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 . 674
AI Rec
Otho. AD 69. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.25 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECV RI TAS P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 7; Muona Group 1, Type 4A, Portrait Type A; Calicó 531b (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 13-5; BN 7-8; Biaggi 271; Jameson 56; Mazzini 16. Some minor smoothing in fields, edge scrape on obverse, light marks on reverse. VF. Well centered obverse shows full legend. Excellent Portrait.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc72777 (ND); Gemini VIII (with Heritage, 14 April 2011), lot 293.
Marcus Salvius Otho was a minor functionary in the court of Nero, known more for his enthusiastic participation in the emperor’s revels than for any real competency. His one mistake was in introducing his beautiful wife Poppaea Sabina to his master. Very soon, Otho got the governorship of the remote province of Lusitania, and Nero got Poppaea. With Nero’s downfall, Otho aligned himself with his fellow governor Galba, fully expecting to be named the elderly emperor’s successor. When Galba designated Piso as his successor, the disappointed Otho joined the conspiracy that led to Galba’s assassination. Otho himself would perish three months later, by his own hand as the armies of Vitellius approached Rome.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc72777 (ND); Gemini VIII (with Heritage, 14 April 2011), lot 293.
Marcus Salvius Otho was a minor functionary in the court of Nero, known more for his enthusiastic participation in the emperor’s revels than for any real competency. His one mistake was in introducing his beautiful wife Poppaea Sabina to his master. Very soon, Otho got the governorship of the remote province of Lusitania, and Nero got Poppaea. With Nero’s downfall, Otho aligned himself with his fellow governor Galba, fully expecting to be named the elderly emperor’s successor. When Galba designated Piso as his successor, the disappointed Otho joined the conspiracy that led to Galba’s assassination. Otho himself would perish three months later, by his own hand as the armies of Vitellius approached Rome.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 166
MACEDON, Stagira. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.87 g). Attic standard. Lion attacking right, on the back and biting into the hindquarter of a boar standing left below; STAΓI and three ground lines, the middle composed of pellets, below; floral ornament in exergue / Quadripartite incuse square. Cahn, Skione 10 var. = Cahn, Tetradrachmon 1 var. = Käpelli F12 var. (pellets, no ornament, ethnic above); otherwise, unpublished. Lightly toned, granular surfaces, minor doubling on obverse. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan. Apparently unique with ethnic below and floral ornament.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 729
Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.23 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 205-206. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right / FELICIA above, TEMPORA in exergue, the Four Seasons, dancing and showing their attributes: from left to right, Spring carries a basin on his head, Summer holds a sickle in right hand above his head, Autumn holds a hare and a tray full of fruit, Winter wears a hood over his head and holds a bird which he has just captured, probably a wild duck. RIC IV 126; Calicó 2672 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE p. 207, note *; Adda –; Biaggi 1176 var. (bust type); Jameson –; Mazzini –. Scratch on obverse. VF. Extremely rare. None in CoinArchives, missing from most collections.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Spink America 8232 (7 December 1995), lot 2215.
This charming reverse depicts Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in the guise of young boys at play, with each season bearing some symbol of its gift to mankind. Although a common motif in Roman sculpture and painting, its appearance on coinage is rare, recurring from time to time on issues from the 2nd century until the Tetrarchic period.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Spink America 8232 (7 December 1995), lot 2215.
This charming reverse depicts Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in the guise of young boys at play, with each season bearing some symbol of its gift to mankind. Although a common motif in Roman sculpture and painting, its appearance on coinage is rare, recurring from time to time on issues from the 2nd century until the Tetrarchic period.
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VENEZUELA, Republic. 1830-pres. AV Venezolano Essai (15mm, 1.51 g, 6h). Paris mint. Dies by Barré. Dated 1875. BOLÍVAR LIBERTADOR, bare head of Simón Bolívar right; ESSAI to lower left / · ESTADOS UNIDOS DE VENEZUELA · G 1.6129 · 1875 · LEI 900, coat-of-arms surmounted by crossed cornucopias; olive branch and palm frond flanking, all set on ribbon inscribed INDEPEND LIBERTAD 5 DE JUNO 1811 28 DE MARZO 1864 DIOS Y FEDON. Edge: reeded. KM EA18. In NGC encapsulation 6917297-002, graded PF 62. Extremely rare. Top Pop.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
While a few examples of the larger 5, 10, and 20 Venezolano essais of 1875 have appeared on the market, none of this type have been offered since the John Jay Pittman Collection (David Akers, 9 August 1999), lot 3690 (hammer $18,400). The example offered there suggested there were perhaps only 5 known examples in total. A gilt copper uniface trial strike is also known: Heritage 3033 (8 August 2014), lot 23413 (hammer $75,000)
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
While a few examples of the larger 5, 10, and 20 Venezolano essais of 1875 have appeared on the market, none of this type have been offered since the John Jay Pittman Collection (David Akers, 9 August 1999), lot 3690 (hammer $18,400). The example offered there suggested there were perhaps only 5 known examples in total. A gilt copper uniface trial strike is also known: Heritage 3033 (8 August 2014), lot 23413 (hammer $75,000)
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ELIS, Olympia. 89th-90th Olympiad. 424-420 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 12.03 g, 10h). Obverse die signed by Da–. Eagle, wings spread, standing right on, and holding the neck of, a serpent, while the serpent strikes at its head; Δ-A across central field / Upright thunderbolt, with wings above and volutes below; F-A across central field; all in dotted circle within shallow incuse circle. Seltman, Temple 140d (dies BN/γκ) = Jameson 1228 (this coin); BCD Olympia 58 (same dies); HGC 5, 341 (same dies as illustration); Boston MFA 1202 = Warren 918 (same dies). Lovely old cabinet tone, with a hint of iridescence, slightly off center on obverse. Good VF.
