Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4
Date: 2025-01-14 15:00:00 (3 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 . 85
SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.42 g, 7h). Struck circa 440-430 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, ketos left / Head of Arethousa right, hair tied back, wearing small hook earring and pearl necklace; ΣYPAKOΣION to right, four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XVIII, 600 (V295/R407); HGC 2, 1315; SNG ANS 197 (same dies); Basel 444 (same obv. die); Dewing 815 (same obv. die); Gillet 579 (same obv. die); Jameson 774 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor die wear, a little off center, area of weak strike and thin die break on reverse. Good VF.
Ex Trausnitz Collection (Nomos Obolos 18, 21 February 2021), lot 91; Nomos 19 (17 November 2019), lot 53; Schweizerische Bankverein 41 (10 September 1997), lot 16, purchased by the consignor from Münzhandlung Athena.
Ex Trausnitz Collection (Nomos Obolos 18, 21 February 2021), lot 91; Nomos 19 (17 November 2019), lot 53; Schweizerische Bankverein 41 (10 September 1997), lot 16, purchased by the consignor from Münzhandlung Athena.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.70 g, 10h). Struck circa 420-415 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, grasshopper right / Head of Arethousa right, hair in ornate sakkos and wearing ampyx with maeander pattern; ΣYPAKOΣI-ON and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer Series XXV, 726 (V358/R494); HGC 2, 1324 (same dies as illustration); BMC 124 (same dies); Gillet 599 = Kunstfreund 112 = Wallenbrock fig. 2.12 (this coin); Jameson 782 (same dies); de Luynes 1188 (same dies); Pozzi 589 (same dies); Rizzo pl XL, 16 (same dies). Attractive light tone around the devices, slightly off center, minor cleaning marks and a little die wear on obverse. Near EF.
Ex M. L. Collection of Coins of Magna Graecia and Sicily (Numismatica Ars Classica 82, 20 May 2015), lot 60; Charles Gillet (‘Kunstfreund’) Collection (Leu & Münzen und Medaillen AG, 28 May 1974), lot 112.
Ex M. L. Collection of Coins of Magna Graecia and Sicily (Numismatica Ars Classica 82, 20 May 2015), lot 60; Charles Gillet (‘Kunstfreund’) Collection (Leu & Münzen und Medaillen AG, 28 May 1974), lot 112.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.27 g, 9h). Unsigned dies in the style of Sosion. Struck circa 415-409 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding reins in both hands, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands / Head of Arethousa left, wearing ampyx, earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins and ΣYPAKO-ΣIO-И around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 1 (V1/R1); Tudeer 1; HGC 2, 1326; SNG ANS 253 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1362 (same dies); Boston MFA 398 = Warren 383 (same dies); Gillet 602 (same dies); Jameson 789A (same dies); de Luynes 1197–8 (same dies); McClean 2703 (same dies); Morgan 147 (same dies); Pozzi 600–1 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight doubling on obverse. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, May 2010.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, May 2010.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 88
SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.10 g, 11h). Obverse die signed by Euainetos, reverse by Eu[kleidas]. Struck circa 415-409 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying left, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands; EYAINETO in tiny letters on exergue line (only a trace visible), wheel in exergue / Head of Arethousa left, wearing earring and necklace; EV below, four dolphins around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 36p (O12/R19) = Tudeer 36i = SNG ANS 265 (this coin); HGC 2, 1330; SNG Lockett 964 (same dies); BMC 151 (same dies); Hirsch 600 (same dies); McClean 2710 (same dies); Morgan 146 (same dies); Weber 1598 (same dies). Toned, flan flaws on obverse. VF.
Ex American Numismatic Society Duplicates (Gemini VI, 10 January 2010), lot 357 (ANS inv. 1944.100.55776); Edward T. Newell Collection; Celestino Cavedoni Collection (R. Ratto, 27 April 1911), lot 191; R. Hobart-Smith Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 20 April 1909), lot 52.
