Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4
Date: 2025-01-14 15:00:00 (3 weeks from now)
Lots: 1152
Total starting: $ 3,093,540.00
In this auction, Numistats has matched 120 coins, providing AI-powered purchase recommendations and detailed analysis. View more.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 253
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11.5mm, 2.71 g). Tail of tunny right on raised disk / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Hurter & Liewald III 27.1 (hemihekte); cf. Von Fritze I 18 (unlisted denomination); Greenwell –; Boston MFA –; SNG BN –; Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 19, lot 996. Irregular flan. VF. Extremely rare, apparently the second known hekte of this issue.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 254
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.44 g). Bearded head of male left, wearing helmet, of archaic style / Quadripartite incuse square. Unpublished. Trace deposits, slightly compact flan. Near EF. Apparently unique.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 257 (15 October 2018), lot 456 (attributed to Phokaia).
This intriguing hekte was attributed to Phokaia by Gorny & Mosch based on a similarity of type with issues of Bodenstedt emission 44. However, the style of the helmeted head is quite consistent across all of the dies identified by Bodenstedt, and the style here is quite dissimilar. Moreover, though, the type of incuse on this example is an exact match for issues at Kyzikos. The type is not known, but, as evidenced by the articles by Hurter & Liewald, new types of Kyzikene coins have been coming to light.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 257 (15 October 2018), lot 456 (attributed to Phokaia).
This intriguing hekte was attributed to Phokaia by Gorny & Mosch based on a similarity of type with issues of Bodenstedt emission 44. However, the style of the helmeted head is quite consistent across all of the dies identified by Bodenstedt, and the style here is quite dissimilar. Moreover, though, the type of incuse on this example is an exact match for issues at Kyzikos. The type is not known, but, as evidenced by the articles by Hurter & Liewald, new types of Kyzikene coins have been coming to light.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 255
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (18mm, 16.23 g). Head of lion left; to right, tunny upward / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 39; Greenwell 115; Boston MFA 1414 = Warren 1537; SNG BN 178. A couple of edge splits, minor double strike on obverse. VF. Well centered.
Ex Siren Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 532, 8 February 2023), lot 168.
Ex Siren Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 532, 8 February 2023), lot 168.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 256
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (15.5mm, 16.10 g). Double-bodied sphinx, with one head facing, wearing ouraios, atop a tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze I 128 (unlisted denomination); cf. Greenwell 101 (same); Boston MFA –; cf. SNG BN 280 (hekte). Edge splits. Near VF.
Ex Siren Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 520, 20 July 2022), lot 108.
Ex Siren Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 520, 20 July 2022), lot 108.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 257
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (17mm, 16.06 g). Heads of lion and ram, conjoined, back-to-back; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 54; Greenwell 118; Boston MFA 1422 = Warren 1543; SNG BN –. Triple struck. Near VF. Very rare.
Ex Siren Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 516, 18 May 2022), lot 218.
Ex Siren Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 516, 18 May 2022), lot 218.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 258
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (12mm, 2.72 g). Lion at bay left on tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 83; Greenwell 107; Boston MFA 1443 = Warren 1531; SNG BN 212. Trace deposits, minor marks, slightly off center on obverse. Near EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 259
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11mm, 2.66 g). Winged male mythological creature running-kneeling left, head right, holding tunny by its tail in left hand / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 123; Greenwell 57; Boston MFA 1459; SNG BN 272. Hairlines, minor edge split. Near EF.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection, purchased from Vilmar Numismatics, July 2016.
While the identification of this creature, certainly of local significance, is unknown today, it has traditionally been referred to as “Phobos” or “Daimon.” In his catalog of the Gulbenkian collection, Jenkins sees an Egyptian or near-Eastern influence, while Bivar, in his article on Mithra (“Mithra and Mesopotamia,” Mithraic Studies [Manchester, 1975], pp. 275-89), suggests that the creature corresponds to the Mithraic Areimanios (Ahriman). One also may see an assimilation of the ubiquitous Persian lion-headed griffin, adapting the head, wings, and tail to a human body. Although some references note the head as being that of a wolf, other examples clearly show a mane that is directly influenced by the lion heads on the common early Lydian electrum, supporting Bivar’s (and others’) contention that it is a lion head. At the same time, the ear is not fully visible on most examples, but on some, such as the present piece, it clearly is that of a griffin (compare to its depiction on the coins of Teos and Abdera). The wings and posture of the creature are mythological archetypes, commonly found on displays of various deities and creatures on pottery and coins. An excellent example of an archaic representation of a local deity of Asia Minor.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection, purchased from Vilmar Numismatics, July 2016.
