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 . 966
ROMANIA, Principality. Carol I. As Domnitor, 1866-1881. AV 20 Lei (21mm, 6.44 g, 6h). Bucharest mint. Dated 1870 C. Bare head left / Denomination and date within wreath. MBR 24; KM 7; Friedberg 2. In NGC encapsulation 6890893-008, graded MS 64. Very rare. Mintage of 5000.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 974
RUSSIA, Empire. Aleksandr I Pavlovich. 1801-1825. Pattern AR Rouble Novodel (37mm, 19.87 g, 12h). Bank (St. Petersburg) mint. Dated 1801 СПБ AI. Б · · АЛЕКСАНДР I ИМІІ ИСАМОД · ВСЕРОСС, bare head right; СПБ below / МОНЕТА · РȢБЛЬ · 1801, Crowned double-headed eagle facing with wings spread, holding scepter and globus cruciger; collared coat-of-arms on breast; crown above; A I flanking tail. Edge: plain. Bitkin H645; cf. KM Pn52. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6917299-001, graded UNC Details, rev spot removed.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection. Ex Irving Goodman Collection (Superior, 11 February 1991), lot 700.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection. Ex Irving Goodman Collection (Superior, 11 February 1991), lot 700.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 247
KINGS of BOSPOROS. Asander. As archon, circa 47-43 BC. AV Stater (22mm, 8.14 g, 12h). Pantikapaion mint. Dated RY 4 (44/3 BC). Bare head right / APXONTOΣ AΣANΔPOY BOΣΠOPOY, Nike, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond in left, standing left on prow left; ЄT Δ (date) across upper field, monogram to inner left. Frolova & Ireland § 6, 5 (O3/R4) = Natwoka 3; Anokhin 1312 corr. (date); MacDonald 189/2 corr. (date); RPC I 1842.1 corr. (date); HGC 7, 199 corr. (date); DCA2 515; SNG BM Black Sea 961 = GPCG pl. 51, 1 (same dies); Adams III 2046 (same dies). Underlying luster, a few minor metal flaws on obverse. EF. Well centered. Extremely rare, one of only 6 examples published (the others: Adams III 2046; BM 961; CNG 72, lot 692; Morton & Eden 86, lot 14 = CNG 84, lot 575; and Frolova & Ireland pl. LXI, 3).
Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 285; Numismatica Ars Classica 23 (19 March 2002), lot 1230.
The date of this issue has long been debated, with some numismatists reading the delta as an alpha, but the die studies of Natwoka and Frolova & Ireland conclusively show that this issue must be dated year 4.
Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 285; Numismatica Ars Classica 23 (19 March 2002), lot 1230.
The date of this issue has long been debated, with some numismatists reading the delta as an alpha, but the die studies of Natwoka and Frolova & Ireland conclusively show that this issue must be dated year 4.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 267
MYSIA, Lampsakos. Circa 394-350 BC. AV Stater (16.5mm, 8.47 g, 1h). Head of maenad left, wearing wreath of ivy, single-pendant earring, and necklace / Forepart of Pegasos flying right within shallow incuse square. Baldwin, Lampsakos 11 var. (unlisted dies); SNG BN –; SNG von Aulock 7393; Gulbenkian 682; Jameson 1438 = Traité II 2556, pl. CLXXI, 23. Minor marks, slight die shift on reverse. EF. Very rare, one of only two in CoinArchives.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Kovacs XV (1 October 2003), lot 93; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 411.
Lampsakos depended upon the traffic between the Aegean and the Black Sea and possessed an excellent harbor in a strategic position guarding the eastern entrance to the Hellespont opposite Gallipolis. The city was known to have existed under the name of Pityusa before it received colonists from the Ionian cities of Phokaia and Miletos (Strabo xiii, p. 589). In the sixth and fifth centuries BC, Lampsakos passed successively under Lydian, Persian, Athenian, and Spartan control. Its tribute of twelve talents, as a member of the Delian League, and production of electrum staters in the fifth century BC, attest to its commercial wealth. Following the example and standard of the Persic daric, Lampsakos was the first Greek city to make regular issues of gold coinage, which enjoyed an international circulation from Sicily to the Black Sea. As at Kyzikos, the quality of engraving was very high, and types changed frequently: about forty types were produced in a period of about sixty years. Many of the types featured Chthonic deities, those whose powers came from the earth, such as Demeter and Dionysos.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Kovacs XV (1 October 2003), lot 93; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 411.
