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 . 78
SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.43 g, 3h). Struck circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving slow 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; four dolphins and ΣΥΡ-ΑΚΟ-ΣΙΟΝ (partially retrograde) around. Boehringer Series XIId, 348 (V171/R244); HGC 2, 1306; SNG ANS 112. Pleasing old collection tone. In NGC encapsulation 6631349-001, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, die shift.
Ex Armand Trampitsch Collection (Vinchon, 13 November 1986), lot 90.
Ex Armand Trampitsch Collection (Vinchon, 13 November 1986), lot 90.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.30 g, 4h). ‘Damareteion’ series. Struck circa 470-466 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving slow 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, single-pendant earring, and linear necklace; four dolphins and ΣΛ-RΑ-ΚΟΣΙ-ΟΝ around. Boehringer Series XIIe, 387 var. (V–/R275 [unlisted obv. die]); HGC 2, 1308 corr. (Boehringer 387, 388, and 391E of standard style); Du Chastel 64 (same rev. die); Gulbenkian 256 = Jameson 755 (same rev. die); Rizzo pl. XXXV, 9 (same rev. die); Auctiones AG 24, lot 76 (same dies); NAC 126, lot 38 (same rev. die [hammer CHF 85,000]) = Gemini VII, lot 157 (same rev. die [hammer $60,000]). Toned, a few light marks, minor doubling on obverse. VF. An important issue in the evolution of Syracuse tetradrachms. Extremely rare, one of only seven coins known from this reverse die, four of which are in public collections.
From the Jonathan K. Kern Collection, with proceeds being donated to charity.
This fascinating issue represents a landmark in the series of Syracuse tetradrachms. With the advent of the Damaretion coinage, the master engraver introduced a new style that progressed the art of the coins forward, from the static archaized style that had dominated the coinage into a more realistic classical form that was beginning to appear in coinage throughout Sicily and beyond. Although the present issue lacks the salient features of the core Damaretion coinage, the lion in the exergue on the obverse and a laureate head of Arethousa enclosed in a linear circle on the reverse, the die links that Boehringer identified in his corpus clearly links it to the end of the famed series. The obverse and reverse here reflect a return to the standard types that had been used since the early 5th century, but the style is clearly that which had been introduced by the Damaretion master, which is most notable in the presentation of Arethousa. Her static features have been replaced with a serene countenance, with a profile eye prominently displaying her pupil, and her hair flows in a natural, fluid form. This new presentation of Arethousa persisted in the coinage beyond the Damaretion series, and soon other engravers began to experiment with their own interpretations of her form, culminating in the famed period of the "signing artists," whose work exemplified the pinnacle of classical art. In sum, this issue is the first presentation of the standard Syracuse tetradrachm type in classical style.
From the Jonathan K. Kern Collection, with proceeds being donated to charity.
This fascinating issue represents a landmark in the series of Syracuse tetradrachms. With the advent of the Damaretion coinage, the master engraver introduced a new style that progressed the art of the coins forward, from the static archaized style that had dominated the coinage into a more realistic classical form that was beginning to appear in coinage throughout Sicily and beyond. Although the present issue lacks the salient features of the core Damaretion coinage, the lion in the exergue on the obverse and a laureate head of Arethousa enclosed in a linear circle on the reverse, the die links that Boehringer identified in his corpus clearly links it to the end of the famed series. The obverse and reverse here reflect a return to the standard types that had been used since the early 5th century, but the style is clearly that which had been introduced by the Damaretion master, which is most notable in the presentation of Arethousa. Her static features have been replaced with a serene countenance, with a profile eye prominently displaying her pupil, and her hair flows in a natural, fluid form. This new presentation of Arethousa persisted in the coinage beyond the Damaretion series, and soon other engravers began to experiment with their own interpretations of her form, culminating in the famed period of the "signing artists," whose work exemplified the pinnacle of classical art. In sum, this issue is the first presentation of the standard Syracuse tetradrachm type in classical style.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 81
SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.32 g, 12h). Struck circa 466-460 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, driving slow quadriga right, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, single-pendant earring, and necklace; ΣV-[R]-AK-O-ΣIO-И and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIIIa, 408 (V211/R288); HGC 2, 1309; SNG ANS 128 (same dies); Bement 1050 (same dies); Hunterian 20 (same dies). Iridescent tone, die break on reverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan.
