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 120 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 . 1040
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Ecgberht. 802-839. AR Penny (20mm, 1.44 g, 9h). DOROB-C type. Canterbury mint; Oba, moneyer. Struck circa 828-839. + ECGBEΛR HT REX ·, diademed and draped bust right / + OBΛ MONETΛ, Dorob(ernia) C(ivitas) monogram. Naismith C85d = SCBI 16 (Norweb), 130 (this coin); North 573; SCBC 1035. Toned. Good VF. Rare. A superb example with an extensive pedigree.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Davissons 15 (29 March 2001), lot 178; J.P. Linzalone Collection (Stack’s, 7 December 1994), lot 2346; E.M. Norweb Collection (Part I, Spink 45, 13 June 1985), lot 43; H.C. Curwen Collection (Glendining, 30 September 1959), lot 82; R.C. Lockett Collection (Part III, 4 November 1958), lot 2688; Spink Numismatic Circular XXX.11-12 (November-December 1922), no. 11954; Spink Numismatic Circular XXVI.11-12 (November-December 1918), no. 67287 (’a perfect coin’); E.W. Rashleigh Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 21 June 1909), lot 202; Earl of Pembroke († 1733) Collection (S. Leigh Sotheby, 31 July 1848), lot 36.
Ecgberht (802-839), King of Wessex was driven into exile by Offa, but in 802 returned from the Frankish court to regain his throne. He ended the Mercian hegemony and made Wessex the leading kingdom in England.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Davissons 15 (29 March 2001), lot 178; J.P. Linzalone Collection (Stack’s, 7 December 1994), lot 2346; E.M. Norweb Collection (Part I, Spink 45, 13 June 1985), lot 43; H.C. Curwen Collection (Glendining, 30 September 1959), lot 82; R.C. Lockett Collection (Part III, 4 November 1958), lot 2688; Spink Numismatic Circular XXX.11-12 (November-December 1922), no. 11954; Spink Numismatic Circular XXVI.11-12 (November-December 1918), no. 67287 (’a perfect coin’); E.W. Rashleigh Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 21 June 1909), lot 202; Earl of Pembroke († 1733) Collection (S. Leigh Sotheby, 31 July 1848), lot 36.
Ecgberht (802-839), King of Wessex was driven into exile by Offa, but in 802 returned from the Frankish court to regain his throne. He ended the Mercian hegemony and made Wessex the leading kingdom in England.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 28
LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 540-510 BC. AR Nomos (27mm, 8.11 g, 12h). Ear of barley with seven grains; META upward in right field / Incuse ear of barley with seven grains. Noe Class VI, 115 (same dies); Gorini 12; HN Italy 1479; SNG ANS 209 (same dies). Beautiful old cabinet tone. EF. An exceptional example.
Ex Nomos 28 (22 May 2023), lot 1121; Abecassis Collection (Leu 81, 16 May 2001), lot 15; Spink Zürich 20 (6 October 1986), lot 39; Kricheldorf FPL 100 (Autumn 1975), no. 5; Leu 2 (25 April 1972), lot 30.
Metapontion, originally named Sybaris, was an Achaian colony of very early foundation, though the precise details of its origin are shrouded in uncertainty. Following the destruction of its first foundation by the Samnites, it was refounded, as Metapontion, early in the 7th century BC by settlers under the leadership of Leukippos, who was thereafter revered as the city founder. The great prosperity of the city — attested by the extent of its archaic silver coinage commencing in the mid 6th century BC — was based on agriculture. Situated on the Gulf of Tarentum, Metapontion occupied a plain of extraordinary fertility watered by the rivers Bradanos and Kasuentos. Its standard coin type is an ear of barley, a tribute to the source of Metapontine wealth, and Demeter, the goddess of grain who is the city’s most revered deity.
Ex Nomos 28 (22 May 2023), lot 1121; Abecassis Collection (Leu 81, 16 May 2001), lot 15; Spink Zürich 20 (6 October 1986), lot 39; Kricheldorf FPL 100 (Autumn 1975), no. 5; Leu 2 (25 April 1972), lot 30.
