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We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of all our coins, whether they are encapsulated or not. A coin may be returned for any reason within 10 days, but we ask that you first contact us and ship the piece back fully insured. Upon receipt of the return and providing it is in the same condition as originally sent out, we will issue a refund, minus any shipping and credit card charges. This guarantee does not apply if slabbed coins are removed from encapsulation.
NGC ENCAPSULATION AND RAW COINS
We offer a mix of NGC graded ancients as well as raw (unencapsulated) coins. NGC encapsulation provides a third–party opinion that the coins are genuine but does not financially guarantee them. In the event you wish to have any of our raw coins encapsulated, they may be submitted to NGC at your cost and with the understanding that we cannot guarantee specific grades or notations. In very few cases raw coins are marked as “not eligible for encapsulation,” and here we note the reason why NGC would not encapsulate them.
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ILLUSTRATIONS USED IN THIS CATALOGUE
Coins are illustrated 1:1 and in various enlargements. In certain cases, we have also included images of older catalogues or publications wherein the specific piece is documented.
CREDITS
We are grateful to Oliver Hoover for his assistance in cataloguing and providing the historical notes, and to Mary Lannin for her editorial help. Photography and catalogue layout are the work of Alex Marinescu of Marinescu Designs, LLC.
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Summer FUN Convention, Orlando, FL, July 10–12, 2025
20058. CALABRIA. TARENTUM. Ca. 280–240 BC.
Silver Didrachm (Nomos), 6.53 g, 20 mm. Issue of magistrate Sodamos.
Obv. Youthful rider right, crowning his horse, ΣΩΔAMOΣ [traces of letters] below. Rev. TAPAΣ, dolphin rider left, preparing to throw trident.
HGC 1, 886 corr. (horseman crowning horse not noted); Vlasto 785 (this obverse die); HN Italy 1012. Ex Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland GmbH 51,12/4/2024, lot 21, giving provenance as being from Klenau von Klenova Auktion 34, 7/19/1968, lot 103 (there listed but without illustration) = ex Theodor Prowe Collection, Moscow, Brüder Egger XLVI, 5/11/1914, lot 28.
NGC graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “scratches,” Prowe provenance cited on label, colorful iridescent highlights. $ 2500
20097. BRUTTIUM. HIPPONIUM (VIBO VALENTIA). Ca. 300–250 BC.
Silver Stater, 8.19 g, 19 mm.
Obv. Pegasus flying left, his hind feet on a short ground line. Rev. Head of Athena right, wearing large Corinthian helmet. Pegasi II, p. 598, no 2 (likely same reverse die); HN Italy 2242, HGC 1, 1387 var. (Pegasus flying right with caduceus below). NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “brushed,” extremely rare emission, with only three other specimens on CoinArchives. $ 1850
20022. SICILY. GELA. Ca. 490–475 BC. Silver Didrachm, 8.58 g, 20 mm.
Obv. Nude horseman right, preparing to throw spear. Rev. CEΛA, protome of man–headed bull right. Jenkins, The Coinage of Gela, 18 (O7/R10); HGC 2, 363.
Ex Arizona private collection, acquired from Vilmar FPL IV, no. 13, formerly ex David J. Fleischmann Collection, NY. NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, “flan flaw,” dark cabinet patina, an interesting variety where the city’s name appears above the bull. It should be noted that NGC is likely incorrect in calling the pattern on the reverse a “flan flaw,” as it is more likely to be traces of an overstrike.
$ 2950
20053. SICILY. SYRACUSE. Ca. 485–470 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 17.27 g, 24 mm. Issue of ca. 475–470 BC.
Obv. Charioteer driving biga right, Nike, above, flying right, crowning horses. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ, diademed head of Arethusa right, four dolphins around.
Ex Private American Collection, said to have been acquired from Paris dealer Bernard Poindessault sometime in the 1970s or 1980s.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 5/5, dark gray cabinet patina. $ 3850
ARETHUSA REVERSE DIE SIGNED BY EUCLEIDAS
20123. SICILY. SYRACUSE. Ca. 400–390 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 17.22 g, 22 mm. Issue struck with a signed reverse die of Eucleidas.
Obv. Charioteer driving quadriga left, Nike flying above right, crowning driver, [ear of grain left in exergue]. Rev. [ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ], diademed head of Arethusa left, her hair flowing upward from under the sphendone, [EYKLEI on scroll beneath neck truncation], pair of facing dolphins in front of the face, a third above the forehead and a fourth around the ampyx. Fischer–Bossert, Coins, Artists, and Tyrants, 86 (O32/R58); HGC 2, 1342.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, FINE STYLE, “rev signed by Eucleidas” noted on label, dark gray cabinet patina, struck from a documented signed die, although here the artist’s signature is off the tight planchet. $ 4700
20086. ZEUGITANA. CARTHAGE. Ca. 350–290 BC.
Gold 1/10th Stater, 0.91 g, 9 mm.
Obv. Palm tree with date bunches dangling on either side. Rev. Horse head right, three pellets in right field. Jenkins & Lewis, Group III, 167=Pozzi 3292 (same dies).
17358. THRACE. MESAMBRIA. CIVIC ISSUE IN THE NAME AND TYPES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, ca. 280–225 BC. Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander type, 16.67 g, 27 mm. Issue of Mesambria, ca. 240–225 BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, helmet above ΠA monogram in left field.
Price 992; Karayotov, Coinage of Mesambria, 44 ff (O7/reverse unlisted).
Published: Marinescu & Lorber, “The ‘Black Sea’ Tetradrachm Hoard,” in Studies Prokopov, no. 167 (this coin listed).
Ex Nomos 22, 6/22/2021, lot 113.
NGC graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, “brushed,” publication data noted on label. A very attractive coin from the “Black Sea Hoard.” Published in 2012, this hoard has been instrumental in clarifying the circulation of Hellenistic tetradrachms in the area. $ 1500
EXTREMELY RARE AND UNPUBLISHED VARIETY OF MESAMBRIA’S ALEXANDERS
16247. THRACE. MESAMBRIA. CIVIC ISSUE IN THE NAME AND TYPES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, ca. 125–65 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander type, 15.99 g, 31 mm.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, MEΛ above Corinthian helmet right in left field, APIΣ in exergue.
