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 . 971
RUSSIA, Empire. Petr I Alexeyevich Velikiy (Peter the Great). 1682-1725. AR Rouble (42mm, 12h). Kadashevsky mint. Dated 1707 H (in OCS numerals). Laureate, draped, and armored bust right / Crowned double-headed eagle facing with wings spread, holding scepter and globus cruciger; crown above; ҂АѰЗ (date) below. Diakov 2; Bitkin 184; KM 130.1. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6906866-005, graded AU 53.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 717
AI Rec
Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 164. • L • VERVS ΛVG ΛRMENIΛCVS, laureate and cuirassed bust right / TR P IIII • IMP II COS II, Hercules, naked, standing front, head right, wearing lion skin headdress and holding lion skin over left arm, holding up olive branch beside head in right hand and holding club in left. RIC III 517 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 77-12/35; Calicó 2172; BMCRE 281. Toned. EF. Lustrous.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA49C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 476.
As with most conflicts between Rome and Parthia, the great Eastern War of AD 161-166 was sparked by events in Armenia, the buffer between the two states. In AD 161, the Parthian king Vologases IV marched into Armenia and evicted its pro-Roman king, replacing him with his kinsman Pacorus. The Roman governor of Cappadocia marched into Armenia with a legion (perhaps the supposed 'lost legion' IX Hispana), but the Parthian general Chosroes surrounded the Romans and slaughtered them to a man, the worst military disaster to befall the Empire in nearly a century. The newly installed co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus responded by raising a massive expeditionary force and sending it east under Verus' supposed command, but in reality commanded by the skilled general Avidius Cassius. After many months of preparation, the Romans invaded Armenia in 163, captured the capital of Artaxata and installed Sohaemus, a Roman citizen and Senator, on the throne. The Senate voted both Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius the title of Armeniacus, conqueror of Armenia, which is proudly displayed in its entirety on this gold aureus of AD 164.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA49C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 476.
As with most conflicts between Rome and Parthia, the great Eastern War of AD 161-166 was sparked by events in Armenia, the buffer between the two states. In AD 161, the Parthian king Vologases IV marched into Armenia and evicted its pro-Roman king, replacing him with his kinsman Pacorus. The Roman governor of Cappadocia marched into Armenia with a legion (perhaps the supposed 'lost legion' IX Hispana), but the Parthian general Chosroes surrounded the Romans and slaughtered them to a man, the worst military disaster to befall the Empire in nearly a century. The newly installed co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus responded by raising a massive expeditionary force and sending it east under Verus' supposed command, but in reality commanded by the skilled general Avidius Cassius. After many months of preparation, the Romans invaded Armenia in 163, captured the capital of Artaxata and installed Sohaemus, a Roman citizen and Senator, on the throne. The Senate voted both Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius the title of Armeniacus, conqueror of Armenia, which is proudly displayed in its entirety on this gold aureus of AD 164.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 719
AI Rec
Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.30 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 185. COMM • ANT AVG • P • BRIT, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P X • IMP V II COS IIII P • P •, VIRT AVG in exergue, Commodus, in short tunic, with cloak flying behind him, on horse rearing right, brandishing javelin in right hand at panther pacing left before him. RIC III 114 (same dies as illustration); MIR 18, 666-2/18 corr. (TR P number); Calicó 2362 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 168 (same dies); Biaggi 1024 (same obv. die); Mazzini 956 (same dies). Attractively toned, scrape on obverse. Near EF. Very rare. An impressive portrait.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 975
RUSSIA, Empire. Aleksandr I Pavlovich. 1801-1825. AR Poltina (26mm, 10.22 g, 12h). St. Petersburg mint. Dated 1810 СПБ ФГ. Crowned double-headed eagle facing with wings spread, holding scepter and globus cruciger; collared coat-of-arms on breast; crown above / Crowned denomination within wreath. Bitkin 141; KM (C) 129. In NGC encapsulation 6906684-009, graded MS 61. Rare.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 210
BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 425-395 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 11.78 g). Boeotian shield / The Herakliskos Drakonopnigon: The infant Herakles seated facing, head right, strangling two serpents, one held in each hand; bow to left, club to right, Θ-E below; all within concave incuse. BCD Boiotia 455 (same rev. die); HGC 4, 1327; SNG Copenhagen 303 (same rev. die); Gulbenkian 503 (same rev. die); McClean 5582 (same rev. die); Prospero 361 (this coin). Banker’s mark on obverse. Near EF. Rare.