Metapontion, originally named Sybaris, was an Achaian colony of very early foundation, though the precise details of its origin are shrouded in uncertainty. Following the destruction of its first foundation by the Samnites, it was refounded, as Metapontion, early in the 7th century BC by settlers under the leadership of Leukippos, who was thereafter revered as the city founder. The great prosperity of the city — attested by the extent of its archaic silver coinage commencing in the mid 6th century BC — was based on agriculture. Situated on the Gulf of Tarentum, Metapontion occupied a plain of extraordinary fertility watered by the rivers Bradanos and Kasuentos. Its standard coin type is an ear of barley, a tribute to the source of Metapontine wealth, and Demeter, the goddess of grain who is the city’s most revered deity.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1061
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Martyr. 975-978. AR Penny (2020mm, 1.42 g, 3h). Sole type (BMC i). Derby mint; Grimm, moneyer. + EΛDPΛRD REX NGL(ORX), diademed and draped bust left / + GRIM M’O DEORBУ, small cross pattée. Jonsson p. 131-2; SCBI –; BMC –; Hild –; North 763; SCBC 1142. Old cabinet toning. EF. Extremely rare. Jonsson records only a single example, likely this coin.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex R.C. Lockett Collection (Part IV, Glendining, 6 April 1960), lot 3715, purchased from Spink; Barnardiston Collection (dispersed 1930).
Edward the Martyr (975-978), King of England, was the elder son of King Eadgar (959-978), an effective ruler and patron of monastic reform. Edward succeeded to the throne at the age of thirteen or fourteen and was murdered under obscure circumstances. His half-brother and successor Aethelred II (978-1016) was widely believed to have been involved in the crime.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex R.C. Lockett Collection (Part IV, Glendining, 6 April 1960), lot 3715, purchased from Spink; Barnardiston Collection (dispersed 1930).
Edward the Martyr (975-978), King of England, was the elder son of King Eadgar (959-978), an effective ruler and patron of monastic reform. Edward succeeded to the throne at the age of thirteen or fourteen and was murdered under obscure circumstances. His half-brother and successor Aethelred II (978-1016) was widely believed to have been involved in the crime.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 45
BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Nomos (23.5mm, 6.99 g, 12h). Medium incuse type. Tripod, legs surmounted by wreaths and terminating in lion's feet, set on basis of three lines, the center dotted; crab to left, (koppa)PO to right / Incuse tripod as obverse, but wreaths in relief, and serpents in relief rising from middle foot; octopus to left; to right, outline of dolphin upward. Attianese 35 (same dies as illustration); Gorini 18 (same dies as illustration); HN Italy 2090; SNG ANS 251 (same dies); Hunterian 3 (same dies); Jameson 418 (same dies); Triton XXII, lot 85 (same dies; hammer $30,000). Old collection tone, some find patina, light roughness on reverse. Good VF. Very rare.
As with many cities in Magna Graecia, Kroton was established by colonists from mainland Greece. Myskellos, obeying a directive of the oracle of Delphi, led a group of Achaian settlers to the site and founded the city around 710 BC. This divine sanction is represented by the tripod of the oracle, which became the civic badge of Kroton and is featured on its coinage. Kroton was among the first cities to produce coinage in Italy, its earliest being of the incuse type struck on the Achaian standard. As evidenced by its bountiful coinage, Kroton was one of the most important and wealthy cities of southern Italy. Although its fortunes rose and fell over the centuries, it maintained its production of a wide array of denominations and metals until the Roman period.
As with many cities in Magna Graecia, Kroton was established by colonists from mainland Greece. Myskellos, obeying a directive of the oracle of Delphi, led a group of Achaian settlers to the site and founded the city around 710 BC. This divine sanction is represented by the tripod of the oracle, which became the civic badge of Kroton and is featured on its coinage. Kroton was among the first cities to produce coinage in Italy, its earliest being of the incuse type struck on the Achaian standard. As evidenced by its bountiful coinage, Kroton was one of the most important and wealthy cities of southern Italy. Although its fortunes rose and fell over the centuries, it maintained its production of a wide array of denominations and metals until the Roman period.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1119
WINDSOR. George VI. 1936-1952. Proof Set. Dated 1937. Includes: AV 5 Pounds. In NGC encapsulation 6890866-009, graded PF 62 // AV 2 Pounds. In NGC encapsulation 6890866-012, graded PF 63 // AV Sovereign. In NGC encapsulation 6890866-010, graded PF 64 Cameo // AV Half Sovereign. In NGC encapsulation 6890866-007, graded PF 62. SCBC PS15. All NGC graded. Four (4) coins in lot.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1136
HANOVER. George IV. 1820-1830. AV Medal (34mm, 31.34 g, 12h). Coronation. By B. Pistrucci. Dated 19 July 1821. GEORGIUS IIII D · G · BRITANNIARUM REX F · D ·, laureate head left / PROPRIO JAM JURE ANIMO PATERNO ·, George seated left on throne, being crowned by Victory to right; to left, Britannia, Hibernia, and Scotia standing right; in exergue in three lines, INAUGURATUS/DIE · JULII · XIX/ANNO · MDCCCXXI. BHM 1070; Eimer 1146a. In NGC encapsulation 6906580-003, graded MS 60.
