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 . 425 Numistats ref: 672915
No match
Oriental Greek
Category
BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Menander I Soter. Circa 155-130 BC. AV Stater (20mm, 8.46 g, 11h). Draped bust of Athena right, wearing crested helmet adorned with wing; all within bead-and-reel border / Owl standing right on ground line, head facing; A to left; all within bead-and-reel border. Bopearachchi 1A; MIG Type 211a; SNG ANS 682; Zeno –; HGC 12, 494; Boston MFA Supp. 312; Treasures of Ancient Bactria (Miho Museum), 46a (same obv. die). Lightly toned, traces of deposits, numerous marks, edge marks. Near EF. Very rare.
Unlike his silver and bronze issues, the gold coinage of Menander I Soter is very rare (as is the case with Baktrian gold issues in general). This stater, with the helmeted head of Athena on the obverse and an owl on the reverse, is among the rarest. Mitchiner questioned the authenticity of some of the examples he recorded (noted below), but did not doubt the 1888 British Museum specimen, which is struck from the same obverse die as the present coin (at a later die state). Bopearachchi, in a note on the series, repeated Mitchiner’s reservation without further elucidation. Some examples, such as the two in the ANS, have been condemned, but twelve of the known pieces remain as likely genuine. Notably, none of the pieces published from obverse die A, below, have been questioned.
1. A/a
a) Triton XXVIII, lot 425 (this coin)
2. A/b
a) Bombay, Price of Wales Museum [A.S. Altekar, JNSI 11 (1949), pp. 45–6, pl. I, 2]
b) Private collection
3. A/c
a) Koka, Miho Museum [Treasures of Ancient Bactria 46a]
b) CNG 102, lot 706
4. A/d
a) London, British Museum, inv. 1888,1208.283 [MIG Type 211a (top photo)]
5. B/e
a) Oxford, Ashmolean Museum [Haughton Collection 395 (questioned by Mitchiner)]
b) London, British Museum, inv. 1939,0512.1 [R. B. Whitehead, NC 1940, 5 (questioned by Mitchiner)].
c) Private collection [Haughton Collection 396 (questioned by Mitchiner)]
d) Private collection
6. C/f
a) Boston, Museum of Fine Arts [Boston MFA Supp. 312; Haughton Collection 397]
7. Unseen
a) Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University [A.S. Altekar, JNSI 11 (1949), p. 46] Description
Unlike his silver and bronze issues, the gold coinage of Menander I Soter is very rare (as is the case with Baktrian gold issues in general). This stater, with the helmeted head of Athena on the obverse and an owl on the reverse, is among the rarest. Mitchiner questioned the authenticity of some of the examples he recorded (noted below), but did not doubt the 1888 British Museum specimen, which is struck from the same obverse die as the present coin (at a later die state). Bopearachchi, in a note on the series, repeated Mitchiner’s reservation without further elucidation. Some examples, such as the two in the ANS, have been condemned, but twelve of the known pieces remain as likely genuine. Notably, none of the pieces published from obverse die A, below, have been questioned.
1. A/a
a) Triton XXVIII, lot 425 (this coin)
2. A/b
a) Bombay, Price of Wales Museum [A.S. Altekar, JNSI 11 (1949), pp. 45–6, pl. I, 2]
b) Private collection
3. A/c
a) Koka, Miho Museum [Treasures of Ancient Bactria 46a]
b) CNG 102, lot 706
4. A/d
a) London, British Museum, inv. 1888,1208.283 [MIG Type 211a (top photo)]
5. B/e
a) Oxford, Ashmolean Museum [Haughton Collection 395 (questioned by Mitchiner)]
b) London, British Museum, inv. 1939,0512.1 [R. B. Whitehead, NC 1940, 5 (questioned by Mitchiner)].
c) Private collection [Haughton Collection 396 (questioned by Mitchiner)]
d) Private collection
6. C/f
a) Boston, Museum of Fine Arts [Boston MFA Supp. 312; Haughton Collection 397]
7. Unseen
a) Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University [A.S. Altekar, JNSI 11 (1949), p. 46] Description
Near EF
Grade
28762.52 EUR
Starting
47937.54 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1000 Numistats ref: 673489
No match
World Medals
Category
CHINA, temp. Qīng dynasty. Tiānjīn Provisional Government. 1900-1902. AV Medal (52mm, 12h). By J. Chevet. Struck by Tenshodo, Tokyo. Dated 1900 and 1902. · GOUVERNEMENT PROVISOIRE DISTRICT DE TIENTSIN · 1900-1902, enameled crossed flags of Germany, the United States, France, Britain, Italy, Japan, and Russia, all tied by ribbon engraved PAX LABOR / Legend in two lines in Hànzì characters. L&M 1108. In PCGS encapsulation 46265008, graded MS 63. Extremely rare example with original case (slightly damaged).
From 1899 to 1901, the Boxer Rebellion raged across northern China. Led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, the rebels violently opposed the influence of western colonial powers and their Christian missionaries. The Qing government itself soon came to support the Boxers. In response, an eight-nation multinational coalition invaded the country, with Germany, Japan, Russia, Britain, France, the United States, Italy, and Austria-Hungary all supporting the action.
