Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4
Date: 2025-01-14 15:00:00 (3 weeks from now)
Lots: 1152
Total starting: $ 3,093,540.00
In this auction, Numistats has matched 120 coins, providing AI-powered purchase recommendations and detailed analysis. View more.
Auction Summary
La subasta "Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4", programada para el 14 de enero de 2025, presenta una impresionante colección de 1152 lotes, destacando monedas de diversas épocas y regiones. Entre las piezas más notables se encuentra un estater de plata de Arkadia, datado entre 360-350 a.C., que muestra un magnífico retrato de Deméter y Hermes, con un precio estimado de 180,000 USD. También se destaca un denario de Bruto, famoso por conmemorar el asesinato de Julio César, que se ofrece por 150,000 USD, siendo considerado uno de los más icónicos de la numismática romana. Otro ejemplar notable es un estater de oro de Nektanebo II de Egipto, que representa un caballo y un collar jeroglífico, con un precio de 60,000 USD. Además, se presenta un dekadrachm de Siracusa, que es considerado uno de los más bellos de la antigüedad, con un precio de 60,000 USD. Estas monedas no solo son valiosas por su rareza y belleza, sino que también representan momentos significativos de la historia antigua, lo que las convierte en piezas de gran interés para coleccionistas y estudiosos.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 401
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. Æ Drachm (43mm, 74.93 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Series 5B. Horned head of Zeus-Ammon right, wearing tainia with basileion / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; filleted cornucopia to left, XP monogram between legs. CPE B395; Svoronos 964; SNG Copenhagen 171–2; BMC –; Boston MFA –; Dewing –; Noeske 117–9. Attractive dark brown surfaces. EF.
Ex CNG inventory 581658 (March 2022); Triton XIV (4 January 2011), lot 391.
Ex CNG inventory 581658 (March 2022); Triton XIV (4 January 2011), lot 391.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 402
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy V Epiphanes. 204-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.13 g, 12h). Uncertain mint in Cyprus. Dated year 92 of an uncertain era (181/0 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, aegis around neck / ΠTOΛEMAIOY ΣΩTHPOΣ, eagle with closed wings standing left on winged thunderbolt; BP (date, in monogram form) to left. Svoronos 1208; Olivier 219–23 var. (obv. die unlisted); DCA2 1156; SNG Copenhagen 556 var. (no E); BMC –; Boston MFA –; Noeske –; ANS inv. 1944.100.77215. Attractive even gray tone, with golden hues around the devices. EF. Rare, only five examples noted in Olivier, nine others in CoinArchives.
Ex Lugdunum 23 (14 December 2023), lot 82; Leu 45 (26 May 1988), lot 290.
Ex Lugdunum 23 (14 December 2023), lot 82; Leu 45 (26 May 1988), lot 290.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 403
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Kleopatra VII Thea Neotera. 51-30 BC. Æ Obol – 40 Drachmai (21mm, 9.40 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Diademed and draped bust right / BACIΛICCHC KΛEOΠATPAC, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; cornucopia to left, M to right. Svoronos 1872; SNG Copenhagen 422–4; BMC 6–11; Boston MFA –; Noeske 383; Weiser 184. Beautiful dark red-brown surfaces. Good VF. An exceptional example of the type, with a bold portrait of Kleopatra.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 404
KYRENAICA, Kyrene. Circa 490-475 BC. AR Drachm (12.5mm, 3.37 g). Asiatic standard. Two silphion fruits set base-to-base; pellet between, leaves at sides between / Facing head of lion within incuse square. Buttrey, Coins, Period I, Group 2, 87; SNG Copenhagen 1172; BMC 38. Find patina, deposits. Good VF. Well struck on a broad flan.
