,000)

197

Spectacular Double Dinar

585.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (26mm, 15.94 g, 12h). Bilingual series. Main mint in Baktria. bacilEuc ooh mo kadfichc, diademed and crowned bust of Vima Kadphises left within window frame, holding branch in right hand; left hand on sill; 9 above / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa vima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who is standing right with head facing; 0 (Three Jewels) to left. Bopearachchi, Premiers –; Bopearchchi, Some –; MK 8 (dies unlisted); ANS Kushan 258; Donum Burns –. Lightly toned, traces of deposits in devices. Near EF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($50,000) From the Archytas Collection.

Vima Kadphises was an adept military leader who expanded Kushan power throughout much of Central Asia. He also had some contact with Rome, being the first Kushan ruler to send a diplomatic mission there during the reign of Trajan. It was also under the rule of Vima Kadphises that the first Kushan gold coins were struck, perhaps using the Roman gold that was received as a result of the Kushans extending their protective control over the Silk Road during his reign. This facilitated trade in luxury items with the Roman Empire, such as silk, spices, and other exotic goods. Vima Kadphises introduced the gold dinar (struck on an 8g weight standard), a fractional quarter dinar, and the very impressive double dinar. This extraordinary type, which is unparalleled in the Kushan series, depicts a detailed bust of Vima Kasphises seen through a window frame, the ties of his diadem billowing through to the exterior.

The reverse depicts the Hindu deity Siva, known to the later Kushans as Oesho, illustrative that Vima Kadphises, like his father and predecessor, Vima Taktu (Soter Megas), embraced the religion of Shaivism, a branch of Hinduism. Shaivists recognized Siva as the supreme god of the Brahma-Siva-Visnu triad, contrary to the traditional view that the three deities were parts of the Trimurti, the three aspects which make up the supreme godhead. Siva is sometimes portrayed as a figure with a tripartite head and is usually shown in association with Nandi, the bull of happiness and strength. Siva often appears in an ithyphallic state, recalling the ancient and abstract form of the god: that of a conical or ithyphallic-shaped stone, or siva lingam, set within a yoni, a round base with a single projecting channel, which together represented the respective male and female parts and the mystical powers of generation. The Buddhist triratana (Three Jewels), is also displayed on the reverse, indicating that like his son and successor Kanishka I, Vima Kadphises was interested in Buddhism.

198

Well Struck in High Relief

586.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (25mm, 16.00 g, 12h). Bilingual series. Main mint in Baktria. bacilEyc ooh mo kadfichc, diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises seated facing on cushioned throne with ornate legs and high back, head left, feet on footstool, holding laurel branch in raised right hand and resting left arm on left knee; club to left, 9 to right / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa vima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who is standing right with head facing; 0 (Three Jewels) to left. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série IX, 20 (incorrect weight) = Bopearchchi, Some 1 (left example – this coin); MK 11 (O1/R9; unlisted die pair); ANS Kushan 260; Donum Burns 76. EF. High relief. Rare. ($25,000) From the Archytas Collection.

This very well-preserved double dinar of Vima Kadphises displays the ruler with divine-like imagery, seated upon an elaborate cushioned throne, while the reverse features Siva with the bull Nandi. The purpose of the Kushan double dinars is not entirely understood, while the dinars and their fractions would clearly seem to facilitate international trade. It is possible that the double dinars could have been used for larger transactions, but their rarity would seem to indicated that they could have had a more special, and possibly ceremonial, function. One possibility is that they were gifts presented to the ruler’s favorites as a way of strengthening support for the regime; these could perhaps also act as deposited resources from which the king could later draw.

587.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.97 g, 12h). Bilingual series.

Main mint in Baktria. bacilEyc oohmo kadfichc, diademed and crowned half-length bust of Vima Kadphises right on clouds, flames at shoulder, holding mace-scepter in right hand; 9 to left / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa vima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic triple-headed Siva standing facing, holding composite trident and goat skin; 9 to left; 0 (Three Jewels) to right. Bopearachchi, Premiers Série XVI, 43 = Bopearchchi, Some 1 (left example – this coin [rev. only illustrated]); MK 16 (O2/R10; unlisted die combination); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns 80. A couple of minor marks, traces of underlying luster. EF. ($7500) From the Archytas Collection.

199

Extremely Rare Helios Dinar

588.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.97 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase with Greek legend. ßAcilEyc ßAci lEwn kAnhskoy, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / hlioc to left, radiate and diademed Helios, left hand on hip, standing left, raising right hand in benediction; 8 to left. MK 25 (O1/R1) = Cribb & Bracey D.G1i = A. Cunningham, “Coins of the Kushâns, or Great Yue-ti,” NC 1892, 1 = FdS 21 = Göbl, Antike 3358 = Rosenfield 90 = BM inv. 1888, 1208.537 (same dies); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Triton XXIII, lot 552 (same dies); NGSA 11, lot 7 (same dies); Triton XXI, lot 576 (same dies); CNG 105, lot 541 (same dies); CNG E-369, lot 316 (same dies); Triton XVI, lot 654 (same dies). Trace deposits, a few very minor marks. VF. Extremely rare. ($7500) From the Archytas Collection.

Only three examples cited by Göbl (one in the BM; the second in Berlin [possibly a forgery]; the third in Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 730 [June 1979], no. A602 = CNG E-369, lot 316), only the CNG and NGSA coins in CoinArchives.

Unique Fraction

589.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Quarter Dinar (14mm, 2.00 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase with Greek legend. ß AcilEyc ßAcilEwn kAnhskoy, diademed and crowned half-length bust of Kanishka left on clouds, holding spear; flames at shoulder / hlioc to left, radiate and diademed Helios, left hand on hip standing left, raising right hand in benediction; 8 to left. ANS Kushan 374 = Adams III, lot 2127 (this coin); MK –, but cf. 25 (dinar); Donum Burns –. Near EF. Apparently unique; the sole published example. ($15,000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection (Part III, Triton XIX, 6 January 2016), lot 2127 (hammer $30,000); purchased from Stephen Album, January 1981.

200

590.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.97 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase. ßAcilEyc ßAci lEwn kAnhskoy, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / nAnAiA to left, Nana, nimbate, wearing fillet and crescent, standing right, holding scepter and box; 8 to right. MK 27/1 (O1/R1); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –. EF. Extremely rare, only two examples cited by Göbl, both of which are in public collections. ($15,000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 266.

591.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.94 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase. saonanosao ka nIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / aqso to right, Athsho, flames at shoulders, hand on hip and holding fire tongs, standing left, holding diadem in outstretched hand; 8 to left. MK 33 (O6/R3); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; CNG 100, lot 1651 (same dies). Good VF. Extremely rare, Göbl cites five examples, three examples in CoinArchives. ($2500) From the Archytas Collection.

201

The Mysterious Lrooaspo

592.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 8.00 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saonanosao ka nIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / lrooacpo to right, Lrooaspo, diademed and bearded, standing right, holding diadem in raised right hand; behind, caparisoned horse standing right with left foreleg raised; 9 to left. MK 57/1 (O8/R1); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns 127; Triton XXIII, lot 553 = CNG 103, lot 473 = Triton XIII, lot 271 = Triton XII, lot 425 (same dies); Triton XXII, lot 472 (same dies); CNG 100, lot 1661 (same dies). Slight double strike on obverse, hint of die rust. Near EF. Extremely rare, Göbl cites four examples (including the Donum Burns coin), four in CoinArchives. ($10,000) From the Archytas Collection.

Who the god Lrooaspo was is a matter of conjecture. One possibility is that he was an adaptation of Drvaspa, an Avestan deity, who was the guardian of the health of beasts. Another possibility is that he is a representation of the Mithraic deity Apam Napat, “the grandson of the waters,” and associated with Neptune. According to the Avesta, Apam Napat possesses the epithet Aurvat-aspa, or “possessing swift horse” (Yašt 19.51). Associated with both Mithra and Drvaspa, he is concerned with the preservation of Khavaeno, or legitimate princely authority, perhaps accounted for by the presentation of the diadem in his depiction on this coin.

Extremely Rare Manaobago Dinar

593.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.96 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. sa[on]anosao ka nIs˚i ˚osan[o], Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / Ma˜aoßago to left, Manaobago, nimbate and helmeted, with lunar horns at shoulders, seated facing on raised stool, cushioned and with curving legs, feet on footstool, head right and with four arms: lower right on hip, upper right holding coins or fruit, upper left holding mace-scepter, and lower left holding torque; 9 to right. MK 59 (O13/R2); ANS Kushan 385; Donum Burns 129; Triton XXIII, lot 554; Spink 248 lot 124; CNG 100, lot 1662; Baldwin’s 91, lot 3831; Goldberg 75, lot 2541 = Goldberg 69, lot 3206; Heritage 3020, lot 25059 (same rev. die, but later die state). Deposits in devices, a hint of die rust. EF. Extremely rare, Göbl cites four examples, six in CoinArchives. ($5000) From the Archytas Collection.

202

Exceedingly Rare Mozdooano Type

594.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.94 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saonanosao ka nIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / MozDooa˜o to right, Mozdooano, diademed and bearded, right on caparisoned double-headed horse standing with left foreleg raised, holding trident in raised right hand; 9 to left. MK 61 (unlisted dies); ANS Kushan 386; Donum Burns –; Zeno –. Lightly toned. EF. A most unusual reverse design.

Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($15,000) From the Archytas Collection.

On the reverse of this remarkable coin we find the only appearance of the enigmatic deity Mozdooano in the entire Kushan coinage. The god is depicted astride a two headed horse. This highly unusual animal appears to be otherwise unrepresented in the art of the Kushan or indeed any other ancient civilization. As far as we are aware, this is the first example of the Mazdooano type to appear at public auction.

595.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.99 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saonanosao ka nIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / or2~˝@o to left, Orlagno, nimbate and wearing eagle-crested helmet and fillet, standing facing, head right, holding filleted lance in right hand, and sword with eagle’s head hilt in left; 9 to right. MK 63 (O8/R2); ANS Kushan 387; Donum Burns 132; Gorny & Mosch 219, lot 302 (same dies). Deposits in devices, minor marks on reverse. Good VF. ($2500) From the Archytas Collection.

203

596.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.98 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saona[no]sa[o] ka nIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / j~rro to left upward, nimbate and diademed Pharro, head adorned with wings, standing right, holding purse in right hand and scepter in left; 9 to right. MK 69 (O28/R1); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –. Near EF. Extremely rare, Göbl cites five examples (three of which are in public collections), one in CoinArchives (the far inferior specimen in Gitbud Numismatik 2, lot 87 = Gitbud Numismatik 1, lot 81). ($2500) From the Archytas Collection.

597.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.98 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saonanosao ka NIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / mao to right, Mao, wearing lunar horns, standing left, extending right hand in benediction and holding sword and filleted scepter; 9 to left. MK 70 (O30/R16; unlisted die combination); ANS Kushan 379; Donum Burns –; CNG 100, lot 1665; CNG 96, lot 634 (same obv. die); CNG 73, lot 5444 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, traces of deposits in devices. EF. Extremely rare. ($2000) From the Archytas Collection.

598.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.96 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saonanosao ka nIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / j~rro to left downward, nimbate and diademed Pharro, head adorned with wings, standing right, holding purse in right hand and scepter in left; 9 to right. MK –, but cf.

74 (quarter dinar [for type with same legend orientation]); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; CNG 118, lot 667 = Triton XXIII, lot 556; Album 22, lot 715; Baldwin’s 94, lot 1311. Lustrous. EF. Extremely rare variety unknown to Göbl, three in CoinArchives. ($3000) From the Archytas Collection.

204

Exceptional Standing Śākyamuni Buddha

599.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. CU Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.82 g, 12h). Main mint in Kapisha (Begram?). Late phase. sDo kD nIa˚i, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, [sacrificing over altar to left]; flame at shoulder / [cr k]rMr˜ o ßOudO (sic), Standing Śākyamuni Buddha: Buddha standing facing, hand raised in gesture of abhayamudrā; 9 to inner left. Cribb, Buddha 9-10 (dies c/5); MK 785; ANS Kushan –, but cf. 616 (for type); Donum Burns –, but cf. 175 (same); Zeno –. Dark brown patina with earthen highlights, hint of possible smoothing in fields. Near EF. An exceptional example. ($1500) From the Archytas Collection.

600.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.83 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase. sa[O]IaI[O]sa[O O]Is˚i ˚Osa[nO], diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / Miro to right, Miro (Mithra), radiate and diedemed, standing facing, head left, extending hand in benediction and holding hilt of sword; 7 to left. MK 139 (dies unlisted); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Spink 198, lot 523. Obverse struck with typically worn die. EF. Extremely rare, with this die combination unknown to Göbl, one of this combination in CoinArchives. ($3000) From the Archytas Collection.

601.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 8.02 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. saO˜a˜OsaO O OIs˚i ˚OsanO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / oIso to right, Siva, nimbate, standing left, holding thunderbolt, flask, trident, and horns of goat to lower left; 8 to left. MK 155 (O1/R50); ANS Kushan 722; Donum Burns –; New York Sale XXXV, lot 1157; UBS 56, lot 3669; Triton III, lot 722 (same dies). Lightly toned. EF. Very rare. ($3000) From the Archytas Collection.

205

Exceptional For Issue

602.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.99 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?).

Early phase. saOnanOsaO OIs˚i ˚OsaNO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding macescepter and goad / c˚a˜Do ˚o M/aro bizago, Skando-Komaro and Bizago, both nimbate, standing facing, heads vis-àvis; Skando-Komaro holding spear in right hand, left hand on hilt; Bizago with right hand on hip, holding spear in left hand; 8 between. MK 156 (O1/R1); cf. ANS Kushan 723 (for type); Donum Burns –; CNG 100, lot 414 (same dies); CNG 100, lot 1673 (same dies). Lightly toned, underlying luster. Superb EF. Extremely rare and an exceptional example. ($10,000) From the Archytas Collection.

Like Maaseno, Skando-Komaro and Bizago were the Kushan incarnations of the Hindu god Karttikeya, or Skanda, whose epithet was Mahasena.

603.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Quarter Dinar (13mm, 1.97 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase. sÅO˜Å˜OsÅO O˜s˚i ˚OsŘO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / carapO, Sarapis, nimbate and wearing polos, enthroned facing with feet on footstool, holding diadem in outstretched right hand and scepter in left; 8 to left. MK 164 (O21/R1); ANS Kushan 724-5; A. Cunningham, “Coins of the Kushâns, or Great Yue-ti,” NC 1892, 95 (now in BM) = FdS 109 illustration = Rosenfield 186 illustration (same dies); ANS Inv. 1944.100.63673 (same dies); Hess-Leu (4 April 1963), lot 93 (same dies); Triton IX, lot 1146. Slight double strike and hairline die break on reverse. EF. Extremely rare, three cited by Göbl (two of which are in public collections), six in CoinArchives, none in the Skanda and Hirayama collections. Choice for issue. ($4000) From the Archytas Collection.

206

Extremely Rare Sarapis Dinar

604.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (208mm, 7.97 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. sÅO˜Å˜OsÅO OyOIs˚i ˚Os[...], diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / carapO, Sarapis standing left, extending right hand in benedictional gesture and cradling scepter in left arm; 7 to left. MK 185 (O2/R1); Cribb & Bracey E.g; ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns 242; CNG 100, lot 1675 (same rev. die); CNG 81, lot 714 (same rev. die). Lightly toned. Good VF. Extremely rare, three cited by Göbl, only four in CoinArchives. ($7500) From the Archytas Collection.

The figure of Sarapis demonstrates most clearly the multi-cultural proclivities of the Kushans. Sarapis was a specifically Hellenistic combination of the important and highly popular Egyptian gods Osiris and Apis, representing the religious syncretism of the Greco-Roman gods with their foreign counterparts in the period following the death of Alexander the Great. As the supreme god of the Alexandrian pantheon, the god had a large temple-complex in that capital, known as the Serapeum. Although Sarapis was quite popular in the Roman Empire, the apparent rarity of this reverse type suggests that this deity failed to achieve a similar level of devotion among the Kushans.

605.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.56 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. sÅO˜Å˜OsÅO O˜s˚i ˚OsŘO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / fÅrrO to right, Pharro, nimbate, standing left, holding bowl of fire in outstretched right hand and holding sword in left; 7 to left. MK 204/202 (obv./rev); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –, but cf. 246; cf. Gemini V, lot 674; cf. Spink 198, lot 413; cf. Spink 181, lot 1165. Lightly toned. Good VF. Extremely rare die pairing unknown to Göbl, no exact match in CoinArchives. ($3000) From the Archytas Collection.

606.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20.5mm, 7.97 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. sÅO˜Å˜ÅsÅO O˜s˚i ˚OsŘO, nimbate, diademed, and crowned half-length bust of Huvishka facing on clouds, head left, holding mace-scepter in right hand, filleted spear in left over shoulder / ˜Å˜Å to left, Nana, wearing stephane, standing left, holding bowl in right hand and scepter in left; 7 to left. MK 282/2 = ANS Kushan 750 (same dies); Donum Burns –; Heritage 3030, lot 23837 (different obv. die); Classical Numismatic Gallery 32, lot 85 (different obv. die).

Slightly double struck. EF. Extremely rare, Göbl cites only two examples (including the ANS example), two examples in CoinArchives. ($7500) From the Archytas Collection.

207

Enigmatic Minerva Reverse Type

607.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20.5mm, 8.01 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. [saO˜]a˜OsaO O˜s[˚i ˚Osa˜O], nimbate, diademed, and crowned half-length bust of Huvishka facing on clouds, head left, holding mace-scepter in right hand, filleted spear in left over shoulder / risO to left, Minerva/Roma(?) in Attic-style helmet and laminated cuirass standing right, holding spear in right hand and round shield set on ground with left; 7 to left. MK 288/1 (O1/R1) = J.M. Rosenfeld, The Dynastic Arts of the Kushans 184 (same rev. die); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –. Toned, obverse struck with worn die. Good VF. Extremely rare, only one example cited by Göbl. ($15,000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 274.

The identity of the deity on the reverse of this coin is unclear, because the depiction and the legend do not seem consistent. The reading of the name itself is a matter of speculation. If the reading of Rishno/Rishmo is correct, the legend might refer to Rasnu, the personification of righteousness and an attendant of Mithra. Rasnu, however, is a male and equated with the Hindu god, Karttikeya. Clearly this coin depicts a female who is similar to the figure of Athena depicted on earlier Baktrian issues of Demetrios II and who was known in the Roman world as Minerva. In all other cases in the coinage of Huvishka, the legend identifies 608 the deity depicted, so here we are left with a question as to which deity is intended. Whoever it is, this one issue, known from just two coins, is the only occurrence of the deity in the Kushan series.

First to Appear at Auction

608.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.88 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. saO˜a˜OsaO O OIs˚O ˚OsŘO saO, Huvishka, diademed and crowned, siting cross-legged facing on clouds or mountain, head right, holding mace-scepter in right hand and filleted standard, surmounted by eagle, in left / nana to left, Nana, wearing stephane, standing rightt, holding bowl in left hand and scepter in right; 8 to right. MK 299 (O1/R26) = Cribb & Bracey E.g = BMBI 81 = BM Inv, 1879,0501.62; ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns. Toned, hint of deposits in devices. Near EF. Extremely rare, only three examples cited by Göbl (all in public collections), never before offered at auction. ($10,000) From the Archytas Collection.

208

609.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.87 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. saO˜a˜OsaO O˜s˚i ˚Osa˜O, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / OIsO to right, Siva standing left, holding goad and pouring water from flask on extended right hand, holding vajra (thunderbolt) in raised right hand, trident in raised left, and he-goat in lowered left; 7 to left. MK 308/3 (dies 31/55); ANS Kushan 757 (same dies); Donum Burns 276–8. Lustrous. Superb EF. ($3000) From the Archytas Collection.

Extremely Rare Uma and Siva

610.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.95 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. sIO˜a˜OsaO O OIs˚i ˚Osa˜O, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / OhhO to left; OIsO to right, Uma, holding lotus flower in her right hand, and Siva, nimbate, holding thunderbolt, flask, trident, and horns of goat to lower left, standinf vis-à-vis; 7 between between.

MK 310 (O30/R1) = Cribb & Bracey E.G2iia = BM Inv, 1888,1208.557; ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Triton VIII, lot 685 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of deposits. EF. Extremely rare, Göbl cites only the British Museum coin, only the Triton coin in CoinArchives. ($15,000) From the Archytas Collection.

This extremely rare dinar, apparently known from only two other examples, depicts on its reverse a fascinating scene of Uma and Siva together. Uma is the consort of Siva, and is known only from the Rabatak inscription. She is seldom seen throughout Indian numismatics, and this important issue is the sole representation of her upon a Kushan coin.

209

Extremely Rare Ahuramazda Sole Creator God of Zoroastrianism

611.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 8.01 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. sÅO˜Å˜OsÅO O˜s˚i ˚OsŘO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / wrOM down right, Oromzdo (Ahuramazda) standing left, extending right hand and holding scepter in left; & to left. MK 333/1 (O1α/R1) = Cribb & Bracey E.G2iii = FdS 154 illustration = Rosenfield 182 illustration = BM Inv. 1879,0501.10; ANS Kushan –, but cf. 764-5 (for obv.); Donum Burns 287; Zeno –; CNG 102, lot 713 (same dies). Obverse struck with typical worn die, a couple of light scratches on reverse. Near EF. Only the second to appear at auction, only this coin and the CNG 102 specimen in CoinArchives. ($20,000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 473.

One of the rarest reverse types in all of Kushan coinage, Ahuramazda (ahura [lord or mighty] and mazda [spirit or intelligence]) was the sole creator of heaven and earth and all life, and the supreme deity in the Zoroastrian pantheon. As the creator and upholder of the concept of asha (truth or right[eousness]), Ahuramazda was the supporter and guardian of justice and ally of the just man. As such, he became the protective divinity of the Achaemenids and the rulers of Persis (where he is depicted as a profile bust set into a quasi-Egyptian winged solar disk), as well as the Sasanian kings, who included him in the obverse legend of their coins (mzd’ysn [the Mazda worshipper]). Beginning with the Achaemenids, Ahuramazda became associated with the god Mithra and the goddess Anahita. While Mithra (as Miiro and Mioro) and Anahita (as Ardoxsho) were regularly incorporated into the pantheon of Kushan deities depicted on their coinage, the appearance of Ahuramazda on Kushan coins is rare. Given his hieratic importance, one might expect him to appear more frequently, given his connection to royalty. It is possible, however, that the Kushans were hesitant to include the supreme god on such a secular object as coinage (the same hesitancy occurred with issues of the Buddha), where, as John H. Rosenfield noted (p.83) “less exalted elements of the pantheon would be more congenial.”

210

612.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.95 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?).

Late phase. [˜Os˜aO OY Oh]s n^IOsO (sic), nimbate, diademed, and crowned half-length bust of Huvishka facing on clouds, head left, holding mace-scepter in right hand, filleted spear in left over shoulder / ÅrÅOxsO to left, Ardoxsho, nimbate, standing facing, head right, holding cornucopia with both hands; 7 to right. MK 364 (O2/R55); ANS Kushan 768; Donum Burns –.

Lightly toned, light deposits. Near EF. Extremely rare, Göbl cites four examples, none in CoinArchives. ($5000) From the Archytas Collection.

613.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 8.00 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Late phase. sÅO˜Å˜OsÅO O˜s˚i ˚OsŘO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / sÅOrhOÅ to left, Shaoreoro (Ares-Mars) standing right, holding spear and shield set on ground; 7 to right. MK 382 var. (rev. legend; dies unlisted); ANS Kushan 770 = Adams III, lot 2135 (same rev. die); Donum Burns –; Künker 318, lot 2170 (same rev. die); CNG 100, lot 1686 (same rev. die); Triton V, lot 1685 (same rev. die). Lightly toned, a few minor marks. Near EF. Extremely rare with die combination unknown to Göbl, none of this combination in CoinArchives. ($5000) From the Archytas Collection.

Shaoreoro, like the later Pahlavi Shahrevar, was originally the Hindu Kshathra Vairya, or “Desirable Kingdom.” Like Indra, the chief god of the Rig Veda, Shaoreoro was the genius of Kushan imperial might and the god of the molten metal that was to cover the earth on the Last Day.

614.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.94 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. sÅO˜Å˜OsÅO O[Y O]˜s˚˚ ˚OsŘO, nimbate, diademed, and crowned half-length bust of Huvishka facing on clouds, head left, holding mace-scepter in right hand, filleted spear in left over shoulder / ÅODOxsO to right, Ardoxsho, diademed and crowned, standing right, holding cornucopia with both hands; 7 to left. MK – (but cf. 228 for obv. die); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Zeno –. Lightly toned, slight double strike on obverse. Near EF. Extremely rare, with this reverse die unknown to Göbl, none in CoinArchives. ($10,000) From the Archytas Collection.

211

615.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka III. Circa AD 267-270. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.82 g, 12h). Main mint in Taxila. sDONDNOsDO [...] h˚s˚o ˚oDNO, Kanishka standing left, holding filleted standard, sacrificing over altar to left; filleted trident to left; 1 (ga) to right of altar; Y (gho) between legs; õ (hu) to right of scepter / OIsO to right, Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding a garland or diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; to upper left, • above :. MK 634/21 (same dies); ANS Kushan 1644; Donum Burns –. Double struck on reverse, traces of underlying luster. EF. Numeral 654 in India ink on obverse. ($1000) From the Archytas Collection.

616.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vasudeva II. Circa AD 267-300. AV Quarter Dinar (14mm, 1.96 g, 12h). Main mint in Mathura/Gandhara. [...] OnOsOnO [...] OzO [...], Vasudeva standing left, sacrificing over altar and holding filleted staff; filleted trident to left; 1 (ga in Brahmi) below arm; 2 (vasu in Brahmi) to outer right / idOsOY to right, Ardoxsho enthroned facing, holding filleted investiture garland and cornucopia; trace of 6 to upper left. MK 573 ([Vasudeva III] dies unlisted); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns 721-2. EF. Very rare. ($1500) From the Archytas Collection.

Two Repoussé Medallions

617 618 617.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Circa 2nd to 3rd centuries AD. AV Repoussé Medallion (27mm, 4.30 g). Diademed and draped facing bust of Ardoxsho, wearing mural crown with ribbon to left [and right], holding lotus in right hand and cornucopia in left / Blank disk. C. Sachs, “Joaillerie kouchane” section of G. Fussman, “L’empire kouchan,” in O. Bopearachchi, ed. De l’Indus à l’Oxus: Archéologie de l’Asie centrale (2003), 181 (this medallion). Light toning in devices, modest wear on high points, minor separation and traces of earthen deposits at border, reverse punctured in antiquity, otherwise as made. Set in bezel with ornate suspension loop. A stunning example of Kushan jewelry. ($5000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 474.

618.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Circa 320s-330s. AV Repoussé Medallion (33mm, 7.81 g). Anonymous imitation of Roman Imperial type. æ⌴Ɗ⌽ͿƊƊͿ ˞ Ɗ_Ҡ _ѝæ, rosette-and-laurel-diademed and draped bust of Constantine I right / Incuse of obverse. Cf. MK, pl. 175, 13/1-3 (for obv. type); cf. E. Errington, J. Cribb, and M. Claringbull, eds. The Crossroads of Asia (1992), 146 (same); cf. Triton IX, lot 1156 (for obv.; same die). Light hairlines and a hint of deposits, otherwise as made. Set in ornate bezel with thick suspension loop. ($5000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 475.

212

Ex Sunrise Collection

619.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) III. AD 383-388. AV Dinar (19mm, 7.32 g, 3h). Sind mint. V ¨ÒÔUR V ¨U0J0U0 ç ¨00 ¨¨o (mzdysn bgy šhpwhly [MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n] in blundered Pahlavi), bust right, wearing flat-topped crown decorated with palmettes, and korymbos; á and uncertain letter to right / Fire altar with ribbons and bust right in flames; flanked by two attendants, each wearing close-fitting cap with korymbos; V‚ Ro (mzdysn? in blundered Pahlavi) in blundered Pahlavi flanking flames. SNS III –; Göbl –; Paruck –; Saaedi –: Sunrise 879 = Triton VI (14 January 2003), lot 524 (this coin).

Traces of deposits in devices on obverse. Good VF. ($4000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 484; Sunsrise Collection (The New York Sale XXXVII, 5 January 2016), lot 540; Triton VI (14 January 2003), 524.

620.

KUSHANO-SASANIANS. Pērōz (Fīrūz) I. Circa AD 245-270. AV Dinar (29mm, 8.00 g, 12h). Mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early series. pIrOzA oozo rko kosano sauo ((pi)rozo oozo rko koshano shahro) in Kushano-Bactrian, Peroz standing left on ground line, nimbate, wearing Vasudeva II-style crown, flames at shoulders, sacrificing at altar and holding trident; to left, trident standard above altar; a (a in Brahmi) to left of altar; • to right of altar; ( between legs; ˘ below left arm; í (pi in Brahmi) to right of left leg; 0 to right / oorzooNoo azooo (oorzoomoo azooo) in Kushano-Bactrian, Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident with o on shaft; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; z (z in Kushano-Bactrian) below Siva’s left arm. Cf. Carter 24 (for type); Cribb 1 var. (no a in Brahmi); MK 702 var. (same); ANS Kushan 2156 (same obv. die); Donum Burns –. Lightly toned, slight double strike on reverse. EF. ($2000) From the Archytas Collection.

213

Extremely Rare Bilingual Investiture Issue

621.

KUSHANO-SASANIANS. Ohrmazd (Hormizd) II. Circa AD 300-303. AV Dinar (31mm, 7.88 g, 12h).

Investiture Issue. Boxlo (Balkh) mint. OurAmrz! Aozorko kosoko sdur ( orhromrzoo oozorko koshoko shohr in Kushano-Bactrian), Ohrmazd standing left on pelleted ground line, wearing winged crown with ribbons and surmounted by pomegranate, flames at shoulders, sacrificing at altar and holding trident; to left, trident standard above altar, middle prong surmounted by crescent; to right of altar, • above c; ( between legs; ˘ below left arm; to right, 0 and bdc©d (mint signature) / 000M0ÔKÅ ÅWW0M ÅNπA6 (‘w’ply [= blundered ‘pzt’] mlk’ ‘whrmzdy in Pahlavi), Ohrmazd, with eagle at feet, standing right, holding smoking censer in right hand in right hand and raising left hand in gesture of benediction to Anahita enthroned left, holding investiture wreath in raised right hand and scepter in left; pellet in outer margin. E. Errington and V. Sarkhosh Curtis, From Persepolis to the Punjab (London, 2007), fig. 74.15; MK –; ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Zeno –; Goldberg 122, lot 1614. Lightly toned, a hint of die rust, slight double strike and hairline die breaks on reverse. EF. Extremely rare, only the Goldberg specimen in CoinArchives. ($7500) From the Archytas Collection.

The ceremony of investiture was a significant moment in the rule of the Sasanian monarch (and, by extension, those who ruled on his behalf), since it bestowed both legal and spiritual legitimacy on his rule. As a part of the process, the various Sasanian kings ordered this event to be proclaimed in rock carvings, such as Bahrām I (AD 273-76) at Bišāpur, and Narseh (AD 292-303) at Naqš-e Rostam. Shāhpur I (AD 240-72) was one of the rare exceptions, since he recorded his investiture both at Naqš-e Rajab and Bišāpur. The ceremony itself was filled with deep religious symbolism: the goddess Anahita, an important divinity in the Iranian pantheon, was closely associated with the ceremony, as was the fire-altar, which was central to Zoroastrianism. As part of the ceremony, the ruler received the diadem, signifying their right to rule, as well as a personalized crown. This crown had a specialized significance: it distinguished the monarch as a unique ruler with the divine blessing for rule.

This investiture ceremony was the same for the Kushanshas (or Kushano-Sasanians), who ruled those parts of the former Kushan Empire now under Sasanian control. Like the Sasanians, each Kushanshah ruler had his own personal crown (see M. Carter. “A Numismatic Reconstruction of Kushano-Sasanian History” in AMNSMN 30 [1985]). It appears that their Sasanian overlords allowed these Kushanshahs to mint coins proclaiming their investiture. To date, most of these issues are silver drachms in public collections, or have very rarely appeared at auction (see Triton XXII, lot 486 for a drachm of Pērōz [Fīrūz]) I Kushanshah and E. Errington and V. Sarkhosh Curtis, From Persepolis to the Punjab [London, 2007], fig. 74.12 for a drachm of Ohrmazd [Hormizd] I). The same is the case with this extremely rare dinar Ohrmazd (Hormizd) II – apart from the example in the BM collection, this coin is only the second to appear in recent auction.

214

Toramana, not Prakasaditya

622.

HUNNIC TRIBES, Alchon Huns (Eastern). Toramana. Circa 490-515. AV Dinar (19mm, 9.43 g, 12h). Horseman Slaying Lion type. [pr˙tk´rjV5]◊]zFjyfi ≥ A◊ñhfixrh[-nVut-] ([parahitkari raja vijitya] vasudham divam jayati avanipati torama[no vijitya] in Brahmi), male figure wearing Hunnic-style crown on horseback right, bow slung across torso, spearing lion that stands left on its hind legs; ® (ru in Brahmi) below horse / %]πkSD5 (śri prakaśaditya in Brahmi) to right, Lakshmi, nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding diadem in extended right hand and lotus in left; 0 to upper left. P. Tandon, “The Identity of Prakāśāditya,”Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society 25.4 (October 2015) pp. 647-668 (reattributing the issue to Toramana), and fig. 1; Kumar Variety C, p. 381 (third and fourth examples) = Sunrise 555 (this coin); BKB 222; BMC Guptas 552 corr. (tamgha); Altekar 2; Bayana 13. Toned, minor flan crack, hint of die rust and slight double strike. EF. Very rare variety with ru below horse. ($15,000) From the Archytas Collection. Ex Sunrise Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 299; Ponterio 148 (9 January 2009), lot 684.

This issue has traditionally been attributed to a ruler named Prakasaditya, who has been placed with the Guptas. While the types have parallels to certain Gupta issues, the shape of the horseman’s head and the type of headdress he wears have a clear affinity with issues of the Alkhon Huns. This had led to a debate among scholars, with a minority advocating that it was actually a Hunnic issue. Compounding the problem is the fact that the most accessible of these coins have been struck on compact flans, obscuring most of the letters of the name in the obverse legend. Recently, this debate came to a conclusion with Pankaj Tandon’s discovery of a coin in a provincial museum in India with the full obverse legend visible. This coin clearly showed that the issuer was the Hunnic king Toramana, and the word Prakasaditya is an epithet for him.

215

CENTRAL ASIAN COINAGE Extremely Rare Lakshmi Type

623.

INDO-SKYTHIANS. Azilises. Circa 85-45/35 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 9.11 g, 12h). ∫Å%5GE∑% ∫Å%5GE∑@ ˙E˝ÅGoU ÅZ5G5%oU, king right on horseback, holding whip; G to right / Å8LYA Åthm Åjrˇjr Åjr]hm (Maha[rajasa rajatirajasa mahatasa Ayilishasa in Kharosthi), Lakshmi standing facing on lotus, holding in each hand a lotus upon which stands an elephant spraying water from its trunk; y (ya in Kharosthi) to left, A (a in Kharosthi) to right. Senior 33.1T; HGC 12, 563; Triton XXIII, lot 547 (same obv. die). Toned, light deposits, scratches. Near VF. An extremely rare issue of considerable iconographic interest. ($20,000)

624.

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 and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / oIso to right, Siva, nimbate, standing facing, head left, pouring water from flask and holding vajra (thunderbolt), trident, and he-goat; 8 to left. MK 69 var. (placement of rev. legend); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Zeno –. Lightly toned, underlying luster. Near EF. ($3000) Ex Archytas Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 117, 19 May 2021), lot 373; Triton XXIII (14 January 2020), lot 556.

625.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 152-192. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.94 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. saopaposao o oIs˚i ˚osapo, crowned and diademed bust left on clouds, holding mace scepter in right hand and goad in left; flames over shoulder / Miiro to right, Miiro (Mithra) standing facing, head left, extending hand in benediction, cradling filleted scepter, and holding hilt of sword; 7 to left. MK 291 (O32/R7); ANS Kushan 755; Donum Burns –. Lightly toned, underlying luster, traces of deposits. EF. ($4000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 117 (19 May 2021), lot 381.

216

626.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Shaka. Circa AD 325-345. Pale AV Dinar (20mm, 7.78 g, 12h). Uncertain mint. [...]O ˚OsO O, Shaka, nimbate, standing facing, head left, sacrificing over altar and holding filleted staff; filleted trident to left; M (bha in Brahmi) to right of altar; , (bhri in Brahmi) under Shaka’s left arm; _ (śaka in Brahmi) to outer right / orDox[so] to right, Ardoxsho enthroned facing, holding diadem in right hand and cradling cornucopia in left arm; ^ to left. MK 580 (unlisted dies); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns 750 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, traces of deposits, reverse double struck.

EF. ($750)

627.

INDIA, Post-Kushan (Gandhara). Kidara Shahis. Sri Tujina. Circa 7th century AD. Base AV Dinar (22mm, 7.31 g, 12h). Kushan style king standing left, sacrificing over [altar] and holding [filleted standard]; 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); CNG 109, lot 405; CNG 103, lot 485.

Toned, areas of peripheral weakness. EF. Extremely rare. ($5000)

628.

INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Kumaragupta I Mahendraditya. Circa AD 413-455. AV Dinar (21mm, 8.13 g, 12h). Horseman type. Kumaragupta, holding reins, on horseback right; [...] uT,34 ([...] jitamahendra in Brahmi) around / Lakshmī, nimbate, seated left on basket, holding diadem and lotus; AuT,34 (ajitamahendra in Brahmi) to right.

Kumar Class I Variety C.1; BKB 151 (same dies); BMC Guptas 205 and p. 71, –; Altekar Class I, Variety C; Bayana 13961432. Deposits in devices, some die wear, a few light cleaning marks, slight double strike on obverse. VF. ($3000)

217

629.

INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Kumaragupta I Mahendraditya. Circa AD 413-455. AV Dinar (18mm, 8.06 g, 12h). Horseman type. Kumaragupta, left on horseback, bow across back, holding reins and hilt of sword / The goddess Lakshmi seated left on wicker stool, presenting grapes to peacock standing before and holding lotus; ajitamahendra in Brahmi to right. Bayana 1538 = Altekar Class II, Variety B and pl. XI, 6 (same obv. die); Kumar Class III Variety B; BKB 166; BMC Guptas 226-230 and p. 76. Red deposits in devices. VF. ($3000)

630.

SASANIAN KINGS. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) I. AD 223/4-240. AR Drachm (27mm, 4.07 g, 3h). Mint B (“Hamadan”).

Phase 3, circa AD 233/4-238/9. N!0N! !KRM R!KRM RTCßTR! 4 NXWRM (mzdysn bgy ’rthštry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem (type R); pellet to right / YW1RWN (NWR’ ZY in Pahlavi) to left, RTCUTR! (’rthštr in Pahlavi) to right, Fire altar (flames 1) with diadems (type R). SNS type VII(4a)/3b(2b); Saaedi 71 var. (no pellet); Sunrise 710 (same, but with pellets on base of altar). Traces of deposits, hint of smoothing on obverse. EF. Rarer type for this ruler. ($2000)

631.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (23mm, 7.19 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”).

Phase 1a, circa AD 240-244. !U RM UKiX WNM L!RL! !0M L!LLM 00 j˚π j!U 4 0¡dRM (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN ya in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos and ribbons / ‚j1RWN (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to left, KjKoj ([š]hpwhr[y] in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns. SNS type IIc/1a, style A, groupe indéterminé; cf. Saeedi AV9; Sunrise –. Faint scrape on obverse border, weakly struck at highest point of korymbos. Near EF. ($3000)

632.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) II. AD 309-379. AR Drachm (24mm, 4.29 g, 3h). Mint IX (“Kabul”). Struck circa AD 320-379. NAryN1 w N1rYA AwrM N!rrM ÁrJrπJc ÁL˜ LsYYM, bust right, wearing mural crown with korymbos and inner ribbon / ÁrJrπJc to left, Árr5! (NWR’ ZY in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar with ribbons. SNS type Ib1/2a (pl. 8, 104); MK 1225 (Mint I); Saeedi –; Sunrise 841 (this coin). Toned. EF. Well centered and struck. Rare. ($1500) Ex Sunrise Collection (The New York Sale XXXVII, 5 January 2016), lot 499.

218

Unpublished Investiture Dinar

633.

KUSHANO-SASANIANS. Ohrmazd (Hormizd) II. Circa AD 300-303. AV Dinar (31mm, 8.01 g, 12h). Investiture Issue. Unnamed (Boxlo [Balkh]) mint. AnRm EAVRk BÒ ÁdYmwSwA 4 n‡YdRm (mzdysn bgy ‘whrmzdy RB’ kws’n mlk’ in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing winged crown with ribbons and surmounted by pomegranate / 000M0ÔKÅ ÅWW0M 0MMA6 (‘w’ppy [= blundered ‘pzt’] mlk’ ‘whrmzdy in Pahlavi), Ohrmazd, with eagle at feet, standing right, holding smoking censer in right hand and raising left hand in gesture of benediction to Anahita to Anahita enthroned left, holding investiture wreath in raised right hand and scepter in left. Unpublished in the standard references. Deposits in devices, a hint of smoothing in fields, traces of die rust, reverse slightly double struck. EF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($10,000) The ceremony of investiture was a significant moment in the rule of the Sasanian monarch (and, by extension, those who ruled on his behalf), since it bestowed both legal and spiritual legitimacy on his rule. As a part of the process, the various Sasanian kings ordered this event to be proclaimed in rock carvings, such as Bahrām I (AD 273-76) at Bišāpur, and Narseh (AD 292-303) at Naqš-e Rostam. Shāhpur I (240-72) was one of the rare exceptions, since he recorded his investiture both at Naqš-e Rajab and Bišāpur. The ceremony itself was filled with deep religious symbolism: the goddess Anahita, an important divinity in the Iranian pantheon, was closely associated with the ceremony, as was the fire-altar, which was central to Zoroastrianism. As part of the ceremony, the ruler received the diadem, signifying their right to rule, as well as a personalized crown. This crown had a specialized significance: it distinguished the monarch as a unique ruler with the divine blessing for rule.

This investiture ceremony was the same for the Kushanshas (or Kushano-Sasanians), who ruled those parts of the former Kushan Empire now under Sasanian control. Like the Sasanians, each Kushanshah ruler had his own personal crown (see M. Carter. “A Numismatic Reconstruction of Kushano-Sasanian History” in AMNSMN 30 [1985]). It appears that their Sasanian overlords allowed these Kushanshahs to mint coins proclaiming their investiture. To date, most of these issues are silver drachms in public collections, or have very rarely appeared at auction (see Triton XXII, lot 486 for a drachm of Pērōz [Fīrūz]) I Kushanshah and E. Errington and V. Sarkhosh Curtis, From Persepolis to the Punjab [London, 2007], fig. 74.12 for a drachm of Ohrmazd [Hormizd] I). The same is the case with the extremely rare dinar of Ohrmazd (Hormizd) II (see lot 621 above) This dinar is unusual, since it is the only known example that diverts from the standard Kushano-Sasanian dinar obverse iconography. Instead, it derives from from the obverse type known for Kushano-Sasanian drachms: a crowned bust and legend in Pahlavi, rather than the more regular Bactrian. Like lot 621, this dinar shows the personal crown worn Ohrmazd (Hormizd), which again appears in the reverse design. More research may elucidate how this issue fits into the coinage of the Kushano-Sasanians.

219

ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINAGE

634 635 634.

MOESIA SUPERIOR, Viminacium. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Medallion (38mm, 65.49 g, 1h). Dated CY 2 (AD 240/1). IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M S C OL VIM, Moesia standing facing, head left, extending hands to bull and lion standing at her feet on either side; AN · I · I · (date) in exergue.

H&J, Viminacium –; AMNG I/1 75 = Varbanov 106; B. Pick, “Inedita der Sammlung Mandl in Budapest” in NZ 23 (1891), p.

31 (citing examples in the Löbbecke Collection and the Wiener Cabinet). Green patina, light chipping at edge of obverse. VF. Extremely rare. ($1500) Ex Roma E-Sale 53 (7 February 2019), lot 844; Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (16 May 2013), lot 1687.

635.

THRACE, Perinthus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Medallion (39mm, 31.57 g, 7h). Struck AD 215-217. AYT · K · M · AVP · CЄOYP · A(NT)ΩNЄINOC, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from front, aegis over left shoulder and gorgoneion on breastplate, holding spear over left shoulder / ΠЄPIN ΘΙΩ N NЄΩ KOPΩN, Tyche standing facing, head left, holding temple in each outstretched hand; at feet to left, lighted and garlanded altar. Schönert, Perinthos 596; Varbanov 235 (same dies as illustration). Green patina, areas of roughness, minor smoothing in fields. VF. ($1500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 90 (23 May 2012), lot 942; Classical Numismatic Group 72 (14 June 2006), lot 1140; Lanz 120 (18 May 2004), lot 417.

636 637 636.

ACHAEA. Mark Antony, with Octavia. Late Summer-Autumn 38 BC. Æ Sestertius (38mm, 30.10 g, 9h). ‘Fleet coinage’ issue. Heavy series. Uncertain naval base mint (Piraeus?); M. Oppius Capito, propraetor and praefectus classis. [Â ANT iÂp Ter COÍ DeÍ iTer eT Ter iii uir r p C], bare head of Mark Antony and draped bust of Octavia, vis-à-vis / [Â OppiuÍ CApiTO prO pr prAeF CLAÍÍ F C], Mark Antony and Octavia in quadriga of hippocamps right; hÍ to left; d and astragalus below. Amandry, Bronze II, 1A, 1-3 (D1/R1); RPC I 1462.5 (this coin); CRI 285; Sydenham 1265; BMCRR East 152. Rough brown surfaces, short scrape on obverse, tiny edge splits. Fine. Very rare. ($750) From the Michael Stolt Collection. Ex Bolaffi 33 (29 November 2018), lot 310.

637.

ACHAEA. Mark Antony, with Octavian and Octavia. Late Summer-Autumn 38 BC. Æ Tressis (33mm, 25.76 g, 7h). ‘Fleet coinage’ issue. Heavy series. Uncertain naval base mint (Piraeus?); M. Oppius Capito, propraetor and praefectus classis. [Â ANT iÂp Te]r · COÍ · DeÍig · iTer · eT · Ter · iii [uir r p C], conjoined bare heads of Mark Antony and Octavian, and draped bust of Octavia, vis-à-vis / Â [O]ppiu[Í C]ApiTO · prO · pr · prAe[F CLAÍÍ F C], three galleys under sail right; ˝ and triskeles below. Amandry, Bronze II, 1B, – (D1/R7; an unlisted die combination); RPC I 1463.23 (this coin); CRI 286; Sydenham 1266; BMCRR East 154. Rough brown surfaces, edge split. VF. Overstruck on an uncertain undertype. Extremely rare, only two in CoinArchives, and excellent for issue. ($2000) From the Michael Stolt Collection, purchased from Ingemar Wallin Mynthandel, January 2019.

220

638.

ACHAEA. Mark Antony, with Octavia. Summer 37 BC. Æ Dupondius (24mm, 7.75 g, 6h). Light series. Uncertain mint; M. Oppius Capito, propraetor and praefectus classis. [Â ANT iÂp Ter · ] COÍ · DeÍig · iTer] · eT · Ter · iii uir r p C], bare head of Mark Antony and draped bust of Octavia, vis-à-vis / [Â Op]pi[uÍ CAp]iTO · prO · pr · prAeF [CLAÍÍ F C], two galleys under sail right; pilei of the Dioscuri flanking mast; ∫ below. Amandry, Bronze II, 2B, 11-13 (obverse die 5); RPC I 1469.30 (this coin); CRI 295; Sydenham 126; BMCRR East 158-63. Green and brown patina, some roughness. VF. ($1500) From the Michael Stolt Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 59 (4 April 2011), lot 860.

Extremely Rare Mithradates III Stater

639.

KINGS of BOSPORUS. Mithridates III, with Claudius. AD 39/40-44/5. AV Stater (20mm, 7.85 g, 12h). Dated BE 337 (AD 40/1). Laureate head of Claudius right / ∫~452EW 4 ;5œr 5dÅto¨ •, Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; Z Gt (date) across field. Frolova & Ireland 1 = Anokhin 328 (same dies); MacDonald 309; RPC I 1908A. Underlying luster, slight double strike, light deposits and minor die breaks on obverse. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan.

Extremely rare, none for this date in CoinArchives. ($10,000) Following Julius Caesar’s famous defeat of Pharnakes II, the Bosporan kingdom was ruled by a succession of Roman-approved client kings.

Upon the accession of Mithradates III, he sent his younger brother Cotys to Rome as his ambassador. Cotys instead used this as an opportunity to betray his brother, informing the Romans that Mithradates was plotting a war against Rome. As a result, Mithradates was deposed and replaced by Cotys. Mithradates fled and, with Cotys now installed as king, much of the Roman forces left the region. Mithradates attempted to regain the throne but was quickly defeated. With all of his support now gone, the displaced king was forced to surrender and was subsequently permitted to live in Rome. He was put to death by Galba in AD 68 following an attempted coup.

640.

KINGS of BOSPORUS. Rhescuporis II, with Caracalla. AD 211/2-226/7. AV Stater (20.5mm, 7.77 g, 11h).

Dated BE 514 (AD 217/8). ∫&152Ew1 r˙1˚o¨∏or5do1, diademed and draped bust of Rhescuporis right; trident to right / Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right; dif (date) below. Frolova dies B-b; MacDonald 557/2; Anokhin 634b. Slight bend in flan. EF. ($750) 221

Very Rare Judaea Capta Issue – Ex Shoshana Collection

641.

BITHYNIA, Koinon of Bithynia. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. Æ (29mm, 13.96 g, 6h). Judaea Capta issue. M. Maecius Rufus, proconsul Bithyniae. ΛYTOKPΛ TITOΣ KΛIΣΛP ΣEBAΣ YIOΣ, laureate head right / EΠI M MAIKIOY POYΦOY ANΘYΠATOY, palm tree flanked to left by two spears and helmet set on cuirass, and to right by two shields and two spears. RG 16; NLJ 139; Hendin 6606a; Shoshana I 20539 = RPC II 604.9 (this coin); Stumpf 366 . Green and red-brown patina, minor pitting. EF. Very rare and the finest known. ($10,000) Ex Shoshana Collection (Part I, Heritage 3003, 8 March 2012), lot 20539; Numismatic Fine Arts XX (9 March 1988), lot 152 (weight in error).

642.

MYSIA, Pergamum. Geta. AD 209-211. Æ Medallion (45mm, 49.26 g, 6h). Menogenes the Younger, strategos for the second time. Struck AD 211. · AVTOKPA · KAI · ΠΟΠΛΙOC · CЄΠTI · ΓЄTAC ·, laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing slight beard; gorgoneion on breastplate / ЄΠI CTP · MHNO ΓЄNOVC B NЄOV · ΠЄPΓAMH/N Ω N, · B · NЄOKOPΩN in two lines in exergue, Geta right on horseback, preparing to spear prone and supplicating captive below horse; oval shield to left below horse. Von Fritze, Pergamon –; SNG BN 2217 corr. (attributed to Caracalla – same dies); SNG Leypold –; SNG von Aulock –. Green patina, slight doubling, minor smoothing. Good VF. Very rare. ($4000) Ex Leu Numismatik 1 (25 October 2017), lot 117.

Though sometimes described as a Parthian, the cringing, nude enemy below the hooves of Geta’s horse is more likely intended to represent a Caledonian warrior from the recent Severan campaigns in Britannia. Geta was acclaimed as Augustus while resident in Britain, and this is the only military campaign in which he took an active role.

222

643 644 643.

IONIA, Ephesus. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ (33mm, 22.04 g, 6h). T AIΛ KAICAP ANTΩNЄINOC, laureate head right / IЄPA AΠHNH (sic), ЄΦЄCIΩN in exergue, driver within carpentum drawn by four horses right. Karwiese rev. die 64A; SNG München 134 (same rev. die); Weber 5877 (same dies); Lindgren III 355 (same rev. die); RPC IV.2 Online 2380.10 (this coin). Earthen dark green patina. Good VF. Rare. ($1000) Ex Group CEM (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 1388.

644.

LYDIA, Daldis. Philip I. AD 244-249. Æ (38mm, 26.01 g, 6h). Flavius Aelius Priscus, first archon for the second time. AVT · K · M · IOVΛ · Φ IΛIΠΠOC · AVΓ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ЄΠI ΦΛ AIΛ ΠPЄI CKO/V APX ΠP/ΩTO B ·, ΔAΛΔIA/NΩN in exergue, the Abduction of Persephone: Hades, with billowing chlamys, in quadriga driven right by Eros, carrying away Persephone; fallen flower basket below horses. Kurth 57 = RPC VIII Online unassigned; ID 20214 (second specimen – this coin); Mabbott I 1792 (unillustrated). Orangish dark brown patina. Good VF. Extremely rare, two noted in RPC Online, including this coin, which is only coin in CoinArchives. ($2000) Ex Triton XV (3 January 2012), lot 1391; Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 359.

Hades fell in love with Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, and asked Zeus for permission to marry her. Zeus feared to offend his eldest brother by outright refusal, but knew also that Demeter would not forgive him if Persephone were committed to the underworld. In a political move, Zeus stated he could neither give nor withhold his consent. This emboldened Hades to abduct Persephone as she was picking flowers in a meadow and carry her away to the underworld.

Magnificent Artistic Septimius Severus Medallion

645.

LYDIA, Sardis. Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ Medallion (40mm, 35.16 g, 12h). G(aios) I(oulios) Krispos, archon. AD 193-195. · AYT · KAIC · Λ · CЄΠ TIMI · CЄOYHPOC · Π ЄPTINAZ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ЄΠI · Γ · I · KPICΠOY · APX/CAPΔIANΩN · ΔIC/NЄΩKOPΩN in three lines in exergue, two hexastyle temples seen in perspective facing left and right; clippeus in pediments; wreath above each. LS –; Kurth 467 (same dies); SNG Leypold –; SNG von Aulock 3155 (same dies). Dark green and brown patina, light smoothing in fields. Good VF. An impressive medallion, undoubtedly the finest known example. ($15,000) Ex Dr. P. Vogl Collection; Aufhäuser 10 (5 October 1993), lot 452 and front cover.

Sardis is one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor and was capital of the Lydian Kingdom in the 7th century BC. It remained an important metropolis into Roman times, where it was the seat of the Roman proconsul of Asia. From earliest times it was also a mint city, employing highly skilled engravers. This magnificent medallion, struck circa AD 193-195, is testament to their skill, commemorating an imperial visit to Sardis during a Severan tour of the Eastern provinces. The bust of Septimius Severus is rendered in extraordinary style, surpassing that of the Rome mint. The term neokoros was applied to cities in Asia Minor that erected temples to the divinity of an emperor. Sardis was “twice Neokorate,” with two such temples, both of which are depicted in three-quarters perspective on the reverse. Exactly which emperors were so honored is uncertain, although Antoninus Pius is likely one of them as a colossal head of his wife, Faustina Sr., was unearthed in the temple precinct.

223

Finest Known Example

646.

CARIA, Aphrodisias. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Triassarion (35mm, 21.86 g, 1h). ΑΥ Κ Μ ΑΝ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC CЄ, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / ΑΦΡΟΔЄΙCΙЄΩΝ, cult statue of Aphrodite of Aphrodisias right between seated priestess and fountain; on either side, Eros on cippus holding torch towards Aphrodite. RPC VII.1 618.4 (this coin illustrated); MacDonald Type 180, dies O229/R418; Hunterian 4; BMC 126; Cornell 105 (this coin). Dark brown patina, earthen highlights. Good VF. ($1500) From the David Simpson Collection. Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 1730.

Cited in Franke & Nollé

647.

PHRYGIA, Aezanis. Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ (32mm, 20.45 g, 7h). Homonoia with Cadi. ΑΥΤ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑ ΓΕΡΜΑ, laureate bust right, aegis at point of bust / ΔΗΜΟΣ ΑΙΖΑΝΕΙΤΩΝ ΔΗΜΟΣ ΚΑΔΟΗΝΩΝ, The Demoi of Aezanis and Cadi standing vis-à-vis, clasping right hands and holding scepters in left hands. Franke & Nollé 24 = RPC II 1369.11 (this coin); SNG von Aulock 3362. Dark brown patina, minor porosity. Good VF. Rare. ($750) From the MDA Collection. Ex Peter Vogl Collection (Helios 5, 25 June 2010), lot 888; Aufhäuser 11 (22 March 1995), lot 233.

224

Depiction of Noah’s Ark

648.

PHRYGIA, Apameia. Macrinus. AD 217-218. Æ Octassarion (35mm, 21.68 g, 6h). AY·T· K · M · OΠЄΛ · CЄOY MAKPCINOC CЄBA ·, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Noah and the Ark: half-length figures left of Noah and his wife within open-lidded square chest, inscribed NΩЄ, set on waves; to left, raven perched left on open lid; to left, Noah and his wife standing left upon dry land, raising hands in prayer; above, dove flying right and holding olive branch; AΠAMЄΩ/N in two lines in exergue. Waddington 5723; Hendin 921 (4th ed.; same dies as illustration); RPC V.2 Online –. Even black-green patina, light roughness, scratches, slight double strike and some weakness at high point of reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare with only three examples known – including this coin – the others being Waddington (now in the Bibliothèque Nationale) and Hendin (in a private collection), none in CoinArchives. ($75,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 870.

The Biblical tale of Noah and his Ark was widely known in the ancient world; indeed a form of the flood tale appears in the Akkadian Epic of Gilgamesh, circa 1,800 BC, long before its inclusion in the Old Testament. However, it is still surprising that representations of of Noah and his wife, shown both inside and standing beside a box-like Ark floating on floodwaters, began to appear on coins issued by Apameia in Phrygia early in the third century AD. Also shown are the birds Noah sent out to test whether the floodwaters had receded. There is no disputing what the scene shows, as Noah is explicitly named on the Ark. It is a remarkable design, and a puzzling one: No other Biblical scenes occur on Greco-Roman coins in pre-Christian times -- why this tale and this city in central Anatolia, far from the Jewish homeland? Three explanations have been suggested: (1) Apameia is reputed to have had a large Jewish population from its Seleukid foundation in the third century BC, many of them resettled from Babylon by Antiochos III the Great; by the AD 200s, some Jews likely became civic leaders with a role in choosing coin designs. (2) An alternate name for Apameia was “Kibotos” (Strabo, xii. 8.13), the Greek word for “ark” in the sense of a chest (as in the Ark of the Covenant), possibly due to its role as a major trade center and the distinctive shipping containers it used for goods; and so the city chose as one of its blazons the most famous “ark” in history, which found its way onto coinage (explaining the boxy Ark seen on the coins) (3) A local legend arose that the true Mount Ararat, where the Ark came to rest, was in the vicinity of Apameia (although the mountain known today as Ararat is quite far from the city, on the Turkish-Armenian border). Whatever the reasons, the highly sought-after reverse type was struck for Septimius Severus, Macrinus (the present specimen and the rarest), Gordian III, Trebonianus Gallus, and Philip I, one example of which recently sold for hammer price CHF 240,000 in a Swiss auction (Leu Numismatic Auction 7, lot 1457).

225

Portrait of Fulvia

649.

PHRYGIA, Eumeneia (as Fulvia). Fulvia, first wife of Mark Antony. Circa 41-40 BC. Æ (20mm, 6.10 g, 12h).

Zmertorix, son of Philonides, magistrate. Draped bust of Fulvia (as Victory) right / Athena standing left, holding shield and reversed spear; [f]oU¬oU5Å@W@ downward to right, [Z]ÂErtor5˝o%/f5¬W@5doU in two lines downward to left. RPC I 3139; SNG München –; BMC 20-1; SNG Copenhagen –. Dark green patina with earthen highlights. Good VF. ($1000) From the Michael Stolt Collection. Ex Peter J. Merani Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021; David Freedman Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 506.

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). The city of Eumenia was re-named Fulviana in her honor by Antony’s partisans. 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. Some examples of these coins show that the ethnic was removed from the die and two countermarks were applied, one that was the monogram of old Eumeneia, and the other probably of the magistrate Zmertorix, possibly proclaiming that he did not think such a renaming of the city was a good idea in the first place.

650.

PISIDIA, Sagalassus. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ (36mm, 28.76 g, 6h). AVT · KA · M · ANT · ΓOPΔIANOC · AV ·, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / · CAΓAΛACCЄΩN, Demeter, holding long torch in both hands, in biga of winged serpents; waves below. Watson 709; RPC VII.2 Online 20865 (second specimen – this coin). Earthen dark green patina, minor edge splits. Good VF. Extremely rare, RPC cites only two examples, only this coin in CoinArchives. ($1000) Ex Group CEM (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 1415; Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 359; James Fox Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 40, 4 December 1996), lot 1633; Waddell II (12 September 1987), lot 376; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 433.

Extremely Rare

651.

CILICIA, Anemurium. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ (28mm, 11.21 g, 7h). Dated RY 18 (AD 114/15). ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤωΡ ΚΑΙCΑΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟC, laureate bust right, draped left shoulder / ΑΝΕΜΟΥΡΙΕωΝ ΕΤΟΥC, ΗΙ (date), Artemis standing facing, head right, wearing short chiton, holding bow in outstretched left hand and drawing arrow from quiver at her right shoulder; stag at her feet right. RPC III 3197 (this coin illustrated). Green patina. Good VF. Extremely rare, only this specimen known to RPC, none in CoinArchives. ($500) From the MDA Collection. Ex Athena 3 (15 May 1990), lot 296.

226

Unpublished

652.

CILICIA, Celenderis. Macrinus. AD 217-218. Æ (28mm, 10.78 g, 7h). ΑΥ Κ Μ ΟΠ CЄΟΥΗΡ ΜΑΚΡΙΝΟC, laureate and cuirassed bust right / ΚЄΛЄΝΔЄΡΙΤωΝ, Poseidon standing left, holding trident in left hand and dolphin in right, altar at feet left. Cf. SNG Levante Supp. 136/133 (for obv./rev. types); otherwise unpublished. Green patina with earthen highlights, small edge split. EF. Wonderful expressive portrait. Extremely rare. ($500) From the MDA Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 117 (14 October 2002), lot 403.

653.

CILICIA, Tarsus. Trajan. AD 98-117. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.79 g, 7h). ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙΣ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟΣ ΣΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ, laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤ Γ, Tyche seated right on rocky outcropping, holding palm frond with right hand; below, half-length figure of river-god Cydnus swimming right; civic monogram to right. Prieur 752; SNG Levante 990; SNG BN 1395; RPC III 3254. Lightly toned, a few minor scratches, some obverse die breaks. Near EF. ($750) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1999.

654.

CILICIA, Tarsus. Pupienus. AD 238. Æ (37mm, 26.62 g, 12h). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙC Μ ΚΛ ΠΟΥΠΙΗΝΟΝ CЄΒ, Π Π in fields, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ΤΑΡCΟΥ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛЄΩC, Hermes standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and purse in left; Α Μ Κ Β Γ in fields. SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; Lindgren & Kovacs 1630; McClean 9120.

Dark green patina with earthen highlights. VF. Very rare. ($500) From the MDA Collection.

227

655.

CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea-Eusebia. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tridrachm (23mm, 8.58 g, 1h). Dated RY 18 of Septimius Severus (AD 210). ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Μ ΑΥΡΗΛΙ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC ΑΥΓ, laureate head right / ΜΗΤΡΟ ΚΑΙCΑΡΙΑC ΝЄΩΚΟ, radiate male figure seated left on Mt. Argaeus, holding branch; ЄT IH (date) in exergue. Henseler 593.7 (this coin); Sydenham, Caesarea, Suppl. 476e. Near EF. ($750) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale (25 May 2020), lot 1133; Triton XIII (4 January 2010), lot 1486.

656.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes IV, with Augustus. Second reign, circa 2 BC-AD 1. Æ 8 Chalkoi (24mm, 14.42 g, 12h). Artaxata mint. [BACIΛЄYC M]ЄΓAC NЄOC TIΓPANHC, draped bust of Tigranes right, wearing tiara / [KAICAP ΘЄ]OC ΘЄ[OY YIOC CЄBACTOC], bare head of Augustus left. Kovacs 178; Kovacs, Armenia II 3; CAA 167; AC 184 (this coin illustrated); RPC I 3841 (Tigranes III or Tigranes V). Earthen dark green patina. Fine. Rare. ($2000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Araratian Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 36, 5 December 1995), lot 634.

657.

COMMAGENE, Samosata. Philip I. AD 244-249. Æ (33mm, 17.68 g, 6h). AVTOK K M IOVΛI ΦIΛIППOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from front / ΦΛ CAMOCATЄωN MHTPOΠ KOM, Tyche seated left on rock outcropping, holding grain ears; eagle perched on wrist; at feet, Pegasos leaping left. Butcher 31a; BMC 49; RPC VIII Online (unassigned; ID 8339; thirty-first specimen – this coin). Brown surfaces, a hint of smoothing in fields. EF. ($500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 886.

658.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Aulus Gabinius. 57-55 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.40 g, 12h). In the name and types of Philip I Philadelphus. Diademed head right within bead-and-reel border / ∫`%5GE∑[%]>f5G5∏∏oU to right, E∏5f`@oU%>f5G`dE2f[oU] to left, Zeus Nicephorus enthroned left; thunderbolt above, ‚ (monogram of Gabinius) to lower inner left, ù below throne; all within laurel wreath. McAlee 1; Prieur 1; RPC I 4124; HGC 9, 1356. Find patina, minor metal flaws on obverse. Near EF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Abramowitz Family Collection (Superior, 8 December 1993), lot 384.

228

Ex McAlee and Prieur Collections

659.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Mark Antony & Cleopatra. Circa 36-34 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.90 g, 12h). BACIΛICCA KΛ[ЄOΠATPA ΘЄA NЄ]ωTЄPA, diademed bust of Cleopatra right, wearing earring, necklace, and embroidered dress / ANTωNIOC AVTOKPATωP TRITON TPIωN ANΔPωN, bare head of Antony right. Prieur 27; McAlee 174/1 (this coin illustrated); RPC I 4094; HGC 9, 1361. Toned, light porosity. Good VF. Excellent portraits. Rare in this condition. ($20,000) Ex Michel Prieur Collection (Triton XXII, 8 January 2019), lot 552; Moreira Collection (Part 2, Superior, 10 December 1988), lot 2245; Hess-Leu [7] (16 April 1957), lot 336.

The obverse legend is usually translated as “Queen Cleopatra, the younger goddess” or “...the newer goddess.” Ted Buttrey (“Thea Neotera,” MN VI [1954], pp. 95-109) read the legend rather differently: “Queen Cleopatra Thea, junior.” Essentially, this would make her Cleopatra Thea II and thus the namesake of the Seleucid queen Cleopatra Thea (ruled 125-121 BC), the daughter of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II. Buttrey argued that such tetradrachms of Antony and Cleopatra officially mark Cleopatra as reigning “... not as Egyptian conquerer but as a Seleucid queen.”

While the coinage is traditionally given to the Antioch mint, this attribution is by no means certain. The authors of RPC (pp. 601-2) thought differently: “...the portraits might suggest that one should look for a mint further south in Cleopatra’s ‘Phoenician’ kingdom; an alternative explanation might be that they were made on the move by Antony, after wintering in Antioch 37/36.”

660.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Tetradrachm (21mm, 15.05 g, 1h). Dated year 29 of the Actian Era and Cos. XIII (2 BC). ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΥ, laureate head right / ΕΤΟΥΣ ΘΚ (Actian era date) ΝΙΚΗΣ, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rocky outcropping, holding palm frond in right hand; below, half-length figure of river-god Orontes swimming right; in right field, monogram (=ΥΠΑTOY) and IΓ (consular date) above monogram (=ANTIOXIEΩN?).

Prieur 54; McAlee 184; RPC I 4155; Wruck 6; DCA 400. Toned with light iredescence. EF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection.

229

661.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Nero, with Poppaea. AD 54-68. AR Drachm (17.5mm, 3.20 g, 6h). Struck AD 62/3. ΝΕΡΩΝ ΚΑΙΣ[ΑΡ] ΣΕΒ ΑΣΤΟΣ, laureate head of Nero right / ΠΟΠΠΑΙΑ ΝΕΡΩ[ΝΟ]Σ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟY, draped bust of Poppaea right. McAlee 280; Prieur 88; RPC I 4187. Toned, some roughness and deposits. Good VF. ($500)

Plate Coin in RPC and Prieur

662.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.59 g, 12h). Dated “Holy Year” 3 (AD 70/1). [AY]TOKP · KAIΣ OYECΠAΣIA[N], laureate bust right, wearing aegis / [E]TOYΣ Γ IEPOV (date), Eagle standing left on [palm frond], with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; club to left; ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY (date) around.

RPC II 1965.1 = Prieur 129 (this coin illustrated); McAlee 353. Lightly toned, a hint of porosity. Good VF. Attractive portrait.

