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 . 477
SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Mark Antony & Cleopatra VII of Egypt. 36 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 15.25 g, 1h). Struck circa 36-34 BC. BACIΛICCA KΛЄOΠATPA ΘЄA NЄωTЄPA, diademed bust of Cleopatra right, wearing earring, necklace, and embroidered dress / ANTωNIOC AVTOKPATωP TPITON TPIωN ANΔPωN, bare head of Antony right. McAlee 174; RPC I 4094; Prieur 27; HGC 9, 1361. Toned, porosity, surface cracks and scratches. VF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 734
Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.48 g, 5h). Rome mint. 1st emission, early AD 222. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P C OS P P, Salus, draped, seated left on throne, feeding from patera in right hand serpent coiled around and rising from altar to left, and resting left arm, elbow bent, on side of throne. RIC IV 13; BMCRE 32; Calicó 3085; Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –; Gorny & Mosch 207, lot 666 (same rev. die). Lustrous, minor hairlines. EF. Very rare and missing from most collections.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 993
TRANSYLVANIA, Principality. Mihály Apafi I. 1662-1690. AR 3 Taleri (44mm, 88.54 g, 12h). Gyulafehérvár (Karslburg / Alba Iulia) mint. Dated 1683 AI. Half-length armored bust right, holding scepter over shoulder and resting hand on hilt of sword, wearing short brimmed fur cap with feather / Crowned coat-of-arms. Cf. Resch 247 (Taler); cf. MBR 2622 (Taler); cf. MNB 206 (Taler; same dies); cf. KM 492 (Taler) and A492 (dated 1681). Toned. Near EF. Extremely rare and apparently unpublished.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 742
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Denarius (19mm, 2.81 g, 12h). Trier mint. 8th emission, circa early-circa mid AD 268. POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Postumus right, seen from front, with fold of drapery on left shoulder, jugate with the laureate head of Hercules / HERCVLI PISAEO, Hercules, nude, standing left, seen from behind, brandishing long-handled ax with both hands; water jar (for cleansing the Augean stables) at his feet to left. RIC V.4 362 (this coin cited and illustrated); cf. Schulte 135 (for rev. type); RSC 134 var. (bust left). Darkly toned, pososity, flan crack. VF. Unique. This coin shares a reverse die with the aureus of the same type (RIC V.4 364/1).
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 583 (hammer €9,000).
Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, endured the jealousy and hatred of Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus. Hera made Hercules insanely mad, leading him to kill his wife, six of his own children, and two of his brothers, mistaking them for his enemies. Overcome with remorse, Hercules went to Delphi and sought guidance from the Oracle. Aware that Hera wanted nothing more than to kill Hercules, the Oracle required that Hercules serve Eurystheus, King of Mycenae, for twelve years. The king demanded that Hercules complete a series of impossible labors, sometimes called the “twelve impossible tasks,” to make atonement for his actions and be rewarded with immortality. The Twelve Labors of Hercules required extraordinary physical strength and clear mental acumen to achieve.
Cleansing the Augean Stables was the Fifth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. For decades the stables of King Augeas had gone uncleaned, building up filth upon filth. His task was to clean these vast stables. Hercules diverted waters of two nearby rivers, effectively cleaning all the stables in a single day.
On the reverse of the coin celebrating this feat is the legend HERCVLI PISAEO, “To the Pisan Hercules”: Hercules called Pisan from Pisa, the name of the area around Olympia where he was especially worshipped.
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 583 (hammer €9,000).
Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, endured the jealousy and hatred of Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus. Hera made Hercules insanely mad, leading him to kill his wife, six of his own children, and two of his brothers, mistaking them for his enemies. Overcome with remorse, Hercules went to Delphi and sought guidance from the Oracle. Aware that Hera wanted nothing more than to kill Hercules, the Oracle required that Hercules serve Eurystheus, King of Mycenae, for twelve years. The king demanded that Hercules complete a series of impossible labors, sometimes called the “twelve impossible tasks,” to make atonement for his actions and be rewarded with immortality. The Twelve Labors of Hercules required extraordinary physical strength and clear mental acumen to achieve.