On July 14, 1900, Tiānjīn was occupied by the eight-nation alliance, seizing control from the Boxers. To manage the city, a “Temporary Administration of Local Affairs” – also refereed to as the Tiānjīn Provisional Government – was set up in the former governor’s office. During its brief existence, the Tiānjīn Provisional Government struck a series of rare commemorative medals, with this particular type issued in gold, silver, and copper. Records indicate that twelve specimens were made in gold, but only two or three have thus far appeared in auctions. Tiānjīn would be administered by the Provisional Government until it was returned to Qing control on 15 August 1902. Description
From 1899 to 1901, the Boxer Rebellion raged across northern China. Led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, the rebels violently opposed the influence of western colonial powers and their Christian missionaries. The Qing government itself soon came to support the Boxers. In response, an eight-nation multinational coalition invaded the country, with Germany, Japan, Russia, Britain, France, the United States, Italy, and Austria-Hungary all supporting the action.
On July 14, 1900, Tiānjīn was occupied by the eight-nation alliance, seizing control from the Boxers. To manage the city, a “Temporary Administration of Local Affairs” – also refereed to as the Tiānjīn Provisional Government – was set up in the former governor’s office. During its brief existence, the Tiānjīn Provisional Government struck a series of rare commemorative medals, with this particular type issued in gold, silver, and copper. Records indicate that twelve specimens were made in gold, but only two or three have thus far appeared in auctions. Tiānjīn would be administered by the Provisional Government until it was returned to Qing control on 15 August 1902. Description
-
Grade
28762.52 EUR
Starting
47937.54 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 244 Numistats ref: 672735
No match
Greek
Category
CIMMERIAN BOSPOROS, Pantikapaion. Circa 340-325 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 9.09 g, 12h). Bearded head of Pan left, wearing ivy wreath / Griffin, holding spear in its mouth, standing left, head facing, forepaw raised, on grain ear; Π-A-N around. Anokhin 1021; MacDonald 54; HGC 7, 20; SNG BM Black Sea 864; Gulbenkian 588–90; Jameson 1361; Pozzi 1150; Sartiges 1580. Lustrous. Choice EF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 214, purchased from Spink, London, 22 April 1986.
Situated on the west side of the Cimmerian Bosporos, in what is now called the Crimea, Pantikapaion achieved great prosperity through its exploitation of the abundant fisheries of the straits and the export of wheat from the Crimea. This wealth is attested by its splendid gold coinage, which commenced in the mid-4th century BC, and by the magnificently furnished rock tombs of its principal citizens in the same period. Later, it was to become a regional capital of the kingdom of Mithradates VI of Pontos (120-63 BC) and later still the seat of the kings of Bosporos (first century BC – fourth century AD). The coinage of Pantikapaion seems to have commenced with silver issues in the latter part of the fifth century BC, but it is for its beautiful gold staters that the mint is chiefly noted. They depict the head of the god Pan (a pun on the name of the city) and on the reverse, the griffin that Herodotos describes as being the guardian of the remote sources of gold. Description
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 214, purchased from Spink, London, 22 April 1986.
Situated on the west side of the Cimmerian Bosporos, in what is now called the Crimea, Pantikapaion achieved great prosperity through its exploitation of the abundant fisheries of the straits and the export of wheat from the Crimea. This wealth is attested by its splendid gold coinage, which commenced in the mid-4th century BC, and by the magnificently furnished rock tombs of its principal citizens in the same period. Later, it was to become a regional capital of the kingdom of Mithradates VI of Pontos (120-63 BC) and later still the seat of the kings of Bosporos (first century BC – fourth century AD). The coinage of Pantikapaion seems to have commenced with silver issues in the latter part of the fifth century BC, but it is for its beautiful gold staters that the mint is chiefly noted. They depict the head of the god Pan (a pun on the name of the city) and on the reverse, the griffin that Herodotos describes as being the guardian of the remote sources of gold. Description
EF
Grade
28762.52 EUR
Starting
47937.54 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 94 Numistats ref: 672585
No match
Greek
Category
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. Description
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. Description
Near EF
Grade
28762.52 EUR
Starting
47937.54 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 355 Numistats ref: 672845
No match
Greek
Category
SELEUKID EMPIRE. Andragoras. Seleukid governor, circa 280-275 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.58 g, 6h). Diademed head right, drapery around neck; monogram to left / Nike, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga right; behind her, warrior standing right; three pellets below horses’ forelegs, ANΔPAΓOPOY in exergue. SC –; MIG Type 19; HGC 9, –; BMC Arabia p. 193, 2; Triton XX, lot 341 = NAC 78, lot 337 = Triton XVI, lot 550 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6672715-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. Extremely rare.
At least six gold staters of Andragoras are known, struck from one obverse die and two reverse dies. No. 1 below is struck from the same obverse die but a different reverse die as the present coin. Nos. 2-6 are struck from the same obverse and reverse dies as the present coin, which is no. 7:
1. London. British Museum (acquired 1879): BMC Arabia, North East Persia No. 1, p. 193 (pl, xxviii, 1); NC 1879, p. 1, pl. I, 1; Head, Historia Numorum (2nd ed.), p. 825, fig. 361; Mitchiner Type 19 (illustrated on the right); ex Oxus Treasure.