Kyrene was the capital city of Kyrenaika on the North African coast immediately west of Egypt. Dorian Greek colonists founded Kyrene in 631 BC. The region played host to a wild-growing plant called silphion (or silphium), with a thick, striated and hollow stalk, broad horizontal branches, and yellow flowers that grew in bunches. The Greeks ascribed near magical properties to both the plant itself and its sap, called laserpicium by the Romans. Silphion had countless uses: a salve for burns, a treatment for hemorrhoids, cure for tetanus, and a seasoning for food, and was also described as having various properties associated with love and sex. From its earliest coinage, circa 525 BC, Kyrene featured the silphion plant and its heart-shaped fruit on its coin designs. Ancient sources state that the Kyreneans found silphion impossible to cultivate and could only gather it from the fields where it grew wild. In the late Hellenistic and early Roman periods, over-harvesting and grazing by domesticated animals allegedly drove it to extinction. Pliny reported that the last known stalk of silphion was given to the Emperor Nero “as a curiosity.” A close relative of silphion likely exists today in the giant fennel plant, ferula communis, which still grows in North Africa and elsewhere.
Kyrene was the capital city of Kyrenaika on the North African coast immediately west of Egypt. Dorian Greek colonists founded Kyrene in 631 BC. The region played host to a wild-growing plant called silphion (or silphium), with a thick, striated and hollow stalk, broad horizontal branches, and yellow flowers that grew in bunches. The Greeks ascribed near magical properties to both the plant itself and its sap, called laserpicium by the Romans. Silphion had countless uses: a salve for burns, a treatment for hemorrhoids, cure for tetanus, and a seasoning for food, and was also described as having various properties associated with love and sex. From its earliest coinage, circa 525 BC, Kyrene featured the silphion plant and its heart-shaped fruit on its coin designs. Ancient sources state that the Kyreneans found silphion impossible to cultivate and could only gather it from the fields where it grew wild. In the late Hellenistic and early Roman periods, over-harvesting and grazing by domesticated animals allegedly drove it to extinction. Pliny reported that the last known stalk of silphion was given to the Emperor Nero “as a curiosity.” A close relative of silphion likely exists today in the giant fennel plant, ferula communis, which still grows in North Africa and elsewhere.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 405
KYRENAICA, Kyrene. Circa 475-435 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 15.82 g, 12h). Silphion plant / Head of Zeus-Ammon right; KVPA to right; all in dotted circle within incuse circle. Cf. Buttrey, Coins, Period II, Group 2, 96 (didrachm); Müller, Afrique 119; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 41b = Boston MFA 1308 = Warren 1340 (same obv. die). Some granularity, test cut and some weakness to strike on obverse. Good VF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 406
KYRENAICA, Kyrene. Circa 435 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.13 g, 5h). Alliance issue with Euhesperides. Silphion plant; [E]-V across field / Head of Zeus-Ammon right; KVPA to right; all in dotted circle within incuse circle. Buttrey, Coins –; Müller, Afrique 334A; SNG Copenhagen 1182 var. (position of ethnic on obv.); BMC 60c–d var. (same). Lightly toned, minor marks, slightly weak strike, a little off center on obverse. Good VF. Attractive Classical style. Very rare alliance issue.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 407
KINGS of MAURETANIA. Juba II, with Ptolemy. 25 BC-AD 24. AR Denarius (15mm, 2.03 g, 9h). Caesarea mint. Dated RY 48 (AD 23/4). REX IVBA, diademed head of Juba right / Diademed and draped bust of Ptolemy right; R•XX-XX-VIII (date) around. Spoerri-Butcher Group 60.a, dies C38/R1; Mazard 387 (same dies as illustration); MAA 133; SNG Copenhagen –. Toned, light roughness, minor marks. Good VF. Extremely rare issue from the final year of Juba’s reign, only five known (including the one example in CoinArchives).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 408
KINGS of MAURETANIA. Ptolemy. AD circa 20/1-40. AR Denarius (16mm, 1.89 g, 6h). Caesarea mint. Dated RY 1 (circa AD 20/1 or 21/2). REX PTOLEMAEVS, diademed head right, drapery around neck / Winged kerykeion; R• A•I (date) across lower field; all within wreath. Mazard 487; MAA 250; SNG Copenhagen 634. Lightly toned, slight roughness, some faint cleaning marks, small delamination on obverse, areas of weak strike on reverse. Good VF. Very rare, four in CoinArchives.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 409
KINGS of CHARACENE. Bellaios, with Amatbene. Circa 85/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 15.62 g, 12h). Uncertain mint. Dated SE 228 (85/4 BC). Conjoined busts of Bellaios, diademed and wearing short beard, and Amatbene, draped and wearing stephane, right / [BA]ΣIΛEΩ[Σ]/BEΛΛAIOY above, BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ/AMATBHNOΣ to right, [Φ]ΙΛOΠATEPΩN in exergue; KAI EYEPΓET[ΩN] to left, radiate Apollo standing left, quiver over shoulder, holding wreath in extended right hand and bow in lowered left; to left, monogram above HKΣ (date). Cf. O. Callot, “Catalogue des monnaies du musée de Sharjah (Émirats Arabes Unis). Essai sur les monnayages arabes préislamiques de la péninsule d’Oman” in Collection de la maison de l'Orient et de la Mediterranée 30 (Lyon, 2004), 110 (Æ); otherwise unpublished. Toned, with iridescence, traces of deposits, some porosity, die rust and horn silver. Good VF. Extremely rare .