Ex Mark & Lottie Salton Collection (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 January 2022), lot 4310 (hammer $46,000); Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); J. Hirsch XVI (5 December 1906), lot 557.
Located near the northwestern coast of the Peloponnesos, the sacred shrine of Olympia became established as the site of the most important Greek festival of athletics in the eighth century BC. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, consisting solely of a foot race, or stadion, won in that year by Koroibus of Elis. As time went on, more events were added, including wrestling, boxing, long jump, javelin, discus, and chariot races. The contests became so important that Greek cities at war would declare a truce for the duration. Soon a permanent complex was built to house the games, and a magnificent temple of Zeus containing a statue ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of the World was completed in 463 BC. The first coins of Olympia date to the games of 468 BC, and new types were issued at four year intervals (to coincide with the games) thereafter. Three basic types were struck, depicting a head of Zeus, Hera, or an eagle. The finest die engravers were employed in their production and coins of Olympia rank as some of the greatest masterpieces of Greek coinage.
Ex Mark & Lottie Salton Collection (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 January 2022), lot 4310 (hammer $46,000); Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); J. Hirsch XVI (5 December 1906), lot 557.
Located near the northwestern coast of the Peloponnesos, the sacred shrine of Olympia became established as the site of the most important Greek festival of athletics in the eighth century BC. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, consisting solely of a foot race, or stadion, won in that year by Koroibus of Elis. As time went on, more events were added, including wrestling, boxing, long jump, javelin, discus, and chariot races. The contests became so important that Greek cities at war would declare a truce for the duration. Soon a permanent complex was built to house the games, and a magnificent temple of Zeus containing a statue ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of the World was completed in 463 BC. The first coins of Olympia date to the games of 468 BC, and new types were issued at four year intervals (to coincide with the games) thereafter. Three basic types were struck, depicting a head of Zeus, Hera, or an eagle. The finest die engravers were employed in their production and coins of Olympia rank as some of the greatest masterpieces of Greek coinage.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 753
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.19 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck March AD 302. MAXIMI ANVS P F AVG, laureate head right / HERCVLI CON SERVATORI, head of Hercules right, wearing lion skin; TR. RIC VI 46; Depeyrot 7A/1; Calicó 4654 (this coin illustrated); Beaurains 255 = Biaggi 1813 = A. Baldwin Brett, “The Aurei and Solidi of the Arras Hoard” in NC 1933, p. 311, 90 (3) (this coin); Mazzini –. Attractively toned, a few light marks. EF. Extremely rare, six examples noted by Depeyrot in his inventory for the type (though erroneously noting this example twice).
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 78; Numismatic Fine Arts XVI (2 December 1985), lot 536; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Henry Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining, 16 November 1950), lot 1983; R. Ratto (2 April 1923), lot 398; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 78; Numismatic Fine Arts XVI (2 December 1985), lot 536; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Henry Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining, 16 November 1950), lot 1983; R. Ratto (2 April 1923), lot 398; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
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ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 408/7-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 15.15 g, 12h). Head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose in profile, with bud to left; POΔION above; Φ and facing boukranion to right; all within incuse square. Hecatomnus 106a (A70/P76) = Bérend, Tétradrachmes 75 = HN Online 1034.4 = Prospero 560 (this coin); Ashton 42; HGC 6, 1417; SNG Ashmolean 539; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Fitzwilliam 4778 = Weber 6715; SNG Keckman –; Karl –. Beautiful even gray tone, with some iridescence around the devices, a little die rust on obverse, a couple of minor scratches in field on reverse. Superb EF. Fine style, and the finest 5th century Rhodian tetradrachm in CoinArchives.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 560, purchased from Spink, 10 February 1983; Numismatic Fine Arts VIII (6 June 1980), lot 300; 1971 Marmaris Hoard (IGCH 1209).