Ex Nomos 17 (26 October 2018), lot 124; Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 361; G. Hirsch 167 (26 September 1990), lot 334.
Ex Nomos 17 (26 October 2018), lot 124; Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 361; G. Hirsch 167 (26 September 1990), lot 334.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 726
AI Rec
Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.27 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus, circa AD 193-196. IVLIA DO MNA AVG, draped bust right / VENERI • VICTR, Venus Victrix, with drapery falling below hips, standing with back turned, head right, resting left arm on low column, holding apple in extended right hand and in left, palm frond sloped upward to left. RIC IV 536 (Septimius); Calicó 2641; BMCRE 48 (Wars of Succession; same obv. die); Adda 412 (same obv. die); Biaggi 1155; Jameson 173 (same obv. die); CNG 127, lot 564 (same dies). Attractively toned. EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 743
AI Rec
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Denarius (19mm, 2.28 g, 12h). Trier mint. 8th emission, circa early-circa mid AD 268. POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Postumus right, seen from front, with fold of drapery on left shoulder, jugate with the laureate head of Hercules / HERCVLI INVICTO, Hercules, nude, standing left, holding club in left hand, lion skin over left arm, right foot on Hippolyta (Queen of the Amazons) lying on the ground, taking her girdle from right hand. RIC V.4 373/12 (this coin cited); Schulte 143 (dies Av 83/Rv 98); RSC 123. Darkly toned, porous surfaces, deposits, hairline flan crack. VF. Very rare. This coin shares a reverse die with the aureus of the same type (RIC V.4 374/1).
Ex Peus 417 (2 November 2016), lot 613 (hammer €17,000).
The Ninth Labor of Hercules required him to obtain the golden, magic girdle of Ares, worn by Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. Various versions of the story exist, but the most generally accepted version is that Hercules, after defeating the Amazons, killed Hippolyta, removed her girdle (symbol of her power), thus completing his assigned task.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI INVICTO is found, meaning “To the unconquered Hercules.” This same legend is found on other Hercules types of Postumus, such as the Cretan bull and the Nemean lion.
Ex Peus 417 (2 November 2016), lot 613 (hammer €17,000).
The Ninth Labor of Hercules required him to obtain the golden, magic girdle of Ares, worn by Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. Various versions of the story exist, but the most generally accepted version is that Hercules, after defeating the Amazons, killed Hippolyta, removed her girdle (symbol of her power), thus completing his assigned task.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI INVICTO is found, meaning “To the unconquered Hercules.” This same legend is found on other Hercules types of Postumus, such as the Cretan bull and the Nemean lion.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 744
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Denarius (19mm, 2.60 g, 12h). Trier mint. 8th emission, circa early-circa mid AD 268. POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate head of Postumus left, jugate with the head of Hercules / HERCVLI ROM, Hercules, nude, seen from behind, head left, holding club (whose tip is resting on the ground) in right hand, lion skin over left arm, facing the tree of the Hesperides; at left, three Hesperides, draped, fleeing to the left. RIC V.4 380/3 (this coin cited); Schulte 149c (this coin cited); RSC 135 var. (busts right). Darkly toned, light porosity, flan crack. VF. Very rare. This coin shares an obverse die with the following aurei: (RIC V.4 352/1, 361/1, and 366/1).
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 584 (hammer €16,000); Dr. Theodor Voltz Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 81, 18 September 1995), lot 313.
Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Hercules was compelled to undergo two more labors. The first of these, labor eleven, was to steal the Golden Apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who lived in a grove at the far western edge of the world. Hercules tricked the Titan Atlas, whose task it was to hold up the heavens, to retrieve the apples in return for holding up the heavens while he did so. Having accomplished the task, Atlas was reticent to give up his freedom, and told Hercules that he would take back the apples to Mycenae. Once again, Hercules tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens, while Hercules adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI ROM, “To the Roman Hercules”: Hercules stands by the tree laden with the golden apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who were known as daughters of the evening, three of whom stand near him.
