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 . 721
Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.24 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 188. M COMM • ANT • P • FEL • AVG BRIT, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XIII • IMP VIII COS V • P • P, Aequitas, draped, standing facing, head left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 164 var. (bust type); MIR 18, 741-2/37; Calicó 2305 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 242 var. (same); Adda 365 (same obv. die). Lustrous. EF. A bold and impressive portrait.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA50C; Lanz 148 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 4 January 2010), lot 113.
The sole reign of Commodus, AD 180-192, is often viewed as the tipping point where the Roman Empire's ascent ended and its long decline began. Commodus has thus been featured in novels, plays, and feature films, usually as a villain, most recently in the cinema epics "Fall of the Roman Empire" (1964), portrayed by Christopher Plummer, and "Gladiator" (2001), portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. His actual persona, and the events of his 12-year sole reign, are far more complex and fantastical than depicted in either film. The son of the greatly revered "Philosopher Emperor" Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180), Commodus was born "in the purple" in AD 161 and was raised in an almost monastically austere environment. Marcus raised him to the rank of Consul in January 177 and made him co-Augustus a few months later. He accompanied Marcus to the Danubian front on a strenuous military campaign against the Germanic tribes in 178; worn out by his exertions, Marcus died on 17 March AD 180. Freed of his dutiful father's control, Commodus immediately cut a deal with the Germans and abandoned all further plans of military conquest. Returning to Rome, he plunged into sensual pursuits and left governing to a succession of favorites who plundered the public purse and aggrandized themselves. His lax rule soon led to plots against the regime, which were ruthlessly suppressed. Rejecting the intellectuality of his father, Commodus favored the physicality of the arena and fancied himself as a great athlete, hunter and gladiator. After the fall of his corrupt vizier Cleander in AD 190, Commodus took control of governmental affairs himself. Wealthy Romans in high positions were routinely executed so their estates could be confiscated to finance his orgy of self-indulgence. Still the Roman people seemed largely to enjoy his antics, and the legions remained loyal throughout. However, his close advisors began to fear for their own lives and ultimately arranged his death by strangulation at the hands of his wrestling instructor. The damage done by his 12 years of listless, corrupt rule was deep and lasting.
While Commodus continued and worsened the debasement of Roman silver coinage begun by his father, the gold coinage remained of high purity, weight and artistry. This beautiful aureus, struck at the mid point of his reign, depicts him as as a bearded philosopher-king much in the image of his father. The reverse evokes Aequitas, personification of equal justice, something in scarce supply during his reign.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA50C; Lanz 148 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 4 January 2010), lot 113.
The sole reign of Commodus, AD 180-192, is often viewed as the tipping point where the Roman Empire's ascent ended and its long decline began. Commodus has thus been featured in novels, plays, and feature films, usually as a villain, most recently in the cinema epics "Fall of the Roman Empire" (1964), portrayed by Christopher Plummer, and "Gladiator" (2001), portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. His actual persona, and the events of his 12-year sole reign, are far more complex and fantastical than depicted in either film. The son of the greatly revered "Philosopher Emperor" Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180), Commodus was born "in the purple" in AD 161 and was raised in an almost monastically austere environment. Marcus raised him to the rank of Consul in January 177 and made him co-Augustus a few months later. He accompanied Marcus to the Danubian front on a strenuous military campaign against the Germanic tribes in 178; worn out by his exertions, Marcus died on 17 March AD 180. Freed of his dutiful father's control, Commodus immediately cut a deal with the Germans and abandoned all further plans of military conquest. Returning to Rome, he plunged into sensual pursuits and left governing to a succession of favorites who plundered the public purse and aggrandized themselves. His lax rule soon led to plots against the regime, which were ruthlessly suppressed. Rejecting the intellectuality of his father, Commodus favored the physicality of the arena and fancied himself as a great athlete, hunter and gladiator. After the fall of his corrupt vizier Cleander in AD 190, Commodus took control of governmental affairs himself. Wealthy Romans in high positions were routinely executed so their estates could be confiscated to finance his orgy of self-indulgence. Still the Roman people seemed largely to enjoy his antics, and the legions remained loyal throughout. However, his close advisors began to fear for their own lives and ultimately arranged his death by strangulation at the hands of his wrestling instructor. The damage done by his 12 years of listless, corrupt rule was deep and lasting.