The polis of Rhodes was created out of a synoecism of the cities of Ialysos, Kamiros, and Lindos in 408/7 BC, and immediately began to issue a series of coinage that endured until the Roman era. The rose was chosen as the perennial reverse type, a punning allusion to the city's name. The obverse type was usually the head of Helios, the patron deity of the new polis, but occasionally the nymph Rhodos appeared. Until the end of the Rhodian series, these types adorned the coins, with a few exceptional issues that featured novel designs. The Chian standard was employed, although after a reduction in the late 340s, the standard is commonly called 'Rhodian.' The first issue of Rhodian coinage was a brief, yet large issue of tetradrachms, that stand among the finest pieces of Classical Greek art. On the obverse, the head of Helios is displayed in a nearly frontal position. Such facing head coins were not novel by this time, but the boldness of the design and the particularly high relief of the dies sets the Rhodian coinage apart from all others. Moreover, this facing head type was the standard obverse type for most of the Rhodian issues. The tetradrachm was the primary denomination until the later 4th century, when the didrachm became preeminent. Both of these denominations were supplemented by a wide variety of fractions, in both silver and bronze, and the tetradrachm was also issued on occasion after the 4th century. Around 190 BC, the coinage system was completely reorganized, with the primary denomination being the drachm, struck on a standard called 'plinthophoric' for the square incuse around the reverse type (plinthos = brick or ingot). Gold coinage was issued only on very rare occasions, and not until the 2nd century BC. As noted by Ashton, the coinage was issued fairly regularly, with occasional spikes in production that correlate to either construction work (e.g. the building of the Colossus) or military necessity. As a primary trading center in the Mediterranean, it is not surprising that the bulk of the coinage of Rhodes appears to have been used for regular state expenditure, such as maintaining its fleet, paying mercenaries, making contributions to the Nesiotic League (revived by Rhodes circa 200 BC), paying state officials, and maintaining a system that cared for its needy citizens (Ashton, pp. 96-7). The massive amount of coinage struck by Rhodes is evidenced by the adoption of the Rhodian weight standard by many other cities in the Hellenistic period, as well as the large amounts of Rhodian coins found in hoards today.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 560, purchased from Spink, 10 February 1983; Numismatic Fine Arts VIII (6 June 1980), lot 300; 1971 Marmaris Hoard (IGCH 1209).
The polis of Rhodes was created out of a synoecism of the cities of Ialysos, Kamiros, and Lindos in 408/7 BC, and immediately began to issue a series of coinage that endured until the Roman era. The rose was chosen as the perennial reverse type, a punning allusion to the city's name. The obverse type was usually the head of Helios, the patron deity of the new polis, but occasionally the nymph Rhodos appeared. Until the end of the Rhodian series, these types adorned the coins, with a few exceptional issues that featured novel designs. The Chian standard was employed, although after a reduction in the late 340s, the standard is commonly called 'Rhodian.' The first issue of Rhodian coinage was a brief, yet large issue of tetradrachms, that stand among the finest pieces of Classical Greek art. On the obverse, the head of Helios is displayed in a nearly frontal position. Such facing head coins were not novel by this time, but the boldness of the design and the particularly high relief of the dies sets the Rhodian coinage apart from all others. Moreover, this facing head type was the standard obverse type for most of the Rhodian issues. The tetradrachm was the primary denomination until the later 4th century, when the didrachm became preeminent. Both of these denominations were supplemented by a wide variety of fractions, in both silver and bronze, and the tetradrachm was also issued on occasion after the 4th century. Around 190 BC, the coinage system was completely reorganized, with the primary denomination being the drachm, struck on a standard called 'plinthophoric' for the square incuse around the reverse type (plinthos = brick or ingot). Gold coinage was issued only on very rare occasions, and not until the 2nd century BC. As noted by Ashton, the coinage was issued fairly regularly, with occasional spikes in production that correlate to either construction work (e.g. the building of the Colossus) or military necessity. As a primary trading center in the Mediterranean, it is not surprising that the bulk of the coinage of Rhodes appears to have been used for regular state expenditure, such as maintaining its fleet, paying mercenaries, making contributions to the Nesiotic League (revived by Rhodes circa 200 BC), paying state officials, and maintaining a system that cared for its needy citizens (Ashton, pp. 96-7). The massive amount of coinage struck by Rhodes is evidenced by the adoption of the Rhodian weight standard by many other cities in the Hellenistic period, as well as the large amounts of Rhodian coins found in hoards today.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1097
STUART. James II. 1685-1688. AV 5 Guineas. Dated 1688 and RY QVARTO. Second bust. Bull, Gold 315; SCBC 3397A. In NGC encapsulation 6891729-002, graded AU 55.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
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SICILY, Segesta. Circa 405/2-400 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.40 g, 3h). The hero Egestes, nude, standing right, cap slung over shoulder and chlamys over left arm, resting left foot on rock; EΓEΣTAIΩN to left; below, two hounds standing right at his feet, one sniffing the ground; small ithyphallic herm to lower right / Head of the nymph Segesta right, hair bound in ampyx and a star embroidered sakkos, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace with pendants; [ΣEΓEΣTAΞI]A to right, grain ear below. Hurter, Didrachmenprägung T8 (V4/R7); Lederer 6; HGC 2, 1108 (same dies as illustration); BMC 32 = Kraay & Hirmer 203 (same dies); Hirsch 523 (same dies); McClean 2555 (same dies); Regling, Kunstwerk 567 (same obv. die); Rizzo pl. LXII, 14 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight die shift and a little die wear on obverse, light scratch on reverse. VF. Wonderful style. Rare.