Cleansing the Augean Stables was the Fifth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. For decades the stables of King Augeas had gone uncleaned, building up filth upon filth. His task was to clean these vast stables. Hercules diverted waters of two nearby rivers, effectively cleaning all the stables in a single day.
On the reverse of the coin celebrating this feat is the legend HERCVLI PISAEO, “To the Pisan Hercules”: Hercules called Pisan from Pisa, the name of the area around Olympia where he was especially worshipped.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 240
CRETE, Knossos. Circa 360-320 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 10.80 g). Head of Demeter right, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and [necklace]; KN below neck truncation / Cruciform labyrinth, with pellet in center, within dotted circle border. Svoronos, Numismatique 44 (same dies as illustration); Le Rider, Crétoises pl. VII, 8 (same dies). Old collection tone, minor cleaning marks. Good VF.
From the Henry A. Sauter Collection, purchased from Superior Stamp & Coin.
According to the Greek myth, Minos was the first king of Crete. Although he gave the island its first constitution, ordered the construction of the palace at Knossos, and was the first to build a navy, he was a cruel tyrant and imperialist. One of his subject cities was Athens. He demanded from its citizens as payment every nine years seven youths and seven virgins. Minos would feed them then to the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull who was held in the Labyrinth, a large walled maze. To stop this brutal tribute, the Athenian hero, Theseus, had himself sent as part of the required tribute. With the assistance of Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, Theseus was able to navigate the Labyrinth successfully and kill the Minotaur.
From the Henry A. Sauter Collection, purchased from Superior Stamp & Coin.
According to the Greek myth, Minos was the first king of Crete. Although he gave the island its first constitution, ordered the construction of the palace at Knossos, and was the first to build a navy, he was a cruel tyrant and imperialist. One of his subject cities was Athens. He demanded from its citizens as payment every nine years seven youths and seven virgins. Minos would feed them then to the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull who was held in the Labyrinth, a large walled maze. To stop this brutal tribute, the Athenian hero, Theseus, had himself sent as part of the required tribute. With the assistance of Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, Theseus was able to navigate the Labyrinth successfully and kill the Minotaur.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1010
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Kent. Ecgberht. Circa 765-785. AR Penny (16mm, 1.23 g, 10h). Canterbury mint; Udd, moneyer. Struck circa 776-circa 784. + EGCBERHT around (RX) / VDD within pelleted rectangle; above and below, cross pattée with pellets in quarters between spiral and triple pellet ornaments. Chick 87j (this coin); SCBI 67 (BM), 664 (same dies); North 200; SCBC 874. Toned, slight die rust. Good VF. Very rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone. Ex Dix Noonan Webb 30 (16 July 1997), lot 90 (front and back cover coin).
The kings of Kent had close ties to the Frankish court ever since Æthelberht (589-616) received St. Augustine and his forty Benedictine monks and converted to Christianity in 597. Hence, the Kings of Kent were likely the first to adopt the new hammered technology for striking pennies in manner of the deniers of the Carolingian kings.
Ecgberht, King of Kent (765-785) issued many charters and struck the first hammered pennies in England. He fought King Offa of Mercia at the Battle of Otford in 776, and so resisted efforts of Offa to subject Kent. Offa, however, subjected Kent in 785-796. This silver penny is a very important and historical coin.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone. Ex Dix Noonan Webb 30 (16 July 1997), lot 90 (front and back cover coin).
The kings of Kent had close ties to the Frankish court ever since Æthelberht (589-616) received St. Augustine and his forty Benedictine monks and converted to Christianity in 597. Hence, the Kings of Kent were likely the first to adopt the new hammered technology for striking pennies in manner of the deniers of the Carolingian kings.