From the Drewry Family Collection, purchased from J. Lepczyk, 5 January 1984.
From the Drewry Family Collection, purchased from J. Lepczyk, 5 January 1984.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 114
SICILY, Syracuse. Hieronymos. 215-214 BC. AV Quarter Stater – Hemidrachm (13mm, 2.12 g, 10h). Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears and single-pendant earring / BAΣIΛEΩΣ IEPΩNYMOY, Winged thunderbolt; ΞA above. Holloway 53 (O25/R42); BAR Issue 77; HGC 2, 1565 (this coin illustrated). Lustrous. Superb EF. Extremely rare, only one other in CoinArchives.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex James A. Ferrendelli Collection (Triton VII, 13 January 2004), lot 118; George & Robert Stevenson Collection (Classical Numismatic Group XXVI, 11 June 1993), lot 41.
Belonging to Hieronymos' second issue of gold, this specimen was probably a presentation piece distributed at the beginning of Hieronymos' move to expel the Romans from their garrisons in Syracuse. With possibly only six specimens of hemidrachms known for his gold coinage, such a small number of surviving examples would seem to indicate either a limited mintage or a subsequent recoinage by later authorities. Due to the extreme rarity of gold from the Fifth (or Syracusan) Democracy with only one undisputed gold hemistater, a limited mintage seems more likely. Hieronymos retained Persephone on the obverse but replaced the biga on the reverse with a winged thunderbolt, perhaps alluding to his Pyrrhic ancestry.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex James A. Ferrendelli Collection (Triton VII, 13 January 2004), lot 118; George & Robert Stevenson Collection (Classical Numismatic Group XXVI, 11 June 1993), lot 41.
Belonging to Hieronymos' second issue of gold, this specimen was probably a presentation piece distributed at the beginning of Hieronymos' move to expel the Romans from their garrisons in Syracuse. With possibly only six specimens of hemidrachms known for his gold coinage, such a small number of surviving examples would seem to indicate either a limited mintage or a subsequent recoinage by later authorities. Due to the extreme rarity of gold from the Fifth (or Syracusan) Democracy with only one undisputed gold hemistater, a limited mintage seems more likely. Hieronymos retained Persephone on the obverse but replaced the biga on the reverse with a winged thunderbolt, perhaps alluding to his Pyrrhic ancestry.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 884
EGYPT, Ottomans. Isma'il. As khedive, AH 1284-1296 / AD 1867-1879. AV 500 Qirsh – Beşyüz kuruşluk (37mm, 42.45 g, 12h). Misr (Cairo) mint. Dually dated AH 1293 and RY 1 of Abdul Hamid II (AD 1876). Toughra of Abdul Hamid II; floral spray to right; 500 sh in Arabic (value) below / zarb/fi/misr in Arabic in three lines; AH date below; RY above be of zarb. Damalı 34-MS-A1-1; Sultan –; Pere 973; KM 286; Friedberg 17. In NGC encapsulation 6929996-005, graded AU 58. Extremely rare.
From the Collection of an Alexandrine Numismatist, formed before 1955.