Extremely rare, three in CoinArchives (including this coin). ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 581.

663.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Nerva. AD 96-98. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 12.77 g, 1h). Dated “New Holy Year” 1 (AD 96/97). ΑΥΤ ΝΕΡΟΥΑΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒ, laureate bust right, aegis at point of bust / ΕΤΟΥC ΝΕΟΥ ΙΕΡΟΥ Α, eagle standing right on thunderbolt, with wings spread, palm frond to right. McAlee 419; Prieur 149; RPC III 3476. Iridescent toning, graffiti in obverse field. Good VF. ($750) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

664.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Laodicea ad Mare. Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.45 g, 12h). Struck AD 207-209. AVT KAI CЄOYHPOC CЄB, laureate and draped bust right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠA TO Γ, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; star between legs. Prieur 1140; Prieur & Amandry Group II, 22; McAlee, Severan, Group 2, 16. Attractively toned with underlying luster. Near EF. ($500) 230

Exceptional Architectural Issue

665.

DECAPOLIS, Abila. Elagabalus. AD 218-222. Æ (29mm, 18.72 g, 12h). Dated CY 282 (AD 218/9). laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IЄ ACY CЄ ABIΛ[H N]ωN K C[У], lighted altar within hexastyle temple with arched central bay set on steps; pediment surmounted by figure of Nike; on either side, crenellated multistory towers, each with arched entryway; BΠ C (date) above. Spijkerman 25; SNG ANS 1128; Sofaer 22 var. (date); cf. Price & Trell fig. 288. Earthen dark green patina. Good VF. An impressive architectural type. ($3000)

666.

DECAPOLIS, Canata. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ (26mm, 11.97 g, 12h). Dated CY 253 (AD 190/1). ΑVΤ Κ ΜΑ ΑΝΤΟ ΚΟΜ, laureate head right / ΓΑΒЄΙΝ ΚΑΝΑΘ, Dionysus standing left, holding long thyrsus in left hand and cantharus over panther to left in right; ΓΝC (date) in field. RPC IV.3 Online 6545; Sofaer 5; Rosenberger 5; SNG ANS 1265; Spijkerman 7. Earthen black patina with red highlights. Good VF. Rare. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

Unpublished Variety

667.

DECAPOLIS, Capitolias. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ (29mm, 16.12 g, 1h). Dated CY 68 (AD 164/5). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙC Μ ΑΥΡ ΑΝΤωΝЄΙΝΟC, laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing balteus / ΚΑΠΙΤωΛΙЄωΝ ΙЄΡ ΑCΥ ΑΥΤ, decastyle temple with central arch and pediment over which a square structure ornamented with pilasters, supporting huge conical altar; within, Zeus seated left, extending arm and holding scepter; on either cited tall crenelated tower; H-Ξ (date) above. Spijkerman 1-2 var. (same); Sofaer 1 var. (same); cf. Meshorer, City-Coins, 230 (for obv. die); RPC IV.3 Online 6552-3 var. (date). Brown surfaces. VF. Unpublished variety of a rare type, previously unrecorded date. ($1000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

231

668.

DECAPOLIS, Capitolias. Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. Æ (26mm, 10.41 g, 1h). Dated CY 70 (AD 167/8). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙCΑΡ Λ ΑΥΡ ΟΥΗΡΟC, laureate and cuirassed bust right / ΚΑΠΙΤωΛΙЄωΝ Ι Α CΥ Α ΗΞ (date), Tyche-Astarte standing left, holding small bust and scepter, resting foot on river-god, within hexastyle temple with central arch. Meshorer, City-Coins 231; Spijkerman 7; Sofaer -: RPC IV.3 Online 6283. Dark green surfaces, earthen deposits. Good VF. Exceptional reverse. Extremely rare, only three specimens known to RPC. ($1000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

669.

DECAPOLIS, Gadara. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ (35mm, 22.78 g, 11h). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙω ΑΝΤωΝЄΙΝΟC CЄΒ ЄΥC, laureate and cuirassed bust right / ΠΟ ΓΑΔΑΡ Ι Α Α Γ Κ CΥ, Zeus seated facing, holding scepter in right hand, within tetrastyle temple; ΓKC (date) in pediment. Spijkerman 31 var. (bust type); Rosenberger 37 var. (same); RPC IV.3 Online 6659; SNG ANS 1305; cf. Sofaer 31 (same). Dark green and brown patina, minor roughness. VF. Struck in high relief. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

The Finest Known

670.

DECAPOLIS, Gadara. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (35mm, 29.99 g, 1h). Dated CY 243 (AD 179/80). ΑVΤ Κ Λ ΑVΡ ΚΟΜΜΟΔΟΝ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ΠΟΜΠΗΙЄωΝ ΓΑΔΑΡЄωΝ ЄΤ ΓΜC (date), galley with rowers and helmsman left. Meshorer City-Coins, 219 (this coin, the reverse illustrated); Spijkerman 66; RPC IV.3 Online 6689; G. Le Rider, “Monnaies grecques acquises par le Cabinet des Médailles en 1959” in RN 1959, 26. Green patina, minor roughness. VF. Extremely rare, only four specimens known to RPC. The finest known example. ($3000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

RPC only illustrates one example of the type and lists the obverse legend as “ΑVΤ Κ Λ ΑVΡ ΚΟΜ[ΜΟΔΟΝ?]” indicating the reading of the legend is uncertain. The legend on this superb specimen is certain and leaves no doubt as to the reading of the ending of the ethnic.

232

671.

DECAPOLIS, Gadara. Elagabalus. AD 218-222. Æ (28mm, 21.26 g, 1h). Dated CY 282 (AD 218/9). ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΥΡ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟC, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / ΠΟΜΠΗΙΕωΝ ΓΑΔΑΡΕωΝ ΒΠC (date), galley left, with eight oarsmen and navigator at stern, standard-barer at prow; all within wreath. Spijkerman 88; Rosenberger 80; SNG ANS 1330 var. (date); Sofaer 96. Earthen brown patina. Near VF. Rare. ($3000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

Issues of Three Proconsules Syriae

672

673

674

672.

DECAPOLIS, Nysa-Scythopolis. temp. Aulus Gabinius, proconsul Syriae. 57-54 BCE. Æ (21mm, 6.27 g, 12h).

Draped female bust right, wearing stephane; ˝`∫ to left / [˝`]∫5@(51 o5 (@ @U1˙, Nike alighting left, holding wreath and palm frond. Barkay 1 = Barkay, Coins 1; Rosenberger 1; Hendin (4th ed.) 884; cf. RPC I 4826; Sofaer 4. Earthen green patina.

VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

673.

DECAPOLIS, Nysa-Scythopolis. temp. Metellus Scipio, proconsul Syriae. 53-46 BCE. Æ (21mm, 6.72 g, 12h).

In the name and types of Aulus Gabinius. Dated CY 16 (49/8). Bare head of Gabinius right / Dionysus standing left, holding cantharus and thyrsus; ˝`∫>@U in two lines to left; l 5? (date) to right; G in exergue. Cf. Barkay 5 = Barkay, Coins, 8 ([Crassus] for type, but with final digit not visible); cf. Rosenberger 3; Hendin –; cf. RPC I 4827; DCA –; cf. Sofaer 7. Dark green surfaces, earthen highlights. VF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from David Hendin, January 2005.

674.

DECAPOLIS, Nysa-Scythopolis. temp. Q. Caecilius Bassus, proconsul Syriae. 46-44 BCE. Æ (21mm, 5.66 g, 12h). In the name and types of Aulus Gabinius. Dated CY 19 (46/5). Bare head of Gabinius right / Dionysus standing left, holding cantharus and thyrsus; ˝`∫>@U in two lines to left; l 5h (date) to right. Barkay 6; Barkay, Coins, 10; Rosenberger 2 corr. (date); Hendin 885 var. ([4th edtion] date; attributed to Gabinius); RPC I 4828; DCA 593; Sofaer –. Earthen dark green patina. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased 10 August 2000.

675.

DECAPOLIS, Pella. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (36mm, 26.61 g, 11h). Dated CY 246 (AD 183/4). ΑΥ Κ Μ ΚΟΜΜΟΔΟC ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ΦΙΛΙΠ Τ Κ ΠЄΛΛΑΙωΝ Π ΝΥΦ Κ CΥ ЄΛ ЄΤΟ ςΜC (date), Acropolis of Pella with hexastyle temple and statue standing in center. The temple is placed on a podium supported by pillars; at the base of mountain, a colonnade with gateways. Spijkerman 9; RPC IV.3 Online 6588; Sofaer 7. Green surfaces, minor roughness. Near VF. Extremely rare, only four specimens known to RPC. ($1000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

233

676.

PHOENICIA, Ace-Ptolemais. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 12.97 g, 6h). Struck circa AD 215-217. AVT KAI ANTΩNINOC CЄB, laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞ ΥΠΑΤΟCΤ Δ, eagle standing facing, with wreath in beak and spread wings, head right; Zeus Heliopolites flanked by facing bulls between legs. Prieur 1214; Bellinger –.

Lightly toned. Near EF. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

677.

PHOENICIA, Ace-Ptolemais. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 15.05 g, 12h). Struck circa AD 215-217. AVT · K · M A ANTΩNЄINO C · CЄB ·, laureate head right / · ΔHMAPX · ЄΞ VΠATOC · TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; pilei of the Dioscuri between legs. Prieur 1222; Bellinger 257 (Tripolis). Lightly toned with underlying luster, hairline die break on reverse. Choice EF. An exceptional coin, better than the Prieur example. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, 5 December 1996.

678.

PHOENICIA, Ace-Ptolemais. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.58 g, 1h). Struck circa AD 215-217. AYT K •M•A ANTΩNЄINOC CЄB, laureate head right / ΔHMAPX EΞ YΠATOCΔ, eagle standing facing, head right, with wreath in its beak and spread wings, two pilei surmounted by stars between its legs. Prieur 1225; SNG Righetti 661.

Toned. EF. Rare, only one in CoinArchives. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

679.

PHOENICIA, Ace-Ptolemais. Philip II. As Caesar, AD 244-247. Æ (27mm, 16.89 g, 1h). IVL PHILIPPVS NOB CAES, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / COL PTOL, founder, with yoke of two oxen right, plowing pomerium.

Sofaer 254; Kadman —; Rouvier —; RPC VIII Online 66933. Earthen green-brown patina, flan adjustment marks. Good Fine.

Extremely rare, only one specimen known to RPC. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

234

680.

PHOENICIA, Ace-Ptolemais. Valerian I. AD 253-260. Æ (27mm, 13.81 g, 1h). IMP CAES LIC VALERIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, aegis on breastplate, seen from the front / COL PTOL, Tyche-Astarte standing left, holding cornucopia in left hand and rudder in right, being crowned by Nike standing on short column to right; all within hexastyle temple; in exergue, river-god reclining left. Kadman Akko 233 var. (bust type); Rosenberger -. Green patina, some roughness on obverse. Near VF. Rare and with an excellent reverse. ($750) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

681.

PHOENICIA, Ace-Ptolemais. Valerian I. AD 253-260. Æ (27mm, 14.08 g, 1h). IMP CAE LIC VALERIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / COL PTOL, sacred tree; flanked by altar from which serpent rises; caduceus to right. Rosenberger 82; Sofaer 276; Kadman Akko 246. Dark green surfaces, earthen highlights. VF. A particularly well struck reverse. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

683

682

682.

PHOENICIA, Dora. Mark Antony & Cleopatra. 34-33 BC. Æ (22mm, 7.28 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 (Egyptian) of Cleopatra (34/3 BC). Conjoined diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra, and bare head of Antony right; d to right / Tyche of Dora standing left, holding palm frond and caduceus; l œ5 (date) to left; ≤ to right. Meshorer, Coins, 13 (Cleopatra and Ptolemy XV); Sofaer –; RPC I 4752.9 (this coin); DCA 514; HGC 10, 153. Earthen green patina, minor roughness. Near VF. Rare. ($1500) From the Michael Stolt Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 488 (24 March 2021), lot 353.

683.

PHOENICIA, Marathus. Mark Antony. 37-36 BC. Æ (23mm, 9.07 g, 12h). Dated CY 223 (37/6 BC). Bare head of Antony right / Bull recumbent left on ground line, head facing slightly right; above, 5&@ and Q (qof in neo-Punic); 1˚˝ (date) and ; in exergue. Clercq 320 (example in BN); RPC I 4494.7 (this coin); DCA 842; HGC 10, 196 = Patrick Villemur Collection (CNG 78) lot 1478. Dark green and red-brown patina, areas of minor smoothing. VF. ($750) From the Michael Stolt Collection, purchased from C.J. Martin.

235

684.

PHOENICIA, Sidon. Elagabalus. AD 218-222. Æ (25mm, 10.46 g, 6h). IMP CES M Λ V ΛNTONINVS, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Europa, holding billowing veil and bull’s horn, seated on bull leaping right; Λ and P flanking; SID COL/METRO in two lines in exergue. Rouvier 1504; AUB 237-9; BMC 229-30; RPC VI Online –. Dark green-brown patina with earthen deposits. Near EF. ($1000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Group CEM (Classical Numismatic Group 93, 22 May 2013), lot 997 (where it hammered for $1900); John Work Garrett Collection (Part I, Numismatic Fine Arts & Bank Leu, 16 May 1984), lot 850, purchased from Wayte Raymond, 1 October 1923.

686 685 685.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Agrippa I, with Gaius (Caligula). 37-43 CE. Æ (23mm, 9.60 g, 11h). Caesarea Panias (as Caesarea Philippi) mint. Dated RY 5 (40/1 CE). [ΓΑΙΩ ΚΑΙΣΑΡΙ C]ΕΒΑCΤΩ [ΓΕΡΜΑΝΙΚΩ], laureate head of Gaius Caligula left / Germanicus in triumphal quadriga right, holding eagle-tipped scepter; [ΝΟΜΙΣ]/ΒΑΣΙ[ΛΕΩΣ]/ΓΡΙΠΠΑ in three lines above; traces of LE (date) in exergue. Meshorer 116; Hendin 6270; Sofaer –; RPC I 4976; Triton XI, lot 519 (same obv. die). Dark green-brown surfaces, light smoothing. Fine. Rare. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, May 1990.

686.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Agrippa II, with Domitian. Circa 50-100 CE. Æ (19.5mm, 5.29 g, 12h). Latin series.

Caesarea Maritima mint. Dated RY 26 of the second era of Agrippa II (86/7 CE). IM CΛ D VES F D OM ΛV GER COS XII, laureate bust of Domitian right; aegis at point of bust / EΠI BA AΓPI, crossed cornucopias over winged caduceus; S C below; ET KS (date) across field. Meshorer 163; Hendin 6355; Sofaer 222; Shoshana I 20184; RPC II 2271 (Caesarea Panias). Dark green patina with earthen highlights, minor roughness. Good VF. ($500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Shoshana Collection (Part I, Heritage 3003, 8 March 2012), lot 20184.

687 688 687.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Agrippa II, with Vespasian. Circa 50-100 CE. Æ (29mm, 14.85 g, 12h). Caesarea Panias mint. Dated RY 27 of the first era of Agrippa II (75/6 CE). ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑ ΟΥΕCΠΑ ΚΑΙCΑΡΙ CΕΒΑCΤω, laureate head of Vespasian right / Tyche-Demeter standing left, holding grain ears and cornucopia; star to upper left; ETOV KZ (date) BA/ AΓPI ΠΠA in two lines across field; macron above BA. Meshorer 166; Hendin 6318; Sofaer 240; RPC II 2283. Dusty earthen green surfaces. Good VF. ($1000) From the Father & Son Collection, purchased from Fontanille Coins, 23 February 2017.

688.

JUDAEA, Herodians. Agrippa II, with Vespasian. Circa 50-100 CE. Æ (29mm, 14.41 g, 12h). Caesarea Panias mint. Dated RY 15 of the second era of Agrippa II (74/5 CE). · ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑ ΟΥΕCΠΑCI · ΚΑΙCΑΡΙ CΕΒΑCΤΩ ·, laureate head of Vespasian right / Tyche-Demeter standing left, holding grain ears and cornucopia; ETOV IE (date) BA/AΓPI ΠΠA in two lines across field; macrons above IE and BA. Meshorer 140; Hendin 6335; Sofaer193; RPC II 2252. Greenbrown patina, earthen deposits. VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 318 (15 January 2014), lot 462 (hammer $2100).

236

689.

JUDAEA, Roman Administration. Claudius. 41-54 CE. Æ Unit (23mm, 12.04 g, 12h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 13 (54 CE). ˚¬&Ud5oU ˚&54&ro4, palm frond; l 5˝ (date) across field / t5∫E>r5&4 in two lines within wreath. Meshorer 347; Hendin 6296; Sofaer 79 (Interim Period between Agrippa I and II); RPC I 4851. Brown surfaces, double strike on reverse.

VF. ($500) From the Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 1990.

690.

JUDAEA, Roman Administration. Claudius. 41-54 CE. Æ Half Unit (19mm, 5.18 g, 12h). Tiberias mint. Dated RY 13 (54 CE). ˚¬&Ud5oU ˚&54&ro4, palm frond; l 5˝ (date) across field / t5∫E>r5&4 in two lines within wreath. Meshorer 348; Hendin 6297; Sofaer 80 (Interim Period between Agrippa I and II); RPC I 4852. Earthen green-brown surfaces. Good VF. ($500) From the Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 1990.

691 692 691.

JUDAEA, Roman Administration. Titus. As Caesar, 69-79 CE. Æ (25mm, 12.87 g, 12h). Judaea Capta commemorative issue. Caesarea Maritima mint. ΑΥΤΟΚΡ TIT OΣ KAIΣAP, laureate head right / ΙΟΥΔΑΙΑΣ ΕΑΛΩΚΥΙΑΣ, trophy; bound captive seated to left, shield to right. Meshorer 384; Hendin 6476; Sofaer 13; RPC II 2313.

Earthen green surfaces. Good VF. Well struck for issue. ($500) From the Father & Son Collection Ex Fontanille 36 (4 April 2012), lot 7.

692.

JUDAEA, Roman Administration. Domitian. 81-96 CE. Æ (23mm, 13.71 g, 12h). Caesarea Maritima mint.

Struck 81-82 CE. IMP DOMITIANVS CAESAR DIVI F AVG, laureate head right / DIVOS T AVG, Titus, in military attire, standing facing, head right, holding spear in right. hand, parazonimum in left. Meshorer 387; Hendin 6478; Sofaer 15-7; RPC II 2301. Earthen dark green patina, minor roughness. VF. ($1000) From the Dr Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from ILM, 1990s.

Finest Known Example

693.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Hadrian, with Aelius Caesar. 117-138 CE. Æ (24mm, 10.39 g, 1h). IMP CAE TRAIA HADRIANO AVG, laureate and draped bust of Hadrian right / L AELIVS CAESA COL AEL KAP, bare head of Aelius right. Meshorer, Aelia 8; Rosenberger 8; RPC III 3969; SNG ANS 593; Sofaer 8-9. Green patina with attractive earthen highlights. Good VF. Rare and likely the finest known example. ($1000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

237

Extremely Rare

694.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Lucius Verus. 161-169 CE. Æ (33mm, 31.30 g, 11h). IMP CAES L AVREL VERVS AVG, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / COL AELI CAPE, she-wolf standing right, head left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus. Meshorer Aelia 61 corr. (bust described as laureate); Kadman Aelia 72 var. (obv. legend and bust type); Rosenberger 40 var. (same); RPC IV.3 Online 3611; SNG ANS -. Dark green patina, earthen highlights.

VF. Struck in high relief. Extremely rare, only two specimens listed in RPC. ($5000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

695.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Septimius Severus, with Julia Domna. 198-217 CE. Æ (33mm, 19.19 g, 1h). IMP CES LV SEPT SEV ET IVLIA DOMNA AVG, jugate busts right of Septimius Severus, laureate and draped, and Julia Domna, draped and with crescent over head / ANTONINVS AVG GETA CAES, COL AE C C P F, Caracalla and Geta standing vis-à-vis, clasping right hands. Meshorer Aelia 81; Kadman Aelia 87; Rosenberger 48; SNG ANS –; Sofaer 74-5.

Earthen brown patina, areas of flat strike. Good VF. ($3000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

697 696 696.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 12.39 g, 12h). ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟC ΤΟ Δ, eagle standing on thyrsus facing, head left, with spread wings, wreath in beak, ampora between legs. Meshorer Aelia 89a; Prieur 1626; Bellinger –; SNG ANS 615. Toned. Good VF. Scarce. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

697.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.40 g, 6h). Struck 215-217 CE. ΛVT KΛI ΛNTωNINOC CЄ, laureate head right; below, eagle standing right, holding wreath in beak / ΔHMΛP X ЄΞ VΠΛTOC Δ, Eagle standing facing on thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; grape bunch between legs. Meshorer, Aelia –; Prieur 1621/1622 (obv./rev.); Bellinger –; Sofaer –; CNG 118, lot 831 (Galst) = CNG 60, lot 1409 (same dies). Whisper of iridescence, traces of underlying luster, traces of porosity, a couple of laminations on reverse, obverse struck with worn die. VF. Extremely rare, only one example in CoinArchives (the CNG 118 coin, which hammered $11,000). ($2000)

238

698 699 698.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Macrinus. 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 13.44 g, 1h). ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΟΠΛ C ΜΑΚΡΙΝΟC CΒ, laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟC Π Π, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head left, with wings spread; vine leaf between legs. Meshorer, Aelia 97 (same obv. die as illustration); Prieur 1637; Rosenberger –; Sofaer –; SNG ANS –. Lightly toned, minor deposits. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($750) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection. Ex Superior (8 December 1995), lot 1396.

699.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Diadumenian. As Caesar, 217-218 CE. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.36 g, 12h). M OΠ ANTωN • KAI, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Δ HMAPX ЄΞ V[ΠAT]OC ΠΠ, eagle standing facing on thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; wine jar (amphora) between legs.

Meshorer, Aelia 99a = Sofaer 96 (same obv. die); Prieur 1646. Lightly toned, minor porosity, a few shallow pits on reverse.

VF. Extremely rare, only two cited by Prieur, and four in CoinArchives. ($2000)

700.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Trajan. 98-117 CE. Æ (28mm, 26.96 g, 1h). Struck circa 115 CE. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OP AVG GER DAC COS VI P P, laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder / C I F AVG CAES, AstarteTyche standing within tetrastyle temple with domed roof, foot on prow and holding human bust in right hand and spear in left, river god below right, horned altar below RPC III 3954; SNG ANS 760; Sofaer 21. Brown surfaces, flan adjustment marks.

Good VF. ($750) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

701.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Hadrian. 117-138 CE. Æ (28mm, 21.15 g, 12h). IMP TRA HADRIANO CAES AVG, laureate and draped bust right / COL I FL AVG CAESARENS, Hadrian (as founder) plowing pomerium with yoke of oxen right; above, Victory flying left, crowning him with wreath. Rosenberger 24; RPC III 3958; SNG ANS 766; Sofaer 26.

Earthen green patina. VF. ($750) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

239

Extremely Rare

702.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Lucius Verus. 161-169 CE. Æ (33mm, 25.89 g, 1h). IMP CAES L AVREL VERVS AVG PAR, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / COL PRIMA FLAVIA AVGVSTA CAESAREA, eagle standing left with spread wings, head right, supporting wreath; S P Q R within. Kadman Caesarea 56; Rosenberger –; RPC IV.3 Online 10177.

Black patina with earthen deposits. VF. Great portrait. Extremely rare, only one specimen known to RPC. ($2000) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

Unpublished

703.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Lucius Verus. 161-169 CE. Æ (33mm, 20.70 g, 1h). IMP CAES L AVR VERVS AVG ARM, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / COL PRIMA FL AVGVS CAESAREA, Verus, as pontifex, with yoke of two oxen right, plowing pomerium; above, Nike flying left, holding wreath and palm. Unpublished in standard references. Earthen green patina. VF. Extremely rare. ($750) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

The Springs of Panias

704.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Panias. Elagabalus. 218-222 CE. Æ (30mm, 18.56 g, 12h). Dated CY 221 (218 CE). AVT K M ANTωNINOC C, radiate and cuirassed bust right; gorgoneion on breastplate / KAIC ΠAN CЄ AC(VP) CKA, Pan’s Grotto: Pan standing facing, leaning against tree trunk, playing syrinx; all within arched rocky structure; below, altar with fence to either side. Meshorer, Caesarea 35 corr. (rev. legend; same dies); Rosenberger 40; SNG ANS –; Sofaer – (but cf. 31 for same obv. die); RPC Online –. Brown patina. Good VF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 28 March 1995. Ex Shraga Qedar; Classical Numismatic Group XXXII (7 December 1994), lot 275.

The springs of Panias (Banias), the source of the Jordan river, have been a sacred site since earliest antiquity. By the Hellenistic period the Greek god Pan became the titular deity of the springs and under the Herodian kings the city was embellished with numerous temples and shrines to the gods and the Roman emperors, with the grotto as the focal point. This coin shows a remarkably fine representation of the central shrine and statue to Pan.

240

705.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Panias. Julia Maesa. Augusta, 218-224/5 CE. Æ (28mm, 15.86 g, 7h). Dated CY 223 (221 CE). IOYΛIA MЄ CA AVΓ, draped bust right, wearing stephane / KAIC ΠA CЄI ACVP, Pan standing facing, leaning against tree trunk, playing syrinx; vexilla to either side; C K Γ (date) across field. Meshorer, Caesarea 46 (same dies); Rosenberger –; SNG ANS –; Sofaer – (but cf. 40 for same rev. die). Attractive brown surfaces. Near EF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($4000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler. Ex Sternberg XXV (25 November 1991), lot 385 (illustrated on front cover).

This type likely depicts a cult statue from the Paneion, a sacred grotto dedicated to Pan (Pliny, NH. 5.71.74).

706.

JUDAEA, Gaba. Claudius. 41-54 CE. Æ (21.5mm, 9.52 g, 12h). Dated CY 110 (51/2 CE). Laureate head right / ˚¬&Ud5E∑@ f5 ¬5∏∏˙@∑@, female figure, holding scepter and olive branch, seated right on chair, feet on footstool; ornate chair legs, double line below ir l across field; ˝ below throne; – above ir. Kindler, Gaba 2; Meshorer, City Coins 96 = Rosenberger 1; RPC I 4856; Sofaer 6. Earthen dark brown patina. Good VF. Very rare, four examples cited by RPC, six examples in CoinArchives. An exceptional example. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Ed Waddell, 18 August 2004.

Fourth Known

707.

JUDAEA, Gaza. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.64 g, 2h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT KAI AN TωNINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / · ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO · Δ ·, heifer (Io) standing left, head facing; 7 (mim in Aramaic [for Marnas]) above; all within diadem being supported by eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak. Prieur 1684 corr. (rev. legend) = Bellinger 377 corr. (same) = Bellinger, Dura-Europos 292 (same dies); Yashin –; Sofaer –; Triton XVIII, lot 903 (same dies). Toned. VF. Extremely rare, Prieur cites only two examples (including the Dura coin), only the Triton coin in CoinArchives (hammer $35,000). ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1559; Robert Schonwalter Collection; Spink 60 (7 October 1987), lot 164 (where it hammered for £2600).

The heifer refers to Io, a nymph who was seduced by Zeus and transformed into the beast to escape the detection of his wife Hera. Io appears in anthropomorphic form fairly frequently on the bronze coinage of Gaza, since ancient tradition recorded that the city was also called Ione.

241

708.

JUDAEA, Marisa. Aulus Gabinius. Proconsul, 57-54 BCE. Æ (20mm, 4.51 g, 1h). Dated CY 3 (57/6 BCE).

Helmeted head right / Serpent-entwined palm frond; to left, l˝ (date) above ˝&; ;>& to right. Qedar, Coins, C-1 = Gitler & Kushnir-Stein 6 (same dies); Meshorer, City-Coins –; Hendin (4th edition) 874a; DCA 584; NAC 84, lot 809 (same dies); CNG 97, lot 550 (same dies). Earthen green patina. Good VF. A superb example of a very rare type. ($1500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

One of Two Known

709.

JUDAEA, Neapolis. Caracalla. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.38 g, 12h). Struck AD 215-217. ΛVT KΛI ΛN TΩNINOC CЄ, laureate head of Caracalla right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, laureate head of Caracalla right, set on eagle standing facing, head left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; altar to upper right. Prieur 1699 = BN Inv. 1965.1117 (same rev. die); Bellinger –; Bellinger, Dura-Europos –; Sofaer –; Triton XXII, lot 743 var. (obv. legend; same rev. die). Toned, porosity, some flan flaws. VF. Extremely rare obverse legend variety, only one cited by Prieur (example in the Bibliothèque Nationale), only this coin in CoinArchives. ($1000)

Unpublished Variety

710.

JUDAEA, Sebaste. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ (33mm, 17.72 g, 1h). Dated CY 216 (AD 191/2). IMP C M AVC COMMO, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CЄΒΑCΤΗ ACTH CΥΡ, L ςΙC (date), turreted Tyche-Astarte standing left within tetrastyle temple with rounded pediment, foot on small sphinx, holding human bust in left hand and long scepter in right; small figures between outermost columns. RPC IV.3 Online 6362 var. (legends); ANG ANS 1078 var. (same); Sofaer –.

Green patina, sandy highlights. VF. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection. Ex Superior (8 December 1995) lot 1541.

242

Issue of Vespasian as Procurator – Ex Shoshana and NLJ Collections

711.

JUDAEA, Sepphoris (Diocaesarea). temp. Agrippa II. Circa 50-100 CE. Æ (23mm, 11.95 g, 12h). In the names of Roman emperor Nero, and Vespasian, as procurator. Sepphoris mint. Dated RY 14 of Nero (67/8 CE). EΠI OYECΠA[CIANΟΥ EΙΡΗΝΟΠΟ]ΛΙ ΝEΡΩΝΙΑCEΠΦ, crossed cornucopias over caduceus / LΔI/NEPΩN/KΛAYΔIOY/KAICAPO/C in five lines within laurel wreath. NLJ 225 = RPC I 4849.18 = Shoshana I 20155 (this coin); Meshorer 127; Hendin 6308; Sofaer –.

Green-brown patina, light earthen deposits. Near EF. Exceptional for issue. ($1500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Shoshana Collection (Part I, Heritage 3003, 8 March 2012), lot 20155; NLJ Collection.

712.

JUDAEA, Sepphoris (Diocaesarea). Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Diassarion (26mm, 16.00 g, 1h). ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟΣ ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΕΔΩΚΕΝ, laureate head right / ΣΕΠΦΩ/ΡΗΝΩΝ, legend in two lines within laurel wreath. Rosenberger 3; RPC III 3936; SNG ANS 1086-7; Sofaer 1; De Saulcy 1. Earthen green patina. Good VF. ($500) From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.

713.

MESOPOTAMIA, Edessa. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.74 g, 11h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT K M A ANTΩNЄINOC C, laureate and cuirassed bust left, holding shield decorated with gorgoneion at shoulder / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; shrine with pediment between legs. Prieur 847 (same obv. die as illustration); Bellinger 140. Lustrous, tiny metal flaws. Good VF. ($1000)

714.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Diobol (25mm, 9.99 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 (AD 134/5). AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing right with folded wings, head and tail left, holding wreath in beak; L ЄN NЄA K Δ (date) around. Köln 1152 = RPC III 6087.4 = Emmett 1123.19; Dattari (Savio) 7932; K&G 32.616 corr. (listed as BI tetradrachm). Green and red-brown patina, smoothing. EF. ($500) 243

A Pair of Very Rare “Zodiac Wheel” Drachms

715.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 23.49 g, 12h). Zodiac Series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/145). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄYC, bare head right / Two concentric circles: the outer one being the “Zodiac wheel” counterclockwise with “Aries” at the top; the inner circle contains conjoined busts of Helios and Selene left; H/L (date) before their busts. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 2983 = Dattari 2984; K&G –; RPC IV.4 Online 15280/4 (this coin cited); Emmett 1705.8 (R5). Attractive dark green surfaces with traces of red. Good VF. Very rare and elusive type, missing from most of the major collections, and one of the finest known for the type. ($15,000) 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 139/40), 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. This celebration would continue throughout Pius’ reign, with an immense output of coinage during the eighth year of his reign in Egypt, which included this coin type, part of the Zodiac series.

716.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 23.36 g, 11h). Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5).

AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC C ЄB, laureate head right / Central medallion containing draped bust of Sarapis left, wearing calathus, surrounded by two zodiacal wheels, one inside the other; the inner wheel consisting of seven busts of each of seven planetary divinities flanking L H (date); the outer consisting of each of the twelve signs of the zodiac within a separate compartment. Köln 1491 var. (obv. legend); cf. Dattari (Savio) 2982 (for rev.); K&G 35.258; RPC IV.4 Online 14869; Emmett 1707.8 (= BMC 1079). Brown and green patina. VF. Extremely rare, RPC cites twelve examples, ten of which are in public collections, only one example in CoinArchives. ($5000) 244

Jupiter in Pisces – Ex Boston Museum of Fine Arts

717.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 22.15 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/145). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNЄINOC ЄB (sic) ЄVC, laureate head right / Jupiter in Pisces – Bust right of Zeus (Jupiter), wearing taenia and draped on left shoulder, transverse scepter across right shoulder; star of eight rays before; fish right and fish left below; L-H (date) to either side. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 2981; K&G 35.260; RPC IV.4 Online 13555/33 (this coin cited and illustrated); Emmett 1692.8. Green patina with traces of red, light roughness. Near VF. Rare, one of the better types in the Alexandrian Zodiac series. ($1500) Ex Stein A. Evensen Collection; Boston Museum of Fine Arts Collection (Gemini VI, 10 January 2010), lot 827, gift of Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius C. Vermeule, 1985.

Jupiter in Sagittarius

718.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 26.45 g, 11h). 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; L H (date) below. Köln 1502; Dattari (Savio) 2974; K&G 35.262; RPC IV.4 Online 14873; Emmett 1693.8. Green and red-brown patina, light smoothing in fields. Good VF. ($2000)

245

The Eleventh Labor – The Apples of the Hesperides

719.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 25.51 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series.

Dated RY 10 (AD 146/147). AVT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNЄINOC C ЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Hercules and the Apples of the Hesperides – Hercules 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; L ΔЄKA TOV (date) around. Köln 1545; Dattari (Savio) 2604 & 8495-6; K&G 35.354; RPC IV.4 Online; Emmett 1554.10. Brown and red patina, some cleaning marks and smoothing on reverse. Good VF. Rare. Emmett lists this type as being struck for three of Pius’ regnal years: 5, 6, and 10. ($2000) Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Hercules 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. Hercules tricked the Titan Atlas, 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 Hercules that he would take back the apples to Mycenae. Once again, Hercules tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens, while Hercules adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.

Very Rare

720.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius & Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. BI Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 13.74 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 161/2). • ANTωNINOC • KAI • OVHPOC CЄBACTOI, laureate and draped busts of Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius, vis-à-vis / ЄIPHNH, Eirene seated, left, holding phiale, resting forearm on chair back; cornucopia at side; L A (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 9146 = Figari & Mosconi 852 = RPC IV.4 15617.9 (this coin); K&G 37.418; Emmett 2041 (R3) = BMC 1310. Toned, slight double strike on reverse. Good VF. Very rare and exceptional for issue. ($2000) Ex Naville Numismatics 45 (9 December 2018), lot 320; Lanz 24 (25 April 1983), lot 5587; Dattari Collection, 9146.

End of Session 2 246

Session 3 – Wednesday, January 12, 2022 — 9 AM

ROMAN REPUBLICAN COINAGE

721. Anonymous. Circa 225-217 BC. Æ Aes Grave As (70mm, 278.75 g, 12h). Rome mint. Head of bearded Janus; – (mark of value) below; all on a raised disk / Prow of galley right; i (mark of value) above; all on a raised disk. Crawford 35/1; Sydenham 71; HN Italy 337; ICC 74; Haeberlin pl. 10, 1–16; BMCRR Rome (Aes Grave) 1–9; Kestner 112–3; RBW 83.

Green and red patina, some deposits, casting hole on reverse. VF. An exceptionally broad flan. ($2000) From the Ray Neff Collection, purchased from Dr. Paul Rynearson, early 2000s.

722. Anonymous. Circa 225-212 BC. AR Didrachm – Quadrigatus (24mm, 6.69 g, 6h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Janus, no annulets at top of head, curved truncation / 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 28/3; Sydenham 64a; HN Italy 334; RSC 23; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 87; Kestner 88, 93; RBW 65. Attractive iridescent tone. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 84 (20 May 2015), lot 1613.

723. Anonymous. 211-208 BC. AV 60 Asses (14mm, 3.34 g, 8h). 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. Lustrous, minor edge nick on reverse. Near EF. ($5000) Ex Freeman & Sear inventory R4097 (11 December 2003).

Rome’s military successes in the later stages of the Second Punic War, especially the capture and sack of Syracuse, enabled her to undertake a fundamental reform of the coinage in 211 BC. This included the introduction of a series of three small gold denominations valued at 60, 40, and 20 asses. The types were identical in each case: a bearded head of Mars, god of war, on the obverse, and an eagle on thunderbolt (representing Jupiter) on reverse. The issue extended over a period of about three years and Rome seems to have been the principal mint.

247

724. Anonymous. 211-208 BC. AR Quinarius (15mm, 2.34 g, 1h). Uncertain mint. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces; u (mark of value) to left / The Dioscuri on horseback riding right, each holding couched spear, and wearing chlamys, cuirass, and a pileus surmounted by star; rOÂa in relief in linear frame in exergue. Crawford 45/2; Sydenham 169; King 2; RSC 3; BMCRR Italy 96; Kestner 367-8; RBW 180. In NGC encapsulation 3763676-007, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($500) From the DMS Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (30 October 2014), lot 224.

725 726 725.

M. Baebius Q.f. Tampilus. 137 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.91 g, 8h). Rome mint. Head of Roma left, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces and peaked, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace, hair arranged in three symmetrical locks; x (mark of value) below chin, TAÂpiL to right / Apollo driving galloping quadriga right, holding branch, bow, and arrow, and reins; rOÂ[A] below horses, [ • BAeBi • œ • F] in exergue. Crawford 236/1c; Sydenham 489; Baebia 12; BMCRR Rome 935-7; Kestner 2138–9; RBW 975. Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 4278707-002, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750) 726.

P. Maenius Antiaticus M.f. 132 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.99 g, 11h). Rome mint. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace, hair arranged in three symmetrical locks; • (mark of value) to left / Victory, holding reins and palm frond in left hand and wreath in right, driving galloping quadriga right; p • »Mbelow; rOÂA in exergue. Crawford 249/1; Sydenham 492; Maenia 7; BMCRR Rome 988–90; Kestner 2250–1; RBW 1023. Attractive light tone. In NGC encapsulation 6155895-004, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($500) From the Walter Weise Collection.

727.

M. Aburius M.f. Geminus. 132 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.91 g, 9h). Rome mint. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, visor in three pieces and peaked, single drop earring, and pearl necklace, hair falling in three locks; ge downward to left, • (mark of value) below chin / Sol, radiate, wearing cloak, driving galloping quadriga right, holding whip in right hand and reins in left;  • äœi below, rOÂA in exergue. Crawford 250/1; Sydenham 487; Aburia 6; BMCRR Rome 995-7; Kestner 2260-3; RBW 1027. Colorful iridescent tone, areas of shallow scratches under tone on obverse. EF. ($500)

728.

M. Furius L.f. Philus. 120 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.93 g, 7h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Janus; Â • FOuri • L • F around / Roma standing left, holding wreath in right hand and transverse in left; to left, trophy of Gallic arms flanked by a carnyx and shield on each side; star above, rOÂA upward to right, LLi in exergue. Crawford 281/1; Sydenham 529; Furia 18; BMCRR Italy 555; Kestner 2442–4; RBW 1105. Lightly toned. Near EF. Excellent for the type. ($750) Ex Roma VI (29 Sept 2013), lot 736.

248

729.

L. Sulla and L. Manlius Torquatus. 82 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.97 g, 5h). Military mint moving with Sulla.

Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces and peaked, singlependant earring, and ornate necklace; prO • œ to left, L • ÂANLi to right / Sulla, holding branch in right hand and reins in left, driving triumphal quadriga right; above, Victory flying left, crowing him with wreath; L • ÍuLLA • iÂ[p] in exergue.

Crawford 367/5; Sydenham 757a; Manlia 5; BMCRR East 7 & 11; Kestner 3174–6; RBW 1386. Deep cabinet tone, some obverse die rust. EF. ($750) From the DMS Collection. Ex Robert O. Ebert Collection (Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 174, 11 January 2013), lot 5544.

730.

C. Hosidius C.f. Geta. 64 BC. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.87 g, 6h). Rome mint. Diademed and draped bust of Diana right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; iii • uir downward to left, geTA downward to right / Calydonian boar standing right, pierced by spear and attacked by dog; C • hOÍiDi C F in exergue. Crawford 407/2; Sydenham 903; Hosidia 1; BMCRR Rome 3388; Kestner 3317–8; RBW 1456. Toned, some earthen deposits on obverse. EF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

731.

C. Piso L.f. Frugi. 61 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.86 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Apollo left, hair bound with taenia; crescent to right / Horseman, holding palm frond and reins, galloping right; C piÍO L F Frug/ N in two lines below.

Crawford 408/1b; Hersh, Piso 453 (O807/R2016); Sydenham 842c; Calpurnia 25c; BMCRR Rome 3759 var. (sequence mark on rev.); Kestner –; RBW –. Lustrous, light obverse die rust. Near EF. Well struck in high relief. ($500)

732.

L. Roscius Fabatus. 59 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (19mm, 3.98 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat-skin headdress; capis to left; L rOÍCi below / Female standing right, feeding from her dress a serpent, erect, left; bottle (gourd) with strap to left, FABATi in exergue. Crawford 412/1 (symbols 54); Sydenham 915; Roscia 3; BMCRR Rome 3452; Kestner 3395 var. (rev. control symbol); RBW 1491-2 var. (Control symbols). Attractive toning, a few flan flaws. EF. Overstruck, with signs of undertype. ($500) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Palladium Numismatics, 1998.

249

A Pair of Sear Plate Coins

733.

M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 4.05 g, 6h). Rome mint. Nabatean king Aretas kneeling to right, holding reins and olive branch before camel standing right;  • ÍCAur above, ex Í • [C] to either side of camel, Ae‰ • Cu[r] in exergue / Jupiter, holding reins in left hand and hurling thunderbolt with right, driving galloping quadriga left; p • hupÍAeuÍ/AeD • Cur in two lines above; CApTu upward to right; C • hupÍAe COÍ/preiuer in two lines in exergue. Crawford 422/1a; Sydenham 912; Aemilia 9; BMCRR Rome 3877; Kestner 3438–9 var. (rev. legend); RBW 1518; S 378 (this coin illustrated). Fully lustrous. EF. Well struck. Excellent for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 508.

734.

M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.80 g, 6h). Rome mint.

Nabatean King Aretas kneeling right, holding reins in left hand and olive branch tied with fillet in extended right hand before camel standing right; Â • ÍCAur/AeD Cur in two lines above; ex Í C across field; [r]ex AreTAÍ in exergue / Jupiter, holding reins in left hand and hurling thunderbolt with right, driving galloping quadriga left; p hupÍAeuÍ/AeD Cur in two lines above; CApTu upward to right; C hupÍAe COÍ/preiuer in two lines in exergue. Crawford 422/1b; Sydenham 913; Aemilia 8; BMCRR Rome 3879; Kestner 3442, 3446; RBW 1519; S 379 (this coin illustrated). Light iridescent tone, underlying luster, scratch on obverse. EF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 507.

Calliope – Muse of Epic Poetry

735.

Q. Pomponius Musa. 56 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.80 g, 8h). Rome mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath, hair rolled back and in loose locks over forehead; plectrum to left / Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry, wearing long flowing tunic and peplum, standing right, playing lyre set on column; q • pOÂpONi downward to left, ÂuÍA downward to right. Crawford 410/2b; Sydenham 812; Pomponia 10; BMCRR Rome 3608-9; Kestner 3375; RBW –. Toned. Near EF. Attractive in hand. ($3000) From the Walter Wise Collection, purchased from Schweizerischen Kreditanstalt, Zurich, May 1986.

250

The Temple of Venus at Eryx

736.

C. Considius Nonianus. 56 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.86 g, 6h). Rome mint. Laureate and draped bust of Venus Erycina right, wearing stephane, cruciform earring, and double necklace of pearls and pendants; hair collected into a knot, jewels in hair, string of pearls at back; C • CONÍiDi • NONiANi downward to left, Í • C upward to right / Temple on summit of rocky mountain surrounded by wall with towers on each side and gate in center; eruC above gate. Crawford 424/1; Sydenham 886; Considia 1; BMCRR Rome 3830; Kestner 3449–50; RBW 1522. Attractive iridescent tone, thin die break on reverse.

Near EF. Well centered and struck. ($1000)

Sear Plate Coin

737.

A. Plautius. 55 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.82 g, 5h). Rome mint. Turreted head of Cybele right, wearing cruciform earring, hair in knot, locks falling down neck; AeD • Cur • Í • C downward to left, A • pLAuTiuÍ downwards to right / Bacchius kneeling right beside his camel, holding reins in left hand and extending olive branch upward in right; iuDAeuÍ upward to right, BACChiuÍ in exergue. Crawford 431/1; Sydenham 932; Plautia 13; BMCRR Rome 3916-9; Kestner 3479-80; RBW 1540; S 395 (this coin illustrated). Lustrous. Near EF. Well struck. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 522.

The enigmatic “Bacchius the Jew” depicted in supplication on the reverse has been plausibly identified by Michael Harlan as the Judaean high priest Aristobulus II, who was deposed by Pompey the Great after his siege of Jerusalem in 63 BC. The moneyer, Aulus Plautius, is known to have been a partisan of Pompey’s, and his choice of coin types suggests he served under Pompey in the campaign.

738.

Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.76 g, 10h). 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. Attractively toned, with two handsome portraits. In NGC encapsulation 4244061-011, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500) 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.

251

739.

Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.72 g, 4h). Rome mint. Head of Libertas right, wearing cruciform earring and pendant necklace; LiBerTAÍ downward to left / The consul L. Junius Brutus walking left between two lictors, each carrying ax over shoulder, and preceded by an accensus; BruTuÍ in exergue. Crawford 433/1; Sydenham 906a; Junia 31a; BMCRR Rome 3862; Kestner 3484-6; RBW 1542 corr. (Sydenham reference). Attractive iridescent tone. Near EF. ($1000)

740.

Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.88 g, 12h). Rome mint. Head of Libertas right, wearing cruciform earring and pendant necklace, jewels in hair; LiBerTAÍ downward to left / The consul L. Junius Brutus walking left between two lictors, each carrying ax over shoulder, and preceded by an accensus; BruTuÍ in exergue.

Crawford 433/1; Sydenham 906; Junia 31; BMCRR Rome 3861; Kestner 3484-6 var. (no jewels in hair); RBW 1542 var. (same). Light iridescent tone. Good VF. ($750) Ex Gitbud & Naumann 9 (3 November 2013), lot 399.

The Gallic Chieftain Vercingetorix

741.

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Hostilius Saserna. 48 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.98 g, 4h). 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, ÍAÍe[rN] below. Crawford 448/2a; CRI 18; Sydenham 952; Hostilia 2; BMCRR Rome 3994-5; Kestner 3538-40; RBW 1569. Toned, die break and a few shallow scratches on obverse. VF. ($2000) From the Menlo Park Collection. Ex CNG inventory 711483 (May 1999).

The portrait on the obverse has sometimes been identified as the famous chief of the Arverni, Vercingetorix, whom Julius Caesar captured in 52 BC in Alesia. It is difficult to imagine anyone placing such a dramatic portrait of a defeated foe on their coinage, but it is clear from surviving sources of the period that the Romans had a good deal of respect for the Gauls as honorable warriors. Crawford and Sear believe this identification is unlikely, but the large, distinctive, and carefully engraved head suggests the die cutter worked with an eye toward creating an individualized portrait, rather than a stylized personification of a Gaul. The reverse is also of particular historical interest, in that it depicts the manner in which chariots were used in Celtic Gaul, and perhaps in Britain as well.

252

742.

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Plautius Plancus. 47 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.01 g, 8h). Rome mint.

Facing mask of Medusa with disheveled hair, coiled serpents at either side of face; 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; pLA[N]CuÍ below. Crawford 453/1a; CRI 29; Sydenham 959; Plautia 15; BMCRR Rome 4004-7; Kestner 3561-2; RBW 1583.

Lightly toned, flan flaw on obverse, a few shallow scratches and minor striking weakness on reverse. Near EF. ($750)

743.

Special issues. L. Cestius and C. Norbanus. January-April 43 BC. AV Aureus (19mm, 8.05 g, 8h). Rome mint.

Draped bust of Sibyl(?) right, hair in bands and knotted behind; C • NOrB ANuÍ above, pr to right, L • CeÍTiuÍ below / Cybele, turreted, enthroned on currus drawn left by two lions, holding patera in right hand and resting left arm on tympanum; Í • C to upper left. Crawford 491/2; CRI 196; Sydenham 1155; Bahrfeldt 26; Calicó 5a; Biaggi 25; BMCRR Rome 4194; Kestner –; RBW 1719. In NGC encapsulation 6057108-001, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($10,000) Ex Peter J. Merani Collection (Part 1, Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 45; Cederlind BBS 132 (4 October 2004), lot 155.

744.

The Pompeians. Cnaeus Pompey Jr. Summer 46-Spring 45 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.01 g, 6h). Corduba mint; Marcus Poblicius, legatus pro praetore. Head of Roma right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; Â • ROBLiCi • Leg • RrO Rr around / Hispania standing right, round shield on her back, holding two spears and presenting large palm frond to Pompeian soldier standing left on prow, armed with sword; CN • ÂAgNuÍ • iÂR around. Crawford 469/1a; CRI 48; Sydenham 1035; ACIP 4011; RSC 1 (Pompey the Great); BMCRR Spain 72; Kestner 3645; RBW –. Attractive light tone. EF. Excellent silver quality. ($750) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1811.

253

Sextus Honors Magnus

745.

The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 42-38 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.13 g, 5h). Massilia (Marseilles) mint; Q. Nasidius, commander of the fleet. Bare head of Pompey the Great right; trident to right; below, dolphin right; NepTuNi to left / Galley with bank of rowers right, under full sail, helmsman steering rudder, hortator standing on prow; six-rayed star to upper left; [œ •] NAÍiDiuÍ below. Crawford 483/2; CRI 235; Sydenham 1350; RSC 20 (Pompey the Great); BMCRR Sicily 21; Kestner 3698; RBW 1698. Light iridescent toning, slightly off center on reverse. EF. Among the finest known for the issue, with an excellent portrait of Pompey. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 92 (23 May 2016), lot 401.

Sextus Pompey came of age during the ascendancy of his father, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great), as the leading general of Rome and the most powerful man in the Republic. After Pompey’s defeat by Julius Caesar at Pharsalus in August of 48 BC, and his treacherous murder in Egypt later that year, Sextus joined the Pompeian resistance to Caesar in Spain. Caesar’s assassination on March 15, 44 BC brought a brief revival of Senatorial control, during which Sextus relocated to Massalia in southern Gaul. In April of 43 BC, the Senate appointed him commander of the Roman fleet. Although the promotion was rescinded three months later, Sextus wasted no time in seizing Sicily and spent the next months building an impregnable power base on the island even as Rome fell under the sway of Caesar’s political heirs, the Triumvirs Antony, Octavian and Lepidus.

This beautiful denarius belongs to the brief interval between Caesar’s murder and Sextus’ appointment as Praefect of the Fleet, during his sojourn at the Gallic port city of Massilia. The obverse portrait is clearly recognizable as Pompey the Great, although the legend identifies him as “son of Neptune” (an epithet won by Magnus after his defeat of the Cilician Pirates, and later claimed by Sextus himself) and provides him appropriate attributes— a dolphin and trident. The warship on the reverse appears to be a hemiola, a fast ramming vessel with two banks of oars totaling 52 a side. Interestingly, Sextus himself is not named; instead the moneyer is identified as Quintus Nasidius, a loyal Pompeian commander of naval forces who backed Sextus in his early career, only to later defect to Mark Antony.

746.

The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 37/6 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.86 g, 11h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. Diademed and bearded head of Neptune right; trident over left shoulder; Vg • pi[uÍ •] iÂp • iTer around / Naval trophy set on anchor, top of trident visible above helmet; the arms composed of the stem of a prow in right and apluster in left; heads of Scylla and Charybdis at base; pr`F • CLAÍ • eT [O r ` • ºiT •] ex Í • C around. Crawford 511/2b; CRI 333; Sydenham 1347; cf. RSC 1-1a; cf. BMCRR Sicily 15-6; Kestner –; cf. RBW 1784 (for type). Deep iridescent toning, struck slightly off center, a few very minor scratches. Good VF. ($1000) From the Dean Kinzer Collection.

254

747.

The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 37/6 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.85 g, 12h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. Bare head of Pompey the Great right; capis to left, lituus to right; ÂAg • piuÍ • iÂ[p • 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; [C]LAÍ • eT • Or[‰][/ºi]T • 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. Iridescent tone, some shallow scratches under tone. EF. Excellent portrait. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, May 1997.

748.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.72 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. Wonderful iridescent tone over lustrous surfaces, some faint hairlines. Superb EF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, July 1989.

749.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.88 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. Attractive slate gray tone, some iridescence. EF. ($1500)

750.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.97 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. Attractively toned. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Waddell Electronic Auction 108 (1 October 2007), lot 42.

255

751.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.49 g, 11h). 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, minor area of weak strike and die break on obverse. Good VF. ($1000) Ex RAJ Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 948; CNG inventory 866255 (March 2010).

752.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.87 g, 11h). 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 3811831-013, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

753.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Late 48-47 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.81 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.

Light iridescent tone, shallow scratch and minor metal flaw on obverse. Near EF. Well centered for issue. ($1000)

754.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Early 46 BC. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.99 g, 6h). Rome mint; A. Hirtius, praetor. Veiled head of female (Vesta or Pietas?) right; C • CAeÍAr COÍ Ter around / Emblems of the augurate and pontificate: lituus, capis, and securis; A • hirTiuÍ • pr around from lower left. Crawford 466/1; Molinari 85-91 (D4/R210); CRI 56; Sydenham 1018; Bahrfeldt 19; Calicó 37; Biaggi 27-8; BMCRR Rome 4052; Kestner 3634-6; RBW 1634. Toned, some hairlines.

Good VF. ($10,000)

256

755.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. February-March 44 BC. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 4.10 g, 2h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint; P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer. Laureate and veiled head right; CAeÍAr downward to right, DiCT • perpeTuO upward to left / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical scepter in left; shield set on ground to right; [p • Í]epuLLiuÍ downward to right, ÂACer downward to left. Crawford 480/13; Alföldi Type IX, 88-90 (A47/ R37); CRI 107d; Sydenham 1074; RSC 39; BMCRR Rome 4173-4; Kestner 3688-9; RBW 1685. Dark iridescent tone, some porosity and scratches under tone. VF. ($3000)

756.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. March-April 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.93 g, 12h). Rome mint; M. Mettius, moneyer. Laureate head right; CAeÍAr downward to right, iÂper upward 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 downward to right. Crawford 480/17; Alföldi Type XVI, 124-5 (A23/R11); CRI 101; Sydenham 1055; RSC 35; BMCRR Rome 4138; Kestner –; RBW –. Old collection toning, traces of deposits, reverse slightly off center. VF. ($3000) From the Bellwether Collection, purchased from Danny Kuresh, 1 November 1982.

757.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April 44 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.98 g, 2h). Rome mint; C. Cossutius Maridianus, moneyer. Laureate and veiled head right; apex and lituus flanking neck; pAreNÍ pATriA[e] upward to left, CAeÍAr upward to right / Cruciform C • COÍÍuTiuÍ ÂAriDiANuÍ; A A A F • F in angles. Crawford 480/19; Alföldi Type XVII, 86-9 (A13/ R7)); CRI 112; Sydenham 1069; RSC 8; BMCRR Rome 4187; Kestner –; RBW 1687. Attractive cabinet tone. VF. Struck on a broad, oval flan. ($3000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from PMV (Davidson), April 1986.

257

758.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 42 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.76 g, 11h). 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. Near EF. Beautifully centered and well struck for issue. Rare as such. ($5000) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection. Ex CNG inventory 804308 (Dec 2007); Hess-Divo 308 (24 October 2007), lot 128.

759.

The Caesarians. Divus Julius Caesar. 40 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.59 g, 11h). Rome mint; Q. Voconius Vitulus, moneyer. Wreathed head of Caesar right / Bull-calf walking left; œ • uOCONiuÍ above, Í C across field; uiTuLuÍ • œ/ DeÍigN in two lines in exergue. Crawford 526/4; CRI 331; Sydenham 1133; RSC 45; BMCRR Rome 4311-2; Kestner –; RBW 1813. Deeply toned. In NGC encapsulation 4094332-003, graded Ch XF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. Portrait of artistic merit. ($5000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 94 (18 September 2013), lot 995.

760.

The Republicans. C. Cassius Longinus. Spring 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.89 g, 6h). 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 upward to left, iÂp upward 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. Toned. Superb EF. ($2000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, 28 March 2007.

258

761.

The Republicans. C. Cassius Longinus. Spring 42 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.91 g, 6h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Diademed head of Libertas right; C • CAÍÍi • iÂp upward to left, L •eiBerTAÍ 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. Attractive old cabinet toning over lovely surfaces. EF. Well centered and struck. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Lucien Birkler, January 1992.

762.

The Republicans. Brutus. Early 42 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.73 g, 12h). 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. Toned, traces of deposits on reverse. Superb EF. ($2000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, 28 March 2007.

Ex Bob Levy Collection

763.

The Republicans. Brutus. Spring-early summer 42 BC. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.82 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus in southwestern Asia Minor; L Sestius, proquaestor. Veiled and draped bust of Libertas right; L • CeÍTi prO œ around / Tripod; securis to left, simpulum to right, œ • CAepiO • BruTuÍ • prO • COÍ around. Crawford 502/2; CRI 201; Sydenham 1290; RSC 11; BMCRR East 41-5; Kestner 3772; RBW 1768. Deeply toned. EF. Well struck and centered. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Bob Levy Collection (Leu 57, 25 May 1993), lot 186; Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 636.

259

Extremely Rare Labienus – Illustrated in SNR 1980

764.

The Republicans. Labienus. Early 40 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.73 g, 5h). Uncertain mint in Syria or southeastern Asia Minor. Bare head right; œ • LABieNuÍ • pArThiCuÍ • iÂp around / Horse standing right on ground line, wearing saddle with quiver attached and bridle. Crawford 524/2; Hersh 5 (dies B/5 – (this coin [rev. photo improperly trimmed]); CRI 341; Sydenham 1357; RSC 2; BMCRR East 132; Kestner –; RBW 1809. Lovely old toning, hairline flan crack. In NGC encapsulation 2117239-001, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. One of the great rarities in the Roman Imperatorial series.

Attractive in hand. ($75,000) Ex Strauss Collection.

When Charles Hersh published his study of “The Coinage of Quintus Labienus Parthicus” in Schweizerische numismatische Rundschau, Band 59 (1980) this coin was the only specimen known with this reverse die.

Quintus Labienus’ father, a loyal Republican despite his distinguished service to Caesar in Gaul, died at the battle of Munda in 45 BC. His son joined the Republican cause and was sent to Persia to negotiate a pact of assistance with Orodes I, remaining at the Parthian court after the defeat of Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC. Orodes, concerned about the growing Roman presence in Asia and learning of growing dissatisfaction in the provinces, sent his son Pacorus and a large and heavily armored cavalry force with Labienus on an invasion of Syria in 40 BC. Labienus quickly subdued Syria and Cilicia and sent forces into Lycia and Caria before Ventidius Bassus arrived from Greece with eleven legions.

Labienus and his allies were driven back to Cilicia, where the Parthian cavalry was routed at Mt. Taurus and Labienus was killed. Labienus, the last of the Republicans, died a traitor to Rome, and all but a handful of his coinage was melted down after his defeat.

260

765.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Early 42 BC. AR Quinarius (12.5mm, 1.91 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, xL[i] to right (= 41, Antony’s age at time of issue). Crawford 489/6; RPC Online 513.35 (this coin); CRI 126; Sydenham 1163; Lyon 3; King 76; RSC 3 (Fulvia); DCA 941; RBW 1713. Toned, minor flan flaw. Near EF. ($750) From the Michael Stolt Collection. Ex Naumann 73 (6 January 2019), lot 440.

766.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 42 BC. Gilt AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.62 g, 9h). Military mint traveling with Antony in Greece and Asia. Bare head of Antony right; to left, lituus below iÂp / Radiate head of Sol right; Â • ANTONiuÍ • iii • uir • r • p • C around. Cf. Crawford 496/3; cf. CRI 129; cf. Sydenham 1169; cf. RSC 70; cf. BMCRR East 991-2; Kestner –; cf. RBW 1755. A few edge tests. VF. Rare. ($750) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection

Ex Vicomte de Sartiges & Consul Weber Collections

767.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavian. Spring-early summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.97 g, 12h).

Ephesus mint; M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Mark Antony right;  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; de Sartiges 25 (this coin). Attractively toned. Superb EF. ($3000) From the Michael Stolt Collection. Ex Dr. Patrick H. C. Tan Collection (Triton XX, 9 January 2017), lot 584; Münzen und Medaillen 43 (12 November 1970), lot 250; Vicomte de Sartiges Collection (Ars Classica XVIII, 10 October 1938), lot 34; Consul Eduard Friedrich Weber Collection (J. Hirsch XXIV, 10 May 1909), lot 771.

768.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Lucius Antony. Summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.68 g, 11h). Ephesus mint; M. Nerva, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Mark Antony right;  ANT • ifYg iii uir • r • p • C  “ruA • prOœ • p around / Bare head of Lucius Antony right; L • ANTONiuÍ COÍ around. Crawford 517/5a; CRI 246; Sydenham 1185; RSC 2; BMCRR East 107; Kestner 3796; RBW 1799. Pleasing old tone, hairline flan crack. Good VF. ($1500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XIX.4 (Fourth Quarter 1994), no. 181.

261

Ex Leo Benz Collection

769.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Autumn 34 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.75 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; CLeORATrAe re2iN[Ae • re2u • FiLiO]ru • re2u around.

Crawford 543/1; CRI 345; Sydenham 1210; RSC 1; BMCRR East 179–81; cf. Kestner 3836; RBW 1832. Toned, hairline flan crack. VF. Two pleasing portraits. ($5000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Leo Benz Collection (Lanz 88, 23 November 1998), lot 901.

770.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Summer 32 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.70 g, 6h). Athens mint; M. Junius Silanus, proconsul. Bare head right; small p (engraver’s signature) in hair behind ear; [ANT]ON • Aug • iÂp • iii COÍ • DeÍ • iii • iii [• u • r • p • C] /  • ÍiLANuÍ • Aug/ œ • prO • COÍ in two lines. Crawford 542/1; CRI 346; Sydenham 1208; RSC 71; BMCRR East 175-6; Kestner –; RBW 1830. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 5770239-001, graded XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500)

771 772 771.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.76 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; LeG iii across lower field. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; Sydenham 1217; RSC 28; BMCRR East 193; Kestner 3844; RBW 1839. Toned. Good VF. Well struck. ($500) From the DMS Collection. Ex CNG inventory 762758 (December 2005); The Goodman Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 43, 24 September 1997), lot 1740.

Ex Brand and Martinetti Collections – Pedigreed to 1907 772.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 4.12 g, 1h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg x across lower field. Crawford 544/24; CRI 361; Sydenham 1228; RSC 38; BMCRR East 202; Kestner 3853; RBW –. Toned.

Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Virgil M. Brand Collection (Part 5, Sotheby’s, 1 February 1984), lot 391; F. Martinetti Collection; G. Nervegna Collection (Sambon-Canessa, 18 November 1907), lot 905 (part of).

262

773.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.73 g, 5h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg • xii • ANTiœuAe above. Crawford 544/9; CRI 363; Sydenham 1231; RSC 40; BMCRR East 222; Kestner 3838; RBW 1834.

Toned. Good VF. Great metal. Full Legends. Rare thus. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, February 1983.

Second Known Mark Antony Legion XXXIII

774.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.62 g, 1h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg xxxiii across lower field. Roma XIII, lot 696 (same dies); Otherwise, unpublished. Lightly toned, porous surfaces, scratch on obverse. Good VF. Only the second known example. Excessively rare. ($2000) The following note appeared in the Roma catalogue for the first example known: “At the close of the Civil War, Octavian found himself with several armies comprising elements of 60 legions, some of which had sworn loyalty to opposing factions. We only know the names and numbers of some of these legions - of those which were not retained after the disbanding and amalgamation of many legions, and the discharging of over 100,000 veterans mostly to old and newly founded colonies, very little information survives. The existence of several Marc Antony fleet denarii with numbers above 23 has long been debated by numismatists, though they have been largely dismissed as either fakes or die engraver’s errors. The following numerations of legions unknown to history have been noted on fleet denarii by Sydenham in Roman Republican Coinage, 1952. p. 196, nos. 1247-1253: XXIV, XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX and XXX; A. Banti and L. Simonetti, in Corpus Nummorum Romanorum II, pp. 38-41, no. 102-8) record denarii for legions: LEG XXIV (= Turin, Fava 1964, pl. 19, 3); LEG XXV (= Hamburger sale 32, 1933, 547); LEG XXVI (= Babelon 104); LEG XXVII (Paris, BnF); LEG XXVIII (= Babelon 143); LEG XXIX (= Paris, BnF); LEG XXX (= BMCRR II, pl. 116, 12; Brunacci collection, Santamaria sale 1958, 797 [struck over a denarius of Julius Caesar with P. Sepullius Macer]; Ratto sale 1924, 1392).Antony is known to have commanded a Legio XXXV at the Battle of Mutina: in a remarkable passage in Servius Sulpicius Galba’s 43 BC letter to Cicero we are provided with the only surviving evidence for this legion’s existence: “on the 15th of April, the day on which Pansa was to arrive at the camp of Hirtius, with the former of whom I was - for I had gone along the road a hundred miles to hasten his arrival - Antony brought out two legions, the second and the thirty-fifth, and two praetorian cohorts....” (Epistulae ad Familiares 10.30). The existence therefore of legions in the service of Antony with numbers greater than XXIII which have escaped the notice of history is entirely possible; many of his units were never at full strength, and some may have effectively marched only on paper.

Certainly, it seems to be the case that the suppressed Republican legions in Antony’s service had their records completely erased after the war.

It remains probable then that not all of these fleet denarii for legions over XXIII are false or errors as has been assumed, as is demonstrated by the present clearly genuine example unambiguously inscribed LEG XXXIII.”

Decimus Turullius – Assassin of Caesar, Ally of Antony

775.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Summer 31 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.73 g, 1h). Uncertain mint (Actium?); D. Turullius, moneyer. Bare head right; Â • ANTONiuÍ Aug iÂp iiii COÍ TerT iii uir • r • p • C around / Victory standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond over left shoulder; D • 9 to lower right; all within wreath.

Crawford 545/1; CRI 387; Sydenham 1211; RSC 11; BMCRR East 227; Kestner 3868; RBW 1850. Toned, small banker’s mark on nose, a couple of light scratches. VF. Very rare. ($2000) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection. Ex CNG inventory 803864 (December 2007); Künker 133 (11 Oct 2007), lot 8478.

This final issue of Antony’s portrait coinage was struck just before Actium by Decimus Turullius, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar and one of the few senior officers still loyal to Antony.

263

776.

The Triumvirs. Octavian, Divus Julius Caesar, and Agrippa. 38 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.03 g, 6h). Military mint traveling with Agrippa in Gaul or Octavian in Italy. Wreathed head of the deified Julius Caesar right, facing bare head of Octavian left; Diu[OÍ] 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 –. Toned, light porosity, a few scratches, tiny test cut on edge. VF. Very rare. ($7500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 112 (11 September 2019), lot 575; Classical Numismatic Group 108 (16 May 2018), lot 553.

777.

The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 32-summer 31 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.75 g, 12h). Uncertain Italian mint, possibly Rome. Diademed head of Pax right; cornucopia to left, olive branch to right / Octavian, in military attire, walking right, holding transverse spear in left hand over left shoulder, and raising right hand in adlocutio; [C]AeÍAr Diui • F across field. CRI 400; RIC I 253; RSC 72; BMCRR Rome 4329, 4331-2 = BMCRE 611, 613-4; BN 6-11. Light iridescent toning.

Choice EF. ($3000) Ex Andrew McCabe Collection; Astarte XXII (15 May 2010), lot 164.

778.

The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 30 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.95 g, 10h). Uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?).

Victory, draped, standing right on prow, holding palm frond over left shoulder in left hand and wreath in extended right hand / Octavian, holding reins in left hand and branch in right, driving triumphal quadriga right, the car ornamented with figures on its front and side panels; iÂp • CAeÍAr in exergue. CRI 416; RIC I 264; RSC 115; BMCRR Rome 4343-5 = BMCRE 617-9; BN 98-104. Iridescent tone, a couple of bankers’ marks, scratch, and a few marks on obverse. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Vecchi 9 (4 December 1997), lot 24.

