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 . 43
BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (29.5mm, 8.00 g, 12h). Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, left arm extended, upon which a small daimon, holding branch in each hand, runs right; KAVΛ to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted; dot-and-cable border / Incuse of obverse, but daimon, branch, and stag’s antlers in outline, and no ethnic; radiate border. Noe, Caulonia, Group A, 20 (same dies); Gorini 4; HN Italy 2035; SNG ANS 148 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 259–60. Old cabinet tone, with some iridescence around the devices, minor die break on obverse. Good VF. Excellent metal.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold R. Saslow, July 1989 (who had acquired the coin from Numismatic Fine Arts, May 1989). Reportedly ex Mossberg Collection (1946).
Kaulonia was founded in the 7th century BC by Achaean Greeks. The location, on the underside of Italy’s “toe,” has long since disappeared beneath the waves, but marine archaeologists have located more than 100 fluted columns, likely for a large shrine to Apollo, the deity depicted on the city’s beautiful coinage. On this exceptional piece, Apollo’s nude body is shown striding right, with a small winged daimon on his left arm; to his right stands a stag, sacred to both Apollo and his sister Artemis. The unusual fabric of this piece follows a style peculiar to Greek southern Italy in the archaic period: a broad, thin flan, obverse depicted in relief, the reverse repeating the obverse motif but incuse, and reversed. The reasons for the popularity of this fabric are poorly understood; some scholars have postulated a connection to the mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras, who was active in Italy during this period.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold R. Saslow, July 1989 (who had acquired the coin from Numismatic Fine Arts, May 1989). Reportedly ex Mossberg Collection (1946).
Kaulonia was founded in the 7th century BC by Achaean Greeks. The location, on the underside of Italy’s “toe,” has long since disappeared beneath the waves, but marine archaeologists have located more than 100 fluted columns, likely for a large shrine to Apollo, the deity depicted on the city’s beautiful coinage. On this exceptional piece, Apollo’s nude body is shown striding right, with a small winged daimon on his left arm; to his right stands a stag, sacred to both Apollo and his sister Artemis. The unusual fabric of this piece follows a style peculiar to Greek southern Italy in the archaic period: a broad, thin flan, obverse depicted in relief, the reverse repeating the obverse motif but incuse, and reversed. The reasons for the popularity of this fabric are poorly understood; some scholars have postulated a connection to the mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras, who was active in Italy during this period.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 44
BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 475-425 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 8.16 g, 6h). Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, small daimon running right on extended left arm; retrograde KAVΛ to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted / Stag standing right; retrograde KAVΛ above, laurel branch to right. Noe, Caulonia, Group F, 82 (same dies); HN Italy 2046; SNG ANS 175 (same dies); Ars Classica XVI, lot 315 (same dies). Lightly toned, a few typical edge splits. Near EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 45
BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Nomos (23.5mm, 6.99 g, 12h). Medium incuse type. Tripod, legs surmounted by wreaths and terminating in lion's feet, set on basis of three lines, the center dotted; crab to left, (koppa)PO to right / Incuse tripod as obverse, but wreaths in relief, and serpents in relief rising from middle foot; octopus to left; to right, outline of dolphin upward. Attianese 35 (same dies as illustration); Gorini 18 (same dies as illustration); HN Italy 2090; SNG ANS 251 (same dies); Hunterian 3 (same dies); Jameson 418 (same dies); Triton XXII, lot 85 (same dies; hammer $30,000). Old collection tone, some find patina, light roughness on reverse. Good VF. Very rare.
As with many cities in Magna Graecia, Kroton was established by colonists from mainland Greece. Myskellos, obeying a directive of the oracle of Delphi, led a group of Achaian settlers to the site and founded the city around 710 BC. This divine sanction is represented by the tripod of the oracle, which became the civic badge of Kroton and is featured on its coinage. Kroton was among the first cities to produce coinage in Italy, its earliest being of the incuse type struck on the Achaian standard. As evidenced by its bountiful coinage, Kroton was one of the most important and wealthy cities of southern Italy. Although its fortunes rose and fell over the centuries, it maintained its production of a wide array of denominations and metals until the Roman period.