From the Collection of an Alexandrine Numismatist, formed before 1955.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 651
AI Rec
Tiberius. AD 14-37. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.78 g, 12h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 3, AD 18. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right, one ribbon on shoulder / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right on chair, holding inverted spear and olive branch; ornate chair legs (simplified), triple line below. RIC I 27; Lyon 147; Calicó 305a; BMCRE 39-41 var. (ornate chair legs); BN 19 var. (double line below). Scratches, edge marks. Good VF.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA34C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 318.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA34C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 318.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 911
GERMANY, German Empire. General issues. AR Mark (23mm, 5.51 g, 12h). Stuttgart mint. Dated 1905 F. Crowned eagle facing with head left, wings spread; collared coat-of-arms on breast / Denomination and date within wreath. Jaeger 17; KM 14. In NGC encapsulation 6931384-010, graded UNC Details, removed from jewelry. Extremely rare. A key date for the modern German series. Only a handful struck.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
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.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 409
KINGS of CHARACENE. Bellaios, with Amatbene. Circa 85/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 15.62 g, 12h). Uncertain mint. Dated SE 228 (85/4 BC). Conjoined busts of Bellaios, diademed and wearing short beard, and Amatbene, draped and wearing stephane, right / [BA]ΣIΛEΩ[Σ]/BEΛΛAIOY above, BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ/AMATBHNOΣ to right, [Φ]ΙΛOΠATEPΩN in exergue; KAI EYEPΓET[ΩN] to left, radiate Apollo standing left, quiver over shoulder, holding wreath in extended right hand and bow in lowered left; to left, monogram above HKΣ (date). Cf. O. Callot, “Catalogue des monnaies du musée de Sharjah (Émirats Arabes Unis). Essai sur les monnayages arabes préislamiques de la péninsule d’Oman” in Collection de la maison de l'Orient et de la Mediterranée 30 (Lyon, 2004), 110 (Æ); otherwise unpublished. Toned, with iridescence, traces of deposits, some porosity, die rust and horn silver. Good VF. Extremely rare .
Due to the Seleukid Empire's inability to maintain its vast empire, several small kingdoms arose in the Persian Gulf, striking coinage to proclaim their autonomy. Much of what is known about them derives from these issues, although there appear to be periods during which no issues were minted. Such lacunae have been interpreted mostly as the back-and-forth control by their regional overlords, first the Seleukids and, later, the Parthian Empire. These gaps may also be explained by potential new rulers who are heretofore unknown. Since the coinage of these rulers are dated according to the prevailing Seleukid Era, it is easy to establish – with minor tweaking – a general chronology for each of their reigns. The appearance of new coin types from time to time can help supplement the evidence, while posing new challenges to what is already known. Such is the case, especially, with the kingdom of Characene, where a decade-long break occurs between two already-known kings, Tiraios I (95/94-88/7 BC) and Tiraios II (79/78-49/48 BC). One example of a new discovery is a heretofore unrecorded tetradrachm that appeared on the market in 2023. Dated SE 232 (81/80 BC), it is an issue of a king Hippokrates Autokrator Nikephoros and published by G.R.F. Assar (A New Hellenistic Ruler from Early 1st century BC: King Hippokrates Autokrator Nikephoros in Andreas Pangerl (ed.), 400 years of Hellenistic Portraits [Munich, 2020]).
The present coin is a newly recorded tetradrachm of another Hellenistic ruler, previously known only from a few poorly preserved bronze coins. In 2004, Olivier published an example in the Sharjah Museum [UAE] that discovered in trade in the UK. First published by R.C Senior in 1994 (Trade and Coinage in Eastern Arabia c. 100 BC-100 AD, A3) and in later by E. Haerinck ("International contacts in the southern Persian Gulf in the late 1st century B.C./1st century A.D.: numismatic evidence from ed-Dur [Emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain]" in Iranica Antiqua XXXIII [1998], no. 5), this coin shows male and female conjoined busts on the obverse, and on the reverse, the prow of a galley right. Senior attributed the coin to Sidon in Phoenicia, while, Haerinck hypothesized a Characene origin. Before this, an earlier specimen, acquired by the British Museum was published by G.F. Hill ("Greek coins acquired by the British Museum in 1927" in NC 1928, 41) in the hope that more information might be learned about it. He did note a strongly bevelled edge to the flan, which he associated with a Seleukid influence, but he doubted a Mesoptamian source because of the maritime reverse. A third and still unpublished example, found at ancient Ikaros (mod. Failaka in the Persian Gulf), now resides in the Kuwait National Museum (Inv. no. 1790). The published examples appear to be struck from the same dies. While the name of the king – BEΛΛAIOY – is clear, the queen's name was not. What was visible led Haerinck and Callot to interpret the name tentatively as Kleopatra (Callot p. 79). The present tetradrachm, however, with AMATBHNOΣ following BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ, confirms the queen's name as Amatbene.