779.

The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 30-summer 29 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.73 g, 2h). Uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?). Bare head right / Naval and military trophy facing, composed of helmet, cuirass, shield, and crossed spears, set on prow of galley right; crossed rudder and anchor at base; iÂp CAeÍAr across field. CRI 419; RIC I 265a; RSC 119; BMCRR Rome 4352 = BMCRE 625; BN 57-63; FFC 93 (this coin illustrated). Beautiful toning. Choice EF. Portrait of exceptional style. ($5000) Ex Alba Longa Collection (Áureo & Calicó 339, 14 November 2019), lot 1218.

264

ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE

780. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.89 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?).

Struck circa 19-18 BC. Head right, wearing oak wreath / CAESAR above, AVGVSTVS below, S P above and Q R below shield inscribed CL•V; laurel branches flanking. RIC I 36a; ACIP 4037; RSC 51; BMCRE 354-5 = BMCRR Rome 4446-7; BN 1333-7 (Nimes). Toned, hairline flan crack, traces of deposits. EF. ($2000)

Ex Voirol and Prince Waldeck Collections

781. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.86 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?). Struck circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / SIGNIS to left, RECEPTIS to right, Mars, helmeted, naked except for chlamys behind, standing left, head right, holding aquila in right hand and signa cradled in left. RIC I 82a; RSC 259; BMCRE 414 = BMCRR Rome 4405; BN 1118-9. Lightly toned, obverse slightly off center. EF. Outstanding portrait. ($2000) Ex Numismatic Fine Arts IV (24 March 1977), lot 548; August Voirol Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 38, 7 December 1968), lot 333; Münzhandlung Basel 6 (18 March 1936), lot 1530; Prince Waldeck Collection (Münzhandlung Basel 3, 4 March 1935), lot 1538.

782. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.85 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?). Struck circa 18 BC. CAESARI AVGVSTO, laureate head left / S • P • Q • R • in exergue, Temple of Mars Ultor: round-domed, tetra-style temple set on podium of three steps; within, is a triumphal currus, carrying an aquila and a miniature, galloping quadriga right. RIC I 116; Calicó 285; BMCRE 387 = BMCRR Rome 4425 (same dies); BN 1218 var. (head right); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Scattered marks and scratches, slight bend in flan. Good VF. Extremely rare. Only one example in CoinArchives. ($7500) From the Menlo Park Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear inventory R3275 (2004).

This issue was one of many that were struck to commemorate the recovery by Augustus of the standards lost by Crassus to the Parthians.

265

783. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.83 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck 15 BC. ΛVGVSTVS [DI]VI • 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. Attractively toned, some shallow scratches under tone, a couple of edge marks, obverse struck slightly off center. EF. ($1000) Ex Goldberg 93 (6 September 2016), lot 1582.

784. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.65 g, 9h). Rome mint; C. Marius C.f. Tro(mentina tribu), moneyer.

Struck 13 BC. AVGVSTVS, bare head Augustus right; lituus to left / C • MARIVS • TRO III • VIR, bust of Diana (Julia) right, wearing diadem with jewel on forehead, hair knotted at back; quiver seen behind neck. RIC I 403; RSC 1 (Julia and Augustus); BMCRE 104 = BMCRR Rome 4651 (same rev. die); BN 522-5; Mazzini 1 (Julia and Augustus). Toned, light porosity, edge deposits. VF. An important type featuring the only imperial portrait of Augustus’ daughter, Julia. ($4000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Gemini II (11 January 2006), lot 310 (hammer $7500).

785.

Augustus, with Agrippa. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.03 g, 10h). Rome mint; C. Sulpicius Platorinus, moneyer. Struck 13 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head of Augustus right / M • AGRIPPA • PLATORINV[S • III • VIR], bare head of Agrippa right. RIC I 408; RSC 3 (Agrippa and Augustus); BMCRE 112-4 = BMCRR Rome 4654-6; BN 533-5 (same rev. die as 535); Mazzini 3 (Agrippa and Augustus). Deeply toned, hairline flan crack, a few old scratches under tone.

Good VF. Rare. ($5000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Spink 152 (11 April 2001), lot 321.

786. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (26mm, 11.81 g, 12h). Ephesus mint. Struck circa 25-20 BC. IMP • CAE SAR, bare head right / AVGV STVS, six stalks of grain tied in a bundle. RIC I 478; Sutherland Group Vβ, 186 (O21/R11); RPC I 2214; RSC 32b; BMCRE 697 = BMCRR East 264; BN 918-21. Attractive iridescent tone, some faint hairlines. Near EF. ($4000) Ex PGB Collection (Nomos 5, 25 October 2011), lot 229.

266

787.

Divus Augustus. Died AD 14. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 4.69 g, 6h). Consecration issue. Rome mint, 2nd officina.

8th emission of Trajan Decius, mid AD 251. DIVO AVGVSTO, radiate head right / CONSECRATIO, lighted altar. RIC IV 78 (Decius); RSC –. Attractive light tone, some weakness of strike in centers, minor die break on obverse. EF. Excellent for issue. ($500) From the DMS Collection. Ex Jonathan K. Kern inventory 40773 (August 2011).

Outstanding Tiberius - Divus Augustus Aureus

788.

Tiberius, with Divus Augustus. AD 14-37. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.81 g, 8h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 14-16. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head of Tiberius right / DIVOS ΛVGVST DIVI F, laureate head of Divus Augustus right; six-pointed star above. RIC I 24; Lyon 118, 6a (D3/R4); Calicó 311; BMCRE 29; BN 1-2; Adda 16 (same rev. die); Biaggi 167; Jameson 32; Mazzini 3 (Tiberius and Augustus). Lustrous, a few minor marks, some faint hairlines. EF. Two wonderful portraits. Rare. ($25,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 119 (with Jesús Vico, 6 October 2020), lot 7.

789. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.72 g, 4h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 2, AD 15-18. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS , laureate head right, one ribbon on shoulder / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right on chair, no footstool, holding spear and olive branch; ornate chair legs, two lines below throne. RIC I 28 var. (three lines below); Lyon 146; RSC 16b; BMCRE 44; BN 18. Attractive iridescent tone, a few surface marks under tone on obverse, some edge marks. Near EF. Struck with dies of artistic merit. ($1000) Ex Kirk Davis FPL 74 (Fall 2019), no. 68.

267

791 790 790. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.69 g, 3h). “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. Toned, a few scratches. EF. ($1000) Ex Rauch 94 (9 April 2014), lot 753.

791.

Anonymous issues. temp. Tiberius, AD 14-37. Æ Tessera (19.5mm, 3.95 g, 8h). Struck circa AD 22/3-37. Radiate head of Augustus left within plain border / IIII within pearl border and wreath. Buttrey 9/IIII; Cohen 24; Kestner, Tesseren 4 var. (rev. numeral). Green-brown patina. Good VF. Rare. ($750) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 114 (13 May 2020), lot 734.

792.

Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ As (29mm, 10.98 g, 6h). Auxiliary mint in Spain. Struck AD 37-38. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, bare head left / VESTA above, S C across field, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on ornamental throne, holding patera in right hand and transverse scepter in left. Cf. RIC I 38; cf. BMCRE 45-48; cf. BN 5472. Hard dark green patina, earthen highlights. Choice EF. Vigorous provincial style. Extraordinary detail on the ornamental throne. ($2000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Berk BBS 176 (8 September 2011), lot 537 (hammer $4000).

Choice Caligula & Divus Augustus Denarius

793.

Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.74 g, 12h). 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; Mazzini 11 (Caligula and Augustus). Lightly toned. Choice EF. Struck in high relief from dies of exceptional style. Worthy of a top-tier Twelve Caesars set. ($10,000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex CNG inventory 737486 (April 2004); Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 849.

The accession of Gaius (Caligula) to the imperial throne on the death of his great-uncle Tiberius signalled 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 Germanicus 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. Like his great-grandfather Augustus did with Divus Julius Caesar, Gaius had coins struck which included 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 appear like portraits of Tiberius. Combined with the historical evidence that Gaius had personally given Tiberius’ funeral oration and had asked the Senate to approach the idea of deification for Tiberius, this argues that this coin was struck during the initial days when Gaius was testing the idea. The Senate, however, refused to pursue the matter further, and the portrait was altered to more closely resemble Augustus.

268

794.

Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.55 g, 1h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 1st emission, after 18 March AD 37. C • CAESAR • AVG • [G]ERM • 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. Deeply toned, some porosity, scratches, light smoothing in fields. Good VF. ($2000) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection.

The Emperor’s Mother and Father

795.

Gaius (Caligula), with Agrippina Senior. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.35 g, 5h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERM • P • M • TR • POT •, bare head of Gaius (Caligula) right / AGRIPPINA • MAT • C • CAES • AVG • GERM, draped bust of Agrippina right. RIC I 8; Lyon 162 (unlisted dies); RSC 4 (Caligula and Agrippina Senior); BMCRE 8; BN 12-13; Mazzini 4 (Agrippina and Caligula). Iridescent toning over lustrous surfaces. Near EF. A pair of attractive portraits. ($10,000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Berk BBS 68 (13 November 1991), lot 272.

796.

Gaius (Caligula), with Germanicus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.83 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 2nd emission, 1st phase, late AD 37. C • CΛESΛR • ΛVG • GERM • P • M • TR • POT •, bare head of Gaius (Caligula) right / GERMΛNICVS • CΛES • P • C • CΛES • ΛVG • GERM, bare head of Germanicus right. RIC I 12; Lyon 165 (unlisted dies); RSC 4 (Caligula and Germanicus); BMCRE 12-13; BN 15-16; Mazzini 4 (Germanicus and Caligula). Attractively toned, a few shallow marks and surface flaws. Near EF. Two bold portraits. ($7500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Berk BBS 71 (28 May 1992), lot 232.

269

High Grade Romano-British Imitation

797. Claudius. AD 41-54. Fourrée Denarius (18mm, 2.60 g, 10h). Roman-British imitation. Imitating Rome mint issue of AD 50-51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P X IMP P P, laureate head right / [PACI] AVGVSTAE, Pax-Nemesis, winged and draped, advancing right, her right arm is bent upward and with right hand she pulls out fold of drapery below chin, and holding in left hand a winged caduceus pointing down at serpent gliding right with head erect. North Suffolk 102-5 (dies H/6); cf. RIC I 52; cf. von Kaenel Type 40; cf. RSC 65; cf. BMCRE 62-3; cf. BN 66-7. Attractive golden toning, scattered scratches and marks, miniscule breaks in plating on obverse. EF. ($2000) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection.

IMPER(atore) RECEPT(o)

798. Claudius. AD 41-54. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.68 g, 10h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 44-45. TI CLAVD • CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • IIII, 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 25; von Kaenel Type 21 (unlisted dies); Lyon 40 (unlisted dies); Calicó 361a; BMCRE 23; BN 43-4; Biaggi 206; Mazzini 43. Lightly toned, a few marks. VF. ($5000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from David Vagi (inv. 38731 [ND]).

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 the legend IMPER RECEPT –- “The Emperor Received.”

799. Claudius. AD 41-54. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.71 g, 10h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 44-45. TI CLAVD CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • IIII, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTAE, Pax-Nemesis advancing right, holding out fold of drapery below chin with right hand and holding in left hand a winged caduceus pointing down at serpent gliding right with head erect. RIC I 27; von Kaenel Type 22, 568 (V –[unlisted obv. die]/R373); Lyon 42; Calicó 366; BMCRE 26; BN 40-1; Biaggi 209; Jameson 42; Mazzini 55 (same rev. die). In NGC encapsulation 6157094-004, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 1/5, smoothing. ($7500) Ex DMS Collection (Triton XXII, 8 January 2019), lot 1007; Classical Numismatic Review XXI.2 (Fall 1996), no. 37.

270

800.

Claudius, with Agrippina Junior. AD 41-54. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.75 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 50-51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P, laureate head of Claudius right / AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE, 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 80; von Kaenel Type 50 (unlisted dies); Lyon 82 (unlisted dies); Calicó 396e; BMCRE 72-4; BN 76-81; Adda 25; Biaggi 215-6; Jameson 45; Mazzini 3. Lustrous, obverse die flaws, faint hairline. Near EF. Wonderful portrait of Agrippina.

($10,000) Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc32414 (ND) ; Numismatica Ars Classica 15 (18 May 1999), lot 298.

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 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.

801. Claudius. AD 41-54. Æ Sestertius (37.5mm, 23.38 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/ CIVES/ SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath. RIC I 96; von Kaenel Type 54; BMCRE 115-6; BN 152-61. Dark green-brown patina, earthen overlays, some minor cleaning marks. Good VF. A handsome coin. ($2000)

802. Claudius. AD 41-54. Æ As (28mm, 11.12 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 42-43. TI • CLAVDIVS • CAESAR • AVG P M • TR • P • IMP • P • P, bare head left / LIBERTAS AVGVSTA, Libertas, draped, standing right, holding pileus in right hand and extending left hand. RIC I 113; von Kaenel Type 77; BMCRE 202-5; BN 230-2. Dark green-brown patina, some red, smoothing in fields. EF. Excellent portrait. ($750) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 100 (29 May 2017), lot 1760.

271

Pedigreed to 1962

803. Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.82 g, 4h). Rome mint. Struck AD 50-51. TI CLAVD CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • X • IMP • P • P, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTAE, Pax-Nemesis, winged and draped, advancing right, with right hand holding out fold of drapery below chin, with left hand holding winged caduceus, pointing down at snake erect, gliding right. RIC I 52; von Kaenel Type 40, 701 (V588/R607 – this coin); RSC 65; BMCRE 62-3; BN 66-7. Handsome old cabinet tone. Good VF. Well centered on a broad flan. Great portrait. ($3000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Empire Coins 12 (7 September 1990), lot 345; Leu 50 (25 April 1990), lot 280; Münzen und Medaillen AG 66 (22 November 1984), lot 543; Auctiones AG 13 (23 June 1983), lot 658; Auctiones AG 11 (30 September 1980), lot 40; Hess-Leu [19] (12 April 1962), lot 429.

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.

804. Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Cistophorus (27mm, 10.86 g, 6h). Ephesus mint. Struck AD 41-42. TI CLAVD CAES • AVG, bare head left / COM ASI across field, distyle temple of Roma and Augustus, enclosing standing facing figures of Claudius, holding spear in right hand, being crowned by Fortuna, holding wreath in right hand and cornucopia in left; ROM • ET AVG on entablature. RIC I 120 (Pergamum); RPC I 2221; RSC 3; BMCRE 228; BN 304-6 (Pergamum). Darkly toned, some scrapes and scratches, tiny red deposits on obverse, edge marks. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Gadoury (1 December 2012), lot 90.

272

Among the Finest Known Britannicus Sestertius

805. Britannicus. AD 41-55. Æ Sestertius (36.5mm, 26.52 g, 6h). Uncertain Balkan/Thracian mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 50-54. TI CLAVDIVS • CAESAR • AVG • BRITANNICVS •, bareheaded and draped bust left / S C across field, Mars, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, cuirass, and short tunic, advancing left, holding transverse spear in extended right hand, and in left, shield, decorated with star motif as the central boss. RIC I p. 130 note; von Kaenel, Thrakien Type B, B8, pl. 21, 8; BMCRE 226 (Claudius); BN –. Lovely dark green patina. Good VF. Well centered and struck. Very rare and in extraordinary condition. Certainly among the finest known examples. ($30,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 100 (29 May 2017), lot 440 (hammer 50,000 CHF).

Tiberius Claudius Germanicus was born on 12 February AD 41, only a few weeks after his father, Claudius, became emperor. After Claudius’ conquest of Britain in AD 43, the boy’s name was changed to Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus, and the sources refer to him simply as Britannicus. In AD 55, while dining with friends, he was poisoned and died. The murder was almost certainly ordered by Nero, who wanted to clear the way for his own succession to the throne.

The attribution of Britannicus’ sestertii has been a matter of some controversy. In earlier scholarship, the issue had been attributed to Rome around the end of Claudius’ reign when Britannicus adopted the toga virilis. Mattingly demonstrated that such an attribution was problematic, as the Roman mint was not producing aes at that time, and he assigned the type instead to the early years of Titus, when many restoration and commemorative issues were being struck. More recently, substantial numbers of Latin coins (sestertii and dupondii) in the name of Britannicus, Agrippina Jr., Nero Caesar, and Nero Augustus have been found localized in the Balkan region, and von Kaenel argued for a Thracian origin for the series. Von Kaenel’s analysis must be correct, for the style and fabric of the coins, as well as the find spots, indicate a Thracian mint, and there is nothing in the types or legends to suggest that any of these coins are posthumous. These local issues would have been struck for use by the legions servicing the border.

273

806. Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.63 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 61-62. NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP •, youthful bare head right / PONTIF • MAX TR P VIII COS IIII • P • P, EX S C across field, Roma standing right, holding and inscribing shield supported on left knee, left foot on helmet; dagger and bow at feet to right. RIC I 34; WCN 49; Lyon 34; RSC 222a; BMCRE 37-38; BN 44. Light toning, traces of deposits on reverse. EF. Particularly rare in high grade. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from David Vagi, January 1999.

807.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 21.35 g, 7h). 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, hung with wreath across front and left side; above, Nero in facing quadriga escorted on right by Victory holding wreath and palm and on left by Pax holding caduceus and cornucopiae; just below the quadriga on extreme left and right, two small figures of soldiers; on left side of arch in niche, figure of Mars standing facing, holding spear and round shield; ornamental reliefs on the faces and plinths of the arch. RIC I 392; WCN 410; Lyon 70; BMCRE 329; BN 77. Green patina, smoothing. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 37 (19 September 2017), lot 487.

808. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (29mm, 13.52 g, 8h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 66. IMP • NERO • CAESAR • AVG • P • MAX • TR • P • P • P, Laureate head right, globe at point of neck / VICTORIA A V GVS TI, S C across field, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC I 522; WCN 524; Lyon 204; BMCRE 353-5; BN 144-5. Dark brown and green patina, minor smoothing. Near EF. ($3000) Ex ArtCoins Roma 8 (4 February 2014), lot 496.

809. Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.40 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / [AVG]VSTVS AVGVSTA, Nero, radiate and togate, standing left, holding patera in right hand and long scepter in right; to right, empress, veiled and draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 45; WCN 55; RSC 43; BMCRE 54-5; BN 201. Lightly toned, a few shallow scratches on obverse, the reverse struck slightly off center. Near EF. A very attractive example with a bold portrait. ($2000) 274

810

811

810. Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.43 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter, with cloak around lower limbs, bare to waist, seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt in right hand and long vertical scepter in left. RIC I 53; WCN 57; RSC 119; BMCRE 74-6; BN 220-1. Lightly toned, die break on obverse, numerous shallow scratches and marks. EF. ($2000) 811. Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.46 g, 8h). Spanish mint (Tarraco?). Struck circa April-late AD 68.

GALBA IMP, laureate head right, globe at point of neck / HISPANIA, Hispania standing left, holding poppy and two stalks of grain in right hand and round shield and two spears in left. RIC I 21; CSB 27; RSC 80; BMCRE 172; BN 10. Iridescent toning, some scratches under tone. Near EF. Fine style portrait. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Cederlind 117 (28 September 1999), lot 798 (front cover coin).

The Second Known

812. Galba. AD 68-69. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.14 g, 6h). Posthumous issue. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 70-71. IMP GALBA CAESAR AVG P P, laureate head right, globe at point of neck / FORTVNA AVG, Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 127 (same dies as illustration); Calicó 476 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 241 (same dies); BN –; Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Surface marks, reverse weakly struck, shallow edge test cut. VF. RIC, Calicó, and BMCRE use the same coin photograph of the example in the British Museum, which was purchased from the Montagu Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 13 April 1896), lot 169. An extremely rare type, this is possibly the second recorded specimen, and the only one in private hands. ($10,000) Ex Berk BBS 207 (13 June 2019), lot 13; Kastner 6 (26 November 1974), lot 267.

813. Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.28 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG P M, laureate head right / DIVA AVGVSTA, Livia, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and long scepter in left. RIC I 224; RSC 58; BMCRE 12; BN 101. Deep cabinet tone. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection.

275

814. Otho. AD 69. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.16 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP OTHO CΛESΛR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVR I TAS P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 9; Muona Group 2, Type 9A; Calicó 529; cf. BMCRE p. 366, note †; BN 9; Adda 43; Biaggi 273; Mazzini 14. Smoothing and tooling. Good VF. ($15,000) Ex Künker 312 (8 October 2018), lot 2820; Künker 273 (14 March 2016), lot 674; Gorny & Mosch 224 (13 October 2014), lot 471.

815. Otho. AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.47 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP M OTHO CΛESΛR AVG TR P, bare head right / PΛX ORBIS TERRΛRVM, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch in right hand and caduceus in left. RIC I 4; Muona Group 1, Type 5B, Portrait A; RSC 3; BMCRE 3; BN 3. Deep cabinet tone, some old scratches under tone. Near EF. Excellent portrait. ($2000) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection, purchased from Roma Numismatics, 2007. Ex Hess-Divo 307 (7 June 2007), lot 1580; Münzen und Medaillen AG 79 (28 February 1994), lot 479; A. Hess 211 (9 May 1932), lot 483.

816. Otho. AD 69. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.26 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECV RI [TA]S P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 10; Muona Group 2, Type 9B; RSC 15; BMCRE 19; BN 11-13; CNG 114, lot 779 (same dies). Lightly toned, faint hairlines. Good VF. Bold portrait on a broad, round flan. ($1500)

276

Ex Este Collection – Provenanced to 1538

817. Vitellius. AD 69. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.39 g, 6h). Tarraco mint. Struck circa January-June. Λ VITELLIVS IMP GERMΛN, laureate bust of Vitellius left, globe at point of neck, a palm frond in front / VICTORIΛ ΛVGVSTI, Victory, draped, flying left and holding shield inscribed SP/QR in two lines. RIC I 35; Calicó 576 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 284 (this coin); BMCRE 91 var. (lacking palm frond); BN 12 var. (same); Hunter 51; Mazzini –; J. Cunnally, J. Kagan, & S. Scher, Numismatics in the Age of Grolier: An Exhibition at the Grolier Club (New York, 2001), pp. 26-7 (this coin). Warm red tone, with a deeply toned silver Este countermark behind bust, edges lightly rounded from historical mounting (as was fashionable in the 16th century for display purposes, and is often evident on coins with this pedigree). VF. Extremely rare and with a remarkable pedigree. ($50,000) From the Kagan Collection of Roman Coins. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXXIII (3 May 1994), lot 448; Numismatic Fine Arts XXX (8 December 1992), lot 226; Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s New York, 21 June 1990), lot 695; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection (purchased en bloc by Bank Leu, Zurich, 1978); Henry Platt-Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining, 16 November 1950), lot 1142; Geheimrat von Kaufman Collection (Hamburger 89, 27 May 1929), lot 839; d’Este Collection (C. Calcagnini. Aureorum numismatum Illustrissimi Herculis Secundi, Ducis Ferrariae Quarti, elenchus [Ferrara, 1538]).

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 family, rulers of Mantua, a city which proclaims itself as the birthplace of Virgil, and the Este family, a ruling family from the city of Ferrara in northern Italy who could trace their ancestry back to the 10th century.

It was under Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara (1476–1534) that the original Este collection was formed in the early 16th century. Over the next hundred years, the collection was added to as well as divided and partially dispersed in order to raise funds when the family found themselves in financial difficulties or required funding for military or political campaigns. At various points, parts of the original collection found their way, via various intermediaries, into the hands of other noble families, including, perhaps unknowingly, the Gonzaga family. However, with scant records of the exact transactions which took place, tracing a continual and exact line of ownership for individual items is tremendously difficult. As such, one question which has remained a source of debate is at which point these coins acquired the now famous countermark, or aquilleta, and to which family it corresponds.

What we do know is that 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 countermark. Ezechiel Spanheim in his 1717 work Dissertationes de praestantia et usu numismatum antiquorum, first asserted that the mark belonged to the Gonzaga family. However, less than fifteen years later in his 1731 Verona Illustrata, the renowned polymath Scippione Maffei attributed it to the Este family, as did Eckhel in a brief allusion to the countermark in his 1779 work, Catalogus musei Caesarei Vindobonensis. The debate has rumbled on since but today, the general consensus is that both Maffei and Eckhel were correct and that this small enigmatic eagle does in fact represent the mark of the Este family.

With that in mind it is all the more remarkable that the earliest record of the Este collection is the manuscript catalogue compiled between 1538–41 by the Italian humanist and diplomat Celio Calcagnini (1479–1541), who, previously under the employ of Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, brother of Alfonso, had dedicated himself to classical studies upon the Cardinal’s death in 1520. His catalogue, Aureorum numismatum Illustrissimi Herculis Secundi, Ducis Ferrariae Quarti, elenchus, provides a list of just over 760 gold coins held in the Este collection at the time. Included therein is one single gold coin of Vitellius, with Victory on the reverse; “Victoris stans alata, vestibus ad genua undantibus, orbem dextra tenet. In ambitu VICTORIA AVGSTI.” With no other coins issued by Vitellius present in the collection at this time, and no aurei with this reverse type, it is clear that this coin is the same Vitellius aureus catalogued by Calcagnini in his manuscript catalogue, and at some point, accorded the distinction of the Este family countermark.

Sadly, exactly when and under what circumstances the coin was separated from the Este collection is unknown, as is its location for almost the next four hundred years. We do know, that the next time it appeared in the public domain was in the sale of notable German art collector and Privy Councillor, Richard von Kaufmann (1849–1908), whose collection was sold posthumously in Hamburger Auction 89, in May 1929.

Subsequent to that, the coin found its way into the collection of English collector Henry Platt-Hall, whose sale of Roman coins in 1950 was, according to the British Museum, “one of the last great collections of Roman coins in this country”. From there it was acquired by Swiss sugar magnate and businessman Leo Biaggi de Blasys, whose remarkable and unrivalled collection of Roman gold coins needs no further commentary. Since that time, the coin has resided in the United States, first in the collection of Nelson Bunker Hunt, whose coins were sold through the now famous series of Sotheby’s catalogues in the 1990’s, before going through two further Numismatic Fine Arts sales in 1992 and 1994, and finally, featuring in the ‘Numismatics in the Age of Grolier’ exhibition at the Grolier Club in 2001.

Today, there are only 159 aurei bearing the silver eagle of the Este family known, and of those, only four in private hands – three Republican issues, and this Vitellius aureus, the sole aureus of Vitellius in the original Este collection, and now the only Roman Imperial aureus available in private hands to bear the noble countermark of one of the first, great ancestral collections of ancient coins, and to have a provenance which can be traced directly back to the Este family’s original collection of 1538. The earliest indisputable provenance in existence for any ancient coin, providing a direct link to one of the most powerful families in Italy, at the very height of the Italian high renaissance.

277

819 818 818.

Vitellius. AD 69. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.38 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P, laureate head right / S P Q R/ OB/ C S in three lines in oak wreath. RIC I 83; RSC 86; BMCRE 15-16; BN 45. Iridescent toning around the peripheries, slightly granular surfaces, a few scrapes and scratches. Near EF. ($750) From the Ray Neff Collection.

819. Vitellius. AD 69. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.58 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head right / CONCOR DIΛ P R, Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 90; RSC 18; BMCRE 20-1; BN 52. Light iridescent toning. Good VF. ($1000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Dave Herman, September 1990. Ex Monetarium 48 (Autumn 1987), no. 15.

Unpublished Vitellius Denarius

820. Vitellius. AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.28 g, 5h). Rome mint. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head left / S P Q R/ O • B/ C • S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I –; RSC –; BMCRE –; BN –; illustrated at: http:// dirtyoldbooks.com/roman/id/Coins-of-Roman-Emperor-Vitellius.htm. Toned, flan crack. Good VF. Extremely rare with head left. ($2000) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection, purchased from Old Roman Coins, 2002.

The First Judaea Capta Sestertius

821. Vitellius. AD 69. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 23.11 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa late April–20 December. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG P M TR P, laureate head right / VICTOR IA AVGVSTI, S C in exergue, Victory, naked to waist, standing right, left foot set on helmet, inscribing OB/ CIV[ES]/ SERV in three lines on round shield attached to palm tree. RIC I 169; Hendin 6489; BMCRE 61; BN –. Green patina, chipped in places near the edge. VF. Very rare. ($7500) Ex Gadoury (1 December 2012), lot 154.

David Hendin states that it is generally, but incorrectly, believed that the first Judaea Capta coins commemorating the Roman defeat of the Jews in AD 70 were struck by Vespasian. Experts have always acknowledged that during his short reign Vitellius issued the first Judaea Capta coins. The Victory reverse when associated with a palm tree is a clear reference to victory over Judaea.

278

Calicó and Sear Plate Coin

822. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.18 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint.

Struck AD 72. IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P IIII P P COS IIII, laureate head right / DE IVDAEIS, trophy, consisting of helmet with cheek-pieces, cuirass, spear, and two oblong shields on left arm, spear and round shield on two oblong shields on right arm, greaves, and round and oval shields on ground. RIC II.1 1179; Lyon 55; Hendin 6504; Calicó 627a (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 402; BN 305-6; Biaggi 316; S 2241 (this coin illustrated). Toned with underlying luster, some marks, edges have been rounded for mounting in jewelry. Good VF. Very rare. ($10,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXX (8 December 1992), lot 232.

823. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.19 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa 21 December AD 69-early 70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / IVDAEA in exergue, trophy; to right, Judaea seated right in attitude of mourning, head resting on left hand, right arm on lap. RIC II.1 1; Hendin 1464; Calicó 643; BMCRE 31-4; BN 20-2; Biaggi 324; Mazzini 225. A few light scratches. In NGC encapsulation 4936375, graded Ch F★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($10,000) Ex Peter J. Merani Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 Jan 2021), lot 149; Goldberg 25 (31 May 2004), lot 3143.

Ex Bromberg Collection – RSC Plate Coin

824. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.35 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa 21 December AD 69-early 70. IMP CAESΛR 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 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 35-42; BN 23-5. Deeply toned, cleaning scratches under tone. Good VF. ($1000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Harlan Berk Ltd., July 1993. Ex Abraham Bromberg Collection (Part I, Superior, 5 December 1991), lot 288; J. Schulman 258 (10 June 1974), lot 288.

279

825 826 825. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.26 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa 21 December AD 69-early 70. IMP CΛESΛR VESPΛSIANVS 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. Deep cabinet tone, small test cut on edge. Good VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler. Ex Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 1 May 1980), lot 295.

826. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.51 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa 21 December AD 69-early 70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIΛNVS ΛVG, laureate head right / IVDAEA, palm tree; to right, Judaea, veiled and draped, seated right on ground, in attitude of mourning, hands bound behind back. RIC II.1 4; Hendin 6510; RSC 229; BMCRE 43-4; BN –. Some deposits and cleaning marks. Good VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXXII (10 June 1993), lot 210.

827. Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 26.57 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III, laureate and draped bust right / HONOS ET VIRTVS, S C in exergue, Honos and Virtus standing facing one another: on left, Honos, bare to the waist, standing right, holding long scepter in right hand and cornucopia in left; on right, Virtus, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, right foot set on uncertain object, holding parazonium in right hand and vertical spear in left. RIC II.1 79; BMCRE 760; BN 487; Mazzini 203 (same dies). Dark green patina, light smoothing in fields. Good VF. Rare. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Tony Hardy Collection (Triton VIII, 11 January 2005), lot 1114; Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 289.

Illustrated in Cayon

828. Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 27.13 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDAE A CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, Vespasian standing right, left foot on helmet, holding spear in right hand, cradling parazonium in left arm; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass, in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 167; Hendin 6534; Brin 45; Cayon p. 267, 76 (this coin illustrated as specimen 7); BMCRE 543-6; BN 497-8. Brown patina, minor flan crack, light roughness, some smoothing in fields. Good VF. ($3000) From the Ray Neff Collection. Ex Triton XII (6 January 2009), lot 570; Münzhandlung Basel 1 (28 June 1934), lot 332; Mossberg Collection, 1946.

280

829 830 829.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 26.34 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / VI C TORIA AVGVSTI, S C in exergue, Victory standing right, left foot on helmet, inscribing shield with right hand set on palm tree; on right, Judaea seated right, in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 221; Hendin 6538; BMCRE 582-3; BN 561. Brown surfaces, rough in areas. VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

Ex Knobloch Collection 830.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (32.5mm, 26.68 g, 5h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71.

IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, bound male captive standing right; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass in attitude of mourning; both figures surrounded by arms. RIC II.1 233; Hendin 6539; BMCRE 532; BN 491. Brown surfaces, some roughness, smoothing, lightly tooled. VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 1 May 1980), lot 319.

831.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 24.84 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, bound male captive standing right; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass in attitude of mourning; both figures surrounded by arms. RIC II.1 233; Hendin 6539; BMCRE 532; BN 491. Dark green-brown patina, rough surfaces. Good VF. ($1000)

832. Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Quadrans (15.5mm, 1.88 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG, palm tree / PON M TR P P P COS III, S C across field, vexillum. RIC II.1 340; Hendin 6596; BMCRE –; BN 601-2. Brown and green surfaces, some roughness on reverse. VF. Rare. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Edward Janis Collection (Coin Galleries, 14 April 1999), lot 247.

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833 834 833. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.48 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 72-73. [I]MP CAES VESP AVG P M CO[S IIII], laureate head right / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory, draped, advancing right, holding palm frond in left hand over left shoulder and with right hand placing wreath on signum to right. RIC II.1 362; Hendin –; RSC 618; BMCRE 74-7; BN 60. Lightly toned, traces of deposits on reverse. Near EF. Strong portrait. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 49 (17 March 1999), lot 1509.

834. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.50 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 73. IMP CΛES VESP ΛVG CEN, laureate head right / SALVS AVG, Salus, draped, seated left, holding patera in extended right hand, left arm at side. RIC II.1 513; RSC 431; BMCRE 105-6; BN 90-1. Lightly toned. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan. Bold portrait. ($750) Ex John L. Cowan Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), lot 793, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, 2 October 1993.

Extremely Rare and Important Sestertius

835. Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (32.5mm, 23,91 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 73. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P P P COS IIII C[E]NS, laureate head right / S • C in exergue, Vespasian standing right in triumphal quadriga right, holding [branch] in right hand and scepter in left; on currus, relief of Victory holding wreath and palm frond. RIC II.1 577 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6571 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 659 (same dies); BN –; NAC 52, lot 374 (same dies; hammer CHF 75,000). Dark brown patina, minor roughness and metal flaws. VF. Extremely rare.

Missing from most major collections of Judaean coins offered in public auctions. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Edward Janis Collection (Coin Galleries, 14 April 1999), lot 245.

This historically intriguing issue of the Judaean series refers to the triumphal parade held in Rome to celebrate Rome’s victory over the Jews and to display the treasures taken from them during the Jewish War.

836. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Quinarius (14mm, 1.70 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 75(?). IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head left / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory, draped, advancing right, holding up wreath in right hand and palm frond over shoulder in left. RIC II.1 798; King 3A; RSC 615a; BMCRE 288-9; BN 255. Deep cabinet tone, shallow scratches under tone, tiny metal flaw on obverse. Good VF. Very rare with bust left. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), lot 300.

282

837. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.34 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 77-78. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head left / COS VIII in exergue, Two yoked oxen left. RIC II.1 944; RSC 134a; BMCRE 209; BN 185. Attractive iridescent tone, a few minor scratches. Near EF. Struck with dies of artistic merit. ($1000)

838. Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Quadrans (16mm, 2.89 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck July AD 77- December 78. IMP VESP AVG COS VIII, winged caduceus between crossed cornucopia / S C within laurel wreath. RIC II.1 1017; BMCRE 741; BN 911. Brown surfaces. EF. Choice for issue. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 587.

839. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.09 g, 1h). Ephesus mint. Struck AD 69-70. IMP CAES VESP AVG, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTAE, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; Φ to lower left. RIC II.1 1406; RPC II 812; RSC 280c. Lustrous. Bold portrait in high relieft. In NGC encapsulation 6156776-004, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. ($1500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 90 (23 May 2012), lot 1497.

840. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.43 g, 6h). Ephesus mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head right / PACI ORB TERR AVG, Turreted and draped female bust right; ΦY monogram below. RIC II.1 1426; RPC II Online 828.8 (this coin); RSC 293a; BMCRE 450; BN –. Minor die break and slight double strike on reverse. Near EF. Rare. ($500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 57 (4 April 2001), lot 1143.

283

841. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.43 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Antioch mint. Struck AD 72-73. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head right / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory, draped, advancing right, holding palm frond in left hand over left shoulder and with right hand placing wreath on signum to right. RIC II.1 1557 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6515; RPC II 1929; RSC 618; BMCRE 509; BN –. Lightly toned. Near EF. Rare in this condition. ($1500)

842. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.43 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Antioch mint. Struck AD 72-73. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head right / Palm tree; to left, Vespasian standing right, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left, left foot on helmet; to right, Judaea, in attitude of mourning, seated right. RIC II.1 1558; Hendin 6520; RPC II 1930; RSC 645; BMCRE 510-1; BN 318-20. Lightly toned, struck with a worn obverse die.

Good VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Brian Kritt, 8 June 1996.

843. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.42 g, 11h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Antioch (or Tyre?) mint.

Struck AD 72-73. IMP CAES [VESP AV] G P M COS IIII, laureate head right / Palm tree; to left, Vespasian standing right, holding spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to right, Jewess seated right in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 1558; Hendin 1490 corr. (obv. legend); RPC II 1930; RSC 645. In NGC encapsulation 6155895-006, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5. ($1000) Ex Heinrich Rudolf Peter Collection, purchased from Dieter Grunow, Berlin.

284

Rare Restitution Aureus – Woytek Plate Coin

844.

Divus Vespasian. Died AD 79. AV Aureus (19mm, 6.96 g, 7h). Restitution issue. Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, circa AD 107 or 112/113. DIVVS • VESPASIANVS •, laureate head right / IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GER DAC P P REST, pulvinar (throne) of Jupiter and Juno: square seat, draped, surmounted by horizontal winged thunderbolt. RIC II 829 (Trajan); Woytek 8662 (this coin); Komnick Type 67.0, 11 (V3/R3 – this coin); Calicó 707; BMCRE 703 (Trajan); BN 482 (Trajan); Biaggi 353. Underlying luster, a few minor marks. Near VF. Rare. ($7500) Ex Triton X (9 January 2007), lot 600; Sternberg XI (20 November 1981), lot 609.

Although several Roman emperors re-issued types struck by their predecessors, which modern numismatists call restitution coinage, such coinage of Trajan is somewhat of an enigma. Unlike his Julio-Claudian and Flavian predecessors, whose restitution series was limited to bronze issues of specific emperors, Trajan struck only aurei and denarii. Issues of certain previous emperors, including Trajan’s immediate predecessor Nerva, as well as certain Republican issues, such as an early didrachm that had been long out of circulation. In general, the striking of restitution coinage was meant to legitimize the new regime in the eyes of the populace through an expression of pietas to the “good” emperors who deserved to be remembered, as was the case of the Flavians, who included bronze coins of Galba, while omitting Caligula, Nero, Otho, and Vitellius (see BMC II, p. lxxviii). In the case of Trajan’s restitution issues, however, legitimacy appears not to be the sole reason, since he had been appointed to succeed Nerva prior to the latter’s death and was thus Nerva’s legitimate successor.

Relative to dating Trajan’s restitution coins, the traditional dating of AD 107 is based on Eckhel’s theory linking the restitution coinage with the general recoinage that Dio places after Trajan’s return from the Second Dacian War. Bernhard Woytek disagrees, and places their issue in AD 112/113, surmising that the appearance of Divus Nerva in this coinage must be contemporary to his appearance on an aureus securely dated to that period. Curtis Clay, however, pleads for the traditional dating of recoinage which, according to Dio, began circa AD 107. He states that “If the restored coinage was connected with the recoinage, and the recoinage began circa AD 107, how likely is it that Trajan would have waited until AD 112-3 to issue the restored coins resulting from that recoinage?”

Only with further study of the coinage itself might the purpose of Trajan’s restitution coinage be fully understood.

845.

Diva Domitilla Senior. Died before AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.55 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck under Domitian, AD 82-83. DIVA DOMITILLA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, hair in long plait at back / FORTVNA AVGVST, Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder set on ground in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC II.1 157 (Domitian); RSC 3; BMCRE 137 (Titus); BN 102 (Titus). Light iridescent toning over lustrous surfaces. EF. A delightful portrait. Well struck on a broad flan. ($10,000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, March 2003.

A vexing problem of Flavian numismatics is the identity of a woman named Domitilla, who died sometime before the family rose to power and was deified and honored on coinage struck under Domitian. Vespasian’s wife, the mother of Titus and Domitian, was named Flavia Domitilla and was long regarded as the most likely candidate. However, Vespasian’s daughter, the sister of Titus and Domitian, bore the same name and also predeceased Vespasian’s rise to power in AD 69; some numismatists, notably Carradice and Buttrey in the revised RIC II (London, 2007) assign the Diva Domitilla coinage to her. A 2010 article by Susan Wood in the American Journal for Archaeology Online, again makes the case for the senior Domitilla: “Her purely symbolic but significant role in the official propaganda contrasts with the living women of Domitian’s principate [his sister Julia Titi and his wife, Domitian], both of whom held the title of Augusta and were perceived to be rivals for power.”

285

846. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 25.05 g, 7h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 72. T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, Titus standing right, left foot on helmet, holding spear in right hand, cradling parazonium in left arm; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass, in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 422; Hendin 6553; BMCRE 631-2; BN 618.

River patina, some smoothing. VF. Powerful portrait. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leo Benz Collection (Lanz 94, 22 November 1999), lot 348.

Rare Judaea Capta Aureus – Ex Kollek Collection

847. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.33 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 72-73. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate head right / Palm tree with five palm fronds: to left, Titus, in military dress, standing right, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left, foot on helmet; to right, Judaea, veiled and draped, seated right in attitude of mourning, knees drawn up, head resting on left hand, left arm propped on knee.

RIC II.1 368 (Vespasian); Hendin 6496; Calicó 721b; BMCRE 83-4 (Vespasian); BN 74 (Vespasian); Biaggi 389; Bromberg 618. Underlying luster, few minor marks, small test cut at reverse edge. VF. Rare. ($20,000) Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection (Gemini IX, 9 January 2012), lot 303; Teddy Kollek Collection (Leu 86, 5 May 2003), lot 807.

The Roman Empire used coins to convey powerful messages. The anepigraphic reverse on this coin depicts the utter destitution of Judaea following the brutal suppression of the Jewish revolt.

See now, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: all supplies of food and all supplies of water, the hero and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor, skilled crafstman and clever enchanter (Isaiah 3:1-3) .

And her gates shall lament and mourn; ravaged, she shall sit upon the ground (Isaiah 3:26).

286

Rare Triumph Aureus

848.

Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.32 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 72-73. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate head right / Titus, laureate, standing in triumphal quadriga right, holding branch in right hand and scepter and reins in left. RIC II.1 370 (Vespasian); Hendin 6497; Calicó 722a (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 520 (Vespasian; same dies); BN 73 (Vespasian); Biaggi 390; Jameson 72. Underlying luster, faint hairlines, may have been once ring mounted. Good VF. Rare. ($10,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Spink America, December 1997. Ex I. Vecchi 8 (4 December 1997), lot 250.

Ex Este Collection

849. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 24.74 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 72. T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, Titus standing right, left foot on helmet, holding spear in right hand, cradling parazonium in left arm; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass, in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 422; Hendin 6553; BMCRE 631-2; BN 618.

Brown surfaces, minor roughness, silver Este countermark behind bust. Good VF. Very rare. ($10,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Michael Druck Collection (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 13 January 2017), lot 2098; J. Schulman 235 (5 June 1961), lot 85; V. J. E. Ryan Collection (Part 5, Glendining, 2 April 1952), lot 2381; Leonello d’Este Collection.

See lot 817 for a note on the historical significance of the countermarked coins from the Este Collection.

287

Hendin Plate Coin – Pedigreed to 1955

850. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 25.41 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint.

Struck under Vespasian, July-December AD 72. T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP III PON TR POT II COS II, laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis / S • C in exergue, Titus, laureate, standing in triumphal quadriga right, holding branch in right hand and scepter with human head at tip in left; on side of currus, Titus placing his right hand on the head of a Jewish captive, holding palm frond in left. RIC II.1 476 (Vespasian); Hendin 6561a (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 650 (same dies); BN –; Bromberg 622. Brown surfaces, minor roughness, some smoothing/cleaning marks. Good VF. Excellent portrait in high relief. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Leu 75 (25 October 1999), lot 1489; Robert Schonwalter Collection; Dr. Giorgio Giorgi Collection (Ratto, 26 January 1955), lot 447.

851. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.66 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 74. T CAESAR IMP VESP, laureate head right / PONTIF TR POT, Fortuna standing left on garlanded cippus, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC II.1 696 (Vespasian); Calicó 751; BMCRE 153 (Vespasian); BN 127-9 (Vespasian); Adda 65; Mazzini 165; Spink 355, lot 9 (same dies). Underlying luster. Good VF. ($10,000)

852. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.36 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 75. T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN, laureate head right / COS IIII, bull butting right, lashing his tail. RIC II.1 780 (Vespasian); Calicó 731; BMCRE 171 (Vespasian); BN 145-6 (Vespasian); Biaggi 361; Mazzini 48. Lightly toned with underlying luster. EF. Bold portrait. ($25,000) Ex Peus 366 (25 October 2000), lot 1332; Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 590.

288

853. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.59 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 79, to 24 June. T CΛESΛR IMP VESPΛSIΛNVS, laureate head right / TR POT VIII COS VII, Venus, naked except for slight drapery around thighs, standing right, right leg bent, resting left arm on column, holding helmet on extended right hand and transverse spear in left. RIC II.1 1078 (Vespasian); RSC 332; BMCRE 255A (Vespasian); BN 223-4 (Vespasian). Iridescent toning. Near EF. ($750) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Pegasi, May 2005.

854. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.79 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Antioch mint.

Struck under Vespasian, AD 72-73. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate and draped bust right / palm tree; to left, Titus standing right, left foot on helmet, holding spear in right hand, cradling parazonium in left arm; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass, in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 1562 (Vespasian); Hendin 6522; RPC II 1934; RSC 392; BMCRE 518-9 (Vespasian); BN 322-3 (Vespasian). Toned. VF. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

855. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.55 g, 5h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Antioch mint.

Struck under Vespasian, AD 72-73. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate and draped bust right / Titus standing in triumphal quadriga right, holding branch in right hand and scepter in left. RIC II.1 1563; Hendin 6523; RPC II 1935; RSC 395; BMCRE 521-2; BN 324. Toned. VF. ($500) From the DMS Collection.

856. Titus. AD 79-81. Æ Semis (20mm, 5.85 g, 7h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Eastern mint (Thrace?). Struck AD 80-81. IMP T CAESAR DIVI VESPAS F AVG, laureate head right / IVD CAP/ S C in two lines across field, palm tree; to left, Judaea, veiled and draped, seated left, in attitude of mourning; shield to left; to right, two upright spears, helmet, and yoke. RIC II.1 504; Hendin 6629; BMCRE 259; BN 275; Bromberg 626. Glossy green patina, lightly smoothed. EF. Struck on a broad flan with full designs and legends. Very rare, especially in high grade. ($2500) 289

857.

Julia Titi. Augusta, AD 79-90/1. AR Denarius (21.5mm, 3.11 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 crested helmet in right hand and transverse spear in left. RIC II.1 388 (Titus); RSC 14; BMCRE 141-3 (Titus); BN 106-7 (Titus). Attractive light toning. Good VF. Wonderful portrait style. ($2000)

858. Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.39 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 77-78.

CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head right / COS V, she-wolf standing left, head right, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus; boat in exergue. RIC II.1 961 (Vespasian); RSC 51; BMCRE 241–2 (Vespasian); BN 208–9 (Vespasian). Dark iridescent tone, scratch under tone on obverse. Near EF. ($750) From the Menlo Park Collection. Ex James Fox Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 40, with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 1453.

859. Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.53 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 79, to 24 June. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, Salus, draped, standing right, left leg crossed over right, resting arm on column, holding snake and feeding it from a patera. RIC II.1 1084 (Vespasian); RSC 384 corr. (Salus standing right, not left); BMCRE 265 (Vespasian); BN 237 (Vespasian). Attractive iridescent tone. EF. ($500) Ex New York Sale LI (12 January 2021), lot 119.

860.

Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.36 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Titus, AD 80-81. CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII •, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, crested Corinthian helmet on draped pulvinar.

RIC II.1 271 (Titus); RSC 399a; BMCRE 98-103 (Titus); BN 79-80 (Titus). Old cabinet tone. Good VF. ($500) Ex Dr. Klaus Berthold Collection (Künker 318, 11 March 2019), lot 1134; Auctiones AG 13 (23 June 1983), lot 680.

290

861. Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.24 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 7778. CΛESΛR ΛVG F DOMITIΛNVS, laureate head right / COS V, she-wolf standing left, head right, suckling the twins (Romulus and Remus); boat in exergue. RIC II.1 960 (Vespasian); Calicó 820; BMCRE 237-9 (Vespasian); BN 210-2; Biaggi 398. Slight bend in flan. Good VF. ($7500)

Calico Plate Coin

862. Domitian. AD 81-96. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.55 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 92-94. DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / GERMANICVS COS XVI, Minerva standing left, holding reversed spear in right hand, shield on left arm.

RIC II.1 746; Calicó 847 (this coin); BMCRE 210; BN –. Minor reverse scuff, otherwise lustrous and struck in high relief. In NGC encapsulation 4938386-051, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 119 (with Jesús Vico, 6 October 2020), lot 43.

863.

Domitian. AD 81-96. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.59 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1 January-13 September AD 95. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, brandishing spear in right hand and holding shield in left; to lower right, owl standing right, head facing. RIC II.1 771; RSC 289; BMCRE 223; BN 221. Superb EF. Well centered and struck. Fantastic portrait. ($1500) Ex Tkalec (24 October 2003), lot 248.

291

864. Domitia. Augusta, AD 82-96. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.38 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck under Domitian, AD 82-83.

DOMITIΛ ΛVGVSTΛ IMP DOMIT, draped bust right, wearing necklace, and hair massed high in front above forehead and knotted in long plait on neck / CONCOR DIΛ ΛVGVS T, peacock standing right. RIC II.1 151 (Domitian); RSC 2; BMCRE 61 (Domitian); BN 65 (Domitian; same rev. die). Deep cabinet tone. Good VF. Well centered. Rare. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Leu 71 (24 October 1997), lot 354; Leu 2 (25 April 1972), lot 384.

865.

Nerva. AD 96-98. AE Sestertius (35mm, 25.96 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 96. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head right / FISCI IVDΛICI CΛLVMNIΛ SVBLΛTΛ, S C across field, palm tree with two clusters of dates.

RIC II 58; Hendin 6634; Banti 14; BMCRE 88; BN 71. Glossy surfaces, some smoothing and tooling. VF. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Stack’s (7 December 1989), lot 3303; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 1 May 1980), lot 438; Albert Baldwin Collection.

David Hendin wrote, in his Guide to Biblical Coins, Fifth Edition, that “In all likelihood (this reverse type) celebrates Vespasian’s requirement of 71/2 CE that the annual didrachm Temple Tax, the Fiscus Iudaicus, be paid to Rome rather than to the Jewish Temple. This tax was extended to every Jew, male and female, from the age of three, and even to slaves of Jewish households. The proceeds were earmarked for the rebuilding of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus Capitolinus in Rome, which had been destroyed in the last days of the Roman Civil War of 68-69.”

“Thus, FISCI IVDIACI CALVMNIA SVBLATA (’the insult of the Jewish Tax has been removed’) would refer to Vespasian’s removal of the insult that prior to 71/2 the Jewish Temple Tax had been collected by Jews for their own use. After all, Romans considered themselves the only legitimate taxing authority within the empire, and the only rightful beneficiary of tax revenues.”

“In summary, the idea that this coin represents a Roman apology, or a Roman acknowledgment of its own callous behavior, must be abandoned” (p. 458).

866. Nerva. AD 96-98. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.34 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT, laureate head right / COS III PATER PATRIAE, priestly emblems: simpulum, aspergillum, guttus, and lituus. RIC II 24; RSC 48; BMCRE 31; BN 24. Toned, minor flan flaws. Superb EF. ($1000) Ex KD Collection (Triton XX, 9 January 2017), lot 714; Goldberg 69 (29 May 2012), lot 3529 (hammer $2200).

292

Klawans Plate Coin – Ex Knobloch Collection

867. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 27.25 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M, laureate bust right, slight drapery / TR • POT • COS • IIII • P • P, Pax seated left, holding olive branch and scepter. RIC II 432 var. (bust type); Woytek 107b; Banti 337; BMCRE 745 note; BN 144-5; Klawans, Reading and Dating Roman Imperial Coins, plate coin. Attractive brown patina. EF. ($3000) From the Menlo Park Collection. Ex A. Lynn Collection (Manhatten Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 260; Sotheby’s New York (19 December 1998), lot 37; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 1 May 1980), lot 486 (realized $7,750).

The Circus Maximus

868.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 24.83 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, wearing aegis / 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; Woytek 175c; Strack 391ε; Banti 274; BMCRE 856; BN 224. Dark green patina. VF. A very rare and highly interesting architectural representation. ($5000) From the DMS Collection. Ex New York Sale XI (11 January 2006), lot 294.

The Circus Maximus, perhaps the second greatest monument built for the benefit of Rome’s citizens after the famed Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum), was restored by Trajan in AD 103. It is portrayed on this coin as seen from the Forum Boarium.

293

869. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 27.92 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck mid AD 107-110. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TRP COS V P P, laureate bust right with bare chest, slight drapery / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C in exergue, Trajan, bareheaded and in military dress, cloak floating out behind him, on horseback riding right, thrusting spear with right hand at fallen Dacian under the horse, on his left knee, resting left hand on ground, right hand thrust out before him, his head turned upward. RIC II 543 var. (bust type); Woytek 317d; Strack 361; Banti 203; BMCRE 539-40 var. (same); BN 305-7 var. (same). Dark green patina, area of minor smoothing. Near EF. Outstanding high-relief portrait. Woytek lists only two examples with this rare portrait style. ($3000)

870. Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.29 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 108-110. IMP • TRAIANO • AVG • GER DAC P M TR P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / COS V P P S • P • Q • R • OPTIMO PRINC, Libertas standing facing, head to left, holding pileus and vindicta. RIC II 123 var. (bust type); Allen Series 42, Type VIII – (dies –/ VIII.17 [unlisted obv. die]); Woytek 292f (same rev. die as illustration); Strack 150β; Calicó 1001a; BMCRE 313 (same rev. die); BN 422-4; Biaggi 471; Jameson –; Mazzini 70 v. Lustrous. EF. A powerful portrait. ($10,000) Ex Triton XXIII (14 January 2020), lot 718.

871. Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 108-110. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC •, Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and vindicta in left. RIC II 123 var. (bust type); Allen Series 42, Type VIII, 26 (dies 32/viii.18); Woytek 292f; Strack 150β; Calicó 1001a; BMCRE 312-4; BN 422-4; Adda 89; Biaggi 471; Jameson –; Mazzini 70 v. Underlying luster, a few minor marks, scratches on reverse expertly repaired. EF. Splendid portrait. ($7500) Ex Nomos 19 (17 November 2019), lot 261; Lanz 159 (8 December 2014), lot 407 (since repaired).

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872. Trajan. AD 98-117. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.30 g, 8h). 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 / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, ΛLIM ITΛL in exergue, Annona standing left, holding grain ears in right hand over child to left and holding cornucopia in left. RIC II 243; Woytek 395b–2; RSC 9b; BMCRE 472-3; BN 664. Attractive iridescent tone, a couple of tiny deposits. Choice EF. ($750)

873. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 27.41 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 112/113-114. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right / FELICITAS AVGVST, S C across field, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding winged caduceus in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC II 625; Woytek 480v (this coin referenced); Strack 436ζ; Banti 59; BMCRE 965; BN 770. Attractive green patina, some light scratches. Good VF. A wonderful coin in hand. ($3000) Ex Jürgen K. Schmidt Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1963; Sotheby’s Zurich (27 October 1993), lot 1523; Numismatica Ars Classica 4 (27 February 1991), lot 355.

Woytek Plate Coin

874. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Dupondius (27mm, 12.04 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 112-113. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, radiate bust right, wearing aegis / S • P • Q • R • OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C across field; ARAB ADQVIS in exergue, Arabia, draped, standing front, head left, holding branch in right hand over ostrich standing left, cradling bundle of canes in left arm. RIC II 615 var. (bust type); Woytek 452c (this coin, illustrated); Strack 422; BMCRE –; BN –. Attractive brown surfaces, a few minor areas of porosity. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 6 (6 October 2000), lot 489; Numismatica Ars Classica I (19 May 1999), lot 1893.

295

875. Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.07 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck spring AD 113-summer 114. IMP • TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CONSERVATORI PATRIS PATRIAE, Jupiter, naked except for cloak on right and left arms, standing left, holding thunderbolt over Trajan in right hand and straight scepter in left; Trajan, togate, standing left, holding up branch in right hand. RIC II 249 var. (bust type); Beckmann, Early Group VII (dies a31/J1); Woytek 428f–1 (same rev. die as illustration); Strack 203β; Calicó 991a (same rev. die as illustration of Calicó 993); BMCRE 494; BN 736-7; Adda 86; Biaggi 467; Mazzini 46 var. (globe below bust). Toned, some light marks, earthen deposits. Good VF. ($5000) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 2003.

876. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ As (28mm, 10.13 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 114-116. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right / S • P • Q • R • OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C across field, Victory, draped, advancing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond over left shoulder. RIC II 594; Woytek 475v; Strack 431ζ; BMCRE 1002 var. (bust type); BN 725-7. Attractive dark green-brown patina. EF. Struck from dies of fine style. ($1000) Ex LHS 100 (23 April 2007), lot 480; Numismatica Ars Classica 5 (25 February 1992), lot 464.

877. Plotina. Augusta, AD 105-123. AR Denarius (20.5mm, 3.36 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, AD 112114. 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 arm. RIC II 730 (Trajan); Woytek 705–1 (Trajan); Strack 180 (Trajan); RSC 3; BMCRE 526-7 (Trajan); BN 679-81 (Trajan). Lightly toned. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan from dies of excellent style. ($3000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Helios 6 (9 March 2011), lot 153 (hammer €6,000).

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.

296

878. Plotina. Augusta, AD 105-122. Æ Sestertius (35.5mm, 27.03 g, 6h). . Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, AD 112-August 117. PLOTINA AVG IMP TRAIANI, draped bust right, hair elaborately dressed in two tiers over brow, above which is a stephane, and elaborately waved at the back, falling down her neck in looped plait / FIDES AVGVST, S C across field, Fides standing right, holding grain ears in right hand, basket of fruit in left. RIC II 740 (Trajan); Woytek 711; Strack 441; Banti 1; BMCRE 1080-2 (Trajan); BN 730-1 (Trajan). Repaired and repatinated, patina lightly chipped in a few areas. EF. Rare. ($20,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (16 May 2013), lot 640; Numismatica Ars Classica 59 (4 April 2011), lot 985.

Spectacular Diva Marciana Sestertius

879.

Diva Marciana. Died AD 112/4. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 25.18 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, AD 112-117.

DIVA • AVGVSTA MARCIANA, draped bust right, hair arranged in multiple curls at forehead and held in place by double stephane, gathered into a twisted plait in back / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing facing, wings displayed, leaning to right, head left. RIC II 748 (Trajan) var. (eagle to left); Woytek 716 (Trajan); Strack 444; Banti 2; BMCRE 1084 (Trajan); BN 790-1(Trajan). Lovely natural green patina with a few minor defects, earthen deposits, a few minor scratches and a light edge scrape. EF. A rare and spectacular piece, certainly among the finest known. ($30,000) 297

880.

Diva Marciana. Died AD 112/4. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.66 g, 8h). Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, AD 114.

DIVA • AVGVSTA MARCIANA •, draped bust right, hair arranged in multiple curls at forehead and held in place by double stephane, gathered into a twisted plait in back / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing facing, leaning to left, head right, both wings displayed, gripping scepter with talons. RIC II 743 (Trajan); Woytek 715 (Trajan); Strack 198 (Trajan); RSC 4; BMCRE 651 (Trajan); BN 757-8 (Trajan). Darkly toned, a few light marks under tone. VF. Rare. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex White Mountain Collection (Triton XII, 6 January 2009), lot 600.

Marciana, Trajan’s sister, and her daughter Matidia lived in the Imperial palace during his reign and were also honored on Trajan’s coinage.

Upon her death on 29 August AD 112, Marciana was formally deified and honored with this attractive denarius issue, depicting an eagle bearing a scepter to the heavens.

Matidia, Imperial Lynchpin

881. Matidia. Augusta, AD 112-119. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.20 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, AD 112-117.

MATIDIA AVG DIVAE MARCIANAE · F ·, draped bust right, wearing hair in elaborate coiffure held in place by double stephane with raised “peak” at front, and pearl necklace / PIETAS AVGVST ·, Pietas standing 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 728.1; Strack 200; Calicó 1157; Biaggi 559; BMCRE 660; BN 910. Lustrous, a few tiny marks on obverse. EF. A superb portrait of exceptional style struck in high relief. Very rare as such. ($30,000) Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 1071; CG Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 80, 20 October 2014), lot 92; Friend of the Romans Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 92, 22 November 2002), lot 76; Numismatica Ars Classica 9 (16 April 1996), lot 863.

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. This aureus was struck to mark Matidia’s elevation to Augusta, which she attained after her mother’s death. Matidia died herself in AD 119; her son-in-law Hadrian delivered the funeral oration and arranged for her deification.

298

882.

Diva Matidia. Died AD 119. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.33 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, AD 119-120 (and later). DIVA · AVGVSTA MATIDIA, draped bust right, wearing hair in elaborate coiffure held in place by double stephane with raised “peak” at front, and pearl necklace / CONSECRATIO, Eagle standing left on scepter, with wings displayed. RIC II.3 2462 (same rev. die as illustration); Strack 137; RSC 6; BMCRE 330-1 (Hadrian). Lightly toned. Good VF. Rare. Well centered. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from David Vagi, May 2000.

As Hadrian’s mother-in-law, Matidia retained her title of Augusta into his reign, although her daughter Sabina, Hadrian’s wife, was not immediately granted equal recognition. Upon Matidia’s death in AD 199, Hadrian ordered an extensive commemorative coinage, including this attractive denarius. Sabina would not receive the imperial title until the death of Plotina in AD 122.

883. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 17.19 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 119-mid 120. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, viewed from front / P M TR P COS III around, GEN P R across field, Genius, naked to waist, standing left, holding patera in extended right hand and cornucopia cradled in left arm. RIC II.3 195; Strack 66; Calicó 1267 (same rev. die as illustration); BMCRE 273; Jameson 101; Mazzini 796. Lustrous, scratches in obverse field. Good VF. ($3000)

884. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.22 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 119-circa mid 120. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, Laureate bust right with bare chest, slight drapery / P M TR P COS III, AETER AVG across field, Aeternitas, draped, standing left, holding up head of Sol in right hand and head of Luna in left. RIC II.3 202; Strack 59ε; RSC 131; BMCRE 250. Lightly toned. EF. ($750) From the Ulysses Collection.

885. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.60 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 119-circa mid 120. IMP CAESAR TRAIN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bust with bare chest right, slight drapery / P M TR P COS III, Pietas, veiled and draped, standing right, raising both hands. RIC II.3 228; Strack 119ε; RSC 1116; BMCRE 204-5. Attractively toned, considerable underlying luster. Choice EF. ($1000) From the Ulysses Collection. Ex Paulo Leitao Collection; Triton XIV (4 January 2011), lot 711.

299

886. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.22 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck circa late AD 120-121. IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped bust right, viewed from front / P M TR P COS III, Minerva Promachus facing, brandishing javelin held in right hand, shield on left arm. RIC II.3 298 var. (draped and cuirassed bust); Strack 98 var. (same); Calicó 1306 (“Minerva”) and 1343 (“palladium”) var. (same); BMCRE 116 var. (same). A few faint scratches. VF. Apparently an unpublished variant of a rare type. ($5000) The new edition of RIC Vol. II.3 lists this reverse type as C (Common); however it appears to be very rare in commerce, with only a single example in CoinArchives. The type appears twice in the older edition of RIC II, with the reverse figure described as “Minerva” (68) and “Palladium” (111); similarly, as noted above, there are two entries in Calicó, 1306 and 1343. All published examples have a draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian; this variety, with only a draped bust, seems to be rarer still, if not unique.

887. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.45 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck late AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN H ADRIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right cropped of its pteryges / P M TR P COS III, Hadrian (as Fortuna), bareheaded, in military dress, standing left, holding rudder on globe in right hand and reversed spear in right. RIC II.3 569; Strack 84η; RSC 1162b; BMCRE 241. Lightly toned, underlying luster, shallow scratch on obverse, some faint hairlines. EF. Struck with fresh dies. ($1000) From the Ulysses Collection.

888. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.42 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck late AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN H ADRIANVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III, Pax (Victrix), veiled and draped, seated left on low chair, holding Victory in globe in right and olive branch in left. RIC II.3 591; Strack 118δ; RSC 1147b; BMCRE 198.

Attractively toned. Superb EF. Struck with fresh dies. ($1500) From the Ulysses Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik 5 (27 October 2019), lot 369; Northern California Gentleman Collection (Triton XIV, 4 January 2011), lot 710.

889. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.35 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 124-125. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, Laureate bust right, slight drapery / COS III, Genius, naked to waist, standing left, sacrificing with patera in right hand over garlanded altar to left and holding cornucopia in left. RIC II.3 724; Strack 168α; RSC 335; BMCRE 396-9. Lightly toned, some find patina, small flan flaw on obverse, faint hairlines, traces of deposits, slightly ragged edge. EF. ($750) From the Ulysses Collection.

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Hadrian the Spaniard

890. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.23 g, 10h). “Travel series” issue - the Province alone. Rome mint.

Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head left / HISP ANIA, Hispania, draped, reclining left, holding up olive branch in right hand and resting left arm on rock; to left, a rabbit right. RIC II.3 1530 (same dies as illustration); Strack 3031/θο; Calicó 1273 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 844 (same dies); Biaggi 615 (same dies); Jameson –; Mazzini 828 (same dies). Lustrous fields. Near EF. Struck from dies of marvelous style. ($15,000) From a Southern California Collection.

Hadrian is considered a Spaniard, like his predecessor Trajan. His family, the Aelii, had risen to prominence in Italica, a city in Roman Spain near modern Seville. Hadrian spent much of his youth on family estates in Baetica and enjoyed the aristocratic lifestyle there. But upon entering public life, his peers laughed at his Latin, inflected as it was with a provincial Spanish accent. He responded by working hard on his pronunciation to erase any hint of provincial origins. Upon becoming emperor, Hadrian never felt comfortable in Rome and spent most of his 21-year reign traveling. This aureus of circa AD 130-133 recalls his visit to his homeland in AD 122-123, where he financed the restoration of Tarraco’s great temple of Divus Augustus.

891 892 891. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.57 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate head right / ROMVLO CONDITORI, Romulus, bareheaded, in military dress, advancing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and trophy in left hand over left shoulder. RIC II.3 1424; Strack 263δ; RSC 1316; BMCRE 710.

Lightly toned. EF. Sharply struck with fresh dies. ($750) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 409 (8 November 2017), lot 598; Triton XIII (4 January 2010), lot 1454.

892. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.47 g, 6h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – The province alone. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate head right / AEGYPTOS, Aegyptos, draped, reclining left, holding up sistrum in right hand and resting left arm on basket; to left, ibis standing right. RIC II.3 1481; Strack 294δ; RSC 100; BMCRE 801-3. Light toning. Near EF. ($750) From the Ulysses Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 257 (15 October 2018), lot 811.

Rare Bust Left Africa Denarius

893. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.44 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/αο; RSC 137a; BMCRE 821 note.

Lightly toned, shallow scratch on reverse. EF. Rare with bust left. ($1500) Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 741; Dr. Robert B. Beckett, Jr. Estate (Classical Numismatic Group 105, 10 May 2017), lot 883 (hammer $2400); Triton VI (13 January 2003), lot 889.

301

894. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.12 g, 6h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – The province alone. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / GER MANIA, Germania, draped, standing front, head right, holding vertical spear in right hand and resting left hand on oblong shield set on ground to right. RIC II.3 1519; Strack 301δο; RSC 805; BMCRE 837. Lightly toned. EF. Well struck. ($1000) Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 742; Dr. Robert B. Beckett, Jr. Estate (Classical Numismatic Group 105, 10 May 2017), lot 886 (hammer $1600); Lanz 114 (26 May 2003), lot 380.