Due to the Seleukid Empire's inability to maintain its vast empire, several small kingdoms arose in the Persian Gulf, striking coinage to proclaim their autonomy. Much of what is known about them derives from these issues, although there appear to be periods during which no issues were minted. Such lacunae have been interpreted mostly as the back-and-forth control by their regional overlords, first the Seleukids and, later, the Parthian Empire. These gaps may also be explained by potential new rulers who are heretofore unknown. Since the coinage of these rulers are dated according to the prevailing Seleukid Era, it is easy to establish – with minor tweaking – a general chronology for each of their reigns. The appearance of new coin types from time to time can help supplement the evidence, while posing new challenges to what is already known. Such is the case, especially, with the kingdom of Characene, where a decade-long break occurs between two already-known kings, Tiraios I (95/94-88/7 BC) and Tiraios II (79/78-49/48 BC). One example of a new discovery is a heretofore unrecorded tetradrachm that appeared on the market in 2023. Dated SE 232 (81/80 BC), it is an issue of a king Hippokrates Autokrator Nikephoros and published by G.R.F. Assar (A New Hellenistic Ruler from Early 1st century BC: King Hippokrates Autokrator Nikephoros in Andreas Pangerl (ed.), 400 years of Hellenistic Portraits [Munich, 2020]).
The present coin is a newly recorded tetradrachm of another Hellenistic ruler, previously known only from a few poorly preserved bronze coins. In 2004, Olivier published an example in the Sharjah Museum [UAE] that discovered in trade in the UK. First published by R.C Senior in 1994 (Trade and Coinage in Eastern Arabia c. 100 BC-100 AD, A3) and in later by E. Haerinck ("International contacts in the southern Persian Gulf in the late 1st century B.C./1st century A.D.: numismatic evidence from ed-Dur [Emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain]" in Iranica Antiqua XXXIII [1998], no. 5), this coin shows male and female conjoined busts on the obverse, and on the reverse, the prow of a galley right. Senior attributed the coin to Sidon in Phoenicia, while, Haerinck hypothesized a Characene origin. Before this, an earlier specimen, acquired by the British Museum was published by G.F. Hill ("Greek coins acquired by the British Museum in 1927" in NC 1928, 41) in the hope that more information might be learned about it. He did note a strongly bevelled edge to the flan, which he associated with a Seleukid influence, but he doubted a Mesoptamian source because of the maritime reverse. A third and still unpublished example, found at ancient Ikaros (mod. Failaka in the Persian Gulf), now resides in the Kuwait National Museum (Inv. no. 1790). The published examples appear to be struck from the same dies. While the name of the king – BEΛΛAIOY – is clear, the queen's name was not. What was visible led Haerinck and Callot to interpret the name tentatively as Kleopatra (Callot p. 79). The present tetradrachm, however, with AMATBHNOΣ following BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ, confirms the queen's name as Amatbene.
Dated SE 228 (85/4 BC), this tetradrachm shows the conjoined busts of king Bellaios and queen Amatbene, in a style reminiscent of the near-contemporary rulers of Elymais, Kamnaskires III and Anzaze. Indicated by the use of the genitive plural which refers to both, Bellaios and Amatbene are loving of their father (ΦΙΛOΠATEPΩN), as well as benefactors (EYEPΓETΩN). That such epithets apply to both individuals has precedent in other Hellenistic royal coinage (see, for example, Ptolemy IV and his sister-wife Arsinoe III), while the use of these particular words reflects their parental devotion and beneficence to the state.
