SHOWCASE II

SHOWCASE II

VILMAR NUMISMATICS

LLC

A VERY EARLY DOLPHIN RIDER OF TARENTUM

17373.

CALABRIA. TARENTUM. Ca. 480-450 BC. Silver didrachm (nomos), 7.52 g, 18 mm.

Obv. TAPAΣ (retrograde), dolphin rider right, shell below, all within thick dotted border. Rev. Wheel with four spokes within thick linear border.

Fischer-Bossert, Chronologie, Group 4, 73 (same dies); Rutter, HN Italy, 833.

NGC graded VF, Strike 3/5, Surface 3/5, with light violet highlights, among the early issues of Fischer-Bossert’s group 4, and unusual in that the dolphin rider has his foot bent behind the shell rather than in front as usual. $ 1350

16943.

BRUTTIUM. CROTON. Ca. 480-430 BC. Silver stater, 8.16 g, 20 mm.

Obv. (K)PO, elaborate tripod, legs decorated by long volute ornaments and lion’s feet, heron facing left in right field. Rev. Incuse tripod, ornamentation in relief.

Rutter, HN Italy, 2102; HGC 1, 1449; SNG ANS, 309.

NGC graded XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, “overstruck”, with attractive golden highlights. $ 975

METAPONTUM’S CHARMING MOUSE ON LEAF ISSUE

18216.

LUCANIA. METAPONTUM. Ca. 340-330 BC. Silver stater, 7.82 g, 21 mm.

Obv. Veiled head of Demeter right, wearing wreath of grain and earrings, AΓ below chin. Rev. META, ear of grain with twisted leaf, mouse crouching left on leaf, Φ in left field.

Johnston, Metapontum, Class A, A8.16 (same dies); Rutter, HN Italy, 1570.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 97, 9/17/2014, lot 10; Numismatica Ars Classica 64, 5/17/2012, lot 2026.

NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5, with great centering and the wonderful mouse symbol. $ 2500

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18050.

THRACE. BYZANTIUM. Ca. 387-339 BC. Silver tetradrachm, 14.96 g, 23 mm.

Obv. ΠY, bull walking left, control monogram in lower left field, dolphin left in exergue. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square with stippling.

Schönert-Geiss, Byzantion, 680 (likely same obverse die) NGC graded XF, extremely rare control variety, with only 4 specimens recorded by Schönert-Geiss. $ 1500

18320.

THRACIAN ISLANDS. THASOS. 435-400 BC. Silver drachm, 3.49 g, 15 mm.

Obv. Ithyphallic satyr abducting nymph and cradling her in his lap. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square.

Le Rider, Thasiennes, 8; HGC 6, 336.

Ex Historical Scholar collection, acquired from Malter Galleries with his ticket.

NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, this is the Classical period equivalent of the famous erotic staters of 500-450 BC. $ 575

18696.

KINGDOM OF THRACE. LYSIMACHUS, 305-281 BC. Silver drachm, 4.26 g, 18 mm. Lifetime issue of Ephesus, ca. 294-287 BC. Obv. Head of deified Alexander the Great right, with the horn of Ammon. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ, Athena enthroned left, holding Nike crowning Lysimachus’ name, lyre in left field, A on throne.

Thompson, 174; Müller, 355.

NGC graded AU, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5. $ 750

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TETRADRACHM STRUCK AROUND THE TIME OF ALEXANDER’S DEATH

17634.

MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. ALEXANDER III, 336–323 BC. Silver tetradrachm, 16.96 g, 26 mm. Lifetime issue of Tarsus, ca. 327-323 BC. Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, plow in left field, Θ under strut, globule on upper right between Zeus and scepter and another between throne leg and scepter.

Price, 3032.

NGC graded as CHOICE XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 2/5, an issue that according to Price’s chronology was struck at the end of the series spanning 327 and 323 BC, thus around the time of Alexander’s death in 323 BC. $ 850

17632.

ATTICA. ATHENS. Ca. 545-520/10 BC. Silver obol (‘Wappenmünzen” Emission), 0.49 g, 8 mm.