While the identification of this creature, certainly of local significance, is unknown today, it has traditionally been referred to as “Phobos” or “Daimon.” In his catalog of the Gulbenkian collection, Jenkins sees an Egyptian or near-Eastern influence, while Bivar, in his article on Mithra (“Mithra and Mesopotamia,” Mithraic Studies [Manchester, 1975], pp. 275-89), suggests that the creature corresponds to the Mithraic Areimanios (Ahriman). One also may see an assimilation of the ubiquitous Persian lion-headed griffin, adapting the head, wings, and tail to a human body. Although some references note the head as being that of a wolf, other examples clearly show a mane that is directly influenced by the lion heads on the common early Lydian electrum, supporting Bivar’s (and others’) contention that it is a lion head. At the same time, the ear is not fully visible on most examples, but on some, such as the present piece, it clearly is that of a griffin (compare to its depiction on the coins of Teos and Abdera). The wings and posture of the creature are mythological archetypes, commonly found on displays of various deities and creatures on pottery and coins. An excellent example of an archaic representation of a local deity of Asia Minor.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 260
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11mm, 2.63 g). Boar standing left on tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 90; Greenwell 135; Boston MFA 1465 = Warren 1561; SNG BN 225-6. Lightly toned, minor edge splits, tiny deposit on obverse. Near EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 261
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Stater (15mm, 16.05 g). Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 161; Greenwell 69; Boston MFA 1493–4; SNG BN 308. Hairlines, scrape on obverse. Good VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Youngerman Inc., 20 August 1983.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Youngerman Inc., 20 August 1983.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 262
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Stater (17mm, 16.02 g). Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 161; Greenwell 69; Boston MFA 1493–4; SNG BN 308 (this coin); Gulbenkian 628; Jameson 2197 (same obv. die). Lightly toned. VF.
Ex Edoardo Levante Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 576; deaccessioned from the Départment des Monnaies, Médailles et Antiques, Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
Ex Edoardo Levante Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 576; deaccessioned from the Départment des Monnaies, Médailles et Antiques, Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 263
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.65 g). Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 161; Greenwell 69; cf. Boston MFA 1493–4 (stater); cf. SNG BN 308–9 (stater). Minor marks. Good VF. Very rare as a hekte, only three in CoinArchives.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 264
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9.5mm, 2.69 g). Helios, radiate and nude, crouching right, arms spread, holding in his hands the reins of two horse foreparts facing left and right in background / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 148; Greenwell 23; cf. Boston MFA 1515 (stater); cf. SNG BN 297 (stater). Lustrous, slightly compact flan. EF. Extremely rare.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 221.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 221.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 265
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Stater (17mm, 15.71 g). Bearded head right, wearing laurel wreath; below, tunny right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 197; Greenwell 81; Boston MFA 1561 = Warren 1500; SNG BN 337 (this coin); Jameson 2207 = Pozzi 2177; Kraay & Hirmer 721. Lightly toned. VF. Well centered.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 Jan 2021), lot 645; Berk BBS 202 (26 October 2017), lot 7; Edoardo Levante Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 577; deaccessioned from the Départment des Monnaies, Médailles et Antiques, Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
J. P. Six (NC 1898, pp. 197-198) first suggested that the bearded male portrait on this stater was that of the Athenian general Timotheos (d. 354 BC), who had raised the siege of Kyzikos in 363 BC (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6), noting a similarity between the coins and a marble portrait in the Capitoline Museum (no. 46). Other authors subsequently took different views. However, in "The Cyzicenes: A Reappraisal," AJN 5-6 [1993-1994], pp. 9-11, Mildenberg defended Six's hypothesis. He noted that Kyzikos was under Persian control from 540 BC until 445 BC, and then from 387 BC until the end of the Achaemenid Empire. During the almost sixty-year interval, Kyzikos was allied with Athens as a member of the Delian League. Kyzikos, however, was not banned from continuing to strike electrum staters (per League rules), because Athens saw the coinage as a valuable means of payment and in its best interest. Thus, when Athenian forces under the command of Timotheos successfully raised the Persian siege of Kyzikos in 363 BC (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6), the citizens placed the portrait of the victorious general, complete with laurel wreath, on this issue of staters to show their appreciation of his services and subtly honor him in an already-accepted Athenian-associated context.