Price –; Karayotov, Coinage of Mesambria –; Callataÿ, L’histoire des guerres Mithridatiques vue par les monnaies –.
Ex Numismatik Naumann 98, 1/3/2021, lot 166.
NGC graded AU, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, “marks,” “unlisted in M. Price.” $ 1550
Unpublished and otherwise unknown, this specimen is one of two recorded on CoinArchives. The variety is unlisted in Price but must be placed close to Price 1112 which also bears the signature of magistrate API (but in left field) and a similarly rendered helmet.
Le Rider, Thasiennes, 2; HGC 6, 331; SNG Copenhagen 1009.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, highly detailed strike on an oblong planchet. $ 2950
19986. KINGDOM OF MACEDON. ALEXANDER III, THE GREAT, 336–323 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 16.78 g, 25 mm. Lifetime issue of Babylon, circa 324/3 BC, minted just before Alexander’s death.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, caduceus above M in left field, monogram below throne.
Price 3682 (citing only one specimen from the Demanhur Hoard).
NGC graded VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, some roughness on the reverse, a seldom encountered variety that was struck at the very end of Alexander’s life. $ 850
20098. KINGDOM OF MACEDON. ALEXANDER III, THE GREAT, 336–323 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 17.06 g, 28 mm. Lifetime–early posthumous issue of Side, ca. 323–317 BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, wreath in left field, ΔI below throne.
Price 2949.
NGC graded CHOCE XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “brushed,” perfectly centered, spectacular high relief strike and areas of colorful toning. $ 1650
20038. KINGDOM OF MACEDON. ALEXANDER III, THE GREAT, 336–323 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 17.06 g, 27 mm. Early posthumous issue of an Uncertain Mint in Phoenicia or Syria, ca. 323–317 BC. Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, boar’s head left in left field.
Price 3575.
NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, an extremely elegant coin, with a particularly interesting animal symbol. $ 1500
20037. KINGDOM OF MACEDON. ALEXANDER III, THE GREAT, 336–323 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 17.20 g, 28 mm. Early posthumous issue of Babylon, circa 323–317 BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, M in left field, ΛY on throne.
Price 3692.
NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, FINE STYLE, a superb coin, perfectly centered, with golden highlights throughout. $ 1950
19985. KINGDOM OF MACEDON. ALEXANDER III, THE GREAT, 336–323 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 16.55 g, 25 mm. Early posthumous issue of Babylon, circa 317–311 BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, MYTP monogram in wreath in left field, H below throne.
13783. KINGDOM OF MACEDON. ALEXANDER III, THE GREAT, 336–323 BC.
Silver Fourrée Tetradrachm, 14.54 g, 30 mm. Ancient forged issue, ca. 3rd century BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter. Cf. Price 844 (“Uncertain Greece or Macedonia”) for prototype.
CHOICE AU, a well–preserved, high–grade ancient forgery where the silver cladding is virtually intact, save for a small point on Zeus’ hip where part of the bronze core can be discerned (previously encapsulated with a grade of Choice AU). $ 1250
SELDOM–SEEN
20052. BOEOTIA, THEBES. Ca. 395–338 BC.
Silver Stater, 12.23 g, 20 mm. Issue of magistrate AΣΩ –.
Obv. Boeotian shield. Rev. Amphora, A above Ω in left field; Σ above grape bunch in right field.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, “flan flaw,” rare magistrate with only seven specimens on CoinArchives. $ 1375
Beginning in the sixth century BC, the Boeotian shield had been the standard obverse type for the coinage of Thebes. Unlike the standard circular shield (hoplon) used by most Greek hoplites of the Classical period, the Boeotian shield was more oblong and easily distinguished by a cutout on the left and right sides – essentially representing a modernized version of the old figure–eight shields used by Mycenaean warriors of the Bronze Age and the Homeric epics.
20004. ATTICA. ATHENS. Ca. 440–404 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 17.21 g, 23 mm
Obv. Helmeted head of Athena right. Rev. AΘE, owl standing to right, olive sprig and crescent behind, all within incuse square. Kroll 8; SNG Copenhagen 31–40; Dewing 1591–1598; HGC 4, 1597.
NGC graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. $ 1100
ATHENIAN OWL TETRADRACHM STRUCK 50% OFF CENTER
20003. ATTICA. ATHENS. Ca. 440–404 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 17.15 g, 26 mm
Obv. Helmeted head of Athena right. Rev. AΘE, owl standing to right, olive sprig and crescent behind, all within incuse square. Kroll 8; SNG Copenhagen 31–40; Dewing 1591–1598; HGC 4, 1597.
NGC graded AU, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, an interesting and rare ancient error coin, the obverse struck about 50% off center, leaving over half of the planchet blank. $ 1450
19991. NEAR EAST OR EGYPT. Ca. 5th–4th CENTURIES BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 17.11 g, 24 mm. Imitative emission based on a Classical Period issue of Athens.
Obv. Helmeted head of Athena right, eye with pupil. Rev. AΘE, owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent in left field, all within incuse square.
For the original Athenian type cf. Kroll 8; SNG Copenhagen 31–40; Dewing 1591–1598; HGC 4, 1597.
NGC graded CHOICE AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, a very interesting coin which closely copies the original Athenian series of the Classical period. Extremely unusual is what appears to be a fully executed pupil, a feature that does not appear on Athenian coinage until decades later. It is difficult to say whether the engraver was experimenting subtly, updating the original with what may have seemed only natural, or if this is a one–in–a–million fortuitous result of die wear. The existence of one other such piece, struck from a different die, suggests that the rendition of the pupil is intentional. $ 1750
20099. ISLAND OF AEGINA. Ca. 525–480 BC.
Silver Stater, 11.96 g, 21 mm.
Obv. Sea turtle with shell showing a thick collar, its beaked head turned left,square countermark with skew pattern applied on shell. Rev. Punch with skew pattern.