While Commodus continued and worsened the debasement of Roman silver coinage begun by his father, the gold coinage remained of high purity, weight and artistry. This beautiful aureus, struck at the mid point of his reign, depicts him as as a bearded philosopher-king much in the image of his father. The reverse evokes Aequitas, personification of equal justice, something in scarce supply during his reign.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 977
RUSSIA, Empire. Nikolai I Pavlovich. 1825-1855. Proof AR Poltina (28mm, 10.36 g, 12h). St. Petersburg mint. Dated 1855 СПБ HI. Crowned double-headed eagle facing with wings spread, holding scepter and globus cruciger; collared coat-of-arms on breast, additional coats-of-arms on wings; crown above / Crowned denomination and date within wreath. Bitkin 235 (Nikolai I) and 49 (Aleksandr II); KM (C) 167.1. Iridescent toning. In NGC encapsulation 6906684-011, graded PF 64. Top Pop.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
This identical type continued to be struck under Aleksandr II until 1858.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
This identical type continued to be struck under Aleksandr II until 1858.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 979
RUSSIA, Empire. Nikolai II Aleksandrovich. 1894-1917. AR Rouble (34mm, 12h). Commemorating the Unveiling of the Alexander II Memorial in Moscow. St. Petersburg mint. Dated 1898 АГ. Bare head of Aleksandr II left / View of the Moscow memorial. Bitkin 323; KM (Y) 61. Iridescent toning. In NGC encapsulation 6929381-001, graded MS 65 PL. Rare. A stunningly high grade example, with only one graded higher by NGC.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
The Aleksandr II memorial in Moscow was completed in 1898 to honor the late Tsar Aleksandr II Nikolaevich, who was assassinated in 1881 by a socialist bomb. The monument would be demolished by Stalin in 1931, before ultimately being restored in 2005.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
The Aleksandr II memorial in Moscow was completed in 1898 to honor the late Tsar Aleksandr II Nikolaevich, who was assassinated in 1881 by a socialist bomb. The monument would be demolished by Stalin in 1931, before ultimately being restored in 2005.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 728
Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.18 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 199-201. ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IVVEN TA IMPERII, Caracalla, in military dress, with cloak falling over left arm, standing left, holding Victory on globe right in extended right hand and reversed spear in left; to left, captive, wearing peaked cap and long robe, seated left on the ground,propping head on right hand, right arm bent and resting on right knee. RIC IV –; Calicó 2685 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE –; Biaggi 1178 (this coin). Small scrape on reverse. Near EF. Wonderful high-relief portrait. Very rare.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 161; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Henry Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining’s, 16 November 1950), lot 1709; Sir Arthur J. Evans Collection (Naville III, 16 June 1922), lot 95, acquired in Egypt, 1905.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 161; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Henry Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining’s, 16 November 1950), lot 1709; Sir Arthur J. Evans Collection (Naville III, 16 June 1922), lot 95, acquired in Egypt, 1905.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 732
AI Rec
Elagabalus. AD 218-222. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.45 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 220-221. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P III COS III P P, Elagabalus, laureate and togate, standing in triumphal quadriga left, holding up branch in right hand and transverse scepter in left; small star, high in left field. RIC IV 35c; Thirion 159; Calicó 3011 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 182 (same obv. die); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Lustrous. Near EF. Rare, missing from most collections.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 18 (reverse illustrated on front cover); Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 741.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 18 (reverse illustrated on front cover); Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 741.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 746
AI Rec
Probus. AD 276-282. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 6.36 g, 11h). Antioch mint. 2nd emission, AD 280. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE, Victory in triumphal quadriga left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; AVG/ A in two lines in exergue. RIC V 916; Pink VI/1, p. 40; Calicó 4224; Adda 525 (same obv. die); Biaggi 1629 (same obv. die); Jameson 294 (same obv. die). Minor marks. EF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 57; Sternberg XVIII (20 November 1986), lot 641.
Marcus Aurelius Probus was one of a series of tough Balkan military men who rescued the Roman Empire from certain destruction in the late third century. He was the son of a peasant gardener who entered the army as a teenager and rose steadily through the ranks. By AD 276, he had achieved command of the Roman field armies in Syria and Egypt and was well-positioned to seize the throne when the elderly emperor Tacitus died. His reign was one of constant, frenetic military activity, racing from one frontier to the other to confront and defeat enemy invaders or internal usurpers.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 57; Sternberg XVIII (20 November 1986), lot 641.