Timotheos was the son of Konon and a Thracian mother (Ath. 13.577a). A prominent citizen, Timotheos was an associate of both the philosopher Plato and the Athenian orator Isokrates. Between 378 BC and 356 BC he frequently served as strategos, in which capacity he was able to secure an Athenian alliance with Kephallenia, and friendship with the Akarnanians and the Molossians. In 373 BC he was assigned command of a fleet to relieve Korkyra from Spartan control. Because the expedition was underfunded, the relief was delayed, prompting Timotheos to be brought to trial. Through the intervention of his allies, including Jason, the ruler of Pherai and the tagos (ταγός) of the Thessalian League, Timotheos was acquitted. Following his acquittal, and with the assistance of Amyntas III of Macedon, Timotheos took Korkyra (Diod. Sic. 15.47). For this, a statue was raised in his honor in Athens (Aeschin. In Ctes. 243). In 363 BC, Timotheos raised the siege of Kyzikos, for which these staters may have been issued (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6). In 366 BC, Timotheos was sent to aid Ariobarzanes, the satrap of Phrygia, but when he discovered that the satrap was in revolt against the Great King, Timotheos turned his attention to the northern Aegean. There, he captured Samos after a siege of 10 months, followed by similar conquests along the Thraco-Macedonian coast. A legal action brought against him by Apollodoros (the speech of which is attributed to Demosthenes), is noteworthy for illustrating the reversal of fortune of the once-great and honored general. Timotheos was once again in command during the Social War (357-355 BC), but competing personalities among the leadership again brought Timotheos to trial. Found guilty and unable to pay the heavy fine imposed on him, Timotheos retreated to Chalkis in Euboia, where he died. In remorse for their treatment of the once-favored general, the Athenians forgave a greater part of the debt that had passed on to his son, Konon. They also brought his ashes back to Athens, burying them in the Keramikos and erecting statues to him in the Agora and on the Akropolis.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 Jan 2021), lot 645; Berk BBS 202 (26 October 2017), lot 7; Edoardo Levante Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2015), lot 577; deaccessioned from the Départment des Monnaies, Médailles et Antiques, Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
J. P. Six (NC 1898, pp. 197-198) first suggested that the bearded male portrait on this stater was that of the Athenian general Timotheos (d. 354 BC), who had raised the siege of Kyzikos in 363 BC (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6), noting a similarity between the coins and a marble portrait in the Capitoline Museum (no. 46). Other authors subsequently took different views. However, in "The Cyzicenes: A Reappraisal," AJN 5-6 [1993-1994], pp. 9-11, Mildenberg defended Six's hypothesis. He noted that Kyzikos was under Persian control from 540 BC until 445 BC, and then from 387 BC until the end of the Achaemenid Empire. During the almost sixty-year interval, Kyzikos was allied with Athens as a member of the Delian League. Kyzikos, however, was not banned from continuing to strike electrum staters (per League rules), because Athens saw the coinage as a valuable means of payment and in its best interest. Thus, when Athenian forces under the command of Timotheos successfully raised the Persian siege of Kyzikos in 363 BC (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6), the citizens placed the portrait of the victorious general, complete with laurel wreath, on this issue of staters to show their appreciation of his services and subtly honor him in an already-accepted Athenian-associated context.