The portrait of Bellaios with short hair and beard is reminiscent of Tiraios I, and is similar to the small bronzes, suggesting that these issues are connected. Moreover, the y monogram on this tetradrachm can be linked to a tetradrachm of Tiraios II, dated SE 234 (78/7 BC). Both Haerinck and Callot tentatively attributed the bronzes to a Characene origin. Based on the style of the portraits and the control, the present coin should be included there, providing a new ruler in the decade between Tiraios I and II.
Due to the Seleukid Empire's inability to maintain its vast empire, several small kingdoms arose in the Persian Gulf, striking coinage to proclaim their autonomy. Much of what is known about them derives from these issues, although there appear to be periods during which no issues were minted. Such lacunae have been interpreted mostly as the back-and-forth control by their regional overlords, first the Seleukids and, later, the Parthian Empire. These gaps may also be explained by potential new rulers who are heretofore unknown. Since the coinage of these rulers are dated according to the prevailing Seleukid Era, it is easy to establish – with minor tweaking – a general chronology for each of their reigns. The appearance of new coin types from time to time can help supplement the evidence, while posing new challenges to what is already known. Such is the case, especially, with the kingdom of Characene, where a decade-long break occurs between two already-known kings, Tiraios I (95/94-88/7 BC) and Tiraios II (79/78-49/48 BC). One example of a new discovery is a heretofore unrecorded tetradrachm that appeared on the market in 2023. Dated SE 232 (81/80 BC), it is an issue of a king Hippokrates Autokrator Nikephoros and published by G.R.F. Assar (A New Hellenistic Ruler from Early 1st century BC: King Hippokrates Autokrator Nikephoros in Andreas Pangerl (ed.), 400 years of Hellenistic Portraits [Munich, 2020]).
The present coin is a newly recorded tetradrachm of another Hellenistic ruler, previously known only from a few poorly preserved bronze coins. In 2004, Olivier published an example in the Sharjah Museum [UAE] that discovered in trade in the UK. First published by R.C Senior in 1994 (Trade and Coinage in Eastern Arabia c. 100 BC-100 AD, A3) and in later by E. Haerinck ("International contacts in the southern Persian Gulf in the late 1st century B.C./1st century A.D.: numismatic evidence from ed-Dur [Emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain]" in Iranica Antiqua XXXIII [1998], no. 5), this coin shows male and female conjoined busts on the obverse, and on the reverse, the prow of a galley right. Senior attributed the coin to Sidon in Phoenicia, while, Haerinck hypothesized a Characene origin. Before this, an earlier specimen, acquired by the British Museum was published by G.F. Hill ("Greek coins acquired by the British Museum in 1927" in NC 1928, 41) in the hope that more information might be learned about it. He did note a strongly bevelled edge to the flan, which he associated with a Seleukid influence, but he doubted a Mesoptamian source because of the maritime reverse. A third and still unpublished example, found at ancient Ikaros (mod. Failaka in the Persian Gulf), now resides in the Kuwait National Museum (Inv. no. 1790). The published examples appear to be struck from the same dies. While the name of the king – BEΛΛAIOY – is clear, the queen's name was not. What was visible led Haerinck and Callot to interpret the name tentatively as Kleopatra (Callot p. 79). The present tetradrachm, however, with AMATBHNOΣ following BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ, confirms the queen's name as Amatbene.
Dated SE 228 (85/4 BC), this tetradrachm shows the conjoined busts of king Bellaios and queen Amatbene, in a style reminiscent of the near-contemporary rulers of Elymais, Kamnaskires III and Anzaze. Indicated by the use of the genitive plural which refers to both, Bellaios and Amatbene are loving of their father (ΦΙΛOΠATEPΩN), as well as benefactors (EYEPΓETΩN). That such epithets apply to both individuals has precedent in other Hellenistic royal coinage (see, for example, Ptolemy IV and his sister-wife Arsinoe III), while the use of these particular words reflects their parental devotion and beneficence to the state.