Segesta was the principal city of the Elymi in north-west Sicily. The Segestans wrote their Elymian language in Greek characters, as witnessed by their coins. They developed a traditional hostility with Selinos, in the pursuit of which they allied themselves with Athens in 418/7 BC (Thuc. 6. 6-8 and 46). In 409, Segesta passed into the Carthaginian sphere of influence in another attempt to combat the encroachments of Selinos. Carthage captured and sacked Selinos in that same year.
Although the most common denomination at Segesta was the didrachm, a few very rare and extremely accomplished tetradrachms were minted in about 400 with a remarkably detailed representation of a young huntsman. S. Hurter has maintained the traditional identification of this young man as Egestes, the legendary founder of the city, son of the Trojan maiden Segesta by the river-god Krimsos. Other plausible identifications are the hunter Krimsos or Pan, god of the hunt.
Segesta was the principal city of the Elymi in north-west Sicily. The Segestans wrote their Elymian language in Greek characters, as witnessed by their coins. They developed a traditional hostility with Selinos, in the pursuit of which they allied themselves with Athens in 418/7 BC (Thuc. 6. 6-8 and 46). In 409, Segesta passed into the Carthaginian sphere of influence in another attempt to combat the encroachments of Selinos. Carthage captured and sacked Selinos in that same year.
Although the most common denomination at Segesta was the didrachm, a few very rare and extremely accomplished tetradrachms were minted in about 400 with a remarkably detailed representation of a young huntsman. S. Hurter has maintained the traditional identification of this young man as Egestes, the legendary founder of the city, son of the Trojan maiden Segesta by the river-god Krimsos. Other plausible identifications are the hunter Krimsos or Pan, god of the hunt.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Dekadrachm (33mm, 43.07 g, 8h). ‘Damareteion’ series. Struck circa 470-466 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, lion advancing right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing laurel wreath, hoop earring with single pendant, and pearl necklace, enclosed within linear circle; ΣV-RAK-[O]ΣIO-N and four dolphins swimming clockwise around. Boehringer Series XIIe, 378.3 (V193/R267); HGC 2, 1297 (same dies as illustration); Hirsch 577 (same dies); Hunt I 64 (same dies). Toned, die break and chisel cuts on reverse, minor cuts and bumps on edge. Near VF. Very rare.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, August 1986. Ex Virgil M. Brand Collection (Part 3, Sotheby’s Zurich, 9 June 1983), lot 30; Raffaele Garrucci Collection (J. Hirsch XXXIV, 5 May 1914), lot 186; Theodor Prowe Collection (Part III, Egger XL, 2 May 1912), lot 414.
The story of the Damareteion coinage has its source in a passage in Diodorus (XI 26.3), that relates to the events following the defeat of the Carthaginians by the Syracusans after the battle of Himera in 479 BC. In the wake of their defeat, the Carthaginians expected harsh treatment by their foes, but Gelon, tyrant of Syracuse, imposed quite favorable terms upon them, supposedly at the behest of his wife, Damarete. In response, the Carthaginians are said to have presented Damarete with a crown of gold valued (or weighing) at a hundred talents, and from this gift was struck a coin, called the Damareteion, that weighed ten drachms on the Attic standard. The identification of the coin in question was one of the great mysteries of numismatics, due to the apparent contradictions in the story: the crown was said to be of gold, but the weight of the coin struck from it was given in Attic drachms, which implied a silver, not gold, coin. We know the metal of the coin must have been silver, as Syracuse apparently had no gold until many years after the event. Among the silver coinage, however, there is a suitable candidate that is known to have been struck relative to the time frame of the battle of Himera: the dekadrachms of Quadriga/Arethusa type. The appearance of these impressive coins was unprecedented at the time, and their style of such superior quality, that it is certain that they commemorated a particular, special event. Thus, these dekadrachms came to be known as the ‘Damareteion’ coinage, and their engraver labelled the ‘Damareteion Master.’ These dekadrachms were accompanied by a series of tetradrachms that featured the exact same iconography and style and are regarded as masterpieces themselves, only on a smaller scale.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold Saslow, August 1986. Ex Virgil M. Brand Collection (Part 3, Sotheby’s Zurich, 9 June 1983), lot 30; Raffaele Garrucci Collection (J. Hirsch XXXIV, 5 May 1914), lot 186; Theodor Prowe Collection (Part III, Egger XL, 2 May 1912), lot 414.