Timotheos was the son of Konon and a Thracian mother (Ath. 13.577a). A prominent citizen, Timotheos was an associate of both the philosopher Plato and the Athenian orator Isokrates. Between 378 BC and 356 BC he frequently served as strategos, in which capacity he was able to secure an Athenian alliance with Kephallenia, and friendship with the Akarnanians and the Molossians. In 373 BC he was assigned command of a fleet to relieve Korkyra from Spartan control. Because the expedition was underfunded, the relief was delayed, prompting Timotheos to be brought to trial. Through the intervention of his allies, including Jason, the ruler of Pherai and the tagos (ταγός) of the Thessalian League, Timotheos was acquitted. Following his acquittal, and with the assistance of Amyntas III of Macedon, Timotheos took Korkyra (Diod. Sic. 15.47). For this, a statue was raised in his honor in Athens (Aeschin. In Ctes. 243). In 363 BC, Timotheos raised the siege of Kyzikos, for which these staters may have been issued (Diod. Sic. 15.81.6). In 366 BC, Timotheos was sent to aid Ariobarzanes, the satrap of Phrygia, but when he discovered that the satrap was in revolt against the Great King, Timotheos turned his attention to the northern Aegean. There, he captured Samos after a siege of 10 months, followed by similar conquests along the Thraco-Macedonian coast. A legal action brought against him by Apollodoros (the speech of which is attributed to Demosthenes), is noteworthy for illustrating the reversal of fortune of the once-great and honored general. Timotheos was once again in command during the Social War (357-355 BC), but competing personalities among the leadership again brought Timotheos to trial. Found guilty and unable to pay the heavy fine imposed on him, Timotheos retreated to Chalkis in Euboia, where he died. In remorse for their treatment of the once-favored general, the Athenians forgave a greater part of the debt that had passed on to his son, Konon. They also brought his ashes back to Athens, burying them in the Keramikos and erecting statues to him in the Agora and on the Akropolis.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 266
MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 390-341/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 15.19 g, 1h). Head of Kore Soteira left, wearing single-pendant earring, hair in sphendone covered with a veil, two grain ears in hair; ΣΩTEIPA above / Head of lion left, mouth open with tongue protruding; to lower right, cock standing right; below, tunny left; KY-ZI around. Pixodarus Type 2, Group D, 7–9; SNG BN 396–402 var. (symbol on rev.). Toned, minor marks, some die rust on obverse, minor deposits on reverse. VF. Very rare with this symbol.
Ex Mercury Group Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 September 2021), lot 257; Waddell EAuction 54 (27 June 2002), lot 54.
Ex Mercury Group Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 September 2021), lot 257; Waddell EAuction 54 (27 June 2002), lot 54.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 267
MYSIA, Lampsakos. Circa 394-350 BC. AV Stater (16.5mm, 8.47 g, 1h). Head of maenad left, wearing wreath of ivy, single-pendant earring, and necklace / Forepart of Pegasos flying right within shallow incuse square. Baldwin, Lampsakos 11 var. (unlisted dies); SNG BN –; SNG von Aulock 7393; Gulbenkian 682; Jameson 1438 = Traité II 2556, pl. CLXXI, 23. Minor marks, slight die shift on reverse. EF. Very rare, one of only two in CoinArchives.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Kovacs XV (1 October 2003), lot 93; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 411.
Lampsakos depended upon the traffic between the Aegean and the Black Sea and possessed an excellent harbor in a strategic position guarding the eastern entrance to the Hellespont opposite Gallipolis. The city was known to have existed under the name of Pityusa before it received colonists from the Ionian cities of Phokaia and Miletos (Strabo xiii, p. 589). In the sixth and fifth centuries BC, Lampsakos passed successively under Lydian, Persian, Athenian, and Spartan control. Its tribute of twelve talents, as a member of the Delian League, and production of electrum staters in the fifth century BC, attest to its commercial wealth. Following the example and standard of the Persic daric, Lampsakos was the first Greek city to make regular issues of gold coinage, which enjoyed an international circulation from Sicily to the Black Sea. As at Kyzikos, the quality of engraving was very high, and types changed frequently: about forty types were produced in a period of about sixty years. Many of the types featured Chthonic deities, those whose powers came from the earth, such as Demeter and Dionysos.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Kovacs XV (1 October 2003), lot 93; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 411.