Obv. Four-spoked wheel. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square, with triangular segments.

Seltman pl. IV, nu and xi; Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. I, 54–6; HGC 4, 1654.

NGC graded XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5. The ‘Wappenmünzen’ were the first coins issued by the city of Athens and predate the famous “owl” tetradrachms. Known by their German nickname of ‘Wappenmünzen’ (literally “coins bearing a coat of arms”), they reproduce devices encountered as shield decorations on Attic vases that were originally, though incorrectly, believed to represent the crests of prominent Athenian families. $ 575

A RARE SINOPE DRACHM IMITATION WITH EAGLE IN WRONG ORIENTATION

18252.

PAPHLAGONIA. SINOPE. Ca. LATE 4th CENTURY BC. Silver imitative drachm, 4.67 g, 19 mm.

Obv. Head of nymph Sinope left, wearing saccos, aplustre in left field. Rev. ΛNE, sea eagle holding dolphin right, TC control behind.

Cf. SNG Black Sea, 1445, an imitation with a similar right-facing reverse, but totally different obverse; the prototype for the obverse of this coin is to be found among the emissions dated ca. 330-300 BC with the aplustre in front of the nymph for which cf. SNG Black Sea, 1460-1479 and SNG Stancomb, 762-769; other imitative specimens of different style include Gorny & Mosch, Online Auction 263, 3/7/2019, lot 3204 and Roma Numismatics E-Sale 80, 2/2/2021, lot 353.

NGC graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “barbarous issue”. An interesting and rare imitation, quite unusual in that the eagle was rendered facing right instead of left and the legend is thoroughly garbled. $ 1250

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UNIQUE ALEXANDER TETRADRACHM OF SINOPE PUBLISHED IN PRICE AND SNG STANCOMB

15081.

PAPHLAGONIA. SINOPE. Ca. 230-200 BC. Silver tetradrachm of Alexander type, 16.88 g, 27 mm.

Obv. Head of young Heracles right in lion skin headdress. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter, A above ΣΙ left field, two control monograms on throne.

Price, 1261 (this coin listed) = SNG Stancomb, 784 (this coin listed and illustrated).

Ex William Stancomb Collection.

NGC graded VF, Strike 2/5, Surface 3/5, “lt graffito”, toned, struck with a worn obverse die, Newell was unaware of this variety at the beginning of the 20th century when he wrote about the Alexanders of Sinope (The Alexandrine coinage of Sinope, 1919), Price listed it referencing this specimen which is likely unique. $ 2500

17256.

MYSIA. CYZICUS. Ca. 550-450 BC. Electrum stater, 16.07 g, 22 mm.

Obv. Head of roaring lioness left, tunny fish swimming upwards at right. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square.

Von Fritze, Kyzikus, 39; Boston MFA, 1414; SNG BN, 178.

NGC graded VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. $ 4500

16702.

MYSIA. CYZICUS. Ca. 500-450 BC. Electrum stater, 16.04 g, 18 mm.

Obv. Youth running left, holding tunny by the tail. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square.

Von Fritze, Kyzikus, 112; Boston MFA 1487 = Warren 1502; SNG France, 253.

NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, Cyzicus’ most iconic design executed in a late Archaic style with this particular kneeling pose, known in German as “knielauf” and meant to show the figure running. The physiognomy and hairdo of the youth is similar to that seen on several warriors from the west pediment of the Temple of Aphaia from Aegina, now on display in the Munich Glyptothek. $ 2750

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17011.

IONIA. MILETUS. Ca. 600-550 BC. Electrum hecte, 2.33 g, 11 mm.

Obv. Lion reclining right on rectangular base with vertical striations. Rev. Pair of adjacent square punches one with stylized bird, the other with star-like design.

Weidauer Series XX, 128 = Kerschner and Konuk, “Electrum Coins and Their Archaeological Context: The Case of the Artemision of Ephesus,” in White Gold, no. 48; SNG Kayhan, 443; Triton X, lot 32 (tentatively attributed to Lydia).