An Extremely Rare Variety of a Very Rare Type

895. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Dupondius or As (27mm, 13.64 g, 6h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – Adventus type. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate and draped bust right / [ADV] ENTV[I] AVG IVDAEAE, S C in exergue, Hadrian standing right, raising right hand and holding volumen in left, facing Judaea standing left, holding patera in right hand and acerrum in left; at her feet, one small child stands to her left and right, each holding a palm frond; between them, lighted altar; victim (bull) at foot of altar. RIC II.3 1773 var. (bust type); Strack 755ζ (unlisted bust type for the type); Hendin 6638 var. (same); BMCRE 1661 var. (same); cf. The New York Sale XLV, lot 209 (hammer $7250). Dark green patina, rough surfaces. VF. Bold details on reverse. An extremely rare variety of a very rare type. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 5 (25 February 1992), lot 471.

Hadrian Travel Series – Africa Sestertius

896. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 26.71 g, 12h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – The province alone. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate and draped bust right / AFRICA, S C in exergue, 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 1609; Strack 709ζ; Banti 92; BMCRE 1709-11. Brown patina, minor roughness. VF. ($750) Ex collection of a Classical Scholar; Günther Schlüter Collection (Chaiman of the German Numismatic Society, 1975-1977), purchased from Boutin, February 1995.

Here, Africa is represented wearing a distinctive elephant-skin headdress (first depicted on coins of Ptolemy I four centuries before). She cradles a cornucopia, reflecting the province’s status as the Empire’s granary, and also holds a scorpion, perhaps representing the local fauna or an astrological allusion.

302

Rare ADVENTVI AVG IVDAEAE Sestertius

897. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 22.37 g, 12h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – Adventus type. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bareheaded and draped bust right / ADVENTVI AVG IVDAEAE, S C in exergue, Hadrian standing right, raising right hand and holding volumen in left, facing Judaea standing left, holding patera in right hand and acerrum in left; at her feet, one small child stands to her left and right, each holding a palm frond; between them, lighted altar; victim (bull) at foot of altar. RIC II.3 1769; Strack 753ζο; Banti 37; Hendin 6635a; BMCRE 1655-6. Attractive green patina, some red on reverse, minor areas of roughness. VF. Rare. ($7500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 69 (8 June 2005), lot 1597 (hammer $8850).

Hadrian made a brief visit to Judaea circa AD 130, during his second great provincial tour of AD 129-132. 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 AD 66-73, so he was at first warmly welcomed. However, 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 Jehovah. This ultimately sparked the bloody Bar Kokhba Revolt of AD 132-135, which devastated the province and darkened Hadrian’s final years. The rare coinage issued to mark his visit, with the legend ADVENTVS AVG IVDAEA (”the Emperor Enters Judaea”) depicts Hadrian being greeted by a female personification of the province and two children. Judaea was renamed Syria Palaestina in response to the Bar Kochba conflict, though precisely when this occurred is not known.

898. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (30mm, 24.82 g, 6h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – Adventus type. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. [HADRI]ANVS AVG COS III [P P], bare head right / S C across field, IVDAEA in exergue (sic) = adventus type, Hadrian, togate, standing right, raising right hand in gesture of address and holding volumen in left, facing Judaea, draped, standing left, sacrificing with patera in right hand over altar, placed in the center, and also holding an acerrum. At her feet stand three children each holding a palm frond, two to the left and one to the right; victim (bull) at foot of altar. RIC II.3 1775; Strack 718δο; Banti 461; Hendin 6637; BMCRE 1757. Brown surfaces, a few deposits. Near VF. Very rare. ($7500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, October 1994.

303

899. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.24 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck AD 133-circa 135. [HA]DRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / SALVS AV G, Salus, draped, standing right, right hand extended, feeding out of patera in left hand snake coiled around and rising from altar to right. RIC II.3 2048; Strack 264δο; RSC 1335; BMCRE 717. Iridescent tone, a few shallow scratches under tone on reverse. Superb EF. Struck from fresh dies. ($1500) From the Ulysses Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik 4 (25 May 2019), lot 646.

900. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19mm, 17.29 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 136. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bareheaded bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / LIBERALITAS • AVG • VII, Liberalitas standing left, holding tessera in raised right hand and cornucopia cradled in left arm. RIC II II.3 2215; Strack 249; Calicó 1287; BMCRE 670; Biaggi 622.

Underlying luster, some light scratches. Good VF. Rare. ($3000)

901. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.50 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 137-July 138. H[A]DRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / ANNO NA AVG, modius, with poppy between four stalks of grain–two left and two right.

RIC II.3 2318; Strack 227δο; RSC 172; BMCRE 596-8. Handsome tone, fully lustrous. Superb EF. Struck with very fresh dies.

A wonderful example of the type. ($1500) From the Ulysses Collection. Ex Leu Numismatik 3 (27 October 2018), lot 239 (hammer 2400 CHF); Yves Gunzenreiner Collection (Leu Numismatik 1, 25 October 2017), lot 208 (hammer CHF 2400); Gorny & Mosch 114 (4 March 2002), lot 316.

902. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.33 g, 7h). Uncertain eastern mint. Struck AD 128-circa 130.

HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right, slight drapery / COS III, Concordia, draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left arm on statuette of Spes at side of throne. RIC II.3 3036; Strack 167α; RSC 328; BMCRE 392-3. Lightly toned. Superb EF. Well centered and struck with dies of artistic merit. ($1000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 45 (18 March 1998), lot 2039.

304

903. Sabina. Augusta, AD 128-136/7. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.38 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 / Vesta seated left on throne, holding palladium on extended right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC II.3 2486; Strack 364 (Hadrian) RSC 85; BMCRE 925-6 (Hadrian). Lightly toned. Near EF. A delicate portrait of Sabina engraved in the finest style. ($2000)

904. Sabina. Augusta, AD 128-136/7. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.53 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, circa AD 130-133. SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, draped bust right, with queue and stephane / CONCORDIA AVG, Concordia, draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left arm on statuette of Spes; cornucopia below seat. RIC II.3 2501; Strack 368; RSC 12; BMCRE 895-9 (Hadrian). Lightly toned, lustrous, some faint hairlines. Near EF. ($750) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 5 (14 May 1999), lot 414.

905. Aelius. Caesar, AD 136-138. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.10 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, AD 137. L • AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, CONCORD in exergue, Concordia, draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left arm on cornucopia set on ground. RIC II.3 2625; Strack 388δο; RSC 1; BMCRE 981 (Hadrian). Attractive light iridescent tone, minor flan flaw on obverse. EF. ($500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Spink, August 1997.

906. Aelius. Caesar, AD 136-138. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 25.14 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, CONCORD in exergue, Concordia, draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left arm on cornucopia set on throne. RIC II.3 2650; Strack 880δο; Banti 1; BMCRE 1918 note (Hadrian). Dark green patina. Good VF. Handsome portrait. ($2000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd. inventory cc27014 (ND).

305

The Antoninus Pius Provincial Bronzes The provincial coin issues of Antoninus Pius begin early in his reign, circa AD 139, 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. Unlike Hadrian’s series, where the provinces are usually shown in a submissive pose, those of Antoninus Pius are often depicted presenting a crown – reflecting the tradition of each provincial government sending to Rome a weighty gold crown upon a new emperor’s accession. The provincial sestertii of Antoninus are, as a rule, quite rare and difficult to acquire in pleasing grades.

907

908

907.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 23.90 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 139. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head right / ALEXANDRIA, COS II/ S C in two lines across field, Alexandria, draped, wearing lotus on head, standing left, holding crown on extended right hand and ibis in left. RIC III 577; Strack 775δ; Banti 15 (same rev. die as illustration); BMCRE 1181 (same rev. die). Brown patina with brassy highlights, even light roughness. Good VF. Rare. ($1000) From the William H. Whetstone Collection.

908.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 23.78 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 139. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head right / A S [I A] around, COS II/ S C in two lines across field, Asia, towered and draped, standing left, holding crown on extended right hand and anchor on ground in left. RIC III 579; Strack 779δ; Banti 38 var. (placement of rev. legend); BMCRE 1183; G. Hirsch 188, lot 704 (same dies). Green-brown patina, areas of minor porosity and smoothing, scratch on reverse. VF. Rare. ($1000) From the William H. Whetstone Collection. Ex Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England (Classical Numismatic Group 117, 19 May 2021), lot 540 (hammer $1,900).

909.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 23.01 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 139. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P •, laureate head right / SYR[IA], S C across field, CO[S II] in exergue, Syria, towered and draped, standing left, holding crown on extended right hand and cornucopia in left; at feet to left, Orontes swimming left. RIC III 590; Strack 797δ; Banti 401; BMCRE 1200. Green and brown patina. Good VF. Very rare, Banti records only one example. ($1500) From the William H. Whetstone Collection.

306

910

911

910.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 30.68 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 140. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head right / TR POT COS III, S C across field, ITΛLIΛ in exergue, Italia, towered and draped, seated left on globe with zones and stars, holding cornucopia in right hand and scepter in right. RIC III 747a; Strack 882δ; Banti 197; BMCRE 1645. Green-brown patina, minor smoothing. Good VF. ($750) From the William H. Whetstone Collection. Ex Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England (Classical Numismatic Group 117, 19 May 2021), lot 542.

911.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 22.24 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 141-143. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head right / MAVRETANIA, S C across field, [COS III] in exergue, Mauretania, wearing elephantskin headdress, draped, standing left, holding crown in right hand and vexillum in left. RIC III 748; Strack –; Banti 237; BMCRE p. 265, *; RIN 1891, p. 308, 26 . Dark brown and green patina, smoothed, short flan crack. VF. Very rare. ($750) From the William H. Whetstone Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 200 (10 October 2011), lot 2573 (since conserved).

Distribution Scene – Pedigreed to 1901

912.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.15 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 147. ANTONINVS AVG PI VS P P TR P COS IIII, laureate head right / LIB IIII in exergue, Antoninus Pius, togate, seated left on curule chair on platform, extending right hand and holding volumen in left; to left, Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopia in left; on ground to left, citizen, togate, standing right, holding out fold of toga with both hands to receive distribution. RIC III 141c; Strack 149δ; Calicó 1571; BMCRE 546 note; Biaggi 739 var. (bust type); Jameson 115 var. (break in obv. legend); Mazzini 496 var. (bust type). Toned with underlying luster. EF. ($10,000) Ex Arthur Bally-Herzog Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 93, 16 December 2003), lot 170, purchased from Spink & Son, 3 March 1905 (for 200 francs); A. Bain Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 7 November 1901), lot 33.

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.

307

913.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 147. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery / TR PO T COS IIII, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding palladium on extended right hand and vertical spear in left; round shield at right side. RIC III 147; Strack 143δ; Calicó 1656 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 558-9; Adda 213 (same obv. die); Biaggi 764 var. (bust type); Mazzini 937. Lustrous, tiny edge bump on obverse, some light scratches on reverse. Good VF. ($3000)

914.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.37 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck AD 148-149. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head right / COS IIII, Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 177d; Strack 190δ; Calicó 1502; BMCRE 649; Adda 177; Biaggi 703 var. (bust type); Mazzini 239.

Underlying luster, minor flan flaw on obverse, some hairlines. Near EF. ($3000)

915.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 20.67 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 148-149. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate bust right, slight drapery / TEMPORVM FELICITΛS, S C across lower field, COS II[II] in exergue, Crossed cornucopias from which a grape bunch flanked by two grain ears hang, surmounted by busts of two boys, vis-à-vis. RIC III 857; Strack 1026; Banti 411; BMCRE 1827. Glossy dark green patina, smoothed, details strengthened. Near EF. ($1000) From the William H. Whetstone Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 240 (10 October 2016), lot 514.

916.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.17 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 150-151. IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, bare head right / TR POT XIIII COS IIII, PΛX in exergue, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch extended in right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC III 200a; Strack 229δο; Calicó 1588 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 727 (same dies); Adda 200 var. (break in obv. legend); Biaggi 744 (same obv. die); Mazzini 579 var. (same). Lustrous, some shallow scratches and hairlines on obverse. EF. ($5000) 308

917.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.21 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 150-151. IMP CAES T AEL HADR AN TONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery / TR POT XIIII COS IIII, PΛX in exergue, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch extended in right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC III 200c var. (bust type); Strack 229δ; Calicó 1590 var. (same; same obv. die as illustration of Calicó 1594/same rev. die as illustration of Calicó 1588a); BMCRE 728 var. (same); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini 579 var. (same). Underlying luster. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan. Rare with this bust type. ($3000)

918.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.24 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 155-156. ΛNTONINVS ΛVG PIVS P P TR P XIX, laureate head right / COS IIII, Antoninus Pius, togate, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and volumen in left at side. RIC III 247; Strack 291δ (same obv. die as illustration); Calicó 1534 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 843 (same obv. die); Adda 186. Underlying luster, diagnostic obverse die break for this die, light scuff and faint hairlines on reverse. Near EF. ($3000)

919.

Divus Antoninus Pius. Died AD 161. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 4.10 g, 1h). Consecration issue. Rome mint, 4th officina. 8th emission of Trajan Decius, mid AD 251. DIVO PIO, radiate head of Antoninus Pius right / CONSECRATIO, lighted altar on three steps, panels in front. RIC IV 90 (Decius); RSC 1189. Lustrous, some tiny red deposits. EF. In exceptional condition. ($300)

920.

Divus Antoninus Pius. Died AD 161. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.33 g, 5h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 161. DIVVS ΛNTONINVS, bare head right / CONSECRΛTIO, Funeral pyre of four tiers, decorated with garlands, surmounted by facing quadriga. RIC III 436 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 27/4-10 (Aurelius); RSC 164; BMCRE 58-9. Lightly toned, underlying luster, traces of deposits. Choice EF. Well centered and struck with fresh dies. ($500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Rick Ponterio, August 1989.

309

921.

Marcus Aurelius. As Caesar, AD 139-161. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.34 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, AD 145-147. AVRELIVS CAE SAR AVG PII F, bare head right / CO S II, Honos, togate, standing left, holding branch in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 429a (Pius); Strack 155δο (Pius); RSC 110; BMCRE 595 (Pius). Deep iridescent toning. EF. Superior portrait in high relief. ($500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from David Herman, January 1989.

922.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.22 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 161. IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIAE AVGVSTOR TR P XV, COS III in exergue, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, both togate, standing facing each other, clasping right hands, each holding volumen in left hand. RIC III 11; MIR 18, 15-2/37; Calicó 1824 (same dies as illustration); cf. BMCRE 9; Biaggi 841 var. (bust type). Areas of luster around devices, a few light scratches. Good VF. ($3000)

923.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.23 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 161. IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG, bare head right / PROV • DEOR TR P XV COS III, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding globe in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 19; MIR 18, 21-2/10; Calicó 1903 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 13; Biaggi 864 var. (bust type). Minor rough patch on neck, a couple of light scratches. Good VF. ($3000)

924.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 25.70 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 164. M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS P M, laureate head right / TR P XVIII IMP II COS III, S C across field, Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, holding reversed, vertical spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield set on ground to right. RIC III 861; MIR 18, 87-6/30; Banti 449; BMCRE 1088. Attractive green and brown patina, small spot of smoothing on reverse. EF. ($2000) Ex Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 1104.

310

925.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 168. M ΛNTONINVS ΛVG ΛRM PΛRTH MΛX, laureate head right / FORT RED TR P XXII • IMP V, COS III in exergue, Fortuna, draped, seated left on low seat, holding rudder with right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 183; MIR 18, 170-2/30; Calicó 1857 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 458; Biaggi 849 (same dies). Underlying luster, tiny flan defect in obverse field, a couple of minor marks on reverse. EF. Struck from dies of elegant style. ($7500)

Calicó Plate Coin – Ex Biaggi Collection

926.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.28 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 169. M ΛNTONINVS ΛVG TR P XXIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left, viewed from behind / FELICITΛS ΛVG COS III, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC III 202; MIR 18, 180-2/37; Calicó 1853 (this coin); BMCRE 489 note; Biaggi 848 (this coin). Underlying luster, light scratches in reverse fields. EF. With an elegant left-facing portrait in high relief. Rare, with only two other examples in CoinArchives. ($7500) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, 2004. Ex Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection.

Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) was a Swiss sugar magnate and sportsman whose fascination with ancient Rome led to the creation of one of the world’s greatest collections of Roman gold coins. Born in Genoa to Swiss-Italian diplomat and a French mother, he was active in the Red Cross after 1943 and, along with his father, he repeatedly helped Jews in Italy escape persecution in the later years of World War II. He was also alleged to have knowingly aided in the escape of high-ranking Nazis, a notion dismissed by his friends and relations. In 1961 he received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his services. His collection focused on Roman gold from the Republic to late Empire, including many unique medallions, ultimately comprising over 2,000 specimens. The gold collection was purchased en bloc by Bank Leu (Zurich) in 1978, and slowly sold off to collectors over the next few decades. The Biaggi pedigree remains highly prized among collectors of Roman gold.

927.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 26.79 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 174. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IMP VI COS III, S C in exergue, Jupiter, naked to waist, seated left on throne, holding Victory on extended right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC III 1098; MIR 18, 266-6/37; Banti 128; BMCRE 1471. Attractive green patina. EF. Wonderful portrait. ($3000) Ex Nomos 22 (22 June 2021), lot 309 (hammer CHF 7500).

311

928.

Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.22 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 150-152. FAVSTINA AVG AN TONINI AVG P II FIL, draped bust right / VENERI • FELICI •, dove standing right.

RIC III 510 (Pius) corr. (obv. legend); Calicó 2078; BMCRE 1082; Adda 324 var. (break in obv. legend); Biaggi –. Underlying luster, a few shallow marks and hairlines. Near EF. Rare. ($7500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1898.

929 930 929.

Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.38 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 162. IMP L VERVS AVG, bare head right / PROV DEOR TR P II COS II, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding globe in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 483 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 42-14/10; RSC 154; BMCRE 207. EF. Well struck and lustrous. ($500) Ex Rauch 108 (4 June 2019), lot 229.

930.

Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.39 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 166. L VERVS ΛVG ΛRM PΛRTH MΛX, laureate head right / TR P VI IMP IIII COS II, PΛX in exergue, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 561 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 140-14/30; RSC 126; BMCRE 426 (Aurelius and Verus).

Underlying luster. Choice EF. Well struck and centered. Rare. ($500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Cederlind BBS 117 (28 September 1999), lot 850.

Splendid Commodus Medallion

931. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (39.5mm, 51.80 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 184-185. M COMMODVS ANTONI NVS AVG PIVS BRIT, laureate bust right, wearing scale armor cuirass, paludamentum on far shoulder, viewed from behind / P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P, emperor standing left, in full military array, helmet on groundline before right foot, holding Victory on globe in right hand, spear in left. Gnecchi II 83 and pl. 83, 8; Banti 276. Dark brown and green patina, lightly smoothed in fields, some details strengthened, mineralized deposits around edge. EF. An impressive medallion with a splendid portrait. ($10,000) Apart from normal coinage intended for general commerce, Roman emperors struck large medallions intended as special handouts to highranking government and military officials on important occasions, often to mark the beginning of a new year. Commodus was particularly prolific in the striking of large and impressive bronze medallions, this splendid piece included. Both sides depict Commodus in the military role of Imperator, wearing armor worthy of Achilles himself. On the obverse he is shown wearing a contemporary scale cuirass with a row of protective flaps (pteruges), covering his upper right shoulder. Archaeological finds confirm that scale armor was returning to vogue in the late Antonine era, particularly for high ranking officers and cavalrymen. The reverse shows him wearing a plate metal muscle cuirass over a linen doublet called a subarmalis, with layers of pteruges at his waist and shoulders, with his officer’s cloak (paludamentum) pinned at his upper chest and hanging behind. His helmet, an archaic Italo-Corinthian model, is at his feet. He holds a reversed spear and a globe surmounted by a statuette of crowning Victory to complete the impression. Ironically, after his return from the German campaign at the outset of his sole reign, Commodus never again took the field at the head of an army, preferring the bloodsports of the arena to authentic combat.

312

Commodus the Hunter

932.

Commodus. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.33 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 185. COMM • ANT • AVG • P • BRIT, bareheaded, draped and cuiassed bust right, viewed from front / P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P, VIRT AVG in exergue, Commodus astride horse rearing to right, cloak flying behind, preparing to cast javelin at lion crouching left below. RIC III 114; MIR 18, 666-2/13; Calicó 2362 (R3; same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 168; Biaggi 1024 (same obv. die). Fully lustrous, a few faint hairlines in fields. Superb EF. Very rare and superior to the two examples in CoinArchives. ($15,000) In the Roman Empire, the privilege of hunting lions was often reserved to the emperor himself, to be granted to others only by special dispensation. Cassius Dio recounts that Commodus jealously guarded this prerogative. When he heard a provincial nobleman named Julius Alexander of Emesa in Syria (a kinsman of the future empress Julia Domna) had become famous for killing a lion with a javelin from horseback, Commodus ordered that he be arrested and executed. Julius Alexander could have escaped, but could not bring himself to part with his male lover, who wearied of the pursuit. “And so, when he was being overtaken, he killed both the boy and himself” (Dio, 73.14).

933. Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.11 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 192. L • AEL • AVREL • CO MM AVG P FEL, laureate and draped bust right, viewed from behind / LIB AVG VIII P M TR P XVII COS VII P P , Liberalitas standing left, holding tessera in right hand and cradling cornucopia in left arm. RIC III 239d; MIR 18, 850-2/32; Calicó 2281 (same dies as illustration); Biaggi 997 (same dies). Lightly toned, underlying luster. Near EF. ($7500) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, 2004.

Various scholars have described the object held in the right hand of Liberalitas as a tessera, an abacus, or a coin scoop. A tessera was a tablet for recording the names of individuals who had received distributions or liberalites from the emperor. The abacus was a counting board.

Hunter suggests that the article in the right hand may be a scoop for distributing coins. Whichever of these three is correct, all exhibit the magnanimity of the emperor.

313

Unpublished Variety

934. Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.10 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 189. M • COMM • ANT • P F EL • AVG BRIT P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, viewed from behind / MIN • VICT • P M • TR P XIIII • COS V, Minerva standing left, holding Victory in right hand and spear in left, grounded shield at her side, trophy behind, DES VI in exergue. RIC −, cf. 364 (no DES VI); Calicó −, cf. 2339 (DES VI not in exergue); MIR 18 −. Somewhat matte surfaces, light scratches on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, this variety (with DES VI in the exergue) unrecorded in the standard references. ($10,000)

935. Commodus. AD 177-192. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 2.58 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 192. L AEL AVREL C [OMM AVG P] FEL, head right, wearing lion skin headdress / HER CVL/RO MAN/AV GV in three lines divided by upright club facing downward; all within wreath. RIC III 251; MIR 18, 853-4/72; RSC 190; BMCRE 339-41. Toned, compact flan. Near EF. ($500) From the Menlo Park Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, 1997.

Crispina, Legendary Beauty

936. Crispina. Augusta, AD 178-182. AV Aureus (20mm, 6.99 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Commodus, AD 178182. CRISPINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, hair braided and waved along browline and pulled into large, elaborate chignon at back of head / VENVS • FELIX, Venus, draped, seated left, holding scepter in left hand and in right hand Cupid, who holds diadem and scepter; below chair, dove standing left. RIC III 287 (Commodus) corr. (Cupid, not Victory); MIR 18, 21-2a; Calicó 2377a corr. (same; same obv. dies as illustration); BMCRE 47-9 (Commodus) corr.; Biaggi 1034-6; Jameson 153 (same obv. die); Mazzini 39. Underlying luster, a few light marks. EF. Lovely portrait. ($7500) Bruttia Crispina was the daughter of Gaius Bruttius Praesens, an influential Roman nobleman from Lucania. Her marriage to the teenaged Commodus was arranged in AD 178 by his father, Marcus Aurelius, to shore up support among the Roman gentry. Crispina was a legendary beauty but this probably had little effect on the egocentric Commodus, who took a succession of lovers of both sexes. Her inability to produce an heir led Commodus to tire of her; accordingly, she was charged with adultery and banished to the island of Capri in AD 188, where she was later executed. It is sometimes asserted she died much earlier in the reign, after the conspiracy of Lucilla in AD 182, but this is due to a faulty reading of the main sources for the era, the Historia Augusta and Cassius Dio. Indeed, inscriptions record her as still being empress in the late AD 180s. Her coinage is not as extensive as that of previous empresses, probably due to her husband’s indifference. The portraiture, however, depicts a graceful young lady with a long, swan-like neck, as seen here.

314

Finest Known Pertinax Denarius

937. Pertinax. AD 193. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.51 g, 7h). Rome mint. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN • AVG, laureate head right / PROVID DEOR COS II, Providentia, draped, standing left, raising right hand toward small star, left hand on breast. RIC IV 11a; Lempereur Type 10, 525a (D191/R278 – this coin); RSC 43; BMCRE 13. Lovely cabinet tone with some spots of darker tone on the reverse. Superb EF. Broad flan, great portrait. Exceptional. ($15,000) Ex MDC Monaco 7 (12 June 2021), lot 46 (hammer €15,000); Palombo 19 (12 December 2020), lot 104; ArtCoins Roma 3 (3 May 2011), lot 385.

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.

938.

Didius Julianus. AD 193. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.84 g, 1h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / CONCORD MILIT, Concordia, draped, standing left, holding aquila in right hand and signum in left. RIC IV 1; RSC 2; BMCRE 2-3. VF. Well-centered and struck on good metal. ($1500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, January 1996.

This reverse type reflects the appeal of Didius to the armies within the provinces to follow the lead of the Praetorians in collectively supporting him as emperor. The appearance of this type so early in an emperor’s coinage was rather unconventional in the 2nd century, reflective of the urgency of the message, but it was one that would become common among the early issues of the third century military emperors, whose immediate power was directly relative to the support of the legions. For Didius, it was an appeal that was futile, as the provincial armies had already proclaimed for alternates.

315

939.

Manlia Scantilla. Augusta, AD 193. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.32 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck under Didius Julianus.

MANL SCAN TILLA AVG, draped bust right / IVNO RE GINA, Juno, veiled and draped, standing left, holding patera in outstretched right hand and vertical long scepter in left; at feet, peacock standing left with head right. RIC IV 7a (Julianus); RSC 2; BMCRE 11 (Julianus). Toned. Good VF. Well centered, struck on good metal. ($2000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from David Vagi, June 1998.

940.

Didia Clara. Augusta, AD 193. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.87 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck under Didius Julianus.

DIDIA CL ARA AVG, draped bust right / HILA R TEMPOR, Hilaritas standing left, holding palm frond set on ground in right and and cornucopia in left. RIC IV 10 (Julianus); RSC 3; BMCRE 14-16 (Julianus). Toned. Good VF. Well centered and struck. ($1500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, August 2000.

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 via the infamous “auction of empire” by the Praetorian Guard, 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 Sextus Cornelius Repentius, from an influential Senatorial family, who was then made Prefect of Rome and placed in charge of the city’s garrison. However, Julianus reigned only 66 days and was murdered in the palace by his own Praetorians upon the approach of Septimius Severus, who the Senate proclaimed Augustus in his stead. Clara and Scantilla were spared but stripped of their titles and inheritance; Scantilla reportedly died shortly thereafter, while the fate of Didia Clara is unknown.

941 942 941.

Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.28 g, 12h). Antioch mint. IMP CΛES C PE SC NIGER IVST, laureate head right / INVICT P IMPEPAT (sic), trophy; arms at base. RIC IV 34a-b var. (obv. and rev. legends); RSC 33 var. (same); BMCRE p. 77, § note and cf. 303 (for obv.). Lightly toned, some areas of slight porosity, but otherwise good metal for issue. EF. Very rare and with an exceptional portrait. ($1500) From the Viggo Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 106 (9 May 2018), lot 680.

The extent to which the legends on this Antioch mint denarius of Pescennius Niger are blundered indicates the dies were cut by engravers literate in Greek, but unfamiliar with Latin.

942.

Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (13mm, 2.98 g, 1h). Antioch mint. IMP CAES C PESC NIGER IVST AVG, laureate head right / VICTORI A E AVG, Niger standing left, holding globe in right hand, left hand on hilt of sword; crowned by Victory standing to his left holding palm frond. Cf. Roma VII (22 March 2014), lot 1090; cf. CNG 69 (8 June 2005), lot 1648; cf. Berk BBS 126 (23 April 2002), lot 348; Otherwise, unpublished. Lightly toned, minor scratches. Good VF. Extremely rare. The fourth known example. ($1500) 316

943.

Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (21mm, 2.70 g, 1h). Antioch mint. IMP CAES C PESC IVST AV (sic), laureate head right / BONI EVENTVS, Fides standing front, head left, holding basket of fruit in raised right hand, grain ears in lowered left hand. RIC IV 5 var. (obv. legend); RSC 10 var. (same); BMCRE p. 72, *. Lustrous, bright surfaces. Obverse legend becomes weak near the end. Near EF. Blundered, yet unrecorded, obverse legend. Very rare variety. ($1500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk Ltd., August 1999.

944.

Clodius Albinus. AD 195-197. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.81 g, 1h). Lugdunum mint. 1st emission, AD 196-February 197. IMP CAES D CLO ALBIN AVG, laureate head right / VICT AVG COS II, Victory seated right on cuirass, holding palm on over right shoulder and balancing shield on knee, another shield behind her. RIC IV 47; Lyon 11; RSC 83; BMCRE 268.

Iridescent tone, slightly off-center reverse. EF. Rare reverse type. ($750) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Tom Cederlind, December 1996.

945.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.12 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 193-194. IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG, laureate head right / VIRT AV G TR P COS, Virtus standing left, holding Victory in right hand and reversed spear in left. RIC IV 24; Calicó 2570 (same rev. die as illustration); BMCRE 32; Biaggi 1114 (same obv. die).

Lustrous, a few faint scratches on the reverse. Near EF. Rare. ($7500)

317

Ex Biaggi Collection – Calicó Plate Coin

946.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.17 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 197-198. L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / LIBERO PATRI, Liber (Bacchus) standing facing, leaning to right, head left, right hand raised to head, left grasping grounded thyrsus; at his feet to left, panther seated left, forepaw raised. RIC IV 99 var. (bust type); Calicó 2482 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 1081 (this coin). In NGC encapsulation 4938386049, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare, with a splendid portrait and charming reverse. ($15,000) Ex Rauch 109 (11 November 2019), lot 404; Hunter Collection (Goldberg 72, 5 February 2013), lot 4164 (hammer $25,000); Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection.

Like most Roman emperors, Septimius Severus featured certain favored deities on his coinage. Among these were Liber/Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and liberty, equivalent to the Greek Dionysus. Bacchus was associated with Lepcis Magna, the birthplace of Severus, from earliest times (the city’s coins of the Republican and early Imperial period bore images of Dionysus). Hence the term LIBERO PATRI (Father Liber) on the reverse recalls the deities of his youth.

Calicó Plate Coin

947.

Septimius Severus, with Caracalla. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.25 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 202210. IMP P • INVICTI • PII • AVGG, conjoined laureate, draped, and cuirassed busts of Septimius Severus and Caracalla right / VICTORIA PARTHICA MAXIMA, Victory advancing left, holding palm frond over left shoulder and wreath in right hand.

RIC IV 311; Calicó 2597b (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 266; Biaggi 1127. A few small field marks on the reverse. Near EF. Fantastic portraits. Very rare. ($15,000) Ex collection of a Retired Banker; Numismatica Ars Classica 114 (6 May 2019), lot 753; Numismatica Genevensis SA V (2 December 2008), lot 263; Sotheby’s Geneva (17 November 1989), lot 61.

Struck to commemorate the Severan victory over the Partians and their impending arrival in Rome after a five year absence in the East.

Severus’ return began the year-long celebration of his decennalia as well as the upcoming wedding of Caracalla to Plautilla. Severus’ decennalia was celebrated with games and donatives to the people and praetorian guards, each receiving ten aureii, this type may have been among the coins handed out.

318

948.

Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.41 g, 7h). Laodicea ad Mare mint. Struck under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, circa AD 198-202. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / CERERI FRVGIF, Ceres seated left, holding grain ears and long scepter. RIC IV 636 (Septimius); RSC 14; BMCRE 592 (Septimius). Die breaks and minor flan flaws on the reverse. Superb EF. ($500) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection.

Displayed at “Villa to Grave” Roman exhibit at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art September 2003-August 2005. Also featured on the poster advertising the exhibit, poster included with lot.

949. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.27 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 198-199. IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IVVEN TA IMPERII, Caracalla standing left, holding Victory on a globe in extended right hand, reversed spear in left; to left, captive seated left. RIC IV 20 (same obv. die as illustration [Montagu 506]); Calicó 2684 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 115 note; Biaggi 1177 (same obv. die). Underlying luster, tiny obverse die break, a few scratches. EF. Rare. ($10,000)

Severan Dynastic Aureus

950.

Caracalla, with Septimius Severus and Julia Domna. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.28 g, 1h). Rome mint.

Struck AD 201. ANTONINVS AVG PON TR P IIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA AETERNAE, radiate and draped bust of Septimius Severus and diademed and draped bust of Julia Domna, set on crescent right, conjoined.

RIC IV 52; Calicó 2849; BMCRE 260; Biaggi 1163 (same obv. die). Light surface marks, very slight wave in flan. EF. Three superb portraits on this impressive dynastic issue. ($20,000) Ex Roma XII (29 September 2016), lot 852.

319

951. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.42 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 206-209. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / SOSPI TA TORI, IOVI in exergue, Jupiter Sospitatori, wearing polos, standing facing, right hand lowered, holding vertical scepter in left, in tetrastyle shrine, with flat roof indicated by three horizontal lines. RIC IV 156; RSC 108; BMCRE 507. Attractive iridescent toning, edge flaw. Near EF. Rare. ($500) From the Viggo Collection. Ex Artemide LIII (2 May 2020), lot 357.

This rare reverse type, struck by both Septimius Severus and Caracalla, marks the only appearances of Jupiter Sospitator (”rescuer”) on Roman coinage.

The Dacian Imperial Guard

952. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 23.13 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 214. M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XVIII IMP III COS IIII P P, S C in exergue, “Adlocutio” scene: Caracalla, in military dress, standing right on low platform on left, raising right hand; with him on platform, to his left, officer standing right, to his right, officer standing facing; to right, Dacian bodyguard in short tunic and cloak standing right, holding falx, a second falx behind; to far right, two soldiers, helmeted in military dress, standing left, each holding an aquila in right hand and oblong shield in left; vexillum behind. RIC IV 525c; Banti 58; BMCRE p. 480, †. Attractive green patina.

Good VF. Very rare. ($5000) Ex Rainer Wilshke Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 78, 26 May 2014), lot 1046; Numismatica Ars Classica 25 (25 June 2003), lot 522.

In AD 214, the emperor Caracalla mustered a large legionary force intent on invading the rival Parthian Kingdom, which was riven by dynastic disputes. This sestertius depicts Caracalla and his officers atop a platform, addressing his soldiers prior to battle. An interesting feature is the presence of a guardsman standing at the foot of the platform, armed with a long, curved weapon, facing the mass of soldiery. The presence of another weapon behind implies there are several such bodyguards present. These are certainly a Dacian imperial guard, armed with their native weapon, a deadly two-handed sickle sword called the falx. Little is known about this elite unit aside from their appearance on coins and monuments of the late second and third centuries AD. The first Dacian unit in the Roman Army was Cohors I Aelia Dacorum, raised by Hadrian and stationed in northern Britannia. The Dacians depicted here, however, are clearly a different unit serving specifically as imperial guards, perhaps as a counterweight to the Praetorians. In the first century BC/AD, the German guard had performed a similar function. The Dacian guards are seen in a similar pose on the Column of Marcus Aurelius, indicating the unit was in place by the AD 170s.

320

Severus Alexander in Attractive Ancient Pendant

953.

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AV Aureus bezel set in ancient gold pendant (28.5 x 34.5mm, 10.25 g, 12h).

Rome mint. 2nd emission, late AD 222. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IOVI CONSE R VATORI, Jupiter, naked except for cloak hanging behind him over both arms, standing front, head left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical spear in left. RIC IV 140 (same dies as illustration); Calicó 3056; BMCRE 55 (same dies); Biaggi 1304. Some deposits, hairlines on the reverse of the coin, scrape on the reverse of the bezel. Good VF. Wearable. ($7500) See CNG 117, lot 574 for an aureus of Julia Domna in a similar setting.

954.

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.73 g, 7h). Rome mint. 3rd emission, AD 223. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P II COS P P, Jupiter standing left, drapery over his shoulders and right arm, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and long scepter in his left. RIC IV 18; Calicó 3088; BMCRE 86 var. (bust type). Underlying luster, a few light marks. EF. ($5000)

Rare Severus Alexander Aureus

955.

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.94 g, 12h). Rome mint. 9th emission, AD 228. IMP SEV ALE XAND AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / VIRT V S AVG, Severus Alexander, as Romulus, in military dress, advancing right, holding transverse spear with right hand and trophy over left shoulder with left hand. RIC IV 223 var. (bust type); Calicó 3144 (R2); BMCRE 521 var. (same); Biaggi 1341. Fully lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 6029603003, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare. ($7500) Ex Künker 304 (19 March 2018), lot 1266.

This aureus, with the reverse legend VIRTVS AVG, shares a reverse type – Severus Alexander in the guise of Romulus – with a far more ubiquitous issue, RIC 103, with the legend PM TRP VIIII COS III PP. It is considerably rarer, however, with only seven examples recorded in CoinArchives.com, versus nearly 100 examples of RIC 103.

321

956.

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. Æ Sestertius (28mm, 22.42 g, 1h). Rome mint. 11th emission, AD 230. IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / IVSTITIA AVGVSTI, Justitia seated left, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left. RIC IV 563; BMCRE 612-4; Banti 28. Glossy brown patina, light roughness on reverse.

EF. Fine details. ($750) From the Ray Neff Collection. Ex A. Lynn Collection (Freeman & Sear 5, 14 May 1999), lot 467; Numismatica Ars Classica E (4 April 1995), lot 3093.

957. Maximus. Caesar, AD 235/6-238. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.06 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission of Maximinus I, AD 236. IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES, bareheaded and draped bust right / PIETAS AVG, Emblems of the pontificate: lituus, secespita, capis, simpulum, aspergillum. RIC IV 1 (Maximinus I); BMCRE 118 (Maximinus I); RSC 1. Small flan flaw on reverse. EF. ($500) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection. Ex Berk BBS 153 (13 March 2007), lot 359.

958.

Maximus. Caesar, AD 235/6-238. AR Denarius (21mm, 2.38 g, 1h). Rome mint. 3rd emission of Maximinus I, late AD 236-237. MAXIMVS CAES GERM, bareheaded, draped bust right / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Prince standing left in military attire, holding baton in right hand and transverse spear in left; two standards to right. RIC IV 3 (Maximinus I); BMCRE 211-2 (Maximinus I); RSC 10. Deep blue iridescent tone, reverse die wear. EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($500) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Dave Herman, February 1990.

959.

Gordian I. AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.05 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS P P, Gordian I, togate, standing left, holding olive-branch in his right hand and short scepter in his left. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 1-3; RSC 2. Toned. EF. Wonderful portrait. ($5000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Superior (13 August 1995), lot 911; Numismaitc Fine Arts XX (9 March 1988), lot 334.

322

960.

Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.99 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in raised right hand, palm frond over left shoulder. RIC IV 2; BMCRE 28; RSC 12. Attractively toned. EF. ($4000) Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. inventory cc73180 (ND).

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.

961.

Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.37 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in raised right hand, palm frond over left shoulder. RIC IV 2; BMCRE 28; RSC 12. Faint porosity, small flan flaws on reverse. EF. ($4000) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Michael Weller Collection; Classical Numismatic Review XIX.2 (2nd Quarter 1994), no. 257.

Exceptional Gordian II – Ex Trampitsch Collection

962.

Gordian II. AD 238. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 21.95 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. Dark green patina with very light smoothing. Near EF. Exceptional portrait.

Certainly one of the finest for the issue. ($20,000) Ex Nomos 1 (6 May 2009), lot 160; Armand Trampitsch Collection (Vinchon, 13 November 1986), lot 799.

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963. Balbinus. AD 238. AE Sestertius (31mm, 17.66 g, 1h). Rome mint. Special emission. IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / LIBERALITAS AVGVSTORVM, S C across field, Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopia in left, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 15; BMCRE 2-3; Banti 2. Dark brown patina, some shallow pits and minor smoothing on reverse. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 69 (8 June 2005), lot 1457; Numismatica Ars Classica L (18 May 2001), lot 2038.

964. Balbinus. AD 238. AR Antoninianus (23mm, 3.68 g, 1h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PIETAS MVTVA AVGG, clasped right hands. RIC IV 12; BMCRE 74-6; RSC 17. Light golden toning, a few minor scratches. Near EF. ($500) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection.

965. Pupienus. AD 238. AR Denarius (21mm, 2.50 g, 7h). Rome mint. 1st emission. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAX PVBLICA, Pax, draped, seated left on throne, raising olive branch in right and and transverse scepter in left, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 4; BMCRE 46-7; RSC 22. Beautifully toned. Choice EF. An astounding portrait. ($750) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection.

966. Pupienus. AD 238. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 5.89 g, 7h). 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. Light golden toning. Near EF. ($500) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection.

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967.

Gordian III. As Caesar, AD 238. Æ Sestertius (30mm, 18.25 g, 1h). Rome mint. 1st emission of Balbinus and Pupienus. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bareheaded and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG, S C in exergue, priestly emblems: lituus, secespita, capis, simpulum, and aspergillum. RIC IV 3; BMCRE 64-6 (Balbinus and Pupienus); Banti 59.

Lovely natural green patina. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Berk FPL 8 ( 2018), lot 83 (priced at USD 3,750).

968.

Gordian III. As Caesar, AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 2.73 g, 7h). Rome mint. 1st emission of Balbinus and Pupienus. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bareheaded and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG, priestly emblems: lituus, secespita, capis, simpulum, and aspergillum. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 62-3 (Balbinus and Pupienus); RSC 182. Lustrous. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($750) From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 38 (6 June 1996), lot 1093.

969.

Gordian III. AD 238-244. AV Aureus (19mm, 4.97 g, 12h). Rome mint, 1st officina. 8th-11th emission, AD 240243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / AETER N ITATI AVG, Sol Invictus, radiate, naked except for cloak over shoulders and left arm, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand. RIC IV 97; Calicó 3186a var. (break in rev. legend); cf. Hunter 41. Well struck and lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 6066349-061, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($7500) Ex Paramount Collection (Heritage 3096, 25 March 2021), lot 30061 (hammer $20,000).

The Roman god Sol began appearing on coins in the Republican period. By the later second century AD he had acquired the epithet Invictus (Unconquered), and during the Severan dynasty his worship became hugely popular in the Roman Legions, both independently and as part of the cult of Mithras. Gordian III’s use of Sol’s image on this aureus probably evokes the upcoming campaign against Persia in the East, where the Mithraic cult originated.

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Extremely Rare Tranquillina Denarius

970. Tranquillina. Augusta, AD 241-244. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.87 g, 7h). Rome mint. Special emission, mid AD 243.

SABINIA TRANQVILLINA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera in right hand and cradling double cornucopia in left arm. RIC IV 252; RSC 1a; Biaggi 2395; Hunter 1.

Lightly toned, slightly double struck on obverse. Near EF. Extemely rare. ($5000) Furia Sabinia Tranquillina was the daughter of the formidably named Gaius Furius Sabinius Aquila Timesitheus, a highly respected career soldier of equestrian rank who rose to become Praetorian Prefect under the boy emperor Gordian III. In AD 241, Tranquillina married Gordian, making Timesitheus his father-in-law and guardian, and hopefully setting the stage for a successful dynasty. The next few years appeared to be relatively tranquil, but in early AD 243 Gordian and Timesitheus were forced into arms by an aggressive Persian attack on the eastern frontier.

Under the Prefect’s guidance, the Romans won a major victory in early AD 244, but at this point Timesitheus fell suddenly ill and died, leaving the young, inexperienced Gordian without his mentor and guardian. In short order he was dead, either slain in battle or the victim of a coup led by his successor, Philip I. It is not known whether Tranquillina was present in camp or back in Rome, but we hear no more of her. While there is an abundant provincial coinage for Tranquillina, her Roman issues are exceptionally rare.

Second Known – Published by Bland

971.

Philip I. AD 244-249. AV Aureus (21mm, 4.60 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 247-249. IMP PHILLIPVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / AEQVITAS AVGG, Aequitas standing left, holding cornucopia in left hand and scales in right. Cf. RIC IV 57 (antoninianus); Bland, Gold 33b (this coin); Calicó 3244. Lustrous, a couple of very light scratches. EF. Extremely rare, one of only two cited in Bland’s die study. ($15,000) Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 2085.

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972.

Trajan Decius. AD 249-251. AV Aureus (20mm, 4.06 g, 11h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 1st emission, AD 249. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VIC T O RIA AVG, Victory advancing left on ground line, holding wreath in outstretched left hand and cradling palm frond in left arm. RIC V 29a var. (bust type); Calicó 3300; Biaggi 1398; Hunter –. Lustrous, light scratches on obverse, small graffito on reverse under Victory. Near EF. ($5000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 111 (24 September 2018), lot 199; Künker 143 (6 October 2008), lot 655; Rauch 82 (23 April 2008), lot 491.

973.

Trajan Decius. AD 249-251. Æ Double Sestertius (35mm, 25.97 g, 1h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 3rd emission, early-mid AD 250. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FELICITAS SAECVLI, S C across field, Felicitas standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cradling cornucopia in left arm. RIC IV 115c; Banti 10. Dark green-brown patina, some gentle smoothing in fields. EF. Impressive. ($3000) Ex Tauler & Fau 30 (29 May 2019), lot 222.

974. Volusian. AD 251-253. Æ Sestertius (28.5mm, 19.60 g, 12h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission, AD 251-252.

IMP CAES C VIB VOLUSIANO AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAX AVGG, Pax standing left, holding olive branch and scepter; S C flanking. RIC IV 256a; Banti 16. Dark green and brown patina with traces of red. Near EF. With a fine, detailed portrait. ($500) Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 460, 29 January 2020), lot 739; Philip DeVicci Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 54, 14 June 2000), lot 1774.

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Further Selections from the A.K. Collection of Roman Coinage Imperial and Provincial Issues from the Valerianic Dynasty

The present selection of the by now well-known A.K. collection consists of 357 silver and bronze coins. In the previous part of the A.K. collection - sold in Triton XXIII, January 2020 - we already pointed out that Gallienus had a massive production of issues and emissions from many different mints and so it seemed worthwhile to spread the entire Gallieni collection over three years: in 2020, we already have sold the mints of Rome and this year we are going to sell the mints from Viminacium, Colonia Agrippinensis and Mediolanum in two different lots. The Gallieni with the mint in Sisicia, Cyzicus, Antioch and Samosata will follow in 2023. Because the A.K. collection has also a huge number of coins of Salonina it seems sensible to create a separate lot containing coins of Salonina from all mints with her two sons and some consecratio issues.

We start off with three lots of silver coins: (975) Antoniniani of Gallienus and his family from the mints of Viminacium and Colonia Agrippinensis. (976) Antoniniani of Gallienus and his family from the mint of Mediolanum. (977) Antoniniani of Salonina and her sons from all different mints including Consecratio issues. One lot (978) contains only Imperial bronze coins: Sestertii and middle bronzes of Valerian, Gallienus and Salonina. There are also two very interesting mixed Roman Provincial Bronze lots: (979) Pseudo-autonomous issues from the 1st to the 3rd cent AD (Moesia Inferior to Pisidia) and (980) a selection of Roman Provincial coins struck from Thrace to Cilicia of Volusian to Aurelian. An other lot (7-G) contains Alexandrian coins of Gallienus and Salonina and the final lot (981) contains Irregular, Hyprid, plated and unusable coins of Gallienus and Salonina.

Some of the coins are illustrated in various publications and/or are extremely rare as noted in the descriptions, and a few are published in the famous book MIR 36 (Moneta Imperii Romani 36: R. Göbl, Die Münzprägung der Kaiser Valerianus I / Gallienus....) The quality of the coins ranges from Fine to Extremely fine and includes pieces from important collections like those of Dattari, Gruenwald, Kisling, Naegeli, Perron, Rosche, Rosen, Rosenblum, Schleer, Steger, Stöcklin, Thom, Voegele, Voirol and Weder. In addition, most of the coins come from auctions, lists, or the stock of dealers such as Münzen und Medaillen AG, Basel; G. Dorau, Berlin; Knopek, H. Pilartz, and Schulten, Cologne; H.P.R. Frey, Freiburg; Ars Classica and M. Romcevic, Geneva; G. Blancon, Hannover; Athena, G. Hirsch, Hirsch Nachf., K. Javorsek, Münchner Münzhandlung K. Kress and Von Ohlendorff, Munich; Chr. Blom, New York; Heritage and, Maison Platt, Paris; M. Dieterle, Schenkenzell; H.H. Kricheldorf, Stuttgart; M. Brugger, Zug; Bankhaus Leu, Dietrich and F. Sternberg, Zurich.

A separate, fully illustrated catalog of the complete collection has been compiled, containing the photos and full description of all the coins in each lot. This catalog will be available during the Triton lot viewing in New York, but you may also request that a catalog be sent to you. Additionally, this catalog will be available online (see individual lots below for details).

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975.

Collection of 45 antoniniani of Gallienus and his family. AD 253-268. Colonia Agrippinensis and Viminacium mints. Includes the following: Gallienus (26 coins) // Salonina (8 coins) // Valerian II (9 coins) // Saloninus (2 coins). Fortyfive (45) coins in lot. Fine to VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($1000) From the A.K. Collection.

976.

Collection of 86 antoniniani of Gallienus and his family. AD 253-268. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. Includes the following: Gallienus (74 coins) // Salonina (11 coins) // Saloninus (1 coin). Eighty-six (86) coins in lot. Fine to EF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($1500) From the A.K. Collection.

977.

Collection of 69 antoniniani of Salonina, Valerian II, and Saloninus. AD 253-268. Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne), Mediolanum (Milan), Rome, Siscia, Viminacium, Samosata, and Antioch mints. Includes the following: Salonina (51 coins) // Valerian II (16 coins) // Saloninus (2 coins). Sixty-nine (69) coins in lot. VG to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($1500) From the A.K. Collection.

978.

Collection of 8 Roman bronze coins of Valerian, Gallienus, and Salonina. AD 253-268. Rome mint. Includes the following: 1 Æ sestertius of Valerian I // 4 Æ sestertiii of Gallienus // 2 Æ asses of Gallienus // 1 Æ as of Salonina. Eight (8) coins in lot. Near Fine to Near VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($500) From the A.K. Collection.

979.

Collection of 57 pseudo-autonomous Provincial coins. Circa 1st -3rd century AD. Various denominations.

Includes the following: Moesia Inferior (2 Dionysopolis) // Thrace (1 Byzantium, 1 Perinthus) // Macedonia (2 Thessalonica, 2 Koinon) // Attica (1 Athens) // Pontus (1 Amisus) // Mysia (3 Pergamum) // Troas (4 Alexandria) // Aeolis (1 Elaea, 2 Temnus) // Ionia (1 Erythrai, 1 Erythrai with Chios) // Caria (1 Aphrodisias, 1 Apollonia Salbace, 1 Tabae) // Lydia (1 Apollonis, 1 Daldis, 2 Germe, 1 Hermocapelia, 2 Hypaepa, 1 Magnesia, 2 Maeonia, 1 Nacrasa, 1 Philadelphia, 1 Sardes, 1 Tabala, 1 Tripolis) // Phrygia (1 Aezanis, 1 Ancyra, 2 Apameia, 1 Eumeneia, 1 Hierapolis, 4 Laodicea, 1 Prymnessus, 1 Synaus, 1 Trajanopolis) // Pisidia (1 Antioch, 3 Termessus Major). Fifty-seven (57) coins in lot. Fine to VF, several rarities included. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($1250) From the A.K. Collection.

980.

Collection of 38 Provincial bronze coins of Volusian to Aurelian. AD 251-275. Various denominations. Includes the following: Thrace (1 Coela of Gallienus, 1 Perinthus of Gallienus) // Macedonia (1 Dium of Salonina) // Bithynia (1 Apamea of Gallienus; 1 Nicaea of Salonina) // Mysia (2 Cyzicus of Gallienus) // Troas (1 Alexandria of Valerian I, 4 of Gallienus, and 1 of Salonina) // Ionia (1 Metropolis of Salonina; 1 Teos of Salonina) // Islands off Ionia (1 Samos of Gallienus) // Caria (1 Aphrodisias of Gallienus; 1 Tabae of Salonina) // Pamphylia (1 Side of Salonina) // Pisidia (4 Antioch of Valerian I, 4 of Gallienus, and 1 of Claudius Gothicus; 1 Apollonia Mordiaeum of Gallienus; 1 Cremna of Volusian and 2 of Aurelian; 1 Salagassos of Claudius Gothicus // Lycaonia (1 Iconium of Valerian I) // Cilicia (1 Aegeae of Volusian; 1 Corycius of Gallienus; 1 Seleucia ad Calycadnum of Gallienus; 1 Syedra of Gallienus). Thirty-eight (38) coins in lot. VG to VF, several rarities included. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($750) From the A.K. Collection.

981.

Collection of 24 Alexandrian Potin Tetradrachms of Gallienus and Salonina. AD 253-268. Includes the following rulers and RYs: Gallienus: RY 9 (2 coins) // RY 10 (3 coins) // RY 11 (1 coin) // RY 12 (2 coins) // RY 13 (4 coins) // RY 14 (1 coin) // RY 15 (3 coins). Salonina: RY 11 (2 coins) // RY 12 (2 coins) // RY 13 (1 coin) // RY 14 (1 coin); RY 15 (2 coins). Twenty-four (24) coins in lot. Coins VF to EF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins. com. ($1500) From the A.K. Collection.

982.

Collection of 30 Error coins of Gallienus and Salonina. AD 253-268. Includes the following: ancient imitations, hybrids and fourrées, etc. of silver and bronze coins of Gallienus (28 coins) and Salonina (2 coins). Thirty (30) coins in lot. VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($500) From the A.K. Collection.

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Choice Macrianus Antoninianus

983. Macrianus. Usurper, AD 260-261. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 3.92 g, 7h). Antioch mint. 2nd emission. IMP C FVL MACRIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery / SOLI INVICTO, Sol standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in outstretched left; star in left field. RIC V 12; MIR 44, 1741k; RSC 12; Hunter 8; Cunetio 1924. Toned.

Choice EF. Rare in this condition. ($1500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 62 (6 October 2011), lot 2071; Ponterio 142 (27 April 2007), lot 1842; Tkalec (28 October 1994), lot 304.

Calicó Plate Coin

984. Aurelian. AD 270-275. AV Aureus (22mm, 5.59 g, 1h). Tripolis mint. Struck AD 273. IMP C AVREL IANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust left / IVCTORIA (sic) AVG, Victory advancing right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond over left shoulder in left. RIC V Online 3205; RIC V 377 corr. (bust type); Estiot, L’Or romain 180–5; BN pl. 87, 301; Calicó 4012 (this coin illustrated); MIR 47, 362d0(3-5); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –; Cohen 252 corr. (obv. legend). Underlying luster, small edge mark. Choice EF. Impressive portrait. Very rare, only nine examples noted by RIC V Online. ($7500) Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 2112.

The Usurper Zenobia

985. Zenobia. Usurper, AD 268-272. Antoninianus (20mm, 3.64 g, 5h). Antioch mint, 8th officina. 2nd emission, MarchMay AD 272. [S] ZЄNOBIA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent / IVNO RЄGINA, Juno standing left, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left; at feet to left, peacock standing left, head right; *|–//H. Cf. RIC V 2; RIC V Online 3129; Bland, Coinage 30 (dies – [unlisted obv. die]/Jun v); BN pl. 86, 289. Dark green patina, light scratch on reverse.

VF. Rare. ($4000) Although usually portrayed as an anti-Roman nativist uprising, the rebellion of the Palmyran Queen Zenobia was curiously compliant with Roman titles and governmental structures. Septimia Zenobia was the second wife of Odenathus, the hereditary nas (lord) of Palmyra, a wealthy caravan city in eastern Syria. As the Roman Empire crumbled under a torrent of calamities after AD 260, Odenathus undertook to defend Syria against the Sasanian Persians, ostensibly as viceroy of the Roman emperor Gallienus. Odenathus and his eldest son were assassinated in AD 267, after which Zenobia seized power as queen regent for their younger son, the 10-year-old Vabalathus. In late AD 270, Zenobia sent the Palmyran army to secure control of greater Syria and Egypt, bringing the mints of Antioch and Alexandria under her control.

Coins were struck depicting Vabalathus, with the titles Vir Clarissimus, Rex, Imperator, Dux Romanorum, paired with the current Emperor Aurelian, who was styled Imperator Caesar Augustus. It is uncertain whether Aurelian ever granted the tacit recognition this coinage implies, but by AD 272 he had clearly decided to suppress the Palmyran regime. Zenobia reacted by having Vabalathus proclaimed Augustus and herself took the title of Augusta, or Empress. Zenobia appears on this antoninianus of Antioch with the same trappings as previous Roman empresses, a helmet-like coif of hair adorned with a simple headpiece called a stephane. The reverse depicts a Roman goddess, Junio Regina (”Queen Juno”), perhaps as an avatar for her own claimed authority. Even if she had beaten Aurelian, Zenobia would have likely ruled on the Roman model, using the well-entrenched bureaucracy already in place. As it happened, Aurelian’s forces rapidly reclaimed Zenobia’s conquests, defeated her army outside of Palmyra, and captured her as she attempted flight to Persia. Her coinage in Antioch only lasted two or three months at most, accounting for its rarity today.

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986.

Divus Nigrinian. Died circa AD 284. Æ Antoninianus (24mm, 3.38 g, 5h). Rome mint, 1st officina. 5th emission of Carinus, November AD 284. DIVO NIGRINIANO, radiate head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing facing, head left, wings spread; KAA. RIC V 472 var. (bust type); Pink VI/2, p. 38; Venèra 3405-7. Glossy dark green patina, some minor smoothing, edge split, slight bend in flan. Near EF. ($1500)

987. Diocletian. AD 284-305. Gilded Æ Medallion (27mm, 14.20 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 287. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, radiate and mantled bust left, holding eagle-tipped scepter in right hand / VICTORIA AVGG, two Victories attaching shield to palm tree between them. Unpublished in the standard references, presumed unique. Much of the original gilding preserved. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Roma E-Sale 57 (30 May 2019), lot 1040; Tkalec (8 September 2008), lot 380.

Struck in AD 287, this medallion commemorates the co-consulship between Diocletian and Maximian. Diocletian had actually elevated Maximian from the rank of Caesar to Augustus a year earlier after successful campaigns along the Rhine, defeating the Heruli and Chaibones and effectively clearing the Rhineland of Germanic tribesman. The timing of Maximian’s elevation may have also been to assist with the increasing military threats from the new rebel Carausius, self-proclaimed ruler in Gaul and Britannia.

Jupiter Battles Typhon

988. Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.64 g, 6h). Rome mint. Post-reform, struck AD 293-294. DIOCLETIA NVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / IOVI FVL GE RAT ORI, Jupiter Fulgor (wielder of lightning) advancing left, head right, brandishing thunderbolt in raised right hand; an anguipede giant (Typhon) to right, raising hand to ward off blow; PR. RIC V 146 corr. (rev. legend misspelled); Lukank 15; Depeyrot 5A/1; Calicó 4531 (same dies as illustration); Biaggi 1730 (same dies). Small mark on obverse margin. In NGC encapsulation 6057912-005, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare. ($20,000) Ex Triton X (8 January 2007), lot 754; (10 May 2005), lot 116; Leu 93 (10 May 2005), lot 116.

The Roman Empire utilized coins as a means of political propaganda more successfully than any other previous empire. The reverse of this piece echoes a scene from Greco-Roman mythology: The battle between Zeus/Jupiter and the monster Typhon, born of the primordial deities Gaia (earth) and Tartarus (underworld). Jupiter is shown about to cast his thunderbolt at the giant, who raises a reptilian hand to ward it off.

Diocletian here identifies himself with Jupiter’s struggle to bring order out of chaos, something to which the educated classes of the empire could certainly relate.

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989. Diocletian. AD 284-305. AR Argenteus (19mm, 3.17 g, 1h). Thessalonica mint, 1st officina. Struck AD 302.

DIOCLETI ANVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, campgate with three turrets and no door; •T•S•A•. RIC VI 15a; RSC 520d; Hunter –. Toned, light scratch on obverse. Superb EF. ($750)

990. Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Pre-Reform Aureus (20mm, 4.58 g, 1h). Cyzicus mint. Struck AD 284-286. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SOLI INVICTO, Sol, radiate, standing left, chlamys draped over shoulder, raising right hand and holding globe in left. RIC V 302 var. (bust type); Depeyrot 2/6; Pink, Goldprägung, p. 40; Calicó 4566; Hunter –; DOCLR –. Underlying luster, scattered marks, light scrape on obverse. Good VF. Rare. ($5000)

The Victorious Fates

991. Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.33 g, 6h). Cyzicus mint. Pre-reform, struck AD 286-287. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / FATIS VICTRICIBVS, S C in exergue, the Parcae (Three Fates) standing facing, each holding cornucopia, holding between them two rudders. RIC V 294; Lukank 9; Depeyrot 5/5; Calicó 4449. Lightly toned, underlying luster, minor smoothing on obverse. EF. ($7500) Ex Hess-Leu 24 (16 April 1964), lot 344.

The Parcae - Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos - were the daughters of Erebus (Night). The Romans generally referred to them as Fata, or Fate. They were responsible for human destiny: the first held the distaff from which the thread of life was woven, the second spun it to the appropriate length, and the third cut it at the appointed time. The remarkable reverse legend, FATIS VICTRICIBVS, declares that destiny is left “to the victorious Fates.”

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Diocletian Recalls the “Golden Age” of Hadrian

992.

Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.30 g, 6h). Cyzicus mint. Struck AD 290-292. DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / COS IIII, emperor on horseback right, raising right hand in salutation. RIC V 288; Lukank 4; Depeyrot 9/1; Calicó 4446. In NGC encapsulation 6054938-007, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($10,000) Ex Heritage 3088 (5 November 2020), lot 33036; Florange & Ciani (10 February 1923), lot 190.

Both sides of this aureus show that later Roman rulers paid keen attention to the coinage of rulers from Rome’s “Golden Age.” The simple obverse legend DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS and the reverse depicting the emperor on horseback, raising his hand in salute, both recall an aureus type struck by Hadrian in AD 125 (RIC II.3 781).

993.

Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (19mm, 5.34 g, 5h). Ticinum mint. Struck AD 303-304.

MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / XX/ MAXI/MIAN/I AVG/ SMT in five lines within wreath with jeweled closure. RIC VI 11b; Depeyrot 7/2; Calicó 4770; Biaggi –. In NGC encapsulation 6056174-001, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, brushed. A very rare issue struck to celebrate the 20th Anniversary (vincennalia) of Maximian’s rule. ($10,000)

994. Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AR Argenteus (18mm, 3.72 g, 6h). Ticinum mint. Struck circa AD 295. MAXIMIANVS AVG, Laureate head right / VICTORIA SARMAT, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets. RIC VI 16b; Jeločnik 37; RSC 548d. Light iridescent toning, a couple of light scratches on obverse. EF. ($750)

995. Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 6.45 g, 5h). Cyzicus or Antioch mint. Struck AD 290293. MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / CONSVL III PP PRO COS, Maximianus standing left, togate, holding globe in outstretched right hand and short scepter in left. RIC V 596 (Cyzicus) and 609 (Antioch); Depeyrot 11/1 (Cyzicus) and 7/2 (Antioch); Calicó 4622 (same rev. die as illustration); Bastien, Monnaie 63d; Webb 307. Lustrous, light doubling on reverse. EF. Portrait in high relief. ($10,000) 333

996.

Constantius I. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AV Aureus (18mm, 5.35 g, 1h). Treveri (Trier) mint. CONSTANTIVS N C, laureate head right / C OMIT A TVS AVG G, Constantius and Maximianus on horses galloping left, raising their right hands, the nearer emperor holds a scepter; PT. RIC VI 8; Calicó 4811; Depeyrot 1E, 4; Biaggi –. Minor marks, small area of smoothing on obverse, lightly grazed on high points of reverse. VF. High relief portrait. Very rare. ($5000)

997. Galerius. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 6.17 g, 5h). Sisica mint. Struck AD 302-305. MAXIMIANVS NOB C, laureate head right / ORIENS AVGG, Sol, radiate, standing left, chlamys over shoulder and draped behind, raising right hand and holding globe and whip in his left; SIS. RIC VI 28b; Depeyrot 7/4; Calicó 4935. Minor marks, die break at obverse border, small edge split. EF. Rare. ($7500)

998. Galerius. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AR Argenteus (17.5mm, 3.37 g, 12h). Nicomedia mint, 3rd officina. Struck circa AD 295. MAXIMIANVS CAESAR, laureate head right / VIRTVTI MILITVM, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets; SMNΓ. RIC VI 20; Gautier, Trouvaille 61–4; RSC 234Ab. Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 4284624-005, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750) Ex William Whetstone Collection (Triton XXII, 8 January 2019), lot 1168, purchased from John Jencek.

999. Galerius. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.40 g, 5h). Antioch mint. Struck AD 293-295. MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES, laureate head right / IOVI CONS CAES, Jupiter standing facing, head left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and leaning on long scepter in left, eagle at feet left; SMA*. RIC VI 10; Depeyrot 9/5; Calicó 4910; Biaggi –. Fully lustrous.

Choice EF. Struck in high relief. Rare. ($10,000) Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. inventory cc33022 (ND); Leu 83 (6 May 2002), lot 833.

334

Extremely Rare Aquileia Aureus – Ex Biaggi Collection

1000.

Severus II. As Caesar, AD 305-306. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.44 g, 7h). Aquileia mint. SEVERVS NOB CAES, laureate head right / FELICIT AS CAESS NOSTR, Felicitas seated left, holding cornucopia in right hand and caduceus in left. RIC VI 44; Depeyrot 6/5; Calicó 4981 (this coin illustrated); P&Z 116 (R5; this coin illustrated); Biaggi 1880 (this coin). Minor metal flaw on obverse, a few marks, light edge scuff. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($10,000) Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd. inventory cc38656 (ND); Numismatica Ars Classica 25 (25 June 2003), lot 583; Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection.

1001. Maximinus II. AD 310-313. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.22 g, 12h). Alexandria mint. Struck AD 308. MAXIMINVS P F AVG, laureate head right / SOLI IN VICTO, Sol standing left, raising right arm and holding head of Serapis; ALE. RIC VI 132; Depeyrot 13/4; Calicó 5038. Toned with with underlying luster, light earthen deposits, scratch along base of neck, some scuffs and edge marks. Near EF. Struck in high relief. Very rare. ($10,000) Ex Collection of a European Scholar (LHS 97, 10 May 2006), lot 95.

Drost Plate Coin

1002. Maxentius. AD 307-312. AV Aureus (19mm, 5.05 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 307. IMP MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VICTORIAS AVGG ET CAES N, Maxentius standing left, wearing short tunic and helmet, holding spear in left hand and Victory on a globe in his left; PR. RIC VI –; Drost 35/1 (this coin); Depeyrot –; Calicó 5083. Underlying luster, a couple of tiny marks and minor edge bumps. EF. Extremely rare. ($15,000) Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd. inventory cc55149 (ND); Ponterio 141 (12 January 2007), lot 1717.

1003. Constantine I. As Caesar, AD 306-309. AR Argenteus (19mm, 3.82 g, 1h). Treveri (Trier) mint, 1st officina.

Struck AD 306-307. CONSTANTINVS NOB C, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four-turreted camp gate with open doors; PTR. RIC VI 636; Gautier, Argentei 4; RSC 706. Deep iridescent toning, minor green encrustation on reverse.

Superb EF. ($7500) 335

1004

1005

Celebrating Constantine’s Vicennalia 1004.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.44 g, 6h). Ticinum mint. Struck AD 324. CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VICTORIB AVGG ET CAESS NN, Victory seated right on cuirass and shield, holding shield inscribed VOT XX, trophy and captive to right; SMT. RIC VII 110; Depeyrot 17/12; Biaggi –. Lustrous, a couple of minor marks and very faint scratches, small edge scuff at 12 o’clock. EF. Extremely rare – the third and finest known and the only one in private hands. ($20,000) Ex Roma XII (29 September 2016), lot 1020.

This coin is one of three known to us and the only one in private hands, with one being owned by the British Museum and the other by the St. Petersburg Museum. It celebrates the vicennalia of Constantine I and also serves to celebrate his numerous victories over the preceding years such as his defeat of the Franks, Goths, Sarmatians, and Licinius at Adrianople, where Constantine attained sole rule of the empire. While the solidus was meant to mark a joyous occasion in Constantine’s reign, his vicennalia brought with it only grief. He executed his eldest son Crispus due to the instigating of his wife Fausta, who sought to have only her sons inherit the throne. Upon his discovery of her treachery, Constantine also executed Fausta herself. So despite the intention that the vicennalia would celebrate his boundless successes and assumption of sole rule, it turned into a period of mourning for the family that had been closest to him.

Unique Ex Biaggi Collection “Eyes to God” Solidus 1005. Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.28 g, 6h). Heraclea mint. Struck circa AD 326-329/30.