Meadows, Group IIb; HGC 6, 430.
NGC graded CHOICE FINE, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “countermark.” Countermarks applied to the turtle’s shell are a common feature on Aegina staters. This countermark is particularly interesting in that it mirrors the same skew pattern as that on the reverse.
$ 1500
20056. ELIS. OLYMPIA. Ca. 250–200 BC
Silver Drachm, 4.69 g, 19 mm. Issue of 134–143rd Olympiad, ca. 244–208 BC.
NGC graded VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, dark gray cabinet patina with iridescent highlights.
$ 1850
19833. BITHYNIA. SINOPE. CIVIC ISSUE IN THE NAME AND TYPES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, ca. 230–200 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander type, 16.90 g, 28 mm. Issue of ca. 230–200 BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, apluster in upper left field, ΣT control monogram below throne.
Price unlisted, but cf. Price 1257 that has an additional ΣI in inner left field.
NGC graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “[unlisted in M Price],” lustrous and bright, a variety previously unknown and unpublished.
$ 1500
AN EXTREMELY RARE ALEXANDER EMISSION OF HERACLEA PONTICA
19834. BITHYNIA. HERACLEA PONTICA. CIVIC ISSUE IN THE NAME AND TYPES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, late 3rd CENTURY BC.
Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander type, 31 mm. Issue of ca. late 3rd century BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, A control in left field, retrograde Σ in outer right field, club left in exergue. Price 1280; Mektepini Hoard 31.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, an extremely rare variety. Price cites the Mektepini Hoard specimen and there are two additional specimens in Pella (Bibliothèque nationale de France and British Museum). $ 950
19993. ASIA MINOR. UNCERTAIN MINT (PERHAPS IN CARIA?). Late 6th–early 5th CENTURIES BC.
Silver Stater, 10.98 g, 18 mm.
Obv. Spherical form with lateral indentations, perhaps meant to be a stylized beetle. Rev. Pair of incuse punches.
SNG Copenhagen –; SNG von Aulock –; Rosen – but cf. 247–249, electrum staters, that use similar incuse punches; SNG Kayhan –, cf. 929–930 (obverse design).
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5. $ 850
Although this early silver stater’s obverse type and issuing mint are rather mysterious, its Aeginetic weight standard suggests probable production in the region of Caria. This standard was initially brought to Caria by Dorian Greek colonists and strongly influenced the development of coinage there. The bipartite reverse punch, which is comparable in style to those used for coins of Ialysus and Camirus on the island of Rhodes in the late sixth/early fifth century BC, also seems to support a possible Carian origin.
20108. MYSIA. CYZICUS. Ca. 550–500 BC.
Electrum Hecte, 2.73 g, 11 mm
Obv. Daimon, composite creature with human body, lion head, griffin’s ears and wings, running left, head turned right, holding tunny. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square.
Von Fritze 123; Greenwell 57; SNG France 272; Boston MFA 1459.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 2/5, “marks,” a remarkable mythological type usually known from the stater denomination with the same design. At times identified as Phobos, the personification of terror, the figure may also be the Mithraic divinity Areimanios (Ahriman) as argued by Bivar, “Mithra and Mesopotamia,” Mithraic Studies [Manchester, 1975], pp. 275–89. $ 3650
19478. ISLAND OF LESBOS. MYTILENE. CIVIC ISSUE WITH THE NAME AND TYPES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, ca. 188–170 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander type, 17.11 g, 36 mm. Issue ca. 188–170 BC. Obv. Head of young Hercules right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, TΛA control monogram above lyre in left field, ivy leaf under throne. Price 1736; Pella database lists four specimens, including: ANS 1944.100.31455; London,1983,0532.1; Münzkabinett Berlin 18252307; Bibliothèque nationale de France R 4093–each of these coins are inferior in grade to this specimen.
NGC graded XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, FINE STYLE, “edge bend,” “brushed,” struck on a medallic planchet, minor flan crack at bottom. Scarce emission, ca. 12 specimens in market records. $ 1250
20125. IONIA. PHOCAEA. Ca. 477–388 BC.
Electrum Hecte, 2.54 g, 10 mm.
Obv. Head of a young woman left, her hair wrapped with a sphendone, seal swimming downward at lower right. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square.
Bodenstedt 92.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, FINE STYLE, struck from a particularly elegant obverse die, with the seal fully–on planchet. A particularly rare Bodenstedt variety, with only five other specimens on CoinArchives. $ 2250
19840. IONIA. PHOCAEA. CIVIC ISSUE WITH THE TYPES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, ca. 200–190 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander type, 16.75 g, 29 mm. Issue of ca. 200–190 BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, IO control monogram in left field.
Price 2228; Mektepini Hoard 291.
NGC graded CHOCE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “brushed,” “light marks,” lustrous and attractive. A rare emission, with only two other specimens in market records and three in public institutions including two in the American Numismatic Society, NY (inv. 1944.100.32141; 1944.100.32142) and one in the National Numismatic Collection, De Nederlandsche Bank, Amsterdam. $ 1350
A SUBSTANTIALLY RECUT REVERSE DIE ON A MYLASA ALEXANDER
19693. CARIA. MYLASA. CIVIC ISSUE WITH THE TYPES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, ca. 210–190 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander type, 16.52 g, 32 mm. Issue of ca. 210–190 BC.
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, trident head left above MYO control monogram in left field.
Price 2494; Akarca, Les monnaies grecques de Mylasa (Paris. 1959), 3–6 (same obverse die); Mektepini Hoard 410; Propontis Hoard 59. Ex Richard Ashton Collection, acquired from Civitas galleries = ex Dimitry Markov FPL 11 (2003), no. 29.
NGC graded CHOCE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5. The Pella database records five specimens in institutional collections, including the American Numismatic Society (inv. 1944.100.32229); British Museum; Bibliothèque nationale de France; Münzkabinett Berlin; Ashmolean Museum. $ 1500
This is a very interesting coin as the reverse die has clearly been repurposed for use. The trident’s upper right part is cut above an earlier control which is largely legible (ΠΞ?) and a name originally in the exergue has been erased, with traces of several letters remaining. With careful study it may be possible to determine the original state of the recut die and whether it was used at a different mint.