Ecgberht, King of Kent (765-785) issued many charters and struck the first hammered pennies in England. He fought King Offa of Mercia at the Battle of Otford in 776, and so resisted efforts of Offa to subject Kent. Offa, however, subjected Kent in 785-796. This silver penny is a very important and historical coin.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 755
AI Rec
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (21mm, 5.01 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 287. V IRTVS MAXIMIANI AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed half-length bust right, holding hasta in right hand and two spicula in left; shield on left shoulder; gorgoneion aegis on cuirass / VIRTVS AVGG, Hercules, nude, standing right, strangling the Nemean lion to right with both hands; his club set on ground to left. RIC V 500; Depeyrot 4A/5 corr. (also without rev. legend break); Calicó 4733 (no illustration); Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, marks, a pair of small digs. Good VF. Extremely rare. The fourth known.
This extremely rare early pre-reform aureus featuring a magnificent martial bust of Maximianus is known from precious few specimens. The corpus of which is as follows:
1) BM 1900,1105.3 (same dies) [this coin also illustrated on pl. XII, 2 of Alföldi, Festival and in Ute Schillinger-Häfele, Consules • Augusti • Caesares. Datierung von römischen Inschriften und Münzen, pl. 7, 58].
2) Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3071 (6 January 2019), lot 32234; Paul Tinchant Collection [“Richard J. Graham”] (J. Schulman, 4 June 1966), lot 2219; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 1834; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (no. 140).
3) The present specimen. Triton XXVIII, lot 755.
4) RIC V 500 = Cohen 591 = Caylus (1760) no. 1029 (illustrated from a line drawing of the reverse with the VIRTV S AVGG legend break).
The present coin was struck from the same dies as the BM example, though from a later die state. These two coins feature an unbroken reverse legend whereas the Beaurains coin and the presumed Caylus specimen (whereabouts unknown) have a reverse legend break of V - S.
Maximianus’ elaborate suit of armor and weaponry displayed on the obverse portrait of this remarkable aureus illustrate the revolution in Roman arms and tactics that had rescued the empire from destruction in the later third century AD. The Roman army had suffered numerous catastrophic defeats between AD 232 and 268, both to the rampant Sasanian Persians in the east and the Germanic tribes along the Rhine-Danube frontier, that had caused the Empire’s dismemberment and a death-spiral of usurpation and civil war. Starting with the Battle of Naissus in AD 268 or 269 under Gallienus or Claudius II (the historical record is oddly unclear for such an important event), the Roman army swiftly regained the initiative, enabled by a newfound tactical flexibility and a spate of technological innovations in armor and weaponry. On this aureus, Maximian wears a metal cuirass with a scaly adornment evoking the protective aegis of Athena. He carries a thrusting spear or hasta in his right hand; on his left shoulder he sports an oval cavalry shield, and in his left hand he clutches two lightweight javelins with barbed heads. This type of hand-thrown missile was called a spiculum and augmented or replaced the heavier pilum which had been a staple of Roman arms for more than four centuries. Roman soldiers also carried smaller fletched and weighted darts called plumbata clipped to their inside of their shields. Both infantry and cavalry also received archery training. Thus, on command, the Romans could fill the air with deadly missiles, forcing their enemies to duck and cover and softening them up for a decisive charge. Heavy cavalry also began to play a much greater tactical role than in previous centuries, serving as a kind of quick reaction force. The new emphasis was on speed, maneuverability, and striking power at a distance. These innovations are often credited to the era’s “Soldier Emperors” themselves, but they were surely the work of the larger professional officer class, many hailing from the Danubian provinces that had become the Empire’s prime recruiting grounds. The military reform movement gained momentum during the troubled reign of Gallienus (AD 253-268) and came into full fruition under his successors, Claudius II (AD 268-270), Aurelian (AD 270-275), and Probus (AD 276-282). By the early joint reign of Diocletian and Maximian, Rome’s enemies had been pushed back, its breakaway states restored to central rule, the Germanic raiders ejected, and the frontiers mostly secured, gaining the Empire a new centuries-long lease on life.