Ex Roma XVI (26 September 2018), lot 148; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 94; Ambrose Collection (Roma X, 27 September 2015), lot 199; Roma IV (30 September 2012), lot 80; Triton XV (3 January 2012), lot 1069.
Ex Roma XVI (26 September 2018), lot 148; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 94; Ambrose Collection (Roma X, 27 September 2015), lot 199; Roma IV (30 September 2012), lot 80; Triton XV (3 January 2012), lot 1069.
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HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. Proof AV Sovereign. Dated 1871. Young head. Edge: plain. Struck en medaille. W&R 319; Bull, Gold 1223; Marsh 84C; SCBC 3856. In NGC encapsulation 6891729-005, graded PF 64 Ultra Cameo. A beautiful and rare proof in superb condition.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.27 g, 9h). Unsigned dies in the style of Sosion. Struck circa 415-409 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding reins in both hands, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands / Head of Arethousa left, wearing ampyx, earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins and ΣYPAKO-ΣIO-И around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 1 (V1/R1); Tudeer 1; HGC 2, 1326; SNG ANS 253 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1362 (same dies); Boston MFA 398 = Warren 383 (same dies); Gillet 602 (same dies); Jameson 789A (same dies); de Luynes 1197–8 (same dies); McClean 2703 (same dies); Morgan 147 (same dies); Pozzi 600–1 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight doubling on obverse. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, May 2010.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, May 2010.
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HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. Proof AR Crown. Dated 1847 and RY UNDECIMO. Gothic type. Plain edge, n over inverted n in UNITA. Struck in pure silver. Bull 2577; ESC 291B; SCBC 3883. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6898643-004, graded PF 62.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AV 100 Litrai – Double Dekadrachm (14mm, 5.80 g, 4h). Struck circa 400-370 BC. Head of Arethousa left, hair in sakkos adorned with a star, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace; ΣYPAKOΣION to left, pellet before neck, AK (the K is oriented perpendicularly) behind / Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; rocks below. Bérend Group IV, 35 (D15/R18); HGC 2, 1275; SNG ANS 331 (same obv. die); SNG München 1089 (same obv. die); Gillet 698 (same obv. die); McClean 2730 (same obv. die); Pozzi 606 (same obv. die); Weber 1609 (same obv. die). Faintly toned, some die rust. Good VF.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Berk BBS 207 (13 June 2019), lot 13; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 389 (May 1977), no. 3.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Berk BBS 207 (13 June 2019), lot 13; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 389 (May 1977), no. 3.
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The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 41 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.77 g, 3h). Rome mint. L. Flaminius Chilo, moneyer. Laureate head right / Pax standing left, holding a caduceus in right hand and with left, leaning on scepter; L • FLAMINIVS downwards to right, III • VIR upwards to left. Crawford 485/1; CRI 113; Sydenham 1089; RSC 26; BMCRR Rome 4201-2; Kestner 3699; RBW –. Toned, minor area of weakness, scratches on obverse. Near EF. Outstanding portrait of fine style, struck in high relief.
While this coin derives its general type from those issues struck at Rome in the month prior to Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, its anepigraphic obverse now shows a head of Caesar that is no longer veiled, while on the reverse, Venus Genetrix holds a caduceus in place of the traditional Victory. The idealized portrait of Julius Caesar, with its definite impression of divinity, is not an individual die-engraver’s attempt at artistic fancy, but must have been influenced by Octavian’s consciously conceived program of manipulating public images (including that of Caesar) at Rome.
On 1 January 42 BC, the Senate recognized Caesar’s new divine status as the Divus Julius and constructed a temple on the site of his cremation in the Forum. The Venus Genetrix on the reverse shows a similar manipulation. Deriving from the Greek Aphrodite Ourania, or heavenly Aphrodite, Venus Genetrix became not only the divine patroness of Rome through her son Aeneas, but also the ancestor of the gens Julia, through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (Iulus). On the night before Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar vowed to construct a temple in her honor in Rome if he was successful against Pompey. Once completed, this temple, which housed a statue of the goddess, then became the centerpiece of his new forum in Rome. There are marked differences, however, between the statue (evidenced by several extant copies) and her depiction on the denarii struck in the month before his assassination. While the statue emphasized her procreative powers, the coins show her in a more martial and political context: holding a Victory in her right hand and a scepter in her left, either surrounded by weaponry (sometime set on a globe), or with the scepter set on a star (a sign of divinity). While these attributes may shift from one to another, they emphasize not only the divine assistance in Caesar’s military and political victories, but also allude tentatively to his semi-divinity. The Venus of this coin, however, minimizes her connection to earlier associations; instead, she now presents an image of Felicitas (Good Fortune), by replacing the Victory with a caduceus. It is not the Venus Genetrix of Julius Caesar, then, but now Venus Felix of all Rome who is at work. Thus, through the assistance of the two transformed divine agencies – the impending one of the Divus Julius, and that of Venus – Octavian was able to take his first few steps toward political ascendancy.