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 584 (hammer €16,000); Dr. Theodor Voltz Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 81, 18 September 1995), lot 313.
Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Hercules was compelled to undergo two more labors. The first of these, labor eleven, was to steal the Golden Apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who lived in a grove at the far western edge of the world. Hercules tricked the Titan Atlas, whose task it was to hold up the heavens, to retrieve the apples in return for holding up the heavens while he did so. Having accomplished the task, Atlas was reticent to give up his freedom, and told Hercules that he would take back the apples to Mycenae. Once again, Hercules tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens, while Hercules adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI ROM, “To the Roman Hercules”: Hercules stands by the tree laden with the golden apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who were known as daughters of the evening, three of whom stand near him.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 754
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (17.5mm, 5.27 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck 20 November AD 303. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / HERCVLI CONSER AVGG ET CAESS NN, Hercules, nude but for quiver strapped across right shoulder and lion skin draped over left shoulder, standing facing, head left, resting right hand on club set on ground to left and holding bow in left hand; TR. RIC VI 43; Depeyrot 10B/4; Calicó 4651 (same dies as illustration); Beaurains 348 (this coin); Biaggi 1783 (same dies); Mazzini 234 (same dies). Wonderful deep golden orange toning, a few light scratches and a tiny scuff on reverse. Near EF.
Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG XIX (5 June 1959), lot 260; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG XIX (5 June 1959), lot 260; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1011
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Kent. Eadberht Praen. Circa 796-798. AR Penny (18mm, 1.34 g, 12h). Three-line type. Canterbury mint; Æthelmod, moneyer. Struck 796-797/8. EAD/BEAR(HT)/ REX in three lines; triple pellet to lower left / ·Λ· ·m· · Λ·/ :+: ÆÐ:ELO/M:O:D· in three lines; triple pellet to lower left. Naismith C2d = EMC 1985.0071 = Blackburn & Bonser, “Single Finds of Anglo-Saxon and Norman Coins – 2” in BNJ 55 (1985), 71 (this coin); SCBI 67 (BM), 665-6; North 203; SCBC 875. Toned. VF. Very rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone, October 2002. Ex Derek Chick Collection. Found at West Hythe, Kent, 1955.
Eadberht Praen of Kent (796-798) rebelled from the Mercian hegemony with the backing of Charlemagne, but King Coenwulf invaded Kent and re-imposed Mercian rule. Eadberht Praen was captured, deposed, and blinded. Coenwulf, promising to reform the English church, secured from Pope Leo III – who crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor in 800 – a bull of excommunication of Eadberht Praen.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone, October 2002. Ex Derek Chick Collection. Found at West Hythe, Kent, 1955.
Eadberht Praen of Kent (796-798) rebelled from the Mercian hegemony with the backing of Charlemagne, but King Coenwulf invaded Kent and re-imposed Mercian rule. Eadberht Praen was captured, deposed, and blinded. Coenwulf, promising to reform the English church, secured from Pope Leo III – who crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor in 800 – a bull of excommunication of Eadberht Praen.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 756
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.04 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 293-294. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules, nude, seated facing on rocks, head slightly right, holding lion skin draped across waist in left arm and resting right arm and left hand on club set on ground to left; to right, quiver with arrows and bow; PR. RIC VI –; Depeyrot 5B/6; Calicó 4681 (same dies as illustrated example); Biaggi 1793 (same dies); Mazzini –. Toned, with underlying luster, graffiti, hairlines on reverse. EF. Rare.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 195 (7 March 2011), lot 483 (hammer €12,500); Rauch 85 (26 November 2009), lot 908; Rauch 83 (14 November 2008), lot 426; Leu 53 (21 October 1991), lot 329; Deceased Nobleman (Sotheby’s Zurich, 28 November 1986), lot 122.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 195 (7 March 2011), lot 483 (hammer €12,500); Rauch 85 (26 November 2009), lot 908; Rauch 83 (14 November 2008), lot 426; Leu 53 (21 October 1991), lot 329; Deceased Nobleman (Sotheby’s Zurich, 28 November 1986), lot 122.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 243
CRETE, Phaistos. Circa 300-270 BC. AR Stater (25.5mm, 11.79 g, 12h). Herakles, nude but for lion skin draped over left arm, standing left, his left hand extended and holding one head of the Hydra, which he strikes at with club held aloft in his right hand; crab between his legs below / Bull advancing right; ΦAIΣTIΩN above. Svoronos, Numismatique 64 (same dies); Le Rider, Crétoises, pl. XXIII, 24 var. (rev. type left; same obv. die); Mionnet II p. 291, 253 (same obv. die). Faintly toned, traces of find patina, slightly weak strike. Good VF.