Diademed head right, gazing upward; diadem decorated with series of parallel lines, each angles left from the top to the bottom of the band / CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG, pair of interlaced laurel wreaths, each with large central jewel; eight-rayed star above; SMH •. RIC VII –, but cf. 497 and 108 (Trier and Nicomedia respectively; for type); cf. Depeyrot, p. 116 (citing an imitative issue of Constans as Caesar with the same mintmark); Biaggi 1961 (this coin). Traces of underlying luster. Choice EF. Apparently unique. ($40,000) Ex Triton XIX (5 January 2016), lot 619; Numismatica Genevensis SA VIII (24 November 2014), lot 138 (hammer 50,000 CHF); Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection.

336

Unique Denomination for Constans

1006. Constans. AD 337-350. AV Nine Siliquae – 1½ Scripulum (15mm, 1.77 g, 11h). Aquileia mint. Struck AD 340350. CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, rosette-and-laurel diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FELICI TA S PERPETVA, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling palm branch in left arm; SM AQ in exergue. RIC VIII –; Depeyrot –; P&Z –; DOC –; Biaggi –-. In NGC encapsulation 6029603-005, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.

Apparently unrecorded and unique. ($3000) Ex Gadoury (16 November 2018), lot 196.

The solidus 1½ Scripulum - 9 Siliqua denomination was introduced by Constantine I circa AD 310, and tariffed at the inconvenient ratio of three-eighths of a gold solidus. It was struck infrequently during Constantine’s reign and that of his successors until it was replaced by the more convenient gold tremissis under Theodosius I in circa AD 383. The denomination is particularly rare as an issue of Constans.

Paolucci and Zub Plate Coin

1007. Constantius II. AD 337-361. AV Heavy Solidus (23.5mm, 5.28 g, 12h). Vicennalia issue. Aquileia mint. Struck AD 343-344. CONSTANTI VS AVGVSTVS, laurel and rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; all within laurel wreath / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, Victory seated right on cuirass, supporting on her left knee a shield inscribed VOT/ XX/ MVLT/ XXX in four lines; to right, small genius standing left supporting the shield; SMAQ; all within laurel wreath. Cf. RIC VIII 44 (for a normal weight solidus of the same type); P&Z 436 (this coin); cf. Depeyrot 4/1 (same). Underlying luster, light roughness on obverse, traces of deposits. Near EF. Very rare. ($10,000) Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG 66 (22 October 1984), lot 865.

This issue, struck on the occasion of the vicennalia of Constantius II, is distinguished by the crown which surrounds the design features on both the obverse and the reverse. Gold crowns were offered to the emperor by the cities on the occasion of regal anniversaries. The aurum coronarium became a tax intended to finance the expenses occasioned by these festivities. This issue was struck at a heavier weight of sixty pieces to the Roman pound, rather than the usual seventy-two.

1008. Constantius II. AD 337-361. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.47 g, 5h). Thessalonica mint. Struck AD 350-355. D N CONSTAN TIVS MAX AVGVSTVS, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REI PVBLICAE, Roma seated facing and Constantinopolis seated half-left with right foot on prow, each holding scepter in left hand, with their right hands supporting shield inscribed VOT/ XX/ MVLT/ XXX in four lines; •TES•. RIC VIII 150; Depeyrot 9/1; Biaggi –.

Lustrous, a few light scratches, die wear on reverse. EF. Perfectly centered. Rare. ($1500) 337

1009. Constantius II. AD 337-361. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.61 g, 1h). Antioch mint, 8th officina. Struck AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTAN TIVS PER P AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REI PVBLICAE, Roma seated facing and Constantinopolis seated half-left with right foot on prow, each holding scepter in left hand, with their right hands supporting shield inscribed VOT/ XX/ MVLT/ XXX in four lines; SMANH. RIC VIII 84; Depeyrot 6/4; Biaggi –.

Lustrous, hairlines. EF. Superb detail. Rare. ($1500) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection.

1010.

Magnentius. AD 350-353. AE Double Centenionalis (25mm, 7.63 g, 7h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 2nd officina. D N MAGNEN TIVS P F AVG, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, large Chi-Rho; A|ω// LPLC. RIC VIII 154; LRBC 236; Bastien 203; Lyon 197; Hunter 47. Attractive brown patina. Choice EF. ($500) From the Dr. John Whitehead Collection.

Unique & Unpublished

1011. Decentius. Caesar, AD 350/1-353. AV Solidus (25mm, 3.96 g, 7h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck AD 353. D N DECENTI VS FORT CAES, bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICT AVG LIB ROM ORB, Victory standing right; Libertas holding transverse scepter in left hand, standing left, supporting a trophy between them; Victory’s right hand supports the shaft above that of Libertas’. Unpublished in the standard references. Underlying luster, areas of flat strike, edge lightly grazed on obverse. EF. A seemingly unique and highly interesting obverse legend variety. ($20,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 111 (24 September 2018), lot 245.

Decentius, the brother of the usurper Magnentius, was appointed as Caesar with the responsibility of guarding Gaul and repulsing any attacks

by Germanic tribes while Magnentius was on campaign against Constantius II. Despite Magnentius’s defeat by Constantius II at Mursa Major and setbacks in Gaul with the rebellion of Chnodomar, Decentius retained power in Gaul and attempted to rally the remaining forces against Constantius II. This unpublished solidus was struck at Decentius’s capitol of Treveri in AD 353, likely as part of a donative to his soldiers that was intended to raise the morale of his demoralized troops and steel them for a final confrontation with Constantius II. What makes this coin unique is its obverse legend: here the normal NOB CAES (noble Caesar) has been replaced with FORT CAES (strong or brave Caesar).

While a seemingly minute difference, it seems to have been chosen to portray Decentius as a strong military leader to his soldiers as he prepared them for the coming battle with Constantius II that would decide both his and his brother’s fate.

338

1012.

Julian II. AD 360-363. AE (23mm, 8.77 g, 1h). Sirmium mint, 2nd officina. Struck AD 361-363. D N FL CL IVLI ANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS REIPVB, bull standing right; two stars above; *BSIRM(palm). RIC VIII 107; LRBC 1622; Hunter 40. Even brown surfaces. Superb EF. ($750) From the DMS collection. Ex Brian Kritt inventory 40030 (17 November 2019).

1013. Julian II. AD 360-363. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.41 g, 1h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 361-363. FL CL IVLIA NVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCI TVS ROMANORVM, soldier standing right, head left, holding trophy over left shoulder and right hand on head of captive crouching right, hands bound behind his back; (palm)CONSP(palm). RIC VIII 157; Depeyrot 8/1; Hunter 43. Beautiful reddish tone, underlying luster, minor die break on obverse. Near EF. Rare. ($5000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica (26 October 2005), lot 161.

Ex Biaggi & Bastien Collections

1014. Valens. AD 364-378. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.42 g, 1h). Consular issue. Nicomedia mint. Struck AD 368. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed bust left, wearing imperial mantle, holding mappa in right hand, scepter in left / VOTA PV BLICA, Valentinian and Valens seated facing, each nimbate, and holding mappa and short scepter; in exergue, bound captives kneeling facing one another; S-(MN)-M. RIC IX 16(b).6; Depeyrot 22/2; Biaggi 2268 (this coin); Bastien 27h (this coin). Lustrous. EF. ($3000) Ex Numismatica Genevesis SA VIII (24 November 2014), lot 170; Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection; Münzen und Medaillen AG XI (23 January 1953), lot 187.

339

1015. Valens. AD 364-378. AV Semissis (13mm, 2.15 g, 1h). Nicomedia mint. Struck January-February AD 368. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA ROMANORVM, Victory seated right on cuirass, shield behind her, inscribing VX on shield resting on her knee and supported by winged Genius at foot right; SMN. RIC IX –; Depeyrot 25/2; Biaggi –. Lustrous, tiny metal flaws and surface abrasions on obverse. EF. Extremely rare, only one example listed by Depeyrot. ($3000)

Final Emperor from the House of Constantine

1016. Procopius. Usurper, AD 365-366. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.51 g, 11h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 366. D N PROCO PIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / REPARATI O FEL TEMP, Procopius, in military dress, standing facing, head right, holding spear in right hand, resting left hand on shield set on ground; CONS. RIC IX 2a; Depeyrot 14/4; Biaggi 2271 (same dies); Kent & Hirmer 699. Lustrous, minor hairline scratches, light weakness in centers.

Near EF. Perfectly centered. Very Rare. ($30,000) Ex Roma XVIII (29 September 2019), lot 1249 (hammer £36,000).

Procopius was the last member of the house of Constantine to don the diadem. 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 hook up with the allied Armenian army and join Julian’s legions in Mesopotamia. Procopius later claimed that his cousin also gave him a purple cloak, along with instructions to take over as emperor should Julian be killed in battle. At any event, Procopius failed miserably in his role, contributing to the defeat of Julian’s main force and his death in battle on June 27, 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 took over, Procopius decided to make a try for the throne. While Valens was away from the capital, Procopius re-emerged at Constantinople on September 28, 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 of 366. Procopius suffered a crushing defeat and was summarily executed in the aftermath, ending his eight-month usurpation.The gold coinage of Procopius carries on the Constantinian tradition of fine portraiture and crisp execution. The exceptional portrait on this issue shows him wearing a close beard, probably a symbol of sympathy and mourning for his kinsman Julian II. His beard and the lack of any Christian symbolism on the reverse also hint at possible Pagan sympathies.

The solidi of Procopius are particularly rare, with only 14 examples sold at auction since 1996.

340

Eugenius: Pagan Empire’s Last Gasp

1017. Eugenius. AD 392-394. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.45 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 392 or 393. D N EVGENI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR IA AVGG, Theodosius I and Eugenius enthroned facing, holding a globe between them; Victory facing above throne with wings spread; palm frond between; L|D// COM. RIC IX 45; Lyon 229; Depeyrot 18/1; Biaggi –; Mazzini 6 v. Small flan flaw on reverse. In NGC encapsulation 5778951-003, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, flan flaw. Extremely rare. ($20,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 642; Numismatica Ars Classica 38 (21 March 2007), lot 283 (hammer CHF 32,000); Triton III (30 November 1999), lot 1245.

Although nominally a Christian, Flavius Eugenius presided over Paganism’s last grasp at power during his brief reign in the waning years of the fourth century AD. Eugenius held a respected but unimportant position in the Western Roman government when, in AD 392, the halfbarbarian generalissimo Arbogast chose him to replace the boy emperor Valentinian II, who had committed suicide in despair over his role as a powerless figurehead. A former professor of rhetoric, Eugenius wore a long beard in honor of the great philosophers of the past. This was taken as a visible sign of sympathy by the Pagan aristocracy of Rome, which had seen its position fade to that of a persecuted minority under the zealous Catholic Theodosius I, emperor of the East. Arbogast and Eugenius sent embassies to Constantinople in an attempt to gain formal recognition of the new Western regime and even struck coins recognizing Theodoius as co-ruler. To bolster support in Rome, Eugenius made overtures to the Pagans, who responded enthusiastically. This provided exactly the casus belli sought by Theodosius, who in mid-AD 394 marched his army westward to crush the Pagan revival. Arbogast and Eugenius mustered the Western legions under the old Pagan standards of Jupiter and met Theodosius at the Frigidus river in northern Italy on September 5, AD 394. The first day of battle went well for the Western forces, but on the second day, a furious wind blew into the face of Arbogast’s army and a timely assault by Theodosius routed the Western forces. Eugenius was summarily executed while Arbogast fell on his sword. Theodosius, convinced God had intervened to bring him victory, launched an immediate pogrom against all remaining Pagans and Catholic Christianity held absolute sway in Western Europe for another 1,100 years.

1018. Theodosius II. AD 402-450. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.51 g, 7h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 443-450. D N THEODOSI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear in right hand and shield at left shoulder / IMP XXXXII•COS•XVII•P•P•, Constantinopolis seated left, holding globus cruciger in right hand and scepter in left, foot on prow; shield to right; star to left; COMOB. RIC X 292; Depeyrot 84/1; DOCLR 414–25; Biaggi –.

Lustrous. Superb EF. Rare. ($1500)

341

1019. Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.49 g, 1h). Constantinople mint, 2nd officina. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 430-440. AEL PVLCH ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, crowned by manus Dei (the hand of God) above / VOT XX MVLT XXX, Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; star to upper left; B//CONOB. RIC X 226; DOCLR 439; Depeyrot 75/3; Biaggi –. Lustrous, minor scratches and brush marks.

EF. Rare. ($7500) Ex VL Nummus 15 (25 October 2020), lot 174.

The early to mid fifth century AD witnessed both halves of the Roman Empire under the control of powerful women. In the West this was Gallia Placidia, mother of Valentinian III (see lot 1021, below). Her counterpart in the East was the formidable Aelia Pulcheria, depicted on this gold solidus. Born circa AD 398 to Arcadius and Aelia Eudoxia, she had a far more forceful personality than her timid younger brother, Theodosius II, who was left in nominal charge of the East at age 7 in AD 408. In AD 414, the Senate declared her Augusta, or Empress, whereupon she dismissed the courtiers who had been controlling the government and took over the regency herself. She declared her intent to remain a virgin, possibly to avoid a political marriage, and devoted herself to church and state. Her coinage, extensive for an empress of this era, depicts her being crowned by the hand of God reaching down from above. When Theodosius was killed in a riding accident in AD 450, Pulcheria briefly ruled as sole empress before bowing to demands that she marry and thus select a suitable man to rule as Augustus. She wisely chose the lowborn but capable Marcian. Pulcheria died in AD 453, having kept her vows of virginity and defense of her dynasty for a half-century.

Very Rare Constantine III Solidus

1020.

Constantine III. AD 407-411. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.48 g, 12h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 407-408. D N CONSTAN TINVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AVGGG, Constantine, diademed and in military attire standing right, left foot on bound captive, holding vexillum in right hand and Victory standing left on globe in left; L|D//COMOB. RIC X 1512; Lyon 250; Depeyrot 22/2; DOCLR 793 var. (rosette diadem). Underlying luster. EF. Very rare. ($10,000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Glenn Woods (inv. 38731.9500 [ND]). Ex Triton IX (11 January 2006), lot 1608.

Following the assassinations of the usurpers Marcus and Gratianus, Constantine III was proclaimed emperor by the legions in Britain. Hoping to ensure his own position, he sailed to Gaul where he met little opposition. Constantine was officially recognized by Honorius, though Theodosius and Arcadius failed to follow Honorius’ lead. Constantine proved to be a competent ruler, defeating the local barbarians and negotiating agreements with the Alamanni and Burgundians. Constantine was a bit over-ambitious though, and his attempt to enter Italy failed.

Attacked by his own general Gerontius and eventually the troops of Honorius, Constantine was captured and killed in September AD 411.

1021.

Galla Placidia. Augusta, AD 421-450. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.48 g, 5h). Aquileia mint. Struck circa May-October AD 425. D N GALLA PLA CIDIA P F AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, with Christogram on shoulder; manus Dei above, crowning her / VOT XX MVLT XXX, Victory standing left, holding long cross in right hand; A|Q//COMOB. RIC X 1808 (same dies as illustration); Depeyrot 23/2; DOCLR 825 (same dies); P&Z 825; Sagramora 731 (same obv. die as illustration); Biaggi –.

Underlying luster, light smoothing on the cheek, traces of double strike on reverse. EF. Rare. ($7500) Ex Nummus 15 (25 October 2020), lot 175.

342

1022.

Valentinian III. AD 425-455. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.44 g, 1h). Ravenna mint. Struck circa AD 426-430. D N PLA VALENTI NIANVS P F AVG, pearl and rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AVGGG, Valentinian standing facing, holding long cross and Victory on globe, with right foot set upon serpentine human head; R|V//COMOB. RIC X 2010; DOCLR 841-43; Depeyrot 17/1; Biaggi 2349. Minor scratches in field on obverse. EF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Robert O. Ebert Collection (Stack’s, Bowers, and Ponterio 174, 12 January 2013), lot 5514.

Rare Consular Issue

1023. Valentinian III. AD 425-455. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.41 g, 1h). Consular issue. Ravenna mint. Struck AD 435. D N PLA VALENTI NIANVS P F AVG, rosette and pearl diademed bust left, holding mappa in right hand and long cross over left shoulder / VOT X MVLT XX, Facing consular figure, seated on throne, holding mappa in right hand, cruciform scepter in left; R|V//COMOB. RIC X 2036; DOCLR –; Depeyrot 14/1. Underlying luster, a few minor scratches and edge nicks. Good VF. Rare consular bust issue. ($5000)

1024.

Marcian. AD 450-457. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.48 g, 5h). Constantinople mint, 7th officina. Struck AD 450. D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif at left shoulder / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long, jeweled cross in right hand; star to right; Z//CONOB. RIC X 510; DOCLR 481; Depeyrot 87/1; Biaggi –. Lustrous. Choice EF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd. inventory cc38731 (ND).

Very Rare Consular Solidus

1025. Leo I. AD 457-474. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.45 g, 6h). Consular issue. Thessalonica mint. Struck circa 466 AD. D N LEO PE RPET AVG, bust left, wearing pearl-diadem and consular robes, mappa in right hand and a cruciform scepter in left hand / VICTORI A AVGGG, Leo, nimbate, seated facing, holding mappa in raised right hand and cruciform scepter in left; star in left and right fields; THSOB. RIC X 626; DOCLR 559 (same obv. die as illustration); Depeyrot 60/1; MIRB 14. Lustrous.

EF. Very rare. ($15,000) Ex Gemini IV (8 January 2008), lot 525 (hammer $18,000).

343

Verina: Imperial Intriguer

1026. Aelia Verina. Augusta, AD 457-484. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Leo I, AD 462-466. AEL ЧERI NA AЧG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing necklace and earrings; manus Dei holding nimbus above / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross with right hand; star in right field; CONOB. RIC X 607; MIRB 4; Depeyrot 93/2; DOCLR 593 var. (obv. legend). In NGC encapsulation 6055164-003, graded Ch XF, Strike 5/5, Surface: 3/5, wavy flan, edge marks. ($20,000) Ex Moneta Imperii Romani Byzantini: The Collection of a Connoisseur (Stack’s, 12 January 2009), lot 3036; UBS Zurich Sale 28 (1991), lot 791.

Aelia Verina, the wife of Leo I, had an extraordinary personal history, plotting from time to time for and against her various relatives in numerous intrigues to control the succession or seize the throne. The very rare gold coinage in her name is attributed to two separate periods, an earlier issue struck in 462 or 466 and a later issue in 471 or 473. From the scant historical sources, Verina appears to have been the consummate imperial schemer who regularly instigated and switched sides in various deadly dynastic disputes without suffering any consequences for her actions. She retired to a nunnery in AD 480, but emerged in AD 484 for one final intrigue against her son-in-law Zeno.

This, too, failed and Verina died in the aftermath; whether or not by violence is not recorded.

1027.

Leo II, with Zeno. AD 474. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 7th officina. D N LEO ET Z ENO P P AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif at left shoulder / SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Leo and Zeno seated facing on double throne, both nimbate, each holding mappa in right hand; star and cross above; Z//CONOB. RIC X 803; DOCLR 603; Depeyrot 98/1; Biaggi –. Lustrous, tiny deposit on reverse. Choice EF. ($2000)

Choice Majorian Tremissis

1028. Majorian. AD 457-461. AV Tremissis (13mm, 1.49 g, 6h). Ravenna mint. D N IVL MAIORIANVS P F AVC, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Latin cross pattée within wreath; large central jewel above; COMOB. RIC X 2610; Depeyrot 23/2; DOCLR 886; Lacam 42; Ranieri 141; Biaggi 2368 var. (obv. legend). Toned. Choice EF. Exceptional for this very rare issue. One of only five in CoinArchives, and by far the finest. ($7500) Ex Numismatica Gennevensis SA V (3 December 2008), lot 335 (hammer 13,000 CHF).

344

RIC and Lacam Plate Coin – Ex Hunt, Biaggi, and Mazzini Collections

1029.

Libius Severus (Severus III). AD 461-465. AV Semissis (19mm, 2.10 g, 6h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. Struck AD 463-465. D N LIBIVS SEVE RVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SALVS REI PVBLICAE, large Christogram within wreath; large central jewel above; COMOB. RIC X 2707 (Rome; this coin referenced and illustrated); Lacam Type B, variety a, 1, pl. XCVI, and pl. 18, 54 (this coin referenced and illustrated); Depeyrot 55/1 (Rome); DOCLR 896 (same obv. die as illustration); Biaggi 2369 = Mazzini 2 (this coin); Triton XX, lot 930 (same dies). Scrape and spots of die rust on obverse, light scratches. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of only two recorded in CoinArchives (the other, Triton XX, lot 930, recently hammered at $35,000). ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 1273 (Garret pedigree there is erroneous); Numismatica Ars Classica 5 (25 February 1992), lot 614; Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s New York, 21 June 1990), lot 941; Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection; Giuseppe Mazzini Collection.

1030. Anthemius. AD 467-472. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.47 g, 5h). 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 slung over left shoulder / SALVS R EIP VBLICAE, Anthemius and Leo I standing facing, each wearing military outfit and holding spear, holding globus cruciger between them; (ROMA) monogram/•//COMOB. RIC X 2831; Lacam class III/4; Depeyrot 65/2. A little weakly struck on the obverse. Good VF. Attractive red toning in the legends. ($3000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Robert O. Ebert Collection (Stack’s, Bowers, and Ponterio 174, 12 January 2013), lot 5521.

1031. Basiliscus & Marcus. AD 475-476. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.48 g, 7h). Constantinople mint, 3rd officina. D N bASILISCI Eτ MARC P AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear in right hand over right shoulder and shield with horseman motif in left / SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Basiliscus and Marcus, nimbate, enthroned facing; star above cross between them; Γ//CONOB. RIC X 1022; Depeyrot 104/1; DOCLR 621 var. (officina); Biaggi –. Lustrous, areas of flatness on the edges. Superb EF. Well centered on a full flan.Very Rare. ($2500)

1032. Zeno. Second reign, AD 476-491. AR Siliqua (18mm, 2.10 g, 5h). Constantinople mint. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / TOV ISMV SIT (sic); CON, legend within laurel wreath. Cf. RIC X 945a var. (rev. legend); Hahn 21b; Depeyrot –; RSC –. Toned, a few light scratches. VF. Extremely rare. ($1000) 345

BYZANTINE COINAGE

1033. Anastasius I. 491-518. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck 492-507. D N ANASTA SIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand, shield on left shoulder / VICTORI–A AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; star in right field; I// CONOB. DOC 3i; MIBE 4a; SB 3. Lustrous, a few light hairlines, scratch in field on reverse. Superb EF. ($750) From the DMS Collection. Ex Robert O. Ebert Collection (Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 174, 11 January 2013), lot 5527.

1034.

Anastasius I. 491-518. Æ Follis (37.5mm, 19.37 g, 6h). Constantinople mint; 2nd officina. Struck 498-518. D N ANASTA SIVS P P AVC, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Large M; cross above, stars of six rays flanking; B/CON. DOC 23b; MIBE 27; SB 19. Dark brown surfaces, trace green deposits. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan. ($500) From the Iconodule Collection.

346

Electrotype of the Famous 36 Solidi Medallion Justinian Reconquers the Roman Empire

1035.

Justinian I. 527-565. Pair of Gilt Electrotype Clichés of Obverse and Reverse of Constantinople mint AV 36 Solidi Medal. Original issued to commemorate the victory of Belisarius over the Kingdom of the Vandals, AD 534. D N IVSTINI ANVS P P AVG, helmeted, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, holding spear in right hand; ornate round shield slung over shoulder / SALVS ET CLORIA ROMANORVM, Justinian, in military attire and holding spear, right on caparisoned horse; horse being preceded by Victory, alighting right, head looking backward, and holding trophy; star in upper middle field; CONOB. Dimensions for obverse: 85mm; 14.43 g; dimensions for reverse: 84mm; 9.29 g. See BM Inventory B.13086 (for another example). Traces of fabric adhered to the back of each side, otherwise as made. Made from the original sulfur cast in the British Museum of the now lost original from the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. ($2500) According to the entry in Stevenson’s 1889 A Dictionary of Roman Coins, Republican and Imperial (q.v SALUS ET GLORIA ROMANORUM), the original medallion was “[d]istinguished not only by its unique character but also by its unusual volume and weight (for, according to Eckhel), it equals five ounces and nearly three drachms, and Mionnet gives its diameter as 38 lines (French measure), this splendid coin was found in the year 1751, near Caesarea ad Argaeum (Mazaca), formerly the capital of Cappadocia, amongst some rubbish in the foundations of an old building, cast out from the depth of twenty feet underground.”

The original was part of the collection of the Cabinet des Médailles of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France until it was stolen in 1831 and never recovered. Prior to the theft, a sulfur cast of the medal was made and deposited in the British Museum; all examples derive from this cast.

347

1036.

Maurice Tiberius. 582-602. AV Solidus (18mm, 4.53 g, 6h). Carthage mint. Dated IY 1 (597/8). D N mAVRI C TЬ PP AV AN A, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORI A AVCC, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram in right hand, and globus cruciger in left; A//CONOB. DOC 230; MIBE 25b; SB 549. Near EF. Rare. ($750)

1037. Phocas. 602-610. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 5th officina. Struck 607-610. d NN FOCAS PЄRP AVI, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORIA AVςЧ, angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by staurogram in right hand, globus cruciger in left; Є//CONOB. DOC 10e.67; MIBE 11; SB 620. Lustrous, minor deposits in obverse margin. Choice EF. ($500) From the DMS Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (30 October 2014), lot 326.

An Offering of Constans II Solidi Constans II was the son of Constantine III and grandson of the great emperor Heraclius (AD 610-641). Constantine III and his half-brother Heraclonas jointly succeeded to the throne in May of AD 641, but within three months Constantine was dead. The suspicion that Heraclonas and his mother Martina had poisoned him led to a palace uprising that deposed them and installed the 11-year-old Constans II on the throne.

During his minority, actual power resided in a regency council of Senators, who proved unequal to the enormous challenges posed by the initial tsunami of Islamic conquest. By AD 650, the Arabs had occupied Syria, Judaea and Egypt, and were building a fleet to terrorize the Greek islands. In AD 655, Constans II personally led a Byzantine naval counterattack, but despite his personal bravery suffered a heavy defeat off the south coast of Asia Minor. It seemed Greco-Roman civilization was doomed to a running rearguard action leading to oblivion, but ca.

AD 656 the Islamic Caliphate was riven by internal upheavals, giving the East Romans a respite. The Slavs remained a major threat, however, and Constans spent many years campaigning against them in the northern Balkans. He also strove to end religious dissension by issuing an edict forbidding any further argument about the nature of Christ; this, however, only led to further strife. At some point, Constans determined to shift the Empire’s center of gravity westward to better manage the Islamic onslaught. In AD 663 he removed his court to Italy and actually pondered making Rome his capital. But the great imperial city was now a virtual ghost town ringed by the hostile Lombards, and after a brief visit he instead set up court at Syracuse in Sicily. The citizens of Sicily soon came to resent his heavy hand of taxation. In AD 668, he was murdered while in his bath. A courtier, Mezezius, was briefly hailed as emperor, but was quickly put down by troops loyal to Constans’ eldest son, Constantine IV, who assumed the throne and proved a wise and capable ruler.

1038. Constans II. 641-668. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.39 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 2nd officina. Struck 641-646. d N CONSτAN τINЧS P P S AV, crowned, draped, and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set upon three steps; B//CONOB. DOC 1b; MIB 3b; SB 938. Underlying luster, slight die wear on obverse, minor mark on reverse, lightly clipped. EF. ($750)

348

1039. Constans II. 641-668. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. Dated IY 6 (647/8). ∂ N CONSτAN τIN*S P P AV, crowned bust facing, with short beard, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; ς to right; Δ//CONOB+. DOC 12 var. (officina); MIB 15; SB 948.

Underlying luster, small area of weak strike on reverse. EF. ($750) From the Iconodule collection.

1040. Constans II, with Constantine IV. 641-668. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.38 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 7th officina.

Struck 654-659. ∂ N CONSτAτINЧS (sic) C CONSτAI, crowned facing busts of Constans and Constantine, each wearing chlamys; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; Z//CONOB. DOC 25g; MIB 26; SB 959. Lustrous, traces of die rust on obverse, faint hairlines, lightly clipped. EF. ($750) Ex Gasvoda Collection Duplicates.

1041.

Constans II, with Constantine IV. 641-668. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.38 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina.

Struck 654-659. ∂ N CONSτANτINЧS C CONSτANτ, crowned facing busts of Constans and Constantine, each wearing chlamys; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; I//CONOB. DOC (25j); MIB 26; SB 959. Lustrous, minor weakness in obverse legend, lightly clipped. EF. Well centered and struck from fresh dies. ($500) From the Ray Neff Collection.

1042.

Constans II, with Constantine IV. 641-668. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.52 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 1st officina. Struck 654-659. ∂ N CONSτANτINЧS C CONSτANτ, crowned facing busts of Constans and Constantine, each wearing chlamys; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; A//CONOBI. DOC (26a); MIB 28; SB 960. Trace deposits, hairline die break, slight double strike on obverse. EF. Possibly overstruck on an earlier issue of Constans II. ($750) 349

1043.

Constans II, with Constantine IV, Heraclius, and Tiberius. 641-668. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.33 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck 662-667. ∂ AN, crowned and draped facing busts of Constans, wearing plumed crown and long beard, and Constantine; cross above / VICTORIA A VςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; at sides, crowned and draped figures of Heraclius and Tiberius standing facing, each holding globus cruciger in right hand; IΘ//CONOB. DOC 31 var. (officina); MIB 33; SB 965. Lustrous, light hairlines, small scrape and nick on reverse, lightly clipped. EF. ($750) From the Iconodule Collection.

High Grade Christ Portrait

1044. Justinian II. First reign, 685-695. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.45 g, 7h). Constantinople mint, 9th officina. Struck 692-695. IҺS CRISτOS RЄX RЄςNANτIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / D IЧSτINI ANЧ S SЄRЧ CҺRISτI, Justinian standing facing, holding cross potent on steps in right hand and akakia in left; Θ//CONOP. DOC 7g.1; MIB 8a; SB 1248. In NGC encapsulation 488331-145, graded Ch MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. Superb portrait of Christ as a bearded “philosopher”. ($3000) This portrait of Christ is the earliest numismatic representation of Jesus, and marks a new development in Christian iconography. At the Trullan Synod, called by Justinian in AD 692 in an attempt to reconcile the growing religious rift between Constantinople and Rome, the issue of how Christ was to be portrayed was debated. The council’s subsequent ruling (Canon 82) decreed that henceforth Christ should be seen in human form, rather than the symbolic representations which had prevailed during Christianity’s earlier period. It is not known whether Justinian’s introduction of the portrait on his coins was the result of this decree, but the Synod generally followed the thinking of the court in Constantinople. The split between the Pope and the Emperor only widened, as did the dispute between those who favored the use of such religious imagery (εικονοδουλοι, “image worshippers”) and those who opposed its use (εικονοκλας οι, “image smashers”), a dispute that also played a role in the expanding ideological confrontation between Christianity and Islam, with al-Malik introducing aniconic coin types at about the same time as Justinian was placing Christ on the Byzantine solidus.

τ

1045. Philippicus (Bardanes). 711-713. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 9th officina. D N FILЄPICЧS MЧL TЧ AN, crowned facing bust, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger and eagle-tipped scepter / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; Θ//CONOB. DOC 1i; MIB 1; SB 1447. A little off center, minor die wear, areas of flat strike. EF. ($1500)

350

1046.

Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III. 741-775. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.44 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. G LЄO N PA MЧL, crowned facing bust of Leo, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left / G N CO N SτANτINЧS•, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left.

DOC 1d.2; Füeg 2.C.1; SB 1550. Lustrous, area of weak strike, central contact mark on obverse. Near EF. ($750)

1047. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III. 741-775. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.45 g, 6h). Constantinople mint.

Struck 745-750. G LЄ ON PA MЧL, crowned facing bust of Leo, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left / N C ON SτANτINЧ, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 1g.1–3; Füeg 3.D.4; SB 1550. Underlying luster, minor double strike. EF. ($1000)

1048 1049 1050 1048.

Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo III. 741-775. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.38 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 745-750. G LЄ ON PA MЧL, crowned facing bust of Leo, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left / N C ON SτANτINЧS, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 1g.4; Füeg 3.D.3; SB 1550. Underlying luster, light die rust. Good VF. ($500) 1049. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III. 741-775. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 764-773. COnSτAnτInOS S LЄOn O nЄOS, crowned and draped busts of Constantine V and Leo IV facing; cross above, • between / C LЄ ON PA MЧLΘ, crowned bust of Leo III facing, wearing loros, holding cross potent in right hand. DOC 2c.1–3; Füeg 4.B.6; SB 1551. Minor double strike. EF. ($1000) 1050.

Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III. 741-775. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 764-773. COnSτAnτInOS S LЄOn O nЄOS, crowned and draped busts of Constantine V and Leo IV facing; cross above, • between / C LЄ ON PA MЧΘ, crowned bust of Leo III facing, wearing loros, holding cross potent in right hand.

DOC 2c.4; Füeg 4.A.1; SB 1551. Lustrous, area of weak strike, a few scratches. Near EF. ($750)

1052 1051 1051.

Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III. 741-775. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 764-773. COnSτAnτInOS S LЄOn O nЄOS, crowned and draped busts of Constantine V and Leo IV facing; cross above, • between / C LЄ ON PA MЧL, crowned bust of Leo III facing, wearing loros, holding cross potent in right hand.

DOC 2d.1; Füeg 5.A.2; SB 1551. Lustrous, slight die wear. Near EF. ($750) 1052. Constantine V Copronymus, with Leo IV and Leo III. 741-775. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 764-773. COnSτAnτInOS S LЄOn O nЄOS, crowned and draped busts of Constantine V and Leo IV facing; cross above, • between / C LЄ ON PA MЧLB, crowned bust of Leo III facing, wearing loros, holding cross potent in right hand. DOC 2f.1–3; Füeg 6.B.8; SB 1551. Lustrous, double struck. EF. Broad flan. ($1000) 351

1053.

Leo IV the Khazar, with Constantine VI, Leo III, and Constantine V. 775-780. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.36 g, 6h).

Constantinople mint. Struck circa 778-780. LЄOҺ VS S ЄςςOҺ COҺSτA[ҺτI]ҺOS O ҺЄO, crowned facing busts of Leo IV and Constantine VI, each wearing chlamys; cross above, • between / LЄOҺ PAP[’ COҺSτAҺτIҺOS P]AτhΘ, crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, each wearing loros; cross above, • between. DOC 1a.2–3; Füeg 1.5; SB 1583. Small area of weak strike. EF. ($1000)

1054.

Constantine VI, with Leo III, Constantine V, and Leo IV. 780-797. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.36 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 780-787. LЄOҺ VS S ЄςςOҺ COҺSτAҺτIҺOS O ҺЄOs, Constantine VI and Leo IV enthroned facing, each wearing crown and chlamys and holding akakia in right hand; cross above / LЄOҺ PAP’ COҺSτAҺτIҺOS PAτHR, crowned facing busts of Leo III and Constantine V, each wearing loros; cross above, pellet between. DOC 2 (Leo IV); Füeg 1.A.21; SB 1584 (Leo IV). Underlying luster, a couple of small spots of weak strike on reverse. Near EF. ($750)

1055. Constantine VI & Irene, with Leo III, Constantine V, and Leo IV. 780-797. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.46 g, 6h).

Constantinople mint. Struck 792-793. SV IRI nI ΛVΓ´ m IτRI ΛV´, Constantine V, Leo III, and Leo IV seated facing, each crowned and draped / COnSτΛnτInOSCΛ´ Λ´ Δ´, crowned facing busts of Constantine VI, draped and holding globus cruciger, and Irene, wearing loros and holding cruciform scepter; cross above, • between. DOC 2; Füeg 4 (Ir.4.7/C.4 [unlisted variety]); SB 1591. A little die wear on obverse, some weakness of strike on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

1056.

Constantine VI & Irene. 780-797. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.45 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 793-797. IRInH AΓOVSτI, crowned facing bust of Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cross-tipped staff in left / COnSτAn τInOS ЬAS´ Θ, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 3a; Füeg 5.A; SB 1594. Lustrous, a touch of die rust in the legend on obverse. Choice EF. ($4000)

1057. Constantine VI & Irene. 780-797. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 793-797. IRInH AΓOVSτI, crowned facing bust of Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cross-tipped staff in left / COnSτAn τInOS ЬAS´ Θ, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 3a; Füeg 5.A; SB 1594. Underlying luster, a few scratches. Near EF. ($3000) 352

1058. Constantine VI & Irene. 780-797. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.37 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 793-797. IRInH AΓOVSτI, crowned facing bust of Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cross-tipped staff in left / COn[SτAn] τInOS ЬAS´, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 3b; Füeg 5.B; SB 1594. Lustrous, small mark on obverse. EF. ($4000)

1059.

Irene. 797-802. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 19 August 797-30 October 802. ЄIPInH ЬASILISSH, crowned facing bust of Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand, cruciform scepter in left / • ЄIPInH ЬASILISSH , crowned facing bust of Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand, cruciform scepter in left. DOC 1a; Füeg 2.B.1; SB 1599. Lustrous. Choice EF. Well centered and struck. Exceptional for issue. ($5000) The powerful personality of Irene had always overshadowed that of her son Constantine, and only an army mutiny had prevented her from taking power in 790. After a short period in exile, she returned to Constantinople, and began plans to eliminate her enemies. As the coinage shows, she quickly relegated her son to second place. By 797, she had discredited Constantine to the point that she could have him deposed, blinded, and murdered with little outcry. A conspiracy of the patricians led to her being deposed in 802. She was exiled to Lesbos, where she died the following year.

1060. Irene. 797-802. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 19 August 797-30 October 802. ЄIPInH ЬASILISSH, crowned facing bust of Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand, cruciform scepter in left / • ЄIPInH ЬASILISSH [], crowned facing bust of Irene, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand, cruciform scepter in left. DOC 1a; Füeg 2.B.1; SB 1599. Lustrous, some weakness around periphery. EF. ($4000)

1061. Nicephorus I. 802-811. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 802-803. nICI FOROS ЬASILЄ´, crowned facing bust, wearing slight beard and chlamys, and holding cross potent in right hand, akakia in left / IҺSЧS XRIS τЧS nICA , cross potent set upon three steps. DOC 1a.1; Füeg 1.A.2; SB 1603. Lustrous, small area of weak strike. EF. ($1500)

353

1062. Nicephorus I, with Stauracius. 802-811. AV Solidus (18mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 803-811.

• [nICI] FOROS ЬASILЄ´, crowned bust of Nicephorus facing, wearing slight beard and chlamys, and holding cross potent in right hand, akakia in left / SτAVRA CIS ∂ЄSPO´ X (engraved over Θ), crowned bust of Stauracius facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia. DOC 2c.1; Füeg 2.B.3; SB 1604. Lustrous, compact flan, minor reverse die break in legend. EF. Rare with X engraved over Θ. ($1500)

1063. Nicephorus I, with Stauracius. 802-811. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.39 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 803-811.

• nICI FOROS ЬASILЄ´, crowned bust of Nicephorus facing, wearing slight beard and chlamys, and holding cross potent in right hand, akakia in left / SτAVRA CIS ∂ЄSPO´ X, crowned bust of Stauracius facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia. DOC 2c.1; Füeg 2.B.3; SB 1604. Underlying luster, small bump on obverse, light scratch in field on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

1064. Nicephorus I, with Stauracius. 802-811. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 803-811. nICI FOROS ЬASILЄ´, crowned bust of Nicephorus facing, wearing slight beard and chlamys, and holding cross potent in right hand, akakia in left / SτAVRA CIS ∂ЄSPO´ X, crowned bust of Stauracius facing, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia. DOC 2c.2; Füeg 2.A.2; SB 1604. Lustrous, a couple of light scratches on obverse, slight weakness of stike on reverse. EF. ($1500)

Michael I: From Emperor To Monk

1065. Michael I Rhangabe, with Theophylactus. 811-813. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint.

• mIXA HL bASILЄ´, crowned facing bust of Michael, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left / ΘЄOFVLA CτOS ∂ЄSP´ X, crowned facing bust of Theophylactus, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cross-tipped scepter in left. DOC 1a.1-4 (same obv. die); Füeg 1.B; SB 1615. Lustrous, minor edge bruise, light double strike and some weakness in legend on reverse. Superb EF. Struck from fresh dies. ($10,000) A high court official, Michael Rhangabe seized power when Nicephorus I was killed in battle. Michael raised his eldest son Theophylactus as co-emperor and reversed the iconoclast policies of his predecessor. In 812 he recognized Charlemagne as emperor of the West in return for Venice returning to Byzantine control; the Venetians, however, ignored the edict. Early in 813, Michael mounted a campaign against the Bulgarians, but they routed his army. In the aftermath, Michael abdicated and named the general Leo V as his successor. Michael took monastic vows and died peaceably as a monk 30 years later. His coinage in all metals is very rare.

354

1066. Leo V the Armenian, with Constantine. 813-820. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Constantinople mint.

• LЄ OnЬASILЄ´, crowned facing bust of Leo, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left / COnSτ Anτ’ ∂ЄSP´ Є, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 2a; Füeg 2.A.1; SB 1627. Underlying luster. Near EF. ($2000) 1067.

No Lot.

Very Rare Leo the Wise Solidus

1068. Leo VI the Wise, with Constantine VII. 886-912. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.27 g, 6h). Constantinople mint.

Struck 908-912. + IhS XPS RЄX RЄŲNANTIЧm, Christ Pantokrator seated facing on throne with curved back / LЄOh ЄT COhS†An†´ ΛЧŲŲ´ ROm´, Leo and Constantine standing facing, both crowned and wearing loros decorated with a cross at end, holding globus cruciger in their outer hands, their inner hands jointly holding a patriarchal cross between them. DOC 2; Füeg 3.B.4; SB 1725. Edge contours consistent with prior bezel. Near EF. Very rare. ($5000) From the Collection of Malcolm Heckman. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 106 (13 September 2017), lot 889.

Leo VI was born to Eudokia Ingerina in 866 and was either the illegitimate son of Michael III “the Drunkard” or the second son of Basil I. Although Leo was made direct heir to Basil in 879, the relationship between the two had long been strained by their marked differences in personality; Basil being ambitious in political affairs while Leo was inclined to a life of scholarship. While on his deathbed following a hunting accident in 886, Basil directly implicated Leo in conspiring to have him assassinated.

Surnamed “the Wise” or “the Philosopher,” Leo authored works on various political and theological subjects, but his best known scholarly achievements were his legal treatises and his commission to update and codify Byzantine laws. The result of these efforts was a 60-book work titled the Basilika (“Royal Laws”), which provided a timely reinterpretation of Justininian’s Corpus Juris Civilis, published over three centuries earlier. The Basilika would serve as the foundation for medieval law in the east.

Leo’s academic endeavors, however, were pursued at the expense of military matters, and the Empire suffered military defeats against the Bulgarians in the Balkans and the Arabs in Sicily and the Aegean.

1069. Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, with Romanus II. 913-959. AV Histamenon Nomisma (20mm, 4.46 g, 6h).

Constantinople mint. Struck circa 955-959. + IҺS XPS : RЄX RЄŲNANTIЧM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, three pellets in each arm of nimbus / COҺSτAҺτ´ CЄ ROmAҺ´ AЧŲŲ bR´, crowned facing busts of Constantine, wearing loros, and Romanus, draped, jointly holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC 15.33 var. (obv. legend); Füeg 15.A var. (same); SB 1751. Lustrous, a few scratches. Near EF. ($1000) 355

1070.

Basil II Bulgaroktonos, with Constantine VIII. 976-1025. AV Solidus (25.5mm, 4.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint.

Struck 1005-1025. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄŲNANTIҺm, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; crescents in upper quarters of nimbus, five pellets on upper edge of book / + ЬASIL Є COҺSτAҺτIҺ R, crowned half-length busts of Basil, wearing loros and being crowned from above by manus Dei, and Constantine, wearing chlamys, jointly holding long cross between them. DOC 6a; Füeg II 6.B; SB 1800. Lustrous, light marks on obverse, minor die break on reverse. Near EF. ($1000)

1071. Anonymous Folles. temp. Basil II & Constantine VIII, circa 976-1025. Æ Follis (27mm, 10.11 g, 6h). Class A2.

Constantinople mint. + ЄMMA [NOVHΛ], facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, with two pellets in arms of nimbus; barred IC XC flanking / + IhSЧS/ XPISTЧS/ bASILЄЧ’/ bASILЄ’ in four lines, floral scrolls above and below. DOC A2.24a; SB 1818.

Dark green patina, a few cleaning marks. EF. Attractive portrait of Christ. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLII.3 (Summer 2017), no. 462932; Gorny & Mosch 208 (16 October 2012), lot 2472.

1072.

Constantine VIII. 1025-1028. AV Histamenon Nomisma (25mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄŲNANTIҺm, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; crescents in upper quarters of nimbus / + Cωh SτAhτIh bASILЄsS ROm, crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing jeweled loros, holding labarum with pellet on shaft in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 2; Füeg 2.A.6; SB 1815. Light scratch in field on reverse. Good VF. ($750)

356

Supernova of 1054

1073. Constantine IX Monomachus. 1042-1055. AV Histamenon Nomisma (26mm, 4.39 g, 6h). Constantinople mint.

Struck 1054-1055. + IhS XIS RЄX RЄŲnAnTIn m, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / + CωnSτAnτ ҺOS bASILЄЧS m, crowned facing bust of Constantine, holding globus cruciger in right hand and sword in left; two stars flanking crown.

DOC 4b; Füeg II 4.B.1; SB 1831. Lustrous, a few faint marks. EF. ($3000) Ex Christov Family Collection (Goldberg 53, 24 May 2009), lot 2293.

The meaning of the stars that appear on these rare histamena flanking the imperial bust has been a matter of much scholarly speculation. Hendy (DOC III, p. 734) suggested that they represented the 1054 appearance of supernova SN 1054, a celestial event that was widely seen and recorded by Chinese, Japanese, and Arab astronomers, as well as the Mimbres and Anasazi in North America, and possibly in contemporary Irish chronicles. Since it was visible even in daylight from when it first appeared in the constellation of Taurus on 4 July 1054 until it disappeared in April 1056, Grierson (DOC III, p. 736) concluded that it could not have escaped the notice of anyone interested in astronomy and “may conceivably have found its way onto the coins [since] the dates, at all events, seem to agree.”

1074.

Michael I Keroularios. Patriarch of Constantinople, 1043-1058. PB Seal (45mm, 62.73 g, 12h). Type A. [+ ΘКЄ ROH]ΘЄI Tω Cω Δ[OYΛω], the Theotokos Hodeghetria standing facing, holding Holy Infant; MP ΘV, macron above each, across fields / – û –/MIXAHΛ/APXIЄΠI/[C]K KωNCTAN/TONOVΠOΛ/[N]ЄAC Pω/[– M –] in seven lines. BLS II 15.

Gray and tan brown patina, light cleaning marks on reverse. Good VF. Lot comes with plaster cast of the seal. ($1500) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection. Ex Classical Numismtic Group 63 (21 May 2003), lot 1674.

Michael was patriarch during the dispute with Pope Leo IX in Rome that lead to the Great Schism of 1054. He was also deeply involved in the maneuvering that led to the overthrow of the emperor Michael VI in 1057, and was granted vastly expanded earthly authority by the new emperor Isaac I. His new powers went to the Patriarch’s head, and when Michael began to declare himself equal in status to the emperor he was deposed the following year.

357

1075.

Eudocia, with Michael VII and Constantius. 1067. AV Histamenon Nomisma (25mm, 4.37 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. + IhS XIS RЄX RЄŲNANTIΛI m, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / + MIX ЄV ΔK ΚωRP, Eudocia, holding jeweled scepter in right hand, standing facing on footstool, flanked by her sons Michael and Constantius, each holding globus cruciger and akakia. DOC 1.2; Füeg II 1.y; SB 1857. Toned, underlying luster. EF. Pleasing details. ($2000) From the Luis A. Lopez Matinez Collection. Ex Moneta Imperii Romani Byzantini: The Collection of a Connoisseur (Stack’s, 12 January 2009), lot 3267 (hammer $4,250).

1076. Michael VII Ducas. 1071-1078. EL Histamenon Nomisma (27.5mm, 4.39 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 1071-1078. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; barred IC XC flanking / + MIX ΔHΛ RACIΛO Λ, crowned facing bust of Michael, holding labarum in right hand and globus cruciger in left. DOC 2a.1; SB 1868. Underlying luster. EF. Exceptional for issue. ($750)

Ex George Zacos Collection

1077. Ekdikoi of the Hagia Sophia. Circa late 11th-13th century. PB Seal (62mm, 142.95 g, 12h). [+VΠ]ЄP, A ΘЄOTOKOC XЄ ROHΘЄI, The Theotokos and Justinian I supporting between them a model of the domed Church of Hagia Sophia; H/A/Γ/I/A C/O/Φ/I/A down central field / – • –/+TOIC ΘЄ/OCЄRЄCTA/TOIC ΠPЄC/RVTЄP[O]IC/KAI ЄKKΛH/CЄKΔIKS/– • – in eight lines. BLS II 66 (this seal). Dark gray and tan brown patina, peripheral hole, the figure of the Theotokos flatly struck. Near EF. Impressive. Lot comes with plaster cast of the seal. ($2000) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection. Ex George Zacos Collection (Part II, Spink 132, 25 May 1999), lot 207 (includes auction envelope and collector’s tickets).

358

Unpublished Seal as Emperor of Constantinople

1078. John I, King of Jerusalem. As Latin Emperor of Constantinople, 1229-1237. PB Seal – Bulla (48mm, 40.05 g, 12h). IωANNHC D(ЄS)ΠOTHG (sic), John, as emperor enthroned facing, holding cross-tipped scepter and globus cruciger; throne decorated with lions / ჭ IO h’ЄS DЄ GRA IM[P]ЄRAT OR : ROMAn IЄ, John, in full armor, right on galloping horse, holding sword and shield. DOCBS –; BLS –; Schlumberger, Sigill. –, but cf. 24-8bis (for examples as King of Jerusalem).

Gray and brown patina, a couple of scrapes, a couple of flan cracks. VF. Extremely rare, only this example in CoinArchives.

Fragile. ($7500) Ex Naumann 100 (7 March 2021), lot 704.

1079. John Comnenus-Ducas. As emperor of Thessalonica, 1237-1242. BI Aspron Trachy (25mm, 1.88 g, 6h). Series I. Thessalonica mint. Patriarchal cross / Theodore, crowned, and St. Demetrius, nimbate, standing facing, jointly holding castle between them. S. Bendall, “Notes on the Coinage in the name of John Comnenus-Ducas of Thessalonica (AD 1237-44)” in NC 162 (2002), 5 and pl. 48, 2 (this coin illustrated); DOC 27a var. (module); CLBC 14.17.1 (this coin cited); LBC –; SB 2213 var. (same). Earthen green and brown patina, a few cleaning scratches. VF. ($2000) Ex Simon Bendall Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 473, 29 July 2020), lot 435.

Apparently Unique Trachy of John III

1080.

John III Ducas (Vatatzes). Emperor of Nicaea, 1221-1254. AR Trachy (26mm, 3.95 g, 6h). Magnesia mint. [KЄRO] HOЄI, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; barred IC XC flanking / Iω ΔЄCΠ, facing half-length figures of Constantine, crowned and wearing loros, and the Virgin Mary, nimbate, jointly holding patriarchal cross between them. Cf. DOC 1a (for similar type in electrum); cf. SB 2072 (same); otherwise, unpublished. Toned, uneven strike. Near VF. Apparently unique. ($1000)

359

1081.

John V Palaeologus. 1341-1391. AV Stavraton (24.5mm, 8.22 g, 6h). Class IIb. Constantinople mint. Struck 13791391. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; barred IC XC flanking, pellets and stars in margin / [...]OΛOΓ[...]/ KЄAVTOKPATOP ΘVXXAPIT, crowned and numbate bust of John facing; pellets flanking. DOC V 1273 (same rev. die); PCPC 306, sigla 3; LPC 2; SB 2510. Lightly toned, tiny test cut on edge. Near EF. ($1500) From the Iconodule Collection.

1082. Manuel II Palaeologus. 1391-1425. AV Stavraton (26.5mm, 8.08 g, 6h). Class I. Heavy Coinage. Constantinople mint. Struck circa 1391-1394/5. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; barred IC XC flanking, three pellets to left, B to right, pellets and stars in margin / MANOVHΛ ΔЄCΠOTIC ΠAΛЄOΛOΓOC/ AVTOKPATOP ΘV XAPITI, crowned and numbate bust of Manuel facing. DOC V 1306, 1309, and 1310 var. (different obv. sigla; same rev. die); PCPC 332 var. (unlisted variety and sigla); LPC 1; SB 2548. Lightly toned, trace deposits. Good VF. ($1000) From the Iconodule Collection.

End of Session 3

360

Session 4 – Wednesday, January 12, 2022 — 2 PM

EARLY MEDIEVAL & ISLAMIC COINAGE

1083. OSTROGOTHS. Theoderic. 493-526. Æ 40 Nummi – Follis (24mm, 14.71 g, 12h). Municipal issue. Class 3.

Rome mint, 5th officina. INVICT A ROMA, helmeted and draped bust of Roma right / Eagle standing left, head right, wings spread; XL (value) to left; · Є · in exergue. COI 76b; MEC 1, 102-3; MIB I 74a; BMC Vandals 18; Demo 42. Attractive green patina. Near EF. ($1500) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Glenn W. Woods, January 2006.

1084. OSTROGOTHS. Theoderic. 493-526. AR Quarter Siliqua (0.79 g, 6h). Ravenna mint. Struck in the name of Anastasius I, circa AD 491-501. [D N ΛNΛ]STΛSIVS, pearl-diademed bust right, wearing Ostrogothic-style garment / ṏ IMVI[C] TΛ ROMΛ, large Theodericus monogram withS; cross above, star below. COI 44; Ranieri 248; MIB -; cf. MEC 1, 119. Iridescent toning, minor edge chip. EF. ($500) Ex Triton XII (6 January 2009), lot 848.

361

The Rossini Collection of Visigothic Tremisses From the collector: Visigothic coins, circulating in Spain between the 5th and early 8th centuries form an intriguing series, not least so for their unusual and distinctive artistic style. While the coins issued by the first Visigothic kings resemble similar issues produced by contemporary Germanic tribes, and the coinage of the 5th to the 6th century issues were heavily influenced by Romano-Byzantine imitative types, it is the coins of the later Visigothic kings which exhibit the intriguing abstract characteristics that make them stand out from the panorama of other barbarous coin types circulating in the early Middle Ages.

This evolution towards abstract representation begins with the coin types of Recesvinto (649-672) whose coinage introduced alternative, more stylized, ways to represent the figural portraits of the king on the obverse, and sees the first notable departure from the more standard, formalized, figural types that had characterized the early series as seen in the coins of Leovigildo through to Chindasvinto (569 - 653).

However, it is the coinages of Wamba (672-680) and even more so with his successors, Ervigio (680-687), Egica (687-702), Witiza (698-710), and the joint reign issues of Egica and Witiza (695-702), that the figural evolution towards abstract models finds its most original expression.

It is these distinctive types where the familiar attributes of regal power, the crown and sceptre, become intermingled with the king’s portrait in a strange combination of blurred, abstract, figural representation of great charm.

The small selection presented here aims to show some of the intriguing examples created in this quest for abstraction and reflects both the artistic and historical appeal they have for the collector who humbly assembled them.

VISIGOTHS, Spain. ‘Curru’ Group. Circa 568-592. AV Tremissis (19mm, 1.23 g, 6h). Toleto (Toledo) mint. ⍛VʽʽV˶Ʃ diademed and draped bust right; on drapery, ๘ with -, above and below / VƩ VʽʽV ! ˶ɃVrVrV, Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm frond; ⌴Ƀ⌴. Tomasini Group C3, 583 var. (legends); cf. Chaves 80 (for type); cf. MEC 1, 207 (same); ME –; Triton XX, lot 1098 (same obv. die). Areas of light toning, tiny scrape on reverse edge. EF. ($1500)

1085.

๘ ƩɃ˶VrrVç,

From the Rossini Collection. Ex Cayón (11 December 2006), lot 1021.

Extremely Rare Visigothic Mint in Portugal

1086. VISIGOTHS, Spain. Leovigild. 568-586. AV Tremissis (17mm, 1.28 g, 6h). Class 2. Elvora mint in Portugal.

Struck circa 584. ⍷ƩƩ ⌨ƩѝѝƩ⌐Ʃ⌨⍷ѝ⌽, diademed and draped bust right; on drapery, ⏑⏑ above ส / eǮV⌴ʽ ๘ © ʽe๘, Latin cross pattée set on four steps; ⌴n⌴. CNV 46; Pliego 52b6 (this coin cited); Miles, Visigoths 36a; MEC 1, 210; ME 73. Lightly toned, minor marks and flan flaws on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($7500) Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLV.2 (Summer 2020), no. 531992; Richard A. Jourdan Collection of Medieval European Coins (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 998; Caballero de la Yndias (Part III, Aureo & Calicó, 21 October 2009), lot 1243.

1087.

VISIGOTHS, Spain. Sisebut. 612-621. AV Tremissis (20.5mm, 1.52 g, 6h). Ispalia (Seville) mint. ๘ • ⌽Ʃ⌽⍟BV˶V⌽ •, facing bust / ๘ • Ʃ⌽ʊ©⌦Ʃ ʊƩV⌽, facing bust. CNV 219.26; Pliego 274d; Miles, Visigoths 187f; Chaves –; MEC 1, 232 var. (no pellets in obv. legend); ME 220. Lustrous, slight double strike. Superb EF. ($750)

ʽ⍟

From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

362

1088

1089

1088. VISIGOTHS, Spain. Sisebut. 612-621. AV Tremissis (20mm, 1.44 g, 6h). Ispalia (Seville) mint. ๘ • ⌽Ʃ⌽⍟BV˶V⌽ •, facing bust / ๘ • Ʃ⌽ʊ©⌦Ʃ ʊƩV⌽, facing bust. CNV 219.26; Pliego 274d; Miles, Visigoths 187f; Chaves –; MEC 1, 232 var. (no pellets in obv. legend); ME 220. Light reddish deposits, traces of underlying luster. Near EF. ($500)

ʽ⍟

1089.

VISIGOTHS, Spain. Swinthila. 621-631. AV Tremissis (21mm, 1.43 g, 6h). Toleto (Toledo) mint. ส ⌽VƩn˶ƊƩǧ© facing bust / ๘ ⍆⌴⌦⍟⍆• ʊƩV˞, facing bust. CNV 298; Pliego 361a; Miles, Visigoths 223a; Chaves 1805; MEC 1, 426; ME 281. Toned, die rust, a couple of edge chips. VF. ($300)

ʽ⍟ᛸ,

From the Rossini Collection, purchased from Ruth Pliego, 2016.

1091 1090 VISIGOTHS, Spain. Wamba. 672-680. AV Tremissis (19mm, 1.42 g, 6h). Toleto (Toledo) mint. ๘ Ʃ / Ā / n / ȵ / n VV©ȵB© ʽҟ, diademed, helmeted (or crowned), and draped bust right, holding cross pattée / ๘ ⍆⌴⌦⍟⍆⌴ ʊƩV⌽, cross pattée set on three steps; pellet below. CNV 476.2; Pliego 624a; Miles, Visigoths 386b; Chaves 305; MEC 1, 266; ME 391. Toned, flan crack. VF. Rare. ($500) 1090.

From the Rossini Collection. Ex Vico 141 (5 March 2015), lot 182.

VISIGOTHS, Spain. Erwig. 680-687. AV Tremissis (20mm, 1.42 g, 12h). Ispalia (Seville) mint. ๘ Ʃ / Ć / Ʃ nȵ ⍟ʽVƩ⍛ƩV⌽ ʽ๘, facing bust / ๘ მ Ʃ⌽ʊ©⌦Ʃ ʊƩV⌽, cross pattée on three steps; pellets flanking upper vertical. CNV 493.7 (this coin

1091.

illustrated) = Pliego 649h3; Miles, Visigoths –; Chaves –; MEC –; ME –; New York Sale LI, lot 199. Lightly toned, tiny hairline flan crack, edge chip. Good VF. Extremely rare, only two examples, including this coin, in CoinArchives. ($1000) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Cores Collection (Vico 141, 5 March 2015), lot 183.

VISIGOTHS, Spain. Erwig. 680-687. AV Tremissis (20mm, 1.38 g, 12h). Toleto (Toledo) mint. ๘ Ʃ / ዝ / n / ȵ / n bareheaded and draped bust right, wearing beard; ∏ design on drapery / ๘ ˶⌴⌦⍟˶⌴ ʊƩV⌽, cross pattée on three steps. CNV 497; Pliego 637a; Miles, Visigoths, 399a; Chaves –; MEC 1, –; ME –. Lightly toned, hint of weak strike at periphery, minor hairline flan crack at 12 o’clock. VF. Rare. ($2000) 1092.

/ ⍟ʽVƩ⍛ƩV⌽ ʽ๘,

From the Rossini Collection. Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 908.

1093. VISIGOTHS, Spain. Egica, with Wittiza. 687-702. AV Tremissis (21mm, 0.98 g, 3h). Cordoba (Córdoba) mint. [ส] Ʃn DƩ nȵne ⍟gƩ⍛© [Pส], cruciform scepter between confronted busts; palm frond below / ส Ʃ DƩ nƊȵe VVƩ˶˶[ƩӲ]© Pส, ⍛⌴ʽĎ⌴B± monogram; P © ʽ ⍛ in quarters. CNV 560.3 = Miles, Visigoths 473b = Pliego 731e.1; Chaves 349; MEC 1, –; ME 437. Toned, edge chipped, but portraits preserved. Good VF. Rare. ($500) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Vico 141 (5 March 2015), lot 185.

363

1094. VISIGOTHS, Spain. Egica, with Wittiza. 687-702. AV Tremissis (21mm, 1.37 g, 12h). Ispali (Seville) mint. ส Ʃ / Ć / Ʃnዦ ⍟gƩ⍛© Pส, cruciform scepter between confronted busts; ground line below / ส Ʃn PƩ nne VVƩ˶˶Ʃә© Pส, Ʃ˝P±ǮƩ

monogram. CNV 566.6 var. (no line below busts); Pliego 742kk var. (same); Miles, Visigoths 480e var. (same); Chaves 353 (this coin); MEC 1, –; ME. Deposits, hairline flan crack, slightly ragged edge. VF. Very rare. ($750) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Vico 149 (16 November 2017), lot 562.

VISIGOTHS, Spain. Egica, with Wittiza. 687-702. AV Tremissis (21mm, 1.39 g, 9h). Emerita (Mérida) mint. ส Ʃ n Ć n / ዦ / ⍟gƩ⍛© Pส, cruciform scepter between confronted busts / Ʃë / 6 VVƩ˶˶Ʃә (©Pส), eዦeʽƩ˶⍒ monogram. CNV

1095.

580.9 = Pliego 753f.2 (this coin); Miles, Visigoths 486c; cf. Chaves 358; MEC –; ME 43. EF. Very rare.

($5000)

From the Rossini Collection. Ex Marc Poncin Collection (Triton X, 9 January 2007), lot 875; Elsen 85 (10 September 2005), lot 583; WorldWide Coins of California (James F. Elmen), 12 May 2005, lot 222.

1096.

VISIGOTHS, Spain. Egica, with Wittiza. 687-702. AV Tremissis (21.5mm, 1.32 g, 9h). Ebora (Évora in Portugal) mint. ส ƩƩƩĆƩƩƩƩƩƩ ⍟gƩ⍛© ʽส, cruciform scepter between confronted busts / ส VVƩ˶˶Ʃә© (Pส)ᛸ, é¬B⌴ʽ© monogram. CNV –; cf. Pliego 751f; Miles, Visigoths –; Chaves 357 (this coin); MEC 1, –; ME 437. Deposits. Good VF. Very rare. ($2000) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Vico 149 (16 November 2017), lot 563.

VISIGOTHS, Spain. Wittiza. 702-710. Pale AV Tremissis (19mm, 0.89 g, 12h). Cordoba (Córdoba) mint. ส Ʃ DƩ bust right / ส ⍛⌴ʽĎ⌴B© P©˶ʽƩ⍛Ʃ©, cross pattée set on three steps; three pellets below. CNV 593; Pliego 777a; Miles, Visigoths 504; Chaves 372; MEC 1, –; ME 451. Deeply toned, edge chipped. EF. Well struck and very rare. ($750) 1097.

nƊne VVƩ˶˶Ʃә© Pส,

From the Rossini Collection. Ex Aureo 295 (5 July 2017), lot 118.

364

1098.

LOMBARDS, Lombardy. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. AV Tremissis (21mm, 1.48 g, 6h). In the name of Byzantine emperor Maurice Tiberius (582-602). D N MVI C P P P VI, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / RNROIVIVIVORNR (partially retrograde and inverted), Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; IOИOI. Arslan Type II, 18 var. (slightly different legends); BMC Vandals –; MEC 1, 306 var. (same). Traces of deposits and underlying luster.

EF. ($1000) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection (Part I, Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015), lot 379; purchased from M. Louis Teller, August 1980.

1099. BURGUNDIANS. temp. Gundobad. 473-516. AV Tremissis (14mm, 1.43 g, 6h). In the name of Anastasius I. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 491-518. ĕ n ©n©⌽ ˶©⌽ƩV⌽ P P, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VƩ⍛˶⌴ʽ Ʃ© ©V⍛⍛, Victory advancing right, holding palm frond and wreath; ģ | ©//⍛⌴n⌴B. Tomasini Group A 6b, 126 (same dies); NM –; Belfort 564 (Merovingian; Elusa Ausciorum); MEC 1, –. Lightly toned, die break on reverse. EF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives, and far superior to the example illustrated by Tomasini. ($5000)

Extremely Rare Jewish Moneyer

1100.

MEROVINGIANS, Orléans. Circa 620-640. AV Tremissis (12mm, 1.24 g, 12h). Iacote, moneyer. ˞Ʃn¬ǮƩrV(read outward counter-clockwise), diademed head right; Ʃ inverted and retrograde / Ʃ¬⍛⌴˶e ȵ⌴, cross ancrée set on globe.

Friedenberg, Jewish, p. 8 (this coin [rev. only illustrated]); NM 9 = Belfort 503; MEC 1, –. Earthen deposits. Good VF. Extremely rare moneyer, NM cites only two examples, none in CoinArchives. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Goldberg 25 (31 May 2004), lot 3174.

1101. CAROLINGIANS. Charlemagne (Charles the Great). As Charles I, King of the Franks, 768-814. AR Denier (17mm, 1.19 g, 10h). Class 2. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa 771-793/4. ⍛Aი/ǮV•s• in two lines / Ǯтŭ/Āтn in two lines; • between, ••• below. Coupland, Charlemagne –; Depeyrot 520; M&G 165; cf. MEC 1, 726 (for type). Toned, some porosity.

Good VF. ($5000) Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 939; Joseph R. Lasser Collection for the benefit of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 1375, purchased from Jean Elsen, 30 September 2009; Crinon-Alde 38 (18 June 2009), lot 80.

365

1102. CAROLINGIANS. Charlemagne (Charles the Great). As Charles I, King of the Franks, 768-814. AR Denier (18mm, 1.05 g, 3h). Class 2. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. Struck circa 771-793/4. ⍛A⌴/ǮVs in two lines / Large R Ŋ</font>; ȵeĎ monogram to left; horizontal bar above, ≥ below; pellet in R. Coupland, Charlemagne, fig. 7a, 8; Depeyrot 662D; M&G 226; MEC 1, 733. Lightly toned, small edge chip. EF. Very rare. ($5000) Ex Triton XI (8 January 2008), lot 1313.

1103. CAROLINGIANS. Charlemagne (Charles the Great). As Charles I, King of the Franks, 768-814. AR Denier (20mm, 1.72 g, 8h). Class 3. Pavia mint. Struck 793/4-812. แ æ²⎁ǮVs ⎁⍟X Ŋ⎁, cross pattée / แ ⍷ ² ⍷ Ɨ ², ü²⎀⌴ǮVs monogram. Coupland, Charlemagne, pl. 7b, 15; Depeyrot 780E; M&G 207; MEC 1, –. Deep toning with traces of iridescence, slight double strike on obverse. EF. ($2000)

Portrait Denier of Louis the Pious

1104.

CAROLINGIANS. Louis ‘le Pieux’ (the Pious). As Emperor Louis I, 814-840. AR Denier (20mm, 1.49 g, 8h).

Class 1. Metallum (Melle) mint. Struck 814-819. ƊǮVē⌴VVIæVs I⍵ʖ ±VŶ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / แ ȉ⍟˶±ǮǮVȉ, implements of coin minting: pair of dies, flanked on either side by mallet. Coupland, Money 3; Depeyrot 607; M&G 396; Gariel 73; MEC 1, 758. Toned, some deposits in devices, areas of porosity. VF. Very rare. ($4000)

1105.