As with many cities in Magna Graecia, Kroton was established by colonists from mainland Greece. Myskellos, obeying a directive of the oracle of Delphi, led a group of Achaian settlers to the site and founded the city around 710 BC. This divine sanction is represented by the tripod of the oracle, which became the civic badge of Kroton and is featured on its coinage. Kroton was among the first cities to produce coinage in Italy, its earliest being of the incuse type struck on the Achaian standard. As evidenced by its bountiful coinage, Kroton was one of the most important and wealthy cities of southern Italy. Although its fortunes rose and fell over the centuries, it maintained its production of a wide array of denominations and metals until the Roman period.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 46
BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Third Nomos – Drachm (17mm, 2.48 g, 12h). Medium incuse type. Tripod, legs surmounted by wreaths and terminating in lion's feet, two serpents rising from the bowl; crab to left, retrograde (koppa)PO to right / Incuse tripod as obverse, but wreaths in relief and no serpents; kithara to left, retrograde (koppa)PO to right. Attianese –; Gorini –; HN Italy 2089; SNG ANS 301 (same dies). Iridescent tone, minor die wear. VF. Extremely rare third nomos with crab and kithara, this coin is the only example in CoinArchives.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 55 (13 September 2000), lot 72.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 55 (13 September 2000), lot 72.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 47
BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 480-430 BC. AR Nomos (19.5mm, 7.94 g, 4h). Tripod, legs terminating in lion's feet; retrograde (koppa)PO to left / Incuse eagle flying left, leg in relief. Gorini –; Attianese 56 var. (ethnic to right); HN Italy 2108; SNG ANS 292 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 598; Gillet 290. Lightly toned, slight die wear on obverse. Near EF. Struck with fresh reverse die.
From the JTB Collection. Ex Dr. Paul Peter Urone Collection (Nomos 30, 6 November 2023), lot 1047; Classical Numismatic Group 72 (14 June 2006), lot 158.
From the JTB Collection. Ex Dr. Paul Peter Urone Collection (Nomos 30, 6 November 2023), lot 1047; Classical Numismatic Group 72 (14 June 2006), lot 158.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 48
BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 400-325 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.55 g, 2h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; KPOTΩNIA-TAΣ around / The Herakliskos Drakonopnigon: the Infant Herakles, nude, crouching facing on rock, head left, strangling a serpent in each hand. Attianese 163; HN Italy 2157; SNG ANS 384; SNG Lloyd 618 (same obv. die); Gillet 301 (same obv. die); Gulbenkian 133 (same obv. die); Kraay & Hirmer 271. Beautiful cabinet tone, a few light marks, edge marks. Good VF.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Nomos 9 (20 October 2014), lot 39; Naville X (15 June 1925), lot 141, Clarance S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 449; Maxime Collignon Collection (Feuardent Frères, 17 December 1919), lot 62; Maddalena Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 7 May 1903), lot 520.
The figure of Herakliskos Drakonopnigon was depicted in Greek art from the first half of the 5th century BC and represents an important event in the early life of the Greek hero. The birth of Herakles, son of Zeus and Alkmene, enraged Zeus’ wife Hera, who tried to kill the infant by sending two serpents to strangle the sleeping baby in his crib. The following morning, the nurse discovered Herakles playing with the serpents’ lifeless bodies: he had strangled one in each hand.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Nomos 9 (20 October 2014), lot 39; Naville X (15 June 1925), lot 141, Clarance S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 449; Maxime Collignon Collection (Feuardent Frères, 17 December 1919), lot 62; Maddalena Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 7 May 1903), lot 520.
