Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4
Date: 2025-01-14 15:00:00 (2 weeks from now)
Lots: 1152
Total starting: $ 3,093,540.00
In this auction, Numistats has matched 121 coins, providing AI-powered purchase recommendations and detailed analysis. View more.
Auction Summary
La subasta "Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4", programada para el 14 de enero de 2025, presenta una impresionante colección de 1152 lotes, destacando monedas de diversas épocas y regiones. Entre las piezas más notables se encuentra un estater de plata de Arkadia, datado entre 360-350 a.C., que muestra un magnífico retrato de Deméter y Hermes, con un precio estimado de 180,000 USD. También se destaca un denario de Bruto, famoso por conmemorar el asesinato de Julio César, que se ofrece por 150,000 USD, siendo considerado uno de los más icónicos de la numismática romana. Otro ejemplar notable es un estater de oro de Nektanebo II de Egipto, que representa un caballo y un collar jeroglífico, con un precio de 60,000 USD. Además, se presenta un dekadrachm de Siracusa, que es considerado uno de los más bellos de la antigüedad, con un precio de 60,000 USD. Estas monedas no solo son valiosas por su rareza y belleza, sino que también representan momentos significativos de la historia antigua, lo que las convierte en piezas de gran interés para coleccionistas y estudiosos.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 380
PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp. Xerxes I to Darios II. Circa 485-420 BC. AV Daric (15mm, 8.31 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, holding spear and bow / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XIII, 27); Meadows, Administration 321; BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26; Sunrise 24. Edge scuff. Superb EF.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA1C; Patrick H. C. Tan Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 84, 5 May 2010), lot 748.
The Achaemenid series began in the late sixth century BC, deriving from the famous Kroiseid coinage, and lasted until the conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great in the 330s BC. The term “daric” dates from the fifth century BC, and was used by the Greeks as a term for Persian coinage, particularly the gold (see Herodotos 7.28). Its name derives from that of the Persian king Darios I, under whom the Persian coinage began. Ian Carradice’s study, “The ‘Regal’ Coinage of the Persian Empire” in: Coinage and Administration in the Athenian and Persian Empires (BAR International Series 343 [Oxford. 1987]) forms the modern basis for our understanding of this interesting coinage.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA1C; Patrick H. C. Tan Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 84, 5 May 2010), lot 748.
The Achaemenid series began in the late sixth century BC, deriving from the famous Kroiseid coinage, and lasted until the conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great in the 330s BC. The term “daric” dates from the fifth century BC, and was used by the Greeks as a term for Persian coinage, particularly the gold (see Herodotos 7.28). Its name derives from that of the Persian king Darios I, under whom the Persian coinage began. Ian Carradice’s study, “The ‘Regal’ Coinage of the Persian Empire” in: Coinage and Administration in the Athenian and Persian Empires (BAR International Series 343 [Oxford. 1987]) forms the modern basis for our understanding of this interesting coinage.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 381
PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp. Darios II to Artaxerxes II. Circa 420-375 BC. AV Daric (15mm, 8.37 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running 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, slight die shift and small scuff on obverse. EF. Well centered and sharp details.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex RCM Collection (Triton XVI, 8 January 2013), lot 579; Forestier I (8 June 2007), lot 52.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex RCM Collection (Triton XVI, 8 January 2013), lot 579; Forestier I (8 June 2007), lot 52.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 382
PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp. Darios II to Artaxerxes II. Circa 420-375 BC. AV Daric (15mm, 8.33 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running 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. Underlying luster, slight die wear on obverse. EF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 383
PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp. Artaxerxes II to Darios III. Circa 375-336 BC. AV Daric (15mm, 8.33 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, holding spear and bow / Patterned incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb Late (pl. XV, 50); Meadows, Administration –; BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 24; Sunrise 39 corr. (references). A little die rust, minor marks on reverse. Good VF. Well centered.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 384
PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. Autophradates. Satrap of Sparda (Lydia and Ionia), circa 380s-350s BC. AR Drachm (13mm, 3.38 g, 1h). Uncertain mint in Ionia. Bearded head left, wearing satrapal cap / Forepart of horse left; OATA above, monogram below. Cf. Winzer 11.1; cf. Meadows, Administration 344; cf. Traité II 67; cf. BMC 20 (diobol, with this monogram); otherwise, unpublished. Lightly toned, a hint of porosity, a few minor marks on edge. VF. Apparently unique as a drachm.