19843. LYCIA. PHASELIS. CIVIC ISSUE IN THE NAME AND TYPES OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT, ca. 218–185 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm of Alexander type, 17.07 g, 34 mm. Issue dated Civic Year 1 (218/7 BC)
Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, A (date) above Φ in left field, o below throne.
Price 2832.
NGC graded MINT STATE, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “die shift.” $ 1850
20018. PAMPHYLIA. ASPENDUS. Ca. 420–380 BC.
Silver Stater, 10.43, g, 24 mm.
Obv. Two wrestlers in combat. Rev. EΣΤFEΔΙΙΥΣ, slinger to right, ready to shoot, triskeles in left field, herm facing right in right field, all within dotted square.
SNG France 3, –; SNG von Aulock 4511.
NGC graded VF, Strike 3/5, Surface 3/5, the herm symbol is particularly rare for the series, with only seven specimens on CoinArchives.
18968. PAMPHYLIA. SIDE. 3rd–2nd CENTURIES BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 16.81 g, 29 mm. Issue of magistrate XPY–.
$ 975
Obv. Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet. Rev. Nike striding left, offering wreath, large pomegranate above XPY in left field.
Seyrig, Side, 25; SNG Paris 702–707.
NGC graded VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “brushed,” with dark gray patination animated by golden iridescent highlights, scarce emission. $ 950
The Side series is immense. Many of these coins were counterstamped with round cistophoric countermarks so that they could be used over a greater territory. Thus, the countermarked pieces must be distinguished from the ones that do not bear the countermarks that are applied sometimes over the face, disfiguring the coin. Among the magistrates that sign this coinage XPY– is rather uncommon, with 21 specimens currently listed on CoinArchives and of these only six lacking countermarks.
20043. CILICIA. CELENDERIS. Ca. 425–350 BC.
Silver Stater, 10.70 g, 21 mm.
Obv. Horseman dismounting left. Rev. Goat kneeling left, head turned to right, ivy tendrils in upper right.
SNG Levante 20 (this coin) = SNG von Aulock 5627 (this coin); SNG Paris 49.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 3/5, Surface 4/5, light gray cabinet toning, SNG Von Aulock provenance noted on holder, a wonderfully pedigreed coin, published in two different SNG volumes. $ 2750
19806. SELEUCID KINGDOM. ANTIOCHUS I, 281–261 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 16.95 g, 28 mm. Issue of Seleucia on the Tigris.
Obv. Diademed head of Antiochus I right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY, Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand and resting left hand on grounded bow, MTEYO control in outer left field, ΩΔP control in outer right field. SC 587.1a; ESM 178.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, FINE STYLE. $ 675
19678. SELEUCID KINGDOM. ANTIOCHUS III, 222–187 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 16.56 g, 28 mm. Issue of the ΔEΛ–monogram mint, associated with Antioch, ca. 223–211 BC.
Obv. Diademed head of Antiochus III right. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY, Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow in right hand and resting left hand on grounded bow, ΔEΛ in outer left field.
SC 1063; WSM 1086; HGC 9, 447v.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “brushed.”
ANTIOCHUS IV AS ZEUS INCARNATE
20061. SELEUCID KINGDOM. ANTIOCHUS IV, ca. 175–164 BC.
$ 750
Silver Tetradrachm, 15.70 g, 32 mm. Special Commemorative Issue for Zeus struck at Antioch on the Orontes, Series 3, ca. 168–164 BC. Obv. Laureate head of Zeus right, with the features of Antiochus IV. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY ΘEOY EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKHΦOPOY, Zeus enthroned left, holding scepter and Nike facing left, as she crowns epithets.
SC 1399; CSE 106–107; HGC 9, 621/“perhaps with the features of Antiochus IV”; Le Rider, Antioche, Series IIIA, 268–9 (A28/P185).
NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 2/5, FINE STYLE, “brushed,” “marks.” $ 2350
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (“the God Manifest”), who was derided as Epimanes (“the Madman”) by his enemies, was well known for his attachment to the cult of Zeus. When he undertook his infamous desecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 168 BC, he notoriously rededicated the sanctuary to Zeus Hellenius. In the same year, Antiochus IV held a great parade at Daphne to showcase the king’s military power. This remarkable coin belongs to a special celebratory series thought to have been struck in the context of the parade, and which seems to imply that Antiochus IV saw himself as an incarnation of Zeus in his kingdom. Indeed, it has been suggested that if it were possible to shave off the beard of the divine portrait on the obverse, the full physiognomic features of the king—already hinted at around the eyes and cheeks—would be visible. The idea that some dies morph the king’s features with those of Zeus has been suggested early on in the BMC Catalogue as well as by the eminent numismatist Babelon (Rois de Syrie, p. xcvi). Although not all academics have espoused this interpretation, Robert Fleischer, Studien zur seleukidischen Kunst, Band I, Herrscherbildnisse (1991), pp. 50–51 has once again strongly argued that the features of the king are there, and it is undeniable that certain obverses used for this series stand out by their quality and similarity to the portraits of the king.
A PAIR OF TYRIAN SHEKELS STRUCK DURING THE LIFETIME OF JESUS CHRIST
17699. PHOENICIA. TYRE.
Silver Shekel, 13.76 g, 24 mm. Issue of Tyre year 143 (AD 17/8), struck during the LIFETIME OF CHRIST.
Obv. Laureate head of Melkart right. Rev. ΤΥΡΟΥ
eagle standing left on prow, PMG (date) above club in left field, KP above ΔIOC monogram in right field, Phoenician letter B between eagle’s legs.
Tyre Supplement Release 2, 505.
NGC graded VF, Strike 3/5, Surface 3/5, an extremely rare year variety with the ΔIOC control monogram and struck during the lifetime of Christ. $ 1850
19998. PHOENICIA. TYRE.
Silver Shekel, 14.34 g, 25 mm. Issue of Tyre year 152? (AD 26/7), struck during the LIFETIME OF CHRIST.
