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 . 758 Numistats ref: 673247
No match
Roman Imperial
Category
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.44 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 294. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIR TVS AVG G, Hercules, nude but for lion skin draped across left shoulder, standing right, grabbing the centaur Nessus by the hair with his left hand and brandishing club in right hand; Nessus struggling against Hercules to right; PROM. RIC VI –; Depeyrot 9/15; Calicó 4740 (this coin cited and illustrated); Adda 549 (this coin); Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, a few faint marks. Near EF. Extremely rare. Only one cited by Depeyrot. This coin the second known. A wonderful reverse composition recounting Hercules’ battle with Nessus.
Ex Rauch 90 (4 June 2012), lot 883 (hammer €32,000); Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 752; Victor A. Adda (†1965) Collection (as Property of a Lady, Christie's, 9 October 1984), lot 147, purchased from E. Bourgey; possibly 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (not recorded in Bastien and Metzger; however, purchased from Bourgey [who owned a portion of the hoard] along with other aurei and multiples confirmed to be from Beaurains). Description
Ex Rauch 90 (4 June 2012), lot 883 (hammer €32,000); Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 752; Victor A. Adda (†1965) Collection (as Property of a Lady, Christie's, 9 October 1984), lot 147, purchased from E. Bourgey; possibly 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (not recorded in Bastien and Metzger; however, purchased from Bourgey [who owned a portion of the hoard] along with other aurei and multiples confirmed to be from Beaurains). Description
Near EF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1039 Numistats ref: 673528
No match
The Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection
Category
ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Hiberno-Norse Northumbria). Anlaf Sithtricsson (Cuaran). First reign, 941-944/5. AR Penny (19mm, 1.10 g, 5h). Triquetra type. York mint; Farmann, moneyer. + ·A·NL·AF CVNVNCS· (retrograde S), triquetra; crescent below / + FARHAИ HOИET , fringed triangular standard bearing ‘X’ on cross-tipped pole. CTCE Group V; cf. SCBI 34 (BM), 1248-52 (for type); North 540; SCBC 1020. Toned, double struck. Good VF. Very rare. An unrecorded variety with the crescent on obverse.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone.
Anlaf Cunran, better known by his Norse name Olaf Kvaran, was driven out of York by the adventurer Erik the Bloodax, the son of King Harald Finehair of Norway. Olaf Kvaran thereafter ruled as King of Norse Dublin where (945-980). In the confusing fighting over York between these pagan Hiberno-Norse and the Christian Kings of Wessex, the Danish settlers eventually came to realize that they had far more in common with their fellow Christian English neighbors than they did with the Norwegian interlopers. So, in 955, the Danes of York accepted as their king, Eadwig of Wessex. Description
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone.
Anlaf Cunran, better known by his Norse name Olaf Kvaran, was driven out of York by the adventurer Erik the Bloodax, the son of King Harald Finehair of Norway. Olaf Kvaran thereafter ruled as King of Norse Dublin where (945-980). In the confusing fighting over York between these pagan Hiberno-Norse and the Christian Kings of Wessex, the Danish settlers eventually came to realize that they had far more in common with their fellow Christian English neighbors than they did with the Norwegian interlopers. So, in 955, the Danes of York accepted as their king, Eadwig of Wessex. Description
Good VF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 785 Numistats ref: 673274
No match
Roman Imperial
Category
Constantius I. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.13 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 2nd emission, early AD 294. CONSTA NTIVS N C, laureate head right / VIRTVS AVG•G•, Hercules, nude, standing right, restraining the Ceryneian Hind, struggling to right, with his left knee placed upon its lowered hind quarters and grappling it by the antlers in both hands; TR. RIC VI 85; Zanchi & Estiot 33a (CCL 8/R 14 – this coin); Depeyrot 3A/3; Calicó 4878 (illustrated from a line drawing). Lustrous, light edge bump. Superb EF. Extremely rare. The finest of the five known.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1045A.