2. London. British Museum (acquired 1888): BMC Arabia, North East Persia No. 2, p. 193; Mitchiner Type 19 (illustrated on the left); ex Cunningham collection.
3. Berlin. H. Dressel, ZfN 21 (1898), 231 (see http://www.smb.museum/ikmk/object.php?objectNR=0&size=0&content=0&side=1)
4. Numismatica Ars Classica 59 (4 April 2011), lot 652; Paris Match magazine, 15-22 June 2005, p. 73.
5. Private Collection, unpublished.
6. Triton XX (9 January 2017), lot 341 = Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 337; Triton XVI (8 January 2013), lot 550.
7. Present coin.
The identification of Andragoras has been a matter of debate. Justin mentions two people by that name: (1) a noble Persian appointed by Alexander the Great as governor of Parthia (xii.4.12), and (2) a Seleukid governor of Parthia about the middle of the 3rd century who was defeated by Arsakes (xli.4.7). Both extremely rare gold staters and scarce silver tetradrachms are known in his name, neither of which bear the royal title Basileos. What literary evidence exists derives from the later Greco-Roman historians of Alexander (Arrian and Curtius), as well as the first century AD historian, Pompeius Trogus (known later through Justin). One possible contemporary piece of evidence – a Greek inscription from Gurgan – mentions Andragoras as a high official under Antiochos I (see J. Wolski, “Andragoras était-il Iranien ou Grec?” Studia Iranica 4 [1975], pp. 166-69). B. Kritt, in his recent work, Andragoras, Double Darics, and the coinage of Alexandria on the Oxus (Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2022), reassessed the totality of the evidence, and persuasively argues that the coinage was struck earlier than previously thought, circa 280-275 BC, rather than circa 249-239/8 BC. As such, our Andragoras must be the one mentioned in the Gorgan inscription (SEG 20.325), which is dated to the time of Antiochos I. Andragoras could not have been the later satrap of Parthia. In fact, he was the governor of Alexandreia on the Oxus, appointed by Antiochos I shortly after his accession to the throne, circa 280 BC. Andragoras, who was in his late sixties when appointed, ruled over the Seleukid colony until his death, circa 275 BC. Description
At least six gold staters of Andragoras are known, struck from one obverse die and two reverse dies. No. 1 below is struck from the same obverse die but a different reverse die as the present coin. Nos. 2-6 are struck from the same obverse and reverse dies as the present coin, which is no. 7:
1. London. British Museum (acquired 1879): BMC Arabia, North East Persia No. 1, p. 193 (pl, xxviii, 1); NC 1879, p. 1, pl. I, 1; Head, Historia Numorum (2nd ed.), p. 825, fig. 361; Mitchiner Type 19 (illustrated on the right); ex Oxus Treasure.
2. London. British Museum (acquired 1888): BMC Arabia, North East Persia No. 2, p. 193; Mitchiner Type 19 (illustrated on the left); ex Cunningham collection.
3. Berlin. H. Dressel, ZfN 21 (1898), 231 (see http://www.smb.museum/ikmk/object.php?objectNR=0&size=0&content=0&side=1)
4. Numismatica Ars Classica 59 (4 April 2011), lot 652; Paris Match magazine, 15-22 June 2005, p. 73.
5. Private Collection, unpublished.
6. Triton XX (9 January 2017), lot 341 = Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 337; Triton XVI (8 January 2013), lot 550.
7. Present coin.
The identification of Andragoras has been a matter of debate. Justin mentions two people by that name: (1) a noble Persian appointed by Alexander the Great as governor of Parthia (xii.4.12), and (2) a Seleukid governor of Parthia about the middle of the 3rd century who was defeated by Arsakes (xli.4.7). Both extremely rare gold staters and scarce silver tetradrachms are known in his name, neither of which bear the royal title Basileos. What literary evidence exists derives from the later Greco-Roman historians of Alexander (Arrian and Curtius), as well as the first century AD historian, Pompeius Trogus (known later through Justin). One possible contemporary piece of evidence – a Greek inscription from Gurgan – mentions Andragoras as a high official under Antiochos I (see J. Wolski, “Andragoras était-il Iranien ou Grec?” Studia Iranica 4 [1975], pp. 166-69). B. Kritt, in his recent work, Andragoras, Double Darics, and the coinage of Alexandria on the Oxus (Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2022), reassessed the totality of the evidence, and persuasively argues that the coinage was struck earlier than previously thought, circa 280-275 BC, rather than circa 249-239/8 BC. As such, our Andragoras must be the one mentioned in the Gorgan inscription (SEG 20.325), which is dated to the time of Antiochos I. Andragoras could not have been the later satrap of Parthia. In fact, he was the governor of Alexandreia on the Oxus, appointed by Antiochos I shortly after his accession to the throne, circa 280 BC. Andragoras, who was in his late sixties when appointed, ruled over the Seleukid colony until his death, circa 275 BC. Description
fine
Grade
28762.52 EUR
Starting
47937.54 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1152 Numistats ref: 673641
No match
Antiquarian Literature
Category
Hartmann Schedel. Liber Chronicarum (Nuremberg Chronicle). (Anton Koberger, 1493). Folio (18x12”). Contemporary blind-stamped calfskin cover with modern, specially prepared slip-case. Latin text. Condition as in photos, likely some restoration to cover, some damp staining is apparent on either side of each page throughout much of the book.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection.