This extremely rare early pre-reform aureus featuring a magnificent martial bust of Maximianus is known from precious few specimens. The corpus of which is as follows:
1) BM 1900,1105.3 (same dies) [this coin also illustrated on pl. XII, 2 of Alföldi, Festival and in Ute Schillinger-Häfele, Consules • Augusti • Caesares. Datierung von römischen Inschriften und Münzen, pl. 7, 58].
2) Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3071 (6 January 2019), lot 32234; Paul Tinchant Collection [“Richard J. Graham”] (J. Schulman, 4 June 1966), lot 2219; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 1834; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (no. 140).
3) The present specimen. Triton XXVIII, lot 755.
4) RIC V 500 = Cohen 591 = Caylus (1760) no. 1029 (illustrated from a line drawing of the reverse with the VIRTV S AVGG legend break).
The present coin was struck from the same dies as the BM example, though from a later die state. These two coins feature an unbroken reverse legend whereas the Beaurains coin and the presumed Caylus specimen (whereabouts unknown) have a reverse legend break of V - S.
Maximianus’ elaborate suit of armor and weaponry displayed on the obverse portrait of this remarkable aureus illustrate the revolution in Roman arms and tactics that had rescued the empire from destruction in the later third century AD. The Roman army had suffered numerous catastrophic defeats between AD 232 and 268, both to the rampant Sasanian Persians in the east and the Germanic tribes along the Rhine-Danube frontier, that had caused the Empire’s dismemberment and a death-spiral of usurpation and civil war. Starting with the Battle of Naissus in AD 268 or 269 under Gallienus or Claudius II (the historical record is oddly unclear for such an important event), the Roman army swiftly regained the initiative, enabled by a newfound tactical flexibility and a spate of technological innovations in armor and weaponry. On this aureus, Maximian wears a metal cuirass with a scaly adornment evoking the protective aegis of Athena. He carries a thrusting spear or hasta in his right hand; on his left shoulder he sports an oval cavalry shield, and in his left hand he clutches two lightweight javelins with barbed heads. This type of hand-thrown missile was called a spiculum and augmented or replaced the heavier pilum which had been a staple of Roman arms for more than four centuries. Roman soldiers also carried smaller fletched and weighted darts called plumbata clipped to their inside of their shields. Both infantry and cavalry also received archery training. Thus, on command, the Romans could fill the air with deadly missiles, forcing their enemies to duck and cover and softening them up for a decisive charge. Heavy cavalry also began to play a much greater tactical role than in previous centuries, serving as a kind of quick reaction force. The new emphasis was on speed, maneuverability, and striking power at a distance. These innovations are often credited to the era’s “Soldier Emperors” themselves, but they were surely the work of the larger professional officer class, many hailing from the Danubian provinces that had become the Empire’s prime recruiting grounds. The military reform movement gained momentum during the troubled reign of Gallienus (AD 253-268) and came into full fruition under his successors, Claudius II (AD 268-270), Aurelian (AD 270-275), and Probus (AD 276-282). By the early joint reign of Diocletian and Maximian, Rome’s enemies had been pushed back, its breakaway states restored to central rule, the Germanic raiders ejected, and the frontiers mostly secured, gaining the Empire a new centuries-long lease on life.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 242
CRETE, Phaistos. Circa 300-270 BC. AR Stater (25mm, 11.47 g, 11h). Herakles, nude but for lion skin draped over left arm, standing left, his left hand extended and holding one head of the Hydra, which he strikes at with club held aloft in his right hand; ΦAIΣTIΩ[N] to right / Bull standing left. Svoronos, Numismatique 53 (same dies as illustration); Le Rider, Crétoises, pl. XXIII, 19–20 (same dies); SNG Lockett 2592 (same obv. die); BMC 13; Mionnet II p. 291, 255. Lightly toned, typical die wear, a few flan flaws on reverse. Good VF. Rare.