Ex American Numismatic Society Duplicates (Gemini VI, 10 January 2010), lot 357 (ANS inv. 1944.100.55776); Edward T. Newell Collection; Celestino Cavedoni Collection (R. Ratto, 27 April 1911), lot 191; R. Hobart-Smith Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 20 April 1909), lot 52.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 89
SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.37 g, 8h). Obverse die signed by Euainetos, reverse die signed by Eumenes. Struck circa 415-409 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying left, holding wreath in both hands, from which hangs a tablet inscribed EYAIN/ETO in two lines; two dolphins confronted in exergue / Head of Arethousa left, wearing hoop earring and necklace; [EV]MHNOV below, ΣVPA-KOΣIΩN and four dolphins around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 43 (O14/R25); Tudeer 43; HGC 2, 1332; SNG ANS 270 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1380 (same dies); SNG Lockett 967 = Pozzi 599 (same dies); BMC 148-9 (same dies); Boston MFA 408 = Warren 375 (same dies); Dewing 845 (same dies); Jameson 2428 (same dies); de Luynes 1204 (same dies); Ward 279 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor edge split. VF.
Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 69; Gemini VI (10 January 2010), lot 40.
Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 69; Gemini VI (10 January 2010), lot 40.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.21 g, 1h). Dies signed by Euth– and Eum(enes). Struck circa 415-409 BC. Winged Eros as charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding reins in both hands, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying left, crowning charioteer with laurel wreath held in her extended right hand; in exergue, dolphin swimming right behind Skylla, holding trident in extended right hand, swimming right, EVΘ before / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears and linear necklace with lion head pendant; EVM below, four dolphins and ΣVPAKO-ΣIΩИ around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 46 (V15/R28); Tudeer 47; HGC 2, 1334; SNG ANS 273 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1381 (same dies); SNG Lockett 968 (same dies); SNG München 1058 (same dies); BMC 153 (same dies); Basel 460 (same dies); Gulbenkian 279 = Bement 498 (same dies); Gillet 621 (same dies); Hirsch 602 (same dies); Jameson 796 (same dies); de Luynes 1212 (same dies); McClean 2714 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XLIV, 6 = de Luynes 1213 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 4241982-006, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. Well centered and struck from dies of fine style.
Ex Penn Collection (Heritage 3089, 20 January 2021), lot 31010; Phoenix Art Museum Collection (Triton II, 1 December 1998), lot 243; Orme Lewis Sr. Collection.
In the last two decades of the 5th century BC Syracuse was the focus of an unparalleled experiment in Greek numismatics. Its economy was fueled by the vast amount of currency required to pay the mercenaries by which the city's hegemony expanded, and the high denomination silver coins struck at this time became canvases for the most brilliant engravers of antiquity. Two of these master engravers, Euth(ymos?) and Eumenes, signed the obverse and reverse dies of this spectacular tetradrachm during the waning years of the Second Democracy (466-405 BC). The innovations in artistic style are numerous and provocative. On the obverse, the chariot is driven not by a human driver but by a winged male figure wearing a long chiton, sometimes described as Nike but more probably Eros, while Nike swoops down from above to crown him. The horses rear and strain at the reins, their forehooves pawing at the air, each horse in a slightly different pose. Below, in the exergue, is an astonishing creature: the monster Skylla, blending the upper torso of a woman with the tail of a sea serpent, hitherto unseen on a coin of Syracuse. On the reverse, the pert head of Arethousa wears her hair in a tight arrangement of plaits coiled at the top of the head, and woven through with grain ears (some specialists speculate the head represents Persephone rather than Arethousa). Both sides of this rare issue are unlike anything that had come before in the extensive Syracusan series and pointed the way toward the genre-defining work of Kimon and Euainetos in the following decades.
Ex Penn Collection (Heritage 3089, 20 January 2021), lot 31010; Phoenix Art Museum Collection (Triton II, 1 December 1998), lot 243; Orme Lewis Sr. Collection.