Lampsakos depended upon the traffic between the Aegean and the Black Sea and possessed an excellent harbor in a strategic position guarding the eastern entrance to the Hellespont opposite Gallipolis. The city was known to have existed under the name of Pityusa before it received colonists from the Ionian cities of Phokaia and Miletos (Strabo xiii, p. 589). In the sixth and fifth centuries BC, Lampsakos passed successively under Lydian, Persian, Athenian, and Spartan control. Its tribute of twelve talents, as a member of the Delian League, and production of electrum staters in the fifth century BC, attest to its commercial wealth. Following the example and standard of the Persic daric, Lampsakos was the first Greek city to make regular issues of gold coinage, which enjoyed an international circulation from Sicily to the Black Sea. As at Kyzikos, the quality of engraving was very high, and types changed frequently: about forty types were produced in a period of about sixty years. Many of the types featured Chthonic deities, those whose powers came from the earth, such as Demeter and Dionysos.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1038
ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Hiberno-Norse Northumbria). Anlaf Guthfrithsson. 939-941. AR Penny (20mm, 1.23 g, 1h). York mint; Athelferd, moneyer. + A·NL··ΛF CVNVNC ·, raven with wings displayed, head left / + A·ÐEL·FERD MIHET, small cross pattée. CTCE group IV; cf. SCBI 34 (BM), 1237-43 (for type); North 537; SCBC 1019. Toned. EF. Very rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone. Ex St. James 24 (23 September 2013), lot 9.
A remarkable coin struck by Anlaf in York, after he seized the Northumbrian kingdom on the death of Aethelstan in 939. Described by Grierson’s protégé Mark Blackburn as ‘one of the most dramatic coin designs in the English series,’ on the obverse we find a raven with outstretched wings, a classic Viking symbol. This symbolism could, according to Blackburn, dually also serve in a Christian context. For, “the raven is [also] associated with Saint Oswald (a Northumbrian royal saint) ... [Thus one] can speculate whether the designers were subtly appealing to a dual audience.”
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone. Ex St. James 24 (23 September 2013), lot 9.
A remarkable coin struck by Anlaf in York, after he seized the Northumbrian kingdom on the death of Aethelstan in 939. Described by Grierson’s protégé Mark Blackburn as ‘one of the most dramatic coin designs in the English series,’ on the obverse we find a raven with outstretched wings, a classic Viking symbol. This symbolism could, according to Blackburn, dually also serve in a Christian context. For, “the raven is [also] associated with Saint Oswald (a Northumbrian royal saint) ... [Thus one] can speculate whether the designers were subtly appealing to a dual audience.”
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 786
Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (18mm, 4.33 g, 12h). Ticinum mint. Struck AD 315. CONSTANTI NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS AVGVSTI N, Constantine, wearing military attire and paludamentum billowing behind him, on horseback galloping right, raising right hand and holding shield on left arm; three enemies impaled with spears strewn about below; SMT. RIC VII 35; Depeyrot 12/12; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2113106-062, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Extremely rare. One of two known, this coin the far superior example. The Laffranchi Collection example, cited in RIC, is the other, which is also the example sold by Rollin & Feuardent in 1909. A wonderful reverse composition.
Ex MDC Monaco 11 (21 April 2023), lot 402; Nomisma S.p.a. 34 (28 April 2007), lot 372; Giessener Münzhandlung 48 (2 April 1990), lot 961.
Ex MDC Monaco 11 (21 April 2023), lot 402; Nomisma S.p.a. 34 (28 April 2007), lot 372; Giessener Münzhandlung 48 (2 April 1990), lot 961.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1046
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great. 871-899. AR Penny (19mm, 1.47 g, 2h). Cross and Lozenge type. Winchester(?) mint; Dunna, moneyer. Struck circa 875-880. + ÆLFR ED REX SΛ, diademed and draped bust right / + DVN NΛ · MON ETΛ, cross pattée within lozenge over long beaded cross; crossbars at lozenge ends. Watlington Hoard 171 (dies Clo113/CLr127); Blackburn & Keynes 42-3 var. (legends); SCBI 67 (BM), 1430 var. (same); North 629; SCBC 1058. Deep cabinet toning, scratch. Near EF. Extremely rare. Only two known to Blackburn & Keynes in 1998, with an additional two in the Watlington Hoard.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone, April 2000. Ex Patrick Finn inventory, 1990s.