Ex Roma X (27 September 2015), lot 381 (hammer £13,000).
Ex Roma X (27 September 2015), lot 381 (hammer £13,000).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 248
KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AV Stater (19.5mm, 8.42 g, 12h). Pergamon mint. Dated CY 4 (85 BC). Diademed head right / Stag grazing left; BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, MIΘPAΔATOY/EYΠATOPOΣ in two lines below; star-in-crescent to left; Δ (year) to right, monogram in exergue; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ dies D11/R2, b (this coin); HGC 7, 334; DCA2 557; Hirsch 1414 (same dies). Some light marks, scrape on reverse, edge marks and bumps. VF. Very rare.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Olga H. Knoepke Collection (Glendining’s, 10 December 1986), lot 236; J. Hirsch XX (13 November 1907), lot 362; Theodor Prowe Collection (Egger XVII, 28 November 1904), lot 959; ‘Late Collector’ [Rothschild Collection] (Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge, 28 May 1900), lot 305.
Mithradates was a fascinating Hellenist at a time when Roman power was ascendent. His career, driven by megalomaniacal ambitions, led to murderous assaults upon family and followers alike and disastrous foreign adventures against superior forces. His portraiture attempts to mimic the gods with its bold staring gaze and unruly, free-flowing hair, but at its most extreme is a personification of hysteria in its Dionysiac sense.
At the age of 18, Mithradates overthrew his mother’s regency and embarked on a career of conquest, bringing most of the lands around the Black Sea into his domain. His expansionist aims inevitably brought him into conflict with Rome, and in preparation for the coming war he built up the largest army in Asia, unleashing it in 88 BC in what would be the First Mithradatic War. He sought to undermine the Roman power base by ordering the massacre of every Roman citizen in Asia in which nearly 80,000 people perished.
The Romans were not intimidated, and when Mithradates crossed over to Greece proper as ‘Liberator’, the Roman legions under Sulla smashed his army. Mithradates retreated to Pontus, from where he continued to skirmish with the Romans, suffering more defeats to the general Lucullus. In 63 BC, having suffered a final defeat by Pompey and facing a revolt by his own son Pharnakes, the elderly king tried to commit suicide by taking poison, but he had inured himself to its affects by years of small counterdoses, and so had to be stabbed to death by one of his mercenaries.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Olga H. Knoepke Collection (Glendining’s, 10 December 1986), lot 236; J. Hirsch XX (13 November 1907), lot 362; Theodor Prowe Collection (Egger XVII, 28 November 1904), lot 959; ‘Late Collector’ [Rothschild Collection] (Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge, 28 May 1900), lot 305.
Mithradates was a fascinating Hellenist at a time when Roman power was ascendent. His career, driven by megalomaniacal ambitions, led to murderous assaults upon family and followers alike and disastrous foreign adventures against superior forces. His portraiture attempts to mimic the gods with its bold staring gaze and unruly, free-flowing hair, but at its most extreme is a personification of hysteria in its Dionysiac sense.
At the age of 18, Mithradates overthrew his mother’s regency and embarked on a career of conquest, bringing most of the lands around the Black Sea into his domain. His expansionist aims inevitably brought him into conflict with Rome, and in preparation for the coming war he built up the largest army in Asia, unleashing it in 88 BC in what would be the First Mithradatic War. He sought to undermine the Roman power base by ordering the massacre of every Roman citizen in Asia in which nearly 80,000 people perished.