The figure of Herakliskos Drakonopnigon was depicted in Greek art from the first half of the 5th century BC and represents an important event in the early life of the Greek hero. The birth of Herakles, son of Zeus and Alkmene, enraged Zeus’ wife Hera, who tried to kill the infant by sending two serpents to strangle the sleeping baby in his crib. The following morning, the nurse discovered Herakles playing with the serpents’ lifeless bodies: he had strangled one in each hand.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 49
BRUTTIUM, Lokroi Epizephyrioi. Circa 344-318 BC. AV Tenth Stater (10mm, 0.74 g, 7h). Head of eagle left, holding serpent in its beak; OΛ above / Vertical winged thunderbolt. Spinelli Period I, Group II.4, 21 (this coin, illustrated); HN Italy 2346; SNG ANS 498; SNG Copenhagen 1857 (same obv. die); Jameson 447; Pozzi 795 (same dies). Trace deposits, area of weak strike, slight double strike on obverse. Good VF. Rare.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex James A. Ferrendelli Collection (Triton VII, 13 January 2004), lot 36; George & Robert Stevenson Collection (Classical Numismatic Group XXVI, 11 June 1993), lot 15; Classical Numismatic Group 28 (8 December 1993), lot 26; Numismatica Ars Classica A (28 February 1991), lot 1161; Münzen und Medaillen AG 68 (15 April 1986), lot 79.
Lokroi Epizephyrioi was founded by Dorian settlers in the eighth or seventh century BC. Its location in southern Italy was ideal for an agricultural center, and the city soon flourished. The nearby city of Rhegion became its chief rival, and the two poleis engaged in warfare on many occasions. In the fifth century, Lokroi sought and gained a powerful ally, Syracuse, who supported them militarily and financially in their efforts against Rhegion. This alliance impacted the development of coinage at Lokroi, who adopted the silver stater standard that was commonly used in the robust trade between Syracuse and Corinth. In the late fifth century, Lokroi reciprocated the support it had received from Syracuse by supporting the latter’s defense against the Athenian Expedition. The close relationship between the two cities continued, and the Syracusan tyrant Dionysios I gave Lokroi the nearby cities of Hipponion and Kaulonia after his forces conquered them in the early fourth century. In 282 BC, however, Lokroi received a Roman garrison, which proved so unpopular that the city quickly allied with Pyrrhos in his campaign against Rome in 280 BC. Following the cessation of hostilities, and Pyrrhos’ subsequent departure from the region, the Romans reestablished control over Lokroi. This new status quo remained until the Second Punic War, when the Lokrians again allied themselves with the enemy of Rome, this time the Carthaginians under their leader, Hannibal. Unfortunately, the Lokrians again chose the losing side, and in 205 BC, the Romans decimated the city, which had served as Hannibal’s final stronghold.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex James A. Ferrendelli Collection (Triton VII, 13 January 2004), lot 36; George & Robert Stevenson Collection (Classical Numismatic Group XXVI, 11 June 1993), lot 15; Classical Numismatic Group 28 (8 December 1993), lot 26; Numismatica Ars Classica A (28 February 1991), lot 1161; Münzen und Medaillen AG 68 (15 April 1986), lot 79.
Lokroi Epizephyrioi was founded by Dorian settlers in the eighth or seventh century BC. Its location in southern Italy was ideal for an agricultural center, and the city soon flourished. The nearby city of Rhegion became its chief rival, and the two poleis engaged in warfare on many occasions. In the fifth century, Lokroi sought and gained a powerful ally, Syracuse, who supported them militarily and financially in their efforts against Rhegion. This alliance impacted the development of coinage at Lokroi, who adopted the silver stater standard that was commonly used in the robust trade between Syracuse and Corinth. In the late fifth century, Lokroi reciprocated the support it had received from Syracuse by supporting the latter’s defense against the Athenian Expedition. The close relationship between the two cities continued, and the Syracusan tyrant Dionysios I gave Lokroi the nearby cities of Hipponion and Kaulonia after his forces conquered them in the early fourth century. In 282 BC, however, Lokroi received a Roman garrison, which proved so unpopular that the city quickly allied with Pyrrhos in his campaign against Rome in 280 BC. Following the cessation of hostilities, and Pyrrhos’ subsequent departure from the region, the Romans reestablished control over Lokroi. This new status quo remained until the Second Punic War, when the Lokrians again allied themselves with the enemy of Rome, this time the Carthaginians under their leader, Hannibal. Unfortunately, the Lokrians again chose the losing side, and in 205 BC, the Romans decimated the city, which had served as Hannibal’s final stronghold.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 50
BRUTTIUM, Medma. 4th century BC. Æ (15.5mm, 3.35 g, 8h). Head of Persephone right; MEΣ[MA] to right / Nike advancing right, holding palm frond in both hands. Virzi 359 (this coin); otherwise, unpublished. Green patina, some encrustation on obverse, a little off center on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of two known, none in CoinArchives.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 21 (17 May 2001), lot 35; Thomas Virzi (1881-1974) Collection.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 21 (17 May 2001), lot 35; Thomas Virzi (1881-1974) Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 51
BRUTTIUM, Rhegion. Circa 445-435 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.31 g, 1h). Facing lion mask; olive spray to lower right / Iokastos (or Aristaios?) seated left, holding kantharos in right hand, staff in left; retrograde RECIN-OS around above; to lower right, bird standing right; all within wreath. Herzfelder 56 (D32/R46); HN Italy 2488; SNG Lloyd 681 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 834 (same dies); Pozzi 322 (same dies). Find patina. Good VF.