The Lernaean Hydra, the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, was said to be the sibling of the Nemean Lion, the Chimaera, and Cerberus. Inhabiting the swamp near Lake Lerna in the Argolid, the creature possessed numerous mortal and one immortal head on its single body; should one head be removed, two more would grow in its place. When Herakles reached the swamp where the Hydra dwelt, he drew it out of its lair near the spring of Amymone. Thereupon, wielding a harvesting sickle, he attempted to decapitate the creature. When this proved unsuccessful, because of the Hydra’s regenerative ability, Herakles enlisted the assistance of his nephew Iolaus, who devised a plan: once Herakles had cut off one of the creature’s heads, Iolaus would cauterize the stump with a burning firebrand. The plan succeeded, and the Hydra was destroyed. Herakles placed its one immortal head under a large rock on the sacred way between Lerna and Elaius and dipped his arrows in its poisonous blood.
The Lernaean Hydra, the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, was said to be the sibling of the Nemean Lion, the Chimaera, and Cerberus. Inhabiting the swamp near Lake Lerna in the Argolid, the creature possessed numerous mortal and one immortal head on its single body; should one head be removed, two more would grow in its place. When Herakles reached the swamp where the Hydra dwelt, he drew it out of its lair near the spring of Amymone. Thereupon, wielding a harvesting sickle, he attempted to decapitate the creature. When this proved unsuccessful, because of the Hydra’s regenerative ability, Herakles enlisted the assistance of his nephew Iolaus, who devised a plan: once Herakles had cut off one of the creature’s heads, Iolaus would cauterize the stump with a burning firebrand. The plan succeeded, and the Hydra was destroyed. Herakles placed its one immortal head under a large rock on the sacred way between Lerna and Elaius and dipped his arrows in its poisonous blood.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1012
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Kent. Cuthred. 798-807. AR Penny (19mm, 1.35 g, 8h). Cross-and-wedges type. Canterbury mint; Wærheard, moneyer. Struck circa 805-807. + CVÐRED REX CΛNT, diademed bust right / + VER(HE)ARDI mO(NE)TA, cross pommée, wedges in angles. Naismith C35.1o (this coin); SCBI 67 (BM), 695 (same dies); North 211; SCBC 877. Deep cabinet toning. Good VF. Rare and with an exceptional pedigree.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone, December 1996. Ex J.P. Linzalone Collection (Stack’s, 7 December 1994), lot 2327; B.R. Noble Collection (Glendining, 11 December 1975), lot 362; Clonterbrook Trust (Glendining, 7 June 1974), lot 1; R.C. Lockett Collection (Part IV, Glendining, 26 April 1960), lot 3546; Glendining (16 November 1937), lot 295.
Cuthred, King of Kent (798-807) succeeded as a vassal of his older brother Coenwulf, King of Mercia. During his reign, the Archbishopric of Canterbury regained its status of primate of England, which had earlier been transferred to the Archbishop of Lichfield by Offa.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone, December 1996. Ex J.P. Linzalone Collection (Stack’s, 7 December 1994), lot 2327; B.R. Noble Collection (Glendining, 11 December 1975), lot 362; Clonterbrook Trust (Glendining, 7 June 1974), lot 1; R.C. Lockett Collection (Part IV, Glendining, 26 April 1960), lot 3546; Glendining (16 November 1937), lot 295.
Cuthred, King of Kent (798-807) succeeded as a vassal of his older brother Coenwulf, King of Mercia. During his reign, the Archbishopric of Canterbury regained its status of primate of England, which had earlier been transferred to the Archbishop of Lichfield by Offa.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 757
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.20 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 294. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIRT VS AVG G, Hercules, nude, standing right, restraining the Ceryneian Hind, struggling to right, with his left knee placed upon its lowered hind quarters and grappling it by the antlers in both hands; his club resting on ground by his right foot; PR. RIC VI –; Depeyrot 6/11 (this coin cited); Calicó 4735a (this coin cited and illustrated); Beaurains 157 (this coin); Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Vibrant old collection toning. VF. Extremely rare.