In the last two decades of the 5th century BC Syracuse was the focus of an unparalleled experiment in Greek numismatics. Its economy was fueled by the vast amount of currency required to pay the mercenaries by which the city's hegemony expanded, and the high denomination silver coins struck at this time became canvases for the most brilliant engravers of antiquity. Two of these master engravers, Euth(ymos?) and Eumenes, signed the obverse and reverse dies of this spectacular tetradrachm during the waning years of the Second Democracy (466-405 BC). The innovations in artistic style are numerous and provocative. On the obverse, the chariot is driven not by a human driver but by a winged male figure wearing a long chiton, sometimes described as Nike but more probably Eros, while Nike swoops down from above to crown him. The horses rear and strain at the reins, their forehooves pawing at the air, each horse in a slightly different pose. Below, in the exergue, is an astonishing creature: the monster Skylla, blending the upper torso of a woman with the tail of a sea serpent, hitherto unseen on a coin of Syracuse. On the reverse, the pert head of Arethousa wears her hair in a tight arrangement of plaits coiled at the top of the head, and woven through with grain ears (some specialists speculate the head represents Persephone rather than Arethousa). Both sides of this rare issue are unlike anything that had come before in the extensive Syracusan series and pointed the way toward the genre-defining work of Kimon and Euainetos in the following decades.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 91
SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AV 10 Litrai – Didrachm (10mm, 0.68 g, 6h). Struck circa 406 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet; retrograde [ΣY]PA to left / Aegis with facing gorgoneion in center. Boehringer, Münzprägungen, pl. 1, 5 (Dionysios I); HGC 2, 1290; SNG ANS 317 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 687 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1418; SNG Lockett 983 (same dies); Dewing 863 (same rev. die); Rizzo pl. XLVIII, 6 (same dies). Trace deposits, a little die rust, minor marks at edge, some doubling on obverse. Good VF.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Barry Murphy inventory 21673 (August 2013).
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Barry Murphy inventory 21673 (August 2013).
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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (36mm, 41.97 g, 9h). Reverse die signed by Euainetos. Struck circa 405-390 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [AΘ]ΛA below / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ΣΥ-ΡΑ-Κ-Ο-ΣΙΩΝ behind hair, four dolphins swimming around, EY-AINE along lower edge. Gallatin dies R.III/C.II; Scavino 12 (D4/R9); HGC 2, 1299; SNG ANS 363 = Pozzi 615 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 689 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 1274 (same dies); SNG Manchester 471 (same dies); Boston MFA 421 = Warren 366 = Rizzo pl. LIV, 8 (same dies); Dewing 877 (same dies); de Luynes 1248 (same dies); Nantueil 361 bis (same dies). Old cabinet tone, a little roughness, some porosity, light scratches under tone, minor chipping on edge. Near EF. Clear signature of Euainetos.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Margaret Amstell, 18 December 1981.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Margaret Amstell, 18 December 1981.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (34.5mm, 42.91 g, 12h). Reverse die signed by Euainetos. Struck circa 405-390 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [A]ΘΛA below / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ΣΥ-ΡΑ-ΚΟ-ΣΙΩ[Ν] behind hair, four dolphins swimming around, EY-AINE along lower edge. Gallatin dies R.IV/C.XII; Scavino 11; HGC 2, 1299; SNG ANS 366 = Ward 295 (same dies); Dewing 884 (same dies); de Luynes 1250 (same dies); Gillet 658 (this coin). Magnificent deep old cabinet tone, with golden hues around the devices, small die break on obverse. EF. Boldly struck, well centered, and lacking the usual die rust. One of the finest specimens of this iconic issue.
Ex Leu 50 (25 April 1990), lot 69; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection, 658. Likely from the 1890 Santa Maria di Licodia Hoard (IGCH 2123).