The Romans were not intimidated, and when Mithradates crossed over to Greece proper as ‘Liberator’, the Roman legions under Sulla smashed his army. Mithradates retreated to Pontus, from where he continued to skirmish with the Romans, suffering more defeats to the general Lucullus. In 63 BC, having suffered a final defeat by Pompey and facing a revolt by his own son Pharnakes, the elderly king tried to commit suicide by taking poison, but he had inured himself to its affects by years of small counterdoses, and so had to be stabbed to death by one of his mercenaries.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 264
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9.5mm, 2.69 g). Helios, radiate and nude, crouching right, arms spread, holding in his hands the reins of two horse foreparts facing left and right in background / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 148; Greenwell 23; cf. Boston MFA 1515 (stater); cf. SNG BN 297 (stater). Lustrous, slightly compact flan. EF. Extremely rare.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 221.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 221.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1037
ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Hiberno-Norse Northumbria). St. Peter coinage. Circa 921-927. AR Penny (19mm, 1.23 g, 3h). Sword type, heavy issue. York mint. Struck circa 905-circa 910. SIIIE/FIICT (retrograde) in two lines, voided sword and cross between; pellet above, triple pellet below / + IOE ΛRCEI, voided hammer. Stewart & Lyon 35 (this coin); SCBI 29 (Merseyside), 430-1 var. (legends); BMC –; North 556; SCBC 1015. Rich old cabinet toning. VF. Very rare type and an extremely rare variety. The sole example recorded by Stewart & Lyon.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex R. Schraeder (Classical Numismatic Group 78, 14 May 2008), lot 2133; Classical Numismatic Auctions XX (25 March 1992), lot 1200; B. Bird Collection (Glendining, 20 November 1974), lot 81; Lord Grantley Collection (Part III, Glendining, 22 March 1944), lot 965.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex R. Schraeder (Classical Numismatic Group 78, 14 May 2008), lot 2133; Classical Numismatic Auctions XX (25 March 1992), lot 1200; B. Bird Collection (Glendining, 20 November 1974), lot 81; Lord Grantley Collection (Part III, Glendining, 22 March 1944), lot 965.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 269
MYSIA, Parion. Circa 130s-50 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 15.77 g, 12h). Polykles, magistrate. Draped bust of Demeter right, veiled, and wearing grain ears in hair / Apollo Aktaios, drapery hanging from waist, standing left, holding patera in extended right hand, left hand placed on top of kithara to right, which is standing on omphalos; lit altar to inner left; AΠOΛΛΩNOΣ AKTAIOY to right and left, ΠAPIANΩN/ΠOΛYKΛH[Σ] in two lines in exergue. Ellis-Evans, Late, Group 2, dies O4/R– (unlisted rev. die); Meadows, Parion 3 = SNG Lewis 829 (same obv. die); Meadows, Parion 3 = SNG BN 1401 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, small scuff on cheek, minor roughness on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare, the fourth and finest known, the other three in public collections (BM, BN, and Berlin).
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 247.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 247.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1056
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (21mm, 1.22 g, 7h). ‘Church’ type (BMC iv). York mint; Adalbert, moneyer. +AEDELSTAN RX (three triangles), small cross pattée / Steep-roofed building on ground line; MO N flanking, ADELBERT over trefoil in exergue. Blunt, Aethelstan 439 (this coin illustrated); SCBI –; North 683; SCBC 1100 (plate coin in previous editions). Deeply toned. VF. Extremely rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex M.A. Sinton Collection (Triton III, 30 November 1999), lot 1477; P. Finn FPL (Winter 1994/95), no. 47; R.C. Lockett Collection (Part IV, Glendining, 26 April 1960), lot 3683; L.E. Bruun Collection (Sotheby & Co., 14 May 1925), lot 93; P.W.P. Carlyon-Britton Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 19 November 1913), lot 377.