Obv. Laureate head of Melkart right. Rev. ΤΥΡΟΥ
eagle standing left on prow, PNB? (date) above club in left field, KP above monogram in right field, unclear Phoenician letter between legs.
DCA Tyre Supplement Release 2, 545—546 (same obverse as 545).
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “scuff,” extremely rare date variety, with only four other specimens on record (three in DCA Tyre Supplement and one other on CoinArchives). The obverse die on this specimen is very close in its degree of wear to DCA Tyre 545 cited above, assuring that the attribution to this year is correct. $ 2575
20096. EGYPT. PTOLEMAIC KINGS. PTOLEMY II, 285/4–246 BC.
Gold Pentadrachm (Trichryson), 17.81 g, 23 mm. Issue of Tyre, ca. 275/4 BC.
Obv. Diademed bust of Ptolemy I right, with aegis around neck. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, eagle standing left on thunderbolt, H above club in left field.
CPE 555; Svoronos 636; BMC 74; Weber 8256.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 100, 5/29/2017, lot 178.
Like most Ptolemaic precious metal issues struck at mints in Phoenicia, this gold pentadrachm of Ptolemy II Philadelphus was struck at Tyre to support military aims in the region—in this case, the defense of Ptolemaic Phoenicia and Coele–Syria against the Seleucid king, Antiochus I Soter, during the First Syrian War (274–272 BC). In this conflict, Seleucid forces initially occupied Damascus and began to advance southward, but Ptolemy II brought the war to an end by using his navy to capture Seleucid coastal territory in Asia Minor. Not only was Tyre an important city for retaining control of Phoenicia, it was also a major port for the Ptolemaic fleet.
20011. CYRENAICA. CYRENE. Ca. 308–277 BC.
Silver Didrachm, 7.84 g, 19 mm. Issue of Magas, ca. 294–275 BC.
Obv. Head of Zeus Carneius right. Rev. KY–P[A], silphium plant.
BMC Cyrene 34–236; SNG Copenhagen 1236.
Ex Sovereign Rarities 7, 9/21/2022, lot 90 (part of), purchased from A.H. Baldwin & Sons, July 1998 with old collector’s tag.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 3/5, Surface 3/5, dark gray cabinet patina. $ 1450
As triumvir with immediate authority over the eastern Roman provinces, Antony was a man who inhabited two distinct worlds at the same time. His authority as a ruler stemmed directly from Rome and the Lex Titia, which had created the Second Triumvirate of Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus under Roman Republican constitutional law in 43 BC, as well as from his marriage to Octavian’s sister, Octavia, in 40 BC, which established a tenuous peace between Antony and Octavian. At the same time, Antony cultivated the image of a Hellenistic ruler familiar to the peoples of the eastern provinces and cast himself as a new Dionysus. His amorous relationship with the famous Ptolemaic queen Cleopatra VII solidified this image. Unfortunately, the two worlds (and wives) of Antony were incompatible with each other, and when he decided to divorce Octavia in favor of Cleopatra in 33 BC, it provoked the civil war with Octavian that ended in the deaths of Antony and Cleopatra and heralded the final destruction of the Roman Republic.
20001. ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. MARK ANTONY AND OCTAVIA. 39 BC
Silver Cistophorus, 11.73 g, 26 mm. Issue of Ephesus, ca. summer–fall 39 BC.
Obv. M ANTONIVS IMP COS DESIG ITER ET TERT, head of Anthony right, wearing ivy wreath, lituus below, all within wreath of ivy and flowers. Rev. III VIR R P C, draped bust of Octavia right above cista mystica, flanked by coiled serpents with raised heads. Sydenham 1197; RPC I 2201.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5.
$ 1950
and MARC ANTONY.
Silver Denarius, 3.61 g, 19 mm. Issue of Alexandria, ca. 34–32 BC. Obv. [ANTONI] ARMENIA DEVICTA, head of Marc Antony right; Armenian tiara in left field. Rev. CLEOPAT[RAE REGINAE REG] VM FILIORVM REGVM, diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right, prow below bust at right. Crawford 543/1; Sydenham 1210.
NGC graded CHOICE FINE, Strike 3/5, Surface 4/5, “brushed,” pleasing light gray toning, with an attractive and well–realized portrait of Cleopatra. $ 7700
This remarkable coin was almost certainly struck in Alexandria as such a type would have been totally unacceptable to the populace in Rome. For the first time the portrait of a foreign monarch appears on Roman coinage, with Cleopatra given equal billing to Antony, her Roman husband. The coin’s legend proclaims the Egyptian queen to be “Queen of Kings,” and asserts the status of their children as “kings.”
20110. ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. CLEOPATRA VII
20034. ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. JULIUS CAESAR, d. 44 BC.
Silver Denarius, 3.74 g, 17 mm. Posthumous issue of L. Mussidius Longus from Rome, 42 BC.
Obv. Laureate head of Caesar right. Rev. L MVSSIDIVS LONGVS, cornucopia on globe, rudder to left, winged caduceus and apex to right.
Crawford 494/39a; Sydenham 1096a.
NGC graded AU, Strike 3/5, Surface 5/5, with golden iridescent highlights; the exceptionally expressive portrait of Caesar combines some of the hyper–realistic physiognomic features of the Republican veristic style with gentler and more classicizing facial features.
$ 5975
20081. ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. BRUTUS, d. 42 BC.
Silver Denarius, 3.41 g, 19 mm. Issue of a military mint, perhaps at Smyrna, struck by P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther as legate. Obv. BRUTUS, securis, simpulum, and secespita. Rev. LENTVLVS/SPINT, capis and lituus.
Crawford 500/7; Sydenham 1310.
NGC graded as MINT STATE, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5.
$ 3650
An historical coin naming Brutus, the mastermind of the “Liberators,” the group of Romans who planned and executed the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BC. The objects on the obverse make reference to the priestly college to which Brutus belonged, while those on the reverse are appropriate to the augurate, the post held by Lentulus Spinther who was responsible for this emission.