Marcus Aurelius Probus was one of a series of tough Balkan military men who rescued the Roman Empire from certain destruction in the late third century. He was the son of a peasant gardener who entered the army as a teenager and rose steadily through the ranks. By AD 276, he had achieved command of the Roman field armies in Syria and Egypt and was well-positioned to seize the throne when the elderly emperor Tacitus died. His reign was one of constant, frenetic military activity, racing from one frontier to the other to confront and defeat enemy invaders or internal usurpers.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1002
FRANCE, Third Republic. Charles Lindbergh, American aviator. 1902-1974. AV Medal (67.5mm, 190 g, 12h). The First Solo Transatlantic Flight. Paris mint. By G. Prudhomme. Dated 1927. ★ CHARLES ★ A ★ LINDBERGH ★ NEW YORK ★ PARIS ★, bust right; ÆTATIS/ SVÆ/ XXV / · ALARVM · REMIGIO · IVNCTA · PRIMVM · OCEANI · LITTORA · MCMXXVII, map of Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight; U.S.A., New York, PARIS, AFRIQVE and ATLANTIQUE labeled. Edge: (cornucopia) 3 OR. Wonderful matte surfaces. As struck. In original case of issue. Extremely rare. The sole example known in gold and possibly the specimen presented to or intended for Lindbergh himself.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Wayte Raymond Collection (Part II, NASCA, 6 June 1978), lot 2374.
In the early 1920s, a number of famous aviators were competing to win the Orteig Prize, sponsored by New York hotelier Raymond Orteig and to be awarded to whoever successfully completed the first nonstop Transatlantic Flight from New York to Paris. Several lost their lives while attempting the feat.
At the time, Charles Lindbergh was working as a civilian flight instructor and airmail pilot. He was also a reserve officer in the Missouri National Guard. Lindbergh managed to secure a bank loan to finance the purchase of a custom built monoplane form the Ryan Aircraft Company of San Diego, California, soon to be christened the Spirit of St. Louis. Lindbergh made his attempt on the morning of 20 May 1927, taking off from Roosevelt Field on Long Island en route to Le Bourget Aerodrome outside of Paris. Heavily laden with fuel, the aircraft was barely able to clear the runway. Lindbergh flew for thirty-three and a half hours straight, contending with turbulence, ice, and lack of sleep along the way. At 10:22 PM on 21 May, the Spirit of St. Louis finally touched down in Paris to massive crowds. Lindbergh claimed the Orteig Prize and lasting international fame.
The medal offered in this lot is the sole example known in gold. It was in all likelihood presented to Lindbergh himself.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Wayte Raymond Collection (Part II, NASCA, 6 June 1978), lot 2374.
In the early 1920s, a number of famous aviators were competing to win the Orteig Prize, sponsored by New York hotelier Raymond Orteig and to be awarded to whoever successfully completed the first nonstop Transatlantic Flight from New York to Paris. Several lost their lives while attempting the feat.
At the time, Charles Lindbergh was working as a civilian flight instructor and airmail pilot. He was also a reserve officer in the Missouri National Guard. Lindbergh managed to secure a bank loan to finance the purchase of a custom built monoplane form the Ryan Aircraft Company of San Diego, California, soon to be christened the Spirit of St. Louis. Lindbergh made his attempt on the morning of 20 May 1927, taking off from Roosevelt Field on Long Island en route to Le Bourget Aerodrome outside of Paris. Heavily laden with fuel, the aircraft was barely able to clear the runway. Lindbergh flew for thirty-three and a half hours straight, contending with turbulence, ice, and lack of sleep along the way. At 10:22 PM on 21 May, the Spirit of St. Louis finally touched down in Paris to massive crowds. Lindbergh claimed the Orteig Prize and lasting international fame.