Flavius Valerius Constantius was a native of Naissus in modern Serbia. He found escape from his low social standing in the Roman army and rose steadily through the ranks. Along the way, he took a local barmaid named Helena as his common-law wife and she bore him a son, Constantine, probably in AD 273 or 274. By AD 284, Constantius had been made military governor of Dalmatia. He supported Diocletian’s bid for power and was rewarded with a series of important posts in the new regime. In March of AD 293, Diocletian and Maximian appointed him Caesar of the West and charged him with restoring Britain and northern Gaul, then under the separatist rule of the usurper Carausius, to Roman control. Constantius spent three years in careful preparations and launched his invasion in mid-AD 296, achieving complete surprise and total victory. He won the reputation of a just and compassionate ruler during his years as Caesar. With Diocletian’s retirement in AD 305, Constantius became Augustus of the West and technically the senior ruler, but Galerius was clearly dominant. Constantius even had to request that Galerius release his son Constantine from serving in the eastern court so that the young officer could assist in an upcomming British campaign. The two were reunited in early 306 and campaigned jointly against the Picts, winning Constantius the title “Britannicus Maximus.” But Constantius fell seriously ill that summer and died on July 25. The army immediately acclaimed Constantine as Emperor, launching the career of one of Rome’s greatest rulers. Description
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1045A.
Flavius Valerius Constantius was a native of Naissus in modern Serbia. He found escape from his low social standing in the Roman army and rose steadily through the ranks. Along the way, he took a local barmaid named Helena as his common-law wife and she bore him a son, Constantine, probably in AD 273 or 274. By AD 284, Constantius had been made military governor of Dalmatia. He supported Diocletian’s bid for power and was rewarded with a series of important posts in the new regime. In March of AD 293, Diocletian and Maximian appointed him Caesar of the West and charged him with restoring Britain and northern Gaul, then under the separatist rule of the usurper Carausius, to Roman control. Constantius spent three years in careful preparations and launched his invasion in mid-AD 296, achieving complete surprise and total victory. He won the reputation of a just and compassionate ruler during his years as Caesar. With Diocletian’s retirement in AD 305, Constantius became Augustus of the West and technically the senior ruler, but Galerius was clearly dominant. Constantius even had to request that Galerius release his son Constantine from serving in the eastern court so that the young officer could assist in an upcomming British campaign. The two were reunited in early 306 and campaigned jointly against the Picts, winning Constantius the title “Britannicus Maximus.” But Constantius fell seriously ill that summer and died on July 25. The army immediately acclaimed Constantine as Emperor, launching the career of one of Rome’s greatest rulers. Description
fine
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 790 Numistats ref: 673279
No match
Roman Imperial
Category
Julian II. AD 360-363. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.19 g, 6h). Sirmium mint. Struck AD 361-363. pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCI TVS ROMANORVM, soldier, helmeted and wearing military attire, advancing right, head left, holding trophy over left shoulder in left hand and dragging kneeling captive to left by the hair with right hand; *SIRM(wreath). RIC VIII 96; Depeyrot 21/1; Biaggi 2219; Mazzini 78. Toned, minor spot of die rust on obverse, edge filing. EF. Struck from detailed dies.
Ex Collection of a Perfectionist (Leu 93, 10 May 2005), lot 144; Tkalec (23 October 1992), lot 497.
Julian II, also known as the Apostate, Philosopher, or Hellene, ranks as one of the more controversial Roman emperors, as his attempt to stand against the rising tide of Christianity makes him a villain to some and a hero to others. On the numismatic front, his adoption of a long “philosopher’s beard” on his coin portraits was an innovation that had not been seen for more than a century. It struck his subjects as a quaint affectation and was ridiculed by some, to which Julian responded with a satyrical pamphlet called Misopogon, or “Beard Hater,” while in residence at Antioch. Description
Ex Collection of a Perfectionist (Leu 93, 10 May 2005), lot 144; Tkalec (23 October 1992), lot 497.