The dekadrachms of Syracuse are widely and properly considered to rank among the most beautiful coins ever produced, but seldom do we encounter a surviving example that is as deeply struck, attractively toned and well-preserved as this specimen. Even more importantly, very seldom in the present day market can a dekadrachm be traced to the very spot and time it was rediscovered after spending more than two millennia in the ground. Such is the case with this spectacular Euainetos dekadrachm, which was part of a remarkable find on Sicily at Santa Maria di Licodia on the slopes of Mount Etna in 1890. Consisting of at least 81 coins, the trove contained no less than 67 Syracusan dekadrachms of the Kimon and Euainetos type. No less an archeologist than the renowned Sir Arthur Evans wrote an account of the treasure’s finding in the 1891 edition of Numismatic Chronicle (pp. 213–7). His marvelous account is worth quoting at length: “In January of last year [1890] a peasant digging in his plot of land at Santa Maria di Licodia, a small town that lies on the Westernmost spurs of Etna, found a pot containing over eighty silver coins, no less than sixty-seven of which were Syracusan dekadrachms or pentekontalitra. According to the account given to me, the deposit lay beneath a layer of lava. The coins were at once taken into Catania, where I saw them a few days afterwards, and was fortunate enough not only to be able to take down a summary record of the contents, but secure at least temporary possession of some of the most interesting specimens. A portion of the coins, perhaps owing to the action of the lava, had suffered considerably ... There were, however, among them about a score of ‘medallions’ in really brilliant condition....” The coins were quickly dispersed, many via Spink & Sons, which sold them via auction and private treaty into several notable collections, including those of John Ward, who later bequeathed them to J. P. Morgan and, through him, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Arthur S. Dewing, whose collection now resides at Harvard; Calouste Gulbenkian, which is now housed at the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal. Due to the circumstances of the burial of the hoard, the coins all have a distinctive appearance, similar to that of the Boscoreale Roman aurei. Although no full inventory of the find was produced, the present coin has this distinctive appearance, and therefore likely is from the hoard.
Ex Leu 50 (25 April 1990), lot 69; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection, 658. Likely from the 1890 Santa Maria di Licodia Hoard (IGCH 2123).
The dekadrachms of Syracuse are widely and properly considered to rank among the most beautiful coins ever produced, but seldom do we encounter a surviving example that is as deeply struck, attractively toned and well-preserved as this specimen. Even more importantly, very seldom in the present day market can a dekadrachm be traced to the very spot and time it was rediscovered after spending more than two millennia in the ground. Such is the case with this spectacular Euainetos dekadrachm, which was part of a remarkable find on Sicily at Santa Maria di Licodia on the slopes of Mount Etna in 1890. Consisting of at least 81 coins, the trove contained no less than 67 Syracusan dekadrachms of the Kimon and Euainetos type. No less an archeologist than the renowned Sir Arthur Evans wrote an account of the treasure’s finding in the 1891 edition of Numismatic Chronicle (pp. 213–7). His marvelous account is worth quoting at length: “In January of last year [1890] a peasant digging in his plot of land at Santa Maria di Licodia, a small town that lies on the Westernmost spurs of Etna, found a pot containing over eighty silver coins, no less than sixty-seven of which were Syracusan dekadrachms or pentekontalitra. According to the account given to me, the deposit lay beneath a layer of lava. The coins were at once taken into Catania, where I saw them a few days afterwards, and was fortunate enough not only to be able to take down a summary record of the contents, but secure at least temporary possession of some of the most interesting specimens. A portion of the coins, perhaps owing to the action of the lava, had suffered considerably ... There were, however, among them about a score of ‘medallions’ in really brilliant condition....” The coins were quickly dispersed, many via Spink & Sons, which sold them via auction and private treaty into several notable collections, including those of John Ward, who later bequeathed them to J. P. Morgan and, through him, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Arthur S. Dewing, whose collection now resides at Harvard; Calouste Gulbenkian, which is now housed at the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal. Due to the circumstances of the burial of the hoard, the coins all have a distinctive appearance, similar to that of the Boscoreale Roman aurei. Although no full inventory of the find was produced, the present coin has this distinctive appearance, and therefore likely is from the hoard.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (34.5mm, 43.24 g, 5h). Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos. Struck circa 405-390 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [AΘΛA below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ΣΥ-Ρ-Α-Κ-ΟΣΙΩΝ behind hair, pellet below chin, four dolphins swimming around. Gallatin dies R.XXII/J.V; Scavino 63 (D19/R34); HGC 2, 1299; SNG Lloyd 1414 (same rev. die); Morgan 164 (same dies); Prospero 181 (this coin); Rizzo pl. LIII, 18 (same dies). Deeply toned, trace deposits. Near EF. Exceptional for issue.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 181; Foreign Amateur Collection (Glendining, 13 December 1963), lot 159.