This is a very fine example of the Latin edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, (a.k.a. Liber Chronicarum), published in 1493 by Anton Koberger, with text by Hartmann Schedel. Arguably the most historically significant printed books of the incunabula period and the history of literature, this monumental work presents a detailed historical narrative with an extensive series of over 1,800 woodcut illustrations. The Chronicle covers the history of the world from the biblical creation story to the present day of the late 15th century.
Some noteworthy engravings include a map of the known world (prior to the knowledge of discovery by Christopher Columbus) based on Ptolemaic geography with images of mythical humanoid creatures believed to inhabit the far reaches of the planet; panoramic views of important cities that include Nuremberg, Rome, Venice, Florence, and Jerusalem; biblical scenes and historical figures derived from the Old Testament, classical antiquity, and medieval history; and in the end of the book, dramatic woodcut scenes depicting the apocalypse and the final judgment day.
The Nuremberg Chronicle serves as a milestone in the transition from medieval manuscript culture to the age of the printed book, encapsulating Renaissance humanist interest in history, geography, and cosmology. The Nuremberg Chronicle is a historic treasure from the early days of printing that reflects the worldview of late medieval and early Renaissance Europe, including its religious, scientific, mythical beliefs, and attempts to illustrate world history and geography. Description
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection.
This is a very fine example of the Latin edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, (a.k.a. Liber Chronicarum), published in 1493 by Anton Koberger, with text by Hartmann Schedel. Arguably the most historically significant printed books of the incunabula period and the history of literature, this monumental work presents a detailed historical narrative with an extensive series of over 1,800 woodcut illustrations. The Chronicle covers the history of the world from the biblical creation story to the present day of the late 15th century.
Some noteworthy engravings include a map of the known world (prior to the knowledge of discovery by Christopher Columbus) based on Ptolemaic geography with images of mythical humanoid creatures believed to inhabit the far reaches of the planet; panoramic views of important cities that include Nuremberg, Rome, Venice, Florence, and Jerusalem; biblical scenes and historical figures derived from the Old Testament, classical antiquity, and medieval history; and in the end of the book, dramatic woodcut scenes depicting the apocalypse and the final judgment day.
The Nuremberg Chronicle serves as a milestone in the transition from medieval manuscript culture to the age of the printed book, encapsulating Renaissance humanist interest in history, geography, and cosmology. The Nuremberg Chronicle is a historic treasure from the early days of printing that reflects the worldview of late medieval and early Renaissance Europe, including its religious, scientific, mythical beliefs, and attempts to illustrate world history and geography. Description
very fine
Grade
28762.52 EUR
Starting
47937.54 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 411 Numistats ref: 672901
No match
Oriental Greek
Category
KINGS of PERSIS. Vahbarz (Oborzos). 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.07 g, 4h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Diademed head right, wearing kyrbasia / Figure in Achaemenid royal attire, with bow and quiver over shoulder, standing right, holding in his left hand the hair of a Greek hoplite kneeling right, wearing military attire and with shield on left arm, who he is preparing to slay with a dagger held in his right hand; whwbrz to left; krny in Aramaic to right; wntwy in Aramaic in exergue. Cf. van't Haaff, Persis, Type 532Aab (for drachm); otherwise unpublished. Lightly toned, with iridescence, traces of deposits, light circulation marks. Near EF. Bold reverse. Excessively rare.
Vahbarz as Commander-in-Chief
Among the issues of Vahbarz (Oborzos) are the extremely rare drachms – and now, tetradrachm – showing an Achaemenid-style ruler slaying a captive Greek hoplite. So far, only three examples of the drachms are known, all struck from the same pair of dies. The tetradrachm of the same type, the reverse design of which shares stylistic affinities with the drachms, indicates a particularly special issue and that a single engraver – a master craftsman – was responsible for the reverse dies of both denominations. The obverse of our tetradrachm is die linked with those of Ardaxšir (Artaxerxes) I (see, for example, CNG 123, lot 334), placing the two rulers in close chronology.
The legend here calls Vahbarz (Oborzos) ynrk (krny), rather than the more usual àKR†RP (prtrk’), a title that appears on his later coinage. Vahbarz (Oborzos) is the only ruler of Persis to have coins with this title on them. Other examples of his coins with krny include two tetradrachms (van't Haaff, Persis, Type 562A, examples a and b), and a unique drachm in a private collection (Müseler, Dating Fig. 13), all with the fire-altar reverse. None of these coins have the royal standard that normally appears in the design. A probable explanation is that Vahbarz's status as commander-in-chief, and not ruler in his own right, would account for the absence of the standard. In addition, one of these tetradrachms, as well as the drachm, includes a ¡ in the exergue (cf. SC 241-243[for monogram]). This monogram is similar to Seleukid issues of the coregency of Seleukos I and Antiochos I, attributed in SC to an uncertain mint in Drangiana or Western Arachosia, and dated to 294-281 BC. All together, the krny coinage of Vahbarz forms a compact group.