Autophradates distinguished himself in the Great Satraps Revolt (365-360 BC) by supporting Artaxerxes II and imprisoning the satrap of Lydia and Ionia, Artabazos (Dem. Aristoc. 671). In 333 BC, Autophradates, along with his fellow-commander, Pharnabazos, took over the Persian fleet and completed the siege of Mytilene, which had been begun by Memnon. In the Greek revolts which arose in the Aegean and western Asia Minor as a result of Alexander III's victories, Autophradates tried to return these areas to Persian control (Arr. Anab. 2.1; Arist. Pol. 2.4.10). Little else is known of his subsequent career, although it is possible that he was among those satraps who presented themselves before Alexander at Zadracarta (Arr. Anab. 3.23).
Autophradates distinguished himself in the Great Satraps Revolt (365-360 BC) by supporting Artaxerxes II and imprisoning the satrap of Lydia and Ionia, Artabazos (Dem. Aristoc. 671). In 333 BC, Autophradates, along with his fellow-commander, Pharnabazos, took over the Persian fleet and completed the siege of Mytilene, which had been begun by Memnon. In the Greek revolts which arose in the Aegean and western Asia Minor as a result of Alexander III's victories, Autophradates tried to return these areas to Persian control (Arr. Anab. 2.1; Arist. Pol. 2.4.10). Little else is known of his subsequent career, although it is possible that he was among those satraps who presented themselves before Alexander at Zadracarta (Arr. Anab. 3.23).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 385
PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. temp. Stamenes – Seleukos. Satraps of Babylon, circa 328/3-311 BC. AV Double Daric (18mm, 16.72 g). Babylon mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, holding spear in right hand, bow in left; ΛY to left, [M to lower right] / Patterned incuse punch. Nicolet-Pierre 1; cf. Babelon, Perses 120 (daric); cf. Traité II 768 (same); EHC pl. II, 29; SNG Berry 1455. Minor flan flaw on obverse, edge marks. VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, February 1987.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, February 1987.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 386
PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. temp. Stamenes – Seleukos. Satraps of Babylon, circa 328/3-311 BC. AV Daric (13.5mm, 8.33 g). Babylon mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, holding spear in right hand, bow in left; ΛY to left, [M to lower right] / Patterned incuse punch. Nicolet-Pierre 1; Babelon, Perses 120 = de Luynes 2786; Traité II 768. Compact flan, area of weak strike on obverse. EF. Very rare.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Buddy Ebsen Collection (Superior, 7 June 1987), lot 4230.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Buddy Ebsen Collection (Superior, 7 June 1987), lot 4230.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 387
EGYPT, Pharaonic Kingdom. Nektanebo II. 361-343 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.31 g, 10h). Horse prancing right / Hieroglyphic representation of “good gold”: pectoral necklace (nebew = “gold”) crossing horizontally over a windpipe and heart (nefer = “good”). FF-BD 4b (D2/R2) = H. W. Müller & E. Thiem, Gold of the Pharaohs (Cornell UP, 1999), p. 49, figs. 86–87 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 1 (same rev. die); ACGC 1064 (same rev. die); BM inv. 1954,1006.1 = Jameson 2618 (same obv. die); Zhuyuetang 121 (same rev. die). In NGC encapsulation 5771748-001, graded XF★, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 5/5.
Ex Edward H. Merrin Collection; Eberhard Thiem Collection; Sotheby’s Geneva (with Roland Michel, 11 November 1990), lot 42; Hans Wolfgang Müller Collection, sold to a private German collector, 1968 (attested by E. Thiem, in correspondence with Samuel Merrin [inlcuded with lot]).