The medal offered in this lot is the sole example known in gold. It was in all likelihood presented to Lindbergh himself.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1007
RUSSIA, Empire. Aleksandr II Nikolaevich. 1855-1881. AV Medal (35mm, 43.90 g, 12h). St. Petersburg Technological Institute – Prize medal. By V. Alexeev. Б . М . АЛЕКСАНДРЪ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС, bare head left / * ЗА ОТΛИЧНЬIЕ УСПѣХИ, С.П.Б./ ТЕЖНОΛОГИЧ./ ИНСТИТУТЪ; all within wreath. Diakov 646.2. In NGC encapsulation 6931380-001, graded MS 62. Rare. Top Pop. The only graded example, none at PCGS or in Coin Archives.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Superior 912 June 1978), lot 1231.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Superior 912 June 1978), lot 1231.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 752
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18mm, 5.54 g, 12h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 4th emission, mid-late AD 295. MAXIMI ANVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVTI AVG•G•, Hercules, nude, raising club held in right hand and grasping the Erymanthian boar by the scruff in his left hand and holding it slung over his left shoulder; PT. RIC VI 25; Zanchi & Estiot 78b (MAX 24/R 36 – this coin); Depeyrot 1D/7; Calicó 4755; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Lightly toned, lustrous, a few minor marks. Near EF. Extremely rare. An outstanding example of this issue that is rarely seen at auction. A total of seven examples known, of which four are in museum collections. The first-cited Cohen coin derives from a line drawing in Caylus (1760, no. 1028), the whereabouts of which are unknown.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1043; Tkalec (25 October 1996), lot 261.
During his rule, emperor Maximianus adopted the sobriquet ‘Herculius’ or ‘Hercules’ and consequently associated himself with the Demigod, utilizing Herculean iconography throughout his reign while his senior partner Diocletian associated himself with Jupiter and did likewise on his coinage. On this impressive run of seven aurei of Maximianus, one finds three of the twelve labors of Hercules depicted on the reverse in vivid detail in addition to other Herculean iconography such as the lion skin headdress. Represented on these aurei are the 1st, 3rd, and 4th labors. Additionally, Hercules’ battle with the centaur Nessus is also recounted. This battle would ultimately result in Hercules’ death. As Nessus was ferrying Hercules’ wife Deianeira over the river Evenus, he assaulted her, sparking a battle between the Centaur and the Demigod. Hercules slew Nessus with an arrow tipped with the poisonous blood of the Lernaean Hydra from his second labor. As he was dying, Nessus convinced Deianeira to take some of his blood, infected with the Hydra’s poison. With this blood, Deianeira later accidentally killed Hercules upon growing suspicious of his faithfulness to her by lacing his robe with it, not realizing its fatal potency.
Five of these seven aurei are extremely rare examples. Furthermore, some of them are the finest known specimen of these very difficult and desirable issues. This selection of aurei affords a rare opportunity to acquire outstanding specimens of these wonderful Hercules reverse types of Maximianus Hercules.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1043; Tkalec (25 October 1996), lot 261.
During his rule, emperor Maximianus adopted the sobriquet ‘Herculius’ or ‘Hercules’ and consequently associated himself with the Demigod, utilizing Herculean iconography throughout his reign while his senior partner Diocletian associated himself with Jupiter and did likewise on his coinage. On this impressive run of seven aurei of Maximianus, one finds three of the twelve labors of Hercules depicted on the reverse in vivid detail in addition to other Herculean iconography such as the lion skin headdress. Represented on these aurei are the 1st, 3rd, and 4th labors. Additionally, Hercules’ battle with the centaur Nessus is also recounted. This battle would ultimately result in Hercules’ death. As Nessus was ferrying Hercules’ wife Deianeira over the river Evenus, he assaulted her, sparking a battle between the Centaur and the Demigod. Hercules slew Nessus with an arrow tipped with the poisonous blood of the Lernaean Hydra from his second labor. As he was dying, Nessus convinced Deianeira to take some of his blood, infected with the Hydra’s poison. With this blood, Deianeira later accidentally killed Hercules upon growing suspicious of his faithfulness to her by lacing his robe with it, not realizing its fatal potency.
Five of these seven aurei are extremely rare examples. Furthermore, some of them are the finest known specimen of these very difficult and desirable issues. This selection of aurei affords a rare opportunity to acquire outstanding specimens of these wonderful Hercules reverse types of Maximianus Hercules.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 239
CRETE, Gortyna. Circa 330-270 BC. AR Stater (25.5mm, 11.42 g, 3h). Europa seated half-right in tree, lifting her veil in her right hand, left hand resisting an eagle as it ravages her / Bull standing right, head reverted. Svoronos, Numismatique 83 (same dies as illustration); Le Rider, Crétoises pl. V, 16 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 443 (same obv. die); BMC 29; Dewing 1022 (same obv. die). Toned, underlying luster, traces of find patina, overstruck on uncertain type as usual, cleaning marks. EF. Well centered and struck for type.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1399 (conserved since).
