| Atheletics and Games on Ancient Coins |  |
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| Septimius Severus, 9 April 193 - 4 February 211 A.D. |   | This rare type commemorates the chariot races and animal show that took place on the seventh and final day of Severus' Saecular Games in 204 A.D. Cassius Dio wrote: "The whole construction in the amphitheater was constructed in the form of a ship, and was so conceived that 400 beasts might be received into it, and at the same time be sent forth from it. Then, when it suddenly collapsed there issued out of it bears, lionesses, panthers, lions, ostriches, wild asses and bison, so that seven hundred beasts, both wild and domesticated, were seen running about at the same time and were slaughtered." |
| SH56951. Silver denarius, RIC IV 274, RSC III 253, BMCRE IV 343, SRCV II 6296, VF/F, weight 3.183 g, maximum diameter 19.9 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 206 A.D.; obverse SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right; reverse LAETITIA / TEMPORVM (Time of joy), spina of the Circus Maximus decorated as a ship left, sail on the central obelisk, four quadrigas racing left above, seven animals below: ostrich on left, a lion and lioness chasing a wild ass, a panther attacking a bison, and a bear on right; ex CGB.fr (450 EUR); rare (R3); $525.00 (€404.25) |
| Aspendos, Pamphylia, 380 - 325 B.C. |  | This type but with KF between the wrestlers legs is common. FK between the legs appears to be very rare. FK may be an engraving error for KF limited to a single die.
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| SH63521. Silver stater, Tekin Series 4, Arslan and Lightfoot 120, SNG Cop -, SNGvA -, SNG BnF -, aVF, good centering, weight 10.352 g, maximum diameter 22.7 mm, die axis 135o, Aspendos mint, 380 - 325 B.C.; obverse two wrestlers, the left one holds the wrist of his opponent with his right and right forearm with his left hand, FK between their legs; reverse ESTFEDIIUS, slinger, wearing short chiton, discharging sling to right, triskeles on right with feet clockwise, in square of dots; very rare variant; $420.00 (€323.40) |
| Aspendos, Pamphylia, 380 - 325 B.C. |  | Aspendos has the best-preserved theater of antiquity, with seating for 7,000. It was built in 155, during the rule of Marcus Aurelius, by the Greek architect Zenon, a native of the city. The Seljuqs used it as a caravansary and in the 13th century converted the stage building into a palace. Until recently the theater was still used for concerts, festivals and events, but shows are no longer allowed due to damage caused by modern theatrical equipment. A new facility has been constructed nearby to continue the tradition of open air theater in Aspendos. |
| SH59546. Silver stater, Tekin Series 4, SNG Cop 233, SNGvA 4559, Arslan and Lightfoot 143, SNG BnF -, aVF, weight 10.589 g, maximum diameter 22.9 mm, die axis 0o, Aspendos mint, 380 - 325 B.C.; obverse two wrestlers, the left one holds the wrist of his opponent with his right and right forearm with his left hand, ML between their legs; reverse ESTFEDIIUS, slinger, wearing short chiton, discharging sling to right, triskeles on right with feet clockwise, in square of dots; $350.00 (€269.50) |
| Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Philippopolis, Thrace |  | Philippopolis today is Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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| RP63960. Bronze AE 28, BMC Thrace p. 167, 44; Varbanov 1712; Moushmov 5404; SNG Cop -, F, nice green patina, weight 13.097 g, maximum diameter 27.5 mm, die axis 225o, Philippopolis mint, obverse AUT K M AURHL MA ANTWNEINOC CEB, laureate bust of emperor right; reverse MHTROPOLEWC FILIPPOPOLE/WC NEWKO/ROU, two wrestlers grappling; ex Mark Staal Collection; scarce; $280.00 (€215.60) |
| Aspendos, Pamphylia, 333 - 250 B.C. |  | After Alexander took Perga peacefully, Aspendos sent envoys to offer surrender if he would not take the taxes and horses formerly paid as tribute to the Persian king. Agreeing, Alexander went on to Side, leaving a garrison behind. When he learned they had failed to ratify the agreement their own evnvoys had proposed, Alexander marched to the city. The Aspendians retreated to their acropolis and again sent envoys to sue for peace. This time, however, they had to agree to harsh terms - they would host a Macedonian garrison and pay 100 gold talents and 4.000 horses annually.
This type is a late example and likely among the last of the wrestler and slinger staters. Struck during economic crisis, perhaps resulting from the harsh terms set by Alexander after their treachery, the flans are underweight, crudely cast and appear to be of debased silver. The wrestlers and slinger are carelessly depicted. It is not as attractive as earlier examples but it is certainly much scarcer.
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| SH63522. Silver stater, Tekin Series 5, SNGvA 4578, SNG BnF 122, SNG Cop -, Arslan and Lightfoot -, gF, weight 9.107 g, maximum diameter 24.8 mm, die axis 0o, Aspendos mint, 330 - 250 B.C.; obverse two wrestlers, on left holds the right wrist of his opponent with his right hand and right forearm with his left hand, E between their legs, rounded edge; reverse ESTFEDIU, slinger, wearing short chiton, discharging sling to right, O between legs, triskeles above club on right, round border of dots; scarce; $250.00 (€192.50) |
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