The portrait of Bellaios with short hair and beard is reminiscent of Tiraios I, and is similar to the small bronzes, suggesting that these issues are connected. Moreover, the y monogram on this tetradrachm can be linked to a tetradrachm of Tiraios II, dated SE 234 (78/7 BC). Both Haerinck and Callot tentatively attributed the bronzes to a Characene origin. Based on the style of the portraits and the control, the present coin should be included there, providing a new ruler in the decade between Tiraios I and II.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 410
KINGS of ELYMAIS. Kamnaskires III, with Anzaze. Circa 82/1-73/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.19 g, 12h). Seleukeia on the Hedyphon mint. SE date not visible, but possibly SE 232 (81/80 BC). Conjoined busts of Kamnaskires III, diademed and draped bust and wearing long beard and torque, and Anzaze, draped and wearing stephane and necklace, left; anchor symbol to right / IΛCIΛEΩC above, [K]ΛMNNΛCKIIO[Y] to right, KΛI IΛCIΛICCH[C] to left, ΛNZ]ZHI below, Zeus-Belos enthroned left, holding in outstretched right hand Nike, standing right and holding wreath, and scepter in left; ΠAKCΔΩN : (sic) to inner left; ; [date in exergue]; quadrate Cs in legends. Cf. van't Haaff Type 7.1.1-2; Alram 454 (date unlisted); Sunrise –; Zeno #330023 (this coin); GoMo 302, lot 266 (same dies). Toned, with iridescence, traces of find patina, hint of cleaning marks, hairline flan crack, slight peripheral weakness. EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 411
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.
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.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 412
KINGS of PERSIS. Vahbarz (Oborzos). 3rd century BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 4.29 g, 3h). 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. van't Haaff, Persis, Type 532Aa = K&M 2/16a = Alram, Neue = Peus 316, lot 259 (same dies); van't Haaff, Persis, Type 532Ab = K&M 2/16b = New York Sale XXXVIII, lot 241 = Sunrise 567 = Zeno #163856 = Müseler, Dating, Fig. 13 (same dies); Alram –. Lightly toned, with iridescence, hint of deposits, uncertain Aramaic graffiti on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare, the third example known.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 413
KINGS of PERSIS. Vādfradād (Autophradates) I. 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.68 g, 12h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Diademed head right, wearing kyrbasia / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; to left, Vādfradād standing right, raising hand; standard to right; wtprdt in retrograde Aramaic to outer right; prtrk’zy in Aramaic in exergue; [’lh’ in Aramaic to outer left]; retrograde br in Aramaic to left of altar; traces of uncertain Aramaic letter to right of altar; traces of uncertain Aramaic letters to right of altar. van't Haaff, Persis, Type 540/542g; K&M –; cf. Alram 540 and 542 (for type); CNG 127, lot 305 (same rev die). Slight iridescence, traces of deposits and die rust, slight porosity, overstruck on a coronation type tetradrachm of Baydād (Bagadat), itself overstruck on an Alexandrine tetradrachm. EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 414
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I Theos Megas. Circa 225-200/195 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.51 g, 12h). Mint B ("Baktra"). Struck circa 210-206 BC. Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEYΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left, Herakles seated left on rock, holding club set on rocks; monogram to right of rock. MPHB B Group V, 430 (O121/R300); Kritt B15; Bopearachchi 10A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 112; MIG Type 96; SNG ANS 138; HGC 12, 42. Iridescent tone. Good VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, May 1993.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, May 1993.
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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Demetrios I Aniketos. Circa 200-185 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.99 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing elephant skin headdress / BAΣIΛEYΩΣ to right, ΔHMHTPIOY to left, Herakles standing facing, crowning himself, holding club and lion skin; monogram to inner left. MPHB Group IIB, 57–8 (O17/R43); Bopearachchi 1F; cf. Bopearachchi & Rahman 124 (fourrée); MIG Type 103c; SNG ANS 190; HGC 12, 63. Lightly toned, light hairlines. Good VF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 416
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 15.70 g, 12h). Commemorative issue struck for Alexander III of Macedon. AΛEΞANΔ[POY] to right, TOY ΦIΛΛIΠOY to left, head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / BAΣIΛEONTOS to right, AΓAΘOKΛEOYΣ to left; ΔIKAIOY in exergue, Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left; monogram to inner left. MPHB Series III, 113 (O18/R57); Bopearachchi 12B; Bopearachchi & Rahman 163 (same dies); MIG type 142 var. (unlisted monogram); SNG ANS –; HGC 12, 83; Triton XI, lot 358 (same dies); Triton VIII, lot 633 (same dies). Lightly toned, edge deposit, die rust and horn silver, slight doubling, cleaning marks. VF. Extremely rare.