While the myth of Europa as one of Zeus’ numerous trysts is well-known and has been the subject of literature and art since at least the fifth century BC, certain portions of the entire episode received more attention than others. What occurred when Zeus brought Europa to Crete is one such part. According to the later authors Theophrastos (371-ca. 287 BC) and Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), Zeus consummated his abduction of Europa in a plane-tree (ἡ πλάτανος), an event commemorated on a series of silver and bronze issues from the Cretan city of Gortyna, traditional site of that event.
According to the traditional account, Europa was the daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre, the sister of Kadmos, the legendary founder of Corinth, and Kilix, for whom Cilicia was named, and was a descendant of Io, one of Zeus’ numerous other mortal female trysts. Europa, too, attracted the eye of Zeus, who, transforming himself into a white bull, seduced the young girl, carrying her across the Aegean Sea to the region of Gortyna on Crete, where she was made the first queen of Crete. Gortyna’s special involvement in this myth - it was claimed the plane-tree was still extant centuries after the event - made its depiction on the civic coinage an important reminder of the city’s role in Crete’s early history.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1399 (conserved since).
While the myth of Europa as one of Zeus’ numerous trysts is well-known and has been the subject of literature and art since at least the fifth century BC, certain portions of the entire episode received more attention than others. What occurred when Zeus brought Europa to Crete is one such part. According to the later authors Theophrastos (371-ca. 287 BC) and Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), Zeus consummated his abduction of Europa in a plane-tree (ἡ πλάτανος), an event commemorated on a series of silver and bronze issues from the Cretan city of Gortyna, traditional site of that event.
According to the traditional account, Europa was the daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre, the sister of Kadmos, the legendary founder of Corinth, and Kilix, for whom Cilicia was named, and was a descendant of Io, one of Zeus’ numerous other mortal female trysts. Europa, too, attracted the eye of Zeus, who, transforming himself into a white bull, seduced the young girl, carrying her across the Aegean Sea to the region of Gortyna on Crete, where she was made the first queen of Crete. Gortyna’s special involvement in this myth - it was claimed the plane-tree was still extant centuries after the event - made its depiction on the civic coinage an important reminder of the city’s role in Crete’s early history.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 758
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.44 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 294. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIR TVS AVG G, Hercules, nude but for lion skin draped across left shoulder, standing right, grabbing the centaur Nessus by the hair with his left hand and brandishing club in right hand; Nessus struggling against Hercules to right; PROM. RIC VI –; Depeyrot 9/15; Calicó 4740 (this coin cited and illustrated); Adda 549 (this coin); Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, a few faint marks. Near EF. Extremely rare. Only one cited by Depeyrot. This coin the second known. A wonderful reverse composition recounting Hercules’ battle with Nessus.
Ex Rauch 90 (4 June 2012), lot 883 (hammer €32,000); Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 752; Victor A. Adda (†1965) Collection (as Property of a Lady, Christie's, 9 October 1984), lot 147, purchased from E. Bourgey; possibly 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (not recorded in Bastien and Metzger; however, purchased from Bourgey [who owned a portion of the hoard] along with other aurei and multiples confirmed to be from Beaurains).
Ex Rauch 90 (4 June 2012), lot 883 (hammer €32,000); Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 752; Victor A. Adda (†1965) Collection (as Property of a Lady, Christie's, 9 October 1984), lot 147, purchased from E. Bourgey; possibly 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (not recorded in Bastien and Metzger; however, purchased from Bourgey [who owned a portion of the hoard] along with other aurei and multiples confirmed to be from Beaurains).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1039
ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Hiberno-Norse Northumbria). Anlaf Sithtricsson (Cuaran). First reign, 941-944/5. AR Penny (19mm, 1.10 g, 5h). Triquetra type. York mint; Farmann, moneyer. + ·A·NL·AF CVNVNCS· (retrograde S), triquetra; crescent below / + FARHAИ HOИET , fringed triangular standard bearing ‘X’ on cross-tipped pole. CTCE Group V; cf. SCBI 34 (BM), 1248-52 (for type); North 540; SCBC 1020. Toned, double struck. Good VF. Very rare. An unrecorded variety with the crescent on obverse.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone.