NGC graded VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, extremely rare and seldom encountered.

$ 2750

18369.

IONIA. UNCERTAIN MINT. Ca. 600-550 BC. Electrum hecte, 2.25 g, 10 mm.

Obv. Schematic lion head. Rev. Incuse punch with various designs.

Linzalone, LN1067.

NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, scarce type.

$ 1350

18370.

IONIA. UNCERTAIN MINT. Ca. 600-550 BC. Electrum 1/24 stater (myshemihecte), 0.51 g, 6 mm.

Obv. OX/ (possible legend), schematic stag’s head. Rev. Incuse punch with various designs.

Cf. SNG Kayhan, 690 (for a 1/48th stater).

NGC graded XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, very rare Ionian fraction.

$ 750

18310.

CYPRUS. SALAMIS. Silver stater, 11.26 g, 22 mm. Issue of an uncertain king, ca. 480-460 BC. Obv. Recumbent ram left, Cypriote inscription above and below. Rev. Ankh with Cypriot letters within and in field, all within incuse square.

Zapiti & Michaelidou, 12.

NGC graded VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5. $ 1350

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18066.

SELEUCID KINGDOM. ANTIOCHUS VI, 144-142 BC. Silver tetradrachm, 16.10 g, 31 mm. Issue of Antioch on the Orontes, dated Seleucid era year 170 (143/2 BC).

Obv. Radiate and diademed head of Antiochus VI right. Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EΠIΦANOYΣ ΔIONYΣOY, the Dioscuri on horseback left, ΘP (date) below horses, TPY above ΔΠ monogram above ΣTA in right field, all within laurel wreath.

SC, 2000.3b.

NGC CHOICE XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5. $ 1850

A RARE ISSUE OF ASKELON EX GALST COLLECTION AND NFA 1992 SALE

17139.

SELEUCID KINGDOM. ANTIOCHUS VIII, 121-96 BC. Silver tetradrachm, 13.24 g, 29 mm. Issue of Askelon, dated SE 207 (106/5 BC).

Obv. Diademed head of Antiochus VIII right. Rev. Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, AΣ above IEP above AΣY above dove above aphlaston in left field, ZΣ (date) in right field, PAO control monogram between legs.

SC, 2340.10.

Ex Dr. Jay Galst Collection, acquired from Numismatic Fine Arts XXVIII, 4/23/1992, lot 754.

NGC graded AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 2/5, NFA provenance noted, some surface roughness, but an extremely rare dated emission. $ 1200

A MULTICOLORED MARVEL OF ANTIOCHUS VII’S CAPPADOCIAN ISSUES

18592.

SELEUCID KINGDOM. ANTIOCHUS VII, 138-129 BC. Silver tetradrachm, 16.82 g, 30 mm. Posthumous issue of the Cappadocian Kingdom, under Ariarathes VII struck ca. 108/7-107/6 BC. Obv. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY, diademed head of Antiochus VII right. Rev. Athena standing left, holding Nike, shield, and spear; ΔΙ monogram above A in left field, Φ in inner right field.

SC, 2143.2.

EF, dark gray toning with spectacular blue iridescent highlights, previously NGC graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5 (can be reencapsulated upon request). $ 975

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18301.

PHOENICIA. ARADUS. Ca. 172-110 BC. Silver drachm, 4.21 g, 18 mm. Issue dated CY 88 (172/1 BC).

Obv. Bee, monogram (date) to left, MC monogram to right. Rev. APAΔIΩN, stag right before palm tree.

Duyrat, 2576-2578 (D2/R1).

Ex Hess-Divo, 334, 5/29/2018, lot 82.

NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5, nicely centered with great eye appeal. This specimen is from the first issue of pseudoEphesian drachms struck by the city of Aradus.

$ 1750

PUBLISHED BY ELAYI & ELAYI IN THEIR STUDY OF SIDON’S COINAGE

18302.

PHOENICIA. SIDON. ‘ABD’ ASHTART I, ca. 365-352 BC. Silver double-shekel, 25.57 g, 30 mm. Issue of year 12 (354/3 BC).