Ex Roma XVIII (29 September 2019), lot 496, purchased by the consignor from Baldwin’s, 2003.
Ex Roma XVIII (29 September 2019), lot 496, purchased by the consignor from Baldwin’s, 2003.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 52
BRUTTIUM, Rhegion. Circa 420-415/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 16.60 g, 8h). Dies by “the Master of the Rhegium Apollo”. Facing lion mask / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; olive sprig to left, PHΓINON to right. Herzfelder 102 (D60/R87); HN Italy 2494; SNG ANS 657–9; SNG Lloyd 698 (same dies); BMC 25 (same dies); Sartiges 74 (same dies). Toned, light roughness, smoothing on reverse. Good VF.
This tetradrachm is from a series at Rhegion that is regarded as having the most finely engraved dies of all the numismatic output of the mint. The earliest phase features dies signed by the artist Kratesippos, but the later unsigned dies, such as were used here, are regarded as the pinnacle of numismatic art from this period at Rhegion. Herzfelder called the engraver of these dies “the Master of the Rhegium Apollo.” While the style of Apollo on these dies was conventionally considered to have been influenced by the “Master of the Leaf” of the slightly earlier issues of Katane, R. R. Holloway suggests that there was actually a common prototype for both issues, which served as a model for coinages as far away as the Chalkidian League. This high period of artistry at Rhegion coincides with the famed issues of the “signing artists” of Sicily and was only brought to a conclusion with the sack of the city by Dionysios I of Syracuse in 386 BC.
This tetradrachm is from a series at Rhegion that is regarded as having the most finely engraved dies of all the numismatic output of the mint. The earliest phase features dies signed by the artist Kratesippos, but the later unsigned dies, such as were used here, are regarded as the pinnacle of numismatic art from this period at Rhegion. Herzfelder called the engraver of these dies “the Master of the Rhegium Apollo.” While the style of Apollo on these dies was conventionally considered to have been influenced by the “Master of the Leaf” of the slightly earlier issues of Katane, R. R. Holloway suggests that there was actually a common prototype for both issues, which served as a model for coinages as far away as the Chalkidian League. This high period of artistry at Rhegion coincides with the famed issues of the “signing artists” of Sicily and was only brought to a conclusion with the sack of the city by Dionysios I of Syracuse in 386 BC.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 53
BRUTTIUM, Terina. Circa 420-400 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 8.04 g, 3h). Head of the nymph Terina right, hair in sphendone; [tiny Π behind neck], TEPINAIΩN to right / Nike seated left on plinth, holding out right hand upon which a small bird alights, left hand resting on plinth. Regling, Terina 65 (dies EE/δδδ); Holloway & Jenkins 62 (same obv. die as illustration); HN Italy 2617; SNG ANS 840 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 752 (same dies); Hunterian 16 (same obv. die); Kraay & Hirmer 277 (same obv. die). Old collection tone, with slight iridescence, minor die wear on obverse, light graffiti in field on reverse. Good VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold R. Saslow, October 1987.