Anlaf Cunran, better known by his Norse name Olaf Kvaran, was driven out of York by the adventurer Erik the Bloodax, the son of King Harald Finehair of Norway. Olaf Kvaran thereafter ruled as King of Norse Dublin where (945-980). In the confusing fighting over York between these pagan Hiberno-Norse and the Christian Kings of Wessex, the Danish settlers eventually came to realize that they had far more in common with their fellow Christian English neighbors than they did with the Norwegian interlopers. So, in 955, the Danes of York accepted as their king, Eadwig of Wessex.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone.
Anlaf Cunran, better known by his Norse name Olaf Kvaran, was driven out of York by the adventurer Erik the Bloodax, the son of King Harald Finehair of Norway. Olaf Kvaran thereafter ruled as King of Norse Dublin where (945-980). In the confusing fighting over York between these pagan Hiberno-Norse and the Christian Kings of Wessex, the Danish settlers eventually came to realize that they had far more in common with their fellow Christian English neighbors than they did with the Norwegian interlopers. So, in 955, the Danes of York accepted as their king, Eadwig of Wessex.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 785
Constantius I. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.13 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 2nd emission, early AD 294. CONSTA NTIVS N C, laureate head right / VIRTVS 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; TR. RIC VI 85; Zanchi & Estiot 33a (CCL 8/R 14 – this coin); Depeyrot 3A/3; Calicó 4878 (illustrated from a line drawing). Lustrous, light edge bump. Superb EF. Extremely rare. The finest of the five known.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1045A.
Flavius Valerius Constantius was a native of Naissus in modern Serbia. He found escape from his low social standing in the Roman army and rose steadily through the ranks. Along the way, he took a local barmaid named Helena as his common-law wife and she bore him a son, Constantine, probably in AD 273 or 274. By AD 284, Constantius had been made military governor of Dalmatia. He supported Diocletian’s bid for power and was rewarded with a series of important posts in the new regime. In March of AD 293, Diocletian and Maximian appointed him Caesar of the West and charged him with restoring Britain and northern Gaul, then under the separatist rule of the usurper Carausius, to Roman control. Constantius spent three years in careful preparations and launched his invasion in mid-AD 296, achieving complete surprise and total victory. He won the reputation of a just and compassionate ruler during his years as Caesar. With Diocletian’s retirement in AD 305, Constantius became Augustus of the West and technically the senior ruler, but Galerius was clearly dominant. Constantius even had to request that Galerius release his son Constantine from serving in the eastern court so that the young officer could assist in an upcomming British campaign. The two were reunited in early 306 and campaigned jointly against the Picts, winning Constantius the title “Britannicus Maximus.” But Constantius fell seriously ill that summer and died on July 25. The army immediately acclaimed Constantine as Emperor, launching the career of one of Rome’s greatest rulers.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1045A.
Flavius Valerius Constantius was a native of Naissus in modern Serbia. He found escape from his low social standing in the Roman army and rose steadily through the ranks. Along the way, he took a local barmaid named Helena as his common-law wife and she bore him a son, Constantine, probably in AD 273 or 274. By AD 284, Constantius had been made military governor of Dalmatia. He supported Diocletian’s bid for power and was rewarded with a series of important posts in the new regime. In March of AD 293, Diocletian and Maximian appointed him Caesar of the West and charged him with restoring Britain and northern Gaul, then under the separatist rule of the usurper Carausius, to Roman control. Constantius spent three years in careful preparations and launched his invasion in mid-AD 296, achieving complete surprise and total victory. He won the reputation of a just and compassionate ruler during his years as Caesar. With Diocletian’s retirement in AD 305, Constantius became Augustus of the West and technically the senior ruler, but Galerius was clearly dominant. Constantius even had to request that Galerius release his son Constantine from serving in the eastern court so that the young officer could assist in an upcomming British campaign. The two were reunited in early 306 and campaigned jointly against the Picts, winning Constantius the title “Britannicus Maximus.” But Constantius fell seriously ill that summer and died on July 25. The army immediately acclaimed Constantine as Emperor, launching the career of one of Rome’s greatest rulers.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 790
Julian II. AD 360-363. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.19 g, 6h). Sirmium mint. Struck AD 361-363. pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCI TVS ROMANORVM, soldier, helmeted and wearing military attire, advancing right, head left, holding trophy over left shoulder in left hand and dragging kneeling captive to left by the hair with right hand; *SIRM(wreath). RIC VIII 96; Depeyrot 21/1; Biaggi 2219; Mazzini 78. Toned, minor spot of die rust on obverse, edge filing. EF. Struck from detailed dies.