Alfred the Great (871-899), King of Wessex, succeeded his brother Aethelred I and bought a respite so that he could strengthen Wessex against future Danish attacks. He is the only English monarch to ever earn the epithet “the Great.” Alfred implemented legal, administrative, and military reforms that ensured that his successors would unite all England and end the Danish threat. A scholar, he translated into English Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy and, in tandem with his biographer Bishop Asser, sponsored a general revival of letters and arts in England. In 878, he negotiated the Treaty of Wedmore dividing England into an expanded Kingdom of Wessex and the Danelaw. In 880, Alfred recaptured London and in celebration struck splendid pennies bearing the city’s monogram.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone, April 2000. Ex Patrick Finn inventory, 1990s.
Alfred the Great (871-899), King of Wessex, succeeded his brother Aethelred I and bought a respite so that he could strengthen Wessex against future Danish attacks. He is the only English monarch to ever earn the epithet “the Great.” Alfred implemented legal, administrative, and military reforms that ensured that his successors would unite all England and end the Danish threat. A scholar, he translated into English Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy and, in tandem with his biographer Bishop Asser, sponsored a general revival of letters and arts in England. In 878, he negotiated the Treaty of Wedmore dividing England into an expanded Kingdom of Wessex and the Danelaw. In 880, Alfred recaptured London and in celebration struck splendid pennies bearing the city’s monogram.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 23
CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 510-500 BC. AR Nomos (23.5mm, 8.13 g, 12h). Taras, nude, riding dolphin right, extending left hand, right hand resting on dolphin’s back; TARAS (retrograde) to left, scallop shell below, dot-and-cable border around / Incuse of obverse type; [T]ARAS in relief to right, radiate border. Fischer-Bossert Group 1, 12 (V6/R5); Vlasto 69 (same obv. die); HN Italy 826; SNG Lloyd 108 (same obv. die); Kraay & Hirmer 294. Toned, traces of find patina, a few hairlines, minor nick on edge. Good VF. Excellent metal for issue.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Leu 86 (5 May 2003), lot 199.
The city of Tarentum was founded in the late 8th century BC by Spartan colonists on the north coast of the gulf of the same name, on a rocky islet at the entrance to the only secure harbor. It was Sparta's only colony and maintained close relations with its mother city. The official founder of the city was believed to be the Spartan leader Phalanthos. Ancient tradition, however, tells how Taras, the son of Poseidon and a local nymph, Satyra, was miraculously saved from a shipwreck by his father, who sent a dolphin on whose back he was carried to shore, at which spot he founded a city.
Blessed with fertile land, Tarentum became famous for olives and sheep. It possessed a fine harbor, great fisheries and profitable exports of wool, purple dye, and pottery. It adopted a democratic form of government circa 475 BC, and thereafter became the leading Greek city in southern Italy. Its success led to continual difficulties with its neighbor cities, though, and on four occasions Tarentum required expeditions from Greece to help overcome its aggressors. The last of these expeditions was led by the famed Epeirote, Pyrrhos. Following his withdrawal from the city, Tarentum was occupied by the Romans.
It was not until late in the 6th century that Tarentum felt the need to produce coinage. It did so by copying the broad, thin fabric with incuse reverse type already in use by Metapontum, Sybaris, Poseidonia, Kaulonia, and Kroton. Tarentum quickly grew in power and wealth. As with many cities that began coinage at the time, the types depicted relate to the city's foundation, both in its historical and mythological forms. Taras’ prosperity is exemplified by its vast coinage, which was continuous from circa 510 BC until the end of the Second Punic War.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Leu 86 (5 May 2003), lot 199.
The city of Tarentum was founded in the late 8th century BC by Spartan colonists on the north coast of the gulf of the same name, on a rocky islet at the entrance to the only secure harbor. It was Sparta's only colony and maintained close relations with its mother city. The official founder of the city was believed to be the Spartan leader Phalanthos. Ancient tradition, however, tells how Taras, the son of Poseidon and a local nymph, Satyra, was miraculously saved from a shipwreck by his father, who sent a dolphin on whose back he was carried to shore, at which spot he founded a city.