Obv. Phoenician galley left, sailing above stylized waves, II above. Rev. OB, Persian king in chariot behind driver, saluting, king of Sidon walking behind, at right.

Elayi & Elayi, Sidon, 1331 (this coin listed).

Ex Künker 376, 10/18/2022, 4806 = Müller 31, 2/4/1981, lot 130, = Müller 20, 5/20/1977, lot 137.

VF, dark toning, some tooling around the figures on the reverse, a specimen published in the standard work on the series by Elayi & Elayi. Please note this coin is unsuitable for encapsulation due to aforementioned tooling. $ 2975

EXTREMELY RARE CHRIST LIFETIME HALF SHEKEL OF AD 16/7

18032.

PHOENICIA. TYRE. Silver half shekel, 6.19 g, 20 mm. Lifetime of Christ issue dated Tyre year 142 (AD 16/7).

Obv. Laureate head of Melkart right. Rev. ΤΥΡΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing left on prow, PMB (date) above club in left field, KP above monogram in right field, Phoenician letter B between legs.

DCA Tyre Supplement Release 2, 852 (same dies).

NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 3/5, Surface 2/5, struck with reverse off center. Extremely rare, with 3 specimens for this year documented on CoinArchives, only one of which is this exact variety, but in inferior grade. $ 1975

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YEAR 146 (AD 20/1) CHIRST LIFETIME SHEKEL PLATED IN COHEN’S WORK

17433.

PHOENICIA. TYRE. Silver shekel, 14.02 g, 27 mm. Lifetime of Christ issue dated Tyre year 146 (AD 20/1).

Obv. Laureate head of Melkart right. Rev. ΤΥΡΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing left on prow, PMς (date) above club in left field, KP above monogram in right field, Phoenician letter B between legs.

DCA Tyre Supplement Release 2, 527 (this coin illustrated).

Ex Vilmar Numismatics FPL III, no. 102.

NGC graded CHOICE AU, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, “Cohen (Tyre.R2),527 (=this)” noted on label.

$ 5950

17792.

PHOENICIA. TYRE. Silver shekel, 13.99 g, 24 mm. Issue dated Tyre year 160 (AD 34/5).

Obv. Laureate head of Melkart right. Rev. ΤΥΡΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing left on prow, PΞ (date) above club in left field, KP above uncertain monogram in right field.

Cf. DCA Tyre Supplement Release 2, 587.

NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 3/5, Surface 4/5, reverse off center but with clear date, an issue minted immediately post Crucifixion. $ 1375

EXTREMELY RARE ACHAEMENID IMITATIVE SIGLOS

18105.

ACHAEMENID EMPIRE. Ca. 5th-4th century BC. Silver siglos, 4.30 g, 14 mm. Imitative issue copying Sardes emissions of 500-475 BC. Obv. King holding spear and bow, running left. Rev. Incuse punch.

Cf. Carradice Type IIIb for prototype; this variety unpublished save for a left-facing specimen of Carradice Type II in CNG Mail Bid Sale 58, 9/19/2001, lot 725.

Ex Harlan J. Berk, with his tag.

NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “imitative issue” noted on label. $ 1250

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EXCEPTIONAL MAURETANIAN DENARIUS OF JUBA AND CLEOPATRA SELENE

18613.

KINGDOM OF MAURETANIA. JUBA II with CLEOPATRA SELENE, 25 BC-AD 23/4.

Silver denarius, 3.38 g, 16 mm. Issue of Caesarea, Mauretania, ca. AD 11.

Obv. REX IVBA, diademed head of Juba II right. Rev. BACIΛICCA KΛЄΟΠΑΤΡA, star in crescent.

Mazard, 299; SNG Copenhagen, 567.

Ex Edward J. Waddell, Ltd (with his tag), and previously sold by Frank Sternberg, FPL 4 (1992), lot 100.

NGC graded AU STAR, Strike: 5/5, Surface 5/5, an outstanding specimen of this emission, with deep golden iridescence on the obverse.

Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra VII and Marc Antony, was married to king Juba of Numidia and ruled with him for many years. This coin bears her name and title of queen (BASILISSA) on the reverse.

$ 2500

18652.

ROMAN REPUBLIC. FAUSTUS CORNELIUS SULLA, ca. 56 BC. Silver denarius, 4.08 g, 19 mm. Issue of Rome.

Obv. FAVSTVS, draped and diademed bust of Diana right, a crescent above forehead, lituus behind. Rev. FELIX, Sulla enthroned left receiving homage from King Bocchus of Mauretania kneeling right, offering an olive branch; at right, King Jugurtha of Numidia kneeling left, with hands bound.

Crawford, 426/1; Sydenham, 879.

NGC graded XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 5/5. An important historical coin celebrating the end of the Jugurthine War in North Africa. $ 850

18332.

ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. M. JUNIUS BRUTUS, d. 42 BC. Silver denarius, 3.98 g, 17 mm. Issue of Rome, struck by Brutus while he served as moneyer, 54 BC. Obv. LIBERTAS, head of Libertas right. Rev. BRVTVS, procession of L. Junius Brutus, consul of 509 BC, and lictors.

Crawford, 433/1; Sydenham, 906.

Ex Freeman & Sear, Mail Bid Sale 13, 8/25/2006, lot 348.

NGC graded AU, Strike 3/5, Surface 2/5, “graffito”, light gray toning with light blue iridescent highlights.

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$ 2300

ANTONY LEGION IV DENARIUS WITH NGC STAR LABEL AND 5/5 RATINGS

17831.

ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. MARC ANTONY, d. 30 BC. Silver denarius, 3.81 g, 18 mm. Issue of a military mint traveling with Antony (Patrae ?), struck 32-31 BC. Obv. ANT AVG III VI R R P C, praetorian galley right. Rev. LEG IV, legionary eagle between a pair of military standards.

Crawford, 544/17; Sydenham, 1219.

Vilmar Numismatics FPL III, no. 130.

NGC graded CHOICE XF STAR, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5, exceptionally struck, with wonderful detail and centering.

$ 4500

18542.

ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. JULIUS CAESAR, d. 44 BC. Gold aureus, 8.08 g, 19 mm. Issue of A. Hirtius, praetor, in Rome, ca. 46 BC. Obv. C CAESAR COS TER, veiled head of divinity, perhaps Vesta or Pietas. Rev. A HIRTIVS P R, lituus, oenochoe, and securis, (emblems of the augurate and pontificate).

Crawford, 466/1; Sydenham, 1017 (same obverse die as illustrated specimen); Calicó, 36a.

M. C. Molinari, “Gli aurei a nome di Giulio Cesare e AuloIrzio,” RIN 104 (2003), unlisted die combination of obverse 3 and reverse 211, cf. nos. 80-95..

NGC graded CHOICE FINE, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, a die combination unknown by Molinari when she published her die study. $ 6750

18615.

ROMAN EMPIRE. AUGUSTUS, 27 BC-AD 14.

Silver denarius, 3.81 g, 20 mm. Issue of a mint in Spain (perhaps Colonia Caesaraugusta), ca. 19-18 BC. Obv. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, head of Augustus left, wearing the oak crown (corona civica). Rev. DIVVS IVLIVS, comet with tail upward.

RIC I rev, 37b.

NGC graded XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, “banker’s mark”, “edge filing”. This historic type depicts the comet that appeared July of 44 BC. Octavian interpreted it as a sign confirming the transition of Caesar’s spirit to the divine sphere, proclaiming it to be the “Sidus Iulium” (“Caesar’s star”). In his Metamorphoses XV, 745–842, the poet Ovid rhapsodized the comet: “Jupiter hardly had pronounced these words, when kindly Venus, although seen by none, stood in the middle of the Senate-house, and caught from the dying limbs and trunk of her own Caesar his departing soul. She did not give it time so that it could dissolve in air, but bore it quickly up, toward all the stars of heaven; and on the way, she saw it gleam and blaze and set it free. Above the moon it mounted into heaven, leaving behind a long and fiery trail, and as a star it glittered in the sky.” (Brookes More translation, 1922) $ 2400

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17557.