One of the great (and very popular) rarities for ancient gold coinage collectors is the gold stater (or daric?) issued by the Egyptian Pharaoh Nektanebo II. The authors of the die study cited above could account for only 42 examples struck from 3 obverse and 3 reverse dies with 5 die combinations. They also listed 5 examples from the Mit Rahineh hoard (IGCH 1658) that they could not examine for their die study. The attribution to Nektanebo II is based primarily on circumstantial historical evidence and not the coins themselves, which do not bear any specific ethnic or monogram.
Nekht-har-hebi, or Nektanebo II as he was known to the Greeks, was the nephew of the Pharaoh Tachos (Djedhor). Placed in command of the Egyptian army in Syria during the Satrapal Revolt, he turned his troops against his own king, and uncle, and took Egypt by force. In 351-350 BC, he repelled a Persian invasion but was driven from his throne in 344-343 by a second assault. He then fled Egypt and found refuge in Ethiopia and retained control of Upper Egypt for another few years.
Nektanebo most likely would have issued his gold staters to pay the mercenaries in his army. What makes the coinage of Nektanebo stand out is the adoption of a purely Egyptian design. This is the only known ancient coinage to employ a hieroglyph – a purely Egyptian coin.
Ex Edward H. Merrin Collection; Eberhard Thiem Collection; Sotheby’s Geneva (with Roland Michel, 11 November 1990), lot 42; Hans Wolfgang Müller Collection, sold to a private German collector, 1968 (attested by E. Thiem, in correspondence with Samuel Merrin [inlcuded with lot]).
One of the great (and very popular) rarities for ancient gold coinage collectors is the gold stater (or daric?) issued by the Egyptian Pharaoh Nektanebo II. The authors of the die study cited above could account for only 42 examples struck from 3 obverse and 3 reverse dies with 5 die combinations. They also listed 5 examples from the Mit Rahineh hoard (IGCH 1658) that they could not examine for their die study. The attribution to Nektanebo II is based primarily on circumstantial historical evidence and not the coins themselves, which do not bear any specific ethnic or monogram.
Nekht-har-hebi, or Nektanebo II as he was known to the Greeks, was the nephew of the Pharaoh Tachos (Djedhor). Placed in command of the Egyptian army in Syria during the Satrapal Revolt, he turned his troops against his own king, and uncle, and took Egypt by force. In 351-350 BC, he repelled a Persian invasion but was driven from his throne in 344-343 by a second assault. He then fled Egypt and found refuge in Ethiopia and retained control of Upper Egypt for another few years.
Nektanebo most likely would have issued his gold staters to pay the mercenaries in his army. What makes the coinage of Nektanebo stand out is the adoption of a purely Egyptian design. This is the only known ancient coinage to employ a hieroglyph – a purely Egyptian coin.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 388
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.18 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis mint. Struck circa 323-321/0 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; rose in left field, ΔIO below throne. CPE 18; Svoronos –; Zervos Issue 2B, dies 212/a; Price 3971 var. (position of letters on rev.); ANS inv. 1944.100.35580 (same dies). Lightly toned, underlying luster, trace deposits. Near EF.
Ex Heritage 61332 (6 August 2023), lot 25112.
Ex Heritage 61332 (6 August 2023), lot 25112.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 389
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC, or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 15.75 g, 1h). 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 Δ in scales / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Athena Alkidemos advancing right; to right, monogram, Corinthan helmet right, and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 70; Svoronos 164; Zervos Issue 29, dies 518/c; SNG Copenhagen –; Noeske –; SNG Lockett 3393; Weber 8226. Toned, traces of undertype. EF. Well centered.
From the JTB Collection. Ex North River Collection (Triton XXVI, 10 January 2023), lot 424; RCM Collection (Triton XVI, 8 January 2013), lot 587; Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 372.