The high artistry evident on Terina’s coinage seems out of all proportion to any historical accounts for this city atop the “toe” of Italy, which so thoroughly disappeared from record that no systematic excavations were undertaken on its site until 1997. Its coinage has been known and collected since the Renaissance, where the delicate beauty of its female heads and the graceful seated Nikes were greatly admired. As author R. R. Holloway noted, “the nymphs of Terina recalled the maidens of the Parthenon frieze and the Victories of the reverses were the numismatic counterparts of the Victories of the Nike Temple balustrade.”
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Dr. Arnold R. Saslow, October 1987.
The high artistry evident on Terina’s coinage seems out of all proportion to any historical accounts for this city atop the “toe” of Italy, which so thoroughly disappeared from record that no systematic excavations were undertaken on its site until 1997. Its coinage has been known and collected since the Renaissance, where the delicate beauty of its female heads and the graceful seated Nikes were greatly admired. As author R. R. Holloway noted, “the nymphs of Terina recalled the maidens of the Parthenon frieze and the Victories of the reverses were the numismatic counterparts of the Victories of the Nike Temple balustrade.”
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 54
BRUTTIUM, Terina. Circa 400-380 BC. AR Nomos (19mm, 7.73 g, 1h). Contemporary imitation. Head of the nymph Terina right, hair in sphendone ornamented with maeander pattern; tiny Π behind neck, TE-[...]N[...] around from bottom left / Nike seated left on plinth, holding out right hand [upon which a small bird alights], left hand resting on plinth. Regling, Terina 96; F. Carelli, Nummorum veterum Italiae (1912), pl. 178, 21. Deep old iridescent tone, slightly compact flan. Near EF. Lovely style. Extremely rare, only one example published (in Vienna), none in CoinArchives.
Ex Leu 48 (10 May 1989), lot 34; Hess-Leu 45 (12 May 1970), lot 35 (there noting the coin is from a hoard discovered in 1927).
Regling placed this issue among a group of coins he considered to be imitations, and notes the dies appear to have been copied from his dies CC/γγγ–εεε. Holloway & Jenkins appear to accept Regling’s classification of these coins, and omit them from their survey of the coinage of Terina.
Ex Leu 48 (10 May 1989), lot 34; Hess-Leu 45 (12 May 1970), lot 35 (there noting the coin is from a hoard discovered in 1927).
Regling placed this issue among a group of coins he considered to be imitations, and notes the dies appear to have been copied from his dies CC/γγγ–εεε. Holloway & Jenkins appear to accept Regling’s classification of these coins, and omit them from their survey of the coinage of Terina.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 55
BRUTTIUM, Carthaginian occupation. Circa 215-205 BC. AR Half Shekel (21mm, 3.81 g, 6h). Wreathed head of Tanit-Demeter left / Horse standing right; palm tree in background, tiny Γ above. Jenkins, Some, pl. C, L1; Robinson, Second, p. 52, 1; HN Italy 2019. Light iridescent toning over lustrous surfaces, minor die wear. EF. Well struck on a broad flan.
Ex Tradart (16 November 1995), lot 126.
Ex Tradart (16 November 1995), lot 126.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 56
SICILY, Agyrion. Circa 420-405 BC. Æ Hemilitron (18.5mm, 6.18 g, 6h). Head of young male (river god Chrysas?) right; AΓYPINAIO-N around / Forepart of Acheloös Palagkaios as man-headed bull right; ΠAΛAΓKAIOΣ above. Campana 3; CNS 6/2 (same dies as illustration); MSP 7 (same dies as illustration); HGC 2, 56; SNG ANS (Pt. 5) 1303; SNG Morcom –; Rizzo pl. LIX, 10; Virzi 725 (same dies). Attractive green patina. Good VF. Rare.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 21 (17 May 2001), lot 48.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 21 (17 May 2001), lot 48.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 57
SICILY, Akragas. Circa 465/0–445/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.19 g, 6h). Sea eagle standing left; AKRAC-ANTOΣ (partially retrograde) around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period II, Group III, 338.8 (O8/R28) = Prospero 119 = Gillet 346 (this coin); HGC 2, 77; SNG ANS 970 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight die wear on obverse. Superb EF. Well centered and struck on a broad flan. Excellent detail.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 119; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 22; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection.