Dated SE 228 (85/4 BC), this tetradrachm shows the conjoined busts of king Bellaios and queen Amatbene, in a style reminiscent of the near-contemporary rulers of Elymais, Kamnaskires III and Anzaze. Indicated by the use of the genitive plural which refers to both, Bellaios and Amatbene are loving of their father (ΦΙΛOΠATEPΩN), as well as benefactors (EYEPΓETΩN). That such epithets apply to both individuals has precedent in other Hellenistic royal coinage (see, for example, Ptolemy IV and his sister-wife Arsinoe III), while the use of these particular words reflects their parental devotion and beneficence to the state.
The portrait of Bellaios with short hair and beard is reminiscent of Tiraios I, and is similar to the small bronzes, suggesting that these issues are connected. Moreover, the y monogram on this tetradrachm can be linked to a tetradrachm of Tiraios II, dated SE 234 (78/7 BC). Both Haerinck and Callot tentatively attributed the bronzes to a Characene origin. Based on the style of the portraits and the control, the present coin should be included there, providing a new ruler in the decade between Tiraios I and II.
Due to the Seleukid Empire's inability to maintain its vast empire, several small kingdoms arose in the Persian Gulf, striking coinage to proclaim their autonomy. Much of what is known about them derives from these issues, although there appear to be periods during which no issues were minted. Such lacunae have been interpreted mostly as the back-and-forth control by their regional overlords, first the Seleukids and, later, the Parthian Empire. These gaps may also be explained by potential new rulers who are heretofore unknown. Since the coinage of these rulers are dated according to the prevailing Seleukid Era, it is easy to establish – with minor tweaking – a general chronology for each of their reigns. The appearance of new coin types from time to time can help supplement the evidence, while posing new challenges to what is already known. Such is the case, especially, with the kingdom of Characene, where a decade-long break occurs between two already-known kings, Tiraios I (95/94-88/7 BC) and Tiraios II (79/78-49/48 BC). One example of a new discovery is a heretofore unrecorded tetradrachm that appeared on the market in 2023. Dated SE 232 (81/80 BC), it is an issue of a king Hippokrates Autokrator Nikephoros and published by G.R.F. Assar (A New Hellenistic Ruler from Early 1st century BC: King Hippokrates Autokrator Nikephoros in Andreas Pangerl (ed.), 400 years of Hellenistic Portraits [Munich, 2020]).
The present coin is a newly recorded tetradrachm of another Hellenistic ruler, previously known only from a few poorly preserved bronze coins. In 2004, Olivier published an example in the Sharjah Museum [UAE] that discovered in trade in the UK. First published by R.C Senior in 1994 (Trade and Coinage in Eastern Arabia c. 100 BC-100 AD, A3) and in later by E. Haerinck ("International contacts in the southern Persian Gulf in the late 1st century B.C./1st century A.D.: numismatic evidence from ed-Dur [Emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain]" in Iranica Antiqua XXXIII [1998], no. 5), this coin shows male and female conjoined busts on the obverse, and on the reverse, the prow of a galley right. Senior attributed the coin to Sidon in Phoenicia, while, Haerinck hypothesized a Characene origin. Before this, an earlier specimen, acquired by the British Museum was published by G.F. Hill ("Greek coins acquired by the British Museum in 1927" in NC 1928, 41) in the hope that more information might be learned about it. He did note a strongly bevelled edge to the flan, which he associated with a Seleukid influence, but he doubted a Mesoptamian source because of the maritime reverse. A third and still unpublished example, found at ancient Ikaros (mod. Failaka in the Persian Gulf), now resides in the Kuwait National Museum (Inv. no. 1790). The published examples appear to be struck from the same dies. While the name of the king – BEΛΛAIOY – is clear, the queen's name was not. What was visible led Haerinck and Callot to interpret the name tentatively as Kleopatra (Callot p. 79). The present tetradrachm, however, with AMATBHNOΣ following BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ, confirms the queen's name as Amatbene.