ROMAN EMPIRE. TIBERIUS, AD 14-37.

Silver denarius, 3.91 g, 19 mm. Issue of Lugdunum (Lyon).

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 AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, surface with iridescent highlights and some dark gray toning on the reverse. This is an example of a famous historical coin commonly regarded as the “tribute penny” mentioned in the New Testament, Matthew 22:19 ff, when Christ addresses his followers: “‘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.” $ 2300

18573.

ROMAN EMPIRE. CLAUDIUS, AD 41-54.

Silver denarius, 3.47 g, 18 mm. Issue of Rome, AD 51.

Obv. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P, laureate head of Claudius right. Rev. NERO CLAVD CAES DRVSVS GERM PRINC IVVENT, draped bust of young Nero right.

RIC I rev, 83.

NGC graded VF, Strike 3/5, Surface 2/5, “marks” and “brushed”. $ 3200

PUBLISHED AND ILLUSTRATED BY RICHARD MCALEE IN 1996

18330.

SYRIA, ANTIOCH. PROVINCIAL ISSUE OF GALBA, AD 68-69.

Silver tetradrachm,14.80 g, 28 mm. Dated Regnal Year 2 (AD 68/9), dated Caesarean Era year 116.

Obv. AYTOKPATwP ΓAΛBAC KAICAP CЄBACTOC, head right. Rev. Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, with wings spread, palm frond to left, ЄTOYC B (date) in exergue.

Prieur, 100; RPC I, 4198.

Ex Richard McAlee Collection (CNG 63, 5/21/2003, lot 1049).

Published McAlee, “Vespasian’s Syrian Provincial Coinage,” AJN 7-8 (1995-1996), pl. 16, B (this coin illustrated).

NGC graded VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. $ 1500

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18600.

ROMAN EMPIRE. VITELLIUS, AD 69 Silver denarius, 3.39 gm, 19 mm. Issue of Rome.

Obv. A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP, bust right. Rev. CONCORDIA PR, Concordia enthroned left, holding patera and double cornucopia.

RIC I rev, 66 var. (single cornucopia).

NGC graded VF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, with an elegant portrait, attractive golden toning. $ 1350

18707.

ROMAN EMPIRE. VESPASIAN, AD 69-79.

Silver denarius, 3.37 g, 19 mm. Issue of Rome, AD 79, the year Vesuvius erupted.

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right. Rev. TR POT X COS VIIII, Victory standing left, placing shield on trophy, below which stands a figure of mourning Judaea.

RIC II.1 rev, 1068; Hendin, 6th edition, 6515.

NGC graded AU, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, an exceptional specimen of a scarce variety celebrating the Roman victory in the Jewish Wars. $ 1500

PLATE COIN IN HENDIN’S 6th EDITION OF GUIDE TO BIBLICAL COINS

18547.

ROMAN EMPIRE. TITUS, AD 79-81.

Silver denarius, 2.77 g, 19 mm. Issue of Antioch, AD 72-73.

Obv. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate head of Titus right. Rev. Titus standing left, holding spear, his foot on helmet, Judaea seated below palm tree at right.

Hendin, 6th edition, 6522 (this coin illustrated).

Ex David Hendin Collection.

EF, minor tooling in Titus’ wreath, a Judaea Capta issue struck in the east using the well known coin type employed on sestertii emissions from Rome (unsuitable for encapsulation due to tooling).

$ 2950

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18601.

ROMAN EMPIRE. TITUS, AD 79-81.

Silver denarius, 3.66 g, 19 mm. Issue of Rome, AD 79, the year Vesuvius erupted.

Obv. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head of Titus right. Rev. TR P VIIII IMP-XV-COS VII P P, Ceres enthroned left, holding grain and poppy in right hand, torch in the left.

RIC II.1 rev, 40.