CRUSADERS, Edessa. Baldwin II. Second reign, 1108-1118. Æ Follis (24mm, 5.49 g, 6h). Light issue. BΛΓΔOYINOC ΔO YΛO C(TA)Y –, Baldwin standing left, wearing Norman helmet and coat of mail, holding globus cruciger and hilt of sword / Cross fleuronnée set on tendrils; pellets joined to each angle. Metcalf, Crusades 109-11; Schlumberger, p. 21 and pl. I, 7; CCS 9a.

Orangish earthen black-green patina. EF. Exceptional for issue and possibly the finest known. ($1000) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection, purchased from Charles H. Wolfe, circa 1994–9. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Inventory 953770 (circa 1994).

366

1106.

CRUSADERS, Antioch. Tancred. Regent, 1101-03, 1104-12. Æ Follis (21mm, 4.14 g, 6h). Second type. + KЄ BHΘ TO HΓ [T]Ω ΔOYΛΩ T[...] (sic), facing armored bust, holding upraised sword; cross of four pellets above / Cross crosslet; IC | XC/NI | KA in quarters, fleurons at base of cross. Metcalf, Crusades 63-70; Schlumberger, p. 45 and pl. II, 7; CCS 4a. Dark brown and green patina. VF. ($500) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Sternberg XXXIV (22 October 1998), lot 722.

1107.

CRUSADERS, Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Jerusalem Pilgrim Coinage. 12th century. BI Denier (17mm, 0.93 g, 6h). + S[Λ]N Λ[CRC]Λ (sic), cross pattée / Medieval façade of the al-Aqsa Mosque: façade with three arched entries; above; central pedimented tower surmounted by cross; on either side, sphere surmounted by pellet-in-crescent. Metcalf, Crusades, pp.

78-9; Slocum 284; Schlumberger –; CCS 49. Toned, some roughness, ragged flan. Near VF. Very rare. ($1500) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection. Ex David Hendin Inventory 50472 (early 1990s).

Associated with the pilgrim traffic in Jerusalem and the Crusaders, especially the Knights Templar, who oversaw the local Christian holy sites there, this extremely rare denier most likely served as a token coinage used specifically on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The obverse legend, here crudely rendered, referred to the s(a)n(cta) aerea, or “holy area”, which was the Haram esh-Sharif, or Temple Mount. At the time, this area was dominated by three Umayyad structures: the Qubbat al-Sakhrah, or Dome of the Rock; the Qubbat al-Silsilah, or Dome of the Chain; and the al-Masjid al-’Aqṣā, or the al-Aqsa Mosque. It is this last structure that is represented on the reverse of this denier. Following the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, the mosque was renamed as the Templum Solomonis, or Solomon’s Temple, to distinguish it from the Dome of the Rock, now known as the Templum Domini, or Lord’s Temple. First converted into a palace and stable, the al-Aqsa Mosque was transformed in 1119 into the headquarters of the Pauperes commilitones Christi Templique Salomonici, or Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. More commonly known as the Knights Templar, they were a Christian military order, their mission, as stated by the Order’s founder, Godfrey de Saint-Omer, was to provide protection for Christian pilgrims on their journey in the Holy Land. Initially, a very poor order, who relied largely on donations, the Templars soon grew to be a wealthy and powerful organization, largely through the advocacy of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Within a decade of their founding, the Templars became a favored charity throughout Christendom and, by papal bull, could cross its borders unhindered and were exempted by papal bull from taxation and all authority except that of the Pope. When the Muslims under Saladin retook Jerusalem in 1187, following the Battle of Hattin, the Templars were forced to evacuate their headquarters on the Temple Mount and flee northward. This withdrawal initiated the loss of Templar control in the Holy Land and their eventual destruction

by Pope Clement IV and the French king, Philip IV, in 1307.

1108.

CRUSADERS, County of Tripoli. Bohémond VI. 1251-1275. AR Gros (26mm, 4.26 g, 11h). Tripoli mint. Struck circa 1268-1275. + BOЄMVNDVS COMЄS, cross pattée within angled quadrilobe; pellets joined to each angle; triple pellet stops; N with pellet on crossbar / + CIVITAS TRIPOLI, eight-rayed star within octolobe; pelleted crossbar in each angle; triple pellet stops; Is with pelleted crossbar. Metcalf, Crusades 492-3; Schlumberger, p. 105 and pl. IV, 19; CCS 22. Deeply toned.

EF. ($500) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection. Ex Glendining’s (30 September 1987), lot 477.

367

Richard the Lionheart on Cyprus

1109.

CRUSADERS, Cyprus. Richard. King of England, 1189-1199. Æ Tetarteron (17mm, 0.96 g, 1h). Crowned facing bust, holding cross-tipped scepter and globus cruciger; [Є to left of scepter]; A to upper left; Q to upper right / Cross on three steps; arms ending in R Є X. Metcalf, Lusignan p. 2; R. Bendall, “A Cypriot Coin of Richard I Lion-heart?” NumCirc CX.2 (April 2002), pp. 62-3; I. and W. Schultze, “A Cypriot Coin of Richard I Lion-heart,” NumCirc CXI.1 (February 2003), pp.

6-7; R. Bendall, “Richard I in Cyprus Again,” NumCirc CXXII.2 (April 2004), pp. 85-6; Metcalf, Crusades –; Schlumberger –; CCS –. Earthen black patina, areas of weakness. Near VF. Rare. ($1500) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 1067.

In April 1191, a fleet bearing English forces and the fiancée of Richard the Lion-heart, Berengeria of Navarre, encountered rough seas off the coast of Cyprus. The stranded English were treated harshly by the rebel Byzantine prince Isaac Comnenus, ruler of Cyprus, who held a reputation for brutality. Richard, following in his own fleet on his way to assist his cousin Guy of Lusignan at Acre, landed at Limassol in May and in short order defeated and captured Isaac. Richard only remained on Cyprus for a few weeks before selling the island to the Knights Templar and continuing on to the Holy Land. In 1192 the Templars in turn sold Cyprus to Guy, now dispossessed of his fief in Palestine, who founded the Lusignan dynasty there. These rare and enigmatic tetartera, with their Byzantine style portrait and cross with the Latin legend REX, were probably struck in Cyprus for Richard during his brief stopover on that island. They have been found in equal numbers on Cyprus and in Syria-Palestine, indicating that they were struck on Cyprus and then accompanied the English on their continuing crusade.

1110.

CRUSADERS, Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus. Henry I. 1218-1253. EL Bezant – Hyperpyron (27mm, 3.82 g, 6h).

Type 3B, 2. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing; barred ư⍛ Ң⍛ across field; stars on throne back / ƌģnʽư⍛ư ʽģҢ ⍛ưPʽư, Henry standing facing, holding long cross with crescent on shaft, and patriarchal cross on globus. M&P Type 3B, 2, 7-8 (dies G/f); Metcalf, Crusades, 636; Schlumberger, pl. VI, 7; CCS 17. Toned. EF. An exceptional example. ($3000) Ex Richard A. Jourdan Collection of Medieval European Coins (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 1036; Baldwin’s 94 (6 May 2015), lot 1046.

Very Rare Gros – Ex Slocum Collection

1111.

CRUSADERS, Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus. James II. 1460-1473. AR Gros (25.5mm, 3.85 g, 6h). Type 6. Ḽ ư]ý ი ი ɨ ი Ù˨ ი ēĿư ŷ, James, crowned and wearing a tunic, right on horseback, holding sword over shoulder / แ Ḽ ˆ Ḽ ưĿˆVs Ḽ ýưPˆư Ḽ Ŀt ]ˆMư] Ḽ, Jerusalem Cross. M&P Type E, 11 (dies A/i); Metcalf, Crusades, 806; Slocum 736 (this

coin); Schlumberger, p. 202 and pl. VII, 22; CCS 159. Toned, a couple of hairline flan cracks with hard green deposits. EF. Very rare. ($4000) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XXII.2 (Spring/Summer 1997), no. 59; John J. Slocum Collection (Sotheby’s, 6 March 1997), lot 736, purchased from A.J. Seltman, April 1973.

368

1112.

CRUSADERS, Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights Hospitaller). Nicolas Lorgne. Custos, 1277-1285.

PB Seal (40mm, 37.89 g, 12h). แ Ŗʽ]ͿĚʽ Ḧ nƱýɦ⌦]V⌽ Ḧ ýV⌽Ϳɦ⌽, Custos kneeling left before patriarchal cross on on stand; _ and ѽ flanking / แ ƌɦ⌽PƱͿ²⌦Ʊ⌽ Ḧ ƱƌĚʽV⌽²⌦ĚM, interior view of the Holy Sepulcher. Schlumberger, Sigill. 191.

Rubbed dark gray patina. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($750) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection. Ex LHS 99 (24 October 2006), lot 3.

1113.

CRUSADERS, Christian Arabic Dirhams. Mid to late 13th century. AR Dirham (22mm, 2.90 g, 6h). Akka (Acre) mint. Dated AD 1251 (in Arabic). allāh wāhid hu/wa al-īmān/wāhid/al-ma‘mūdiyya wāhid (one God, one faith, one baptism in Arabic) across field around central large cross pattée within linear circular border; all within linear and pelleted quadrate border; in outer margin, [duriba bi-‘Akka/]sana alf [wa]/mi’[atayn wa ahad/wa khamsīn li-tajassud] (Struck in Acre year one [thousand and two hundred and one and fifty of the Incarnation] in Arabic) / al-āb wa’l-ibn/wa’l-rīh al-qudus/ilāh wāhid (The Father, the Son,/and the Holy Spirit:/One Divinity in Arabic) across field within linear and pelleted quadrate border; in outer margin, [lahu al-majd]/ilā abad/ al-abadīn/[amīn/amīn] ([His is the glory]/forever/and ever/amen[amen] in Arabic).

Balog & Yvon 45a; Metcalf, Crusades 230-1; Schlumberger, p. 141 and pl. V, 28; cf. CCS 15/17 (for obv./rev.). Toned, minor doubling on reverse, short flan crack. Good VF. ($750) From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection. Ex Waddell 104 (ND), lot 34.

Extremely Rare Umayyad Caliphate Solidus

1114.

ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. Mu’awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan. AH 41-60 / AD 661-680. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Pseudo-Byzantine type. crowned and draped busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine facing; crossbars on crowns removed / uiCTOri~ ~ugЧ, cross potent, with upper portion of vertical bar removed to form a large I, set on three steps; k to right; 5//CONOß. AGC I 3 var. = Miles, Earliest 3 and pl. XLV, 6 (Bedoukian Collection) var. (officina letter); Walker, Arab-Byzantine –; Album 3548; ICV 121. Scuff on reverse, light marks. VF. Extremely rare. ($15,000) On at least two occasions, Mu’awiya was required to pay tribute to the Byzantines, and it is possible that these coins were struck specifically for that purpose. One was in AD 659, when the payment supposedly amounted to a thousand nomismata. The second was in AD 678, when Mu’awiya was forced to agree to a very harsh treaty that obliged him to make an annual payment to the Byzantine emperor of three thousand nomismata. Since these coins would have gone to Constantinople to fulfill the required payment, and there subsequently melted down to be restruck later (in addition to the reported rejection of these coins among the Christian members of the local population), the extreme rarity of these coins today can be accounted for easily. This conclusion mayt be supported by their iconography. The originals of all four types cited

by Miles would have circulated widely in Syria, which depended on Byzantine gold and copper coinage – both in great supply – to support their monetary needs for both large transactions and everyday purchases. The originals of these types were undoubtedly well known to the inhabitants of Syria and, with only alteration of the Cross to reflect Islamic theology.

CNG would like to thank Prof. Lutz Ilisch for his assistance in the authentication of this coin (A pdf of the authentication will be available upon request).

369

Classic Rarity of the Umayyad Caliphate

1115.

ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. AH 65-86 / AD 685-705. AV Dinar (19.5mm, 4.28 g, 6h). Unnamed (Dimashq [Damascus]?) mint. Dated AH 77 (AD 696/7). First portion of the kalimat at-tawḥīd: lā ilāha illā Allāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu (‘There is no god except Allah alone, and there is no partner to him) in three lines; in outer margin, the “Umayyad Second Symbol” (Sura 9:33 [al-tauba]): Muḥammad rasūl Allāh arsalahu bi’l-hudā wa dīn al-haqq lī-yuzhirahu ‘ala al-dīn kullihi (‘Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; him He sent with guidance and true faith to make it prevail over all other faiths’) / Sura 112 (al-Ikhlas): Āllah ahad Āllah al-samad lam yalīd wa lam yalūd (‘Allah is One; Allah is the Eternal, the Absolute; not begetting and not begotten’) in three lines; in outer margin, bismillāh duriba hadhā al-dinār fī sanat sab’ wa saba’īn (‘in the name of Allah this dinar was struck in the year seven and seventy’). AGC I 41; SICA 2, 1 var. (no pellet); Walker, Arab-Byzantine, pp. lvi and 84; Album 125; ICV 155; Triton XIX, lot 712 (same rev. die); Roma XIV, lot 894 (same dies); Sotheby’s London, 18 April 1994, lot 290 (same dies). Traces of double striking, some light graffiti in fields, residual luster. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($150,000) The Muslims struck virtually no gold coins until the final years of the seventh century AD. No Arab-Sasanian gold is known; silver drachms were the dominant coinage in the former Sasanian lands, and it was modified versions of these which the Muslims continued to strike there.

In the Western provinces captured from the Byzantines, the bulk of the coinage stock was made up of gold solidi and copper fulus, but these provinces did not contain active gold mints and the Muslims made no attempt to open a new one. The few ‘de-Christianized’ solidi (see lot 1114) struck after the conquests seem to have been issued on local initiative rather than caliphal policy, and these coins were never produced in significant quantities. Rather than striking their own gold coins, the early caliphs imported huge quantities of Byzantine solidi – a solution whose deficiencies became increasingly apparent with time.

One way by which the caliphs obtained supplies of these solidi was by selling papyrus to the Byzantine court. According to one episode, recounted with minor variations by several medieval Muslim historians, ‘Abd al-Malik began adding overtly Islamic legends to the seals used on these shipments. This offended the Byzantines, prompting a threat from Justinian to retaliate by adding anti-Islamic inscriptions to the gold solidi which the Muslims would receive as payment. Rather than remove the Islamic legends from the seals, as Justinian had demanded, ‘Abd al-Malik was advised that it would be better to introduce a new, purely Islamic gold coinage himself, and to prohibit the circulation of Byzantine solidi within the Islamic lands.

This story nevertheless illustrates several important points. Firstly, that for all the decades of fighting between them, trade arrangements had been established between the Byzantines and the Muslims. Secondly, it reveals the Muslim dependence on Byzantine gold; having no gold coinage of his own meant that ‘Abd al-Malik could not simply accept Justinian’s new solidi, melt them, and use the gold to make Islamic dinars. Thirdly, it shows an appreciation of the economic benefits of introducing a new Islamic gold coinage; most versions of this story include a trusted advisor (his name varies between accounts), who urges ‘Abd al-Malik not merely to strike his own coins but to ban the use of Byzantine solidi in the Islamic lands. Charging to convert the prohibited solidi into dinars could have raised additional funds for the treasury.

And, fourthly, it demonstrates the paramount importance attached to coins as symbols and instruments of religious and imperial status and expression. ‘Abd al-Malik’s adoption of Islamic slogans on the papyrus seals mattered – and mattered enough for Justinian to make a formal protest and threaten to modify his own coinage in retaliation.

It is highly unlikely that this episode alone provoked ‘Abd al-Malik to introduce an Islamic precious metal coinage. Several experimental types were struck in both gold and silver types were struck in Damascus between AH 72 and AH 77, all still closely related to Byzantine and Sasanian prototypes. But in AH 77 ‘Abd al-Malik finally made a clean break with the pre-Islamic past and introduced a gold coinage of completely new design. Instead of the modified crosses and imperial images found on previous gold issues, these new dinars were purely epigraphic in design, bearing verses from the Qur’an which stress the oneness of God in conscious opposition to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Thus the coin offered here is a very rare survivor from the first year in which purely Islamic precious metal coins were struck, and represents the genesis of a gold coinage whose weight and fineness was carefully maintained in accordance with Qur’anic precepts. The type lasted unchanged until the fall of the Umayyad caliphate in AH 132, and the enduring power of ‘Abd al-Malik’s design was such that three of the four inscriptions which feature on these first Islamic dinars were also used on the last coins of the Abbasids, struck nearly six centuries later.

370

1116.

ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. al-Walid I ibn ‘Abd al-Malik. AH 86-96 / AD 705-715. Pale AV Solidus (14mm, 4.29 g, 10h). North Africa mint. Dated IY 12 and AH 93 (AD 712/3). IN ∂N N ∂SINI N∂S NSSI S ∂NS (sic), SIMIΛIS / SL∂ FRT IN ΔFRC · ΔN · XC · III, IN∂C XII across field; macrons above IN∂ and CXI. AGC I –, but cf. 19; Walker, Arab-Byzantine –; cf. Album 119.1-2; ICV 139. Traces of deposits, light marks. Near EF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($7500)

Very Rare Bilingual Issue

1117.

ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. Suleiman ibn ‘Abd al-Malik. AH 96-99 / AD 715-717. AV Solidus – Dinar (13mm, 4.28 g, 6h). North Africa mint. Dated AH 98 (AD 716/7). SΛ∂ FRT IN AFRK AN XCVIII, first portion of the kalimat at-tayyiba: lā ilāha illā-llāhu (there is no god except Allah) in two lines / IN N ∂NI N ∂S NISI ∂S SOLS S N S, second portion of the kalimat at-tayyiba: muḥammadun rasūlu -llāhi (Muhammad is the messenger Allah) in two lines. AGC I 34Ca; cf.

Walker, Arab-Byzantine, 185 and P. 50; Album 121M; ICV 154. A few light marks. Good VF. ($10,000) The Latin obverse legend bears the mint name “Africa”. The marginal reverse legend on this issue is always highly abbreviated. It can probably be expanded to in nomine Domini followed by the first part of the kalimat at-tayyiba, translated into Latin: non est Deus nisi Deus Ipse.

First Issue of al-Saffah

1118. ISLAMIC, ‘Abbasid Caliphate. temp. al-Saffah. AH 132-136 / AD 749-754. AV Dinar (19mm, 4.16 g, 5h).

Unnamed (Dimashq [Damascus]?) mint. AH 132 (AD 749/50). AGC I 51; SICA 3, 1-3; Album 210; ICV 374. A few light marks, slight double strike. VF. Extremely rare. ($5000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 114 (13 May 2020), lot 1086.

1119.

ISLAMIC, Anatolia & al-Jazira (Post-Seljuk). Danishmendids (Sivas). Amir Ghazi. AH 497-528 / AD 11041134. Æ Dirham (26mm, 6.13 g, 12h). Local issue. Facing bust of Christ Pantocrator; IC [XC], each with macron above, across field / [...]IZUL/[...]MUЄ/ΠZIIГ· (sic) in three lines. Cf. Whelan Type A, 1-2; Album 1237; ICV 1299. Rough dark brown surfaces, peripheral weakness. Good VF. Exceptional for issue. ($500) From the Iconodule Collection.

371

WORLD COINAGE

1120.

ARGENTINA, Tierra del Fuego. Julius Popper. AV Gramo Token (12mm, 1.02 g, 6h). Dated 1889. Crossed pick and sledgehammer over granular circle / POPPER across field; granular semi-circle above and below. Friedenberg, Jewish p.

4-5; KM Tn5; Friedberg 2 (Tierra del Fuego). Toned. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Daniel M. Friedenberg Collection (Goldberg 25, 31 May 2004). lot 3164.

Julius Popper was a Romanian Jewish adventurer who set himself up as a de-facto feudal lord in the far south of Argentina. Arriving in the country in 1885, by the following year he had received permission from the government to explore and mine for gold in Tierra del Fuego.

Popper would form his own private army, as well as issue coins and stamps in his own name. He was also largely responsible for the genocide of the native Selk’nam people, hiring bounty hunters and setting his own forces to exterminate them. Popper died in 1893, at the age of 35.

1121. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Archduchy of Austria. Sigismund. Archduke, 1446-1490. AV Goldgulden (22mm, 3.31 g, 2h). Hall mint. Struck 1477-1483. / ˫ƩŶƩ˫⍵=/ aˆýƌ Ʃ d⎍Ң / a⎍˫ͿˆƩĚ, Sigismund standing facing, holding globe-tipped scepter in right hand over shoulder and hilt of sword in left hand / ๘ ⍵ɨNĚͿa / Nɨ⎍a / a⎍ˆĚa / ýɨ⍵ƩͿƩ˫ / ͿƩˆɨǭ=, cross fleurée in saltire with voided circular cross at center. Moser & Dworschak 5; Moser & Tursky 44; Friedberg 6 .

Toned, small edge nick, a few scratches, a little weak in centers. Good VF. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Meister & Sonntag 11 (26 May 2011), lot 751.

The precursor to the first silver Taler of 1486.

372

The Iconic 1486 Sigismund Taler

1122.

AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Archduchy of Austria. Sigismund. Archduke, 1446-1490. AR Guldiner – Taler (40mm, 31.79 g, 10h). Hall mint. Dated 1486. • SƱŷƱS⍵⎍Nd⎍S Ḧ ᚩ Ḫ aˆøƌƱd⎍Ҟ • a⎍S˸ˆƱĚ •, Sigismund standing facing, holding globe-tipped scepter in right hand over shoulder and hilt of sword in left hand; 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; ἋἘἜἚ below; helmet decorated with elaborate crowned crest; Habsburg arms in exergue; arms of Austrian provinces around. Moser & Dworschak 89; Moser & Tursky 64; Levinson IV-49a; Frey 274; Davenport 8087. A few light edge marks.

Otherwise well struck and attractively toned. Near EF. Very rare thus. ($20,000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Künker 163 (28 January 2010), lot 328.

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.

373

The Bridge from Medieval to Modern Coinage

1123. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Archduchy of Austria. Sigismund. Archduke, 1446-1490. AR Half Guldiner (35mm, 15.76 g, 2h). Hall mint. Dated 1484. / Ḧ ᚩ ˫ƩŶƩ˫⍵⎍Nd⎍˫ ᚩ aˆýƌƩd⎍Ң ᚩ a⎍˫ͿˆƩĚ ᚩ Ḧ, crowned, armored, and draped bust right, holding scepter over shoulder and hilt of sword / Knight in German Gothic armor, holding banner, on caparisoned horse galloping right; ἋἘἜἘ below; helmet decorated with elaborate crowned crest; Habsburg arms in exergue; arms of Austrian provinces around. Moser & Dworschak 73; Moser & Tursky 60; Levinson IV-45a; Frey 261. Toned with shades of blue and purple. VF. Rare. A charming problem-free example. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Künker 163 (28 January 2010), lot 327.

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 reminiscent of medieval knighthood, these coins represent a significant advancement as the first crown-sized silver coins to circulate in Europe.

1124. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Archduchy of Austria. Ferdinand I. Emperor, 1556-1564. AR Taler – 72 Kreuzer (41mm, 30.49 g, 4h). Klagenfurt mint. Dated 1559. (star) FERDINAND · D : G · EL · RO · IM · S · AVG · GER · HVN :, crowned and armored bust right, holding eagle-tipped scepter and hilt of sword; 1559 to right / BO · ZV · REX · IN · HIS · ARCHI · AVS · E · GZC, crowned double-headed eagle with coat-of-arms on breast; below, globus cruciger reading 72.

Voghlar 51/II; Davenport 8023. Attractive toning with traces of iridescence. Near EF. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Künker 163 (28 January 2010), lot 331.

374

Three Emperors Taler

1125. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Archduchy of Austria. Rudolf II, with Maximilian I, Charles V, and Ferdinand I. Emperor, 1576-1611. AR Taler (40mm, 29.04 g, 12h). ‘Three Emperors’ type. Joachimstal mint. Dated 1590. + MAXI º CARO º E º FERD º D º G º RO º CÆS º REG º HISP º 90, crowned and armored jugate busts of Maximilian I, Charles V, and Ferdinand I left / * HVNG º BO º DAL º GRO º & º ARCHID º AVST º D º BVR, double-headed eagle with coat-of-arms on breast. Voglhuber 86; Davenport 8105. A few light edge marks. Rich cabinet toning. Good VF. A pleasing example of this rare and desirable dynastic type. ($7500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Christophe Joron-Derem (25 March 2014), lot 127.

1126. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Archduchy of Austria. Rudolf II. Emperor, 1576-1611. AR Taler (41mm, 28.79 g, 12h). Hall mint. Dated 1603. Laureate, armored, and draped bust right, wearing ruff / Crowned and collared coat-ofarms. Moser & Tursky 374; KM 37.1; Davenport 3005. Rich golden toning, minor flan flaw. Superb EF. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

375

Superb Example of Early Renaissance Portaiture

1127.

AUSTRIA, Salzburg (Prince-Archbishophric). Matthäus Lang von Wellenburg. 1519-1540. AR Guldiner – Taler (38mm, 29.97 g, 3h). Dies by Ulrich Ursentaler. Dated 1522 (in Roman numerals). MATHEVS · CARD AREPS · SALZE’ AC · EPS · GVRGEN, bust left, wearing biretta and mozetta; M · D · X · X · I · I ·; three coats-of-arms in margins / + SS · RVDBERTVS · ET · VIRGILIVS · EPI · SALZBVRGEN, Sts. Rupert, holding salt cellar, and Virgil seated facing one another, each holding crozier; model of church to lower right. Moser & Tursky 96; Probszt 203; Davenport 8160. Small edge bump. Rich old cabinet toning with hints of iridescence. Near EF. Rare. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Christophe Joron-Derem (25 March 2014), lot 133.

A note from the consignor: This is monetary development and development of art in a nutshell.

1128.

BRAZIL, Colonial. Joao V. King of Portugal, 1706-1750. AV 10000 Réis (33mm, 26.84 g, 6h). Minas Gerias mint.

Dated 1727 M. Crowned coat-of-arms / Jerusalem cross; Ms in quarters. Gomez 37.04; KM 116; Friedberg 34. Lustrous.

Superb EF. ($4000)

1129.

BRAZIL, Colonial. Joao V. King of Portugal, 1706-1750. AV Dobra – 12800 Réis (36mm, 28.70 g, 12h). Minas Gerias mint. Dated 1727 M. Laureate head right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Gomez 61.01; KM 139; Friedberg 55. Underlying luster, a few minimal marks in field. EF, or better. ($10,000) 376

1131

1130

1130. BRAZIL, Colonial. Maria I. Queen of Portugal, 1786-1816. AV 6400 Réis (32mm, 12h). Rio de Janeiro mint.

Dated 1794 R. Bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Gomes 25.06; KM 226.1; Friedberg 87. In NGC encapsulation 4627002008, graded MS 63. ($1000) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Heritage 3073 (25 April 2019), lot 30549.

1131.

BRAZIL, Colonial. Joao VI. As prince regent, 1799-1816. AR 960 Réis (40mm). Struck for use in Minas Gerias, 1808-1810. Crowned coat-of-arms within wreath / Armillary sphere. Countermarked on a Bolivian 8 Reales dated 1806 (PTS) PJ. For countermark: Gomes 112.02; KM 242. For host: KM 73. In NGC encapsulation 5971180-001, graded AU 53, c/s UNC Strong. ($500) From the Michael Cassick Collection, purchased January 2001.

Dutch West Indies Set

1132.

CARRIBEAN TERRITORIES, Dutch West Indies. Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). 15811795. Lot of three (3) silver issues. Includes: AR Gulden. (31mm, 10.53 g, 12h). Utrecht mint. Dated 1794. Minerva standing facing, head right, holding cap on long pole and resting arm on book set on plinth / Crowned coat-of-arms; W below. Schulten 1354; KM 3. Minor hairlines. UNC // AR Quarter Gulden (22mm, 2.64 g, 12h). Utrecht mint. Dated 1794. Minerva standing facing, head right, holding cap on long pole and resting arm on book set on plinth / Crowned coat-of-arms; W below. Schulten 1355; KM 2. Golden toning. UNC // AR Double Stiver. (20mm, 1.61 g, 12h). Utrecht mint; mm: shield. Dated 1794. Crowned coat-of-arms / Large W. Schulten 1356; KM 1. Light golden toning, scratch. All with considerable luster. UNC. Three (3) coins in lot. ($750) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

1133.

CARRIBEAN TERRITORIES, Dutch West Indies(?). Uncertain. Late 18th century. AR 12 Stuivers – Quarter Dollar (28mm, 6.21 g). Horizontal 12 and vertical F M within vine, all in oval countermark on a Mexican 2 Reales dated 1776 Mo FM. Pridmore p. 282, 20; Schulten –. Toned, deposits, scratches. Countermark Good VF, Host Fine. Rare. ($500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex W. Tankersley Collection (Baldwin’s 18, 13 October 1998), lot 156.

377

1134.

CARRIBEAN TERRITORIES, Guadeloupe. British Occupation. 1810-1816. AR 9 Livres (40mm, 24.05 g, 12h).

Struck 1811. Crowned G in rectangular cartouche / Crowned G in rectanuglar cartouch and square piercing with scalloped edge countermarked on a Mexican 8 Reales dated 1809 Mo TH. For countermark: Pridmore 2; KM 26. For Host: KM 110.

Toned. VF. ($1500) From the Michael Cassick Collection, purchased from Del Parker, July 2004.

1135.

CHINA, Foreign Enclaves. Hong Kong. Victoria. Queen of Great Britain, 1837-1901. AR Dollar (38mm, 26.86 g, 6h). Hong Kong mint. Dated 1867. Crowned head left within border / Legend in Hànzì on floral quadrilobe; all within border.

Pridmore 2; KM 10. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 5971180-002, graded AU 55. ($2000)

1136. DENMARK. Harald Blåtand (Bluetooth). Circa 958/9-986. AR Halvbrakteat (15mm, 0.31 g). Hedeby mint.

Struck circa 975/980. Cross bottonée / Crude Carolus monogram. Malmer, Nordiska, group KG 10-a; Hauberg 2. Toned.

Superb EF. An exceptional example. ($1500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Wolfgang Fried Collection (Künker 232, 17 June 2013), lot 1.

1137. DENMARK. Hardeknud (Knud III, the Hardy). 1035-1042. AR Penny (18mm, 7h). East Danish standard.

Lund mint; Toki, moneyer. Struck circa 1040-1042. ม ዡ©ʼTዞün⎍Ϳ ʼዞҟ, radiate and draped bust left / ม Ϳ∂ ∂üዢ Ḧ ∂n ⌦⎍ዝዢ, voided long cross, with triple-crescent ends; crescents in first and third quarters. Becker, Coinages dies H2/225; Hauberg –; Hede II 32 var. (obv. type; same rev. die); SCBC 1170. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4155440-002, graded MS 61. ($1000) From the Richard Basler Collection.

378

1138. DENMARK. Christian IV. 1588-1648. AV Half Dukat (18mm, 1.72 g, 12h). Copenhagen mint. Dated 1644.

Christian standing right, holding scepter and orb / Legend and date in four lines. Ophthalmologia VII.15v (this coin illustrated); Hede 35; KM 138; Friedberg 40. Toned, slightly wavy flan. Good VF. Rare. ($2000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Sternberg XXXIII (18 September 1997), lot 507.

1140 1139 FRANCE, Royal. Louis IX (Saint Louis). 1226–1270. AR Gros tournois (25mm, 4.07 g, 1h). Struck 1266-1270. ๘ BHdƱæ˶⎍⎄ ḧ ⎄Ʊ˶ ḧ Hɭ⍴ģ ḧ dHƱ ḧ ዩʽƱ ḧ dģƱ ḧ Ʊǭ⎍ / ᛸዩƱ/ ๘ Ȅ⎍dɭ⎍Ʊæ⎍/⎄ი ʽeᛸ, short cross pattée / ˸⎍ʽɭɒ⎍/⎄ ($500) æƱ⎍Ʊ⎄, chatel tournois. Van Hengel L15; Duplessy 190D; Ciani –. Deeply toned. EF. 1139.

From the Rome on the Euphrates Collection, purchased from Andy Singer, 1990s.

1140. FRANCE, Royal. Louis XII le Père du Peuple (the Father of His People). 1498-1515. AV Écu d’or aux porcsépics (26mm, 1h). Bayonne mint; mm: anchor. Authorized 19 November 1507. ม ⌦⍋Ėɦ⍋Ʊæ⍋˨ Ḧ ĖeƩ Ḧ gr´æƱ´ Ḧ ōr´nýɦr⍋ Ḧ reҞ Ḧ Ḋ, crowned coat-of-arms with porcupine supporters / ๘ Ҟʁ˨ Ḧ ⎍ƱnæƱͿ Ḧ Ҟʁ˨ Ḧ regn´Ϳ Ḧ Ҟʁ˨ Ḧ ƱȵPer´Ϳ Ḋ Ḧ, cross achée; porcupine and ǵ in opposite quarters. Duplessy 655; Ciani 909; Friedberg 325. In NGC encapsulation 3236528-002, graded AU 55. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

1141.

FRANCE, Royal. Louis XIII le Juste (the Just). 1610–1643. AV Louis d’or (24mm, 6.74 g, 6h). Paris mint. Dated 1641 A. Laureate head right / Crowned cruciform double L monogram, with fleur-de-lis in each angle; at center, A within annulet. Droulers 23; Duplessy 1298; Ciani 1613; KM 105; Friedberg 410. A few light hairlines. Choice EF. ($1000) Ex Philip H. Ward Collection (Stack’s, 30 April 1964), lot 184.

1142. FRANCE, Royal. Louis XV le Bien-Aimé (the Well-Beloved). 1715–1774. AV Louis d’or aux lunettes (24mm, 8.11 g, 6h). Rouen mint; différents root/spade. Dated 1727 B. Draped bust left / Crown over two coats-of-arms. Droulers 727 var. (no overdate); Duplessy 1640; Ciani 2085; KM 489.3; Friedberg 461. Lustrous, minor adjustment marks, a few hairlines.

AU. ($750) 379

1143. FRANCE, Royal. Louis XVI. 1774–1793. AR 15 Sols (24mm, 5.06 g, 7h). Constitutional issue. Paris mint; différents: leopard and lyre. Dually dated L’An 3 and 1791 A. Head left, hair tied in ribbon / Winged genius of France standing right, inscribing tablet set on column; to left, fasces surmounted by cap; to right, rooster standing left. Duplessy 1721; Ciani 2243; VG 36; Droulers 904; KM 604.1. Superb pastel toning. UNC. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

1144. FRANCE, First Republic. National Convention. 1792-1795. Proof Æ 5 Sols Token (49mm, 7h). Issued by Les Frères Monneron, Paris. Soho (Birmingham) mint. Dually dated 14 July 1790 and 1792. Soldiers standing left, raising arms and pointing at Gallia seated right, holding constitution / Legend in six lines. MNF 1.9 or 1.10 (edge not visibile through slab); KM Tn28. In NGC encapsulation 1757247-002, graded PF 63 BN. ($500) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, January 2012.

1145.

FRANCE, Premier Empire. Napoléon I. 1804-1814. AV 40 Francs (26mm, 12.91 g, 6h). Torino mint; différents: monogram/heart. Dated 1806 U. Bare head left / Denomination within wreath. VG 1082; KM 675.5; Friedberg 482. Warm orange toning, a few marks. Near VF. ($750) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 122 (14 November 2020), lot 750.

380

1146.

FRANCE, Provincial. Bar (duchy). Robert. 1352-1411. AV Florin (21mm, 3.51 g, 10h). Saint Mihiel mint. Struck 1360-1375. ˆɨBeˆ ˻⎍S ĕ⎍ҟ, ornate lily of Florence / S / ƩɨH¥ ɃɃeS / B ՟, St. John standing facing raising right hand in benediction and holding cross-tipped scepter. Flon 35; Wendling F/XI/19; Gamberini 771; Friedberg 65. EF. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 58 (19 September 2001), lot 1556.

1147. GERMANY, Brandenburg-Franken (Margravate). Friedrich II der Ältere (the Elder), with Siegmund von Brandenburg-Kulmbach. 1486-1495. AV Goldgulden (22mm, 3.31 g, 12h). Schwabach mint. ŖˆƱĕ Ḽ SƱŷƱS⍴ ⍴aˆýƌ Ḽ BˆaNB, St. John standing facing, head lowered right, holding Gospels surmounted by agnus Dei standing left, head right / ๘ ⍴ɨNĚͿa Ḽ Nɨѝa Ḽ aѝB Ḽ SѾɨBaýƌ, cross quernée; coats-of-arms in quarters. Von Schrötter 360; Friedberg 305. Lightly toned. Good VF. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 1106; Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 2159; Elsen FPL 241 (July-September 2007), no. 451.

Impressive Wildman

1148.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Lüneburg (Principality). Ernst August. 1679-1698. AR 1¼ Taler (53mm, 36.05 g, 12h). Zellerfeld mint. Dated 1680 RB. Coat-of-arms surmounted by five ornately crested helmets / Wildman standing left, holding tree trunk; field and buildings in background. Welter 1927; KM 268; Davenport 235. A few scratches under wonderful old cabinet toning. EF. A stunningly detailed rendition of the popular ‘wildman’ type. ($5000) Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 2341.

381

1588 Zodiac 5 Taler

1149. GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (Duchy). Julius. 1568-1589. AR Löser zu 5 Reichstalern – 5 Taler (73mm, 145.24 g, 12h). Heinrichstadt mint. Dated 1588. (floral spray) VON · G · GNAEDEN · IVLIVS · HERZOG · ZV · BRVN · V · LVN · GOTTES · VERSHEVNG · MVS · GESCHEN/ (floral spray) O ຀ HER ຀ BEHVET ຀ MIR ຀ NICHT ຀ MHER ຀ DAN ຀ SEEL ຀ LEIB ຀ VND ຀ E · EHR, helmeted and armored half-length bust facing slightly right, holding ax and resting hand on hilt of sword; personifications and symbols of the planets in innermost circle, signs and symbols of the zodiac in second innermost circle / ḥ HEINRICHSTET ḥ MVNTZ ḥ NA ḥ DES ḥ R ḥ SCHROT ḥ V KOR · GENAN · BRAVNSCH/ (crossed hammers and shield) WEGISCH ຀ IVLIVS ຀ LOESER · AM · WERT 5 (in incuse stamp) THALER · ALIIS · INSERVIE · CONSVM, coat-of-arms surmounted by three ornately crested helmets; wildmen supporters holding globus cruciger and candle and spectacles, respectively. Ophthalmologia XI.90 (this coin illustrated); Welter 566; Davenport 22. A few minor marks and flan flaws. Deep cabinet toning. Good VF. Rare and impressive. ($20,000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, Ex G. Hirsch 155 (23 September 1987), lot 1539.

In Ophthalmologia, Dr. Galst writes: “By law each property owner, based on individual wealth, had to purchase one of these large coins, which ranged in value from 1¼ to 16 talers. The owner was expected to produce them upon demand in exchange for smaller debased currency in times of emergencies such as war.” This idea was pioneered by Duke Julius, but the practice soon spread to other German states, where the large Lösers came to showcase the finest of the engravers’ art.

382

Dated 1499

1150.

GERMANY, Bremen (Archbishophric). Johann III von Rode. 1497-1511. AR Four Grote (29mm, 2.94 g, 9h).

Bremen mint. Dated IΩ99 (1499). ƱɨNS Ṅ ĕĚƱ Ṅ ŷʼ aʼý Ṅ ĚʖƱ Ṅ Bʼ, St. Peter seated facing on Gothic throne, holding key and Gospel; coat-of-arms below / ຀ ⍴ɨNĚ˸a Ṅ Nɨѝa Ṅ BʼĚ⍵ĚNSƱS Ṅ ዢቸᾋᾋ, key. Jungk 110; Levinson I-404; Frey 497. Toned. Good VF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Inventory 789334 (April 2007); Künker 122 (14 March 2007), lot 4113.

1151.

GERMANY, Franconian Circle. AR Guldiner – 2/3 Taler (36mm, 14.90 g). Nürnberg mint. Authorized 12 December 1693. 60 N (mark of value) over FC monogram (= Fränkischer Creis), all in oval countarmark on a 1674 Guldener of Julius Franz of Sachsen-Lauenberg. For c/m: H. Erlanger, “The Counterstamp of the Franconian Circle of 1693” in ANSMNM 3 (1948), pl. XIV, 1-3; KM 38.1. For host: KM 122; Davenport 604. Toned. Countermark EF, host VF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

The brutal wars of the mid-17th century had drained the German states of vast amounts of both lives and specie. As a result, many principalities began debasing their coinage to maintain their monetary supply. In the early 1620s, the value of silver Reichstaler was set at 90 Kreuzers, with a Guldiner, or 2/3 Taler, at 60 Kreuzers, but this was already overvalued in the market. Few were struck, with the last full value Guldiner being issued in Nürnberg in 1660.

The economic situation continued to deteriorate, and in 1667 the electors of Brandenburg and Saxony officially debased their coinage, resulting in a Guldiner of 51 3/7 Kreuzer, by the old standard. This was followed by a further debasement by Saxony, Brunswick, and Brandenberg in 1690, leaving the Guldiner at only 45 Kreuzer. These were known as the Zinna and Leipzig standard, respectively. Interestingly, the Holy Roman Emperor did not approve of these alterations, and so the Taler denomination was never struck at the reduced standards, resulting in a massive surge in the minting of Guldiners.

The cities of the Franconian Circle – chiefly, Nürnberg, Schwabach, and Würzburg – also did not want debased coinage circulating in their territory. They were able to resist for several years, but by 1693 economic reality had caught up with them, and a 2/3 Guildiner was finally issued at an even lower standard than Leipzig. With many foreign Guldiners of various purity also widely circulating, the cities of the Franconian Circle ultimately ordered a countermark be applied to all that met the Leipzig standard.

383

1152.

GERMANY, Frankfurt (Imperial and royal mint city). Heinrich VI. 1190-1197. AR Bracteate (29mm, 0.71 g).

Heinrich enthroned facing, holding lis-tipped scepter and globus cruciger, between two curved towers; ⌐ģ⎍ʼ© ģ⌦©ʼዢģ around, ዡዩnዢģʼ in exergue / Incuse of obverse. Kestner 2363-4; Bonhoff 1520; Löbbecke –. Toned. EF. ($3000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Wolfgang Fried Collection (Künker 232, 17 June 2013), lot 237.

Bracteates developed in Germany during the twelfth century as a response to the general decline in Europe of the weight of the standard coin, the silver penny. (The term itself was not used contemporarily, but originated in the 17th century. It comes from the Latin word “bractea” meaning a leaf.) This decline was caused by the supply of silver bullion being insufficient to meet economic demands for coinage. Some of the finest mediaeval numismatic art was inspired by this seemingly unconnected supply problem, as the flans spread in order to counteract the decrease in the penny’s perceived (and actual) value. Another positive side effect, at least for numismatists and art lovers, of the spread flan was increased frequency and diversity of design change. The fragility of the new coin caused it to wear quickly in circulation, requiring many renovationes moneta.

The Stoning of St. Stephen – Early Anti-Semitic Type

1153.

GERMANY, Halberstadt (bishophric). Ulrich I von Reinstein. 1149-1160. AR Bracteate Pfennig (30mm, 0.85 g). two Jewish men standing right, wearing conical hats and hurling stones at St. Stephen, kneeling right, arms raised in supplication; above, manus Dei crowning St. Stephan; ዩɭ˶ዡɭn ² between / Incuse of obverse. Kestner 12757; Löbbecke 20; Bonhoff –. Rich old cabinet toning. Near EF. ($5000) ⎄ ⎄⎄˶ዞዩዡ ²ዩ⎍⎄ ዩ,

From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Hirsch 183 (20 September 1994), lot 2805; Hirsch “Kunstvolle Brakteaten” (6 October 1965), lot 37.

St. Stephen was an early Christian martyr whose preaching angered the traditional Jewish synagogues. Accused of blasphemy against the Temple and the law, Stephen was summoned to account for himself at the Sanhedrin, the council of Jewish elders in Jerusalem. His speech defended the Christian idea that the Temple was merely a construction of man, and that the old laws had been superseded in a new covenant.

The elders did not receive this testimony well. Stephen was dragged outside of the city and stoned to death.

The figures depicted on this coin are depicted in contemporary attire, with the two men casting stones both wearing the Judenhut, a traditional form of headgear in the Jewish community. These hats would be made compulsory in much of Europe following the ruling of the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215, which required Jews to be identifiable by their attire. This coin type is often considered the first government-issued anti-Semitic coin type. (The Shekel XVIII.4 [July-August 1984], p. 3).

384

The Three Kings Taler

1154.

GERMANY, Köln (City). AR Double Guldengroschen – Ursulataler (45mm, 57.55 g, 12h). The Three Magi type.

Struck circa 1517. Ʃa˫ʖar ⍴ĚǭýƌƩ ɨr Ě˶ კ Ba ǭ˶a˫ar, the Three Magi, Caspar, Melchior, and Baltasar, standing facing, heaching holding lis-tipped scepter, around coat-of-arms; in exergue, ɨ კ ŊĚǭƩ კ ýɨǭ / ḥ ˫aNŷѝ=ƩĚ ƌƩ ḥ rɨ˫Ěɨ ḥ rĚŷNa ḥ ѝƩýĚrĚ ḥ ˫ѝʖĚ=Na ḥ, St. Ursula and Prince Conan Meriadoc on ship with Pope Syriacus to right, holding long cross; four other figures around; flags of England and Brittany by mast. Noss, Köln 77b note; cf. Davenport 9147. A few minor edge marks. Trace of deposits on reverse. Rich cabinet toning. Good VF. Very rare. ($10,000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Numismatica Genevensis 8 (24 November 2014), lot 317; J.J.Grano Collection (Numismatica Genevensis 2, 18 November 2002), 268.

This marvelously detailed coin takes for it types the most venerated saints of the city of Cologne. On the obverse are the Three Kings of the East who followed the star to Bethlehem bringing gifts for the baby Jesus. Since 1164 Cologne Cathedral has housed the relics of the Three Kings, also known as the Magi (in Persian tradition magi are Zorastrian priests). On the reverse is a depiction from the legend of Saint Ursula, a British Princess who, along with eleven thousand virgins, was martyred near Cologne by the Huns around 451 AD. A church was built in the city in late Antiquity to house the bones of Ursula and her followers.

GERMANY, Meißen (Margravate). Konrad der Große. 1127-1156. AR Bracteate (29mm, 0.81 g). Meißen mint. ๘ ი armored figure standing facing, holding spear-tipped banner and shield; quatrefoil to upper right / Incuse of obverse. Kestner 1875; Bonhoff 991; Löbbecke 503. Well centred. Toned. Near EF. Very rare. ($4000) 1155.

ዝ ი ģ ი ዦ ი ˨ ი ¥ ი ⎍ ი ʼ ი ⌐ ი n ი ɭ,

From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Wolfgang Fried Collection (Künker 232, 17 June 2013), lot 237.

1156. GERMANY, Meißen (Margravate). Konrad der Große. 1127-1156. AR Bracteate (30mm, 0.81 g). Bautzen, Obersaulitz mint. Castle with three towers; stars flanking central tower; all within patterned border / Incuse of obverse. Kestner 1924; Bonhoff 1041; Löbbecke –. Toned. EF. ($2000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Wolfgang Fried Collection (Künker 232, 17 June 2013), lot 244.

385

1157.

GERMANY, Nürnberg (City). AV Goldgulden (24mm, 3.21 g, 7h). Dated 1533. Large eagle facing, wings spread, with head and tailfeathers extending beyond linear border / St. Lawrence standing facing, holding Gospel book and grill.

Kellner, Nürnberg 12; Adams I 687 (this coin); Friedberg 1801. Toned, flan slightly wavy. VF. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015), lot 687, purchased from M. Louis Teller, February 1984.

1158.

GERMANY, Pfalz (Electorate and county palatine). Ruprecht III. 1398-1410. AV Goldgulden (21mm, 3.47 g, 7h).

Bacharach mint. Struck 1399. ๘ ⍴ɨɀĚ˶¨ ɨʖƩĕƩ B¨ýƌĚˆ¨ýƌ, five cruciform coats-of-arms within quatrelobe with lis at cusps and trefoils in angles / / ˫ ƩɨƌĚƩ˫ ม BɀýƩý˶˫ Ե, St. John standing facing raising right hand in benediction and holding cross-tipped scepter. Felke 611; Noss 44; Friedberg 1971. Slightly wavy flan with associated flan crack. Good VF. ($1500) Ex Künker 234 (19 June 2013), lot 3924.

Johann Georg II Elected to the Order of the Garter

1159. GERMANY, Sachsen-Albertinische Linie (Electorate & Duchy). Johann Georg II. 1656-1680. AR Taler (48mm, 23.23 g, 6h). Commemorating his election to the Order of the Garter by Charles II. Dresden mint. Dated 1678 (in Roman numerals). Armored figure of St. George on horseback right, slaying dragon to lower right / DU TRÉ HAUT/ TRÉ PUISSANT ET/TRES EXCELLENT PRIN/CE CHARLES · II · PAR LA/GRACE DE DIEU ROY DE/LA GRANDE BRETAG :/FRAN : ET IRLANDE DE=/FENSEUR DE LAY FOY/MDCLXXVIII within wreath. Clauss & Kahnt 530; KM 565; Schnee 942; Davenport 7633. Attractive cabinet toning with hints of blue and gold iridescence around periphery. Near EF. ($2500) Johann Georg held a grand festival on St. George’s Day (April 23, 1678) in Dresden to celebrate his admission to the Order, the most senior order of knighthood in the British honors system.

386

1160.

GERMANY, Sachsen-Ernestine Line (Electorate). Johann Friedrich I der Großmütige (the Magnanimous), with Georg der Bärtige (the Bearded).. 1532-1547. AR Taler (39mm, 29.04 g, 5h). Annanberg mint. Dated 1535. Mantled bust right, holding sword over right shoulder; four coats-of-arms in margins / Mantled and collared bust left; four coats-of-arms in margins.

Keilitz 128.2; Davenport 9721; Schnee 71. Rich iridescent toning, minor areas of weak strike. Good VF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

1161.

GERMANY, Sachsen-Alt-Weimar (Duchy). Johann Ernst, with his seven brothers. 1605-1620. AV Goldgulden (23mm, 3.26 g, 2h). Saalfeld mint. Dated 1615 WA. Armored half-length figures of Johann Ernst, Friedrich, Wilhelm, and Albrecht facing, all wearing ruffs / Armored half-length figures of Johann Friedrich, Ernst, Friedrich Wilhelm, and Bernhard facing, all wearing ruffs. Koppe, Sachsen-Weimar 207; KM 19; Friedberg 3014. Toned, traces of mount. Near EF. ($1500)

Ex Bonhoff Collection

1162. GERMANY, Sachsen-Wittenberg (Duchy). Bernhard. 1180-1212. AR Bracteate (28mm, 0.85 g). Wittenberg mint. ม BĚʽN²ʽd⎍⎄ / d⎍ҟ / ⎍ / , head left / Incuse of obverse. Kestner 1817-9; Bonhoff 865 (this coin); Löbbecke 562.

Rich iridescent cabinet toning. An exceptional example. Choice EF. ($3000) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Künker 301 (1 February 2018), lot 555; Friedrich Bonhoff Collection (Peus 293, 27 October 1977), lot 865.

387

1163.

GERMANY, Straßburg (City). AR Taler Klippe (43x44mm, 26.92 g, 12h). Commemorating the centennial of the Reformation. Dually dated 1517 and 1617. + OMNIS ḥ TERRA ḥ ADORET ḥ DEVM ḥ ET ḥ PSALLAT ḥ EI :/຀ LVX ḥ POST ḥ TENEBRAS ḥ MDXVII :, coat-of-arms. AMR and AVH engraved in margins / (arabesque) PRO (arabesque)/ RELIGIONIS •/CENTVM • ANTE •/ANNOS • DIVINITVS/RESTITVTÆ • MEMO/RIA • NOVIQVE • SECV •/LI • FELICI • AVSPICIO/S • P • Q • ARGENTOR •/F • F • A ი MDCXVII •/CAL • NOVEMB • in ten lines; arabesques above and below; all with linear and reeded border. AMR, AVH, and 7 Mar 1654 engraved in margins. Cf. Engel & Lehr 609; Davenport 5846 note. Attractive old cabinet toning. Good VF. ($1500) From the Michael Cassick Collection, purchased from Mark Teller, March 2009. Ex Spink 171 (25 November 2004), lot 223.

As an Imperial Free City of the Holy Roman Empire since 1262, Strassburg was able to enjoy a good measure of independence in southwestern Germany. It adopted Protestantism during the Reformation and, as a result, attracted immigrants from areas of Europe where non-Catholics were persecuted. In addition, the city became a major center of learning and book printing. This klippe, struck to commemorate the centennial of the Protestant Reformation, reinforces Strassburg’s role as a focus of Protestant teaching and practice.

1164. GERMANY, Trier (Archbishophric). Kuno II von Falkenstein. 1362-1388. AV Goldgulden (22mm, 3.50 g, 9h). Trier mint; mm: crossed keys. Struck 1374. Փ ýɭNɭ ¨ያýƌƱĚዩ˫ ˸ያĚ⎍ĚN, coat-of-arms within polylobe / ⍴ɭNĚͿa Փ ˸ያĚ⎍ĚN, St. Peter enthroned facing, holding cross and key. Noss 172A; Felke 347; Friedberg 3406. Toned.

Good VF. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

388

1165. GIBRALTAR. temp. George III. King of Great Britain, 1760-1820. AR Half Bitt (16mm, 1.41 g). Struck circa 1760. Bordered heart shape cut from center of a Peruvian 1756 (LIMA) JM Half Real. Lyall, “Gibraltar Hearts,” in NumCirc XCV.6 (December 2007), type IV; Pridmore 20 (Dominca); KM 16 (Martinique). Toned. EF. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Dix, Noonan, & Webb 132 (15 September 2015), lot 2206; I. Rudman Collection; R. C. Gordon Collection; R. J. Ford Collection.

Bob Lyall (“Gibraltar Hearts,” in NumCirc XCV.6 [December 2007], pp. 306-308) reattributes the Type I and II heart-shaped cut coins, previously assigned to Dominica or Martinique, to the British possession of Gibraltar. Two particular pieces of textual evidence inform this reattribution – a 1748 first-hand account of circulating silver coins with a heart shaped bit removed, and a 1749 order prohibiting the circulation of cut or damaged Spanish coins. Lyall also notes that the dates appearing on the Type III and IV issues are too late for the same attribution to Gibraltar, and the author initially confirmed their attribution to Dominica. Private communication with the author indicates that newly uncovered documentary evidence suggests these later types were also struck in Gibraltar circa 1760.

1166.

HUNGARY, Kingdom of Hungary. Zygmunt (Sigismund). 1387-1437. AV Aranyforint (21mm, 3.52 g, 3h). Buda mint; Ulrich Kamerer, mintmaster. Struck circa 1411. แ ˨ƩŷƩ˨⍴їNĕƩ / ŷ / r / їNŷªrƩĚ, coat-of-arms / / ˨ / ȄªĕƩ˨Ȅ ªї˨ / rĚҞ, crowned and nimbate figure of St. Ladislaus standing facing, holding axe and globus cruciger; monogram to right.

Lengyel 18/3; Huszár 573; Friedberg 10. Underlying luster. Good VF. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 1112.

1167.

INDIA, Medieval (Southern Deccan). Western Gangas. As feudatories of the Kakatiyas, circa AD 900-1000. AV Gadyana (31mm, 3.65 g). A series of eight punches: central punch of caparisoned elephant standing right with four additional punches around; in between outer punches, two śri punches, and two punches with Kannada legends (one reads dhara; the other pathi) / Incuse of obverse. B. Subrahmanyam, I S.S. Rangacharyulu, I K.S.B. Kesava, and I P. Brahma Chary, Gold Coins of the Kakatiyas (Andhara Pradesh, 2001), 529; Classical Numismatic Gallery 38, lot 252; Oswal 89, lot 118. Earthen deposits. EF. Extremely rare, the authors of Gold Coins of the Kakatiyas reported only four specimens, only the Classical Numismatic Gallery coin in CoinArchives. ($10,000)

389

The Bacchanalian Mohur

1168.

INDIA, Mughal Empire. Nur al-Din Muhammad Jahangir. AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. AV Mohur (20mm, 10.94 g, 12h). So-called “Bacchanalian” type. Ajmer mint. Dually dated AH 1023 and RY 9 (11 February – 14/23 October AD 1614). shabih-e hazrat Shah Jahangir (The likeness of majesty Shah Jahangir) in Persian to left, qaza-e bar sikka zar kard tasvir (Destiny on gold coin did portray) in Persian to right, radiate Jahangir cross-legged left on ornate throne against patterned cushion holding flower or goblet / huruf-e Jahangir wah allahu Akbar (The letters of Jahangir and Allahu Akbar) in Persian above, za ruz awal dar a’dad shud brabar (from first day to last number becomes equal) in Persian below, central radiate sun within pelleted quadrate border with upper and lower lines extending to create additional side panels; zarb Ajmer (struck Ajmer) in Persian and AH date in left panel, mu’aiyan ba 9 sanat (equal to regnal year 9) in Persian and AH date in right. Liddlel Type G-38; BM 319-21; IMC (Wright) –; Hull 1423-4; Zeno 161343 = Adams III, lot 2398 (same dies, but later die state and slightly double struck); KM 179.6; Friedberg 76; Zeno 209176 = Album 32, lot 1866 (same dies). Traces of deposits in devices, circulation marks, slightly sweated. Near VF. Extremely rare, only the Album and Triton XIX specimens on CoinArchives. ($50,000)

Extremely Rare Muhammad Bidar Bakht Rupee

1169.

INDIA, Mughal Empire. Muhammad Bidar Bakht. AH 1202 / AD 1788. AR Rupee (22mm, 11.09 g, 6h). [Ahmadabad mint]. Dually dated AH 1202/3 and RY ‘ahd’ (AD 1788). Partial couplet takht/shah-i jahan muhammad bidar bakht (throne/lord of the world, Muhammad Bidar Bakht); AH date to lower left; floral ornament in exergue / Mint and RY date formulas; trace of mint name visible at top; floral ornament in exergue. BM –; Wright 2499 var. (AH date); Hull 2339 var. (same); KM 742; Zeno 93363 (same dies). Some light deposits, traces of die rust, minor porosity. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($20,000)

390

1170. INDIA, Independent States. Mysore. Tipu Sultan. AH 1197-1202 / AD 1782-1799. AR Double Rupee (35mm, 22.78 g, 1h). Patan (Seringapatan) mint. Triply dated RY 8, cyclic year 44, and AM 1218 (AD 1789). Henderson 44; Moin type 2; KM 127a. Iridescent toning. In NGC encapsulation 6134243-006, graded AU 58. ($4000)

1171.

ITALY, Bergamo (Commune). 1236-early 14th century. AR Grosso da 4 denari (19mm, 1.37 g, 12h). nomine Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II (1220-1250). Struck 1236-circa 1250. ưnPʽ˶ Ŗʽeēeʽư/⍛⎍˞, laureate and draped bust right / ʚ/g/_ down left, Ȱ/⎍/Ȱ down right, domed building, with two towers flanking; all above crenellated archway set on rocks; crescents flanking cross atop dome. MIR 17 (Mezzo grosso); MEC 12, 401; Biaggi 352. Toned. VF. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 64 (24 September 2003), lot 1523.

1172.

ITALY, Casale Monfferato (Marquisate). Guiglielmo II Paleologo. 1494-1518. AR Testone (30mm, 9.36 g, 10h).

GVLIELMVS ‘ MAR’ MONTFE ‘ 7C, draped bust left, wearing birreta / + SA CRI ‘ RO ‘ IMP ‘ ‘ PRINC ‘ VICA ‘ PP, coat-ofarms. MIR 185; Biaggi 927. Attractive cabinet toning, minor scratches, traces of deposits on reverse. Good VF. ($750) Ex Gadoury (30 October 2020), lot 984.

1173.

ITALY, Florence. Republic. 1189-1532. AV Fiorino d’oro (20mm, 3.49 g, 5h). Dardano Acciaiuoli, maestro d’oro; segno: acciarano (firestater) right with pellet. Struck 1st semester, 1318. ม Ŗǭɭˆ ዞn˸ዢ¥, ornate lily of Florence / S / ƩɨH¥ nnዞS / B, St. John standing facing raising right hand in benediction and holding cross-tipped scepter. MIR 7/14; Bernocchi 1199; Friedberg 275. A few minor edge marks. Good VF. ($1000) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex J. Herbert Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 341, 17 December 2014), lot 569.

391

1174. ITALY, Florence. Republic. 1189-1532. AV Fiorino d’oro (22mm, 3.53 g, 12h). Simone di Antonio di Jacopo Canigiani, maestro d’oro; segno: S over coat-of-arms. Struck 1st semester, 1436. ม / Ŗǭɭˆ ዞn˸ዢ¥, ornate lily of Florence / S / ƩɨH¥ nɉS / B, St. John standing facing raising right hand in benediction and holding cross-tipped scepter. MIR 24/3; Bernocchi 2572; Friedberg 276. Trace deposits, a few light marks. EF. Rare. ($1500)

1175. ITALY, Milan (Duchy). Filippo II di Spagna. 1554-1598. AV Doppia (28mm, 6.57 g, 12h). Dated 1582.

Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. MIR 301/2; Crippa 4/B; Friedberg 716. Iridescent toning. EF. ($2000) Ex Áureo & Calicó 218 (8 April 2009), lot 698

1176.

ITALY, Milan (Duchy). Filippo II di Spagna. 1554-1598. AR Scudo d’argento (40mm, 31.94 g, 12h). Dated 1593.

Armored bust right, wearing ruff / Coat-of-arms within ornate frame; eagles and serpents in arms uncrowned. MIR 308/23; Crippa 14/D; Davenport 8313. Toned. VF. Well struck for issue. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Thomas Bentley Cederlind Estate (Classical Numismatic Group 102, 18 May 2016), lot 1324, purchased from Andy Singer; Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 1110; Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.1.18227).

1177.

ITALY, Naples (Kingdom). Carlo I di Spagna (Carlo V, Sacro Romano Impero). 1516-1554. AV Scudo (23mm, 3.38 g, 10h). Napoli (Naples) mint. Struck 1528-1546. CAROLVS Ḽ V Ḽ RO Ḽ IM ი, double-headed eagle facing, with wings displayed, crowned coat-of-arms on breast; crown above / ჼ Ḽ AISPARVM Ḽ VTRIVS Ḽ SICI Ḽ R Ḽ R Ḽ, ornate cross fleurée with central pellet; flames in angles; R in fourth quarter. MIR 132/4; Pannuti-Riccio 11c; Friedberg 835. Toned.

Near EF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection, purchased from Pegasi. Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 1173; Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.1.1613).

392

1178.

ITALY, Naples (Kingdom). Filippo II di Spagna. 1554-1598. AR Mezzo ducato – Cianfrone (34mm, 14.99 g, 6h).

First period. Napoli (Naples) mint. Struck 1554-1556. Crowned and armored bust right, wearing ruff; IBR monogram to left / Crowned coat-of-arms. MIR 159; Pannuti-Riccio 3. Rich old cabinet toning. EF. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLII.1 (Winter 2017), no. 450858; Numismatica Ars Classica 69 (4 December 2012), lot 723; Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.1.21999).

1179. ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. Antipope, 1378-1394. AR Grosso da 24 denari (24mm, 2.49 g, 8h).

Avignon mint. Փ Ḻ ýǭeHeNS ʁ ʁ Ḻ Seʁ˶ƱHѝS Ḻ Փ, Clement enthroned facing, holding long cross and raising hand in benediction / ม Փ S¥Ný˶ѝS Ḻ ʁe˶ˆѝS Ḻ e˶ Ḻ ʁ¥шǭшS Փ, crossed keys. MIR 241/4; Muntoni 7; Berman 233. Toned.

Good VF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 64 (24 September 2003), lot 1530.

The first of two Avignese claimants to the papacy, Clement VII was among the French delegation which repudiated the newly-elected pope Urban VI. The papacy having been centered in Avignon during most of the 14th century, the Papal Schism which ensued lasted nearly another 40 years, unofficially continuing Avignon’s role within the Catholic church.

1180.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Innocent XII. 1691-1700. AR Half Piastra (38mm, 15.74 g, 12h). Commemorating the Treaty of Ryswick. Rome mint. Dated RY 7 (AD 1697/8). Bust right, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and mantum / Noah’s Ark resting on high ground of Ararat. MIR 2139/1; Muntoni 28; Bermam 2235; KM 607. Toned. VF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Pegasi.

This type commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ryswick, which ended the War of the Grand Alliance (1688-1697). This wide-ranging conflict was an attempt by the “Grand Alliance” – composed of the Holy Roman Empire, the German states, Sweden, Spain, and the Dutch Republic – to check the growing power of France under the expansionist Louis XIV. During the conflict, the papacy supported the Grand Alliance. Noah’s ark comes to rest on Mt. Ararat as the flood waters, signifying war, or perhaps France, recede.

393

1181. ITALY, Parma (Duchy). Roberto I, with Luisa Maria di Borbone-Francia. 1854-1859. AR 5 Lire (36mm, 6h).

Parma mint; segni: P and lis on stars. Dated 1858. Busts of Luisa Maria and Robert, uniformed, left / Crowned coat-of-arms.

MIR 1104; KM (C) 36. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2117154-027, graded MS 62 PL. ($2000)

1182. ITALY, Retengo. Antonio Theodoro Trivulzio. Prince of the Val Mesolcina, 1649-1679. AR 2 Filippi (47mm, 55.14 g, 1h). Retegno mint. Dated 1676. Armored and draped bust right / Ornately garnished coat-of-arms depicting a crowned triform head. MIR 899/1; KM 15.1; Davenport 592. Toned. Good VF. ($1500) Ex Sincona 51 (23 October 2018), lot 3616.

1183. ITALY, Sicily (Kingdom). Ruggero II. 1130-1154. AR Ducale (22mm, 2.87 g, 6h). Palermo mint. Dated RY 10 (AD 1140). i4 / x4 / r4 / iN `Trh, facing bust of Christ, holding Gospels / r / Dx / 1 / r / rx ÍLÍ, Roger standing facing with his son Roger, standing right, holding between them patriarchal cross set on three steps; Y/ r/ x between. MIR 432; Spahr 72; MEC 14, 213. Lightly toned. Good VF. Well struck. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 64 (24 September 2003), lot 1543.

1184. ITALY, Sicily (Kingdom). Guglielmo I il Malo (the Bad). 1154-1166. Æ Follaro (15mm, 1.82 g, 12h). Salerno mint. Forepart of lion left, head facing / Cross potent; in arms of cross,  re≈/ [Du≈] /L. MIR 656; MEC 14, 293; Biaggi 2292. Green patina. EF. Well struck. Very rare. ($1000) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Numismatic Ars Classica 20 (2 November 2000), lot 329.

394

1185

1186

Artisitc Masterpiece from Brindisi 1185. ITALY, Sicily (Kingdom). Federico I (Federico II, Holy Roman Emperor). 1198-1250. AV Augustalis (19mm, 5.28 g, 8h). Brindisi mint. Struck circa 1231-1250. / æģ˨⌈ʼ ⌈⎍Ż / Ʊ⍵ዩ ʼɭ⍵, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / / ๘ ŖʼƱዝዞ ʼƱæ⎍˨ /, eagle standing left, head right, with wings spread; two pellets above. Kowalski dies H32/B14, no. 415 (this coin cited); MIR 266; Spahr 102; MEC 14, 516; Friedberg 134. In NGC encapsulation 2117296-001, graded MS 61.

Engraved in an exquisite style with a portrait reminiscent of Constantine the Great. ($20,000) Ex Kunst und Munzen (29 May 1969), lot 282.

Frederick II Hohenstaufen, “Stupor Mundi” (Wonder of the World), was the most enlightened ruler of medieval Europe. Besides encouraging the study of both the ancient and natural worlds, Frederick was instrumental in improving relations with the Muslims, negotiating free access to Christian holy sites in Palestine, where all Crusader armies had been unsuccessful. One of his innovations was a gold coinage comparable in style and quality to the gold of the ancient Caesars. The classical motifs proclaimed his inheritance of the legacy of Rome, and the augustale and its fractions were issued concurrently with the publication of the Constitution of Melfi, his codification of Norman law meant to follow the famous Roman law codes. These coins were struck until Frederick’s death in 1250, and may have been continued by his successors for about another fifteen years.

MIR Plate Coin 1186. ITALY, Sicily (Kingdom). Federico I (Federico II, Holy Roman Emperor). 1198-1250. AV Half Augustalis (15mm, 2.61 g, 6h). Brindisi mint. Struck circa 1231-1250. / æģ˨⌈ʼ ⌈⎍Ż / Ʊ⍵ዩ ʼɭ⍵ , laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ๘ ŖʼƱዝዞ / / ʼƱæ⎍˨ , eagle standing left, head right, with wings spread; two pellets above. Kowalski dies G91/ B82; MIR 267 (this coin illustrated); Spahr 104; MEC 14, 517 var. (no pellets; mint); Friedberg 135. Lightly toned. Good VF. Rare. ($25,000) Ex Numismatica Genevenensis 12 (18 November 2019), lot 875; Numismatic Ars Classica 89 (29 November 2015), lot 674; Spink Zurich 52.2 (26 October 1994), lot 918.