The story of the Damareteion coinage has its source in a passage in Diodorus (XI 26.3), that relates to the events following the defeat of the Carthaginians by the Syracusans after the battle of Himera in 479 BC. In the wake of their defeat, the Carthaginians expected harsh treatment by their foes, but Gelon, tyrant of Syracuse, imposed quite favorable terms upon them, supposedly at the behest of his wife, Damarete. In response, the Carthaginians are said to have presented Damarete with a crown of gold valued (or weighing) at a hundred talents, and from this gift was struck a coin, called the Damareteion, that weighed ten drachms on the Attic standard. The identification of the coin in question was one of the great mysteries of numismatics, due to the apparent contradictions in the story: the crown was said to be of gold, but the weight of the coin struck from it was given in Attic drachms, which implied a silver, not gold, coin. We know the metal of the coin must have been silver, as Syracuse apparently had no gold until many years after the event. Among the silver coinage, however, there is a suitable candidate that is known to have been struck relative to the time frame of the battle of Himera: the dekadrachms of Quadriga/Arethusa type. The appearance of these impressive coins was unprecedented at the time, and their style of such superior quality, that it is certain that they commemorated a particular, special event. Thus, these dekadrachms came to be known as the ‘Damareteion’ coinage, and their engraver labelled the ‘Damareteion Master.’ These dekadrachms were accompanied by a series of tetradrachms that featured the exact same iconography and style and are regarded as masterpieces themselves, only on a smaller scale.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 86
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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STUART. James II. 1685-1688. AV Medal (35mm, 21.30 g, 12h). Coronation. By J. Roettier. Dated 23 April 1685. IACOBVS · II · D · G · ANG · SCO · FR · ET · HI · REX, laureate and draped bust left / A · MILITARI · AD · REGIAM ·, laurel wreath upon cushion; above, hand bearing crown emerging right from the heavens; in two lines in exergue, INAVGVRAT · 23 · AP/1685. MI 605/5; Eimer 273. In NGC encapsulation 6906709-001, graded MS 61 PL. Rare in gold. Top Pop.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex World-Wide Coins of California (James F. Elmen) XXIX (16 May 1996), lot 156.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex World-Wide Coins of California (James F. Elmen) XXIX (16 May 1996), lot 156.
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STUART (ORANGE). William III & Mary. 1688-1694. AV Medal (35mm, 18.55 g, 12h). Coronation. By J. Roettier. Dated 2 April 1689. GVLIELMVS · ET · MARIA · REX · ET · REGINA ·, draped busts right of William, laureate and armored, and Mary / NE TOTVS ABSVMATVR, Jupiter seated right among the clouds with an eagle, hurling thunderbolts downward toward Phaethon, escaping from chariot advancing right; in two lines in exergue, INAVGVRAT · II · AP/1689. MI 662/25; Eimer 312a. In NGC encapsulation 6906709-003, graded MS 63.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex H. Christensen 84 (9 September 1983), lot 468.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex H. Christensen 84 (9 September 1983), lot 468.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 126
CARTHAGE. Circa 270-264 BC. AV 1½ Shekels – Tridrachm (21.5mm, 12.50 g, 12h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with eleven pendants / Horse standing right, head left. Jenkins & Lewis Group IX, 388 (same dies); CNP 76d; MAA 26; SNG Copenhagen 181; Basel 569; Gulbenkian 384; Kraay & Hirmer 210; de Luynes 3749 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 5771750-002, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style.
Ex Edward H. Merrin Collection (noted on NGC tag).
By the third century BC, the Punic goddess Tanit and the horse had become the standard types of Carthaginian coinage and remained so for the balance of the city’s existence. Tanit was the primary deity of Carthage. A celestial divinity with some fertility aspects, she was the North African equivalent of Astarte. She is always depicted on the coinage wearing a wreath of grain, which may have been borrowed from Demeter and Persephone as the Carthaginians assimilated the Sicilian culture into their own during the various Punic excursions to the island. The use of the horse on the reverse is usually considered part of the foundation myth of Carthage. According to Virgil's Aeneid, the Phoenician colonists who founded Carthage were told by Juno (or Tanit) to establish the new colony at the place where they discovered a horse's head in the ground. Another theory is that the obverse head is actually Demeter or Persephone, whose worship was introduced to Carthage in 396 BC to make amends for the destruction of the goddesses' temples outside Syracuse by the Carthaginian army.
Ex Edward H. Merrin Collection (noted on NGC tag).