The "pedigree" coins issued by Agathokles copy the coin types of his predecessors, with the predecessor's name and cult epithet on the obverse, and Agathokles' name and titles on the reverse. Agathokles' intent was clearly to advertise the line of succession from Alexander the Great to himself, presumably as an aspect of his civil war propaganda. The commemorative coins in the name of Alexander the Great are of particular importance to the interpretation of this series, because the first specimen, published in 1881, definitively disproved earlier speculations that all the kings were contemporaries (A. von Sallet, "Alexander der Grosse als Gründer der baktrischen-indischen Reiche," ZfN VIII [1881], pp. 279-80). It is perhaps significant that Alexander alone, of all the kings portrayed in this series, does not have a cult epithet but is merely characterized as "the son of Philip."
The "pedigree" coins issued by Agathokles copy the coin types of his predecessors, with the predecessor's name and cult epithet on the obverse, and Agathokles' name and titles on the reverse. Agathokles' intent was clearly to advertise the line of succession from Alexander the Great to himself, presumably as an aspect of his civil war propaganda. The commemorative coins in the name of Alexander the Great are of particular importance to the interpretation of this series, because the first specimen, published in 1881, definitively disproved earlier speculations that all the kings were contemporaries (A. von Sallet, "Alexander der Grosse als Gründer der baktrischen-indischen Reiche," ZfN VIII [1881], pp. 279-80). It is perhaps significant that Alexander alone, of all the kings portrayed in this series, does not have a cult epithet but is merely characterized as "the son of Philip."
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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.53 g, 12h). Commemorative issue struck for Diodotos II Soter. ΔIOΔOTOY down right, traces of ΣΩTHPOΣ down left, diademed head of Diodotos right / BAΣIΛEYONTOΣ to right, ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕOYΣ to left, ΔIKAIOY in exergue, Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, aegis draped over outstretched left arm, and brandishing thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above eagle standing left; monogram to inner right. MPHB Group I, 152–4 (O27bis/R79); Kritt, New, p. 81; Bopearachchi 14A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 165–6; MIG Type 144a; SNG ANS 259; HGC 12, 85; CNG 108, lot 416 (same obv. die). Toned, with slight iridescence, porosity, traces of horn silver, marks, slight peripheral weakness on obverse. VF. Very rare.
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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I Theos. Circa 180-170 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33.5mm, 16.88 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing kausia / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY to right, ΑNTIMAXOY to left, Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident in right hand and cradling filleted palm in left arm; monogram to inner right. MPHB Group I, 36–9 var. (O8/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Bopearachchi 1B; Bopearachchi & Rahman 175; MIG Type 124c; SNG ANS –; HGC 12, 106. Attractive iridescent toning, light roughness. Near EF.
Ex Roma XXIX (9 November 2023), lot 244.
Ex Roma XXIX (9 November 2023), lot 244.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 419
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I Theos. Circa 180-170 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.84 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing kausia / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΘEOY to right, ΑNTIMAXOY to left, Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident in right hand and cradling filleted palm in left arm; monogram to inner right. MPHB Group IV, 354 (O55/R166 – this coin); Bopearachchi 1E; Bopearachchi & Rahman 179; MIG Type 124a; SNG ANS –; HGC 12, 106; BM inv.1888,1208.124 (same dies). Iridescent toning, tiny flan split, cleaning marks, areas of find patina on edge. Near EF.
From the Useless Miwa Collection. Ex Kyrios Collection (Spink 289, 3 October 2023), lot 139; Spink 206 (1 December 2010), lot 1277; Spink 198 (19 March 2009), lot 371.
From the Useless Miwa Collection. Ex Kyrios Collection (Spink 289, 3 October 2023), lot 139; Spink 206 (1 December 2010), lot 1277; Spink 198 (19 March 2009), lot 371.