395

1187.

ITALY, Sicily (Kingdom). Carlo I d’Angiò. 1266-1282. AV Reale (21mm, 5.26 g, 6h). Kowalski Class B. Brindisi mint. Struck 1266-1278. Large ๘ njaʽ⌴Ǯ= / ēģƱ / ŷʽa / /, crowned and draped bust right; lis to left / Large ๘ ʽ / ģᛸ Ḧ SƱ / / ⍛ƱǮƱ /, coat-of-arms. Kowalski, Realen dies L21/B2; Spahr 2; MEC 14, 624 var. (mint). Toned, minor scratches and slight weak strike on reverse, edge marks. Good VF. Very rare. ($10,000) Ex Richard A. Jourdan Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 1164 (hammer $13000); Classical Numismatic Group 57 (28 March 2001), lot 1581; Münzen und Medaillen AG 50 (27 February 1975), lot 597.

1188. ITALY, Tuscany (Grand Duchy). Cosimo III de Medici. 1670-1723. AR Tallero (42mm, 27.06 g, 6h). Livorno mint. Dated 1707. Draped bust right / MIR 65; KM 35; Davenport 1500. Golden toning, minor scratches. EF. An attractive example. ($750) Ex Heritage 3067 (6 September 2018), lot 34564 (there in NGC AU 55, then the second-finest graded); Jamestown Collection (Heritage 3064, 20 April 2018), lot 33312.

1189. ITALY, Tuscany (Grand Duchy). Leopoldo II. 1824-1848. AV 80 Fiorini (31mm, 6h). Firenze (Florence) mint; segno: mountain with band. Dated 1827 N. Ornate lily of Florence / Crowned and mantled coat-of-arms over cross of St. Stephen. MIR 443/1; KM (C) 78; Friedberg 80. In NGC encapsulation 2117154-010, graded MS 62. ($5000)

1190. ITALY, Venice (Republic). Andrea Gritti. 1523-1538. AV Scudo d’oro (26mm, 3.39 g, 12h). Cross fleurée; pinecone at end of each bar / Shield displaying Lion of St. Mark. CNI VII 321; cf. Papadopoli 11-12 and 14-15 (for type); Paolucci 3; Friedberg 1448. Tightly toned. EF. ($750) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 102 (18 May 2016), lot 1341.

396

1191.

ITALY, Kingdom of Italy. Vittorio Emanuele II. 1861-1878. AR 5 Lire (37mm, 6h). Bologna mint. Dated 1860.

Bare head right / Crowned coat-of-arms. MIR 1063b; KM (C) 4 (Emilia). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 5778824-008, graded MS 62. Very rare in mint condition. ($7500)

1192.

ITALY, Kingdom of Italy. Umberto I. 1878-1900. AV 100 Lire (34mm,1 2h). Rome mint. Dated 1888 R. Bare head left / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms within wreath. MIR 1096d; KM 22; Friedberg 18. In NGC encapsulation 2119070038, graded MS 61. ($7500)

1193.

ITALY, Kingdom of Italy. Vittorio Emanuele III. 1900-1946. AR 5 Lire (24mm, 5.00 g, 6h). Rome mint. Dated 1927 R. Bare head left / Eagle standing facing on fasces, wings spread, head right. MIR 1137b; KM 67.1. Toned, attractive cameo surfaces. UNC. Formerly in NGC encapsulation graded MS 67 Star, the finest graded. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Richard L. Lissner Collection (St. James’s 29, 1 August 2014), lot 601.

397

1194. LOW COUNTRIES, Brabant (Duchy). Johanna van Brabant, with Wenceslaus. 1355-1406. AV Pieter d’or (27mm, 3.90 g, 3h). Leuven (Louvain) mint. Struck 1355-1383. ๘ ѾĿNýĿL⍒VS Ḻ ⎛ Ḻ Ʃɨƌ⍒N⍒ ᚤ ᚤ ĕĿƩ Ḻ ŷˆ⍒ Ḻ Ùˆ⍒Ù Ḻ ĕVýĿS , 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 / ๘ ҡʖ=ý Ḽ ѝƩɃýƩ΍ Ḽ ҡʖ=ý Ḽ ˆĿŷɃ⍒΍ Ḽ ҡʖ=ý Ḽ ƩȵʖĿˆ⍒˶, cross qudrilobée, fleurdelisée and feuillue; Ⴛ in center of cross. Delmonte, Or 45; Delmonte, Brabant 199; De Mey 225; Friedberg 11. Lustrous, minor marks and scratches, slightly wavy flan. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Elsen 68 (14 December 2001), lot 2711.

1195. LOW COUNTRIES, Deventer, Kampen, Zwolle (Three Imperial Cities). nomine Karel V. 1519-1556. AR Daalder (40mm, 28.60 g, 4h). Struck 1554. Ⴅ MO’$ NO’$ TRIVM’$ CIVITATEM’$ IMPERIALVM, crowned and armored bust of Karel right, holding sword and globus cruciger / + DAVENTRIE + CAMPENSIS + ZVVOLLENSIS, three conjoined coats-of-arms. Delmonte, Argent 671; Davenport 8532. Toned, a few scratches. VF. Rare. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Elsen 115 (8 December 2012), lot 1823; Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.1.6919).

1196. LOW COUNTRIES, Deventer, Kampen, Zwolle (Three Imperial Cities). nomine Karel V. 1519-1556.

AR Daalder (41mm, 28.45 g, 5h). Dated 1555. * MONE & NOVA & TRIVM & CIVITA & IMPERIALIVM *, crowned and armored bust of Karel right, holding sword and globus cruciger; 15 55 across field / & DAVENTRIENSIS & CAMPENSIS & ZWOLLENSIS, three conjoined coats-of-arms. Delmonte, Argent 673; Davenport 8534. Rich iridescent toning, slight die shift on obverse. Near EF. ($1500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Elsen 115 (8 December 2012), lot 1299; Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.1.6890).

398

1197. LOW COUNTRIES, Luik (Liège). Sede vacante. 30 April–17 August 1784. AR Daalder – Écu au St. Lambert (40mm, 27.86 g, 6h). Dated 1784. Mitred bust of St. Lambert left / Crowned and mantled coat-of-arms. Vanhoudt G1364; Dengis 1192; Mignolet 304; KM 176; Davenport 1590. A few very light hairlines under mottled iridescent toning. FDC. Very rare – only 150 struck. A superb example. ($2000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

Dated 1475

1198.

LOW COUNTRIES, Vlaanderen (Flanders). Karel de Stoute (the Bold). 1467-1477. AR Double briquet (24mm, 2.96 g, 7h). Bruges mint. Dated 1475. แ k¥kɨǭ⎍S Ḻ ĕĚƩ Ḻ Żka Ḻ ĕ⎍Ҟ Ḻ B⎍kŻ Ḻ f, two lions rampant combatant; briquet above; mullet below / แ Saǭ⎍⎍⍵ Ḻ faý Ḻ ʊɨʊ⎍ǭ Ḻ ˶⎍⎍ Ḻ ĕNĚ Ḻ ዢዂ©Ὃ, coat-of-arms over cross fleurée. De Mey, Flandre 415; G&H 34-3c; Den Duyts 209; Levinson II-20b. Toned. Good VF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Inventory 789332 (April 2007); G. W. de Wit Collection (Künker 121, 7 October 2008), lot 1444.

399

1199.

LOW COUNTRIES, Dutch Revolt. Overijssel. 1566/8-1581. AR Statendaalder – 32 Stuiver (42mm, 30.17 g, 5h).

Third emission, in the name of Philip III of Spain. Hasselt mint. Dated 1578. · PHS · D · G · HISP Z REX · DO’· TRS’· ISSVL’· 15 Ặ 78, crowned and armored half-length bust left, wearing ruff and holding scepter / · PACE · ET · · IVSTITIA ·, crowned and collared coat-of-arms. CNM 2.38.19; P&W Ov09; Delmonte, Argent 117; G&H 245-17. Mottled golden toning, minor deposits. Good VF. ($3000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Elsen 115 (8 December 2012), lot 1238; Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.1.6963).

Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection

1200.

LOW COUNTRIES, Dutch Revolt. Utrecht. 1566/8-1581. AR Halve Uniedaalder – Half Daalder (35mm, 11.82 g, 10h). Third emission, in the name of Philip III of Spain. Dated 1579. * PHS · D : G · HISP · REX · DNS · TRAIEC *, crowned coat-of-arms / + CONCORDIA · RES · RARVÆ · CRESCVNT · 15 ả 79, lion rampant left, holding raised sword and bundle of arrows. CNM 2.43.31; P&W Ut18; Delmonte, Argent 138; G&H 259-16. Minor flan and edge flaws. Old cabinet toning.

Near EF. Extremely rare. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Heritage/MPO 58 (15 May 2018), lot 5862; Elsen 115 (8 December 2012), lot 1216; Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.57.2238).

400

Finest Known Leeuwendaalder

1201. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Friesland. 1581-1795. AR Leeuwendaalder – Lion Daalder (41mm, 27.13 g, 8h). Dated 1589. Armored half-length figure of soldier standing left, head right; coat-of-arms below / Lion rampant left. P&W Fr18; CNM 2.16.32; Delmonte, Argent 849. Exceptionally well struck.

Lightly toned. UNC. Extremely rare in this magnificent state of preservation, especially so from this mint. ($20,000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

Several coins were produced in the Netherlands to help facilitate export trade. Probably the most important of these coins was the lion dollar (the leeuwendaalder), which was first minted in the Dutch province of Holland in 1575 during their struggle for independence. Within a short time, lion dollars were produced by six of the seven Dutch provinces, along with independent issues produced by some of the major cities.

The lion dollar circulated throughout the Middle East, the Dutch colonies, as well as in the Dutch New Netherlands Colony. The lion dollar also circulated throughout the English American colonies during the 17th and early 18th centuries, especially in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The inflow of these lion dollars into the American colonies was not only by trade, but also by piracy. Looted lion dollars from ships as far away as the African coasts are documented. Lion dollars were also called “dog dollars,” as the lion of the first examples looked more like a dog than a lion. As these coins were very popular for international trade, the dies were produced in great haste and thus are usually very crudely executed. Examples circulating in the colonies were usually fairly well worn so that the design was not that easy to recognize. The term “dog dollar” is an indication that the first types were already in use in the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, which was founded in 1624 (and renamed to New York by the British in 1660). The name is found in colonial-era documents used to officially tariff this dollar for circulation in the American colonies.

401

1202. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Hedel. Frederik van den Bergh.

Stadtholder, 1577-1580. AR Leeuwendaalder – Lion Daalder (41mm, 25.49 g, 4h). Struck circa 1578. Armored half-length figure of soldier standing left, head right; coat-of-arms below / Lion rampant left. P&W He16; CNM 2.25.15; Delmonte, Argent 603. Traces of mount. Areas of weak strike and some faint porosity. Toned. VF. Extremely rare. ($2000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Heritage/MPO 52 (15 November 2016), lot 1231.

1203. 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 standing 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 J. de Wilde Collection.

See lot 1288, below, for an important Leeuwendaalder imitation from Transylvania.

402

The Introduction of a New Monetary Standard - Dutch 3 Gulden

1204. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Holland. 1581-1795. AR 3 Gulden (42mm, 31.71 g, 12h). Dordrecht mint. Dated 1680. Lion rampant left / Crowned coat-of-arms. P&W Ho51; CNM 2.28.89; Delmonte, Argent 1129; Davenport 4951; KM 58. Iridescent toning. AU. Very rare. ($3000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

Since the time of Karel V, the (Carolus) Guilder with a value of 20 stuivers was the basis of the Dutch monetary system and the most important unit of account. However, after Karel V, hardly any full guilders were struck. A system based on daalders, divided in 20 prevailed. On April 27th, 1679 the State of Holland decided to introduce a new monetary system based on the Guilder, with an issue of 3, 2, 1 and 1/2 guilder. The 3 guilder was based on the daalder (taler). The guilder was a success and soon all provinces followed the example of Holland. Initially, the choice was to put a lion on the reverse, one year later the lion was replaced by the Pallas figure, also called the Virgin of Holland. Production continued until circa 1800. In 1848, during the French Occupation, a new decimal guilder system, which was introduced and the earlier Guilders were withdrawn from circulation.

403

1205. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Utrecht. 1581-1795. AV Gouden rijder – 14 Gulden (28mm, 9.97 g, 12h). New type. Dated 1760. Knight right on galloping horse, holding raised sword; crowned coat-of-arms below / Crowned coat-of-arms. P&W Ut31; CNM 2.43.37; Delmonte, Or 970; KM 104; Friedberg 288.

Lustrous, light scratches. UNC. ($1500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Schulman b.v. 334 (5 November 2010), lot 272.

1206. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Holland. 1581-1795. Piedfort AR Dukaton (42mm, 64.74 g, 12h). Dordrecht mint. Dated 1672. 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 P9. UNC. Well struck and lustrous. Rare. ($3000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

The dukaton, also called the zilveren rijder (silver rider), was a high-value Dutch silver coin first struck in 1659. Through the trade network of the Dutch East India Company, this silver coin would come to be one of the most popular trade coins of the day, circulating alongside the ubiquitous Spanish-American silver coinage.

1207.

No Lot.

1208. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Holland. 1581-1795. Piedfort AR Dukaton (41mm, 65.35 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 J. de Wilde Collection.

404

1209. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Utrecht. 1581-1795. Piedfort AR Dukaton (44mm, 65.54 g, 12h). Dated 1730. Knight right on galloping horse, holding raised sword; crowned coat-of-arms below / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned lion supporters. P&W Ut59.2; CNM 2.43.99; Delmonte, Argent 1031a; KM P33.

Toned, rim nicks. Superb EF. Rare. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

1210. LOW COUNTRIES, Republic of the Seven Netherlands (Dutch Republic). Utrecht. 1581-1795. Piedfort AR Dukaton (46mm, 65.10 g, 12h). Dated 1775. Knight right on galloping horse, holding raised sword; crowned coat-of-arms below / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned lion supporters. P&W Ut59.2; CNM 2.43.101; Delmonte, Argent 1031a; KM 44.

Toned. Superb EF. Very rare. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

405

A Young Boy’s Dream – Treasure from the Slot ter Hooge Wreck 1211.

LOW COUNTRIES. Treasure from the wreck of the Slot ter Hooge. Wrecked off the coast of Porto Santo, near Madiera, 19 November 1724. Two (2) silver bars and ten (10) silver coins.

MEXICO, Colonial. Felipe V. King of Spain, first reign, 1700-1724. AR 8 Reales. Uncertain mint and date. BW 15.7; KM 47. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 911 (part of) MEXICO, Colonial. Felipe V. King of Spain, first reign, 1700-1724. AR 4 Reales. Uncertain mint and date. BW 14.6; KM 40. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 911 (part of) SPANISH NETHERLANDS. Filips IV. 1621-1665.. AR Ducaton. Brussles (Bruxelles) mint. Dated 1640. G&H 327-3b; Delmonte, Argent 285. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 939 SPANISH NETHERLANDS. Karel II. 1665-1700. AR Ducaton. Antwerpen (Antwerp) mint. Dated 1674. G&H 348-1a (unlisted date); Delmonte, Argent Suppl. 325 (only one example cited). Extremely rare. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 949 SPANISH NETHERLANDS. Karel II. 1665-1700. AR Ducaton. Antwerpen (Antwerp) mint. Dated 1683. G&H 348-1b Delmonte, Argent 331. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 953 SPANISH NETHERLANDS. Filips V. AR Ducaton. Antwerpen (Antwerp) mint. Dated 1703. G&H 365-1c; Delmonte, Argent 354c. Illustrated in R. Sténuit, “The Treasure of Porto Santo,” in National Geographic Magazine vol. 148, no. 2 (August 1975), p. 270-1. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 958 LUIK (LIEGE). Maximiliaan Hendrik van Beieren. 1650-1688. AR Ducaton. Datted 1674. Dengis 1105; Delmonte, Argent 473. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 960 SPANISH NETHERLANDS. Karel II. 1665-1700. AR Ducaton. Brugge (Brugges) mint. Dated 1673. G&H 3484a; Delmonte, Argent 327. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 962.

DUTCH REPUBLIC, Overijssel. 1581-1795. Delmonte, Argent 1034. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 968 DUTCH REPUBLIC, Overijssel. 1581-1795. Delmonte, Argent 1035. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 969 DUTCH EAST INDIA COMPANY. AR 4 Livres Ingot. (132x40x47mm, 1954 g). VOC/ MC and rosette stamp. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 907; Collection of Robert Sténuit, director of Groupe de Recherche Archéologique Sous-Marine Post Médiévale DUTCH EAST INDIA COMPANY. AR 4 Livres Ingot. (154x44x33mm, 1963 g). VOC/ MC and rosette stamp. Ex Elsen 112 (17 March 2012), lot 910; Collection of Robert Sténuit, director of Groupe de Recherche Archéologique Sous-Marine Post Médiévale.

Grades from Fair to Good VF, all sea-salvaged. Two (2) silver bars and ten (10) silver coins in lot.

($10,000)

From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Elsen 115 (17 March 2012), various lots.

Ever since he was a young boy, J. de Wilde had dreamed of owning a piece of shipwrecked treasure. This dream was fulfilled when he acquired a number of coins and two important silver bars from the wreck of the Slot per Hooge.

The Slot ter Hooge was a Dutch East Indiamen sailing from the Netherlands to Batavia, modern Jakarta, Indonesia, loaded with three tons of silver ingots and four chests of coins. On the night of 19 November 1724, the vessel encountered a severe gale off the coast of Portugal and, though the crew struggled mightily, she was dashed upon the rocks of the island of Porto Santo, near Madiera. Of the 254 men aboard, only 33 survived.

The powerful Dutch East India Company was not content to simply let tons of silver lie at the bottom of the ocean. Immediately after the wreck, guards were posted on the shore near the site to prevent looting, and the Bishop of Madeira threatened excommunication to anyone caught attempting to salvage. Over the next ten years, the English inventor John Lethbridge was contracted to dive the wreck. Using his “diving machine,” an airtight barrel with leather sleeves for his arms, the inventor was able to recover 90% of the treasure for the Company by 1734.

After this initial operation, the location of the Slot ter Hooge was lost. Beginning in 1967, Robert Sténuit and his organization, the Group de Recherche Archéologique Sous-Marine Post Médiévale, researched and documented European various shipwrecks. The Slot was a wreck of personal interest to Sténuit, but archival research came up blank – the records were lost, destroyed, or otherwise inaccessible among the millions of uncatalogued documents. Yet he was able to discover one important clue – a silver tankard once belonging to Lethbridge himself, engraved with a depiction of his diving machine and a map of Porto Santo. This information was enough to lead Sténuit directly to the wreck site and, in the spring of 1974, the Slot ter Hooge was rediscovered, a mere three minutes into his first dive.

The story of the 1974 rediscovery of the wreck and the recovery of the remaining treasure was featured in the August 1975 issue of National Geographic Magazine, and a copy of the magazine is included with the lot.

The coins and bars recovered from the Slot ter Hooge tell the story of both the Dutch and world economy of the early 18th century. They also, through their connection to John Lethbridge, form a tangible link to the earliest history of diving and underwater exploration.

406

Line drawings illustrating the tankard.

Report & Transactions of the Devonshire Association vol. 12 (1880)

Group photo reduced.

407

1212. LOW COUNTRIES, United States of Belgium. 1790. AR Zilveren leeuw – Lion d’argent (41mm, 32.74 g, 6h).

Second issue. Bruxelles (Brussels) mint. Dated 1790. Lion standing left, head right, holding sword and round shield / Eleven coats-of-arms around rayed sun. Vanhoudt J60; Delmonte, Argent 395; KM 50; Davenport 1285. Only a few of the usual adjustment marks. Attractive golden toning darkening to iridescence around legends. UNC. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

Mintage of 300 Pieces

1213. LOW COUNTRIES, Kingdom of Holland. Lodewijk I Napoleon. 1806-1810. AR 50 Stuiver (36mm, 26.24 g, 6h). Utrecht mint; mm: bee. Dated 1807. Bare head right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Schulman 148; KM 28. Delicate golden toning around periphery. UNC. Very sharp strike from fresh dies and nearly without the normal weaknesses of this coinage.

Very rare – only 300 struck. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

In 1806 Lodewij became the first King of the Netherlands at the behest of his elder brother Napoleon Bonaparte. His reign ended the Batavian Republic (1795-1806), and the French supported the anti Orange movement. Though reluctant to take the throne, his benign rule, improvements to society and the compassion he showed his subjects earned Lodewick the sobriquet ‘de Goede’ (the Good). His inauguration speech became famous for his effort to speak Dutch, and is remembered humorously for his French accent: “I am your king (koning)” was pronounced as “I am your rabbit (konijn)”. As a result of Lodewijk’s wasteful spending, impulsiveness. and failure to uphold the French blockade of England, his brother dethroned him and annexed The Netherlands to the French Empire in 1810. After the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815, Lodewijk attempted to regain his Dutch throne, but the house of Orange was rewarded for their support to the Allies and Lodewijk went into exile. In 1852 his youngest son Charles would found the Second Empire in France becoming Napoleon III. This is the first Dutch coin to depict a ruler since the Great Revolt in the reign of Philip II, in the mid 16th Century. Furthermore, it is the first large coin (taler, crown) since Philip II that shows ‘stuivers’ as a denomination.

408

1214.

LOW COUNTRIES, Kingdom of Holland. Lodewijk I Napoleon. 1806-1810. AR 10 Stuiver (23mm, 5.22 g, 6h).

Utrecht mint; mm: bee. Dated 1807. Bare head right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Schulman 158; KM 30. Toned, a few tiny marks.

EF. ($2000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Sincona 11 (27 May 2013), lot 2218.

Ex Restelli Collection

1215. MALTA, Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Jean de Valette. Grandmaster, 1557-1568. AR 4 Tarì (33mm, 11.56 g, 9h). Fort St. Angelo (Birgu) mint. Struck 1565-1568(?). Coat-of-arms / Head of St. John the Baptist on platter. Gatt 06-4T-136X78 (this coin cited and illustrated for obv. 136); Restelli & Sammut 37; Schembri 5. Richly toned. Good VF. Unique die combination, with this being the sole known example. ($1000) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Felice Restelli Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 58, 4 April 2011), lot 81.

1216. MALTA, Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Antoine de Paule. Grandmaster, 1623-1636. AR Halve Leeuwendaalder (32mm, 13.63 g). Coat-of-arms countermarked on a 1618 Dutch Half Leeuwendaalder of West-Friesland.

Gatt p. xx; Restelli & Sammut pl. LXXXIX, 4 (this coin illustrated); KM –. For host: CNM 2.46.25. Toned, official test cut.

Countermark EF, host VF. Very rare countermark, especially on a fractional host coin. ($2000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Baldwin’s 87 (7 May 2014), lot 1708; Felice Restelli Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 58, 4 April 2011), lot 188; J. Schulman (20 November 1972), lot 1999.

Upon his election as Grand Master, Antoine de Paule learned that many local and foreign gold and silver coins then circulating on the island were well below their correct weight because of filing or clipping; some were also counterfeit issues. The result was that daily transactions were slowed significantly by the resulting haggling, due to the wide variances in the currency. To counteract this problem, some foreign issues, such as this Leeuwendaalder, were countermarked with the Grand Master’s coat of arms, thereby signifying that such marked coinage was at the time considered of correct weight and authenticity to circulate on the island.

409

1217. MEXICO, Colonial. Carlos III. King of Spain, 1759-1788. AR 8 Reales (38mm, 27.06 g, 12h). Columnario type.

Mexico City mint. Dated 1761 Mo MM. Crowned coat-of-arms / Crowned hemispheres between crowned pillars ornamented with banners; all set on waves. Gilboy M-8-39; BW 28.4; KM 105. Toned, a few marks and scratches. EF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

1218. MEXICO, Colonial. Carlos III. King of Spain, 1759-1788. AR 8 Reales (39mm, 26.94 g, 12h). Mexico City mint. Dated 1779 Mo FF. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms between garlanded Pillars of Hercules. BW 28.6; KM 106.2. Lustrous with hints of toning around periphery. UNC. A superb example. Formerly in NGC encapsulation graded MS65. ($1500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Richard L. Lissner Collection (St. James’s 29, 1 August 2014), lot 1877.

1219

1220

1219.

MEXICO, War of Independence. Royalist countermarked issues. Monclava. AR 8 Reales (40mm, 28.26 g, 12h).

MVA/ 1812 in two rectangular cartouches counterstamped on a cast Mexican 8 Reales dated 1810 Mo HJ. BW 82.5; KM 202.2. Host: cf. KM 109. Host: Toned, edge scrape. VF. C/m: Near EF. ($750) From the Michael Cassick Collection, purchased from Mexican Coin Company, June 2014.

1220. MOZAMBIQUE, Colonial. Portuguese. Maria II a Educadora (the Educator). 1834-1853. Rectangular AR Onça (35x22mm, 25.36 g, 12h). Dated 1843. Countermarks authorized 8 November 1851. “[M] / 1843;” three countermarks around / “[ON]ÇA / 60r;” two countermarks around. For host: Gomes 09.01; KM 26.1. For countermarks: Gomes 12.01. Deep cabinet toning, scratches. Good VF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

410

Very Rare Variety

1221.

NETHERLANDS. William I. 1815-1840. AR 3 Gulden (40mm, 32.25 g, 6h). Utrecht mint; mm: ornate lamp/torch and caduceus. Dated 1819. Bare head right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Variety without stars on edge before GOD. Schulman 241b; KM 49. Toned, hairlines, holed and plugged on edge. EF. Very rare variety. ($3000) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

International Acceptance of Dutch Trade Coins

1222.

NETHERLANDS, Trade Coinage. temp. William I. 1815-1840. AR Rijksdaaler – Ducat (40mm, 28.15 g, 12h).

Utrecht mint; mm: shield. Dated 1816. Soldier standing right, holding sword and crowned coat-of-arms by ribbon / Crowned coatof-arms. Schulman 235; KM 46; Davenport 225. Light toning over frosty surfaces. UNC. Formerly in NGC encapsulation graded MS 63. Extremely rare two year type. Seldom offered in this condition. This coin is finest in CoinArchives. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Richard L. Lissner Collection (St. James’s 29, 1 August 2014), lot 696, purchased from Jacques Schulman, April 1978.

The term trade coinage refers to those precious metal issues that were minted by a particular government for the purpose of trade beyond the boundaries of the issuing state. Because these issues were of a recognized fineness, they were employed as quasi-bullion to make largescale purchases of goods and raw materials in countries where such transactions allowed for a greater value of goods and raw materials to be purchased. Trade coinage was particularly popular in Africa, the Middle East, and South East Asia where certain European coins continued to circulate there long after they were withdrawn from circulation in the home country.

Like the Venetian and Hungarian ducats, the Netherlands ducat (and, later, the rijksdaaler) became a recognized trade coinage. Beginning in the late fifteenth century under Philip the Fair, the Low Countries began issuing gold ducats of a set weight and fineness, a standard that continued unchanged until the twentieth century. While earlier ducats derived their designs from the Spanish excelente, in 1586, the Dutch introduced what would become the standard design for all their trade coinage. Taking their inspiration from the then current Hungarian ducat, the Dutch modified the design to reflect their political aspirations that were then on the rise during the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648).

Furthermore, because the Dutch East India Company was at that same time in its infancy, this gold and silver trade coinage was widely recognized and accepted as far away as Asia and the Americas, thereby facilitating the expansion of the great Dutch overseas empire. Long after both the Dutch East India Company and the Kingdom of the Netherlands issued their own coinages, this Dutch trade coinage was still being minted – a symbol of economic stability and the long-standing influence of one of the world’s great international economic empires.

411

1223. PERU, Republic. 1821-pres. AR 5 Pesetas (37mm, 24.98 g, 6h). Peseta coinage. Lima mint. Dated 1880 BF. Wreathed head left / Wreath over coat-of-arms set in wreath of palm frond and olive branch. KM 201.2. Toned. UNC. Formerly in NGC encapsulation graded MS 63. ($500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Richard L. Lissner Collection (St. James’s 29, 1 August 2014), lot 2087, purchased from World-Wide Coins of Atlanta, June 1969.

1224. PHILIPPINES, Spanish Colonial. Fernando VII. Second reign, 1813-1833. AR 8 Reales (40mm, 26.57 g).

Authorized 2 October 1832, struck 5 October 1832-20 December 1834. Crowned F.7.o within circular cartouche countermarked on a Brazilian 1820 R 960 Réis. Basso 41; KM 53; cf. PNM 16-48; Cacho type VII, CS-004; Lopez-Chavez & Yriarte Type III, group C; Gil crown variety 5-4-1-C. Toned. EF. Rare host coin. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Raymond Czahor Collection (Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio 9 January 2015), lot 1371, hammer $7000.

412

The Galst Collection of Hebrew Bracteate Denars The history of Jewish moneyers and their involvement in producing coinage in Poland is an intriguing part of history. Under Boleslaus IV (1146-1173), Jews had began to enter Poland in greater numbers as they fled from Germany where they were facing intense persecution. Some of these Jews took up positions as goldsmiths, minters, and other related positions, but under Boleslaus IV solid silver dinars continued to be minted with no Hebrew inscriptions. However, Mieszko III came up with a fiendish plan to gather the money he needed to fund further wars to acquire more territory and he intended to use the Jews to carry out his plan. Upon his succession to the throne, he instituted monetary reforms that replaced the older solid silver coins with thin low silver content bracteates and removed the old coins from circulation. Most of the new coins had a short lifespan, necessitating even more withdrawals and silver reductions, further enriching Mieszko III. These reforms proved extremely unpopular, but Mieszko III used the Jews as a shield as he was using them to implement his scheme, but Hebrew still was not placed on any of the coins. Eventually, he was overthrown and replaced by Casimir the Just due to his unpopularity, but Casimir was weak and the princes defied him issuing their own coins with their own Jewish mint masters. During this period, both Casimir and other princes struck bracteate with Hebrew inscriptions on them. With Poland in chaos, Mieszko III took out a large loan, which was likely funded

by Jewish sources, and raised a large army and retook most of his old territory. Due to his success, he rewarded his Jewish supporters. They were given a life grant for the farming of the Gniezno mint and control of its yearly exchange. They were also appointed as tax collectors, royal monopoly keepers, and other important royal positions. All of his coins during this second period of rule also bear Hebrew inscriptions.

This would continue intermittently till the reign of his great grandson Przemeslaus I. Przemeslaus I was also given a large loan by the Jews of Gniezno which he used to reconquer lost territory and so again Hebrew became a common sight to see on state coinage in Poland. The last Polish ruler to permit Hebrew on their own coins was Przemeslaus II, who was also given a large loan by the Jews of Gniezno to help him claim the throne. In this period, we actually see the head of a Jewish man placed on the coinage rather than that of a king, truly an astonishing sight. This is how during the 12th and 13th centuries the currency of Poland was issued by Jewish mint masters with Hebrew inscriptions.

1225 1226 1225.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (17mm, 0.11 g). Gniezno mint. Bust left, holding lis; above and to right, ‫( טיבה ברכה‬towa bracha, “Good blessing” in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 9; Gumowski, Hebräische 234; Kopicki 115; Frynas P.9.38. Rich iridescent toning. Near EF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2275.

1226.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (16mm, 0.16 g). Gniezno mint. ‫( ברכה משקא‬Bracha Gnezd, ”Blessing of Gniezno ” in Hebrew), Mieszko standing facing, arms spread / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 16; Gumowski, Hebräische 83; Kopicki 98; Frynas P.9.27. Toned. Near EF. Rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2270.

1227 1228 1227.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (18mm, 0.17 g). Gniezno mint. Struck 1189-1202. Bust of Mieszko right; tree to right, crescent below tree; below, ‫משקא‬ (Bracha, “Blessing” in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 11; Gumowski, Hebräische 141; Kopicki 119; Frynas P.9.43. Toned. Good VF. Rare. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Daniel M. Friedenberg Collection (Goldberg 25, 31 May 2004). lot 3199 (part of).

1228.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (18mm, 0.13 g). Gniezno mint. Struck 1195-1202(?). Bust of Mieszko left; bird upright to left; between, ‫( משקא‬Bracha, “Blessing” in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 14; Gumowski, Hebräische 118; Kopicki 114; Frynas –. Toned, small flan split, a few edge chips. VF. Rare. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2274.

413

1229

1230

1231

1229.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (16mm, 0.11 g). Gniezno mint. Struck 1195-1202. Armored half length bust right, holding palm frond; to right,‫( גנד‬hareid, “Pious” in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 50; Gumowski, Hebräische 190; Kopicki 109; Frynas P.9.3. Toned, small edge nick. Good VF. ($500)

From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2273.

1230.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (15mm, 0.14 g). Gniezno mint. Struck 1195-1202. Armored half length bust right, holding palm frond; to left, ‫( גנד‬crude hareid, “Pious” in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 50; Gumowski, Hebräische 196; Kopicki 110; Frynas P.9.3.

Toned. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Robert Schonwalter Collection (Triton VIII, 12 January 2005), lot 1718.

1231.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (14mm, 0.10 g). Gniezno mint. Struck 1195-1202. Armored facing bust, wearing conical helmet; star to left; in border, ‫( קריל פלסה‬Miszka, “Mieszko” in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 51; Gumowski, Hebräische 180; Kopicki 108; Frynas P.9.32. Toned, ragged edge. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2272.

1232 1233 1234 1232.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (18mm, 0.15 g). Kalisz mint. Struck from 1182/3 or 1186. ‫משקו קריל פלסה‬, (Miszka krȯl Polski, “Mieszko, King of Poland” in Hebrew) around, lion standing left, head reverted / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 6; Gumowski, Hebräische 52; Kopicki 96; Frynas P.9.25. Toned, raggeld flan, edge chip, glued to old collection holder. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2269.

1233.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (20mm, 0.23 g). Kalisz mint; Jackob, moneyer. Struck from 1182/3 or 1186. Eagle standing left, head right; to left, ‫( יעקב‬Jakob in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 23; Gumowski, Hebräische 260 (Mieszko Młodszy); Kopicki 140; Frynas 9.54.

Toned. VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Daniel M. Friedenberg Collection (Goldberg 25, 31 May 2004). lot 3199 (part of).

Some references attribute this type to Mieszko Młodszy (the Younger), who was Duke of Kalisz from 1186-1193.

1234.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (15mm). Kujawska (Kruszwica?) mint. Struck 1186/94-1202. ‫( ברכה יב יצרה‬Bracha u haclach, “Blessing and success” in Hebrew) around, bust left, holding sword / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 17; Gumowski, Hebräische 164; Kopicki 116; Frynas P.9.39. Toned, good metal, mounted on card. Good VF. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2276.

414

1235

1236 1235.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (16mm, 0.17 g). Kujawska (Kruszwica?) mint. Struck circa 1194-1202 or later. ‫( בכלה’ הצלה‬brachla u chaclech, “Blessing and success” in Hebrew), facing head / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 43; Gumowski, Hebräische 317 (Przemysl I); Kopicki 126; Frynas P.9.46. Toned. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2278.

1236.

POLAND, Monarchy. Mieszko III Stary (the Old). As Duke of Greater Poland, 1181/2-1202. AR Bracteate Denar (18mm, 0.17 g). Uncertain mint. Draped facing bust of Mieszko, holding banner in right hand; to right, draped bust left; above and below, ‫( טובה ברכה‬Rabachi ami, “My people are numerous” in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 8; Gumowski, Hebräische 21; Kopicki 93; Frynas P.9.22. Toned, small flan split. Near VF. ($1500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 63 (21 April 1993), lot 2268 .

1237

1238

1237. POLAND, Greater Poland. Uncertain ruler. Early 13th century. AR Bracteate Denar (15mm, 0.17 g). Uncertain mint; Menashe, moneyer. Struck circa 1220-1230. Facing busts of a bishop, holding crozier, and a prince, holding banner; annulet to upper left; below, ‫( מנהם‬Menashe in Hebrew) / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 32; Gumowski, Hebräische 286 (Przemysl I); Kopicki 140 (Mieszko the Old); Frynas –. Toned, deposits. VF. Rare. ($300) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Daniel M. Friedenberg Collection (Goldberg 25, 31 May 2004). lot 3199 (part of).

1238. POLAND, Greater Poland. Uncertain ruler. Early 13th century. AR Bracteate Denar (17mm, 0.10 g). Uncertain mint. Struck circa 1220-1230. Bird standing left on plant; row of annulets below; ‫( טיבה ברכה‬towa bracha, “Good blessing” in Hebrew) around / Incuse of obverse. Gorińska type 36; cf. Gumowski, Hebräische 305-7 (for type; Przemysl I); Kopicki 120; Frynas –. Toned, areas of weak strike. VF. ($400) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Superior (2 June 1992), lot 4581.

1239.

PORTUGAL, Kingdom. João V o Magnânimo (the Magnanimous). 1707-1750. AV Dobra – 12800 Réis (38mm, 12h). Lisboa (Lisbon) mint. Dated 1726. Laureate head right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Gomez 58.03; KM 222; Friedberg 84.

In NGC encapsulation 5775178-005, graded MS 61. ($15,000)

415

Yefimoks, the Russian Solution for Ukraine’s Currency Crisis

1240.

RUSSIA, Tsardom of Rus. Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. 1645-1676. AR Yefimok (41mm, 34.03 g). Dated 1655.

1655 in rectangular counterstamp and circular counterstamp of Alexei on horseback right, holding scepter, on a 1589 Antwerp mint Philipsdaalder of Brabant. Spassky p. 127, fig. 91, 13-5; Spassky, Yefimoks 424 corr. (mint; this coin illustrated); KM – (unlisted host). For host: G&H 210-1a; Delmonte, Argent 11. Toned. Countermark VF. Host Good Fine, a few scratches. ($2000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Willy Fuchs Collection (Sotheby’s, 24 April 1997), lot 31, purchased from L. Södermann, 5 April 1967.

The introduction of yefimoks, overstruck or countermarked talers, was brought about by the monetary reforms of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in 1654. The old silver kopecks were to be kept in circulation and in addition talers were to be purchased from foreign merchants and restruck as roubles. The Moscow mint simply could not afford to strike round coins with their old hammer tools as they were liable to frequent breakages and high costs. Eventually, around 800,000 yefimoks were put into circulation, but they were not allowed to be used to pay the government tax and foreigners were only allowed to do business in the older silver kopecks. Their main reason for introduction was to replace the old Polish currency of the recently absorbed Ukraine. Though the reforms proved to be disastrous and yefimoks were demonetized in 1659 after only five years of use, they still saw extensive use in Ukraine alongside the old Polish currency where many have been found in extensive hoards.

1241.

RUSSIA, Tsardom of Rus. Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. 1645-1676. AR Yefimok (43mm, 26.69 g). Dated 1655.

1655 in rectangular counterstamp and circular counterstamp of Alexei on horseback right, holding scepter, on a 1644 Utrecht Leeuwendaalder of the Dutch Republic. Spassky p. 127, fig. 91, 13-5; Spassky, Yefimoks 390 (this coin illustrated); cf. KM 421. For host: CNM 2.4.3.65. Toned. Countermark Good VF. Host VF. ($3000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Willy Fuchs Collection (Sotheby’s, 24 April 1997), lot 31, purchased from Gitta Kastner, 5 June 1973.

416

1242.

RUSSIA, Tsardom of Rus. Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. 1645-1676. AR Yefimok (42mm, 27.48 g). Dated 1655.

1655 in rectangular counterstamp and circular counterstamp of Alexei on horseback right, holding scepter, on a 1628 Brussels mint Patagon of the Spanish Netherlands. Spassky p. 127, fig. 91, 15; cf. Spassky, Yefimoks 527-8; KM 425. For host: G&H 329-3; Delmonte, Argent 295. Toned. Countermark Good VF, double struck. VF. ($2000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Willy Fuchs Collection (Sotheby’s, 24 April 1997), lot 38, purchased from Goldhofer, 29 October 1989.

1243.

RUSSIA, Tsardom of Rus. Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. 1645-1676. AR Yefimok (41mm, 27.74 g). Dated 1655.

1655 in rectangular counterstamp and circular counterstamp of Alexei on horseback right, holding scepter, on a 1631 Brugge mint Patagon of the Spanish Netherlands. Spassky p. 127, fig. 91, 15; KM 425. For host: G&H 329-6; Delmonte, Argent 297; KM 34. Toned. Countermark VF. Host VF. ($1000) From the Michael Cassick Collection. Ex Dmitry Markov 10 (23 October 2001), lot 599.

417

1244.

RUSSIA, Tsardom of Rus. Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. 1645-1676. AR Yefimok (42mm, 28.17 g). Dated 1655.

1655 in rectangular counterstamp and circular counterstamp of Alexei on horseback right, holding scepter, on a 1640 Taler of Basel, Switzerland. Spassky p. 127, fig. 91, 13-5; cf. Spassky, Yefimoks 1493 (this coin illustrated); KM – (unlisted host). For host: HMZ 2-78o. Toned. Countermark VF. Host VF. ($4000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Willy Fuchs Collection (Sotheby’s, 24 April 1997), lot 172, purchased from Krojer, 5 February 1976.

1245

1246

1247

1245. RUSSIA, Empire. Petr I Alexeyevich Velikiy (Peter the Great). 1682-1725. AR Rouble (40mm, 28.51 g, 11h).

“Seaman” type. Krasny (Red) mint. Dated 1724. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Crowned cruciform П monogram; I in each quarter. Diakov 21; Bitkin 946; Uzdenikov 0617; KM 162.5. Lightly toned, minor delamination on reverse. Good VF. ($500) 1246.

RUSSIA, Empire. Yelizaveta Petrovna (Elizabeth). 1741-1762. AR Rouble (41.5mm, 25.49 g, 12h). Krasny (Red) mint. Dated 1745 MMД. Crowned bust right / Crowned double-headed eagle facing, holding scepter and globus cruciger.

Diakov 127; Bitkin 117; Uzdenikov 0796; KM (C) 19.1. Underlying luster. Near EF. ($500) 1247. RUSSIA, Empire. Ekaterina II Velikaya (the Great). 1762-1796. AR Rouble (37mm, 21.14 g, 12h). SanktPeterburg (St. Petersburg) mint. Dated 1780 CПБ ИЗ. Crowned bust right / Crowned double-headed eagle facing, holding scepter and globus cruciger. Diakov 403; Bitkin 228; Uzdenikov 1104; KM (C) 67b. Mottled toning, some corrosion, marks and light scratches, delamination and other flan flaws. Good VF. ($500) 418

1248.

RUSSIA, Empire. Ekaterina II Velikaya (the Great). 1762-1796. CU 10 Kopeks (46mm, 57.95 g, 12h). Struck for use in Siberia. Suzun (Kolyvan) mint. Dated 1780 KM. Inscribed crowned oval shield in ornate frame and held by Siberian fox supporters / Crowned script Є II monogram within laurel and palm wreath. Edge: /////. Diakov 1108; Bitkin 1044; cf.

Uzdenikov 4346; Brekke 529; KM (C) 6. Wonderful dark brown surfaces. EF. A choice example, rare thus. ($500) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach, with a Goldberg ticket.

1249.

SPAIN, Aragon. Sancho Ramírez I. 1063-1094. AR Dinero (18mm, 1.09 g, 10h). ‘Crude’ group. Jaca mint. Struck 1089-1094. Ḧ ⎄²n⌐ዢዮ⎄ / ʼዞᛸ, head right / Cross pattée set on floriated staff; ²ʼ² ⌐ɱn across field. MEC 6, 48; ME 1765.

Toned. EF. ($500) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Áureo & Calicó 258 (20 March 2014), lot 117; Manuel Vidal Quadras y Ramón Collection (1818-1894), no.

5269 (with his ticket).

1250 1251 1250.

SPAIN, Kingdom. Carlos III. 1759-1788. AV 4 Escudos (28mm, 12h). Madrid mint. Dated 1787 M DV. Armored and draped bust right / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. ME 12716; KM 418.1a; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 1914476-005, graded MS 62. ($750) 1251. SPAIN, Kingdom. Carlos IV. 1788-1808. AV 4 Escudos (28mm, 12h). Madrid mint. Dated 1796 M MF. Armored and draped bust right / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. ME 14203; KM 436.1; Friedberg 294. In ANACS encapsulation 3002849, graded AU 55 Details, cleaned. ($600)

419

1252. SPAIN, Kingdom. Fernando VII. Second reign, 1813-1833. AV 320 Reales (35mm, 27.02 g, 12h). De Vellon coinage. Madrid mint. Dated 1822 M SR. Bare head right / Crowned coat-of-arms within collar. ME 16508; Calicó 1354; KM 566; Friedberg 319. Minor hairlines. EF or better. Rare. ($7500)

Swedish Coins from the DMS Collection

1253. SWEDEN. Erik XIV. 1560–1568. AR Riksdaler (42mm, 4h). Type II. Stockholm mint. Dated 1561. Crowned and armored bust right, holding sword and globus cruciger / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. AAH 5; Tingström 2; Antell 501 var. (rev. legend stops); Davenport 8701. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4222489-003, graded XF 45. ($3000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Lennart Philipson Collection (Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio, 8 January 2016), lot 40005, purchased from Ahlstrom.

Erik XIV famously died after consuming a bowl of poisoned pea soup. In 1958 his body was exhumed from Vasteras Cathedral and forensic analysis confirmed evidence of lethal arsenic poisoning.

420

1254. SWEDEN. Erik XIV. 1560–1568. AR 16 Öre Klippe (24x25mm, 22.25 g, 6h). Nordic Seven Years’ War issue.

Stockholm mint. Dated 1563. Crowned coat-of-arms / Crowned coat-of-arms. AAH 44a; Tingström 22; Antell 571. Toned, some porosity. VF. ($500) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach, May 2005. Ex Charles E. Wyatt 14 (15 August 1986), lot 404.

Much of Erik XIV’s reign was occupied by the Nordic Seven Years’ War (1563-1570), a period of instability during which Sweden fought against Denmark and Poland for territory. As the need for war funding grew, Erik minted a series of “klippings” in several denominations from 1562 until he was deposed in 1568. These coins were easy to manufacture and were also produced during the reigns of Gustav Vasa, Johann III, and Karl IX when a large quantity of coinage was needed.

1255. SWEDEN. Erik XIV. 1560–1568. AR 16 Öre Klippe (24x25mm, 23.63 g, 3h). Nordic Seven Years’ War issue.

Stockholm mint. Dated 1564. Crowned coat-of-arms / Crowned coat-of-arms. AAH 45; cf. Tingström 22 (for type); Antell 572. Toned. VF. ($500) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Pegasi, August 2010.

1256.

SWEDEN. Johan III. 1568–1592. AR Riksdaler (42mm, 2h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1575. Crowned and armored bust right, holding sword and globus cruciger, set atop coat-of-arms / Christ standing facing, holding globus cruciger and raising hand in benediction. AAH 25; Tingström 10; Antell 25; Davenport 8705. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 3733367017, graded XF 45. ($3000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30260.

421

Choice Regency Daler

1257. SWEDEN. Duke Karl (Karl IX). Regent, 1599–1604. AR Riksdaler (42mm, 5h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1599.

Crowned coat-of-arms / Radiant name of God in Hebrew. AAH 7; Tingström 16; Antell 304; Davenport 8705. A superb example of this austere type. Rich old cabinet toning with underlying luster. In NGC encapsulation 3733345-008, graded MS 63. Very rare. ($20,000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30261.

In the late 16th century Duke Karl emerged as a champion of the Protestant cause in Sweden against his nephew Sigismund III, a devout Catholic who was King of Sweden and also the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1598 Karl defeated and captured Sigismund at the Battle of Stangebro. This Riksdaler was struck during the aftermath of this crucial battle while Karl crushed forces loyal to Sigismund in Sweden and Finland. On 24 July 1599 a Riksdag in Stockholm formally deposed Sigismund and Karl’s regency was assured.

422

1258. SWEDEN. Gustav II Adolf den store (the Great). 1611–1632. AR Riksdaler (43mm, 10h). Stockholm mint.

Dated 1615. Laureate and armored half-length bust left, resting hand on hilt of sword; above, radiant name of God in Hebrew.

Legend ends in HAERE / Radiant Christ standing facing, holding globus cruciger and raising hand in benediction; to left, crown over three coats-of-arms. AAH 23b; Tingström 6; Antell 463-4 var. (legend); KM 69; Davenport 4515. Toned. In PCGS encapsulation 34398795, graded AU 55. Rare legend variant. ($1500) From the DMS Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio (11 January 2018), lot 21389.

1259.

SWEDEN. Gustav II Adolf den store (the Great). 1611–1632. AR 4 Marks (42mm, 5h). Type I. Stockholm mint.

Dated 1616. Laureate and armored half-length bust left, resting hand on hilt of sword; above, radiant name of God in Hebrew / Crown over three coats-of-arms. AAH 47; Tingström 15; Antell 522; KM 64. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4222489-001, graded AU 50. ($1000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Lennart Philipson Collection (Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio, 8 January 2016), lot 40031, purchased from Ahlstrom.

The year 1616 saw Sweden still in the midst of the Ingrian War with Russia. Originally, the war was used by Gustav II Adolf to press his brother’s claim to the Russian throne, but as the war wore on it became clear that such an outcome was unlikely. An armistice was agreed upon in 1616 before a final peace was negotiated, with the Treaty of Stolbovo being signed in early 1617. Russia lost access to the Baltic Sea, with the province of Ingria and other townships being ceded to Sweden. This coin was possibly used to pay for Gustav Adolf’s continued campaigns in Russia during this time.

423

Occupation of Würzburg Ends the Witch Trials

1260.

SWEDEN. Gustav II Adolf den store (the Great). 1611–1632. AR Riksdaler (43mm, 28.51 g, 2h). Occupation of Würzburg. Würzburg mint. Dated 1632. Armored bust right, holding baton and globus cruciger; above, radiant name of God in Hebrew / Crowned coat-of-arms within wreath. AAJ 8; Antell 901 var. (obv. legend); KM 102; Davenport 4560B. Old cabinet toning, light scratches and marks. Good VF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach, August 2011. Ex El Dorado 9 (14 September 1985), lot 66.

The capture of Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg by Gustav Adolf in 1631 brought the end to an important event in the city’s history, the largest mass trials and executions seen in Europe’s history. Already a site of Counter Reformation activity targeting suspected dissidents with accusations of witchcraft before the Thirty Years War, the largest Würzburg Witch Trials began in 1625 and encompassed people of all classes, with 219 people in the city and over 900 people in the bishopric being imprisoned and put to death before the city was captured on July 16, 1631. The supposed trigger for the claims of witchcraft were rumors that a frost that had destroyed a vine grape harvest had been caused by witchcraft. When several suspects were captured and admitted under torture to using witchcraft to accomplish the deed, the trials and executions began in earnest. After its capture, Würzburg’s witch trials abruptly ceased and it was used as an important base of operations for the Protestant forces striking at the Catholic army of Tilly under Habsburg employ.

1261. SWEDEN. Kristina. 1632–1654. AR Riksdaler (43mm, 3h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1646. Crowned bust facing slightly left / Radiant Christ standing facing, holding globus cruciger and raising hand in benediction; to left, crowned coat-ofarms. AAH 18b; cf. Tingström 3 (for type); KM 187; Davenport 4525. Rich cabinet toning. In NGC encapsulation 3733367030, graded AU 58. ($3000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30976.

424

1262 1263 1262. SWEDEN. Kristina. 1632–1654. AR 4 Marks (41mm, 21.59 g, 8h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1638 (in Roman numerals). Crowned half-length figure of Kristina standing left, holding mirror; on table to left, scepter, globus cruciger, and crown / Crowned coat-of-arms. AAH 42b; Tingström 9; KM 164. Toned, areas of weak strike, adjustment marks, light scratches, edge marks. Near VF. ($500) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, August 2013.

1263.

SWEDEN. Karl XI. 1660–1697. AR 4 Marks (37mm, 20.30 g, 12h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1693 AS. Draped and cuirassed bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. AAH 84; cf. Tingström 28 (for type); KM 296. Toned, cleaned, light scratches, lamination flaw. VF. ($300) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, August 2013.

1264. SWEDEN. Karl XI. 1660–1697. AR 4 Marks (27mm, 20.80 g, 1h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1696 AS. Draped and cuirassed bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. AAH 87; cf. Tingström 28 (for type); KM 296. Lustrous, light marks, areas of weak strike. Near EF. Rare in this grade. ($750) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, August 2013.

1265. SWEDEN. Karl XI. 1660–1697. AR Two-thirds Taler – Gulden (37mm, 12h). Struck for use in Pomerania.

Stettin mint. Dated 1689 ILA. Draped and cuirassed bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms surmounted by helmet; two helmeted supporters. AAJ 107; KM 307.1 (German States); Davenport 767. Deep iridescent cabinet toning. In NGC encapsulation 2038875-002, graded MS 62. ($500) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 31068; Green Estate Partnership (Eric P. Newman/Burdette G. Johnson); Colonel Edward Howland Robinson Green Collection.

Sweden long had commercial and cultural ties with the Baltic region of Pommerania. Home to a mixture of Germans, Poles, and Swedes, the territory came under direct control of the Swedish kings after it was occupied by the armies of Gustavus Adolphus during the Thirty Years War. Official recognition of Swedish authority in Pommerania was granted by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. The Swedish kings and queens would control the territory until it was lost to Napoléon in 1807 and ultimately given to Prussia in the Congress of Vienna.

425

1266.

SWEDEN. Karl XI. 1660–1697. AR Third Taler – Half Gulden (30mm, 11h). Type I. Struck for use in Pomerania.

Stettin mint. Dated 1673 DS. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms surmounted by helmet; two helmeted supporters. AAJ 121; KM 260 (German States). Cabinet toning with traces of iridescence. In NGC encapsulation 3733367-038, graded MS 63. ($500) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 31888.

1267. SWEDEN. Ulrika Eleonora. 1719–1720. AR Riksdaler (42mm, 11h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1719 LC. Draped bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned leonine supporters. AAH 4; Tingström 3; KM 370; Davenport 1718. Rich iridescent cabinet toning. In NGC encapsulation 4222497-008, graded AU 50. Rare. Mintage of only 10,000. ($2000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Lennart Philipson Collection (Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio, 8 January 2016), lot 40056.

1268. SWEDEN. Ulrika Eleonora. 1719–1720. AR Mark (23mm, 12h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1720/19 LC. Draped bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. AAH 8; Tingström 6; KM 367. Golden cabinet toning. In NGC encapsulation 2038875012, graded MS 63. ($1500) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30984; Green Estate Partnership (Eric P. Newman/Burdette G. Johnson); Colonel Edward Howland Robinson Green Collection.

426

1269.

SWEDEN. Adolf Fredrik. 1751–1771. AR 3 Daler SM – Riksdaler (40mm, 12h). Type III. Stockholm mint. Dated 1770 AL. Head right, hair tied in ribbon / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. AAH 59; Tingström 21; KM 505; Davenport 1733. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2038875-019, graded MS 62. ($750) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30994; Green Estate Partnership (Eric P. Newman/Burdette G. Johnson); Colonel Edward Howland Robinson Green Collection.

1270. SWEDEN. Gustav III. 1771–1792. AR 3 Daler SM – Riksdaler (40mm, 12h). Type II. Stockholm mint. Dated 1775 OL. Head right, hair tied in ribbon / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. AAH 42; cf. Tingström 4 (for type); KM 514; Davenport 1735. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2038875-021, graded MS 65. ($3000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30277.

1271. SWEDEN. Gustav III. 1771–1792. AR Riksdaler (42mm, 29.13 g, 12h). Type III. Stockholm mint. Dated 1775 OL. Head right, hair tied in ribbon / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. AAH 47a; cf. Tingström 5 (for type); KM 527; Davenport 1736. Cabinet toning, adjustment marks, flan flaws, minor marks. VF. ($300) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach, May 2005.

427

1272. SWEDEN. Gustav III. 1771–1792. AR Riksdaler (42mm, 29.14 g, 12h). Type III. Stockholm mint. Dated 1792 OL. Head right, hair tied in ribbon / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. AAH 54; cf. Tingström 5 (for type); KM 527; Davenport 1736. Toned, flan flaws, deposits, hairlines. VF. ($300) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Eric Streiner, August 2001. Ex Westfälische Auktionsgesellschaft 14 (3 May 1999), lot 3082.

1273.

SWEDEN. Gustav IV Adolf. 1792–1809. AV Ducat (20mm, 12h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1799 OL. Armored bust right, hair tied in ribbon / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. AAH 8; cf. Tingström 4 (for type); KM 542; Friedberg 77. In NGC encapsulation 3837635-005, graded MS 63. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Eric Streiner.

1274.

SWEDEN. Oscar I. 1844–1859. AR Riksdaler Specie (39mm, 12h). Reform coinage. Stockholm mint. Dated 1856 ST. Head right / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned leonine supporters. AAH 56b; H&H 57; cf. Tingström 21 (for type); KM 689; Davenport 354. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2038875-039, graded MS 63. Rare in this choice state. ($500) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30277.

428

1275. SWEDEN. Oscar I. 1844–1859. AR Riksdaler Specie (39mm, 34.01 g, 12h). Reform coinage. Stockholm mint.

Dated 1857 ST. Head right / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned leonine supporters. AAH 57a; H&H 58; Tingström 21; KM 689; Davenport 354. Mottled toning. AU. ($300) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, August 2013.

1276. SWEDEN. Karl XV. 1859–1872. AR Riksdaler Specie (39mm, 12h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1862 ST LA. Head right / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned leonine supporters. AAH 15a-e var. (large letters on edge); H&H 15c; Tingström 3); KM 711; Davenport 356. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2038875-042, graded MS 64. Rare. ($750) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 31013.

1277. SWEDEN. Karl XV. 1859–1872. AV Ducat (18mm, 12h). Stockholm mint. Dated 1861 ST. Head right / Crowned and mantled coat-of-arms. AAH 3b; H&H 2a; Tingström 1; KM 709; Friedberg 91. In NGC encapsulation 2038875-041, graded MS 63. ($1000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 31014.

429

Swedish Plate Money Sweden, though home to extensive copper mines, some of which have been worked continually for over 900 years, does not have a readily available source of precious metal. By the early 17th century, Sweden’s precious metal reserves had been exhausted by a series of expensive foreign wars, particularly the Kalmar War (see lot 1311 for a medal relating to this), and the government responded by striking copper coins of ever increasing size. In 1644 came the first issue of the famous plate coins, a huge 10 daler piece weighing over 44 pounds. This and the equally rare 8 daler piece were too awkward for use, but the principle proved economically sound and the idea was accepted by the people. From that point until the 1750s plate coinage was produced in denominations ranging from 1/2 to 4 daler, and remained legal tender until 1777. Many pieces then fell to the melting pot, as their usefulness as metal outweighed their intrinsic value. The most famous source for these plates has been the “Nicobar” shipwreck hoard, an East Indiaman who sank in 1783 with eight tons of copper plates as cargo and ballast, intended for the eastern trade. Most of the Swedish plate money currently on the market come from this shipwreck, and show the effects of 200 years under water.

Numismatic Colossus 1278.

SWEDEN, Plate Money. Karl X Gustav. 1654–1660. CU 8 Daler SM Plate (62.2x30cm, 14.36 kg). Avesta mint. Dated 1659. Center stamp: Ⴀ 8 Ⴀ/ DALER/ Sölf : Mnt Ṅ (coat-of-arms) Ṅ. Four stamps in corners: Ⴀ CAROLUS · GUSTAVUS · X · D : G : REX : SVEC : around crown; below, 1659 with three lis around. Tingström, Plate p. 254, stamps B/4; AAH 45; KM PM 13.

A highly impressive example of this colossus of the world series. Warm brown surfaces. EF. Extremely rare. ($150,000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern.

At over sixty centimetres in length and weighing an astonishing 14.36 kilograms, this iconic rarity is one of the largest coins ever issued for circulation. Despite its mammoth size, the 8 Daler piece had only a relatively small purchasing power. According to the note on the 8 Daler in the collection of the British Museum, the coin was worth only about two kegs of rye.

Tingström (p. 223) recorded 24 specimens of the 1659 8 Daler plate. Only about ninety examples of all dates are known, with perhaps just 10 to 20 in private collections. The majority of 8 Dalers in private and museum collections were uncovered in 1902 in Riga, Latvia, when the harbor was dredged and, unlike our specimen, have varying degrees of porosity. With only a single example of the famous 10 Daler in private hands, the 1659 8 Daler represents the largest collectible plate money denomination.

The earliest example in the United States appears to have been owned by H.O. Granberg, who exhibited the piece at the 1911 ANA Convention (Adams, “The Exhibits at the Convention,” in The Numismatist vol 29, no. 9 [September 1911], p. 327) and the Panama-Pacific Exhibition in 1916 (“Numismatics at the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition,” in Mehl’s Numismatic Monthly vol. 7, no. 4, [April 1916], p. 52).

Granberg’s U.S. coins were sold by B. Max Mehl between 1914 and 1919, while the remainder of his collection was sold privately to various dealers. This example could not be traced further.

As of 1918, there were only three examples of the massive coin in the United States: the ANS specimen, one in the collection of Virgil Brand, and one in the collection of Oscar Engstrom. (J. de Lagerberg, “Copper and Cannon Plate Coins Struck in Sweden,” in The Numismatist [April 1918]). The ANS specimen was donated by Emerson McMillin in 1914, while Engstrom’s was offered by B. Max Mehl (23 November 1920, lot 198). Over the next few decades, only one example seems to appear in the American numismatic hobby, that of Ragnar L. Cederlund, who exhibited the piece in 1932 and again in 1944. Also in the 1940s, H. Green of Chicago offered two examples from the Brand Collection, though it is unclear whether this is Armin or Virgil Brand, presumably the former. (The Numismatist vol. 59, no. 2 [February 1946], p. 172vol.

60, no. 1 [January 1947], p. 38). Green’s second offering of the piece interestingly uses the McMillan/ANS specimen for an illustration.

Later examples appear in an offering in The Numismatist by William L. Bryan, in a list or sale closing on 15 May 1963 (The Numismatist [May 1963], p. 762, the sale itself could not be traced) and in The Numismatic Scrapbook (vol. 23, 1957).

In the past twenty years only two 8 Dalers have appeared for sale at auction, both in Europe: Kunker 185, 17 March 2011, lot 6001 hammer Euro 180,000 ($252,000) and Myntkomaniet/AB Philea 11, 12 November 2016, lot 80 hammer Euro 177,000 ($192,000).

430

Photo reduced.

Details of Lot 1278 431

Photo reduced 1279. SWEDEN, Plate Money. Karl XI. 1660–1697. CU 2 Daler SM Plate (21.6x21.8cm, 2.68 kg). Avesta mint. Dated 1674. Center stamp: Ⴀ 2 Ⴀ/ DALER/ Sölf : Mnt/ Ṅ Ṅ Ṅ. Four stamps in corners: Ⴀ CAROLUS · XI · D : G : SVE : GOT : WAN : REX · around crown; below, 1674 ·. Tingström, Plate p. 264-6, E/11; AAH 275; KM PM 18. Brown and green surfaces, some deposits and corrosion indicative of sea salvage. Near EF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach.

Photos reduced 1280. SWEDEN, Plate Money. Karl XII. 1697–1718. CU 1 Daler SM Plate (13.6x14cm; 748.43 g). Avesta mint. Dated 1716, revalued as 3 Kroner in Stockholm, 1718. Center stamp: I/ DALER/ S : M. Four stamps in corners: crowned interlocking Cs with XII at center, 17 16 across field. Additional stamp on obverse: Coat-of-arms of Gota; 17 18 across field. Stamp on reverse: three crowns. Tingström, Plate p. 283, C/2; AAH 181; KM PM 38. For revaluation stamps: Tingström p. 288, B/1; AAH p. 180. Chocolate brown surfaces. Near EF. The reverse displays incuse impressions of the 1718 revaluation stamp, suggesting that the stamp was applied to a stack of plate coins at the same time. ($750) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach. Ex Henry Christiansen 82 (10 December 1982), lot 246.

432

Photo reduced 1281. SWEDEN, Plate Money. Ulrika Eleonora. 1719–1720. CU Half Daler SM Plate (10.1x11.9cm; 348.4 g). Avesta mint. Dated 1719. Center stamp: I/2 / DALER/ SILF : MYNT/ (crossed arrows). Four stamps in corners: crowned monogarm, 17 19 across field. Tingström, Plate p. 293, D/1; AAH 22; KM PM 56. Brown surfaces. Near EF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach, 2015.

Photo reduced 1282.

SWEDEN, Plate Money. Fredrik I. 1720–1751. CU 4 Daler SM Plate (23.3x23.5cm; 2.88 kg). Avesta mint. Dated 1727. Center stamp: 4 / DALER/ SILF : MYNT/ (crossed arrows). Four stamps in corners: crowned FRS, 1719 below.

Tingström, Plate p. 295, A/8; AAH 190; KM PM 74. Brown and green surfaces, some deposits and corrosion indicative of sea salvage. Good VF. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach. Ex Henry Christiansen 82 (10 December 1982), lot 256.

433

Photo reduced 1283. SWEDEN, Plate Money. Fredrik I. 1720–1751. CU 4 Daler SM Plate (24x25cm; 2.92 kg). Avesta mint. Dated 1728. Center stamp: 4 / DALER/ SILF : MYNT/ (crossed arrows). Four stamps in corners: crowned FRS, 1719 below.

Tingström, Plate p. 295, A/9; AAH 191; KM PM 74. Brown surfaces. Near EF. ($1500)

1284. SWITZERLAND, Canton of Zürich. Zürich. AV Dukat (22mm, 3.43 g, 12h). Dated 1775. Lion standing left, head reverted, holding sword and resting paw on coat-of-arms / Legend and date in four lines within border. HMZ 2-1161jj; KM 161; Friedberg 486b. Lustrous, a few minor hairlines. EF. ($750)

1285. SWITZERLAND, Canton of Basel. Basel. AR Taler (42mm, 25.64 g, 12h). Dated 1741 IHM. Basilisk standing left, resting claw on coat-of-arms / View of Basel; cornucopia and branch in exergue. HMZ 2-100; KM 149; Davenport 1750.

Attractive cabinet toning, a few light contact marks, minor adjustment marks. EF. ($750) 434

1286. SWITZERLAND, Republic and Canton of Genève. Genève. AV Pistole – 35 Florins (22mm, 5.68 g, 6h). Dated 1755. Coat-of-arms; radiant IHΣ above / Radiant IHΣ. HMZ 2-238d; KM 77; Friedberg 262. Hints of luster, a few minor scratches. Near EF. ($1500)

1287. SWITZERLAND, Republic and Canton of Genève. Genève. AV Pistole – 35 Florins (23mm, 5.65 g, 6h). Dated 1772. Coat-of-arms; radiant IHS above / Crowned double-headed eagle. HMZ 2-238i; KM 85; Friedberg 259. Warm orange toning, light scratches, small scuff on obverse. EF. ($5000)

Rare Imitation of the Leeuwendaalder for Transylvania

1288. TRANSYLVANIA, Principality. György Rákóczi I. 1630-1648. AR Taler (41mm, 27.01 g, 12h). Imitating a Leeuwendaalder of the Dutch Republic. Dated 1638. Armored half-length figure of soldier standing left, head right; coat-ofarms below / Lion rampant left. Resch –; MBR –; Davenport 4864 (attributed to Utrecht); cf. Gamberini 63 (for type); KM –; Künker 69, lot 4045. Toned. VF. Rare. ($1500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Joseph R Lasser Collection for the benefit of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 1680; Gorny & Mosch 110 (15 October 2001), lot 1701.

1289. TRANSYLVANIA, Holy Roman Empire. Principality. Mária Terézia. 1740-1780. AV Ducat (22mm, 3.50 g, 12h). Gyulafehérvár (Karslburg / Alba Iulia) mint. Dated 1755. Draped bust right / Crowned double-headed eagle facing, holding sword and scepter; crowned coat-of-arms on breast. Resch 47; MBR 2949; KM 610; Friedberg 543. Lustrous, a few marks, possibly once cleaned. Good VF. ($500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

435

SIEGE & NECESSITY COINAGE New Publication Siege Coins of the World Korchnak, Lawrence C., Ph.D. Siege Coins of the World. 2021. xii and 318 numbered pp. Hardbound. (X287)

$95 Website shipping rates do not apply.

Author’s Foreword: Obsidional or siege money is one of the purest forms of fiat currency. By definition, it is legal tender backed by an issuing authority that possesses the absolute power to set its value. A noted economist captured it in more vivid terms: fiat currency has a stated value because men with guns say so.

I began collecting siege money many years ago after acquiring a 1621 Julich four stuiver from a local coin dealer. The irregularly shaped coin sparked my interest and I wanted to learn more. However, when I began my search for information, I discovered that there were no catalogues and very few articles in English on the subject. Since this was pre-internet, my only avenue of research was to seek the available numismatic reference works in Latin and multiple European languages. Many of these references were difficult to find. However, once I found them, I added them to my library and discovered that each was incomplete on its own due to the complexity of the subject matter and the information available at the time of their publication. So, I began a numismatic journey that led me to this project. Siege Coins of the World is the result of translating the major works, merging their content, and updating the most recent information available into a single volume. It is an attempt to expand the knowledge of this fascinating area of numismatics and create a comprehensive English language reference for the collector.