Dated SE 228 (85/4 BC), this tetradrachm shows the conjoined busts of king Bellaios and queen Amatbene, in a style reminiscent of the near-contemporary rulers of Elymais, Kamnaskires III and Anzaze. Indicated by the use of the genitive plural which refers to both, Bellaios and Amatbene are loving of their father (ΦΙΛOΠATEPΩN), as well as benefactors (EYEPΓETΩN). That such epithets apply to both individuals has precedent in other Hellenistic royal coinage (see, for example, Ptolemy IV and his sister-wife Arsinoe III), while the use of these particular words reflects their parental devotion and beneficence to the state.
The portrait of Bellaios with short hair and beard is reminiscent of Tiraios I, and is similar to the small bronzes, suggesting that these issues are connected. Moreover, the y monogram on this tetradrachm can be linked to a tetradrachm of Tiraios II, dated SE 234 (78/7 BC). Both Haerinck and Callot tentatively attributed the bronzes to a Characene origin. Based on the style of the portraits and the control, the present coin should be included there, providing a new ruler in the decade between Tiraios I and II.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 926
INDIA, Colonial. British India. Victoria. Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 1837-1901. Restrike Proof AV Mohur (25mm, 11.66 g, 12h). East India Company Type II, Variety 1 issue. Calcutta mint. Dated 1841 (but struck 1850/1). VICTORIA QUEEN, young head left; date below, no serif on crossbar of 4; incuse W. W. on truncation of neck / EAST INDIA COMPANY, lion advancing left; palm tree behind; in exergue, ONE MOHUR above, yek ashrafi (= one ashrafi) in Persian. UCI 3.8; Pridmore 23; Friedberg 1595b. In NGC encapsulation 6903643-014, graded PF 63.
From the Samuel K. Clark Collection.
From the Samuel K. Clark Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 672
AI Rec
Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.41 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG P M, laureate head right / SALVS GEN HVMANI, female figure (Fortuna?), draped, standing left, right foot on globe, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted and garlanded altar to left, and cradling upright rudder in left arm. RIC I 232; RSC 240; BMCRE 45; BN 104. Toned, with some luster, faint hairlines. EF. An expressive portrait.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 680
AI Rec
Divus Vespasian. Died AD 79. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.36 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Titus, AD 80-81. DIVVS ΛVGVSTVS VESPΛSIΛNVS, laureate head right / E X above, round shield inscribed S C set low on column, on which stands an urn; laurel branch (tree) on either side. RIC II.1 358 (Titus); Calicó 630c (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 123-4 (Titus); BN 96-7 (Titus); Biaggi 319. Some faint hairlines, edge marks. Near EF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Spink America (3 May 1995), lot 579; Numismatica Ars Classica 4 (27 February 1991), lot 341; Leu 33 (3 May 1983), lot 40; Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection (Part I, Sotheby’s Zurich, 10 November 1972), lot 272.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Spink America (3 May 1995), lot 579; Numismatica Ars Classica 4 (27 February 1991), lot 341; Leu 33 (3 May 1983), lot 40; Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection (Part I, Sotheby’s Zurich, 10 November 1972), lot 272.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 687
AI Rec
Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.45 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 77-78. CΛESAR ΛVG F DOMITIΛNVS, laureate head right / COS V in exergue, Parthian kneeling right, extending left hand and holding out signum, with vexillum attached, in right. RIC II.1 959 (Vespasian); Calicó 819 (same rev. die as illustration); BMCRE 231-3 (Vespasian); BN 205-6 (Vespasian); Adda 72; Biaggi 396 (this coin); Jameson 80; Mazzini 48. Some faint hairlines. EF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 112; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection.
This reverse type repeats an issue of Augustus struck by several moneyers circa 19/8 BC (RIC I 288) celebrating the recovery of the standards lost to the Parthians by Crassus in 53 BC at the battle of Carrhae. The return of the standards (SIGNIS RECEPTIS) featured prominently in Augustan propaganda as a diplomatic and military triumph. The Flavian rulers frequently reused Augustan imagery on their coinage, seeking to legitimize their dynasty by association.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 112; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection.