Blessed with fertile land, Tarentum became famous for olives and sheep. It possessed a fine harbor, great fisheries and profitable exports of wool, purple dye, and pottery. It adopted a democratic form of government circa 475 BC, and thereafter became the leading Greek city in southern Italy. Its success led to continual difficulties with its neighbor cities, though, and on four occasions Tarentum required expeditions from Greece to help overcome its aggressors. The last of these expeditions was led by the famed Epeirote, Pyrrhos. Following his withdrawal from the city, Tarentum was occupied by the Romans.
It was not until late in the 6th century that Tarentum felt the need to produce coinage. It did so by copying the broad, thin fabric with incuse reverse type already in use by Metapontum, Sybaris, Poseidonia, Kaulonia, and Kroton. Tarentum quickly grew in power and wealth. As with many cities that began coinage at the time, the types depicted relate to the city's foundation, both in its historical and mythological forms. Taras’ prosperity is exemplified by its vast coinage, which was continuous from circa 510 BC until the end of the Second Punic War.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1051
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Edward the Elder. 899-924. AR Penny (21mm, 1.57 g, 6h). Botanical type (BMC ix). Mercian Northwest dies; Asulfr, moneyer. Middle period I, circa 910-915. + EΛDVVEΛRD EX, small cross pattée / Two branches; OS VLF across field. CTCE 329c (this coin); SCBI –; BMC 105; North 659; SCBC 1079. Old cabinet toning. VF. Extremely rare – one of only four listed in CTCE.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone. Ex L. Stack Collection (Sotheby’s, 22 April 1999), lot 454; P. Nelson Collection; Lord Grantley Collection (Part III, 22 March 1944), lot 1011; H. Montagu Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 18 November 1895), lot 591; W. Brice Collection (collection acquired en block by Montagu in 1887); E. Wigan Collection (acquired by Rollin & Feuardent in 1872); Joseph Barratt Collection; T. Dimsdale Collection (Sotheby, 6 July 1824), lot 607.
Under Edward the Elder, a limited number of coins were struck that stand out from the usual cross or two line types generally in vogue at the time. Usually depicting a tower (or possibly a church or reliquary) or a botanical design, the exact reason for these charming types is today unknown. Regardless, they are justifiably popular among collectors and would form the centerpiece of any collection of 10th century English coins.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone. Ex L. Stack Collection (Sotheby’s, 22 April 1999), lot 454; P. Nelson Collection; Lord Grantley Collection (Part III, 22 March 1944), lot 1011; H. Montagu Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 18 November 1895), lot 591; W. Brice Collection (collection acquired en block by Montagu in 1887); E. Wigan Collection (acquired by Rollin & Feuardent in 1872); Joseph Barratt Collection; T. Dimsdale Collection (Sotheby, 6 July 1824), lot 607.
Under Edward the Elder, a limited number of coins were struck that stand out from the usual cross or two line types generally in vogue at the time. Usually depicting a tower (or possibly a church or reliquary) or a botanical design, the exact reason for these charming types is today unknown. Regardless, they are justifiably popular among collectors and would form the centerpiece of any collection of 10th century English coins.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1053
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Edward the Elder. 899-924. AR Penny (22mm, 1.56 g, 3h). Botanical type (BMC ix). Mercian West dies; Heremod, moneyer. Middle period II, circa 910-915. + EADVVEARD EX, small cross pattée / Flower with arching leaves set on groundline terminating in rosettes; in exergue, HEREMOD over rosette. CTCE 341c = Blunt & Stewart B5 (this coin); SCBI 9 (Ashmolean), 314; cf. BMC 102 (for similar); North 658; SCBC 1078. Old collection toning. Near EF. Extremely rare – only four specimens listed in CTCE, plus three more in EMC.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone. Ex L. Stack Collection (Sotheby’s, 22 April 1999), lot 457; Sotheby’s (28 May 1987), lot 331; Samuel Birchall of Leeds Collection (1761-1814); 1807 Bossal Hoard.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone. Ex L. Stack Collection (Sotheby’s, 22 April 1999), lot 457; Sotheby’s (28 May 1987), lot 331; Samuel Birchall of Leeds Collection (1761-1814); 1807 Bossal Hoard.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 32
LUCANIA, Poseidonia. Circa 530-500 BC. AR Nomos (26.5mm, 7.09 g, 12h). Poseidon, bearded and nude but for chlamys draped over both arms, standing right, preparing to cast trident held aloft in right hand, left arm extended; M◊Π to left / Incuse of obverse type, but trident is in relief; MOΠ to right. Gorini 1 var. (obv. ethnic); HN Italy 1107; SNG ANS 614 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 428; Gillet 207. Deep old collection tone, small scuff at edge on obverse. Near EF. Well centered and struck.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 6 (Summer 2001), no. 11.