The Tower type of Aethelstan is unparalleled in his coinage. Christopher Blunt posited that it may have been an ecclesiastical issue, struck for Hrothweard, Archbishop of York, between Aethelstan's capture of the city in 927 and the Archbishop's death in 931. If this is the case, the tower on the reverse is likely to be a depiction of York Minster.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex M.A. Sinton Collection (Triton III, 30 November 1999), lot 1477; P. Finn FPL (Winter 1994/95), no. 47; R.C. Lockett Collection (Part IV, Glendining, 26 April 1960), lot 3683; L.E. Bruun Collection (Sotheby & Co., 14 May 1925), lot 93; P.W.P. Carlyon-Britton Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 19 November 1913), lot 377.
The Tower type of Aethelstan is unparalleled in his coinage. Christopher Blunt posited that it may have been an ecclesiastical issue, struck for Hrothweard, Archbishop of York, between Aethelstan's capture of the city in 927 and the Archbishop's death in 931. If this is the case, the tower on the reverse is likely to be a depiction of York Minster.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1070
ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Hiberno-Norse Northumbria). Sihtric Caech. 920/1-927. AR Penny (20mm, 1.20 g, 6h). Sword/Hammer type. Uncertain Southumbrian mint, possibly Lincoln; Tidwulf, moneyer. SITR/IC REX in two lines; sword between / + DEDLVF MOT, upright hammer. Cf. Blackburn, Supp. –; SCBI –; North –; SCBC 1013. Toned, deposits. EF. Exceptionally well struck for the series. Extremely rare.
The 910s saw the Anglo-Saxons under Edward the Elder reconquer most of the Danelaw south of the river Humber, with Ragnall, the Danish king of Northumbria, even submitting to the English. After Ragnall’s death, Sihtric Caech, former King of Dublin, arrived in York to take the throne of Northumbria. Sihtric would renege on his predecessor’s agreement, raiding into the southern territories. This coin, struck south of the Humber, possibly at Lincoln, is a numismatic tie to the uncertain period. and the last Viking coin struck in southern England.
The 910s saw the Anglo-Saxons under Edward the Elder reconquer most of the Danelaw south of the river Humber, with Ragnall, the Danish king of Northumbria, even submitting to the English. After Ragnall’s death, Sihtric Caech, former King of Dublin, arrived in York to take the throne of Northumbria. Sihtric would renege on his predecessor’s agreement, raiding into the southern territories. This coin, struck south of the Humber, possibly at Lincoln, is a numismatic tie to the uncertain period. and the last Viking coin struck in southern England.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 815
Michael III "the Drunkard", with Theodora and Thecla. 842-867. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.29 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 842-circa 843. + ΘЄO∂O RA ∂ЄSPVҺA, crowned facing half-length bust of Theodora, wearing loros, holding patriarchal globus cruciger in right hand and cruciform scepter in left / • mIXHL S Θ ЄCLA, crowned facing half-length figures of Michael, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand, and Thecla, to right, wearing loros, and holding patriarchal cross in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 1b; Füeg 1.D.12 (same rev. die as illustrated example); SB 1686. Toned, minor doubling, overstruck, clipped, minor marks and die marks. Good VF. Very rare. A pleasing and clear example for the type. This reverse die known from only a single example in the Füeg corpus.
Michael III was only two years old when his father Theophilus died in 842. His mother Theodora as regent was the effective ruler of the empire, and the first coinage of his reign gives her prominence on the obverse. Michael was generally kept in the background, even overshadowed on the coins by his sister Thecla such as on this early solidus issue. With Michael in isolation, Theodora maintained the empire with the assistance of her brothers, Bardas and Petronas, along with Theoktistos, the logothete of the dromos. During Theodora’s regency, she brought an end to the second iconoclastic controversy and demonstrated herself as an effective and capable ruler. In a typical example of Byzantine family intrigue, Theoktistos moved against Bardas, who in turn conspired with the young emperor in 856 to remove his mother’s regency and eliminate Theoktistos. Theoktistos was ultimately killed and Theodora was removed from power and confined to a convent. The conspiracy continued and Bardas was murdered in 865 by Basil, an ambitious court official who befriended Michael and soon became co-emperor. Basil proceeded to promptly eliminate his benefactor shortly thereafter.