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BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Pentadrachm (34mm, 21.12 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ above, EYKPATIΔOY in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding couched spears in right hand, palm fronds in left, on horses rearing right; E above horse’s rump; monogram in lower right field. Zeng, Brief, Fig. 3 (same dies); Bopearachchi –, but cf. 2E (drachm); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; Qunduz –, but cf. 115-6 (tetradrachm with different control); SNG ANS –, but cf. 434-5 (same) and 442 (drachm); HGC 12, –. In NGC encapsulation 6675146-001, graded Choice AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Obverse struck with tetradrachm die. Second known example with these controls, and the fifth known of this denomination.
Ex Roma XXIX (9 November 2023), lot 245 (hammer £85,000); Roma XXV (22 September 2022), lot 571.
In late 2019, a large hoard of coins was reportedly discovered in Qunduz, the same area where a large hoard of similar coins was found in 1946 (Zeng, p. 3). According to its composition, this new hoard contained, in addition to already known issues and types, several previously unknown coins. It included five coins of Eukratides I that combined monograms with Greek letters on their reverse. The four larger denominations by weight have the letter E, and the smaller one a Г. Previously known coins of Eukratides I with the combined reverse monogram and Greek letter included a larger one with the letter Δ, and a smaller one with the letter A. In his 1991 catalog of the coins of Baktria, Bopearachchi hypothesized that these letters represented alphanumeric letters, indicating the denomination of that coin (pp. 66-72). The five new coins recorded in the hoard support this hypothesis: the four coins with the letter E being pentadrachms and the one with the Г a tridrachm. Including the present coin (as well as a previously misattributed tridrachm [see CNG E-409, lot 334]), these new issues help with understanding this coinage.
Bopearachchi assigned the tetradrachms of this type to his Série 1 and the drachms to Série 2. These are included with other issues of the same type, but without the additional Greek letter. The inclusion of the newly discovered pentadrachms and tridrachms suggests a revision of his original schema, with these new coins suggesting a compact issue early in his reign when his coinages lacked the reverse epithet MEГAΛOY. The denominations occur across three controls (}, à, and R), suggesting a broad minting of this type, rather than a special issue relegated to one or two mints. Why this system was instituted, and when it ceased (with the pentadrachms and tridrachms disappearing completely), is less clear and requires further study.
Ex Roma XXIX (9 November 2023), lot 245 (hammer £85,000); Roma XXV (22 September 2022), lot 571.
In late 2019, a large hoard of coins was reportedly discovered in Qunduz, the same area where a large hoard of similar coins was found in 1946 (Zeng, p. 3). According to its composition, this new hoard contained, in addition to already known issues and types, several previously unknown coins. It included five coins of Eukratides I that combined monograms with Greek letters on their reverse. The four larger denominations by weight have the letter E, and the smaller one a Г. Previously known coins of Eukratides I with the combined reverse monogram and Greek letter included a larger one with the letter Δ, and a smaller one with the letter A. In his 1991 catalog of the coins of Baktria, Bopearachchi hypothesized that these letters represented alphanumeric letters, indicating the denomination of that coin (pp. 66-72). The five new coins recorded in the hoard support this hypothesis: the four coins with the letter E being pentadrachms and the one with the Г a tridrachm. Including the present coin (as well as a previously misattributed tridrachm [see CNG E-409, lot 334]), these new issues help with understanding this coinage.
Bopearachchi assigned the tetradrachms of this type to his Série 1 and the drachms to Série 2. These are included with other issues of the same type, but without the additional Greek letter. The inclusion of the newly discovered pentadrachms and tridrachms suggests a revision of his original schema, with these new coins suggesting a compact issue early in his reign when his coinages lacked the reverse epithet MEГAΛOY. The denominations occur across three controls (}, à, and R), suggesting a broad minting of this type, rather than a special issue relegated to one or two mints. Why this system was instituted, and when it ceased (with the pentadrachms and tridrachms disappearing completely), is less clear and requires further study.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 421
BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.11 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear; bead-and-reel border / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY around, EYKPATIΔOY in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding palm fronds and spears, on horses rearing right; monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6E; Bopearachchi & Rahman 240-2; MIG Type 177ee; SNG ANS 465; HGC 12, 131. Toned, areas of find patina, slightly worn at high points, minor porosity, light marks under tone. Near EF.