While this coin derives its general type from those issues struck at Rome in the month prior to Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, its anepigraphic obverse now shows a head of Caesar that is no longer veiled, while on the reverse, Venus Genetrix holds a caduceus in place of the traditional Victory. The idealized portrait of Julius Caesar, with its definite impression of divinity, is not an individual die-engraver’s attempt at artistic fancy, but must have been influenced by Octavian’s consciously conceived program of manipulating public images (including that of Caesar) at Rome.
On 1 January 42 BC, the Senate recognized Caesar’s new divine status as the Divus Julius and constructed a temple on the site of his cremation in the Forum. The Venus Genetrix on the reverse shows a similar manipulation. Deriving from the Greek Aphrodite Ourania, or heavenly Aphrodite, Venus Genetrix became not only the divine patroness of Rome through her son Aeneas, but also the ancestor of the gens Julia, through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (Iulus). On the night before Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar vowed to construct a temple in her honor in Rome if he was successful against Pompey. Once completed, this temple, which housed a statue of the goddess, then became the centerpiece of his new forum in Rome. There are marked differences, however, between the statue (evidenced by several extant copies) and her depiction on the denarii struck in the month before his assassination. While the statue emphasized her procreative powers, the coins show her in a more martial and political context: holding a Victory in her right hand and a scepter in her left, either surrounded by weaponry (sometime set on a globe), or with the scepter set on a star (a sign of divinity). While these attributes may shift from one to another, they emphasize not only the divine assistance in Caesar’s military and political victories, but also allude tentatively to his semi-divinity. The Venus of this coin, however, minimizes her connection to earlier associations; instead, she now presents an image of Felicitas (Good Fortune), by replacing the Victory with a caduceus. It is not the Venus Genetrix of Julius Caesar, then, but now Venus Felix of all Rome who is at work. Thus, through the assistance of the two transformed divine agencies – the impending one of the Divus Julius, and that of Venus – Octavian was able to take his first few steps toward political ascendancy.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 109
SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AV Drachm – Hemistater (16.5mm, 4.27 g, 1h). Struck 269-263 or 217-215 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears and necklace; cornucopia to right / Nike, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga left; A below, IEPΩNOΣ in exergue. Carroccio 22 (D22/R28); BAR Issue 55; HGC 2, 1539; SNG Fitzwilliam 1388 (same dies); BMC 517 (same obv. die). Lustrous, tiny deposit on obverse, minor doubling on reverse. Superb EF. Struck from fresh dies. Among the finest known.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, December 2003.
Hieron II started life as the illegitimate son of a noble father, allegedly a distant descendant of the Syracusan tyrant Gelon I. Later legends claim Hieron was exposed as an infant, but swarms of bees fed him honey until his father, warned by an astrologer, came and rescued the boy. As a young man, he served as a mercenary soldier in the army of Pyrrhos of Epeiros. When his commander elected to abort his Sicilian expedition in 275 BC, Hieron stayed behind and convinced a cabal of fellow soldiers to choose him as leader and seize power in Syracuse. He went on to rule the city and much of Sicily, first as a military tyrant, later as an enlightened and successful king, for nearly 50 years. He is most famous as the king who patronized the brilliant polymath Archimedes in his “eureka!” discovery, the principle of displacement. Hieron’s coinage is widely varied, interesting, and in many ways inspired by that of his Hellenistic ally, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, December 2003.