Lampsakos depended upon the traffic between the Aegean and the Black Sea and possessed an excellent harbor in a strategic position guarding the eastern entrance to the Hellespont opposite Gallipolis. The city was known to have existed under the name of Pityusa before it received colonists from the Ionian cities of Phokaia and Miletos (Strabo xiii, p. 589). In the sixth and fifth centuries BC, Lampsakos passed successively under Lydian, Persian, Athenian, and Spartan control. Its tribute of twelve talents, as a member of the Delian League, and production of electrum staters in the fifth century BC, attest to its commercial wealth. Following the example and standard of the Persic daric, Lampsakos was the first Greek city to make regular issues of gold coinage, which enjoyed an international circulation from Sicily to the Black Sea. As at Kyzikos, the quality of engraving was very high, and types changed frequently: about forty types were produced in a period of about sixty years. Many of the types featured Chthonic deities, those whose powers came from the earth, such as Demeter and Dionysos.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 268
MYSIA, Lampsakos. Circa 394-350 BC. AV Stater (15.5mm, 8.54 g, 6h). Head of Hermes left, wearing petasos / Forepart of Pegasos flying right within shallow incuse square. Baldwin, Lampsakos 13b (dies II/β) = Gillet 1105 = Sartiges 345 (this coin, illustrated); SNG BN 1143 = Traité II 2546, pl. CLXXI, 13; Boston MFA 1589 = Warren 1013; Jameson 1436. Struck with slightly worn obverse die. Good VF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 466; Münzen und Medaillen AG 64 (30 January 1984), lot 141; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection; Vicomte de Sartiges Collection (publ. 1910); H. Osborne O’Hagan Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 17 July 1908), lot 535.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 466; Münzen und Medaillen AG 64 (30 January 1984), lot 141; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection; Vicomte de Sartiges Collection (publ. 1910); H. Osborne O’Hagan Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 17 July 1908), lot 535.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 269
MYSIA, Parion. Circa 130s-50 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 15.77 g, 12h). Polykles, magistrate. Draped bust of Demeter right, veiled, and wearing grain ears in hair / Apollo Aktaios, drapery hanging from waist, standing left, holding patera in extended right hand, left hand placed on top of kithara to right, which is standing on omphalos; lit altar to inner left; AΠOΛΛΩNOΣ AKTAIOY to right and left, ΠAPIANΩN/ΠOΛYKΛH[Σ] in two lines in exergue. Ellis-Evans, Late, Group 2, dies O4/R– (unlisted rev. die); Meadows, Parion 3 = SNG Lewis 829 (same obv. die); Meadows, Parion 3 = SNG BN 1401 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, small scuff on cheek, minor roughness on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare, the fourth and finest known, the other three in public collections (BM, BN, and Berlin).
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 247.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 247.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 270
KINGS of PERGAMON. Eumenes I. 263-241 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.76 g, 12h). In the name of Philetairos. Pergamon mint. Struck circa 255/50-241 BC. Head of Philetairos right, wearing laurel wreath / ΦIΛETAIPOY, Athena enthroned left, left elbow resting on shield to right, crowning dynastic name with wreath held in her extended right hand and cradling transverse spear in left arm, ivy leaf to outer left, monogram to inner left, bow to right. Westermark Group IVA, obv. die unlisted; SNG BN 1614–5; SNG von Aulock 1356–7; SNG Copenhagen 335; Dewing 2208. In NGC encapsulation 6763170-014, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, brushed.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 523 (7 September 2022), lot 167; Demetrios Armounta Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 304, 12 June 2013), lot 85.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 523 (7 September 2022), lot 167; Demetrios Armounta Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 304, 12 June 2013), lot 85.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 271
TROAS, Assos. Circa 210-200 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 17.03 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; boukranion in left field. Unpublished. In NGC encapsulation 3762485-012, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Extremely rare.