NGC graded CHOICE VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, pleasing reddish iridescent highlights. $ 1650

RARE PROVINCIAL EMISSION WITH THE HOMERIC MONSTER SCYLLA

18704.

ROMAN EMPIRE. PROVINCIAL ISSUE OF TARSUS, CILICIA, STRUCK UNDER GORDIAN III, AD 238-244.

Bronze AE35, 16.93 g, 35 mm.

Obv. ΑΥΤ Κ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ ϹƐΒ, Π Π, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian right. Rev. ΤΑΡϹΟΥ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛƐOϹ, Scylla, standing facing, her head turned left, with two fish tails and four hound protomes on her lower body, Α Μ Κ Γ Β in fields.

RPC VII.2, 3100 (online record cites 6 specimens); SNG Levante, 1125.

Ex Clive Foss Collection.

Fine, green patina, a rare provincial type depicting the monster Scylla from one of the famous stories in Homer’s Odyssey. $ 750

EXCEPTIONAL “GLOR ORVIS TERRAR” ISSUE OF THEODOIUS II

17668.

EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE. THEODOSIUS II, AD 402-450.

Gold solidus, 4.49 g, 22 mm. Issue of Constantinople, officina B. Obv. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVC, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Theodosius three quarters right, holding spear and shield with horseman device. Rev. GLOR ORVIS TERRAR B, Theodosius standing facing, dressed in military cuirass, holding labarum and cross on globe (globus cruciger), star in left field, CONOB in exergue.

RIC X, 232; Depeyrot, 77/1.

Ex Vilmar Numismatics FPL III, no. 157.

NGC graded CHOICE MINT STATE STAR, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5, a magnificent specimen of this rare type at Constantinople, rich in detail and luster. This is the first appearance of the “globus cruciger”, a globe with a cross on top, held by the emperor, imagery that becomes standard in the numismatic repertoire. The legend “GLORY OVER THE ENTIRE WORLD” may refer to the globus cruciger, namely that Christianity, represented by the cross, has spread over the whole known world.

$ 7750

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18670 BYZANTINE EMPIRE. MAURICE TIBERIUS, AD 582-602.

Gold solidus of 23 siliqua weight, 4.28 g, 21 mm. Issue of Theoupolis (Antioch), officina Z. Obv. D N MAVRC TIB PP AVI, plume helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger, star in right field. Rev. VICTORIA AVCC Z, Angel standing, facing, holding staff and globus cruciger and staff with staurogram, star in right field, CONOB in exergue.

Sear, 528.

NGC graded MINT STATE, Strike 4/5, Surface 2/5, “brushed”, “edge bend”, scarce reduced weight issue. $ 950

18304.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE. JUSTINIAN II, SECOND REIGN, AD 705-711.

Gold solidus, 4.25 g, 20 mm. Issue of Constantinople.

Obv. ꝹN IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIЧM, bust of youthful Christ Pantokrator, facing, holding Gospels and raising his right hand in benediction. Rev. ꝹN IЧSTINIANЧS ЄT TIbЄRIЧS PP A, facing half-length busts of Justinian II and Tiberius, both holding a central cross potent with stepped base.

Sear, 1414.

Ex Kress 138, 04/17/1967, lot 1232.

NGC graded AU, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5, “clipped”.

Upon his return to power following his exile (the “Second Reign”), Justinian II introduces an entirely new image of Christ - a youthful portrait with a distinct eastern physiognomy, bearing curly short-cropped hair and a kind, welcoming, expression. It is an image perhaps based on the iconographical traditions of Christian Syria, with some scholars claiming it originates in an icon of the “historical” Christ, the Christ before the Crucifixion. $ 2950

AMONG THE 4 TOP GRADED SPECIMENS OF ANASTASIUS II SOLIDI

17693.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE. ANASTASIUS II, AD 713-715.

Gold solidus, 4.44 g, 20 mm. Issue of Constantinople, officina I. Obv. D N ANASTASIЧS MЧLTЧS AN, facing bust of Anastasius II, holding globus cruciger and akakia. Rev. VICTORIA AVGЧ I, cross potent on three-stepped base, CONOB in exergue.