20087. ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. OCTAVIAN (AUGUSTUS).
Silver Brockage Denarius, 3.71 g, 19 mm. Issue of an Italian mint, ca. 37 BC.
Obv. IMP CAESAR DIVI F III VIR ITER R P C, youthful head of Octavian right wearing short beard. Rev. Incuse image of obverse. Crawford 538/1; Sydenham 1334 (for the likely original from which this brockage was struck).
Ex Roma Numismatics XIV, 9/21/2017, lot 572.
NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “brushed,” with an exceptional portrait of the young Octavian. $ 2500
A remarkable and very rare obverse brockage, beautifully struck, with a full reversed image which rarely results from such an error. On CoinArchives there are only two brockages from this issue of Octavian, and this coin is by far the best.
ROMAN COINS FROM THE TIME OF JESUS CHRIST
19976. ROMAN EMPIRE. AUGUSTUS, 27 BC–AD 14. Silver Denarius, 3.78 g, 18 mm. Issue of Lugdunum (Lyon, France), ca. 2 BC–AD 4 BC. Obv. CAESAR AVGVSTVS–DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head of Augustus right. Rev. AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, Gaius and Lucius Caesar, standing, facing, holding shields and spears.
RIC I rev, 207.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “brushed.”
$ 975
Augustus was the first to establish a visual propaganda machine in which sculpture, painting and numismatics played a huge role. This coin focuses on Augustus’ preoccupation with succession, showing his two grandsons, Gaius and Lucius as Caesars, who were intended to succeed him, but died early. It is a coin minted during a period of time generally recognized to correspond to the birth of Jesus Christ and his infancy.
20036. ROMAN EMPIRE. TIBERIUS, AD 14–37.
Silver Denarius, 3.81 g, 18 mm. Issue of Lugdunum (Lyon, France).
Obv. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head of Tiberius right. Rev. PONTIF MAXIM, female figure (Livia as Pax) enthroned right, holding scepter and olive branch.
RIC I rev, 30.
NGC graded XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, lustrous, with an elegant portrait of the emperor. $ 1500
This coin type is widely believed to be the “tribute penny” of the Bible, the very coin handed to Jesus when he was questioned by the Pharisees about the legitimacy of paying taxes to Rome. Although their intention was to get him to speak against the Romans and thereby obtain an excuse for his arrest, Matthew 22:19–21 reports that Christ responded to his questioners by saying, “‘Show Me the coin used for the poll–tax.’ And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.’ And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.”
20013. ROMAN EMPIRE. PROVINCIAL ISSUE OF ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT, UNDER TIBERIUS (AD 14–37).
Silver Tetradrachm, 13.65 g, 25 mm. Issue of Alexandria, dated RY 20 (AD 33/4).
Obv. ΤΙΒΕΡΙΟΣ
laureate head of Tiberius left, LK (date) in left field. Rev. ΘΕΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ, radiate head of Divus Augustus right.
RPC I 5096; RPC Online lists only three specimens of this variety; Dattari 87; BMC Alexandria 47.
NGC graded XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, a coin struck in the year of Christ’s Crucifixion according to the traditional dating. $ 975
20035. ROMAN EMPIRE. NERO, AD 54–68.
Gold Aureus, 7.23 g, 20 mm. Issue of Rome, ca. AD 64–65.
Obv. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right. Rev. IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter enthroned left, holding thunderbolt and scepter.
RIC I rev, 52; Calicó 412.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5.
$ 9350
A popular and historical type, Jupiter Custos (the Guardian) prominently appears on Nero’s coinage at this time and refers to the failure of the Pisonian conspiracy that included a group of high–ranking individuals. Among these were the philosopher Seneca the Younger and the literary figures Lucan and Petronius.
TWO DENOMINATIONS, ONE ARTIST
The exceptional rendering of Vespasian’s portrait on the two coins below suggests that the same artist was responsible for engraving both obverses.
20089. ROMAN EMPIRE. VESPASIAN, AD 69–79.
Gold Aureus, 7.12 g, 20 mm. Issue of Rome, AD 73.
Obv. IMP CAESAR VESP AVG CENS, laureate head of Vespasian right. Rev. VESTA, round temple of Vesta with cult statue within, other statues flanking the structure.
RIC II.1, 549 (R); Calicó 691.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, FINE STYLE, a beautifully centered coin struck from artistic dies, gently circulated, a rare type with an exceptional architectural rendering of a structure that is still partially preserved today in the Roman Forum. $ 9500
20041. ROMAN EMPIRE. VESPASIAN, AD 69–79.
Silver Denarius, 3.50 g, 19 mm. Issue of Rome AD 73.
NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, perfectly centered and very attractive. $ 875
20111. ROMAN EMPIRE. VESPASIAN, AD 69–79.
Silver Denarius, 3.62 g, 18 mm. Issue of Rome, ca. AD 69–70.
Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right. Rev. IVDAEA, Judaea in mourning seated right, trophy with arms at left.
RIC II.1, 2; Hendin 6th edition, 6509.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “brushed,” the famous and popular Judaea Capta issue celebrating the Roman victory in the First Revolt. $ 1675
20059. ROMAN EMPIRE. COMMODUS, AD 177–192.
Silver Double–Denarius (Antoninianus), 4.21 g, 22 mm. Posthumous issue struck under Trajan Decius, AD 250/1, likely at Mediolanum (Milan).
NGC graded AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, with a truly superlative portrait of Commodus, elegantly engraved and closely resembling his marble portrait busts. $ 1200
CISTOPHORUS OF ANTONY AND OCTAVIA OVERSTRUCK AT LAODICEA
14601. ROMAN EMPIRE. HADRIAN, AD 117–138.
Silver Cistophorus, 10.87 g, 30 mm. Issue of Laodicea ad Mare.
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, bare head of Hadrian right. Rev. COS III, Zeus Laodiceus standing left, holding eagle. Metcalf, Cistophori, 56 (lists 26 specimens); RPC III, 1399 (RPC Online lists 38 specimens of this type).