By the third century BC, the Punic goddess Tanit and the horse had become the standard types of Carthaginian coinage and remained so for the balance of the city’s existence. Tanit was the primary deity of Carthage. A celestial divinity with some fertility aspects, she was the North African equivalent of Astarte. She is always depicted on the coinage wearing a wreath of grain, which may have been borrowed from Demeter and Persephone as the Carthaginians assimilated the Sicilian culture into their own during the various Punic excursions to the island. The use of the horse on the reverse is usually considered part of the foundation myth of Carthage. According to Virgil's Aeneid, the Phoenician colonists who founded Carthage were told by Juno (or Tanit) to establish the new colony at the place where they discovered a horse's head in the ground. Another theory is that the obverse head is actually Demeter or Persephone, whose worship was introduced to Carthage in 396 BC to make amends for the destruction of the goddesses' temples outside Syracuse by the Carthaginian army.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 731
Geta. AD 209-211. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 7.52 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 211. P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and bearded bust right, slight drapery / LIB • AVGG • VI • ET • V, distribution scene: Caracalla and Geta, togate, seated left on on curule chairs on platform, extending right hands, to left stands Liberalitas, draped, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopia in left; to left, citizen, togate, standing right, setting one foot on steps to platform and holding out fold of toga with both hands. RIC IV 87 corr. (rev. legend) var. (bust type); Calicó 2889 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 64 var. (same); Adda –; Biaggi 1250 var. (same); Jameson 198 var. (same); Mazzini 70 var. (same). Faint hairlines, minor marks. Near EF. Very rare with slight drapery.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 16; Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 729.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 16; Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 729.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1153
Abraham Ortelius. Parergon sive Veteris Geographiae Aliquot Tabulae. (Antwerp, 1609). Folio (18x12”). Calfskin with gilt lettering and armorial stamp on cover. 38 double-page engraved maps and plates. Bound with Nomenclator Ptolemaicus (Antwerp, 1603). Condition as in photos.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection.
Parergon sive Veteris Geographiae Aliquot Tabulae by Abraham Ortelius, first published in 1595, this example in 1609, is a landmark atlas that showcases Renaissance-era cartography with a focus on classical history geography of the ancient world. This work is considered one of Ortelius' most significant contributions, as it provides a comprehensive view of historical and mythical geography based on ancient sources. The 1609 edition is identified by the title page featuring classical figures holding globes, symbolizing the atlas's focus on the geographical knowledge of antiquity.
The "Parergon" contains a series of maps and engravings that depict the ancient world, including maps based on the travels of famous figures like Homer, Virgil, St. Paul, Alexander the Great, and several biblical narratives. Some maps portray regions as they were understood in ancient times, such as the Roman Empire, Greece, Southern Asia, and Egypt. Others are dedicated to specific events or journeys from classical literature, including the wanderings of Aeneas and the voyages of Odysseus. Several pages include images of ancient coinage and imagery of significance to the study of classics. Ortelius meticulously compiled these maps using sources from classical geographers, historians, and scholars, including Ptolemy (circa 100–170 AD), Strabo (circa 64 BC–24 AD), Arrian (circa 86 – 160 AD), and Pliny the Elder (circa 23–79 AD) among others.
Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598) was a Flemish cartographer and geographer, widely celebrated as the creator of the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theater of the World), published in 1570. Born in Antwerp, Ortelius began his career as a map colorist and engraver before becoming a prominent map dealer. His contributions to mapping and atlases, what we refer to a modern geography, left a lasting impact on the history of cartography. His collaboration with many of the leading scholars of his time, helped foster an expansive network of knowledge exchange throughout Europe, and played a key role in laying the foundation for the age of enlightenment and discovery that would follow in the 17th and 18th centuries.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection.
Parergon sive Veteris Geographiae Aliquot Tabulae by Abraham Ortelius, first published in 1595, this example in 1609, is a landmark atlas that showcases Renaissance-era cartography with a focus on classical history geography of the ancient world. This work is considered one of Ortelius' most significant contributions, as it provides a comprehensive view of historical and mythical geography based on ancient sources. The 1609 edition is identified by the title page featuring classical figures holding globes, symbolizing the atlas's focus on the geographical knowledge of antiquity.
The "Parergon" contains a series of maps and engravings that depict the ancient world, including maps based on the travels of famous figures like Homer, Virgil, St. Paul, Alexander the Great, and several biblical narratives. Some maps portray regions as they were understood in ancient times, such as the Roman Empire, Greece, Southern Asia, and Egypt. Others are dedicated to specific events or journeys from classical literature, including the wanderings of Aeneas and the voyages of Odysseus. Several pages include images of ancient coinage and imagery of significance to the study of classics. Ortelius meticulously compiled these maps using sources from classical geographers, historians, and scholars, including Ptolemy (circa 100–170 AD), Strabo (circa 64 BC–24 AD), Arrian (circa 86 – 160 AD), and Pliny the Elder (circa 23–79 AD) among others.
Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598) was a Flemish cartographer and geographer, widely celebrated as the creator of the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theater of the World), published in 1570. Born in Antwerp, Ortelius began his career as a map colorist and engraver before becoming a prominent map dealer. His contributions to mapping and atlases, what we refer to a modern geography, left a lasting impact on the history of cartography. His collaboration with many of the leading scholars of his time, helped foster an expansive network of knowledge exchange throughout Europe, and played a key role in laying the foundation for the age of enlightenment and discovery that would follow in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 438
INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Kumaragupta I Mahendraditya. Circa AD 413-455. AV Dinar (18mm, 7.95 g, 12h). Elephant-rider/Lion-trampler type. kṣhata Kumā[...] in Brahmi, Kumaragupta seated right on caparisoned elephant advancing right and stepping on lion with left foreleg; behind Kumaragupta, an attendant holding a parasol / simhanihaṁtā mahendragajaḥ in Brahmi, Lakshmi, nimbate, standing facing, head left, holding lotus and making benedictional gesture to peacock to left, standing right. Kumar (2nd ed.) 13.6, 630 (same dies); BKB 187; BMC Guptas –; Altekar, pp. 195-7; Bayana 1795-8. Toned. Good VF. Very rare, one of fifteen specimens known.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 741
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.66 g, 12h). Trier mint. 4th emission, circa mid AD 262-mid 263. IMP C POSTV MVS • P • F • AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / HERC DEVS ONIENSI, Hercules, nude, standing right, right hand resting on hip, left hand holding lion skin and long club which rests on rock. RIC V.4 195/5 (this coin cited and illustrated); Schulte 37 (dies Av 24/Rv 25 [unlisted die combination]); Calicó –; Adda 513 (same rev. die). Lustrous, a few marks, light edge marks. Near EF. Extremely rare.
Ex Leu Numismatik AG 1 (25 October 2017), lot 341.
By AD 260, Rome had divided her military forces between the eastern deserts, where Valerian campaigned against the Sasanians, and the forests of Germania, where Gallienus was engaged with Alemanni, Franks, and Jugunthi. While the war in the east went poorly for the Empire, the army met with success in the north as Postumus and his troops crushed a Jugunthian army returning from raiding Italy. The troops were ordered to deliver the spoils to the emperor, but refused, raising Postumus to the purple. Rather than claiming the entirety of Roman dominion as his own, the usurper instead consolidated his territory and focused his efforts on controlling Germania, Gaul, Britain, and Hispania. This tactic proved successful. Postumus reigned in Gaul for eight years, duplicating Roman governmental structures such as the senate and the office of consul and securing his borders from both barbarians and Rome until 269, when he was assassinated at Mogontiacum (Mainz) amidst internal unrest.
Ex Leu Numismatik AG 1 (25 October 2017), lot 341.
By AD 260, Rome had divided her military forces between the eastern deserts, where Valerian campaigned against the Sasanians, and the forests of Germania, where Gallienus was engaged with Alemanni, Franks, and Jugunthi. While the war in the east went poorly for the Empire, the army met with success in the north as Postumus and his troops crushed a Jugunthian army returning from raiding Italy. The troops were ordered to deliver the spoils to the emperor, but refused, raising Postumus to the purple. Rather than claiming the entirety of Roman dominion as his own, the usurper instead consolidated his territory and focused his efforts on controlling Germania, Gaul, Britain, and Hispania. This tactic proved successful. Postumus reigned in Gaul for eight years, duplicating Roman governmental structures such as the senate and the office of consul and securing his borders from both barbarians and Rome until 269, when he was assassinated at Mogontiacum (Mainz) amidst internal unrest.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 268
MYSIA, Lampsakos. Circa 394-350 BC. AV Stater (15.5mm, 8.54 g, 6h). Head of Hermes left, wearing petasos / Forepart of Pegasos flying right within shallow incuse square. Baldwin, Lampsakos 13b (dies II/β) = Gillet 1105 = Sartiges 345 (this coin, illustrated); SNG BN 1143 = Traité II 2546, pl. CLXXI, 13; Boston MFA 1589 = Warren 1013; Jameson 1436. Struck with slightly worn obverse die. Good VF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 466; Münzen und Medaillen AG 64 (30 January 1984), lot 141; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection; Vicomte de Sartiges Collection (publ. 1910); H. Osborne O’Hagan Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 17 July 1908), lot 535.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 466; Münzen und Medaillen AG 64 (30 January 1984), lot 141; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection; Vicomte de Sartiges Collection (publ. 1910); H. Osborne O’Hagan Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 17 July 1908), lot 535.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 827
CAROLINGIANS. Charlemagne (Charles the Great). As Charles I, King of the Franks, 768-814. AV Tremissis (19mm, 1.04 g, 6h). Lucca mint. Struck after the defeat of Desiderius in 774. + FL • A VI • A • LVC • A, six-rayed star; small leaves between rays; • in Vs and C in legend / D N CAR VLVS RЄX, facing half-length bust. Rossini –; Bernareggi –; Bernareggi, Tremissi –; Bernareggi, Moneta, –; Depeyrot 515B = CNI XI 2 = E&S p. 35, 96; cf. Gariel 172 = Kluge 199; BMC Vandals –; Arslan –; MEC 1, –. Deposits, some weakness with worn dies. Near VF. Extremely rare.
Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 16 (14 November 2022), lot 314.