Julian II, also known as the Apostate, Philosopher, or Hellene, ranks as one of the more controversial Roman emperors, as his attempt to stand against the rising tide of Christianity makes him a villain to some and a hero to others. On the numismatic front, his adoption of a long “philosopher’s beard” on his coin portraits was an innovation that had not been seen for more than a century. It struck his subjects as a quaint affectation and was ridiculed by some, to which Julian responded with a satyrical pamphlet called Misopogon, or “Beard Hater,” while in residence at Antioch. Description
EF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1047 Numistats ref: 673536
No match
The Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection
Category
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great. 871-899. AR Penny (19mm, 1.60 g, 12h). London monogram type. London mint; Tilwine, moneyer. Struck circa 880. ÆLFR ED REX, diademed and draped bust right / TILEVI(NE) MO(NE)TΛ above and below Londonia monogram flanked by small crosses pattée. Mackay, London B3, 10.3 (dies O3/R9; this coin); SCBI 20 (Mack), 737 (same dies); BMC 116; North 646; SCBC 1062. Toned. Good VF. Very rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XVIII.4 (Fourth Quarter 1993). no. 346; T.E. Nield Collection (Glendining, 8 September 1993), lot 421; Spink Numismatic Circular XCIV.5 (June 1986), no. 3970; H.A. Parsons (Glendining, 11 May 1954), lot 134. Description
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XVIII.4 (Fourth Quarter 1993). no. 346; T.E. Nield Collection (Glendining, 8 September 1993), lot 421; Spink Numismatic Circular XCIV.5 (June 1986), no. 3970; H.A. Parsons (Glendining, 11 May 1954), lot 134. Description
Good VF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1052 Numistats ref: 673541
No match
The Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection
Category
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Edward the Elder. 899-924. AR Penny (22mm, 1.55 g, 2h). Church tower type (BMC ix). Mercian Northwest dies; Eadmund, moneyer. Middle period I, circa 910-915. + EADVVEARD EX, small cross pattée / ዞ² ዝ⎍/ónዝ, Façade of a Saxon church tower (or reliquary?); EA DV/M ND in two lines across field. CTCE 320k (this coin); SCBI 4 (Copenhagen), 687; BMC 109; North 666; SCBC 1083. Toned, a few faint deposits. Near EF. Extremely rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XX.2 (Summer 1995), no. 832; Spink Numismatic Circular XC.9 (November 1982), no. 8139. Description
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XX.2 (Summer 1995), no. 832; Spink Numismatic Circular XC.9 (November 1982), no. 8139. Description
Near EF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 310 Numistats ref: 672800
No match
Greek
Category
KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.00 g). Light standard. Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Berk 3; Kurth G51; Le Rider, Naissance, pl. V, 8; Traité I 401–3; SNG von Aulock 2875; BMC 31; Boston MFA 2073; Gulbenkian 757. Minor deposits, some die wear and a few marks on obverse. VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Superior, 27 May 1986. Description
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Superior, 27 May 1986. Description
VF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 64 Numistats ref: 672555
No match
Greek
Category
SICILY, Kephaloidion. Circa 307-305 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 3.97 g, 11h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin; EK ΚΕΦΑΛΟΙΔΙ-[ON] to right and below / Bull butting right on tablet; AK monogram and [ΗΡ]ΑΚΛΕΙΩΤΑΝ above. Campana, Kephaloidion 1 (this coin referenced and illustrated); Jenkins, Coinages, p. 97, 1 = Basel 345 = CNS I p. 245 = Burnett, Enna 97 = S. Consolo Langher, “Gli HPAΚΛΕΙΩΤΑΝ EK ΚΕΦΑΛΟΙΔΙON” in Kokalos 7 (1961), 166 = E. Gabrici, “Alla ricerca della Solunto di Tucidide” in Kokalos 5 (1959), 21 (this coin); Triton XVI, lot 214 = Gemini IV, lot 33 = Leu 38, lot 23 = HGC 2, 641 ill. (same dies). Toned, some porosity, light deposits, scratches under tone, die break on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of only two known.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 42; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 345. Description
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 42; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 345. Description
Good VF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1101 Numistats ref: 673590
No match
British
Category
STUART (ORANGE). William III & Mary. 1688-1694. AV 5 Guineas. Dated 1693 Elephant & Castle. Second busts. Bull, Gold 351; SCBC 3423. In NGC encapsulation 6917299-003, graded AU Details, obv spot removed.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Bowers & Merena (17 September 1984), lot 5025.