Hieron II started life as the illegitimate son of a noble father, allegedly a distant descendant of the Syracusan tyrant Gelon I. Later legends claim Hieron was exposed as an infant, but swarms of bees fed him honey until his father, warned by an astrologer, came and rescued the boy. As a young man, he served as a mercenary soldier in the army of Pyrrhos of Epeiros. When his commander elected to abort his Sicilian expedition in 275 BC, Hieron stayed behind and convinced a cabal of fellow soldiers to choose him as leader and seize power in Syracuse. He went on to rule the city and much of Sicily, first as a military tyrant, later as an enlightened and successful king, for nearly 50 years. He is most famous as the king who patronized the brilliant polymath Archimedes in his “eureka!” discovery, the principle of displacement. Hieron’s coinage is widely varied, interesting, and in many ways inspired by that of his Hellenistic ally, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
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HANOVER. William IV, with Adelaide. 1830-1837. Proof AV Medal (33mm, 27.52 g, 12h). Coronation. By W. Wyon, after F. Chantrey. Dated 8 September 1831. WILLIAM THE FOURTH CROWNED SEP: 8 1831, head of William right / ADELAIDE. QUEEN CONSORT. CROWNED SEP: 8 1831, diademed head of Adelaide right. BHM 1475; Eimer 1251. In NGC encapsulation 6906580-002, graded PF 62 Ultra Cameo.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Stack’s (4 March 1988), lot 2055.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex Stack’s (4 March 1988), lot 2055.
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HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. AV Medal (36mm, 30.46 g, 12h). Coronation. By B. Pistrucci. Dated 28 June 1838. VICTORIA D. G. BRITANNIARUM REGINA F. D., draped bust left, wearing bandeau / ERIMUS TIBI NOBILE REGUM, Victoria seated left on throne, holding scepter and orb, and receiving crown from Britannia, Hibernia, and Scotia standing to left; to far right, lion standing facing, with forepaw resting upon thunderbolt; in three lines in exergue, INAUGURATA/ DIE JUNII XXVIII/ MDCCCXXXVIII. BHM 1801; Eimer 1315. In NGC encapsulation 6906580-007, graded MS 61.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex NASCA (16 July 1979), lot 1915.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex NASCA (16 July 1979), lot 1915.
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EGYPT, Ottomans. Isma'il. As khedive, AH 1284-1296 / AD 1867-1879. AV 500 Qirsh – Beşyüz kuruşluk (37mm, 42.59 g, 12h). Misr (Cairo) mint. Dually dated AH 1277 and RY 15 of Abd al-'Aziz (AD 1876). Toughra of Abd al-'Aziz; floral spray to right; 500 sh in Arabic (value) below / zarb/fi/misr in Arabic in three lines; AH date below; RY above be of zarb. Damalı 32-MS-A1-15; Sultan –; Pere –; KM 265 corr. (date); Friedberg 16. In NGC encapsulation 6929996-004, graded MS 62. Extremely rare. A mintage of only 56 specimens recorded.
From the Collection of an Alexandrine Numismatist, formed before 1955.
From the Collection of an Alexandrine Numismatist, formed before 1955.
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The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Summer 31 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.88 g, 12h). Uncertain mint (Actium?). Bare head right; M • ANTONIVS • AVG • IMP • IIII • COS • TERT III • VIR • R • P • C around / Victory standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling palm frond in left arm; all within wreath. Crawford 545/2; CRI 388; Sydenham 1211a; RSC 81; BMCRR East 228; Kestner –; RBW 1851. Toned, with some luster, faint hairlines. Superb EF. An outstanding strike.
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The Triumvirs. Octavian, Divus Julius Caesar, and Agrippa. 38 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.80 g, 3h). Military mint traveling with Agrippa in Gaul or Octavian in Italy. Laureate head of the deified Julius Caesar right, vis-à-vis bare head of Octavian left; DIVOS IVLIVS upward to left, DIVI F downward to right / M · AGRIPPA COS/DESIG in two lines. Crawford 534/2; CRI 306; Sydenham 1330; RSC 129; BMCRR 100–1; Kestner –; RBW –. Deep cabinet tone, minor marks. Good VF.
Ex Alba Longa Collection (Áureo & Calicó 339, 14 November 2019), lot 1061 (hammer €15,000).
Marcus Agrippa was Octavian’s boyhood friend, lieutenant, and and eventual chosen heir, adopted by the then-known Augustus in 17 BC to ensure a smooth succession. Agrippa's prominence in political affairs was emphasized in 13 BC, when two of the three moneyers included Agrippa on their coin types. Succession was not to be, however, as Agrippa died the following year.