Following Charlemagne’s conquest of the Lombardic kingdom in 774 a short lived issue of gold tremisses was struck at a range of mints across northern Italy in his name. These rare coins are all of the same star / cross potent type of the defeated Desiderius except for an extremely rare issue at Lucca that remarkably depicts the King of the Franks on the reverse. Rossini records only six specimens of the portrait issue, four of which are damaged and incomplete. Only one other example has previously appeared at auction. That coin, from the Adams collection (Triton XIX, lot 2207), realized $180,000 in 2016.
Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 16 (14 November 2022), lot 314.
Following Charlemagne’s conquest of the Lombardic kingdom in 774 a short lived issue of gold tremisses was struck at a range of mints across northern Italy in his name. These rare coins are all of the same star / cross potent type of the defeated Desiderius except for an extremely rare issue at Lucca that remarkably depicts the King of the Franks on the reverse. Rossini records only six specimens of the portrait issue, four of which are damaged and incomplete. Only one other example has previously appeared at auction. That coin, from the Adams collection (Triton XIX, lot 2207), realized $180,000 in 2016.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 60
SICILY, Akragas. Circa 410-406 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.43 g, 12h). Reverse die signed by Silanos. Nike, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, AKPAΓ/ANTIN-O[N] in two lines on tablet (partially retrograde, last two letters outside tablet); in exergue, club left / Two eagles standing right on dead hare below, the closest eagle with wings closed and head raised, the further eagle with wings spread and head lowered; ΣIΛA-NOΣ along left edge. Westermark, Coinage, Period III, 595.1 (O7/R11) = Seltman, Engravers 16c (dies J/o) = Gillet 356 = SNG Spencer 30 = Seltman, Greek, pl. 26, 11 = Woodward 50 = Giesecke pl. 6, 5 (this coin); HGC 2, 86; SNG ANS 1000 (same dies); Berlin 582 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 917 (same dies); Dewing 565 (same dies); Gulbenkian 170 (same dies); McClean 2041 (same dies); Rizzo pl. III, 3 (same dies). Wonderful old collection tone, slight doubling on obverse. Good VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Christie’s (30 November 1990), lot 31; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection; Capt. C. E. Spencer-Churchill Collection (Ars Classica XVI, 3 July 1933), lot 432; W. H. Woodward Collection; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 271; Egger XLV (12 November 1913), lot 234; Gustave Durulfé Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 9 May 1910), lot 120.
The late coinage of Akragas, struck in the years just before the Carthaginian capture of the city in 406 BC, was the most magnificent in the city’s history. It included the famous dekadrachm, gold pieces, and a variety of quadriga/two eagles tetradrachms that are all of superb quality. Seltman suggested that some of the finest engravers in Sicily made the dies for these coin, ascribing the obverse of this piece to Kimon, while the reverse is signed by the master Silanos. The symbols most associated with the coinage of Akragas are the eagle and the crab. Sometime after 420 BC, the Akragantines replaced the single eagle with a pair of eagles standing on a hare, the inspiration for which must have come from the Agamemnon of Aeschylus where men saw two eagles, representing Agamemnon and Menelaos, feasting upon a pregnant hare. It has always been believed that the city's dekadrachms were issued to celebrate the victory of Exainetos, an Akragantine, at the Olympic Games in 412 BC. It seems more likely, however, that they were part of the war preparations of Akragas against their enemy Carthage shortly before 406 BC. This tetradrachm is every bit the equal of the dekadrachm in terms of development of the traditional Akragantine themes and fineness of their representation.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Christie’s (30 November 1990), lot 31; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection; Capt. C. E. Spencer-Churchill Collection (Ars Classica XVI, 3 July 1933), lot 432; W. H. Woodward Collection; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 271; Egger XLV (12 November 1913), lot 234; Gustave Durulfé Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 9 May 1910), lot 120.
The late coinage of Akragas, struck in the years just before the Carthaginian capture of the city in 406 BC, was the most magnificent in the city’s history. It included the famous dekadrachm, gold pieces, and a variety of quadriga/two eagles tetradrachms that are all of superb quality. Seltman suggested that some of the finest engravers in Sicily made the dies for these coin, ascribing the obverse of this piece to Kimon, while the reverse is signed by the master Silanos. The symbols most associated with the coinage of Akragas are the eagle and the crab. Sometime after 420 BC, the Akragantines replaced the single eagle with a pair of eagles standing on a hare, the inspiration for which must have come from the Agamemnon of Aeschylus where men saw two eagles, representing Agamemnon and Menelaos, feasting upon a pregnant hare. It has always been believed that the city's dekadrachms were issued to celebrate the victory of Exainetos, an Akragantine, at the Olympic Games in 412 BC. It seems more likely, however, that they were part of the war preparations of Akragas against their enemy Carthage shortly before 406 BC. This tetradrachm is every bit the equal of the dekadrachm in terms of development of the traditional Akragantine themes and fineness of their representation.