The reverse design has been the subject of interest since the first drachm showing an Achaemenid style ruler slaying a captive Greek hoplite came onto the market almost four decades ago. That coin, discovered by the late Wilhelm Müseler in 1986, was sold in Peus 316 (lot 259). Michael Alram, in his publication of the coin the following year (“Eine neue Drachme des Vahbarz [Oborzos] aus der Persis?,” in Litteratae Numismaticae Vindobonenses 3 [1987], p. 149) was quick to note the unusual subject, arguing that the coinage of Persis was conservative in design, with ideologically predetermined elements, and lacking the influence of foreign ideas. While true in most respects, the coronation-type coinage of Baydād (Bagadat) provides a visible counterpoint: an innovative design that is of indigenous, rather than foreign ideas (see the reliefs of the enthroned Achaemenid king Dareios I from the Apadana at Persepolis which served as the model for Baydād [Bagadat]). For Vahbarz (Oborzos), the trope has a long history, both in the ancient Near East, as well as in Persian art. Two seals of the Achaemenid period showing potential prototypes of the victor slaying the captive (J. Boardman, Persia and the West, p. 160, figs. 5.6 and 5.7). One of these shows Artaxerxes III Ochos slaying the rebellious pharaoh Nektanebo I, while the other depicts one Greek hoplite spearing another. Among the tombs in Necropolis II at Limyra in Lykia is a tomb relief of one hoplite about to slay another. All three examples demonstrate that this scene was a well-known eastern motif.
Other than the coins themselves, very little is known about the career of Vahbarz, or the events commemorated on this particular issue. An anecdote in the Strategmata, or Stratagems in War, by Polyainos, a Macedonian author and rhetorician, has since been recognized to be referring to Vahbarz. Written in AD 163, during the Roman-Parthian War of AD 161-166, and dedicated to Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, it is a collection of narratives describing various stratagems, in particular, those involving various military leaders. In Book VII, which describes the actions of a number of non-Greeks, Polyainos relates the murder and secret burial of 3000 Greek military settlers by Oborzos, whom he considered to be plotting against him (Chapter 40). This tale, however, contains an underlying sense of deception that would seem hardly appropriate for such a prestige issue. Given the Achaemenid association, the design rather recalls the Greco-Persian Wars of the early 5th century BC and the subsequent events that resulted in the disintegration of the Persian Empire and the rise of the Macedonian kingdoms. The kingdom of Persis, which until the third century BC had been a quasi-vassal state of the Seleukid Empire, may have taken the defeat of Antiochos III at Thermopylai in 191 BC to exploit its autonomy. This change was short-lived, however, as the Seleukids seemed to recover as Antiochos is recorded as being present in the area. Vahbarz appears to have submitted his independence and been installed as a frataraka, as his subsequent coinage is of the fire-altar type. It is quite possible that the anecdote about his treachery may have been spread to undercut any future rebellion and assuage Seleukid sensibilites. All that remains is the extremely rare numismatic evidence of Persian glory. Description
Vahbarz as Commander-in-Chief
Among the issues of Vahbarz (Oborzos) are the extremely rare drachms – and now, tetradrachm – showing an Achaemenid-style ruler slaying a captive Greek hoplite. So far, only three examples of the drachms are known, all struck from the same pair of dies. The tetradrachm of the same type, the reverse design of which shares stylistic affinities with the drachms, indicates a particularly special issue and that a single engraver – a master craftsman – was responsible for the reverse dies of both denominations. The obverse of our tetradrachm is die linked with those of Ardaxšir (Artaxerxes) I (see, for example, CNG 123, lot 334), placing the two rulers in close chronology.
The legend here calls Vahbarz (Oborzos) ynrk (krny), rather than the more usual àKR†RP (prtrk’), a title that appears on his later coinage. Vahbarz (Oborzos) is the only ruler of Persis to have coins with this title on them. Other examples of his coins with krny include two tetradrachms (van't Haaff, Persis, Type 562A, examples a and b), and a unique drachm in a private collection (Müseler, Dating Fig. 13), all with the fire-altar reverse. None of these coins have the royal standard that normally appears in the design. A probable explanation is that Vahbarz's status as commander-in-chief, and not ruler in his own right, would account for the absence of the standard. In addition, one of these tetradrachms, as well as the drachm, includes a ¡ in the exergue (cf. SC 241-243[for monogram]). This monogram is similar to Seleukid issues of the coregency of Seleukos I and Antiochos I, attributed in SC to an uncertain mint in Drangiana or Western Arachosia, and dated to 294-281 BC. All together, the krny coinage of Vahbarz forms a compact group.