From the earliest issue of the coinage at Poseidonia. A Sybarite colony founded circa 600 BC, Poseidonia grew rapidly in the 6th century through the exploitation of its considerable agricultural resources. This was a time of extensive temple construction and, in common with the other Achaian cities of southern Italy, Poseidonia began producing silver coinage of the distinctive ‘incuse’ fabric in the final decades of the century. The fine archaic striding figure brandishing a trident is Poseidon, god of the sea and the patron deity of the city. This particular depiction of him is probably inspired by a colossal statue that stood in one of the city’s temples.
From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 6 (Summer 2001), no. 11.
From the earliest issue of the coinage at Poseidonia. A Sybarite colony founded circa 600 BC, Poseidonia grew rapidly in the 6th century through the exploitation of its considerable agricultural resources. This was a time of extensive temple construction and, in common with the other Achaian cities of southern Italy, Poseidonia began producing silver coinage of the distinctive ‘incuse’ fabric in the final decades of the century. The fine archaic striding figure brandishing a trident is Poseidon, god of the sea and the patron deity of the city. This particular depiction of him is probably inspired by a colossal statue that stood in one of the city’s temples.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 33
LUCANIA, Poseidonia. Circa 530-500 BC. AR Nomos (28mm, 6.86 g, 12h). Poseidon, beardless and nude but for chlamys draped over both arms, standing right, preparing to cast trident held aloft in right hand, left arm extended; MOΠ to left / Incuse of obverse type, but trident is in relief; MOΠ to right. Gorini 3; HN Italy 1107; SNG ANS 604 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 1271; Basel 158; Regling, Antike 239. Faintly toned, small flan flaw, a few minor chips at edge. Good VF.
From the Columbus Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, 2002.
From the Columbus Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, 2002.
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SICILY, Akragas. Circa 465/0–445/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.19 g, 6h). Sea eagle standing left; AKRAC-ANTOΣ (partially retrograde) around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period II, Group III, 338.8 (O8/R28) = Prospero 119 = Gillet 346 (this coin); HGC 2, 77; SNG ANS 970 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight die wear on obverse. Superb EF. Well centered and struck on a broad flan. Excellent detail.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 119; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 22; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection.
Akragas, Roman Agrigentum, was situated close to the southern coastline of Sicily midway between Gela and Selinos. Founded by colonists from Gela circa 580 BC, Akragas grew to become the second most important city on the island after Syracuse, deriving much of its wealth from the export of agricultural produce to Carthage, which lay about 200 miles to the west. Its coinage commenced in the closing years of the 6th century and principally consisted of silver didrachms down to about 440 BC, after which the tetradrachm became the principal denomination. The first series of tetradrachms, though, coincided with the last period of didrachms, with all featuring the same types that had persisted since the beginning of the city's coinage: on the obverse, an eagle, sacred to Olympian Zeus, to whom the city dedicated an immense temple, and a reverse with an overhead view of a crab, harvested from the sea as a delicacy in the region. After 440 BC, as with many of the coinages of the great Sicilian cities, the designs became more complex and artistic, with one or two eagles shown devouring a hare on the obverse, and a galloping quadriga ultimately replacing the crab on the reverse. In the final decade of the 5th century, as the artistry of it coinage reached its zenith, Akragas suffered the same fate as many of the other Greek cities of Sicily when it was stormed and sacked by the invading Carthaginians (406 BC). Though its coinage continued thereafter, the scale and beauty of its 5th century series were never attained again.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 119; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 22; Charles Gillet (†1972) Collection.