In 1660, the Royal African Company was given a monopoly of English trade in West Africa with the particular aim of exploiting the gold fields of the upper Gambia River. Coins were struck at the Royal Mint with gold from these endeavors, bearing the Company’s badge of an elephant and castle (sometimes an elephant only) under the effigy of the monarch. Initially these issues were so plentiful that the new milled gold issues were given the popular name Guinea. After 1689, the Company lost it’s monopoly and in the 18th Century elephant and castle coins were issued more infrequently. The Royal Africa Company was dissolved in 1752. Description
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Bowers & Merena (17 September 1984), lot 5025.
In 1660, the Royal African Company was given a monopoly of English trade in West Africa with the particular aim of exploiting the gold fields of the upper Gambia River. Coins were struck at the Royal Mint with gold from these endeavors, bearing the Company’s badge of an elephant and castle (sometimes an elephant only) under the effigy of the monarch. Initially these issues were so plentiful that the new milled gold issues were given the popular name Guinea. After 1689, the Company lost it’s monopoly and in the 18th Century elephant and castle coins were issued more infrequently. The Royal Africa Company was dissolved in 1752. Description
EF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 846 Numistats ref: 673335
No match
World
Category
CANADA. Edward VII. 1901-1910. Specimen AV Sovereign (22mm, 7.99 g, 12h). Ottawa mint. Dated 1908 C. Bare head right / St. George on horseback rearing right, holding reins and sword and slaying dragon to lower right. Charlton p. 244; Bull, Gold 1903; Marsh 183; SCBC 3970. In NGC encapsulation 6928237-001, graded SP 65. Very rare – only 636 struck. A key date of the Canadian sovereign series.
Ex Charles L. Ruby Collection (Part II, Superior, 17 June 1974), lot 1167.
This wonderful specimen sovereign (called a ‘satin proof’ in Bull) is one of a very limited number struck by the Ottawa mint in its first year of operation. As Ottawa was legally considered a branch of the Royal mint in London, it was required to strike sovereigns on demand. Canada had it’s own decimal currency, including gold five and ten dollar coins struck from 1912 to 1914, and the sovereign never regularly circulated in the country. The sovereigns that were struck from 1909 to 1919 were mostly ordered by companies for export purposes. Description
Ex Charles L. Ruby Collection (Part II, Superior, 17 June 1974), lot 1167.
This wonderful specimen sovereign (called a ‘satin proof’ in Bull) is one of a very limited number struck by the Ottawa mint in its first year of operation. As Ottawa was legally considered a branch of the Royal mint in London, it was required to strike sovereigns on demand. Canada had it’s own decimal currency, including gold five and ten dollar coins struck from 1912 to 1914, and the sovereign never regularly circulated in the country. The sovereigns that were struck from 1909 to 1919 were mostly ordered by companies for export purposes. Description
-
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 77 Numistats ref: 672568
No match
Greek
Category
SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.48 g, 7h). Struck circa 478-475 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; ΣVRA-KOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series VIIIb, 172 (V75/R120); HGC 2, 1306; Randazzo 339–41 (same dies). Beautiful old cabinet tone, with light iridescence, minor flan flaw on reverse. EF.
Ex Rockefeller University / Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 153; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 669; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 327. Description
Ex Rockefeller University / Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 153; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 669; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 327. Description
EF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 78 Numistats ref: 672569
No match
Greek
Category
SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.43 g, 3h). Struck circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; four dolphins and ΣΥΡ-ΑΚΟ-ΣΙΟΝ (partially retrograde) around. Boehringer Series XIId, 348 (V171/R244); HGC 2, 1306; SNG ANS 112. Pleasing old collection tone. In NGC encapsulation 6631349-001, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, die shift.