Near VF, overstruck on a cistophorus of Marc Antony and Octavia (RPC 2201). Traces of the undertype are clear on both sides. Antony’s head is under Hadrian’s face, with traces of the legend “...COS...C ITER” above the head and in right field. On the reverse the undertype with the cista holding Octavia’s bust is seen, together with the snakes’ coils around it. $ 1200
FLIPPED OVER DOUBLE STRIKE ERROR PLATED IN BASTIEN’S CANAKKALE HOARD PUBLICATION
Published: H.G. Pflaum & P. Bastien, La Trouvaille de Canakkale. Deniers et antoniniani émis de 261 à 284 (Wetteren, 1969), p. 77, 1678 (plate coin).
Good VF, impressive FLIPPED OVER DOUBLE STRIKE and a plate coin in Bastien’s publication of the hoard. $ 500
DOUBLE STRUCK LICINUS NUMMUS SHOWING 30% OF THE ORIGINAL STRIKE
19906. ROMAN EMPIRE. LICINIUS I, AD 308–324.
Bronze AE3 or Billon Nummus, 19 mm. Issue of Siscia, AD 319.
Obv. IMP LICINIVS AVG, laureate head of Licinius I right. Rev. VICT LAETAE PRINC PERP, two Victories standing facing each other, holding shield inscribed VOT/PR, S on altar, pellet–ЄSIS–pellet in exergue. RIC VII 86.
Ex L. William Libbert Collection, ex BAC Numismatics, Auction 24, 9/8/2020, lot 86.
NGC graded VF, “double struck.” An attractive and clear double strike error, showing about 30% of the original strike on the obverse. $ 325
19571. ROMAN EMPIRE. ZENO, AD 474–491.
Gold Solidus, 4.47 g, 20 mm. Issue of Constantinople, officina Z, during his second reign, AD 476–491.
Obv. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Zeno three quarters right, holding spear and shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORIA AVGGG Z, Victory standing left, holding jeweled cross, star in left field, CONOB in exergue. RIC X 910.
Ex Bernard Chwartz collection, Alde (Paris), 10/19/2016, lot 156 (there misattributed as a later barbaric issue of Alaric II).
NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. $ 1750
19957. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. JUSTIN I, AD 518–527.
Gold Solidus, 4.49 g, 20 mm. Issue of Constantinople, officina B, AD 522–527.
Obv. D N IVSTINVS P P AVC, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman device. Rev. VICTORIA AVCCC B, Angel standing, facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger, star at right, CONOB in exergue. Sear 56.
NGC graded CHOICE MINT STATE, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, a spectacular, high–grade coin, the angel with full facial features clearly struck from a fresh die. This series marks the first appearance of an angel on a coin, the new Christian messenger replacing Victoria, its pagan predecessor. $ 3500
20136. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. CONSTANS II, AD 641–688.
Gold Solidus, 4.42 g, 19 mm. Issue of Constantinople, officina B, ca. AD 649/50–651/2.
Obv. d N CONStANtINЧS P P AV, crowned and draped bust of Constans II, facing, holding globus cruciger. Rev. VICTORIA AVϚЧ B, cross potent on three–stepped base, CONOB below. Sear 956.
NGC graded as MINT STATE, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, exceptionally lustrous with an excellent portrait of the emperor. $ 2250
RARE CARTHAGE ISSUE OF CONSTANTS II FROM IY 14 (AD 655/6)
20102. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. CONSTANS II WITH CONSTANTINE IV, AD 641–668.
Gold Solidus, 4.24 g, 11 mm. Issue of Carthage dated IY 14 (AD 655/6).
Obv. [..]STAN, crowned and draped busts of a bearded Constans II (left) and Constantine IV (right), facing. Rev. VICTOR Aς IΔ, cross potent on 3–stepped base, CONOB in exergue. Sear 1039.
Ex Alicia and Sid Belzberg Collection, Stack’s 4/24/2008, lot 2346, with old NFA tag.
NGC graded VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, nice centering, extremely rare variety, with only one other on CoinArchives. $ 1200
20090. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. JUSTINIAN II, SECOND REIGN, AD 705–711.
Gold Solidus, 4.47 g, 21 mm. Issue of Constantinople.
Obv. DN IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, bust of youthful Christ Pantocrator with closely cropped curly hair, facing, holding the Gospels and raising his right hand in benediction. Rev. DN IЧSTINIANЧS MЧLTЧS AN, facing bust of Justinian II wearing a loros and holding a cross potent in the right hand and a globus cruciger inscribed PAX in the left. Sear 1413.
NGC graded MINT STATE, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5. $ 4650
Following his return from exile and resumption of power (the “Second Reign”), Justinian II adopts an entirely new image of Christ for his coinage, a youthful portrait with eastern features, including curly short–cropped hair and a kind, welcoming, expression. It is an image likely inspired by the iconographical traditions of Christian Syria, and some have observed that it may be based on an icon of the “historical” Christ as he appeared before the Crucifixion.
20137. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. NICEPHORUS I & STAURACIUS, AD 803–811.
Gold Solidus, 4.39 g. Issue of Constantinople.
Obv. hICIFOROS bASILЄ’, crowned facing bust of Nicephorus, wearing chlamys and holding cross and akakia. Rev. StAVRACIS dЄSPO’ Є, crowned facing bust of Stauracius, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger and akakia. Sear 1604.
Ex Jonathan Kern Collection.
NGC graded CHOICE AU, Surface 5/5, Strike 4/5, exceptionally well struck with amazing portraits of the two emperors. $ 2500
Minted at Constantinople, this coin is the only gold emission that depicts the portrait of Stauracius. Nicephoros I and Stauracius led a military campaign against the Bulgarians which ended in disaster for the Byzantine empire. Nicephoros was killed–in–action, while Stauracius was seriously wounded but managed to return to Constantinople where he ruled for another two months before succumbing to his wounds.
19598. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. CONSTANTINE VII WITH ROMANUS I, AD 920–944. Silver Miliaresion, 23 mm. Issue of Constantinope.