Ex Collection of a Perfectionist (Leu 93, 10 May 2005), lot 144; Tkalec (23 October 1992), lot 497.
Julian II, also known as the Apostate, Philosopher, or Hellene, ranks as one of the more controversial Roman emperors, as his attempt to stand against the rising tide of Christianity makes him a villain to some and a hero to others. On the numismatic front, his adoption of a long “philosopher’s beard” on his coin portraits was an innovation that had not been seen for more than a century. It struck his subjects as a quaint affectation and was ridiculed by some, to which Julian responded with a satyrical pamphlet called Misopogon, or “Beard Hater,” while in residence at Antioch.
Ex Collection of a Perfectionist (Leu 93, 10 May 2005), lot 144; Tkalec (23 October 1992), lot 497.
Julian II, also known as the Apostate, Philosopher, or Hellene, ranks as one of the more controversial Roman emperors, as his attempt to stand against the rising tide of Christianity makes him a villain to some and a hero to others. On the numismatic front, his adoption of a long “philosopher’s beard” on his coin portraits was an innovation that had not been seen for more than a century. It struck his subjects as a quaint affectation and was ridiculed by some, to which Julian responded with a satyrical pamphlet called Misopogon, or “Beard Hater,” while in residence at Antioch.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1047
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great. 871-899. AR Penny (19mm, 1.60 g, 12h). London monogram type. London mint; Tilwine, moneyer. Struck circa 880. ÆLFR ED REX, diademed and draped bust right / TILEVI(NE) MO(NE)TΛ above and below Londonia monogram flanked by small crosses pattée. Mackay, London B3, 10.3 (dies O3/R9; this coin); SCBI 20 (Mack), 737 (same dies); BMC 116; North 646; SCBC 1062. Toned. Good VF. Very rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XVIII.4 (Fourth Quarter 1993). no. 346; T.E. Nield Collection (Glendining, 8 September 1993), lot 421; Spink Numismatic Circular XCIV.5 (June 1986), no. 3970; H.A. Parsons (Glendining, 11 May 1954), lot 134.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XVIII.4 (Fourth Quarter 1993). no. 346; T.E. Nield Collection (Glendining, 8 September 1993), lot 421; Spink Numismatic Circular XCIV.5 (June 1986), no. 3970; H.A. Parsons (Glendining, 11 May 1954), lot 134.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1052
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Edward the Elder. 899-924. AR Penny (22mm, 1.55 g, 2h). Church tower type (BMC ix). Mercian Northwest dies; Eadmund, moneyer. Middle period I, circa 910-915. + EADVVEARD EX, small cross pattée / ዞ² ዝ⎍/ónዝ, Façade of a Saxon church tower (or reliquary?); EA DV/M ND in two lines across field. CTCE 320k (this coin); SCBI 4 (Copenhagen), 687; BMC 109; North 666; SCBC 1083. Toned, a few faint deposits. Near EF. Extremely rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XX.2 (Summer 1995), no. 832; Spink Numismatic Circular XC.9 (November 1982), no. 8139.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XX.2 (Summer 1995), no. 832; Spink Numismatic Circular XC.9 (November 1982), no. 8139.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 310
KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.00 g). Light standard. Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Berk 3; Kurth G51; Le Rider, Naissance, pl. V, 8; Traité I 401–3; SNG von Aulock 2875; BMC 31; Boston MFA 2073; Gulbenkian 757. Minor deposits, some die wear and a few marks on obverse. VF.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Superior, 27 May 1986.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Superior, 27 May 1986.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 64
SICILY, Kephaloidion. Circa 307-305 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 3.97 g, 11h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin; EK ΚΕΦΑΛΟΙΔΙ-[ON] to right and below / Bull butting right on tablet; AK monogram and [ΗΡ]ΑΚΛΕΙΩΤΑΝ above. Campana, Kephaloidion 1 (this coin referenced and illustrated); Jenkins, Coinages, p. 97, 1 = Basel 345 = CNS I p. 245 = Burnett, Enna 97 = S. Consolo Langher, “Gli HPAΚΛΕΙΩΤΑΝ EK ΚΕΦΑΛΟΙΔΙON” in Kokalos 7 (1961), 166 = E. Gabrici, “Alla ricerca della Solunto di Tucidide” in Kokalos 5 (1959), 21 (this coin); Triton XVI, lot 214 = Gemini IV, lot 33 = Leu 38, lot 23 = HGC 2, 641 ill. (same dies). Toned, some porosity, light deposits, scratches under tone, die break on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of only two known.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 42; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 345.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 42; A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 345.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1101
STUART (ORANGE). William III & Mary. 1688-1694. AV 5 Guineas. Dated 1693 Elephant & Castle. Second busts. Bull, Gold 351; SCBC 3423. In NGC encapsulation 6917299-003, graded AU Details, obv spot removed.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Bowers & Merena (17 September 1984), lot 5025.