Ex Armand Trampitsch Collection (Vinchon, 13 November 1986), lot 90. Description
Ex Armand Trampitsch Collection (Vinchon, 13 November 1986), lot 90. Description
BC
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 80 Numistats ref: 672571
No match
Greek
Category
SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.30 g, 4h). ‘Damareteion’ series. Struck circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, single-pendant earring, and linear necklace; four dolphins and ΣΛ-RΑ-ΚΟΣΙ-ΟΝ around. Boehringer Series XIIe, 387 var. (V–/R275 [unlisted obv. die]); HGC 2, 1308 corr. (Boehringer 387, 388, and 391E of standard style); Du Chastel 64 (same rev. die); Gulbenkian 256 = Jameson 755 (same rev. die); Rizzo pl. XXXV, 9 (same rev. die); Auctiones AG 24, lot 76 (same dies); NAC 126, lot 38 (same rev. die [hammer CHF 85,000]) = Gemini VII, lot 157 (same rev. die [hammer $60,000]). Toned, a few light marks, minor doubling on obverse. VF. An important issue in the evolution of Syracuse tetradrachms. Extremely rare, one of only seven coins known from this reverse die, four of which are in public collections.
From the Jonathan K. Kern Collection, with proceeds being donated to charity.
This fascinating issue represents a landmark in the series of Syracuse tetradrachms. With the advent of the Damaretion coinage, the master engraver introduced a new style that progressed the art of the coins forward, from the static archaized style that had dominated the coinage into a more realistic classical form that was beginning to appear in coinage throughout Sicily and beyond. Although the present issue lacks the salient features of the core Damaretion coinage, the lion in the exergue on the obverse and a laureate head of Arethousa enclosed in a linear circle on the reverse, the die links that Boehringer identified in his corpus clearly links it to the end of the famed series. The obverse and reverse here reflect a return to the standard types that had been used since the early 5th century, but the style is clearly that which had been introduced by the Damaretion master, which is most notable in the presentation of Arethousa. Her static features have been replaced with a serene countenance, with a profile eye prominently displaying her pupil, and her hair flows in a natural, fluid form. This new presentation of Arethousa persisted in the coinage beyond the Damaretion series, and soon other engravers began to experiment with their own interpretations of her form, culminating in the famed period of the "signing artists," whose work exemplified the pinnacle of classical art. In sum, this issue is the first presentation of the standard Syracuse tetradrachm type in classical style. Description
From the Jonathan K. Kern Collection, with proceeds being donated to charity.
This fascinating issue represents a landmark in the series of Syracuse tetradrachms. With the advent of the Damaretion coinage, the master engraver introduced a new style that progressed the art of the coins forward, from the static archaized style that had dominated the coinage into a more realistic classical form that was beginning to appear in coinage throughout Sicily and beyond. Although the present issue lacks the salient features of the core Damaretion coinage, the lion in the exergue on the obverse and a laureate head of Arethousa enclosed in a linear circle on the reverse, the die links that Boehringer identified in his corpus clearly links it to the end of the famed series. The obverse and reverse here reflect a return to the standard types that had been used since the early 5th century, but the style is clearly that which had been introduced by the Damaretion master, which is most notable in the presentation of Arethousa. Her static features have been replaced with a serene countenance, with a profile eye prominently displaying her pupil, and her hair flows in a natural, fluid form. This new presentation of Arethousa persisted in the coinage beyond the Damaretion series, and soon other engravers began to experiment with their own interpretations of her form, culminating in the famed period of the "signing artists," whose work exemplified the pinnacle of classical art. In sum, this issue is the first presentation of the standard Syracuse tetradrachm type in classical style. Description
VF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 81 Numistats ref: 672572
No match
Greek
Category
SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.32 g, 12h). Struck circa 466-460 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, driving slow quadriga right, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, single-pendant earring, and necklace; ΣV-[R]-AK-O-ΣIO-И and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIIIa, 408 (V211/R288); HGC 2, 1309; SNG ANS 128 (same dies); Bement 1050 (same dies); Hunterian 20 (same dies). Iridescent tone, die break on reverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan.