Ex Münz Zentrum 66 (26 April 1989), lot 1445 (illustrated on the cover); Münzen und Medaillen AG 44 (15 June 1971), lot 125; Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Collection (Part IV, Santamaria, 23 October 1950), lot 523; J. Schulman (17 May 1938), lot 1557; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Ex Münz Zentrum 66 (26 April 1989), lot 1445 (illustrated on the cover); Münzen und Medaillen AG 44 (15 June 1971), lot 125; Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Collection (Part IV, Santamaria, 23 October 1950), lot 523; J. Schulman (17 May 1938), lot 1557; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1022
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Beornwulf. 823-825. AR Penny (20mm, 1.33 g, 12h). Mint in East Anglia (Ipswich?); Eadnoth, moneyer. + BEORHPVLF RE)(, bust right / + EADHOP mOHET, cross-crosslet. Naismith E23a = SCBI 67 (BM), 272 (same dies); North 397; SCBC 929. Toned, bent, faint porosity. VF. Very rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone, April 2000.
Beornwulf, King of Mercia (823-825), a usurper of obscure background, witnessed the collapse of the hegemony of Mercia. He fell in battle in East Anglia. Thereafter, Mercian kings ruled as regional monarchs and were often subject to the hegemony of the Kings of Wessex.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone, April 2000.
Beornwulf, King of Mercia (823-825), a usurper of obscure background, witnessed the collapse of the hegemony of Mercia. He fell in battle in East Anglia. Thereafter, Mercian kings ruled as regional monarchs and were often subject to the hegemony of the Kings of Wessex.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 767
Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.46 g, 6h). ‘RSR’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, laureate and draped bust right / VIRT CARAVSI AVG, lion walking left, holding thunderbolt in its mouth; RSR. RIC V.5 166 (forthcoming); RIC V –; RSC –; Shiel –. Toned, minor marks and old scrape under tone. VF. Extremely rare. Only three examples noted in RIC V.5.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Künker 312 (8 October 2018), lot 2991 (hammer €9,000).
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Künker 312 (8 October 2018), lot 2991 (hammer €9,000).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 4
ETRURIA, Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. AV 25 Asses (12mm, 1.42 g). Head of lion right; XXV (mark of value) to left and below / Blank. EC Series 21, 43 (O1) = Vecchi I 47.14 (this coin, illustrated); Vicari 21; Sambon 2; HN Italy 128; SNG ANS 2; SNG Copenhagen 36; SNG Lloyd 10; SNG Lockett 42; Dewing 72; Hunt IV 6; Jameson 17 (all from the same die). Hairlines on reverse. Choice EF.
From the Henry A. Sauter Collection. Ex Hess-Leu (24 March 1959), lot 2.
Like the Romans, the Etruscans of northern and central Italy were latecomers to the Greek concept of coinage. The origins of the Etruscans are still regarded as enigmatic, and their language survives only in the form of relatively short inscriptions. When they did begin striking coins in the mid 4th century BC, many of the distinct and whimsical qualities of their culture came through. Only five Etruscan cities struck coins in any quantities, with Fufluna, called Populonia by the Romans, by far the most prolific.
From the Henry A. Sauter Collection. Ex Hess-Leu (24 March 1959), lot 2.
Like the Romans, the Etruscans of northern and central Italy were latecomers to the Greek concept of coinage. The origins of the Etruscans are still regarded as enigmatic, and their language survives only in the form of relatively short inscriptions. When they did begin striking coins in the mid 4th century BC, many of the distinct and whimsical qualities of their culture came through. Only five Etruscan cities struck coins in any quantities, with Fufluna, called Populonia by the Romans, by far the most prolific.