This coin names Agrippa as “consul designate”, in anticipation of his consulship the following year. It was probably minted in Gaul under Agrippa, who was named governor of Transalpine Gaul in 39 or 38 BC. It was in the latter year, the year this coin was struck, that Agrippa put down an uprising of the Aquitanians.
Ex Alba Longa Collection (Áureo & Calicó 339, 14 November 2019), lot 1061 (hammer €15,000).
Marcus Agrippa was Octavian’s boyhood friend, lieutenant, and and eventual chosen heir, adopted by the then-known Augustus in 17 BC to ensure a smooth succession. Agrippa's prominence in political affairs was emphasized in 13 BC, when two of the three moneyers included Agrippa on their coin types. Succession was not to be, however, as Agrippa died the following year.
This coin names Agrippa as “consul designate”, in anticipation of his consulship the following year. It was probably minted in Gaul under Agrippa, who was named governor of Transalpine Gaul in 39 or 38 BC. It was in the latter year, the year this coin was struck, that Agrippa put down an uprising of the Aquitanians.
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CARTHAGE. Circa 270-264 BC. AV 1½ Shekels – Tridrachm (22mm, 12.51 g, 12h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with [ten] pendants / Horse standing right, head left. Jenkins & Lewis Group IX, 391–2 (same obv. die); CNP 76; MAA 26; SNG Copenhagen 181; Basel 569; Gulbenkian 384; Kraay & Hirmer 210. A little die wear and small scrape on obverse, minor nick at edge on reverse, edge bump. Near EF.
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GREECE, First Hellenic Republic. Ioannis Antonios Kapodistrias. Governor, 1828-1831. Pattern CU 10 Lepta (34mm, 15.81 g, 6h). Aegina mint. Dated 1828. ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ★ ★ ΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑ αωχα, phoenix rising from flames, head upturned to left, with wings spread; rays to upper left, long cross above / ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΤΗΣ Ι · Α · ΚΑΠΟΙΣΤΡΙΑΣ · 1828 ·, 10/ ΛEΠTA within wreath of palm frond and oak branch. Chase 161b-A.a; Divo –; Karamitsos –; KM Pn4. In NGC encapsulation 6917299-002, graded MS 64 BN. Extremely rare variety with five-pointed stars in legend. Top Pop.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
This coin, bearing five-pointed stars on the obverse rather than the usual six, is considered to be an extremely rare pattern, struck for presentation to Kapodistrias and the National Assembly for their approval. It is so rare as to be termed “uncollectable” by Chase.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
This coin, bearing five-pointed stars on the obverse rather than the usual six, is considered to be an extremely rare pattern, struck for presentation to Kapodistrias and the National Assembly for their approval. It is so rare as to be termed “uncollectable” by Chase.
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Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.33 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-66. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IANVM CLVSIT PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA, closed doors of the Temple of Janus. RIC I 50 and 58; Calicó 409; BMCRE 64-6; BN 211-2; Biaggi 224; Elkins, Monuments Figure 76; Adda 30; Biaggi 224; Mazzini 114. Lustrous and attractive. Near EF. An interesting architectural reverse type with the closed doors of the Temple of Janus, sending the signal to the Roman people that there was no war.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA37C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 983; New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 401.
The Temple of Janus was one of Rome’s most ancient centers of worship. It was said that Romulus had built it after he made peace with the Sabines, and that it was king Numa who decreed that its doors should be opened during times of war and shut during times of peace. In all of Roman history until the reign of Nero, the temple doors had been shut perhaps five or six times – once under king Numa (who originated the tradition), once at the end of the Second Punic War, three times under Augustus, and, according to Ovid, once under Tiberius.
In AD 65, when peace had been generally established in the Empire, Nero understandably requested the closing of the temple’s doors. He marked the event with great celebrations and trumpeted his policy of peace by issuing a large and impressive series of coins. The inscription on this issue announces “the doors of Janus have been closed after peace has been procured for the Roman People on the land and on the sea." The doors of the temple probably remained closed for less than a year, being opened again with the onset of strife in Judaea in 66.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA37C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 983; New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 401.
The Temple of Janus was one of Rome’s most ancient centers of worship. It was said that Romulus had built it after he made peace with the Sabines, and that it was king Numa who decreed that its doors should be opened during times of war and shut during times of peace. In all of Roman history until the reign of Nero, the temple doors had been shut perhaps five or six times – once under king Numa (who originated the tradition), once at the end of the Second Punic War, three times under Augustus, and, according to Ovid, once under Tiberius.