Although this coin is unpublished, its style is identical to other issues at Assos, and the facing boukranion was a civic badge used on many of Assos’ own coins in the 4th-3rd centuries BC.
Although this coin is unpublished, its style is identical to other issues at Assos, and the facing boukranion was a civic badge used on many of Assos’ own coins in the 4th-3rd centuries BC.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 272
TROAS, Dardanos. 5th century BC. AV Hemistater – Half Daric (12mm, 3.90 g). Persic standard. Parallel lines across field / Cross-hatch pattern. Unpublished. Trace deposits, faint cleaning marks, edge loss. As made. Unique.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLV.2 (Summer 2020), no. 539239; Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), lot 324; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 146.
This archaic issue had originally been offered as an electrum coin, but a recent thorough metal analysis of the coin by ANSTO in Australia has conclusively shown that it has a gold content of approximately 91.7% (this analysis is included with this lot). A connection to Dardanos had been proposed since the coin appeared, based on the cross-hatch pattern on the reverse, an unusual feature that is only known on an archaic issue that has been attributed to Dardanos featuring a cock on the obverse (cf. SNG Ashmolean 1119). This attribution has been strengthened by the metal analysis, which has found a minute amount of the rare element iridium, which has also been found in silver coins of Dardanos, but not in Lydian gold, which was the main source for gold coinage at the time. Although the weight of the coin is a little low for a Persic hemistater, there is clear evidence of some edge loss, which could account for the discrepancy of 0.2–0.3 grams. Interestingly, the cross-hatch silver coins, of which there is a unit (~0.65 grams) and half (~0.32 grams), appear to also have been struck on the 5th century Persic standard (with the silver siglos increased to 5.55 grams), equating to 1/8th and 1/16th sigloi, respectively. If this is correct, it implies a slightly later dating to the silver than the traditional late 6th/early 5th centuries, but if this gold coin is linked to the silver, a 5th century date would be more plausible.
From the Dr. Adrian Carr Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLV.2 (Summer 2020), no. 539239; Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), lot 324; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 146.
This archaic issue had originally been offered as an electrum coin, but a recent thorough metal analysis of the coin by ANSTO in Australia has conclusively shown that it has a gold content of approximately 91.7% (this analysis is included with this lot). A connection to Dardanos had been proposed since the coin appeared, based on the cross-hatch pattern on the reverse, an unusual feature that is only known on an archaic issue that has been attributed to Dardanos featuring a cock on the obverse (cf. SNG Ashmolean 1119). This attribution has been strengthened by the metal analysis, which has found a minute amount of the rare element iridium, which has also been found in silver coins of Dardanos, but not in Lydian gold, which was the main source for gold coinage at the time. Although the weight of the coin is a little low for a Persic hemistater, there is clear evidence of some edge loss, which could account for the discrepancy of 0.2–0.3 grams. Interestingly, the cross-hatch silver coins, of which there is a unit (~0.65 grams) and half (~0.32 grams), appear to also have been struck on the 5th century Persic standard (with the silver siglos increased to 5.55 grams), equating to 1/8th and 1/16th sigloi, respectively. If this is correct, it implies a slightly later dating to the silver than the traditional late 6th/early 5th centuries, but if this gold coin is linked to the silver, a 5th century date would be more plausible.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 274
ISLANDS off TROAS, Tenedos. Circa 100-70 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 15.73 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Janiform head of a bearded male left, laureate, and female right, wearing stephanos / Labrys; TENEΔIΩN above, monogram and grape bunch to left of handle; to right, Eros standing right, holding wreath in both hands; all within wreath. Callataÿ, Tenedos 78 var. (D15/R– [unlisted rev. die]); HGC 6, 390; SNG Berry 988. Toned, struck with worn obverse die, die break at edge on reverse. VF. Well centered. Very rare issue, only five examples recorded by Callataÿ, and four additional in CoinArchives (including this coin).
From the JTB Collection. Ex Peus 431 (27 April 2022), lot 3206.
From the JTB Collection. Ex Peus 431 (27 April 2022), lot 3206.