Sear, 1463.

Ex Vilmar Numismatics FPL III, no. 166.

NGC graded CHOICE MINT STATE, Strike 4/5, Surface 5/5, a lustrous specimen with a proof-like look. One of three Choice Mint State specimens currently in the NGC census, with only 1 higher in Gem Mint. $ 7500

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18577.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE. ANONYMOUS ISSUE. Bronze follis (Class A3), 11.73 g, 28 mm. Issue of Constantinople, ca. AD 1020-1028.

Obv. + ЄMMANOVHΛ / IC-XC, bust of Christ Pantocrator, facing, holding Gospels and raising right hand in benediction. Rev. + IҺSЧS / XRISTЧS / ЬASILЄЧ / ЬASILЄ (Jesus Christ, King of Kings), vine scroll in exergue.

Sear, 1818.

NGC graded MINT STATE, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5, a specimen of exceptional quality. $ 975

18483.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE. MICHAEL VII, AD 1071-1078.

Gold / Electrum Histamenon Nomisma, 4.40 g, 30 mm.

Obv: IC-XC, nimbate facing bust of Christ Pantocrator, holding the Gospels. Rev: + MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, bust of Christ Pantocrator, facing, holding Gospels and raising right hand in benediction.

Sear, 1868.

NGC graded AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. $ 950

18685.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE. JOHN II, AD 1118-1143.

Gold hyperpyron, 4.27 g, 28. Issue of Thessalonica, ca. AD 1118-1122.

Obv. IC - XC, Christ enthroned, facing, holding Gospels and raising hand in benediction. Rev. +Iω ΔЄCΠΟ, half figures of the Virgin and John, standing facing, holding a patriarchal cross between them, the hand of God (manus Dei) blessing from above, ΘV - MHP in right fields.

Sear, 1947.

Ex Numismatik Naumann 87, 3/1/2020, lot 800.

NGC graded MINT STATE, Strike 5/5, Surface 2/5, “graffito” noted, a wonderful and very detailed coin with refined depictions of Christ, Mary and John. $ 1150

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ORDERING INFORMATION AND TERMS OF SALE Email: vilmar@aol.com (Refer to our website for complete terms of sale and bibliographical information regarding abbreviations used) Please place your orders by email and make reference to the inventory number provided at the beginning of each listing. The coins also appear as individual records on our website. All coins are offered subject to prior sale and no order is valid until confirmed by us in writing and accompanied by a formal invoice.

OUR GUARANTEE We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of all our coins. 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 coins are removed from encapsulation.

NGC ENCAPSULATED COINS Most of our coins are sold encapsulated in NGC holders. Such coins have been evaluated, graded and encapsulated by NGC Ancients.

NGC Ancients does not encapsulate any coins that in their opinion are fakes, of uncertain authenticity or have been repaired. In some cases we offer raw coins, and these may be encapsulated upon request.

PAYMENT TYPES Title does not pass until payment is made in full. Payment must be received within 7 days of the sale date. In the United States payment may be made by bank wire, money order or personal check drawn on a US bank. CREDIT CARDS (VISA, MC, AM EX) are generally accepted but an additional 4% service charge will be added. Payments from overseas (all foreign countries including Canada) may be made by bank wire.

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SHIPPING CHARGES FOR COINS United States: $45 for FEDEX or EXPRESS MAIL (delivery in 1-2 days within the US). Foreign, including Canada: $120 via fully trackable Fed Ex, DHL or USPS Global Express Mail. Please note that it is the responsibility of the buyer to comply with all customs regulations and pay for all duties/taxes in their country.

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 where the specific piece is documented.

CREDITS We are grateful to Mary Lannin for her editorial help. Photography and catalogue layout are the work of Alex Marinescu of Marinescu Designs, LLC. WE WILL BE PARTICIPATING AT THE FOLLOWING SHOWS AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE Central States 84th Anniversary Convention, Schaumburg, IL, April 26th - 30th, 2023.

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