Ptolemy I Soter, the son of a Macedonian nobleman, was a friend and intimate of Alexander III the Great from boyhood and accompanied him on his great career of conquest, from 333-323 BC. Upon Alexander’s death in 323 BC, Ptolemy was granted the prized satrapy of Egypt, the richest of the formerly Persian provinces. Alone among the Diadochi (”successors”), he was content with his sphere of influence and did not risk all to succeed Alexander. However, he was not above using the great conqueror’s image and reputation to secure his own position. He hijacked Alexander’s funeral cortege as it was proceeding back to Macedon and had his embalmed corpse formally interred at Memphis in Egypt; later the body was relocated to a splendid mausoleum in Alexandria. Ptolemy’s early coinage is modeled on that of Alexander and carries the conqueror’s image and name, as seen on this remarkable tetradrachm, which shows Alexander wearing an elaborate elephant-skin headdress in honor of his victories in India, backed with a striking image of Athena in a fighting stance. Ptolemy declared his own kingship in 305/4 BC and was the only one of Alexander’s Successors to die peacefully, in his bed, in 282 BC, having founded a dynasty that would last three centuries.
From the JTB Collection. Ex North River Collection (Triton XXVI, 10 January 2023), lot 424; RCM Collection (Triton XVI, 8 January 2013), lot 587; Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 372.
Ptolemy I Soter, the son of a Macedonian nobleman, was a friend and intimate of Alexander III the Great from boyhood and accompanied him on his great career of conquest, from 333-323 BC. Upon Alexander’s death in 323 BC, Ptolemy was granted the prized satrapy of Egypt, the richest of the formerly Persian provinces. Alone among the Diadochi (”successors”), he was content with his sphere of influence and did not risk all to succeed Alexander. However, he was not above using the great conqueror’s image and reputation to secure his own position. He hijacked Alexander’s funeral cortege as it was proceeding back to Macedon and had his embalmed corpse formally interred at Memphis in Egypt; later the body was relocated to a splendid mausoleum in Alexandria. Ptolemy’s early coinage is modeled on that of Alexander and carries the conqueror’s image and name, as seen on this remarkable tetradrachm, which shows Alexander wearing an elaborate elephant-skin headdress in honor of his victories in India, backed with a striking image of Athena in a fighting stance. Ptolemy declared his own kingship in 305/4 BC and was the only one of Alexander’s Successors to die peacefully, in his bed, in 282 BC, having founded a dynasty that would last three centuries.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 390
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC, or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 15.55 g, 11h). Ptolemaic standard. In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Uncertain mint 1 in Egypt (Pelusion?). Struck circa 306-300 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin, aegis around neck / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Athena Alkidemos advancing right; to right, monogram and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 77; Svoronos 107; Zervos Issue 55, dies 583/b (this coin referenced); O. Ravel, “Corinthian Hoard from Chiliomodi” in Transactions of the International Numismatic Congress 1936 (London, 1938), 7 and pl. VIII, 2 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen –. Attractively toned, some die wear and banker’s mark on obverse. VF.
Purchased by the consignor from James Murray Coins and Antiques, in the 1990s. Ex Chiliomodi, 1932 Hoard (IGCH 85).
Purchased by the consignor from James Murray Coins and Antiques, in the 1990s. Ex Chiliomodi, 1932 Hoard (IGCH 85).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 391
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 7.08 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck early 290s BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck / ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, Alexander, holding thunderbolt in right hand, standing left in chariot drawn by four elephants left; three monograms in exergue. CPE 93; Svoronos 147; Zervos Type VI, Issue 91; SNG Copenhagen –; Hirsch 1793. Faint graffito (¬Ås) in field on obverse, light scratch and minor doubling on reverse. Good VF. Very rare, only five examples noted by Zervos, five additional in CoinArchives (including the present coin).
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA14C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 751.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA14C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 751.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 392
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.25 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 294-285 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck, tiny Δ behind ear / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, eagle, with closed wings, standing left on thunderbolt; to left, P above monogram. CPE 168; Svoronos 255; SNG Copenhagen 70–1; Boston MFA 2264; Noeske 41–2. Toned, traces of find patina. Near EF.
From the JTB Collection. Ex Triton XII (6 January 2009), lot 382.