The reverse design has been the subject of interest since the first drachm showing an Achaemenid style ruler slaying a captive Greek hoplite came onto the market almost four decades ago. That coin, discovered by the late Wilhelm Müseler in 1986, was sold in Peus 316 (lot 259). Michael Alram, in his publication of the coin the following year (“Eine neue Drachme des Vahbarz [Oborzos] aus der Persis?,” in Litteratae Numismaticae Vindobonenses 3 [1987], p. 149) was quick to note the unusual subject, arguing that the coinage of Persis was conservative in design, with ideologically predetermined elements, and lacking the influence of foreign ideas. While true in most respects, the coronation-type coinage of Baydād (Bagadat) provides a visible counterpoint: an innovative design that is of indigenous, rather than foreign ideas (see the reliefs of the enthroned Achaemenid king Dareios I from the Apadana at Persepolis which served as the model for Baydād [Bagadat]). For Vahbarz (Oborzos), the trope has a long history, both in the ancient Near East, as well as in Persian art. Two seals of the Achaemenid period showing potential prototypes of the victor slaying the captive (J. Boardman, Persia and the West, p. 160, figs. 5.6 and 5.7). One of these shows Artaxerxes III Ochos slaying the rebellious pharaoh Nektanebo I, while the other depicts one Greek hoplite spearing another. Among the tombs in Necropolis II at Limyra in Lykia is a tomb relief of one hoplite about to slay another. All three examples demonstrate that this scene was a well-known eastern motif.
Other than the coins themselves, very little is known about the career of Vahbarz, or the events commemorated on this particular issue. An anecdote in the Strategmata, or Stratagems in War, by Polyainos, a Macedonian author and rhetorician, has since been recognized to be referring to Vahbarz. Written in AD 163, during the Roman-Parthian War of AD 161-166, and dedicated to Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, it is a collection of narratives describing various stratagems, in particular, those involving various military leaders. In Book VII, which describes the actions of a number of non-Greeks, Polyainos relates the murder and secret burial of 3000 Greek military settlers by Oborzos, whom he considered to be plotting against him (Chapter 40). This tale, however, contains an underlying sense of deception that would seem hardly appropriate for such a prestige issue. Given the Achaemenid association, the design rather recalls the Greco-Persian Wars of the early 5th century BC and the subsequent events that resulted in the disintegration of the Persian Empire and the rise of the Macedonian kingdoms. The kingdom of Persis, which until the third century BC had been a quasi-vassal state of the Seleukid Empire, may have taken the defeat of Antiochos III at Thermopylai in 191 BC to exploit its autonomy. This change was short-lived, however, as the Seleukids seemed to recover as Antiochos is recorded as being present in the area. Vahbarz appears to have submitted his independence and been installed as a frataraka, as his subsequent coinage is of the fire-altar type. It is quite possible that the anecdote about his treachery may have been spread to undercut any future rebellion and assuage Seleukid sensibilites. All that remains is the extremely rare numismatic evidence of Persian glory. Description
Near EF
Grade
43143.78 EUR
Starting
71906.3 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 442 Numistats ref: 672932
No match
Central Asian
Category
SASANIAN KINGS. Ohrmazd (Hormizd) I. AD 272-273. AV Dinar (22mm, 7.41 g, 3h). Style Abis. Uncertain mint. mzdysn bgy ’hrmzdy MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n W ’n’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi, bust right, wearing diadem and crown with korymbos; two pellets between upper and lower ribbons; crown and korymbos decorated with pellets / ’wḥrmzdy in blundered Pahlavi) to left, NWR’ zy in blundered Pahlavi to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, left wearing crown with korymbos, right wearing mural crown and holding diadem. SNS type Ib(1)/2b(1) and pl. 2, A9 = Saeedi AV 10; Sunrise –; Zeno –. Toned, edge flaw. Good VF. Extremely rare denomination for this ruler, only the second known dinar of this particular variety for Ohrmazd I (the other being the Saaedi coin).
The third son of the conquering monarch Šābuhr (Shahpur) I (AD 240-270), Ohrmazd I first comes to historical light as one of his father’s commanders during the Sasanian invasion of the Roman east in AD 253-256. Legend has it he was advanced in the succession due to a prophecy. His name is recorded on an inscription in Persepolis as “Great King of the Armenians,” a title granted to the royal heir much as “Prince of Wales” is used nowadays to designate the heir to the British throne. He was raised to the Persian throne upon the death of his father, either in AD 270 or 272. Very little is known about his brief reign. His coins bear his title “King of Kings of the Iranians” but also add “and non-Iranians,” an innovation carried on by succeeding Sasanian monarchs. His coins also differ from those of his father in that the fire attendants on the reverse are usually shown facing inward toward the altar, as opposed to facing away. Unlike his father’s long and consequential rule, Ohrmazd I’s reign was only about a year, and the cause of his death is unrecorded. Although he is known to have had a son, he was succeeded by his brother, Bahram I (AD 273-276). While his silver coins are scarce, gold issues of Ohrmazd I are exceedingly rare, with four dinars recorded in total, only two of this variety. Description
The third son of the conquering monarch Šābuhr (Shahpur) I (AD 240-270), Ohrmazd I first comes to historical light as one of his father’s commanders during the Sasanian invasion of the Roman east in AD 253-256. Legend has it he was advanced in the succession due to a prophecy. His name is recorded on an inscription in Persepolis as “Great King of the Armenians,” a title granted to the royal heir much as “Prince of Wales” is used nowadays to designate the heir to the British throne. He was raised to the Persian throne upon the death of his father, either in AD 270 or 272. Very little is known about his brief reign. His coins bear his title “King of Kings of the Iranians” but also add “and non-Iranians,” an innovation carried on by succeeding Sasanian monarchs. His coins also differ from those of his father in that the fire attendants on the reverse are usually shown facing inward toward the altar, as opposed to facing away. Unlike his father’s long and consequential rule, Ohrmazd I’s reign was only about a year, and the cause of his death is unrecorded. Although he is known to have had a son, he was succeeded by his brother, Bahram I (AD 273-276). While his silver coins are scarce, gold issues of Ohrmazd I are exceedingly rare, with four dinars recorded in total, only two of this variety. Description
Good VF
Grade
43143.78 EUR
Starting
71906.3 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 387 Numistats ref: 672877
No match
Greek
Category
EGYPT, Pharaonic Kingdom. Nektanebo II. 361-343 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.31 g, 10h). Horse prancing right / Hieroglyphic representation of “good gold”: pectoral necklace (nebew = “gold”) crossing horizontally over a windpipe and heart (nefer = “good”). FF-BD 4b (D2/R2) = H. W. Müller & E. Thiem, Gold of the Pharaohs (Cornell UP, 1999), p. 49, figs. 86–87 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 1 (same rev. die); ACGC 1064 (same rev. die); BM inv. 1954,1006.1 = Jameson 2618 (same obv. die); Zhuyuetang 121 (same rev. die). In NGC encapsulation 5771748-001, graded XF★, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 5/5.