Akragas, Roman Agrigentum, was situated close to the southern coastline of Sicily midway between Gela and Selinos. Founded by colonists from Gela circa 580 BC, Akragas grew to become the second most important city on the island after Syracuse, deriving much of its wealth from the export of agricultural produce to Carthage, which lay about 200 miles to the west. Its coinage commenced in the closing years of the 6th century and principally consisted of silver didrachms down to about 440 BC, after which the tetradrachm became the principal denomination. The first series of tetradrachms, though, coincided with the last period of didrachms, with all featuring the same types that had persisted since the beginning of the city's coinage: on the obverse, an eagle, sacred to Olympian Zeus, to whom the city dedicated an immense temple, and a reverse with an overhead view of a crab, harvested from the sea as a delicacy in the region. After 440 BC, as with many of the coinages of the great Sicilian cities, the designs became more complex and artistic, with one or two eagles shown devouring a hare on the obverse, and a galloping quadriga ultimately replacing the crab on the reverse. In the final decade of the 5th century, as the artistry of it coinage reached its zenith, Akragas suffered the same fate as many of the other Greek cities of Sicily when it was stormed and sacked by the invading Carthaginians (406 BC). Though its coinage continued thereafter, the scale and beauty of its 5th century series were never attained again.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 119; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 22; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection.
Akragas, Roman Agrigentum, was situated close to the southern coastline of Sicily midway between Gela and Selinos. Founded by colonists from Gela circa 580 BC, Akragas grew to become the second most important city on the island after Syracuse, deriving much of its wealth from the export of agricultural produce to Carthage, which lay about 200 miles to the west. Its coinage commenced in the closing years of the 6th century and principally consisted of silver didrachms down to about 440 BC, after which the tetradrachm became the principal denomination. The first series of tetradrachms, though, coincided with the last period of didrachms, with all featuring the same types that had persisted since the beginning of the city's coinage: on the obverse, an eagle, sacred to Olympian Zeus, to whom the city dedicated an immense temple, and a reverse with an overhead view of a crab, harvested from the sea as a delicacy in the region. After 440 BC, as with many of the coinages of the great Sicilian cities, the designs became more complex and artistic, with one or two eagles shown devouring a hare on the obverse, and a galloping quadriga ultimately replacing the crab on the reverse. In the final decade of the 5th century, as the artistry of it coinage reached its zenith, Akragas suffered the same fate as many of the other Greek cities of Sicily when it was stormed and sacked by the invading Carthaginians (406 BC). Though its coinage continued thereafter, the scale and beauty of its 5th century series were never attained again.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 58
SICILY, Akragas. Circa 415-406 BC. AV Tetradrachm – 2 Didrachms (10mm, 1.35 g, 2h). Reverse die signed by Silanos. Eagle standing left, snake clasped in its talons, on rock outcropping; AKPA above, two pellets (mark of value) on rocks / Crab; below, ΣIΛA/NOΣ in two lines (boustrophedon). Westermark, Coinage 1011.15 (O11/R3 – this coin); HGC 2, 75; SNG Copenhagen 52 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 518 = Weber 1195 (same dies); BMC 2 (same dies); Boston MFA 237 (same dies); Dewing 570–1 (same dies); de Luynes 844 (same dies); McClean 2039 (same dies). Slightly off center on reverse. Near EF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, November 1990. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts [XXIV] (18 October 1990), lot 470; Hess-Leu 31 (6 December 1966), lot 96; Santamaria (6 April 1908), lot 136.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, November 1990. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts [XXIV] (18 October 1990), lot 470; Hess-Leu 31 (6 December 1966), lot 96; Santamaria (6 April 1908), lot 136.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 59
SICILY, Akragas. Circa 415-406 BC. Æ Hemilitron (32mm, 20.52 g, 6h). Eagle, wings spread and head raised, standing right on serpent / Crab; six pellets (mark of value) in upper fields; below, crawfish left; all within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Series 4, 701.6 (this coin, illustrated); CNS 29 (this coin illustrated); HGC 2, 138; SNG Morcom –; Hunterian 49 (same dies); Virzi 597 (this coin). Attractive forest green patina, some faint cleaning marks. VF. Very rare, only nine examples noted by Westermark.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 658; Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 17 (4 October 2005), lot 159; Kricheldorf 32 (14 November 1977), lot 362; Thomas Virzi Collection (Leu 6, 8 May 1973), lot 62; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 129.