Akragas, Roman Agrigentum, was situated close to the southern coastline of Sicily midway between Gela and Selinos. Founded by colonists from Gela circa 580 BC, Akragas grew to become the second most important city on the island after Syracuse, deriving much of its wealth from the export of agricultural produce to Carthage, which lay about 200 miles to the west. Its coinage commenced in the closing years of the 6th century and principally consisted of silver didrachms down to about 440 BC, after which the tetradrachm became the principal denomination. The first series of tetradrachms, though, coincided with the last period of didrachms, with all featuring the same types that had persisted since the beginning of the city's coinage: on the obverse, an eagle, sacred to Olympian Zeus, to whom the city dedicated an immense temple, and a reverse with an overhead view of a crab, harvested from the sea as a delicacy in the region. After 440 BC, as with many of the coinages of the great Sicilian cities, the designs became more complex and artistic, with one or two eagles shown devouring a hare on the obverse, and a galloping quadriga ultimately replacing the crab on the reverse. In the final decade of the 5th century, as the artistry of it coinage reached its zenith, Akragas suffered the same fate as many of the other Greek cities of Sicily when it was stormed and sacked by the invading Carthaginians (406 BC). Though its coinage continued thereafter, the scale and beauty of its 5th century series were never attained again.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 63
SICILY, Katane. Circa 450-445 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.03 g, 2h). Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; KATANAIO-N around. Mirone 30–2; HGC 2, 566; SNG ANS 1241 (same obv. die); SNG Spencer 37 (same dies); Basel 326 (same rev. die); Rizzo pl. X, 11 (same obv. die). Old collection tone, hairline flan crack, minor flan flaw on obverse. Near EF. Well centered and struck from artistic dies on a broad flan.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA VII (27 November 2012), lot 144; Leu 77 (11 May 2000), lot 83.
The Sicilian city of Katane (modern Catania) was a Chalkidian colony founded from Naxos in 729 BC. Katane was located midway along the eastern coast of the island at the southern extremity of the slopes of Mount Aetna. Its fertile territory was coveted by neighboring Syracuse, and in 476 BC the Syracusan tyrant Hieron I removed the population of Katane to the inland city of Leontini. Katane was then given the name of Aetna and resettled with Syracusan citizens and a group of Dorian mercenaries. On the fall of the Sicilian tyrannies in the late 460s BC, the alien population was expelled and the former inhabitants of Katane returned from exile in Leontini to reclaim their city, which now reverted to its original name. It seems unlikely that any coinage was produced at Katane prior to the events of 476 BC, so any issues bearing the name of the Katanians must postdate the restoration of the original population in 461 BC.
From the Columbus Collection. Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA VII (27 November 2012), lot 144; Leu 77 (11 May 2000), lot 83.
The Sicilian city of Katane (modern Catania) was a Chalkidian colony founded from Naxos in 729 BC. Katane was located midway along the eastern coast of the island at the southern extremity of the slopes of Mount Aetna. Its fertile territory was coveted by neighboring Syracuse, and in 476 BC the Syracusan tyrant Hieron I removed the population of Katane to the inland city of Leontini. Katane was then given the name of Aetna and resettled with Syracusan citizens and a group of Dorian mercenaries. On the fall of the Sicilian tyrannies in the late 460s BC, the alien population was expelled and the former inhabitants of Katane returned from exile in Leontini to reclaim their city, which now reverted to its original name. It seems unlikely that any coinage was produced at Katane prior to the events of 476 BC, so any issues bearing the name of the Katanians must postdate the restoration of the original population in 461 BC.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 841
BULGARIA, Principality. Ferdinand I. 1887-1908. Proof AV 20 Leva (20mm, 6.45 g, 6h). Kremnitz mint. Dated 1894 KБ. Bare head left / Crowned coat-of-arms. CBC p. 16; KM 20; Friedberg 3. In NGC encapsulation 6891729-001, graded PF 66 Ultra Cameo. Rare. Top Pop. The finest graded by either NGC or PCGS.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1118