Although Michael was given the unflattering epithet the "Drunkard," this smear on his name was perpetuated by Basil to justify his seizure of power. Michael appears to have been a conscientious ruler and capable military leader, his only fatal failing being that he was too easily swayed by his unscrupulous associates.
Michael III was only two years old when his father Theophilus died in 842. His mother Theodora as regent was the effective ruler of the empire, and the first coinage of his reign gives her prominence on the obverse. Michael was generally kept in the background, even overshadowed on the coins by his sister Thecla such as on this early solidus issue. With Michael in isolation, Theodora maintained the empire with the assistance of her brothers, Bardas and Petronas, along with Theoktistos, the logothete of the dromos. During Theodora’s regency, she brought an end to the second iconoclastic controversy and demonstrated herself as an effective and capable ruler. In a typical example of Byzantine family intrigue, Theoktistos moved against Bardas, who in turn conspired with the young emperor in 856 to remove his mother’s regency and eliminate Theoktistos. Theoktistos was ultimately killed and Theodora was removed from power and confined to a convent. The conspiracy continued and Bardas was murdered in 865 by Basil, an ambitious court official who befriended Michael and soon became co-emperor. Basil proceeded to promptly eliminate his benefactor shortly thereafter.
Although Michael was given the unflattering epithet the "Drunkard," this smear on his name was perpetuated by Basil to justify his seizure of power. Michael appears to have been a conscientious ruler and capable military leader, his only fatal failing being that he was too easily swayed by his unscrupulous associates.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 48
BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 400-325 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.55 g, 2h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; KPOTΩNIA-TAΣ around / The Herakliskos Drakonopnigon: the Infant Herakles, nude, crouching facing on rock, head left, strangling a serpent in each hand. Attianese 163; HN Italy 2157; SNG ANS 384; SNG Lloyd 618 (same obv. die); Gillet 301 (same obv. die); Gulbenkian 133 (same obv. die); Kraay & Hirmer 271. Beautiful cabinet tone, a few light marks, edge marks. Good VF.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Nomos 9 (20 October 2014), lot 39; Naville X (15 June 1925), lot 141, Clarance S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 449; Maxime Collignon Collection (Feuardent Frères, 17 December 1919), lot 62; Maddalena Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 7 May 1903), lot 520.
The figure of Herakliskos Drakonopnigon was depicted in Greek art from the first half of the 5th century BC and represents an important event in the early life of the Greek hero. The birth of Herakles, son of Zeus and Alkmene, enraged Zeus’ wife Hera, who tried to kill the infant by sending two serpents to strangle the sleeping baby in his crib. The following morning, the nurse discovered Herakles playing with the serpents’ lifeless bodies: he had strangled one in each hand.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Nomos 9 (20 October 2014), lot 39; Naville X (15 June 1925), lot 141, Clarance S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 449; Maxime Collignon Collection (Feuardent Frères, 17 December 1919), lot 62; Maddalena Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 7 May 1903), lot 520.
The figure of Herakliskos Drakonopnigon was depicted in Greek art from the first half of the 5th century BC and represents an important event in the early life of the Greek hero. The birth of Herakles, son of Zeus and Alkmene, enraged Zeus’ wife Hera, who tried to kill the infant by sending two serpents to strangle the sleeping baby in his crib. The following morning, the nurse discovered Herakles playing with the serpents’ lifeless bodies: he had strangled one in each hand.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 307
ISLANDS off IONIA, Samos. Circa 600-570 BC. EL Stater (21.5mm, 17.27 g). Mosaic of varying bulges / Two parallel incuse rectangles. Konuk, Electrum, Type 1; Barron pl. XXX, 1; Weidauer 196; HGC 6, 1164. Trace deposits. Good VF. Extremely rare.
From the MM Collection. Ex Nomos FPL (Winter/Spring 2016), no. 419160 (priced $17,500); Numismatica Ars Classica 88 (8 October 2015), lot 594.
From the MM Collection. Ex Nomos FPL (Winter/Spring 2016), no. 419160 (priced $17,500); Numismatica Ars Classica 88 (8 October 2015), lot 594.