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 . 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 . 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.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 787
Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.52 g, 12h). Nicomedia mint, 2nd officina. Struck AD 335. Rosette-diademed head right, eyes to God / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield set on left knee with left hand and inscribing VOT/ XXX on it in two lines with stylus held in right hand; to right, small nude genius standing left supporting the shield with both hands; an additional shield resting beside the cuirass to left; SMNC. RIC VII 175; Depeyrot 44/1; Biaggi 2025 var. (officina); Mazzini 617. Toned, slightly wavy flan, minor marks and edge marks, faint hairlines. Near EF. Rare.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc77864 (24 October 2012); Classical Numismatic Auctions XX (25 March 1992), lot 902.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc77864 (24 October 2012); Classical Numismatic Auctions XX (25 March 1992), lot 902.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 795
AI Rec
Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.49 g, 12h). Constantinople mint, 2nd officina. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 422-423. AEL PVLCH ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / VOT XX MVLT XXX, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand and fold of drapery in left; B//CONOB. RIC X 220; Depeyrot 74/3; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned and lustrous, light circular marks, a couple of thin die breaks on reverse. Superb EF. Very rare issue. Extremely rare from this officina. An incredibly early and vibrant strike with parts of the die engraver’s centering circles still visible on both the obverse and reverse.
The sister of Emperor Theodosius II, Aelia Pulcheria, was a major force in the life of the young emperor. Governing him as a young man until he came of age, Pulcheria prepared the emperor for his duties and served as a constant guiding voice and counselor to him. Present throughout his accomplishments and major events, Pulcheria eventually emerged the victor in the rivalry that developed between her and her brother’s wife, Aelia Eudocia, who was consequently dismissed from court. While she was a teenager, Pulcheria took a vow of virginity which she maintained until her death. This dedication to God inspired some of Theodosius’ imperial propaganda during wars with the Sasanian Persians, and the Romans considered Pulcheria’s pious dedication of her virginity to be a source of blessing upon the Empire from God. Theodosius died unexpectedly after being mortally injured during a hunting accident in AD 450. Upon his death, Pulcheria was tasked with appointing his successor. She chose a man of Roman stock, though not of nobility, named Marcian. She married the new emperor on the condition that he not make her violate her vow of virginity, to which Marcian agreed. This unconventional marriage was made possible by church officials, who sponsored the agreement and decreed that God approved of the union and arrangement.
The sister of Emperor Theodosius II, Aelia Pulcheria, was a major force in the life of the young emperor. Governing him as a young man until he came of age, Pulcheria prepared the emperor for his duties and served as a constant guiding voice and counselor to him. Present throughout his accomplishments and major events, Pulcheria eventually emerged the victor in the rivalry that developed between her and her brother’s wife, Aelia Eudocia, who was consequently dismissed from court. While she was a teenager, Pulcheria took a vow of virginity which she maintained until her death. This dedication to God inspired some of Theodosius’ imperial propaganda during wars with the Sasanian Persians, and the Romans considered Pulcheria’s pious dedication of her virginity to be a source of blessing upon the Empire from God. Theodosius died unexpectedly after being mortally injured during a hunting accident in AD 450. Upon his death, Pulcheria was tasked with appointing his successor. She chose a man of Roman stock, though not of nobility, named Marcian. She married the new emperor on the condition that he not make her violate her vow of virginity, to which Marcian agreed. This unconventional marriage was made possible by church officials, who sponsored the agreement and decreed that God approved of the union and arrangement.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 283
IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 390-325 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 15.18 g, 12h). Demokrates, magistrate. Class G, circa 350-340 BC. Bee with straight wings, seen from above; E-Φ flanking head / Forepart of stag right, head left; palm tree to left, ΔHMOKPATHΣ to right. Karwiese II, Series 11.1, 292, dies O125/R3 (this coin referenced, obverse illustrated); Pixodarus obv. die 123 (this coin referenced); Rhousopolos 3669 (this coin (?)); CNG 109, lot 150 (same rev. die). Deeply toned, a little off center on obverse. EF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 470 (17 June 2020), lot 103; Gasvoda Collection (Triton XXII, 9 January 2019) lot 245; Antiqua inventory 3031 (January 2013); Lanz 70 (21 November 1994), lot 115; G. Hirsch 161 (22 February 1989), lot 243. Reportedly ex Athanasios Rhousopoulos Collection (J. Hirsch XIII, 15 May 1905), lot 3669 (not illustrated).
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 470 (17 June 2020), lot 103; Gasvoda Collection (Triton XXII, 9 January 2019) lot 245; Antiqua inventory 3031 (January 2013); Lanz 70 (21 November 1994), lot 115; G. Hirsch 161 (22 February 1989), lot 243. Reportedly ex Athanasios Rhousopoulos Collection (J. Hirsch XIII, 15 May 1905), lot 3669 (not illustrated).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 797
Galla Placidia. Augusta, AD 421-450. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck under Theodosius II and Valentinian III, AD 423-425. AEL PLACI DIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / VOT XX MVLT XXX, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand and fold of drapery in left; star in upper left field; I//CONOB. RIC X 230; Depeyrot 75/4; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, slight doubling, spot of die rust on obverse. Near EF. Extremely rare from this officina, with fewer than twenty known of all. An excellent example for this very difficult issue.
Galla Placidia, daughter of Theodosius I, was born in AD 392. Following the siege of Rome in 408-410, the princess was captured by Visigothic armies under Alaric and his successor Ataulf, whom she later married. This marriage failed to produce the intended Romano-Gothic dynasty, as Ataulf was murdered after only a short time in power. By 416 Galla had been restored to the Roman court in the west.
Galla continued to be involved in court politics and, in 417, married Constantius III, then magister militum. She bore a son, the future Valentinian III. Unfortunately, her husband’s reign as co-emperor with Honorius was cut short by his untimely death. For a time, the widow remained on friendly terms with the emperor, but by 423, Galla and her son had fled to Constantinople and the court of Theodosius II. She would return to the Italian peninsula at the head of a large army in 424 to overthrow Johannes, who had been raised to the purple following the death of Honorius, after which Galla ruled in the west as regent to her son, Emperor Valentinian III.
Despite her major role in the political affairs of the early 5th century, Galla’s true passion was for the Church. She tolerated neither heretics nor non-believers in her government and was involved in the construction of numerous churches and chapels. Among these works was the San Giovanni Evangelista in Ravenna, built in fulfillment of a vow made when Galla and her children were caught in a storm on the Adriatic during their flight from Italy. Galla Placidia died in AD 450, her mausoleum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Galla Placidia, daughter of Theodosius I, was born in AD 392. Following the siege of Rome in 408-410, the princess was captured by Visigothic armies under Alaric and his successor Ataulf, whom she later married. This marriage failed to produce the intended Romano-Gothic dynasty, as Ataulf was murdered after only a short time in power. By 416 Galla had been restored to the Roman court in the west.
Galla continued to be involved in court politics and, in 417, married Constantius III, then magister militum. She bore a son, the future Valentinian III. Unfortunately, her husband’s reign as co-emperor with Honorius was cut short by his untimely death. For a time, the widow remained on friendly terms with the emperor, but by 423, Galla and her son had fled to Constantinople and the court of Theodosius II. She would return to the Italian peninsula at the head of a large army in 424 to overthrow Johannes, who had been raised to the purple following the death of Honorius, after which Galla ruled in the west as regent to her son, Emperor Valentinian III.
Despite her major role in the political affairs of the early 5th century, Galla’s true passion was for the Church. She tolerated neither heretics nor non-believers in her government and was involved in the construction of numerous churches and chapels. Among these works was the San Giovanni Evangelista in Ravenna, built in fulfillment of a vow made when Galla and her children were caught in a storm on the Adriatic during their flight from Italy. Galla Placidia died in AD 450, her mausoleum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.