From the John Morcom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 658; Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 17 (4 October 2005), lot 159; Kricheldorf 32 (14 November 1977), lot 362; Thomas Virzi Collection (Leu 6, 8 May 1973), lot 62; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 129.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 60
SICILY, Akragas. Circa 410-406 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.43 g, 12h). Reverse die signed by Silanos. Nike, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, AKPAΓ/ANTIN-O[N] in two lines on tablet (partially retrograde, last two letters outside tablet); in exergue, club left / Two eagles standing right on dead hare below, the closest eagle with wings closed and head raised, the further eagle with wings spread and head lowered; ΣIΛA-NOΣ along left edge. Westermark, Coinage, Period III, 595.1 (O7/R11) = Seltman, Engravers 16c (dies J/o) = Gillet 356 = SNG Spencer 30 = Seltman, Greek, pl. 26, 11 = Woodward 50 = Giesecke pl. 6, 5 (this coin); HGC 2, 86; SNG ANS 1000 (same dies); Berlin 582 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 917 (same dies); Dewing 565 (same dies); Gulbenkian 170 (same dies); McClean 2041 (same dies); Rizzo pl. III, 3 (same dies). Wonderful old collection tone, slight doubling on obverse. Good VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Christie’s (30 November 1990), lot 31; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection; Capt. C. E. Spencer-Churchill Collection (Ars Classica XVI, 3 July 1933), lot 432; W. H. Woodward Collection; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 271; Egger XLV (12 November 1913), lot 234; Gustave Durulfé Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 9 May 1910), lot 120.
The late coinage of Akragas, struck in the years just before the Carthaginian capture of the city in 406 BC, was the most magnificent in the city’s history. It included the famous dekadrachm, gold pieces, and a variety of quadriga/two eagles tetradrachms that are all of superb quality. Seltman suggested that some of the finest engravers in Sicily made the dies for these coin, ascribing the obverse of this piece to Kimon, while the reverse is signed by the master Silanos. The symbols most associated with the coinage of Akragas are the eagle and the crab. Sometime after 420 BC, the Akragantines replaced the single eagle with a pair of eagles standing on a hare, the inspiration for which must have come from the Agamemnon of Aeschylus where men saw two eagles, representing Agamemnon and Menelaos, feasting upon a pregnant hare. It has always been believed that the city's dekadrachms were issued to celebrate the victory of Exainetos, an Akragantine, at the Olympic Games in 412 BC. It seems more likely, however, that they were part of the war preparations of Akragas against their enemy Carthage shortly before 406 BC. This tetradrachm is every bit the equal of the dekadrachm in terms of development of the traditional Akragantine themes and fineness of their representation.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Christie’s (30 November 1990), lot 31; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection; Capt. C. E. Spencer-Churchill Collection (Ars Classica XVI, 3 July 1933), lot 432; W. H. Woodward Collection; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 271; Egger XLV (12 November 1913), lot 234; Gustave Durulfé Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 9 May 1910), lot 120.
The late coinage of Akragas, struck in the years just before the Carthaginian capture of the city in 406 BC, was the most magnificent in the city’s history. It included the famous dekadrachm, gold pieces, and a variety of quadriga/two eagles tetradrachms that are all of superb quality. Seltman suggested that some of the finest engravers in Sicily made the dies for these coin, ascribing the obverse of this piece to Kimon, while the reverse is signed by the master Silanos. The symbols most associated with the coinage of Akragas are the eagle and the crab. Sometime after 420 BC, the Akragantines replaced the single eagle with a pair of eagles standing on a hare, the inspiration for which must have come from the Agamemnon of Aeschylus where men saw two eagles, representing Agamemnon and Menelaos, feasting upon a pregnant hare. It has always been believed that the city's dekadrachms were issued to celebrate the victory of Exainetos, an Akragantine, at the Olympic Games in 412 BC. It seems more likely, however, that they were part of the war preparations of Akragas against their enemy Carthage shortly before 406 BC. This tetradrachm is every bit the equal of the dekadrachm in terms of development of the traditional Akragantine themes and fineness of their representation.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 61
SICILY, Gela. Circa 480/75-475/70 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 4.25 g, 1h). Horseman, nude, holding javelin in right hand and placing left hand on horse’s head, riding right; linear and dotted ground lines below / Forepart of man-headed bull running right; ϹΕΛΟΙΟΝ above; all within incuse circle. Jenkins, Gela, Group IId, 188 (O51/R109); HGC 2, 368; Basel 283 (same dies); Jameson 577 (same dies); de Luynes 949 (same dies). Attractive iridescent tone, some porosity and minor marks, a touch off center. Good VF. Very rare.