Ex Edward H. Merrin Collection; Eberhard Thiem Collection; Sotheby’s Geneva (with Roland Michel, 11 November 1990), lot 42; Hans Wolfgang Müller Collection, sold to a private German collector, 1968 (attested by E. Thiem, in correspondence with Samuel Merrin [inlcuded with lot]).
One of the great (and very popular) rarities for ancient gold coinage collectors is the gold stater (or daric?) issued by the Egyptian Pharaoh Nektanebo II. The authors of the die study cited above could account for only 42 examples struck from 3 obverse and 3 reverse dies with 5 die combinations. They also listed 5 examples from the Mit Rahineh hoard (IGCH 1658) that they could not examine for their die study. The attribution to Nektanebo II is based primarily on circumstantial historical evidence and not the coins themselves, which do not bear any specific ethnic or monogram.
Nekht-har-hebi, or Nektanebo II as he was known to the Greeks, was the nephew of the Pharaoh Tachos (Djedhor). Placed in command of the Egyptian army in Syria during the Satrapal Revolt, he turned his troops against his own king, and uncle, and took Egypt by force. In 351-350 BC, he repelled a Persian invasion but was driven from his throne in 344-343 by a second assault. He then fled Egypt and found refuge in Ethiopia and retained control of Upper Egypt for another few years.
Nektanebo most likely would have issued his gold staters to pay the mercenaries in his army. What makes the coinage of Nektanebo stand out is the adoption of a purely Egyptian design. This is the only known ancient coinage to employ a hieroglyph – a purely Egyptian coin. Description
Ex Edward H. Merrin Collection; Eberhard Thiem Collection; Sotheby’s Geneva (with Roland Michel, 11 November 1990), lot 42; Hans Wolfgang Müller Collection, sold to a private German collector, 1968 (attested by E. Thiem, in correspondence with Samuel Merrin [inlcuded with lot]).
One of the great (and very popular) rarities for ancient gold coinage collectors is the gold stater (or daric?) issued by the Egyptian Pharaoh Nektanebo II. The authors of the die study cited above could account for only 42 examples struck from 3 obverse and 3 reverse dies with 5 die combinations. They also listed 5 examples from the Mit Rahineh hoard (IGCH 1658) that they could not examine for their die study. The attribution to Nektanebo II is based primarily on circumstantial historical evidence and not the coins themselves, which do not bear any specific ethnic or monogram.
Nekht-har-hebi, or Nektanebo II as he was known to the Greeks, was the nephew of the Pharaoh Tachos (Djedhor). Placed in command of the Egyptian army in Syria during the Satrapal Revolt, he turned his troops against his own king, and uncle, and took Egypt by force. In 351-350 BC, he repelled a Persian invasion but was driven from his throne in 344-343 by a second assault. He then fled Egypt and found refuge in Ethiopia and retained control of Upper Egypt for another few years.
Nektanebo most likely would have issued his gold staters to pay the mercenaries in his army. What makes the coinage of Nektanebo stand out is the adoption of a purely Egyptian design. This is the only known ancient coinage to employ a hieroglyph – a purely Egyptian coin. Description
good
Grade
57525.04 EUR
Starting
95875.07 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 93 Numistats ref: 672584
No match
Greek
Category
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. Description
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. Description
fine
Grade
57525.04 EUR
Starting
95875.07 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 622 Numistats ref: 673112
No match
Roman Republican
Category
The Republicans. Brutus. Late summer-autumn 42 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.75 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece; L. Plaetorius Cestianus, magistrate. Bare head of Brutus right; BRVT above, IMP to right, L • PLAET • CEST around to left / Pileus between two daggers pointing downward; EID • MAR below. Crawford 508/3; Campana, Eid Mar 40-1 (O2/R13); Cahn 13a-b; CRI 216; Sydenham 1301; RSC 15; BMCRR East 68-70; Kestner –; RBW –. Toned, with hints of iridescence, minor marks and scratches, scrapes on obverse, banker’s mark on reverse. Good VF. Very rare. The most famous of all Roman coins. This coin not plated in Campana.