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 181; Foreign Amateur Collection (Glendining, 13 December 1963), lot 159.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.30 g, 9h). Unsigned dies in the style of Eukleidas. Struck circa 400/395-390 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, dolphin left / Head of Arethousa left, hair in broad band and welling upwards in wavy locks, wearing double hoop earring and linear necklace; [Σ-V-P]A-KOΣIΩ-[N] and four dolphins around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 89 (V33/R61) = SNG Lockett 978 (this coin); Tudeer 89; HGC 2, 1345; SNG Ashmolean 2008 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 681 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 1251 (same dies); Dewing 855–6 (same dies); Gillet 663 (same dies); Ward 283 (same dies). Lovely old cabinet tone, slightly compact flan. Good VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 788438 (May 2007); Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part I, Glendining, 25 October 1955), lot 880; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 383.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 788438 (May 2007); Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part I, Glendining, 25 October 1955), lot 880; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 383.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AV 100 Litrai – Double Dekadrachm (14mm, 5.80 g, 4h). Struck circa 400-370 BC. Head of Arethousa left, hair in sakkos adorned with a star, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace; ΣYPAKOΣION to left, pellet before neck, AK (the K is oriented perpendicularly) behind / Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; rocks below. Bérend Group IV, 35 (D15/R18); HGC 2, 1275; SNG ANS 331 (same obv. die); SNG München 1089 (same obv. die); Gillet 698 (same obv. die); McClean 2730 (same obv. die); Pozzi 606 (same obv. die); Weber 1609 (same obv. die). Faintly toned, some die rust. Good VF.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Berk BBS 207 (13 June 2019), lot 13; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 389 (May 1977), no. 3.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Berk BBS 207 (13 June 2019), lot 13; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 389 (May 1977), no. 3.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AV 50 Litrai – Dekadrachm (11mm, 2.89 g, 11h). Struck circa 400-370 BC. Head of young male (Anapos?) left; ΣYPA to left / Horse prancing right on exergue line [inscribed ΣYPAKOΣIΩN]; [all within shallow incuse square]. Bérend 8.1 (D4/R3 – this coin); HGC 2, 1281; SNG ANS 346 (same dies); Pozzi 607 (same dies). Compact flan, trace deposits, slight die wear on reverse. Near EF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from A. Kosoff, July 1965. Ex Hess-Leu [19] (12 April 1962), lot 106; Hess-Leu [7] (16 April 1957), lot 118; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 235.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from A. Kosoff, July 1965. Ex Hess-Leu [19] (12 April 1962), lot 106; Hess-Leu [7] (16 April 1957), lot 118; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 235.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. Æ Drachm (27.5mm, 22.11 g, 11h). Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; ΣYPA to left, dolphin to right / Hippocamp left above waves. CNS 33; HGC 2, 1435 (this coin illustrated); SNG Morcom –; Basel 492 (this coin). Attractive dark green patina, some pitting, scratches. Good VF. Extremely rare, only two known to Calciati (CNS), and four in CoinArchives (including the present coin).
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 729; David Freedman Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 238; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 492; Classical Numismatic Group 45 (18 March 1998), lot 113.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 729; David Freedman Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 238; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 492; Classical Numismatic Group 45 (18 March 1998), lot 113.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 8.65 g, 2h). Struck under Timoleon, 344-339/8. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN to right. Pegasi 2; HGC 2, 1400; SNG ANS 494–507; SNG Lloyd 1442-3; Bement 528 (this coin); Dewing 930–1; Gillet 673. Lightly toned, traces of find patina, minor deposits. Near EF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 903239 (August 2011); Clarence S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 528.
By the early 4th century BC, Syracuse had become highly factionalized, and the political turmoil was taken advantage of by the Carthaginians. Eventually a delegation was sent by the Syracusans to Corinth to appeal to their mother city for help. Timoleon, from a prominent Corinthian family, was chosen to take control of Syracuse, drive the Carthaginian-backed government from power, and restore tranquility and prosperity to the great Sicilian city. In this endeavor Timoleon was successful, and his rule sparked a cultural and political revival. In contrast to most political strongmen of the age, termed tyrants, Timoleon never abused his power and abided by the limits of the democratic constitution he helped to create. After five years in power, he retired from public life, although his opinion was frequently sought and respected by his successors. His ascendancy is reflected in the city's coinage, including this beautiful gold quarter stater and the silver stater in the following lot. While superficially mimicking the popular Corinthian “Pegasi” circulating widely in Greece, the style, relief, and execution are all uniquely Syracusan.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 903239 (August 2011); Clarence S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 528.