WINDSOR. George V. 1910-1936. Proof Set. Dated 1911. Includes: AV 5 Pounds. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-012, graded PF 64 // AV 2 Pounds. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-013, graded PF 64 // AV Sovereign. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-010, graded PF 66 Cameo // AV Half Sovereign. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-014, graded PF 65 // AR Halfcrown. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-008, graded PF 65 // AR Florin. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-06908067-007, graded PF 65 // AR Shilling. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-006, graded PF 65 // AR Sixpence. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-005, graded PF 66 // AR Maundy Fourpence. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-003, graded PF 65 // AR Maundy Threepence. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-004, graded PF 66 // AR Maundy Twopence. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-002, graded PF 66 // AR Maundy Penny. In NGC encapsulation 6890874-001, graded PF 65. SCBC PS11. All NGC graded. The silver all handsomely toned. Twelve (12) coins in lot. An attractive, high grade set.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 864
CHINA, Republic of China. General issues. 1912-1949. Pattern AR Yuan – Dollar (38mm, 12h). Běiyáng Arsenal (Tiānjīn) mint. Dated year 12 of the Republic (AD 1923). Dragon and phoenix atop symbol of longevity / Denomination within wreath. Small characters. L&M 81; KM (Y) 336. In NGC encapsulation 6922995-002, graded AU Details, cleaned.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1131
STUART. Anne. 1702-1714. AV Medal (35mm, 18.60 g, 10h). Coronation. By J. Croker. Dated 23 April 1702. ANNA · D · G · MAG · BR · FR · ET · HIB · REGINA ·, draped bust left / VICEM GERIT · ILLA · TONANTIS ·, Anne (as Pallas-Athena) standing right, holding shield and hurling thunderbolt at two-headed and four-armed serpentine monster (James ‘III’ and Louis XIV) to right, holding rocks and clubs; in two lines in exergue, INAVGVRAT · XXIII · AP/MDCCII ·. MI 228/4; Eimer 390. In NGC encapsulation 6906709-005, graded MS 62.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex World-Wide Coins of California (James F. Elmen) XXIX (16 May 1996), lot 158.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex World-Wide Coins of California (James F. Elmen) XXIX (16 May 1996), lot 158.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 1133
HANOVER. George II. 1727-1760. AV Medal (35mm, 22.23 g, 12h). Coronation. By J. Croker. Dated 11 October 1727. GEORGIVS · II · D : G · MAG · BR · FR · ET · HIB · REX ·, laureate, draped, and armored bust left / VOLENTES · PER · POPULOS ·, George seated right on throne, being crowned by Britannia standing left, cradling cornucopia in elbow and leaning upon fasces to right; in two lines in exergue, CORON · XI · OCTOB ·/MDCCXXVII ·. MI 479/4; Eimer 510. In NGC encapsulation 6906709-002, graded MS 63.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex World-Wide Coins of California (James F. Elmen) XXIX (16 May 1996), lot 160.
From the Drewry Family Collection. Ex World-Wide Coins of California (James F. Elmen) XXIX (16 May 1996), lot 160.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 635
AI Rec
Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.83 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?). Struck 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / SIGNIS downward to left, RECEPTIS upward to right, Mars, helmeted, naked except for chlamys behind, standing left, head right, holding aquila in right hand and signum cradled in left over left shoulder. RIC I 80a; Calicó 268 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE –; BN 1095; Biaggi 140 (this coin); Mazzini 258 (this coin); CNR IV 173 (this coin). Good VF. Wonderful portrait of fine style. Extremely rare.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA33C; Lanz 148 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 4 January 2010), lot 73; Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica & Spink Taisei, 16 November 1994), lot 152; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection, 140; Giuseppe Mazzini Collection (publ. 1957).
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA33C; Lanz 148 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 4 January 2010), lot 73; Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica & Spink Taisei, 16 November 1994), lot 152; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection, 140; Giuseppe Mazzini Collection (publ. 1957).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 391
PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 7.08 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck early 290s BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck / ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, Alexander, holding thunderbolt in right hand, standing left in chariot drawn by four elephants left; three monograms in exergue. CPE 93; Svoronos 147; Zervos Type VI, Issue 91; SNG Copenhagen –; Hirsch 1793. Faint graffito (¬Ås) in field on obverse, light scratch and minor doubling on reverse. Good VF. Very rare, only five examples noted by Zervos, five additional in CoinArchives (including the present coin).
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA14C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 751.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA14C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 751.