In AD 65, when peace had been generally established in the Empire, Nero understandably requested the closing of the temple’s doors. He marked the event with great celebrations and trumpeted his policy of peace by issuing a large and impressive series of coins. The inscription on this issue announces “the doors of Janus have been closed after peace has been procured for the Roman People on the land and on the sea." The doors of the temple probably remained closed for less than a year, being opened again with the onset of strife in Judaea in 66.
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KINGS of PERSIS. Vahbarz (Oborzos). 3rd century BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 4.29 g, 3h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Diademed head right, wearing kyrbasia / Figure in Achaemenid royal attire, with bow and quiver over shoulder, standing right, holding in his left hand the hair of a Greek hoplite kneeling right, wearing military attire and with shield on left arm, who he is preparing to slay with a dagger held in his right hand; whwbrz to left; krny in Aramaic to right; wntwy in Aramaic in exergue. van't Haaff, Persis, Type 532Aa = K&M 2/16a = Alram, Neue = Peus 316, lot 259 (same dies); van't Haaff, Persis, Type 532Ab = K&M 2/16b = New York Sale XXXVIII, lot 241 = Sunrise 567 = Zeno #163856 = Müseler, Dating, Fig. 13 (same dies); Alram –. Lightly toned, with iridescence, hint of deposits, uncertain Aramaic graffiti on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare, the third example known.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 925
INDIA, Colonial. British India. Victoria. Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 1837-1901. AV Mohur (25mm, 12h). East India Company Type II, Variety 1 issue. Calcutta mint. Dated 1841 (but struck 1850/1). VICTORIA QUEEN, young head left; date below, no serif on crossbar of 4; incuse W. W. on truncation of neck / EAST INDIA COMPANY, lion advancing left; palm tree behind; in exergue, ONE MOHUR above, yek ashrafi (= one ashrafi) in Persian. UCI 3.7; Pridmore 22; Friedberg 1595a. In NGC encapsulation 4863667-080, graded MS 62.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 677
AI Rec
Vitellius. AD 69. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.33 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head right / PONT MAXIM, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated right on throne, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 106; Calicó 571; BMCRE 33; BN 70; Adda 46; Biaggi 282; Mazzini 71. Some shallow scratches, a couple of minor edge marks. Good VF.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA40C; Künker 168 (12 March 2010), lot 7701; Künker 89 (8 March 2004), lot 2123.
The last of Nero’s immediate three successors, Vitellius was declared emperor by his troops while campaigning in lower Germania in January, AD 69. His reign was short lived however, as Vespasian was hailed emperor in Judaea only a few months later. Vitellius’ troops gave little resistance as Vespasian entered Italy. As Vespasian’s army approached Rome, Vitellius attempted to abdicate but was prevented by the Praetorians and his backers, who rioted and burned down the Temple of Jupiter. Vitellius was ultimately dragged out of his hiding place and brutally murdered, his body thrown down the Gemonian Stairs.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA40C; Künker 168 (12 March 2010), lot 7701; Künker 89 (8 March 2004), lot 2123.
The last of Nero’s immediate three successors, Vitellius was declared emperor by his troops while campaigning in lower Germania in January, AD 69. His reign was short lived however, as Vespasian was hailed emperor in Judaea only a few months later. Vitellius’ troops gave little resistance as Vespasian entered Italy. As Vespasian’s army approached Rome, Vitellius attempted to abdicate but was prevented by the Praetorians and his backers, who rioted and burned down the Temple of Jupiter. Vitellius was ultimately dragged out of his hiding place and brutally murdered, his body thrown down the Gemonian Stairs.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 946
MALAY ARCHIPELAGO, Colonial. Netherlands East Indies. Dutch East India Company. 1602-1799. AR Ducatoon (44mm, 32.67 g, 12h). Dordrecht mint in Holland. Dated 1739. Knight on horseback right, holding sword and reins; crowned coat-of-arms below / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned leonine supporters; below, VOC monogram within ornate frame. Edge: reeded. Scholten 28b; Delmonte, Argent 1061; Davenport 417; KM 71. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6898643-003, graded MS 64. Top Pop. A superb example with exceptional eye appeal.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.