This reverse type repeats an issue of Augustus struck by several moneyers circa 19/8 BC (RIC I 288) celebrating the recovery of the standards lost to the Parthians by Crassus in 53 BC at the battle of Carrhae. The return of the standards (SIGNIS RECEPTIS) featured prominently in Augustan propaganda as a diplomatic and military triumph. The Flavian rulers frequently reused Augustan imagery on their coinage, seeking to legitimize their dynasty by association.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 690
Domitian. AD 81-96. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.57 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 92-94. DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS, bare head right / GERMANICVS above, COS XVI in exergue, Domitian standing left in slow triumphal quadriga, holding laurel branch in right hand and scepter in left; Victory left, crowning trophy, on side of chariot. RIC II.1 749; Calicó 853; BMCRE 213; BN 190; Mazzini 161 (same rev. die). A few shallow scratches, minor edge marks. Good VF. Rare.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA43C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1002.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA43C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1002.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 692
AI Rec
Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck circa mid AD 112-spring 113. IMP TRAIANVS AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FORVM TRAIAN in exergue, Arcus Traiani (triumphal entrance) of the Forum Traiani: hexastyle building façade; surmounted by statue of facing chariot drawn by six horses between two figures flanking trophy on either side; four statues within arches below. RIC II 257; Beckmann, Early Group I, 15 (dies b2/F6); Woytek 409f; Strack 216; Calicó 1031 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 509; BN 687 (same rev. die); Biaggi 494 (same obv. die); Elkins, Monuments Figure 123. VF. Historic architectural reverse.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA45C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1006.
Nearly every detail of Trajan’s Forum was intended as a celebration and aggrandizement of the emperor’s Dacian victory, so it is fitting that the forum’s entrance doubled as Trajan’s triumphal arch. In typical fashion, the arch is surmounted by a statuary group with figures of the emperor and Victory in a chariot. A large portion of the Forum survives to this day, containing multiple market stalls, indicating its function as the ancient Roman equivalent to a shopping mall.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA45C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1006.
Nearly every detail of Trajan’s Forum was intended as a celebration and aggrandizement of the emperor’s Dacian victory, so it is fitting that the forum’s entrance doubled as Trajan’s triumphal arch. In typical fashion, the arch is surmounted by a statuary group with figures of the emperor and Victory in a chariot. A large portion of the Forum survives to this day, containing multiple market stalls, indicating its function as the ancient Roman equivalent to a shopping mall.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 700
Hadrian, with Divi Trajan and Plotina. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 6.98 g, 1h). Dynastic issue. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, rejuvenated, bareheaded bust right, slight drapery / DIVIS PAREN TI BVS, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Trajan right confronting draped bust of Plotina left, wearing stephane and hair in queue; each with star above. RIC II.3 1419; Beckmann, Gold dies b15/DP1, e (this coin); Strack 354Δ0; Calicó 1417 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 603 (same dies); Biaggi 567 (same dies); Mazzini 2 (same dies). Polished, hairlines, marks consistent with use in jewelry, flan slightly bent. Near VF. Very rare.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc78377 (ND); Robert O. Ebert Collection (Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 174, 11 January 2013), lot 5035; Hausman Collection.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc78377 (ND); Robert O. Ebert Collection (Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 174, 11 January 2013), lot 5035; Hausman Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 444
HUNNIC TRIBES, Alchon Huns (Eastern). Toramana. Circa 490-515. AV Dinar (19mm, 9.38 g, 12h). Horseman Slaying Lion type. Parahitkari [raja] vijitya [va]sudham divam jaya[ti] in Brahmi, male figure wearing Hunnic-style crown on horseback right, bow slung across torso, spearing lion that stands left on its hind legs; ru in Brahmi below horse / [Śri] prakaśaditya in Brahmi to right, Lakshmi, nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding diadem in extended right hand and lotus in left; tamgha to upper left. Kumar (2nd ed.) 17.8.2, Variety C, 952; P. Tandon, “The Identity of Prakāśāditya”in Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society 25.4 (October 2015), pp. 647–68 (reattributing the issue to Toramana), and fig. 1; BKB 222; BMC Guptas 552 corr. (tamgha); Altekar 2; Bayana 13; Sunrise 555. Lightly toned, traces of deposits, multiple strikes on obverse. VF. Very rare variety with ru below horse.