Siege Coins of the World intentionally excludes fantasies and issues that are more appropriately categorized as necessity coins, such as Cartagena, Montalcino, La Rochelle, and Spanish local issues. Conversely, those generally accepted by the numismatic community as siege coins are included, such as Groningen, Thorn, and the Irish cities of refuge. Most, but not all, known varieties of each type are listed. The reader can find these varieties in specialized catalogues that are noted in the Selected Bibliography.

In Siege Coins of the World, sieges are arranged in alphabetical order for easy reference. There is a brief description of each siege to provide the reader with historical context followed by a list of coins known to be issued as a result of the siege. Siege Coins of the World has assigned a uniform numbering system and cross references to other cited sources. Coins that were missing from earlier works and major varieties that have since been confirmed have been added. Illustrations accompany the descriptions and line drawings are provided where no photograph was available. The reader should note that while the author has made every effort to provide precise specifications for each coin, slight variances in size and weight are not uncommon.

Paper Gulden

1290.

THE DUTCH REVOLT, Low Countries. Leiden. Besieged by the Spanish, 1573-1574. Paper Gulden – 20 Stuiver (37mm, 1.96 g, 2h). Dated 1574, issued 19 December 1573. * HAEC * LIBERTATIS * ERGO *, crown over lion standing left, holding cap on pole; 15 74 flanking / GODT · * · BEHOEDE · * LEYDEN/ N · O · V · L · L · S · G · I · P · A · C, coat-of-arms; countermark: coat-of-arms. Korchnak 325; Maillet pl. LXXI.2; CNM 2.32.2. Collection number ‘1027’ in ink on obverse. VF. Extremely rare. ($500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Heritage/MPO 50 (24 May 2016), lot 1317.

Made during the Spanish Siege of 1574 from coinage dies on planchets that were stamped from pressed paper made from prayer books.

436

1291.

THE DUTCH REVOLT, Low Countries. Middleburg. Besieged by Dutch and English forces, 1572-1574. AR 36 Stuivers – Daalder (34x35mm). Third issue. Dated 1574. · 1 · 5 · 7 · 4 ·/ · LIBERT : REST :/ · S · P · Q · 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; CNM 2.35.7; Purmer Mi07. Deeply toned. In NGC encapsulation 1527125-011, graded AU 55. ($1000) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Mark Teller, March 2009.

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.

1292. THE DUTCH REVOLT, Low Countries. Zierikzee. Besieged by the Spanish under the command of Cristóbal de Mondragón, October 1575-29 July 1576. AR Daalder Klippe (42x40mm, 29.41 g). Emission of 7 November 1575. Dated 1575. Civic coat-of-arms within circular pearl border; below, 1575 within ornate frame; civic coat-of-arms stamp above / Blank. Korchnak 667; Maillet –; P&W Zi 01; CNM 2.50.1; Gelder, Noodmunten, 81; Delmonte, Argent 171. Toned, a few light marks. EF. Very rare. ($5000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Sincona 11 (27 May 2013), lot 2206.

Situated in Zeeland, Zierikzee, unlike its neighbor, Middelburg, sided against the Spanish. Because of its strategic location and importance to the revolt, Zierikzee was besieged from November 1575 to February 1576. The city was eventually compelled to capitulate. In the ensuing negotiations, the Dutch were forced to allow those inhabitants of the city who were Catholic to enjoy religious freedom.

437

1293. THE DUTCH REVOLT, Low Countries. Amsterdam. Besieged by the States-General, December 1577-8 February 1578. AR 20 Suiver Klippe (27x27mm, 13.45 g, 12h). Emission of 5 January 1578. Dated 1578. Crowned city coatof-arms; X X flanking crown, 15 78 flanking arms; all within circular pearl border; soldeervaasje (solder pot) stamp above / ᚫ ʐ ᚫ/AR · ET/ᚫ FOᚫ in three lines; all within wreath. Korchnak 20; Miallet pl. IV, 9; P&W Am 02; CNM 2.02.4; Gelder, Noodmunten, 110a; Delmonte, Argent 185. Old cabinet toning. Near EF. ($500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Künker 165 (8 March 2010), lot 792.

According to Maillet, the silver for this issue was provided by the city’s statue of Saint-Nicolaas.

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.

1294. MÜNSTER CIVIC INSURRECTION, Germany. Münster. Besieged by its prince-bishop, Christoph Bernhard Freiherr von Galen, 1660. AR Taler Klippe (34x34mm, 28.23 g). Dated 1660. Civic coat-of-arms / Blank. Korchnak 440 corr. (illustration); Maillet pl. LXXXVII, 2; KM 323. Toned. Near EF. ($500) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Weiss Collectables, July 1998.

As one of the terms of the Peace of Westphalia, the town of Münster was to be ruled by a Catholic prince-bishop. Not long after the treaty was signed, the citizens of Münster rebelled against their ruler, Bishop Christoph Bernhard von Galen. Their goal was to raise Münster to the rank of an imperial free city, thus removing it from the influence of a local prince. In response, Bishop von Galen and his powerful army besieged the city, eventually putting down the insurrection and regaining control in March of 1661. This klippe is an emergency issue minted during the siege.

438

1295. FRANCO-DUTCH WAR, Low Countries. Groningen. Besieged by Christoph Bernhard Freiherr von Galen, Bishop of Münster, 1672. AR 25 Stuiver Klippe (28x28mm). Dated 1672. Crowned coat-of-arms / Blank. Korchnak 242; Maillet pl. pl. XLIV, 11; CNM 2.20.4; Prumer G019; KM 26. Darkly toned. In NGC encapsulation 1521557-016, graded AU 50. ($500) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Northeast, January 2007.

In the Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678), France and its allies invaded the United Netherlands in an attempt to capture land from the weaker Dutch forces. Ever eager to increase his influence and power, Christoph Bernhard von Galen, bishop of Münster, joined the French and besieged the Dutch city of Groningen in 1672. The siege was ultimately unsuccessful, and Bishop von Galen retreated on 28 August of the same year. This coin was struck afterward to commemorate the end of the siege. 28 August is still celebrated as a local holiday in Groningen; it is called “Bomm’n Berend” after the nickname given to Bishop von Galen by the townspeople.

1296 1297 1296.

WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION, Germany. Landau. Besieged by Ludwig Wilhelm, Margrave of BadenBaden, 1702. AR 1 Livre 1 Sol (22x36mm, 5.91 g). Stamped with the coat-of-arms of the Count of Mélac, a square stamp reading · I · LIVRE · I · S/ LANDAV/ · 1702 ·, and four lis / Blank. Korchnak 310a; Maillet pl. LXIX, 5; KM 5. Old cabinet toning. Good VF. ($1500) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Gordon Andreas Singer, March 2002.

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. Now, 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 is 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.

1297.

WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION, Germany. Landau. Besieged by Marshal de Villars, 1713. AR 2 Florin 8 Kreuzer (41.1mm, 21.45 g). 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.

Korchnak 314; Maillet pl. LXIX, 7; KM 13. Old cabinet toning with hints of iridescence in the devices, minor areas of weak strike. Near EF. ($1500) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Gordon Andreas Singer, January 2000.

439

1298.

WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION, Germany. Landau. Besieged by Marshal de Villars, 1713. AR 1 Florin 4 Kreuzer (24x35mm). 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. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 1911607-013, graded AU 53. ($1500) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Jonathan Kern, June 2007.

1299. WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION, Germany. Landau. Besieged by Marshal de Villars, 1713. AR 1/2 Florin 2 Kreuzer (29x29mm). Dated 1713. Stamped with the coat-of-arms of Karl Alexander, Duke of Württemberg, two rectangular stamps reading PRO/ CÆS : & IMP : and BEL : LANDAU/ 1/2 · FL : 2X, and four crowned monograms / Blank.

Korchnak 316; Maillet pl. LXIX, 9; KM 11. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 1911607-012, graded AU 55. ($1500) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Jonathan Kern, June 2007. Includes an old 19th century German collection ticket.

1300. WAR OF THE FIRST COALITION, Low Countries. Maastricht. Besieged by the French, 1794. AR 100 Stuiver. Dated 1794. Stamped 1794, 100 ST, star, and LE monogram / Blank. Korchnak 354; Maillet pl. LXXVI, 17; De Mey & Poindessault 1068; Delmonte 756; KM 10. Toned. Near EF. ($500) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased January 2003.

440

1301. THE PENINSULAR WAR, Spain. Catalonia. Gerona. Necessity issue, 1808. AR Duro (37mm, 26.80 g, 11h).

Dated 1808. FER/ VII in stamp / [GNA]/ 1808/ UN DURO in stamp. ME 15779; De Mey & Poindessault 881; KM 10; Davenport 311. Lightly toned, a few marks, weak strike on reverse. VF. The cataloger in the Wayte Raymond sale argued that this was a unique variety, from a reverse die lacking the GNA. Close examination, however, reveals the bottoms of the letters, demonstrating that this is simply a weak strike. ($300) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased April 1999. Ex Wayte Raymond Collection (Part III, NASCA, 13 August 1978), lot 3894.

1302. THE PENINSULAR WAR, Spain. Mallorca. Necessity issue, 1808. AR 30 Sueldos (31x25mm, 25.91 g, 12h).

Struck in the name of Fernando VII. Palma de Mallorca mint. Dated 1808. 30. S./ FER VII/ 1808 stamped in three lines / Coatof-arms. ME 15788; De Mey & Poindessault 885; KM (C) L52.1; Davenport 315. Toned. VF. ($500) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Civitas Galleries.

This coin, struck in the name of King Fernando VII of Spain, was produced during the opening of the Peninsular War (1808-1814). The conflict, one of many fronts in the Napoleonic Wars, pitted the French Empire against Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain in a struggle to maintain control of the Iberian peninsula. Beginning in 1807, agents of the French government became involved in Spanish politics. They exploited squabbles among the Spanish royal family, which helped to further weaken the already disorganized Spanish military and government. In addition, Spain and France were jointly occupying Portugal during this period. As a pretext to send French soldiers into Spanish territory, Napoleon decided to reinforce his garrisons in Portugal. The Spanish, who had a treaty with France, did not refuse this increase in troop levels.

By February of 1808, Napoleon had enough soldiers in place to reveal his true intention -- the occupation of Spain. By the time the Spanish realized the subterfuge, the French were powerful enough to take many cities. With their lack of organization, the Spanish military could not mount a defense. Its troops were spread throughout the country, including on the Balearic Islands. Mallorca, an island in that group, produced a series of coins as the French were taking control of the country.

1303. THE PENINSULAR WAR, Spain. Tarragona. Necessity issue, 1809. AR 5 Pesatas (39.5mm, 26.80 g, 12h).

Dated 1809. 3 PS, FER, VII, and 1809 in four stamps / Crowned coat-of-arms stamp. ME 15812; De Mey & Poindessault 883; KM 6; Davenport 316. Toned, a few marks, minor staining. EF. ($300) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from W.A. Martin, March 2007.

441

1304. WAR OF THE SIXTH COALITION, Croatia. Zara (Zadar). Besieged by the British, 1813. AR 18 Francs 24 Centimes (53mm, 121.1 g, 10h). Dated 1813. Crowned eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right, with wings spread; ZAR to left, 1813 to right; all within diamond incuse / 4.0./018F 40C in two lines on tablet; all within incuse square. On edge: SB, SP and MF in three incuse squares. Korchnak 662a; cf. Maillet pl. CXXX, 1; De Mey & Poindessault 852; KM 4. Toned, scratches, some edge bruises. EF. Rare large denomination. ($5000) Ex Auction World Co. 7 (21 January 2017), lot 669.

1305. WAR OF THE SIXTH COALITION, Croatia. Zara (Zadar). Besieged by the British, 1813. AR 4 Francs 60 Centimes (40mm, 29.60 g, 10h). Dated 1813. Crowned eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right, with wings spread; ZAR to left, 1813 to right; all within diamond incuse / 1.0./4F 60C in two lines on tablet; all within incuse square. On edge: SB, SP and MF in three incuse squares. Korchnak 664; Maillet pl. CXXX, 3; De Mey & Poindessault 854; KM 1. Toned, diagnostic die break. Near EF. Rare. ($2000) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased from Mark Teller, April 2004.

During the late Napoleonic era, Zara (modern-day Zadar in Croatia) was part of the Illyrian Provinces, a group of states located between Austria and the Adriatic Sea. In the early 1800s, the area was held by Austria, which was embroiled in the Napoleonic Wars. After its defeat at the Battle of Wagram, Austria ceded the territory to France in the 1809 Treaty of Schönbrunn. In an attempt to take back its lost territory, in 1813 Austria declared war on France. When the Austrian General Franz Tomassich entered the Illyrian Provinces, many Croatian soldiers abandoned their French commanders and joined him. After a 34-day siege, the Austrians succeeded in capturing Zara from the French on 6 December 1813. This piece was produced by the French garrison that held the town during the siege. A similar example, appearing in Gorny & Mosch 123 (11 March 2003), lot 4589, realized €1700.

1306. YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC, Spain. Mallorca. Necessity issue, 1821. AR 30 Sueldos (40mm, 26.58 g, 12h).

Palma de Mallorca mint. Dated 1821. 1821, FRO, VII, and 30 SOUS in four stamps / Coat-of-arms and SALUS POPULI in two stamps. ME 16045; KM (C) L53.1; Davenport 326. Toned, edge bump. Good VF. ($300) From the Michael Cassick Collection of Siege and Emergency Coins, purchased January 2014.

In 1821, numerous Spanish port cities were struck by an outbreak of yellow fever, with over 4500 deaths in Barcelona alone. The French monarchy took advantage of the health crisis to close their borders and ban Spanish ships from their ports, quarantining not only the yellow fever but also the rash liberal uprisings that were simultaneously occurring on the peninsula.

442

WORLD MEDALS

1307. BOHEMIA, Joachimstal (Jáchymov). 16th century. Cast Gilt AR Medal (46mm, 26.95 g, 12h). Pestmedaille – Plague Medal. By David Enderlein and Michael Hohenauer. Possibly a later cast. FAC · SERPENTEM · EREVM · ET · PRONE · PRO · SIGNO · PCVSSVS · EVM · ASDEXERIT · VIVET, serpent on cross; to left, Moses standing right; Israelites around; all within wreathed border; NV ZI flanking cross / ++ ET · EGO · SI · EXALTATVS · EVERO · A · TERRA · OMNIA · TRAIIAM · AD · ME · 10 · IZ, Christ on cross, with two thieves on crosses to either sides; various supplicants and soldiers around. Katz 115; Brettauer 1492. Toned, graffito, lightly chased. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

1308. BOHEMIA, Joachimstal (Jáchymov). 16th century. Cast AR Medal (52mm, 28.57 g, 12h). Samson at the Gates of Gaza / The Resurrection of Christ. By Carl Welcz. Dated 1537. · SIMSON · FRANGIT · PORTAS · ET · HOSTES · AT · CHRVS · TARTARA · ET · SATANA, Samson advancing right, head left, holding the doors of the gates of Gaza over his back; tree to right, walls of Gaza in background to lower left / CHRV S · MORITVR · PRO · NOSIS · ET · RESVRGIT · VT · NOS · IVSTOS · FACIAT · 46, Christ, holding cross and raising hand in benediction, bursting from tomb; three soldiers seated around; 1537 on side of tomb. Katz 225. Toned, lightly chased. Good VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

443

1309. BOHEMIA, Joachimstal (Jáchymov). 16th century. Cast AR Medal (60mm, 69.78 g, 12h). The Fall of Adam & Eve and their Expulsion from the Garden. By Nickel Milicz. Dated 1549. DIXIT DOMINVS ECCE ADAM QVASI VNVS EX NOBIS FACTVS EST SCIENS BONVM ET MALVM GEN III, Adam and Eve, trying to hide their nakedness, standing together left of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; Adam holding the forbidden fruit; to the right God standing left, remonstrating them; behind, animals and the rest of the Garden of Eden; 1549 in exergue / ET DOMINVS EIECIT ADAM EX PARADISO ET COLLOCAVIT ANTE PARADISVM CHERVBIM ET GE III, Adam and Eve, trying to hide their nakedness, being driven left out of the Garden of Eden by a Cherub brandishing a sword; behind, tree, animals, and the rest of the Garden of Eden. Katz 355. Toned, minor mount marks. Good VF. ($500) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

1310. BOHEMIA, Joachimstal (Jáchymov). 16th century. Cast AR Medal (47mm, 21.94 g, 12h). The Binding of Isaac / Christ Bearing the Cross. By Nickel Milicz. Dated 1568, re-engraved 1577. Ḽ CIVIS Ḽ IMAGO Ḽ FVIT Ḽ ISAAC Ḽ IMMOIANDVS Ḽ IN Ḽ MONTE Ḽ MORIA, Abraham and Isaac standing left atop mountain; altar to left; tree and city view in background; 15 77 engraved in exergue / Ḽ CHRISTVS ი FACTVS ი EST ი OBEDIENS Ḽ PATRIS Ḽ VSQVE Ḽ AD Ḽ MORIEM Ḽ 1 ი 5 ი 6 ი 8 Ḽ , Christ carrying cross right; soldiers and other figures around; engraved V W in tablet below. Katz 392. Chased.

Good VF. Rare. ($750) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

444

The Capture of Kalmar

1311.

DENMARK. Christian IV. 1588-1648. Gilt AR Medal (62mm, 70.48 g, 12h). The Capture of Kalmar. by Nicolaus Schwabe. Dually dated 3 May and 3 August 1611. CHRISTIANUS IIII · D : G : DANI · NRV : VANDA : GOTO : Q : REX ·, armored half-length figure right, wearing ruff, holding baton and resting hand on hip; to right, helmet set on pillow / OBSESSA · 3 · MAY · ET · EXPUGNATA · 3 · AUGUSTI : AŌ · 1611, view of Kalmar with trenches and battle in foreground; above, CEDE MAIORI/ CALMAR; in exergue, C · G · ET · PP · L · R · M ·. Galster 43. Lightly chased, marks and dings, faint traces of mount. VF. Rare. ($1000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern.

The strategically situated castle of Kalmar was laid siege to by Danish forces at the outset of the three year conflict which became known as The Kalmar War. Denmark sought to counteract attempts by Sweden to bypass her control of the straights between the Baltic and Norse Seas by seeking a cross country route through Lapland. The disruption to trade caused by the conflict resulted in intercessions by the Dutch and English and ultimately James I of England helped broker a peace treaty in 1613. As a result of the treaty the Swedes had to pay a huge ransom of one million silver riksdalers to the Danes. This ransom, which took some six years to pay off, vastly depleted the amount of silver in Sweden and was one of the causes for the issue of copper plate money as the century progressed (see lots 1278–83 above).

1312. GERMANY, Hamburg. AV Dukat Satirical Medal (22mm, 3.47 g, 6h). Corruption of the Imperial Commission.

By Christian Wermuth. Struck circa 1708. * DENN GESCHENKE MACHEN DUE SEHENDEN BIND, facing bust of imperial official (Holy Roman Empire) with open hand before his face, peering between his fingers; around wrist, ribbon reading SO KOMME ICH DIR SO / * DU SOLST NICHT GESCHENCK NEHMEN IM.2.B.MOS : 23 : 8, hand holding coin; around wrist, ribbon reading KOMSTU MIR ALSO. Ophthalmologia XIV.88 (this medal illustrated); Gaedechens II 15.

A few minor marks, edge bump. Good VF. Rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 32 (12 November 1985), lot 685.

The city of Hamburg had a long standing issue in its midst with its communities of Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews having differing statuses.

The Sephardic Jews had long been a part of the community and had legal status while the recently arrived Ashkenazi Jews were without any legal status. When the groups petitioned the Senate in Hamburg for representation the highly conservative Citizens’ Council and Lutheran clergy attempted to block any sort of concessions to the Jews. With the two sides at a stalemate, an appeal was sent out to the emperor Joseph I, head of the Holy Roman Empire of which Hamburg was a part. Joseph I in turn sent an imperial commission headed by his representative Damian Hugo Philipp von Schönborn-Buchheim who set forth new definitions of the status of the Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews in Hamburg in their new constitution in 1712. The Lutheran organizations and clergy were incensed by this act, in order to build anti-Semitism in the town, had struck a series of satirical medals implying that the Jews bribed the imperial commission for its favorable decision.

445

An Important Piece of European Judaica

Medallion photo reduced 1313. GERMANY, Württemberg (Duchy). Joseph Süß Oppenheimer. 1698?-1738. Repoussé Tin Schraubtaler – Box Medal (42mm, 19.10 g, 12h). The Rise and Fall of Joseph Süß Oppenheimer (colloquially known as Jud Süß ). Dated 1738.

IUD IOSEPH SÜB 1738 OPPENHEIMER, bust of Joseph Süß Oppenheimer left, wearing ornate suit and wig / Views in two registers: in the upper, Oppenhiemer riding right in guarded carriage with two additional soldiers following behind; · FORT · FORT · (away away) above; in the lower, Oppenheimer, bound, riding left in guarded tumbrel on his way to execution, crowds on either side; gallows to left on hill; HIER IST DEIN ORT (here is your place) . Fieweger 393. Light hairlines. Near EF. Very rare in this state with all medallions present. An important piece of European Judaica. ($15,000) Ex New York Sale XL (11 January 2017), lot 1348; Münzen und Medaillon GmbH 41 (11 December 2014), lot 255.

Joseph Süß Oppenheimer (1698?-4 February 1738) was an Ashkenazi Jewish banker and court Jew (German: Hofjude), the financial adviser in Stuttgart for Karl Alexander, Duke of Württemberg (1733-1737). During his career, Oppenheimer made numerous enemies, a number of whom plotted to exact their revenge on him following the Duke’s death.

Oppenheimer was accused of various crimes – fraud, embezzelment, treason, graft, and lecherous relations with gentile women – all of which were traditional anti-Semitic charges. At his heavily publicized trial, Jud Süß (Jew Süß) as he was colloquially known by the citizenry, was sentenced to death on unspecified crimes. While in custody awaiting execution, he was twice given the opportunity to convert to Christianity, which he refused. Strangled at a gibbet outside Stuttgart, his corpse was displayed in a cage there for six years until the then Duke of Württemberg allowed it to be buried below the gallows. A number of medals, including this Shraubtaler, were produced as keepsakes for those who attended the events.

The case was so notorious that the records were sealed for 180 years. The story intrigued a number of writers and film-makers who, beginning with the 1827 novella by Wilhelm Hauff, saw in the subject a way to examine deeper metaphysical themes. A 1940 German film, entitled Jud Süß, was a vehicle to exploit anti-Semitic tropes for the purposes of Nazi propaganda and made it the most anti-Semitic film produced. After the war, the Allied Military Occupation banned the film and most of the extant copies were destroyed.

446

1314. GERMANY, Uncertain. AR Medal (41mm, 29.28 g, 6h). “Federjude” (Feather Jew) type. By Christian Wermuth.

Struck late 17th/early 18th century. ICH TRAGE DIE FEDERN DASS JEDERMAMM SCHAUT/ EIN ANDER TRÄGET SIE DER ES NICHT TRAUT, Jewish merchant standing left, holding small bag reading VI/TIA/ ALI/ENA in script; on back, large sack reading VITA PROPRIA; in exergue, two hands pointing at one another and IEDU FEDER IUDE/ NOSCE TE IPSUM / Ѧɱɓ/ HANREY NVR NICHT/ ˫æɱǻ΁ƸæĠ,/ DANN DIESES IST/ ѦĠˀƸ˫˫ƸȳĠ,/ DASS VIELE DVRCH DIE/ æɱˀɓѦˀ,/ SIND KOMMEN IN/ ɱššƸæĠˀ. Ophthalmologia XI.128 (this medal illustrated); Friedenberg, Medals p. 10-12.

Toned, a few small edge nicks. EF. Rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection.

The “Federjude” (Feather Jew) medals are a series of anti-Semitic pieces produced in Germany in the early 18th century. The symbolism of the type is not clear. It may be an allegory of a cuckold, or simply represent an ethnic slur. Friedenberg suggests that the “feathers” in the sack indicate that the figure is a “spiritual cuckold,” and that the medal depicts a court Jew.

1315. GERMANY, Uncertain. AR Medal (41x44mm, 27.82 g, 12h). “Federjude” (Feather Jew) type. By Christian Wermuth (or J. Reteke?). Struck early 18th century. Jewish merchant standing left, holding small bag reading VI/TIA/ ALI/ ENA in script; on back, large sack reading VITA PROPRIA in script / Cupid seated right on lion with head left, holding bow and arrow in left hand, bridle of lion in right; in exergue, AMOR VINCIT OMNIA in script. Opthalmomogia XI.130 (this medal illustrated); Friedenberg, Medals p. 11-12. Toned, numerous edge and field marks. VF. Rare. ($3000) From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Kagin 337 (31 January 1985), lot 3340.

1316.

ITALY, Kingdom of Italy. Umberto I. 1878-1900. AV Medal (52mm, 89.84 g, 12h). Exposizione Nazionale, Milan – Prize medal. By F. Barzaghi and L. Broggi. Dated 1881. UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA, bare head left / EXPOSIZIONE NAZIONALE MILANO 1881, wreath with various implements of arts, agriculture, and industry. A few light scratches and hairlines. UNC. ($3000) Ex Bolaffi 31 (29 November 2017), lot 1537 (part of).

447

1317. SWEDEN. Gustav II Adolf den store (the Great). 1611–1632. AR Medal – 5 Taler (78mm, 143.8 g, 12h). The King’s Death and the Return of His Body to Stockholm. By Sebastian Dadler of Danzig. Triply dated 9 December 1594, 6 November 1632, and 1634. GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS MAGNUS DEI GRATIA SUECOR : GOTHOR : ET V AND ALOR : REX AUGUSTUS, crowned, armored, and mantled body of Gustav laying right on pillow, sword beside; above, ten cherubs in cloud below radiant name of God in Hebrew, EUGE SERVE FIDELIS between two rays, one cherub holding banner inscribed VEL MORTUUM FUGIUNT; battle scene in background to left; in exergue, NATUS 9 DEC : ANNO 1594/ GLORIOSE MORTUUS 6/ NOU : ANO 1632 / · DUX GLORIOS PRINC PIUS HEROS INVICT VICTOR INCOMPARAB TRIUMPH FELIX & GERM LIBERATOR A 1634, Gustav riding left, holding sword and Gospel, in triga pulled by pegasi, trampling Hydra below; behind, Faith holding book, box, flaming heart, and hat set on long cross, and Courage, holding column, both crowning Gustav; above, ET VITA ET MORTE/ TRIVMPHO. Wiecek 89; Maué 35; Davenport 275A (Erfurt). Toned, various marks, edge dings, traces of mount marks on edge. Good VF. Rare and impressive. ($3000) From the DMS Collection, purchased from James Beach.

Gustav II Adolf, afterwards styled as “den Store (the Great)” fell in battle on the afternoon of 16 November, 1632, at the battle of Lützen in what is today Germany. The Thirty Years War had already been raging for nearly two decades before Swedish and German Protestant forces met the Catholic Imperial armies in a decisive battle on the foggy field south of Liepzig. Gustav himself personally took the field that day, and around 1 PM, while leading a cavalry charge on his right wing, both he and his mount were struck by enemy fire. The king was separated from his command, behind enemy lines, and not found again until a few hours after the smoke cleared, when his stripped and mangled body was retrieved and borne back to Sweden.

448

1318.

SWEDEN. Kristina. 1632–1654. AR Medal (55x45mm, 44.8 g, 12h). Continued Support for German Protestants. By Johann Rethe. Struck circa 1643. * CHRISTINA D : G : SUEC : GOTH : VAND : Q : DES : REGI, crowned bust facing slightly left / * ÆTHEREUM NUMEN DIADEMATA CELSA UETUR, Kristina seated facing on pile of arms, holding olive branch and globus cruciger, being crowned by Genius flying downward from clouds, holding crown and scepter; above to right, arm emerging from cloud and clutching sword; above, radiant name of God in Hebrew; view of Riga in background. Cf. Künker 145, lot 7129 (for another example). Rich cabinet toning. In NGC encapsulation 3733367-034, graded AU 58. ($3000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30971.

Kristina’s father, the great king Gustavus Adolphus, had entered into the Thirty Years’ War to support the Protestant cause in Germany and the Baltic area, a conflict that ultimately cost him his life. After his death at the battle of Lützen, Count Axel Oxentierna governed as regent on behalf of the young queen, and continued to prosecute the war. This medal honors Kristina for that continued support. Ironically, the queen herself disagreed with her regent, and when she reached her majority in 1644 advocated for peace with the Catholic powers.

1319. SWEDEN. Kristina. 1632–1654. AR Box Medal. Abdication and Flight to Denmark. Box medal created from a 1635 Salzburg Taler. Inside, a hand-painted portrait of Kristina, with seven mica rondels depicting various male disguises.

Attached loop. For a Swedish box medal with similar mica rondels, see: Sonntag 21, lot 528. Toned. Good VF. A few of the mica rondels chipped. See online description for photos of the mica rondels. ($750) From the DMS Collection.

Note from the collector: This is a showpiece item that illustrates Christina’s modes of disguise as she escaped to Denmark, then to the continent and finally to the Vatican where she converted to Roman Catholicism from her Lutheran faith. She lived out her days in the Vatican under the protection of the Roman Catholic Pope.

449

BRITISH COINAGE

1320.

CELTIC, Atrebates & Regni. Uninscribed. Circa 55-45 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 5.59 g, 9h). Selsey Two-Faced (Remic Qa) type. Devolved head of Apollo right / Disjointed horse with triple tail right; ornaments around, wheel below. Bean Q1-3; Van Arsdell 210-1; ABC 485; SCBC 38. Lightly toned, a few light marks, usual worn obverse die. Near EF. ($1000)

1321. CELTIC, Atrebates & Regni. Verica. Circa AD 10-40. AV Stater (18mm, 5.28 g, 2h). Warrior Rex (Atrebatic J) type. Cavella mint. Tablet inscribed COÂ • Fi / Warrior, preparing to hurl spear, on horse leaping right; lituus to lower left; uir above, rex below. Allen & Haselgrove Series Series C, 28-31 (Dies H/g); Bean VERC2-1; Van Arsdell 500–1; ABC 1190; SCBC 120. Minor flan flaws, well centered. Good VF. ($1500) Ex M. Grover (Dix, Noonan, & Webb, 29 September 2008), lot 5043.

1322. CELTIC, Cantii. Uninscribed. Circa 60-20 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 5.49 g). Weald Net (Cantian G) type. Blank / Horse leaping left over crosshatched ‘net’ below; S-like ornament above, pellets and annulets around. Van Arsdell 144-1; ABC 177; SCBC 169. Some luster, a few light marks on obverse. EF. Very rare. ($7500) Ex L. Shea (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 1453; Nomos FPL (Winter-Spring 2013), no. 97; Morton & Eden 57 (3 July 2012), lot 536.

1323. CELTIC, Trinovantes & Catuvellauni. Uninscribed. Circa 60-20 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 5.85 g). Late Whaddon Chase (Trinovantian F) type. Traces of devolved head of Apollo / Horse leaping right; wing and pellets above; eye to right; pellet and wreath border below. Van Arsdell 1498-1; ABC 2338; SCBC 33. Rich toning. EF. Well struck and centered. A superb specimen. Very rare. ($2500)

450

1324.

CELTIC, Trinovantes & Catuvellauni. Uninscribed. Circa 80-50 BC. AV Stater (20mm, 6.24 g, 4h). Westerham North (Atrebatic A) type. Struck circa 54 BC(?). Devolved head of Apollo right / Disjointed horse left; block of pellets above; below, crescent above pellet; zigzag pattern in exergue. Bean A1 (Atrebates); Van Arsdell 200-1 (Atrebates); ABC 2430; SCBC 21. Near EF. An attractive example, with a well-centered obverse strike displaying the full head of Apollo. ($1000)

1325. CELTIC, Trinovantes & Catuvellauni. Epaticcus. Circa AD 20-40. AV Stater (17mm, 5.38 g, 12h). Corn Ear Warrior (Atrebatic L) type. Grain ear; TAÍ Ci F across field / Warrior, preparing to hurl spear, on horse leaping right; eRATi CCu around. CCI 990465 (this coin); Van Arsdell 575-1; ABC 1343; SCBC 355. Lightly toned, some die wear on the obverse, a few light marks and scratches. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($5000) Ex G. Cottam Spink 232 (2 December 2015), lot 194; L.R. Stack (Sotheby’s, 22 April 1999), lot 52.

1326. CELTIC, Belgae(?). Uninscribed. Circa 80-50 BC. AV Stater (15mm, 6.13 g, 1h). Chute (Durotrigan A) type.

Devolved head of Apollo right / Disjointed horse left; pellets above, ‘crab’ below, pellet in lozenge above tail; below, zigzag and pellet pattern between two parallel lines. Van Arsdell 1205-1; ABC 746; SCBC 22. Toned, some light die wear. EF. Struck on an oblong flan. Rare. ($1500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 14.

ABC suggests a reattribution of this series from the Durotriges to the Belgae on the strength of find spot evidence. No examples of the type have been found in the territories of the Regni, Atrebates, or Durotriges, with all known coming from the Hampshire area.

Ex Strauss Collection - Among the Finest

1327. CELTIC, Dobunni. Catti. Circa AD 1-20(?). AV Stater (20mm, 5.45 g, 9h). Tree (Dobunnic G) type. Tree with pellet at base / Disjointed horse with triple tail right; ornaments around, wheel below; CATTi above. Van Arsdell 1130-1; ABC 2057; SCBC 384. Toned, light mark on obverse. EF. Perfectly centered. Among the finest known. Very rare. ($7500) Ex Morton & Eden 76 (14 December 2015), lot 95; R. Strauss (Sotheby’s, 26 May 1994), lot 28.

451

1328. CELTIC, North-Eastern series (‘Corieltauvi’). Uninscribed. Circa 60-20 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 5.94 g, 4h).

North East Coast (Corieltauvian A) type. Devolved head of Apollo right / Disjointed horse right; pelleted sun below, decoration below horse’s chin; pellets around. Van Arsdell 800-5; ABC 1719; SCBC 28. In NGC encapsulation 2411863-004, graded Ch XF, 5/5, 4/5. ($500) Ex Heritage 3030 (6 January 2014), lot 23686.

1329.

ANGLO-SAXON, Pale Gold Phase. Circa 645-665/70. AV Thrymsa – Shilling (13mm, 1.19 g, 7h). ‘Two Emperors’ type. Mint in Kent(?). 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. Sutherland Type IIT.v; A&W Type V.xxvii; MEC 8 table 3, 30; North 20; SCBC 767. Good VF. Rare. ($4000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex 51 Gallery (12 June 2013), lot 205.

1330. ANGLO-SAXON, Transitional/Pre-Primary Phase. Circa 665/70-670/5. Pale AV Thrymsa (12mm, 1.22 g, 9h).

‘Pada’ series (Rigold PaIIA, Type 95). Mint in Kent. Diademed bust right;  to right / ᛈᚪᛞᚪ (PADA in Runic), three pellets above, in beaded circle; tufa to left,+  clockwise around from tufa. Abramson 1.30; MEC 8 table 3, 31; SCBI 69 (Abramson), 19; North 154; SCBC 769. Good VF. Rare. ($2500) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex 51 Gallery (30 May 2014), lot 170.

1331. ANGLO-SAXON, Transitional/Pre-Primary Phase. Circa 665/70-670/5. AR Sceatt (12mm, 1.23 g, 9h).

‘Vanimundus’ series, Rigold VaB, type 55. Mint in Essex. Diademed bust right; staff over left shoulder, annulet before mouth;   clockwise around from lower left / ᛭ , cross pattée within double beaded circle. Abramson 2.10; MEC 8 Series VAb; cf. SCBI 69 (Abramson), 25-9 (for type); North 12/2; SCBC 774. Attractive thick find patina, reverse slightly off center. Near EF. ($2000)

452

1332.

ANGLO-SAXON, Secondary Sceattas. Circa 710/5-720/5. AR Sceatt (11mm, 1.03 g, 3h). Series N, type 41b. Mint in east Kent or lower Thames region. Two figures standing facing, each holding long cross; cross of pellets between / Fantastic creature in flight left, head right. Abramson 52-40; MEC 8 Series Nb; North 99; SCBC 806. A few minor marks. Toned. Good VF. ($750)

1333. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Offa. 757-796. AR Penny (16mm, 1.13 g, 10h). Light coinage, portrait type.

London mint; Æthelweald, moneyer. Struck circa 785-792/3. Ḧ ม ℽŖ/Ŗ/¥ / ⎀/⌓ҟ Ḧม, diademed bust right / ม ģč Ɨ⌦ ⎍¥ ⌦č, divided by four jewel-like lobes; the inner circle contains a cross botonnée with four petals in saltire. Blackburn, “Currency Under the Vikings. Part 3: Ireland, Wales, Isle of Man and Scotland in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries,” in BNJ 77 (2007), p.

147 and pl. 1, 12 (this coin); Chick 10k = SCBI 67 (BM) 47 (same dies); Naismith, Coinage 4 (same dies); North 310; SCBC 905. Toned, some porosity and deposits. VF. ($3000) From the Richard Basler Collection. Found at ‘Site B’ near Dublin, Ireland, 1990s.

Very unusual as an Irish find.

1334. ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Danish East Anglia). Imitations of Alfred the Great. Circa 885-915. AR Penny (19mm, 1.23 g, 10h). Ludig, moneyer. ዞ⌦ ዟʼ ዞዝ ʼዞᛸ, small cross pattée / ⌦⎍dዢű/ ዧ2Ȱ. Cf. EMC 1983.9947 (not retrograde); North 475/1; SCBC 966. Lightly toned, two minor pecks on obverse, slight crimp, otherwise much as struck. EF. Rare. ($2500)

1335. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great. 871-899. AR Penny (20mm, 1.49 g, 10h). Two-line (’Guthram’) type (BMC xiv). London mint; Cuthbeorht, moneyer. Struck circa 880-899. ม®ዥ ዟያ ዞዝ ያዞ, small cross pattée / ù⎍ዝዛ/ዞያዡይ in two lines; between, pellet between two crosses. SCBI 1 (Fitzwilliam), 552; North 636; SCBC 1066. Toned, peck marks, slightly wavy flan. VF. ($1000) From the Richard Basler Collection.

453

1336.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Edward the Elder. 899-924. AR Penny (21mm, 1.53 g, 4h). Small cross/ Horizontal-Pellet 1 (HP 1) type (BMC ii). Wessex (Winchester?) dies; Regenulf/Ragnulf, moneyer. Late period I, struck circa 915-920. ม ዞ²ዝ⎍⎍ዞ²ʼዝ ʼዞᛸ, small cross pattée / ʼ®űዞn/⎍⌦ዟ ዦɭ in two lines; three crosses pattée between, pellet above and below. CTCE 248iv; SCBI 24 (West Country), 402; North 649; SCBC 1087. Light golden toning. VF. ($750) From the Richard Basler Collection.

1337. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Cnut. 1016-1035. AR Penny (18mm, 3h). Quatrefoil type (BMC viii, Hild. E). London mint; Wynsige, moneyer. Struck circa 1016-1023. ม ün⎍Ϳ ʼዞҟ ©ű⌦nɭʼ⎍, crowned and draped bust left within quatrefoil / ม ዩӎn ˨ዢű ∂ n ⌦⎍ëዞì, voided long cross with triple-crescent ends and pellet at center; all over quatrefoil. SCBI 14 (Copenhagen), 3033 (same dies); North 781; SCBC 1157. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 3715884-004, graded MS 62. ($500) From the Richard Basler Collection.

1338. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Cnut. 1016-1035. AR Penny (17mm, 5h). Pointed Helmet type (BMC xiv, Hild. G). London mint; Beorhtric, moneyer. Struck circa 1023-1030. ม ün⎍Ḧ Ϳ ʼዞҟü ¨, bust left, wearing pointed helmet; quatrefoil-tipped scepter before / ม / ዛʼዢዡͿʼዢü ɭn ⌦⎍n Ḧ, voided short cross, limbs united at base by two concentric circles with pellet in center; in each angle, broken annulet enclosing pellet. SCBI –; Hild. –; North 787; SCBC 1158. Toned.

In PCGS encapsulation 21968417, graded MS 64. An apparently unrecorded moneyer for the London mint. ($750) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern.

1339. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Harold I Harefoot. 1035-1040. AR Penny (19mm, 1.21 g, 2h). Fleurde-lis type (BMC vc, Hild. B). Thetford mint; Leofwine, moneyer. Struck circa 1038-1040. ม ዡ©ʼɭ⌦ ዝ ʼዞม ©n, diademed bust left; shield and lis-tipped scepter to left / ม ⌦ዞɭ ዟዩዢn ዞ ɭn Tዞɭ, voided long cross; pellet in circle in center, fleur-de-lis (flanked by pellets) in angles. SCBI 40 (Stockholm), 1413 (same dies); Hild. 956; North 803; SCBC 1165. Toned, wavy flan.

VF. ($500) From the Richard Basler Collection.

454

1340.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Confessor. 1042-1066. AR Penny (20mm, 1.39 g, 3h).

Sovereign/Eagles type (BMC ix, Hild. H). Wallingford mint; Brander, moneyer. Struck circa 1056-1059. ዞዝዩ© ʼҟ ©ű⌦ɭ, Edward seated facing on throne, holding scepter and globus cruciger / ม ዛʼ©Ƀዝ ɭɃ ዩ©⌦ዢ Ḧ, voided cross, with martlet in each quarter. W&W 229-37; Freeman 27; SCBI 2 (Glasgow), 1110; Hild. –; North 827; SCBC 1181. Toned. Good VF. ($750) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 57 (4 April 2001), lot 1806.

1341. NORMAN. William I ‘the Conqueror’. 1066-1087. AR Penny (20mm, 1.39 g, 12h). Paxs type (BMC viii).

Wallingford mint; Æthelwine, moneyer. Struck circa 1083-1086. ม ዩዢ⌦⌦ዞ⌦ዦ ʽዞҟ, crowned facing bust, holding crosstipped scepter in right hand; trefoil on shoulder / ม ዢዞŻዞ⌦ዩዢnዞ ɭn ዩ©⌦ዢ, cross pattée; letters of P A X S in annulets within quarters. SCBI 48 (Northern), 1121 (same dies); BMC 1021 (same dies); North 848; SCBC 1257. Richly toned, some weakness in legend. Near EF. Bold portrait. ($1000) From the Rossini Collection. Ex Herbert A. Cahn (Münzen und Medaillen AG, 4 June 1998), lot 8.

Henry III Double Penny

1342. PLANTAGENET. Henry III. 1216-1272. ‘Pattern’ AR Double Penny (22mm, 2.85 g, 12h). Long Cross coinage, class 5g. Canterbury mint; Willem, moneyer. Struck 1250-1272. ƌĚnʼዢý⎍S ʼĚҢ ዢዢዢ=, crowned facing head, holding listipped scepter / Ѿዢ⌦ ⌦Ěȵ ɭn ý ªnͿ, voided long cross, with central pellet; triple pellets in quarters. C&T p. 113-4 (this coin discussed); Allen, “The ‘Twopence’ of Henry III in the Drabble Sale,” in BNJ 24 (1941-1944), p. 55 (this coin discussed); Churchill, p. 24 (this coin); North –; SCBC –. Traces of gilding, ex mount with associated marks. VF. Extremely rare and of great interest. ($15,000) Ex Lawrence R. Stack (Sotheby’s, 22 April 1999), lot 702; Spink 55 (8 October 1986), lot 116; Spink 1 (11 October 1978), lot 175; Dr. E. Carter (purchased en-bloc by Baldwin, 1950); G. Drabble (Glendining, 4 July 1939), lot 744; E. Wheeler (Sotheby & Co., 12 March 1930), lot 201; W. Ready (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 15 November 1920), lot 257.

Only two other Double Pennies of Henry III are known. One is in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum. Like the coin offered here it also has traces of gilding. Another specimen was recorded by Ruding in 1819 and has never been seen since. All three coins were struck at the Canterbury mint by different moneyers: Willem, Robert and Gilbert. This suggests that the Double Penny may not have been a pattern striking but instead was a tentative currency issue.

455

1343. PLANTAGENET. Edward III. 1327-1377. AV Noble (33mm, 6.92 g, 10h). Fourth coinage, Post-Treaty period, Group III. Tower (London) mint. Struck 1369-1377. ი ĚĕѾ¨ˆĕ ⎡ ĕƩ ⎡ ŷˆ¨ ᚤ ˆĚҞ ᚤ ¨Nŷǭ ⎡ Ԥ ᚤ fˆ¨Ný ⎡ ĕN˫ ᚤ ƌƩB ᚤ Ԥ ᚤ ¨ʠѝƩͿ, Edward standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; ornaments 1-1-1-1, ropes 3/1, quatrefoils 5/4, lis 4; flag at stern / ๘ Ʃƌý Ḻ ¨ѝͿĚ⍴ Ḻ Ϳˆ¨N˫ƩĚN˫ Ḻ ʖĚˆ Ḻ ⍴ĚĕƩѝ⍴ Ḻ Ʃǭǭɨˆѝ⍴ Ḻ ƩB±Ϳ, voided short cross potent over cross fleurée; in each angle, crown over lion passant over voided trefoil; at center, E and pellet within quadrilobe; all within polylobe, with trefoils in spandrels. Lawrence 10 var. (obv. legend); Schneider 112 var. (obv. legend); North 1278; SCBC 1518. Traces of underlying luster, double struck. Good VF. ($3000)

1344. PLANTAGENET. Richard II. 1377-1399. AV Noble (35mm, 7.73 g, 7h). Type IIIA. Tower (London) mint. ˊƩý ¨ˊĕ⎡ ĕƩ⎡ gˊ¨⎡ ˊĚҢ Ḻ ¨ɀgǭ⎡ Ӳ Ḻ fˊ¨ɀý⎡ ĕ⎡ ƌƩB= Ӳ # ¨ʠ ˶=, Richard, holding sword and shield, standing facing in ship; ornaments 1-1-1-1, ropes 3/1, quatrefoils 4/4 / ƩƇý Ḻ ¨ѝ˶Ě⍴ Ḻ ˶ˊ¨ɀSƩĚɀS Ḻ ʁĚˊ Ḻ ⍴ĚĕƩѝ⎡ Ʃǭǭɭˊѝ⍴ Ḻ ƩB¨˶, voided short cross potent over cross fleurée; in each angle, crown over lion passant over trefoil; at center, ˊ within quadrilobe; all

within polylobe, with trefoils in spandrels. Cf. Schneider 158-162 (for type); North 1303; SCBC 1656. In NGC encapsulation 5982252-002, graded MS 62. Struck on a broad flan, with golden tone and a detailed figure of the king. ($10,000)

1345. YORK. Edward IV. First reign, 1461-1470. AV Ryal – Rose Noble (35mm, 7.59 g, 8h). Light coinage, type VII. Tower (London) mint; im: crown. Struck 1468-1469. Ěĕ Ѿaˆĕ=$ ĕƩ=$ ŷˆa=$ ˆĚҞ $ aNŷǭ=$ ⎜ $ fˆaNý $ ĕN˫=$ Ʃ $ B=$ $, Edward standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; Є on banner at stern, rose on hull / ՟ Ʃƌý=$ aѝͿ=$ ͿˆaN˫ƩĚN˫ $ ʖĚˆ $ ⍴ĚĕƩѝ⍴ $ Ʃǭǭɨˆѝ⍴ $ ƩBaͿ, 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; cf.

Schneider 358-371 (for type); North 1549; SCBC 1950. Slightly wavy flan, graffito. Good VF. ($1500) 456

1346.

STUART. James I. 1603-1625. AV Unite (37mm, 9.80 g, 5h). Second coinage, crown gold. Tower (London) mint; im: tower. Struck 1612-1613. ჼ · IACOBVS’· D’· G’· MA’· BRI’· FRA’· ET’· HI’· REX ·, crowned and armored fourth bust right, holding globus cruciger and lis-tipped scepter over shoulder / ჼ · FACIAM · EOS · IN · GENTEM · VNAM ·, crowned coat-ofarms; I R flanking. Schneider 27; North 2084; SCBC 2619. A few faint scratches and edge marks. Good VF. ($3000) From the Menlo Park Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (12 July 2000), lot 289.

1347. STUART. James I. 1603-1625. AV Unite (36mm, 10.04 g, 1h). Second coinage, crown gold. Tower (London) mint; im: cinquefoil. Struck 1613-1615. ᛋ · IACOBVS’· D’· G’· MA’· BRI’· FRA’· ET’· HI’· REX, crowned and armored fifth bust right, holding globus cruciger and lis-tipped scepter over shoulder / ᛋ · FACIAM · EOS · IN · GENTEM · VNAM ·, crowned coat-of-arms; I R flanking. Schneider 28 var. (rev. legend stops); North 2085; SCBC 2620. Lightly toned, a few minor scratches. VF. ($1500) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

1348.

STUART. James I. 1603-1625. AV Unite (36mm, 10.00 g, 2h). Second coinage, crown gold. Tower (London) mint; im: tun. Struck 1615-1616. (tun) · IACOBVS · D’· G’· MA’· BRI’· FRA’· ET’· HI’· REX ·, crowned and armored fifth bust right, holding globus cruciger and lis-tipped scepter over shoulder / (tun) · FACIAM · EOS · IN · GENTEM · VNAM ·, crowned coatof-arms; I R flanking. Schneider –; North 2085; SCBC 2620. A few light hairlines, slightly double struck. EF. ($2500)

457

Ex Paget, Yates & Bruun

1349.

STUART. Charles I. 1625-1649. AR Crown (44mm, 30.11 g, 5h). Group IV. Tower (London) mint; im: eye. Struck under Parliament, 1645. (eye) · CAROLVS · D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET HIB : REX ·, Charles on horseback left, holding reins and sword / (eye) ·:· CHRISTO · AVSPICE · REGNO ·:·, coat-of-arms. Cooper, Silver, XXIII/XXXIV; Brooker 271 (same dies); North 2198; SCBC 2761. Delightful surfaces and toning. Near EF. Rare. ($7500) From the J. de Wilde Collection, purchased privately from Classical Numismatic Group, July 2013. Ex Künker 233 (17 June 2013), lot 2329; H. Paget (Glendining, 25 September 1946), lot 86; E. Yates (purchased en-bloc by Baldwin, 1938); W. Symons (purchased en-bloc by Baldwin, 1932); L. E. Bruun (Part I, Sotheby & Co., 18 May 1925), lot 737; H. Allan (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 7 July 1908), lots 186 or 187.

458

Superb Oxford Pound

1350. STUART. Charles I. 1625-1649. AR Pound (120.77 g). Declaration type. Oxford mint; im: plume with bands.

Dated 1643. CAROLVS : D : G : MAGNI : BRITANI : FRAN : ET : HIB : REX :, Charles, holding reins with left hand and sword in right, on horseback left, trampling arms below; plume to right / EXVRGAT : DEVS : DISSIPENTVR : INIMICI ·:·:·, RELIG · PROT · LEG/ANG · LIBER · PAR in two lines between parallel lines; three Oxford plumes and XX (mark of value) above, 1643 below. Morrieson, Oxford B/1; Brooker 863A (same dies); North 2398; SCBC 2940. Two small edge splits. A few minor surface marks under deep cabinet toning. A most impressive example. Near EF. Very rare thus. ($20,000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Dix, Noonan, & Webb 114 (18 September 2013), lot 1017; Sotheby’s (18 February 1981), lot 158; Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 466 (March 1957), no. 9320.

Illustrated on the cover of Coin Collecting for Beginners by K. Jacob (London, 1958).

459

1351. STUART. Charles II. 1660-1685. AV 5 Guineas (37mm, 41.84 g, 6h). Milled coinage. Tower (London) mint.

Dually dated 1684 and tricesimo sexto. Laureate head right / Crowned cruciform coats-of-arms around central design of four interlocked monograms; scepters in angles. MCE 29; SCBC 331. Hints of orange toning with underlying luster, adjustment marks, possibly some light smoothing on bust. EF. Rare. ($20,000)

1352.

STUART. Anne. 1702-1714. AR Crown (38mm, 29.96 g, 6h). Post-Union issue. Edinburgh mint. Dually dated 1708/7 E and RY septimo. Draped bust left, with hair tied in fillet / Crowned cruciform coats-of-arms around rayed Garter star. ESC 107; SCBC 3600. Toned with hints of gold in devices, edge bump and flaw, a few adjustment marks. Good VF. ($1000) From the Richard L. Horst Collection.

1353. HANOVER. George II. 1727-1760. AR Halfcrown (33mm, 6h). LIMA issue. Tower (London) mint. Dually dated 1745 and RY d. nono. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left; LIMA below / Crowned cruciform coats-of-arms around Garter star. ESC 605; SCBC 3695. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 1911638-002, graded MS 62. ($750) From the DMS Collection.

In early autumn 1740, Commodore George Anson set out with a squadron of six vessels to harass Spanish possessions in the New World.

Among various adventures along the Atlantic and Pacific shores of South America, Anson’s ships captured a quantity of silver and gold bullion bound for Spain. This precious metal was born back to Britain following a dramatic circumnavigation across the Pacific, and was struck into coins bearing the commemorative legend LIMA.

460

1354. HANOVER. George III. 1760-1820. AR Dollar (39mm, 27.05 g, 12h). Emergency issue. Struck 1799. Oval countermark of George III on a Mexican 1796 Mo FM 8 Reales. ESC 129; SCBC 3765A. Toned. Countermark EF. Host Good VF. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection, purchased privately from Classical Numismatic Group in April 2013. Ex St. James 23 (4 February 2013), 210.

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 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 fair 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.

1355. HANOVER. George III. 1760-1820. CU Pattern Dollar of Five Shillings and Sixpence (42mm, 32..78 g, 6h).

Bank of England issue, Type K/5a. Dated 1811. GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX., laureate and draped bust left; ᚫ · ᚫ on truncation of bust / BANK/TOKEN/5S. 6D./1811 in four lines; all within oak wreath; I · P · below tie. Davis 37; cf. L&S 129-130; ESC 206. Most attractively toned with traces of underlying red. In NGC encapsulation, 4740160-006, graded PF 65 BN. ($1500) Ex Spink 157 (15 November 2001), lot 541; H. Selig (Part II, Spink 131, 2 March 1999), lot 1252; Spink 16 (9 July 1981), lot 656.

461

1356.

HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. Proof Pattern AR Shilling – Half Florin (23mm, 6.78 g, 12h). Dies by Charles H. Weiner and William Taylor. Dated 1863. VICTORIA REGINA, crowned head left / · HALF · · FLO · · RIN · · 1863 ·, crowned coat-of-arms within quadrilobe with trefoils at cusps; all on long cross fleurée. ESC 1377; Bull 3091. In NGC encapsulation 2825501-004, graded PF 64. Beautifully toned and very rare. ($5000) Ex Christopher Tasker (Spink 254, 3 July 2008), lot 1074, purchased June 2008.

1357. HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. Proof AV Sovereign (22mm, 7.98 g, 12h). Old Head coinage. London mint.

Dated 1893. Crowned and veiled bust left / St. George on horseback rearing right, holding reins and sword and slaying dragon to lower right. Edge: milled. W&R 341; Bentley 336; Marsh 145A; SCBC 3874. In NGC encapsulaiton 5980366-003, graded PF 64 Cameo. A superb specimen with an attractive yellow tone. ($5000)

1358.

WINDSOR. Elizabeth II. 1952-present. AR 5 Pounds. The Great Engravers – William Wyon’s ‘Una and the Lion’.

Dated 2019. Crowned head right / William Wyon’s ‘Una and the Lion’: Victoria standing left, holding globus cruciger and gesturing with scepter; behind, lion standing left. In NGC encapsulation 5971180-003, graded PF 69 Ultra Cameo. With original mint packaging. ($2500)

462

1359. SCOTLAND. Charles I. 1625-1649. AR Twelve Shillings (32mm, 5.83 g, 6h). Third coinage, fourth (Falconer’s second) issue. Edinburgh mint; im: thistle/–. Struck 1637-1642. CAROLVS · D : G · MAGN · BRITAN · FRANC · ET · HIB · REX ·, crowned and armored bust left; XII (denomination) to right; horizontal F at end of legend / QVÆ · DEVS · CONIVNXIT · NEMO · SEPARET ·, crowned coat-of-arms; across field, crowned C R above lozenges. Burns 42 (fig. 1020 – same dies as illustration); SCBI 35 (Ashmolean & Hunterian) 1502-7 (same dies); SCBC 5561. Toned, minor adjustment marks. Good VF. ($1000) From the Richard L. Horst Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Inventory 994998 (January 2015); Lucien Lariviere Collection (Spink 179, 29 March 2006), lot 229, purchased from Seaby, 16 August 1982.

1360. IRELAND, Hiberno-Norse. Phase III. Circa 1035-1055/60. AR Penny (16mm, 0.85 g, 12h). Phase III, Long Cross and Hand coinage. ม ዢ˸ዢlዢዟnዢዝnዟዢ, draped bust left / ม ዝዢ ዢዝዟ ⌐nዢ ዢዢዢዢ, voided long cross, with triple crescent ends; ‘hand’ symbols in first and fourth quarters. Cf. O’S 16; SCBI 8 (BM), 86 (same dies); SCBC 6132. Rich old collection toning. EF. ($750) From the DMS Collection, purchased from Jonathan K. Kern.

1361. IRELAND, The Great Rebellion. Issues of the Lords Justices. 1642-1649. AR Crown (39mm, 29.58 g, 3h).

“Ormonde Money” issue. Issued 1643-1644. Large C • R; crown above; all within linear and beaded border / Large V; small S above; all within linear and beaded border. D&F 288; SCBC 6544. Deeply toned. VF. ($1500) From the J. de Wilde Collection.

463

1362.

IRELAND. George III. 1760-1820. Proof AR Six Shillings Token (42mm, 26.82 g, 12h). Bank of Ireland coinage.

Soho (Birmingham) mint. Dated 1804. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Hibernia seated left, holding palm frond in right hand, resting left arm on harp. D&F 616; SCBC 6615. Rich cabinet toning with hints of iridescence, some light cabinet friction.

Proof. ($1500) From the DMS Collection.

Mint State Pavillion

1363.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Edward the Black Prince. As Prince of Aquitaine, 1362-1372. AV Noble guyennois à la rose – Pavillion d’or (32mm, 5.34 g, 2h). La Rochelle mint. ģĕ % ʖɭ % ŷN˝ % ʼģŷ % ⌃NŷȄ % ʖN˝ % ⌃ʠ⎍˶, Edward wearing rose wreath, standing facing, holding sword up in right hand and raising left hand; at feet, two leopards couchant; to left and right, two ostrich feathers with tips curved inward; all within ornate Gothic portico / ๘ ĕN˝ % ⌃Ʊ⎍˶ɭ % Ԥ % ʖ˶ýý˶ɭ % ⍴ģ % Ԥ % ƱƱʖɭ % ˝ʖ⌃Ʊ˶ % ýɭʼ % ⍴ģ⎍⍴ ʼ, ornate cross quernée with rose in center, lion passant and lis in opposite quarters; all within arched quatrefoil set on quadrate frame with roses in angles; pelleted trilobes in external voids. AGC 157A, 8/k; Elias 151c; Duplessey, Féodales 1120; cf. Poey d’Avant 3034-5 (for type); cf. Schneider 48 (for type); SCBC 8123. Richly toned.

In NGC encapsulation 5982252-001, graded MS 63. Well struck. Rare. ($15,000) Ex Arthur M. Fitts Collection (Dix, Noonan, & Webb 102, 18 September 2012), lot 2375; Münzen und Medaillen Deutschland 9 (4 October 2001), lot 1206.

464

1364.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Henry VI. 1422-1461. AV Salut d’or (27mm, 3.49 g, 7h). Paris mint; im: crown. Second issue, authorized 6 September 1423. (crown) ƌEɃˆƱý⍋s Ḧ dEƱ Ḧ ŷˆ¥ Ḧ fˆ¥ýɨˆ⍋ Ḧ Ӧ Ḧ ¥ŷȄƱE Ḧ ˆEX, the Annunciation: the Virgin standing right, receiving tablet inscribed ¥⍋E from the Archangel Gabriel standing left; heavenly light above, two coats-of-arms below / (crown) Xʖý Ṅ ⍋ƱɃýƱͿ Ṅ Xʖý Ṅ ˆEŷɃ¥Ϳ Ṅ Xʖý Ṅ ƱMʖEˆ¥Ϳ, Latin cross, with lis to left, lion passant guardant to right, and ƌ below; all within polylobe, with lis in each point. AGC 385B 1/a; Beresford-Jones, Salutes p. 77, 1 and pl. I, 1; Elias 264c; Schneider –; Duplessey 443; SCBC 8164. Lustrous, slightly crimped flan, traces of deposits.

Good VF. ($1500)

1365.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Henry VI. 1422-1461. AR Petit blanc (23mm, 1.28 g, 4h). Uncertain mint. Authorized 4 June 1423. [...] ƌĿɃ ˆƱý⎍[S ḧ]ˆĿҞ, two coats-of-arms / [...] SƱ˶ ḧ ɔɭȎĿ ḧ ĕɔƱ ḧ BĿɃĿĕƱý˶⎍, latin cross; ƌ ˆ flanking. F. de Saulcy, Histoire numismatique de Henri V et Henri VI (Paris, 1878), pl. III, 55 = Dumas-Dubourg 19-5 (this coin illustrated in line drawing) = Elias Collection 430 (this coin); Elias 294 corr. (not firmly attributable to Dijon); AGC p. 181 note (this coin referenced); SCBC 8167. Toned, areas of weak strike, minor porosity. VF. ($1000) From the J. de Wilde Collection. Ex Elias (Spink 77, 21 June 1990), lot 430; Vinchon (3 February 1986), lot 322 (part of); F. de Saulcy Collection (1807-1880) .

In de Saulcy’s 1878 publication, this piece is described as bearing the vernicle (face of Christ) mintmark of the Dijon mint, which would make it unique. It was on the strength of this description that Elias included the Petit blanc of Dijon in his catalog. Upon acquiring the coin in 1986, however, Elias was unconvinced of the Dijon attribution. Indeed, the Vinchon sale described it as an issue of Le Mans, and when the author sold his collection through Spink in 1990 he described it simply as an issue of an uncertain mint.

BRITISH MEDALS

1366. STUART. John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough. 1650-1722. AR Medal (37mm, 18.4 g, 12h). Battle of Blenheim. By G. Hautsch. Dated 1704. IOH · D · MARLEBVRG · ANG · EXER · CAPIT · GENER ·, armored bust right / MIRATVR TELIS AEMVLA TELA SVIS ·, Mars seated left, leaning upon shield inscribed MARS/VLTOR in two lines; battle scene to left; DE GALLOS ET BAVAROS/DEVICTOS · TALLARDO/DVC · AD HOCHSTAD ·/CAPTO · 1704 · in four lines in exergue. Edge: + FORTVNÆ OBSEQVENTI DVCIS FORTISSIMI POST PRIMITIAS SCHELLENBERGICAS. MI 256/50; Eimer 407. Rich cabinet toning. In NGC encapsulation 2039075-008, graded MS 63. ($750) From the DMS Collection. Ex Eric P. Newman Collection (Heritage 3029, 14 January 2014), lot 30650.

465

1367. temp. HANOVER. Giovanni Battista Belzoni, Venetian explorer, actor, and engineer. 1778-1823. AR Medal (53mm, 72.78 g, 12h). The Second Pyramid of Giza. By T. I. Wells. Manufactured by E. Thomason. Dated 1818 (though struck circa 1822). GIOVANNI BELZONI, bare head left / OPENED BY G. BELZONI, view of the Second Pyramid of Giza; MARCH 2ND 1818 in exergue. BHM 969; Eimer 1105. Rich cabinet toning. In PCGS encapsulation 34481935, graded SP 63. Very rare. ($2000) From the DMS Collection. Ex Stacks Bowers & Ponterio (11 January 2018), lot 20351.

A veritable Renaissance man, Giovanni Battista Belzoni was born in Padua in 1778, and became famous on multiple accounts as an actor, explorer, engineer, and Egyptologist. His exceptional stature and strength gave him an impressive stage presence, and became known as ‘The Great Belzoni’ around Europe. His travels eventually led him to Egypt, where he first attempted to introduce improved hydraulic machines for raising the waters of the Nile. This engineering pursuit gave way to the acquisition and promotion of Egyptian antiquities, overseeing the removal and shipment of the massive bust Rameses II (known as the ‘Young Memnon’) to the British Museum, as well as exploring and opening the Second Pyramid of Giza (known as the Pyramid of Khafre/Chefren). Belzoni’s exploits were tragically cut short, however, as he died from dysentery in a small village in modern-day Nigeria.

1368.

HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. WM Medal (64mm, 86.73 g, 12h). Coronation. By J. Davis. Dated 1838. H. M. G. MAJESTY VICTORIA/BORN MAY 24TH 1819 · ASCENDED THE BRITISH THRONE JUNE 20TH 1837 ·, allegorical scene of the coronation: Victoria seated right on throne set on dais, holding scepter and orb, and being crowned; above, Rumor flying right, blowing trumpet; cherub flying left, holding Bible and crucifix; to left, Industry and Justice standing right; to right, Agriculture, Scotland, England, Ireland, and the British lion standing left; overturned cornucopia between; DAVIS BIRM. to outer right; below, CROWNED/JUNE 28TH 1838 in two lines in exergue / Map of the British Isles, with each county numbered and places named around the coast. BHM 1809; Eimer –. Mirror-like surfaces, a few minor friction marks. AU. Rare. ($750) From the Ray Neff Collection. Ex CNG inventory 873668 (July 2010); Strickland Neville Rolfe (1789-1852) Collection (Baldwin’s 65, 5 May 2010), lot 1518.

466

LARGE LOTS 1369. EARLY MEDIEVAL. Crusaders. Lot of approximately four hundred-ten (410) BI deniers. Includes: Mostly issues of Antioch, Bohémond III (1163-1201). Broad range of classes. Includes a couple with helmeted head right, as well as an issue of Valence et Die. Coins Good Fine to Good VF. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Four hundred-ten (410) coins in lot. ($5000) 1370. WORLD. France. Lot of approximately four hundred-twenty-three (423) AR and Æ deniers. All coins: Issues of Valence et Die (circa 13th century). Includes 6 contemporary imitations. Coins Fine to Good VF. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Four hundred-twenty-three (423) coins in lot. ($4000) 1371. WORLD. Italy. Lot of approximately one hundred-forty five (145) AR and Æ denari. All coins: Issues of Lucca, temp. Enrico III–V (1039-1125). Include one Æ contemporary imitation. Coins Fine to VF. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. One hundred-forty five (145) coins in lot. ($1500) 1372.

WORLD MEDALS. France. Lot of forty-seven (47) Æ jetons. Includes: Royal and provincial issues from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Jetons Fine to EF, many with pvc residue. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Forty-seven (47) coins in lot. ($500) 1373.

WORLD MEDALS. France. Lot of fifty (50) Æ jetons. Includes: Royal and provincial issues from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Jetons Fine to EF, many with pvc residue. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Fifty (50) coins in lot. ($500) 1374. WORLD MEDALS. Germany. Lot of forty (40) Æ jetons. Includes: Issues from the 16th to the 18th centuries, mostly from Nuremburg. Jetons Fine to EF, many with pvc residue. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Forty (40) coins in lot. ($500) 1375. WORLD MEDALS. Germany. Lot of forty (40) Æ jetons. Includes: Issues from the 16th to the 19th centuries, mostly from Nuremburg. Jetons Fine to EF, many with pvc residue. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Forty (40) coins in lot. ($500) 1376. WORLD MEDALS. Low Countries. Lot of sixty-two (62) Pewter and Æ jetons (rekenpennigen). Includes: Mostly Æ issues from the 16th to the 18th centuries, with many related to the Dutch Revolt. Jetons Fine to EF, many with pvc residue. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Sixty-two (62) coins in lot. ($500) 1377. BRITISH. Miscellaneous. Lot of four-hundred-twenty-one (421) silver and base metal issues. Includes: various types, from Edward I to present. With five (5) 20th century uncirculated sets in original packaging. Fine to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Four-hundred-twenty-one (421) coins in lot. ($500) 1378. BRITISH MEDALS. Lot of twenty-four (24) Æ jetons. Includes: Issues from the 13th to the 18th centuries, with most being of the period from Edward I to Edward III (1272-1377). Jetons Fine to EF, many with pvc residue. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Twenty-four (24) coins in lot. ($300)

End of Session 4

467

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Please refer to our online bibliography at www.cngcoins.com for a complete listing of specialized and general references used, and abbreviations.

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468

CNG Classical Numismatic Group, LLC

Post Office Box 479, Lancaster, PA 17608-0479 • Tel: (717) 390-9194 Fax: (717) 390-9978 20 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3QA • Tel: +44 (20) 7495 1888 Fax: +44 (20) 7499 5916 Email: cng@cngcoins.com • www.cngcoins.com