From the JTB Collection. Ex Triton XII (6 January 2009), lot 382.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 393
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AR Quarter Ma’ah – Tetartemorion (7mm, 0.22 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Struck circa 294-282 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck / Eagle, with open wings, standing left on thunderbolt; YHD (in Aramaic) to left. CPE 252; GLF Type 37, dies O1/R2; Meshorer 32a (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6079. Lightly toned, slightly off center on obverse, as usual. Good VF. Exceptional for issue. Rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 394
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos. 285-246 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 14.08 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 282–275/4 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, aegis around neck; tiny Δ behind ear / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, eagle, with closed wings, standing left on thunderbolt; monogram to left. CPE 277; Svoronos 548; SNG Copenhagen –; Meydancikkale 3732–813. In NGC encapsulation 3987307-013, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5.
Ex WTR Collection (Heritage 3094 (19 August 2021), lot 34145; Heritage 3038 (13 January 2015), lot 33141; Stack's (24 August 1976), lot 1603.
Ex WTR Collection (Heritage 3094 (19 August 2021), lot 34145; Heritage 3038 (13 January 2015), lot 33141; Stack's (24 August 1976), lot 1603.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 395
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285-246 BC. AV Mnaïeion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (27mm, 27.70 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; AΔEΛΦΩN above, shield to left / Conjoined busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; ΘEΩN above. CPE 313; Svoronos 603; Olivier & Lorber dies 10/34; SNG Copenhagen 132; Adams III 2083; ANS inv. 1977.158.112 (same dies); BMC 40 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 2274; Dewing 2752; Kraay & Hirmer 801; Noeske 37. A few light marks, minor marks on edge. Good VF.
From the 1930’s Collection of Robert W. Hubel of Michigan.
From the 1930’s Collection of Robert W. Hubel of Michigan.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 396
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285-246 BC. AV Half Mnaïeion – ‘Tetradrachm’ (20mm, 13.74 g, 1h). 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; AΔEΛΦΩN above, shield to left / Conjoined busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; ΘEΩN above. CPE 314; Svoronos 604; Olivier & Lorber dies 28/– (unlisted rev. die); SNG Copenhagen 133; Adams III 2084; Boston MFA 2275; Dewing 2753-4; Noeske 38. Trace deposits, marks around edge from prior mount. Good VF.
From the 1930’s Collection of Robert W. Hubel of Michigan.
From the 1930’s Collection of Robert W. Hubel of Michigan.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 397
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AR Dekadrachm (35.5mm, 34.72 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 253/2-250/49 BC. Head right, with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, OO to left / APΣINOHΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY, double cornucopia with grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE 357 (Ptolemy II); Svoronos 950; Troxell, Arsinoe, Group 3, p. 44; SNG Copenhagen –; Meydancikkale 4006 (same obv. die). Toned, areas of roughness and porosity, some cleaning scratches and edge marks, graffito in field on reverse. Good VF. Very rare with these letters on obverse, none in PTO, nor CoinArchives.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 398
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaïeion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (28mm, 27.73 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 252/1-250/49 BC. Head right, with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, K to left / APΣINOHΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE 390; Svoronos 475; Olivier & Lorber dies 1/5, 233 (this coin); Troxell, Arsinoe, Group 3, p. 44, and pl. 7, 3 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen –; Adams –; Boston MFA 2268 (same obv. die); BMC 10 (same dies); Pozzi 3223 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 3819009-005, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
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 between 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 and silver 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.
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 between 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 and silver 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.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 399
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaïeion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (28mm, 27.80 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 252/1-250/49 BC. Head right, with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, Θ to left / APΣINOHΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE 388; Svoronos 460; Olivier & Lorber dies 1/25, 127 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 134; Noeske 39; Hirsch 1808; Jameson 1811; Pozzi 3221–2 (all from same obv. die). Underlying luster, minor marks and scuffs. Near EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 400
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaïeion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (27.5mm, 27.75 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy VI or Ptolemy VIII, circa 180-145 or 145-116 BC. Head right, with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, K to left / APΣINOHΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. Olivier Group 5, 3504–6 (obv. die D41); Svoronos 1499β; SNG Copenhagen 322; BMC 45; Boston MFA 2298; Hermitage Sale II 1577–8; Pozzi 3247. Minor die break on obverse, edge scuffs and marks. EF.
Purchased by the consignor from Joel L. Malter.
Purchased by the consignor from Joel L. Malter.