From the Collection of a Connoisseur Classicist, purchased from from Numismatica Ars Classica, early 1990’s.
Surely the most iconic and important coin associated with an event in ancient history, this denarius pointedly commemorates the assassination of Julius Caesar by depicting the perpetrator of the act (Brutus), by naming the date of the act (EID[ibus] MAR[tiis], and by displaying the instruments of the act (daggers) between the reason for the act (the pileus [freedman’s cap] as a symbol of liberty). Though many senators plotted against Caesar and are collectively represented by the two daggers, the portrait of Brutus alone emphasizes his primary role in the conspiracy.
The only securely identified portraits of Brutus occur on coins inscribed with his name; all others, whether on coins or other artifacts, are identified based on the three issues inscribed BRVTVS IMP (on aurei) or BRVT IMP (on denarii). A careful study of Brutus’ portraits by S. Nodelman segregates these inscribed portraits into three main categories: a ‘baroque’ style portrait on the aurei of Casca, a ‘neoclassical’ style on the aurei of Costa, and a ‘realistic’ style on the ‘EID MAR’ denarii, which Nodelman describes as “the soberest and most precise” of all. Description
From the Collection of a Connoisseur Classicist, purchased from from Numismatica Ars Classica, early 1990’s.
Surely the most iconic and important coin associated with an event in ancient history, this denarius pointedly commemorates the assassination of Julius Caesar by depicting the perpetrator of the act (Brutus), by naming the date of the act (EID[ibus] MAR[tiis], and by displaying the instruments of the act (daggers) between the reason for the act (the pileus [freedman’s cap] as a symbol of liberty). Though many senators plotted against Caesar and are collectively represented by the two daggers, the portrait of Brutus alone emphasizes his primary role in the conspiracy.
The only securely identified portraits of Brutus occur on coins inscribed with his name; all others, whether on coins or other artifacts, are identified based on the three issues inscribed BRVTVS IMP (on aurei) or BRVT IMP (on denarii). A careful study of Brutus’ portraits by S. Nodelman segregates these inscribed portraits into three main categories: a ‘baroque’ style portrait on the aurei of Casca, a ‘neoclassical’ style on the aurei of Costa, and a ‘realistic’ style on the ‘EID MAR’ denarii, which Nodelman describes as “the soberest and most precise” of all. Description
Good VF
Grade
143812.61 EUR
Starting
239687.68 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 236 Numistats ref: 672727
No match
Greek
Category
ARKADIA, Pheneos. Circa 360-350/40 BC. AR Stater (25mm, 11.95 g, 2h). Head of Demeter to right, wearing grain wreath, elaborate disc and crescent earring with pendants, and pearl necklace / Hermes, nude but for his petasos and for a cloak over his shoulders, partially facing and moving to the left, holding a kerykeion in his right hand; his head is turned back to right to gaze at the infant Arkas, whom he holds on his left arm with his left hand and who raises his right hand towards Hermes’ face; Θ between Hermes’ legs, ΦΕ-ΝΕ-ΩΝ around lower right edge. Schultz 2 (V2/R1); BCD Peloponnesos 1615 (same dies); HGC 5, 975; Boston MFA 1266 (same dies); Du Chastel 243 (same dies). Toned, trace deposits on reverse. Choice EF. Very rare. A magnificent, sharply struck coin of great freshness and beauty, one of the finest known examples.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Cabinet W (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 1013, purchased privately from the BCD Collection in 2005.
The stater coinage of Pheneos was likely a rather limited series, being struck from only three obverse and seven reverse dies, with the first obverse die breaking almost immediately. These coins were probably created to pay mercenaries in the tumultuous years around 360 BC, when war raged across Greece. The beautiful, artistic style and fine engraving highlights the civic pride that was core to the design and production of classical Greek coinage. Here, the head of Demeter is rendered in particularly elegant style, accentuated by the remarkable strike and preservation of the present example. On the reverse, the figure of Hermes with the infant Arkas is reminiscent of the famous Hermes of Praxitiles, carved around 343 BC in nearby Olympia. Description
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Cabinet W (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 1013, purchased privately from the BCD Collection in 2005.
The stater coinage of Pheneos was likely a rather limited series, being struck from only three obverse and seven reverse dies, with the first obverse die breaking almost immediately. These coins were probably created to pay mercenaries in the tumultuous years around 360 BC, when war raged across Greece. The beautiful, artistic style and fine engraving highlights the civic pride that was core to the design and production of classical Greek coinage. Here, the head of Demeter is rendered in particularly elegant style, accentuated by the remarkable strike and preservation of the present example. On the reverse, the figure of Hermes with the infant Arkas is reminiscent of the famous Hermes of Praxitiles, carved around 343 BC in nearby Olympia. Description
fine
Grade
172575.13 EUR
Starting
287625.21 EUR
Estimate
-
Realized