In 1660, the Royal African Company was given a monopoly of English trade in West Africa with the particular aim of exploiting the gold fields of the upper Gambia River. Coins were struck at the Royal Mint with gold from these endeavors, bearing the Company’s badge of an elephant and castle (sometimes an elephant only) under the effigy of the monarch. Initially these issues were so plentiful that the new milled gold issues were given the popular name Guinea. After 1689, the Company lost it’s monopoly and in the 18th Century elephant and castle coins were issued more infrequently. The Royal Africa Company was dissolved in 1752.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Bowers & Merena (17 September 1984), lot 5025.
In 1660, the Royal African Company was given a monopoly of English trade in West Africa with the particular aim of exploiting the gold fields of the upper Gambia River. Coins were struck at the Royal Mint with gold from these endeavors, bearing the Company’s badge of an elephant and castle (sometimes an elephant only) under the effigy of the monarch. Initially these issues were so plentiful that the new milled gold issues were given the popular name Guinea. After 1689, the Company lost it’s monopoly and in the 18th Century elephant and castle coins were issued more infrequently. The Royal Africa Company was dissolved in 1752.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 846
CANADA. Edward VII. 1901-1910. Specimen AV Sovereign (22mm, 7.99 g, 12h). Ottawa mint. Dated 1908 C. Bare head right / St. George on horseback rearing right, holding reins and sword and slaying dragon to lower right. Charlton p. 244; Bull, Gold 1903; Marsh 183; SCBC 3970. In NGC encapsulation 6928237-001, graded SP 65. Very rare – only 636 struck. A key date of the Canadian sovereign series.
Ex Charles L. Ruby Collection (Part II, Superior, 17 June 1974), lot 1167.
This wonderful specimen sovereign (called a ‘satin proof’ in Bull) is one of a very limited number struck by the Ottawa mint in its first year of operation. As Ottawa was legally considered a branch of the Royal mint in London, it was required to strike sovereigns on demand. Canada had it’s own decimal currency, including gold five and ten dollar coins struck from 1912 to 1914, and the sovereign never regularly circulated in the country. The sovereigns that were struck from 1909 to 1919 were mostly ordered by companies for export purposes.
Ex Charles L. Ruby Collection (Part II, Superior, 17 June 1974), lot 1167.
This wonderful specimen sovereign (called a ‘satin proof’ in Bull) is one of a very limited number struck by the Ottawa mint in its first year of operation. As Ottawa was legally considered a branch of the Royal mint in London, it was required to strike sovereigns on demand. Canada had it’s own decimal currency, including gold five and ten dollar coins struck from 1912 to 1914, and the sovereign never regularly circulated in the country. The sovereigns that were struck from 1909 to 1919 were mostly ordered by companies for export purposes.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 77
SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.48 g, 7h). Struck circa 478-475 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving quadriga right; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; ΣVRA-KOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series VIIIb, 172 (V75/R120); HGC 2, 1306; Randazzo 339–41 (same dies). Beautiful old cabinet tone, with light iridescence, minor flan flaw on reverse. EF.
Ex Rockefeller University / Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 153; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 669; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 327.
Ex Rockefeller University / Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 153; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 669; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 327.