From the collection of Major Anthony F. Milavic, USMC (Ret.). Ex G. Hirsch 173 (19 February 1992), lot 76; Numismatica Ars Classica 4 (27 February 1991), lot 38.
From the collection of Major Anthony F. Milavic, USMC (Ret.). Ex G. Hirsch 173 (19 February 1992), lot 76; Numismatica Ars Classica 4 (27 February 1991), lot 38.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 62
SICILY, Kamarina. Circa 425-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.58 g, 9h). Athena, wearing long chiton, holding reins in both hands, driving galloping quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, presenting to Athena an open wreath held in both hands; in exergue, heron flying left / Bearded head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin; retrograde KAMAPI[NA-ION] to left. Westermark & Jenkins 138 (O32/R8 – this coin); HGC 2, 520 (same dies as illustration); SNG Lloyd 864–5 (same dies); BMC 9 (same dies); Gulbenkian 172 (same dies); Hirsch 326 (same dies); Hunterian 3 (same dies); McClean 2153 (same dies); Rizzo pl. V, 8 (same obv. die). Toned, some horn silver, cleaning scratches, some delaminations on reverse. VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, 9 December 2011.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, 9 December 2011.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 63
SICILY, Katane. Circa 450-445 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.03 g, 2h). Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; KATANAIO-N around. Mirone 30–2; HGC 2, 566; SNG ANS 1241 (same obv. die); SNG Spencer 37 (same dies); Basel 326 (same rev. die); Rizzo pl. X, 11 (same obv. die). Old collection tone, hairline flan crack, minor flan flaw on obverse. Near EF. Well centered and struck from artistic dies on a broad flan.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA VII (27 November 2012), lot 144; Leu 77 (11 May 2000), lot 83.
The Sicilian city of Katane (modern Catania) was a Chalkidian colony founded from Naxos in 729 BC. Katane was located midway along the eastern coast of the island at the southern extremity of the slopes of Mount Aetna. Its fertile territory was coveted by neighboring Syracuse, and in 476 BC the Syracusan tyrant Hieron I removed the population of Katane to the inland city of Leontini. Katane was then given the name of Aetna and resettled with Syracusan citizens and a group of Dorian mercenaries. On the fall of the Sicilian tyrannies in the late 460s BC, the alien population was expelled and the former inhabitants of Katane returned from exile in Leontini to reclaim their city, which now reverted to its original name. It seems unlikely that any coinage was produced at Katane prior to the events of 476 BC, so any issues bearing the name of the Katanians must postdate the restoration of the original population in 461 BC.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA VII (27 November 2012), lot 144; Leu 77 (11 May 2000), lot 83.
The Sicilian city of Katane (modern Catania) was a Chalkidian colony founded from Naxos in 729 BC. Katane was located midway along the eastern coast of the island at the southern extremity of the slopes of Mount Aetna. Its fertile territory was coveted by neighboring Syracuse, and in 476 BC the Syracusan tyrant Hieron I removed the population of Katane to the inland city of Leontini. Katane was then given the name of Aetna and resettled with Syracusan citizens and a group of Dorian mercenaries. On the fall of the Sicilian tyrannies in the late 460s BC, the alien population was expelled and the former inhabitants of Katane returned from exile in Leontini to reclaim their city, which now reverted to its original name. It seems unlikely that any coinage was produced at Katane prior to the events of 476 BC, so any issues bearing the name of the Katanians must postdate the restoration of the original population in 461 BC.