Ex Roma XVI (26 September 2018), lot 148; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 94; Ambrose Collection (Roma X, 27 September 2015), lot 199; Roma IV (30 September 2012), lot 80; Triton XV (3 January 2012), lot 1069. Description
Ex Roma XVI (26 September 2018), lot 148; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 94; Ambrose Collection (Roma X, 27 September 2015), lot 199; Roma IV (30 September 2012), lot 80; Triton XV (3 January 2012), lot 1069. Description
EF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1110 Numistats ref: 673599
No match
British
Category
HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. Proof AV Sovereign. Dated 1871. Young head. Edge: plain. Struck en medaille. W&R 319; Bull, Gold 1223; Marsh 84C; SCBC 3856. In NGC encapsulation 6891729-005, graded PF 64 Ultra Cameo. A beautiful and rare proof in superb condition.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection. Description
From the Alexander Christopher Collection. Description
-
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 87 Numistats ref: 672578
No match
Greek
Category
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. Description
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, May 2010. Description
Good VF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1116 Numistats ref: 673605
No match
British
Category
HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. Proof AR Crown. Dated 1847 and RY UNDECIMO. Gothic type. Plain edge, n over inverted n in UNITA. Struck in pure silver. Bull 2577; ESC 291B; SCBC 3883. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6898643-004, graded PF 62.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection. Description
From the Alexander Christopher Collection. Description
-
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 96 Numistats ref: 672587
No match
Greek
Category
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. Description
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Berk BBS 207 (13 June 2019), lot 13; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 389 (May 1977), no. 3. Description
Good VF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 617 Numistats ref: 673107
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 41 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.77 g, 3h). Rome mint. L. Flaminius Chilo, moneyer. Laureate head right / Pax standing left, holding a caduceus in right hand and with left, leaning on scepter; L • FLAMINIVS downwards to right, III • VIR upwards to left. Crawford 485/1; CRI 113; Sydenham 1089; RSC 26; BMCRR Rome 4201-2; Kestner 3699; RBW –. Toned, minor area of weakness, scratches on obverse. Near EF. Outstanding portrait of fine style, struck in high relief.
While this coin derives its general type from those issues struck at Rome in the month prior to Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, its anepigraphic obverse now shows a head of Caesar that is no longer veiled, while on the reverse, Venus Genetrix holds a caduceus in place of the traditional Victory. The idealized portrait of Julius Caesar, with its definite impression of divinity, is not an individual die-engraver’s attempt at artistic fancy, but must have been influenced by Octavian’s consciously conceived program of manipulating public images (including that of Caesar) at Rome.
On 1 January 42 BC, the Senate recognized Caesar’s new divine status as the Divus Julius and constructed a temple on the site of his cremation in the Forum. The Venus Genetrix on the reverse shows a similar manipulation. Deriving from the Greek Aphrodite Ourania, or heavenly Aphrodite, Venus Genetrix became not only the divine patroness of Rome through her son Aeneas, but also the ancestor of the gens Julia, through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (Iulus). On the night before Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar vowed to construct a temple in her honor in Rome if he was successful against Pompey. Once completed, this temple, which housed a statue of the goddess, then became the centerpiece of his new forum in Rome. There are marked differences, however, between the statue (evidenced by several extant copies) and her depiction on the denarii struck in the month before his assassination. While the statue emphasized her procreative powers, the coins show her in a more martial and political context: holding a Victory in her right hand and a scepter in her left, either surrounded by weaponry (sometime set on a globe), or with the scepter set on a star (a sign of divinity). While these attributes may shift from one to another, they emphasize not only the divine assistance in Caesar’s military and political victories, but also allude tentatively to his semi-divinity. The Venus of this coin, however, minimizes her connection to earlier associations; instead, she now presents an image of Felicitas (Good Fortune), by replacing the Victory with a caduceus. It is not the Venus Genetrix of Julius Caesar, then, but now Venus Felix of all Rome who is at work. Thus, through the assistance of the two transformed divine agencies – the impending one of the Divus Julius, and that of Venus – Octavian was able to take his first few steps toward political ascendancy. Description
While this coin derives its general type from those issues struck at Rome in the month prior to Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, its anepigraphic obverse now shows a head of Caesar that is no longer veiled, while on the reverse, Venus Genetrix holds a caduceus in place of the traditional Victory. The idealized portrait of Julius Caesar, with its definite impression of divinity, is not an individual die-engraver’s attempt at artistic fancy, but must have been influenced by Octavian’s consciously conceived program of manipulating public images (including that of Caesar) at Rome.