By the early 4th century BC, Syracuse had become highly factionalized, and the political turmoil was taken advantage of by the Carthaginians. Eventually a delegation was sent by the Syracusans to Corinth to appeal to their mother city for help. Timoleon, from a prominent Corinthian family, was chosen to take control of Syracuse, drive the Carthaginian-backed government from power, and restore tranquility and prosperity to the great Sicilian city. In this endeavor Timoleon was successful, and his rule sparked a cultural and political revival. In contrast to most political strongmen of the age, termed tyrants, Timoleon never abused his power and abided by the limits of the democratic constitution he helped to create. After five years in power, he retired from public life, although his opinion was frequently sought and respected by his successors. His ascendancy is reflected in the city's coinage, including this beautiful gold quarter stater and the silver stater in the following lot. While superficially mimicking the popular Corinthian “Pegasi” circulating widely in Greece, the style, relief, and execution are all uniquely Syracusan.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 100
SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. Æ (18mm, 3.33 g, 2h). Timoleontic Symmachy coinage. 2nd series, circa 339/8-334 BC. Head of Asklepios left, wearing laurel wreath; AΣKΛEHΠ-I-O-[Σ] around / Hound at bay left; monogram above, ΣYPA[KOΣIΩN] in exergue. Castrizio Series II, 4 corr. (obv. type); CNS 84; HGC 2, 1511; SNG Morcom 721. Dark green patina, some encrustation. VF. Very rare, and exceptional for issue.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Collection C. G. (Classical Numismatic Group 76, 12 September 2007), lot 166; Coin Galleries (23 May 1990), lot 74.
Most of the standard references refer to the portrait on this issue as that of Zeus, but the reading of the legend around the portrait clearly identifies it as Asklepios.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Collection C. G. (Classical Numismatic Group 76, 12 September 2007), lot 166; Coin Galleries (23 May 1990), lot 74.
Most of the standard references refer to the portrait on this issue as that of Zeus, but the reading of the legend around the portrait clearly identifies it as Asklepios.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 101
SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AV Drachm – Hemistater (16mm, 4.30 g, 9h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; triskeles below, ΣYP-A-[KO]-ΣIΩN around. Bérend, l’or, pl. 9, 1; BAR Issue 1; HGC 2, 1276; SNG ANS 549; Dewing 935; Gulbenkian 328; McClean 2813; Pozzi 639–40. Trace deposits, a little off center on reverse. Near EF.
Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (16 August 2021), lot 42057; Auctiones AG 13 (23 June 1983), lot 94.
Agathokles was born in Himera circa 361 BC, the son of a potter who moved the family to Syracuse in the 340s BC. Tiring of his father's trade, Agathokles became a soldier and quickly established himself as an able leader. Agathokles seized power at the head of a mercenary army in a bloody coup in 317 BC. Over the next few years, he strengthened his army and created a formidable navy, and used them to expand his power base throughout Sicily. This inevitably led him into conflict with Carthage, which still controlled territory in western Sicily. The war lasted from 311-306 BC and only resulted in each side becoming more entrenched in their respective parts of Sicily, with the border between them established along the Halycus River. In 304 BC, imitating the famous Diadochs in the east, Agathokles declared himself king of Sicily, though his power only extended across the eastern part of the island. His later years were more concerned with the consolidation of his power than with expansion. Seeing that none of his progeny could effectively rule in his place, in 289 BC, upon his death bed, Agathokles restored the Syracusan democracy.
The coinage of Syracuse during Agathokles' reign saw a flowering of new types and denominations. While he retained some of the traditional Syracusan types, such as the head of Arethousa surrounded by dolphins, many of his coins presented new types that were more in line with the royal issues throughout the Greek kingdoms to the east. Herakles, Apollo, and Athena were commonly found on his issues, and he even issued an unprecedented series of electrum, a metal that had not been used before at Syracuse. As would be expected, his final phase of coinage saw the royal title used for the first time on coins of Syracuse, a trend that continued on many issues under the city's subsequent monarchs.
Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (16 August 2021), lot 42057; Auctiones AG 13 (23 June 1983), lot 94.
Agathokles was born in Himera circa 361 BC, the son of a potter who moved the family to Syracuse in the 340s BC. Tiring of his father's trade, Agathokles became a soldier and quickly established himself as an able leader. Agathokles seized power at the head of a mercenary army in a bloody coup in 317 BC. Over the next few years, he strengthened his army and created a formidable navy, and used them to expand his power base throughout Sicily. This inevitably led him into conflict with Carthage, which still controlled territory in western Sicily. The war lasted from 311-306 BC and only resulted in each side becoming more entrenched in their respective parts of Sicily, with the border between them established along the Halycus River. In 304 BC, imitating the famous Diadochs in the east, Agathokles declared himself king of Sicily, though his power only extended across the eastern part of the island. His later years were more concerned with the consolidation of his power than with expansion. Seeing that none of his progeny could effectively rule in his place, in 289 BC, upon his death bed, Agathokles restored the Syracusan democracy.
The coinage of Syracuse during Agathokles' reign saw a flowering of new types and denominations. While he retained some of the traditional Syracusan types, such as the head of Arethousa surrounded by dolphins, many of his coins presented new types that were more in line with the royal issues throughout the Greek kingdoms to the east. Herakles, Apollo, and Athena were commonly found on his issues, and he even issued an unprecedented series of electrum, a metal that had not been used before at Syracuse. As would be expected, his final phase of coinage saw the royal title used for the first time on coins of Syracuse, a trend that continued on many issues under the city's subsequent monarchs.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 102
SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AV Drachm – Hemistater (15.5mm, 4.25 g, 12h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath; grain ear to right / Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; triskeles below, ΣYP-A-KO-ΣIΩN around. Bérend, l’or, pl. 9, 1 var. (no symbol on obv.); BAR Issue 1; HGC 2, 1276; SNG ANS 553; SNG Lloyd 1472; SNG München 1189–90; BMC 338; Boston MFA 457; Jameson 858; McClean 2814. Minor marks and some light scratches on obverse. Good VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann Collection, purchased from A. Kosoff, March 1968.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann Collection, purchased from A. Kosoff, March 1968.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 103
SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.82 g, 2h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; three dolphins around, NK monogram below neck / Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; counterclockwise triskeles above, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN and A in exergue. Ierardi 12 (O2/R8); BAR Issue 2; HGC 2, 1348; SNG ANS 635/637 (same rev./obv. dies); SNG Ashmolean 2064 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1477 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 459 = Warren 401 (same obv. die); Jameson 861 (same rev. die). Toned, minor double strike, a few marks. Near EF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, May 2007.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, May 2007.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 104
SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.07 g, 6h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; three dolphins around, ΦI below neck / Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; counterclockwise triskeles above, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN and A in exergue. Ierardi 56 (O11/R34); BAR Issue 2; HGC 2, 1348; SNG ANS 642 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1480 (same obv. die); Sartiges 145 (same obv. die); Pozzi 642 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, a few marks. Good VF.
From the Henry A. Sauter Collection. Ex Superior (29 January 1979), lot 18.
From the Henry A. Sauter Collection. Ex Superior (29 January 1979), lot 18.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 105
SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. Æ Dilitron (30mm, 21.43 g, 11h). Struck circa 310-306 BC. Head of Artemis Soteira right, hair tied in back, wearing single-pendant earring and pearl necklace, drapery at base of neck; quiver over shoulder; ΣΩTEIPA to right / Winged thunderbolt; ΣYPAK-OΣIΩN above and below. CNS 137 (this coin illustrated); BAR Issue 19 (this coin illustrated); HGC 2, 1437 (this coin illustrated); SNG Morcom –; Basel 519 (this coin). Beautiful dark forest green patina, slight roughness, minor die break on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare, apparently one of two known.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 745; Numismatica Ars Classica 21 (17 May 2001), lot 128; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 519; Münzen und Medaillen AG 64 (30 January 1984), lot 50.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 745; Numismatica Ars Classica 21 (17 May 2001), lot 128; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 519; Münzen und Medaillen AG 64 (30 January 1984), lot 50.