Obv. IhSЧS XRIStЧS nICA, cross–crosslet on three stepped base, globus below. Rev. + COnST’ T’ / ΠORFVROG’ / CЄ ROMAnO / Єh X’Ω ЄVSЄЬ’ / Ь’ RΩMЄOn, legend in five lines within elaborate triple border. Sear 1757.
NGC graded CHOICE VF, “brushed,” nicely struck with full inscription. $ 395
18582. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. ANONYMOUS ISSUE. ca. AD 1020–1028.
Bronze Follis, 25 mm. Imitative issue of a Class A3 follis, ca. AD 1020–1028 (Class A3).
Obv. + ЄMMANOVHΛ, facing bust of Jesus Christ holding Gospels, flanked by IC–XC. Rev. + IҺSЧS / XRISTЧS / ЬASILЄЧ / ЬASILЄ (Jesus Christ, King of Kings) Sear 1818 (for the prototype).
NGC graded AU, a good imitation of the mainstream products of Constantinople, perhaps struck at a subsidiary mint. The legend is generally correct, although an S is retrograde and the style somewhat linear, with a decorative flourish to it. $ 750
20091. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. ROMANUS IV, AD 1068–1071.
Gold Histamenon Nomisma (scyphate), 4.41, 27 mm. Issue of Constantinople.
Obv. KωN MX ANΔ, Michael VII (in center), Constantius (on left) and Andronicus (on right) all standing, facing, on footstools. Rev. +PωMAN ЄVΔOKIA, Christ standing, facing, on footstool, crowning Romanus IV (on left) and Eudocia (on right), both standing facing, IC–XC flanking Christ’s head. Sear 1859.
NGC graded AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5, a perfectly centered coin with outstanding details and the coveted double 5/5 designation.
$ 1950
20095. BYZANTINE EMPIRE. MICHAEL VIII, AD 1261–1282. Gold/electrum Hyperpyron (scyphate), 4.26 g, 25 mm. Issue of Constantinople.
Obv. Virgin orans standing within the city walls of Constantinople. Rev. X/C/Π/Λ, Christ seated holding scroll on right, Archangel Michael above kneeling emperor on left. Sear 2242.
NGC graded AU, Strike 4/5, Surface 2/5, “scratches,” with a lovely portrait of the Virgin.
$ 950
19938. AUSTRIA. SALZBURG. WOLF DIETRICH VON RAITENAU, 1587–1612. Silver Taler Klippe, 28.70 g, 43 mm. Obv. Coat–of–arms. Rev. St. Rupert seated facing slightly left, holding crozier and salt cellar. Davenport 8184; Zöttl 978; Probszt 823. Ex Alexander Christopher Collection.
NGC graded AU 58, currently TOP POP in the census. $ 2750
TOP POP IN THE NGC CENSUS
20132. AUSTRIA. SALZBURG. LEOPOLD ANTON ELEUTHERIUS, 1727-1744.
Gold 1/4 Ducat, 0.875 g, 14 mm. Issue of 1728. KM 330; Friedberg 851.
NGC graded MS 66, superb and with a proof–like luster, currently NGC’s TOP POP for the 1728 emissions (of 17 graded specimens). $ 2250
20133. AUSTRIA. SALZBURG. HIERONYMUS VON COLLOREDO, 1772-1803.
Gold 1/4 Ducat, 0.875 g, 14 mm. Issue of 1777. KM 443; Friedberg 883.
NGC graded MS 63, attractive, proof–like luster, the slabbed population of this coin is small, this specimen is highest graded (of two) at PCGS, but one grade lower of the two graded by NGC. $ 1975
20050. AUSTRIA. VIENNA. Ca. 1600s.
Silver Donative Taler, “Salvator Mundi Medal,” 28.4 g, 46 mm.
Obv. SALVATOR MUNDI, Bust of Christ left, within wreath. Rev. MVN R P VIENNA, coat of arms of Vienna within wreath. Unger 1140.
Ex. Virgil Brand Collection.
NGC graded AU55, an early and rare specimen of this iconic Viennese type, from the famous collection of Virgil Brand. $ 2500
These medals were conceived as New Year’s gifts by the municipality of Vienna to its employees. For a more complete background on these see: https://new.coinsweekly.com/nations/austria/viennas–salvator–medals/
20010. FRANCE (ANGLO–GALLIC). HENRY VI, 1422–1461.
Gold Salut d’Or, 3.47 g, 27 mm. Issue of Saint–Lo mint, undated (ca. 1422–1453).
Obv: The Annunciation: Virgin Mary standing behind the arms of France facing the Archangel Gabriel standing behind the arms of France and England, presenting to her a scroll bearing AVЄ, the light of God shining down from above. Rev. Long Latin cross above an “h,” lys and leopard on either side, all within a polylobed with inward–facing lys. Frieberg 301.
NGC graded MS 61, well struck with exceptional detail, fully realized faces on both figures. $ 3400
19941. GERMANY. SACHSEN. JOHANN GEORGE II, 1656–1680.
Silver Taler Klippe, 23.05 g, 41mm. Issue of Dresden mint, dated 1679, commemorating the Treaty of Nijmegen.
Obv. Six–line legend within wreath, with coat–of–arms in corners. Rev. Hercules standing on lightly floating clouds, ascending toward heaven, manus Dei (hand of God) above, crowning him. KM 564; Davenport 7637; Clauss & Kahnt 541. Ex Alexander Christopher Collection.
NGC graded AU 55. $ 3675
20104. GERMANY. BRUNSWICK–WOLFENBUTTEL. FRIEDRICH ULRICH, 1613–1634.
Silver Taler, 42 mm. Issue of Zellerfeld mint, date 1618.
19939. GERMANY. BRUNSWICK–LUNEBURG–CALENBERG–HANNOVER. GEORG LUDWIG, 1698–1727.
Silver Taler, 46 mm. Issue of Zellerfeld mint, dated 1698.
Obv. Coat of arms surmounted by Elector’s cap. Rev. Wild man standing facing, head left, holding tree. Davenport 6652; KM 18; Welter 2142. Ex Alexander Christopher Collection.
NGC graded AU 58, spectacular reddish iridescent highlights.