On 1 January 42 BC, the Senate recognized Caesar’s new divine status as the Divus Julius and constructed a temple on the site of his cremation in the Forum. The Venus Genetrix on the reverse shows a similar manipulation. Deriving from the Greek Aphrodite Ourania, or heavenly Aphrodite, Venus Genetrix became not only the divine patroness of Rome through her son Aeneas, but also the ancestor of the gens Julia, through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (Iulus). On the night before Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar vowed to construct a temple in her honor in Rome if he was successful against Pompey. Once completed, this temple, which housed a statue of the goddess, then became the centerpiece of his new forum in Rome. There are marked differences, however, between the statue (evidenced by several extant copies) and her depiction on the denarii struck in the month before his assassination. While the statue emphasized her procreative powers, the coins show her in a more martial and political context: holding a Victory in her right hand and a scepter in her left, either surrounded by weaponry (sometime set on a globe), or with the scepter set on a star (a sign of divinity). While these attributes may shift from one to another, they emphasize not only the divine assistance in Caesar’s military and political victories, but also allude tentatively to his semi-divinity. The Venus of this coin, however, minimizes her connection to earlier associations; instead, she now presents an image of Felicitas (Good Fortune), by replacing the Victory with a caduceus. It is not the Venus Genetrix of Julius Caesar, then, but now Venus Felix of all Rome who is at work. Thus, through the assistance of the two transformed divine agencies – the impending one of the Divus Julius, and that of Venus – Octavian was able to take his first few steps toward political ascendancy. Description
Near EF
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 109 Numistats ref: 672600
No match
Greek
Category
SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AV Drachm – Hemistater (16.5mm, 4.27 g, 1h). Struck 269-263 or 217-215 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears and necklace; cornucopia to right / Nike, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga left; A below, IEPΩNOΣ in exergue. Carroccio 22 (D22/R28); BAR Issue 55; HGC 2, 1539; SNG Fitzwilliam 1388 (same dies); BMC 517 (same obv. die). Lustrous, tiny deposit on obverse, minor doubling on reverse. Superb EF. Struck from fresh dies. Among the finest known.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, December 2003.
Hieron II started life as the illegitimate son of a noble father, allegedly a distant descendant of the Syracusan tyrant Gelon I. Later legends claim Hieron was exposed as an infant, but swarms of bees fed him honey until his father, warned by an astrologer, came and rescued the boy. As a young man, he served as a mercenary soldier in the army of Pyrrhos of Epeiros. When his commander elected to abort his Sicilian expedition in 275 BC, Hieron stayed behind and convinced a cabal of fellow soldiers to choose him as leader and seize power in Syracuse. He went on to rule the city and much of Sicily, first as a military tyrant, later as an enlightened and successful king, for nearly 50 years. He is most famous as the king who patronized the brilliant polymath Archimedes in his “eureka!” discovery, the principle of displacement. Hieron’s coinage is widely varied, interesting, and in many ways inspired by that of his Hellenistic ally, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Description
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, December 2003.
Hieron II started life as the illegitimate son of a noble father, allegedly a distant descendant of the Syracusan tyrant Gelon I. Later legends claim Hieron was exposed as an infant, but swarms of bees fed him honey until his father, warned by an astrologer, came and rescued the boy. As a young man, he served as a mercenary soldier in the army of Pyrrhos of Epeiros. When his commander elected to abort his Sicilian expedition in 275 BC, Hieron stayed behind and convinced a cabal of fellow soldiers to choose him as leader and seize power in Syracuse. He went on to rule the city and much of Sicily, first as a military tyrant, later as an enlightened and successful king, for nearly 50 years. He is most famous as the king who patronized the brilliant polymath Archimedes in his “eureka!” discovery, the principle of displacement. Hieron’s coinage is widely varied, interesting, and in many ways inspired by that of his Hellenistic ally, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Description
fine
Grade
5752.5 EUR
Starting
9587.51 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized