Fine Coins Showcase
Antiquities Showcase
Show Empty Categories
Shop Search
Shopping Cart
My FORVM
Contact Us
About Forum
Shopping at Forum
Our Guarantee
Payment Options
Shipping Options & Fees
Privacy & Security
Forum Staff
Selling Your Coins
Identifying Your Coin
FAQs
zoom.asp
Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Themes & Provenance| ▸ |Gods, Olympians| ▸ |Athena or Minerva||View Options:   | | | Athena was the virgin goddess of wisdom, crafts, and battle strategy. Her symbols are the olive tree and the owl. She is the daughter of Zeus, according to some traditions by Metis. |
In "An intriguing new coin from Mallus, Cilicia" (2008), Jyrki Muona, based on a high grade specimen with an excellent portrait, identified the head on this type as Otho. He noted the portrait is influenced by the style of the Antioch mint. Indeed the portrait on that specimen looks very much like the portraits of Otho from Antioch. RPC I attributes the type to Nero but notes, "The portrait does not look much like Nero, but the date seems clear. Could it possibly be a coin of Galba?" We are following RPC I, listing it as Nero, but noting the other possibilities.RP112383. Bronze AE 25, RPC Online I 4024 (3 spec.), SNG Levante 1269, aVF, dark green patina with traces of red, cleaning scratches, minor flan flaws on rev. edge, weight 9.678 g, maximum diameter 25.4 mm, die axis 0o, Mallus (near Karatas, Turkey) mint, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse ...CEBACTOC..., laureate head right; reverse MAΛΛΩTΩN, Athena Magarsis standing facing, spear vertical in right hand, star above each arm, EΛP (year 135) outer left; ex CNG e-auction 538 (10 May 2023), lot 413; very rare; $580.00 (€545.20)
Thessaly, Greece, Thessalian League, Late 2nd - Mid 1st Century B.C.
The Thessalian League was a loose confederacy of city-states and tribes in the Thessalian valley in N. Greece. Philip II of Macedon took control of Thessaly in 344 B.C and it remained under Macedonia until the Roman victory in 197 B.C. The league was reestablished in 196 B.C. but had little autonomy after Thessaly became part of the province of Macedonia in 146 B.C.GS114603. Silver stater, BCD Thessaly II 843; HGC 4 210, VF, centered, toned, small edge splits/cracks, die wear, weight 5.984 g, maximum diameter 22.7 mm, die axis 0o, Larissa(?) mint, mid - late 1st century B.C.; obverse head of Zeus right, bearded, wearing oak wreath, ITAΛOY (Italos [magistrate]); reverse Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear with right hand, shield on left arm; ΘEΣΣA/ΛΩN in two lines, starting upward on left, ending downward on right; N inner right below shield, ΔIO-KΛHΣ (Diokles [magistrate]) divided across upper field, ITAΛOΣ (Italos [magistrate]) in exergue; ex Sphinx Coins, ex BCD Collection (with his tag noting S.+Co., ex Thessaly, Nov. 97, SFr. 150.-); $350.00 (€329.00)
Persian Empire, Philistia - Gaza or Samaria, c. 5th - 4th Century B.C., Imitative of Athens
A Persian Period imitation of Athenian types from the Holy Land. In the past these coins were all attributed to Gaza, however, recent hoard finds indicate a mint at Ashkelon probably also struck this type. It is likely that at least several small mints struck these imitative types.JD111399. Silver obol, cf. Gitler-Tal IX.1O; Samaria Hoard pls. 4t6 - 50, SH269 ff.; SNG ANS 15 ff.; HGC 10 -, NGC VF, strike 3/5, surface 3/5 (6829734-001), weight 0.566 g, maximum diameter 7.3 mm, die axis 30o, Gaza or Samaria mint, c. 5th - 4th Century B.C.; obverse helmeted head of Athena right, profile eye; reverse owl standing right, head facing, olive spray upper left, [AΘE downward on right?]; photo taken before certification, NGC| Lookup; rare; $300.00 (€282.00)
Seleukid Kingdom, Antiochus VII Euergetes Sidetes, 138 - 129 B.C.
After his brother Demetrius was captured by the Parthians, Antiochus VII was made king. He married Demetrius' wife Cleopatra Thea. He defeated the usurper Tryphon at Dora and laid siege to Jerusalem in 134. According to Josephus, the Hasmonean king John Hyrcanus opened King David's sepulcher and removed three thousand talents, which he then paid Antiochus to spare the city. Sidetes then attacked the Parthians, supported by a body of Jews under Hyrcanus, and briefly took back Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Media before being ambushed and killed by Phraates II. His brother Demetrius II had by then been released, but the Seleucid realm was now restricted to Syria. Antiochus VII was the last Seleucid king of any stature.GY114602. Silver tetradrachm, Houghton-Lorber II 2061(1)s, Newell SMA 280, SNG Spaer 1852, HGC 9 1067d, VF, attractive style, bumps and scratches, uneven tone, rev. a little off center, weight 16.618 g, maximum diameter 31.2 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 138 - 129 B.C.; obverse diademed head right, fillet border; reverse Athena standing slightly left, head left, right hand extended through inscription to border holding Nike, grounded shield in left hand, spear leaning on left arm, BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ANTIOXOY in two downward lines on right, EYEPΓETOY downward on left, ligate ΔI over Λ outer left, laurel wreath border; ex Aegean Numismatics (Mentor, OH); $300.00 (€282.00)
Thessalian League, Greece, Mid - Late 1st Century B.C.
The Thessalian League was a loose confederacy of city-states and tribes in the Thessalian valley in N. Greece. Philip II of Macedon took control of Thessaly in 344 B.C and it remained under Macedonia until the Roman victory in 197 B.C. The league was reestablished in 196 B.C. but had little autonomy after Thessaly became part of the province of Macedonia in 146 B.C.GS114604. Silver stater, BCD Thessaly II 846; SNG Cop 291; SNG Alpha Bank 288; De Luynes 1873; BMC Thessaly p. 2, 21, VF, toned, tight flan (as typical for the type), flow lines, struck with worn dies, weight 6.055 g, maximum diameter 22.3 mm, die axis 0o, Larissa(?) mint, mid - late 1st century B.C.; obverse head of Zeus right, wreathed in oak; reverse ΘEΣΣA/ΛΩN, Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear with right hand, shield on left arm; ΘEΣΣA/ΛΩN in two lines, starting upward on left, ending downward on right; ΠOΛV-ΞENOY (Polyxenos [magistrate]) divided across upper field, EVKOΛOΣ (Eukolos [magistrate]) below; ex Sphinx Coins, ex BCD Collection (with his tag noting, ex Spring 97 hd. 4 kms SE of ancient Phalanna, cost SFr. 125.-); $220.00 (€206.80)
Persian Empire, Gaza, Philistia, c. 353 - 331 B.C., Imitative of Athens Pi-Style
The Aramaic letter Mem is the symbol of Marnas, deity of Gaza. This type and other similar silver types struck under Persian rule are often described as drachms but we follow Hendin who refers to the local coinage of Philistia, Samaria and Yehud with the names that might have been used at the time they circulated. This type can be dated to about a 20 year period. It imitates the "Pi-Style" tetradrachms first struck at Athens in 353 B.C. and would not have been struck after Alexander the Great's conquest of Gaza in 331 B.C.GS114664. Silver quarter shekel, cf. Gitler & Tal V.25D, Hendin 6010 (RR), HGC 10 542 (R2), F, rough, toned, oval flan, weight 3.590 g, maximum diameter 15.8 mm, die axis 270o, Gaza mint, c. 353 - 331 B.C.; obverse helmeted head of Athena right, with profile eye, olive leaves and pi-style floral ornament on crested helmet, large round earring, mem on cheek; reverse owl standing right, head facing, olive spray and crescent upper left, AΘE downward on right, all within incuse square; ex CNG mail bid auction 84 (5 May 2010), lot 737 (part of); ex Dr. Patrick H.C. Tan Collection; very rare; $220.00 (€206.80)
Persian Empire, Gaza, Philistia, c. 353 - 331 B.C., Imitative of Athens Pi-Style
The Aramaic letter Mem is the symbol of Marnas, deity of Gaza. This type and other similar silver types struck under Persian rule are often described as drachms but we follow Hendin who refers to the local coinage of Philistia, Samaria and Yehud with the names that might have been used at the time they circulated. This type can be dated to about a 20 year period. It imitates the "Pi-Style" tetradrachms first struck at Athens in 353 B.C. and would not have been struck after Alexander the Great's conquest of Gaza in 331 B.C.GS114666. Silver quarter shekel, cf. Gitler & Tal V.25D, Hendin 6010 (RR), HGC 10 542 (R2), gF, toned, oval flan, a little rough, weight 3.724 g, maximum diameter 14.7 mm, die axis 270o, Gaza mint, c. 353 - 331 B.C.; obverse helmeted head of Athena right, with profile eye, olive leaves and pi-style floral ornament on crested helmet, large round earring, mem on cheek; reverse owl standing right, head facing, olive spray and crescent upper left, AΘE downward on right, all within incuse square; ex CNG mail bid auction 84 (5 May 2010), lot 737 (part of); ex Dr. Patrick H.C. Tan Collection; very rare; $180.00 (€169.20)
Persian Empire, Kolophon, Ionia, Artaxerxes I - Darios III, c. 400 - 332 B.C.
In the past, this coin type was commonly grouped under the large "Uncertain Cilicia" umbrella. However, Nicolas Assur Corfů in his 2015 Schweizerische Numismatische Rundschau (SNR) paper, "Bogenschützen auf Kleinsilbermünzen vor 333 v.Chr. – Tetartemoria aus Kleinasien," attributes this and similar tetartemoria of Persian influence to the Ionian city of Colophon, c. 400–332 B.C., thereby filling a notable gap in its minting history, after the end of production of the various Apollo-headed tetartemoria.GS113187. Silver tetartemorion, Corfů type 1.2, taf. 1, 17-18 (2 spec.); Troxell-Kagan 12 var. (Athena left); Sunrise 94 var. (same); SNG BnF -; SNG Levante -; Göktürk -, aVF/VF, obv. off-center, large die-break cud upper left; rev. nicely preserved in round circle, weight 0.240 g, maximum diameter 6.1 mm, die axis 0o, Kolophon (near Degirmendere Fev, Turkey) mint, c. 400–332 B.C.; obverse Persian king or hero kneeling in readiness to right, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over right shoulder, dagger in right hand, bow in left hand; reverse head of Athena right in crested Attic helmet; from the Michael Arslan Collection, ex Bucephalus Numismatics Auction 19 (6 May 2023), lot 280; very rare with Athena right; $140.00 (€131.60)
Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D., Side, Pamphylia
Side was founded by Greeks from Cyme, Aeolis, most likely in the 7th century B.C. The settlers started using the local language and over time forgot their native Greek. Excavations have revealed inscriptions written in this language, still undeciphered, dating from as late as the 2nd century B.C. The name Side is from this indigenous Anatolian language and means pomegranate.RP113732. Bronze AE 19, RPC Online I 3404 (4 spec.), BMC Lycia p. 53, 75; SNGvA 4810; cf. SNG Cop 414 (younger portrait), aVF, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, scratch behind eye, weight 4.576 g, maximum diameter 19.1 mm, die axis 45o, Side (near Selimiye, Antalya Province, Turkey) mint, c. 65 A.D.; obverse NEPΩN KAICAP, draped, bare-headed bust right; reverse CIΔ-HT, Athena advancing left, spear and pomegranate in right, shield in left, snake before at feet; scarce; $110.00 (€103.40)
Domitian, 13 September 81 - 18 September 96 A.D.
In 93 A.D., Domitian persecuted Christians.RS114344. Silver denarius, RIC II-1 764; BMCRE II 220; BnF III 195; RSC II 282; Hunter I 87; cf. SRCV I 2736 (TR P XII), aVF/F, near centered, scratches, areas of light corrosion, weight 3.172 g, maximum diameter 18.2 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 14 Sep 93 - 13 Sep 94 A.D; obverse IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIII, laureate head right; reverse IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, helmeted and draped, inverted spear vertical before her in her right hand, her left hand on hip; $110.00 (€103.40)
Domitian, 13 September 81 - 18 September 96 A.D.
In 92 A.D., the Roman army moved into Mesopotamia.RS114346. Silver denarius, RIC II-1 733 (C3); RSC II 271; BMCRE II 194; BnF III 179; Hunter I 78, F, weight 3.239 g, maximum diameter 18.3 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, 1 Jan - 13 Sep 92 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI, laureate head right; reverse IMP XXI COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing half left, helmeted and draped, inverted spear vertical before her in right, left hand on hip; $110.00 (€103.40)
Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Tomis, Moesia Inferior
Tomis was founded by Greek colonists on the shore of the Black Sea around 600 B.C. for trade with the local Getic population. The Roman poet Ovid was banished by Augustus to Tomis in 8 A.D. and died there eight years later. By his account, Tomis was "a town located in a war-stricken cultural wasteland on the remotest margins of the empire." Constanta Romania today, the city was renamed to honor Constantine the Great.RP112136. Bronze tetrassaria, AMNG I/II 3423 (same leg. breaks), Varbanov I 5555 (R3), RPC Online VII.2 1735, Sutzu I 671 var. (Δ left), SNG Cop 300 var. (same), VF, well centered, full legends, green patina, porosity, edge crack, central depressions, weight 12.028 g, maximum diameter 25.7 mm, die axis 0o, Tomis (Constanta, Romania) mint, obverse AVT K M ANTΩN ΓOPΔIANOC (OC ligate, Imperator Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus), laureate and draped bust right, seen from behind; reverse MHTPO ΠONTOY TOMEΩC, Athena standing slightly left, head left., right hand resting on grounded shield, spear vertical in right hand, Δ (mark of value) right; from Shawn Caza, former diplomat, author of A Handbook of Late Roman Coins (Spink, 2021), collection assembled during postings and international travel; ex Dorotheum Vienna; $100.00 (€94.00)
Domitian, 13 September 81 - 18 September 96 A.D., Anazarbus, Cilicia
Anazarbus was founded by Assyrians. Under the early Roman Empire it was known as Kaicare?n (Caesarea), and was the Metropolis (capital) of the late Roman province Cilicia Secunda. It was the home of the poet Oppian. Rebuilt by the Byzantine emperor Justin I after an earthquake in the 6th century, it became Justinopolis (525); but the old native name persisted, and when Thoros I, king of Lesser Armenia, made it his capital early in the 12th century, it was known as Anazarva.RP113540. Bronze tetrassarion, Ziegler 94 (Vs2/Rs5), RPC Online II 1753 (6 spec.), SNG Levante 1373, SNGvA 5473, SNG BnF -, aF, nice patina, weight 16.348 g, maximum diameter 30.9 mm, die axis 0o, Anazarbus (Anavarza, Turkey) mint, 94 - 95 A.D.; obverse AYTO KAI ΘE YIOΣ ΔOMITIANOΣ ΣE ΓEP (clockwise from upper right), laureate head right, fillet border; reverse KAIΣAPEΩN ΠP ANAZAPBΩ (ΠP ligate), Athena standing front, helmeted head left, spear in her right hand, left on grounded shield, ET-OYΣ / IΓP (year 113) in two lines divided across fields; $100.00 (€94.00)
Nabataean Kingdom, Anonymous Issue, c. 272 - 72 B.C.
There has been much debate over the dating of this bronze type, imitative of the gold staters of Alexander. Great variation in style suggests a long period of striking and they are often overstruck on coins of Ptolemy I - III. They were most likely struck at the desert citadel of Petra before Aretas III lost Damascus to Tigranes II in 72 B.C., and then transferred his royal mint to Petra.GB110809. Bronze AE 18, Barkay CN 1, Meshorer Nabataea 1; Huth 44; HGC 10, 671, gF, green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, central dimples, weight 3.911 g, maximum diameter 17.8 mm, die axis 90o, Petra (Jordan) mint, c. 272 - 72 B.C.; obverse helmeted head of Athena right; reverse Nike advancing left, wreath in extended right hand, Λ in left field; scarce; $90.00 (€84.60)
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Tyana, Cappadocia
Tyana was an ancient city in the Anatolian region of Cappadocia. Under Caracalla the city became Antoniana colonia Tyana. After having sided with Queen Zenobia of Palmyra it was captured by Aurelian in 272, who would not allow his soldiers to sack it, allegedly because Apollo appeared to him, pleading for its safety. The ruins of Tyana are at modern Kemerhisar, three miles south of Nigde. There are remains of a Roman aqueduct and of cave cemeteries and sepulchral grottoes.RP111720. Bronze AE 19, RPC III 2956; Henseler 1517; Waddington 6805; cf. Cox Tarsus p. 59, 234 & Pl. XI (year 21), gF, green patina, porous, scratches, light earthen deposits, tight flan, weight 5.839 g, maximum diameter 18.5 mm, die axis 0o, Tyana (Kemerhisar, Turkey) mint, 135 - 136 A.D.; obverse AYTO KAIC TPAI AΔPIANOC CEBACTOC, laureate head right; reverse TYANEΩN TΩN ΠP TA IEP ACY AYTO, Athena standing slightly left, head left, Victory bearing wreath and palm frond in right hand, left hand resting on grounded shield, vertical spear resting against shield, ET-K (year 20) across fields; $90.00 (€84.60)
Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D., Apameia ad Maeandrum, Phrygia
Apamea or Apameia, Phrygia (also called Apamea Cibotus, Apamea ad Maeandrum, or Apamea on the Maeander) was an ancient city in Anatolia founded in the 3rd century B.C. by Antiochus I Soter, who named it after his mother Apama. It was in Hellenistic Phrygia, but became part of the Roman province of Pisidia.
This magistrate also struck coins for Livia. That, and the youthful portrait resembling Augustus, indicate this type was struck early in Tiberius' reign, before 19 A.D.RP111943. Bronze AE 19, RPC Online I 3131 (12 spec.); Imhoof-Blumer KM p. 210, 17; Waddington 5703; BMC Phrygia -, SNGvA -, SNG Cop - , F, uneven strike, black patina, tiny edge split, marks, weight 4.897 g, maximum diameter 18.8 mm, die axis 0o, Phrygia, Apameia ad Maeandrum (Dinar, Turkey) mint, 14 - 18 A.D.; obverse ΣEBAΣTOΣ, laureate head right; reverse MAPKOΣ MANNHIOΣ (Marcus Manneius [magistrate]), Athena standing left, helmeted, spear in right hand, round shield on left arm, AΠA-MEΩN divided across field; $90.00 (€84.60)
Commodus, March or April 177 - 31 December 192 A.D.
Minerva, equated with the Greek Athena, was the Roman virgin warrior goddess of poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, weaving, crafts, magic, and the inventor of music. She was worshiped on the Capitoline Hill as one of the Capitoline Triad along with Jupiter and Juno.RS114353. Silver denarius, cf. RIC III 176, RSC II 365a, SRCV II 5662, gF, tight flan, edge ragged, flan cracks, a bit rough, weight 1.956 g, maximum diameter 16.5 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, c. 189 A.D.; obverse M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT (or similar), laureate head right; reverse MIN VICT P M TR P XIIII COS V P P (or similar), Minerva standing half left, head left, wearing helmet with crest, Victory in extended right, hand and spear, shield at feet, trophy behind; $90.00 (€84.60)
Side, Pamphylia, c. Late 4th - Early 3rd Century B.C.
Side was founded by Greeks from Cyme, Aeolis, most likely in the 7th century B.C. The settlers started using the local language and over time forgot their native Greek. Excavations have revealed inscriptions written in this language, still undeciphered, dating from as late as the 2nd century B.C. The name Side is from this indigenous Anatolian language and means pomegranate.GB114929. Bronze AE 18, SNG Pfalz IV 490 (with hippocamp c/m), SNG BnF 772 var. (caduceus left), SNG Cop -, SNGvA -, BMC Lycia -, VF, green patina, scratches, earthen deposits, large crack from countermarking, weight 2.995 g, maximum diameter 17.7 mm, die axis 0o, Side (near Selimiye, Antalya Province, Turkey) mint, c. late 4th - early 3rd century B.C.; obverse helmeted head of Athena right, countermark: obscure, perhaps a hippocamp (as on SNG Pfalz IV 490); reverse pomegranate, ΣIΔH above, upright palm frond left; first specimen of this type handled by FORVM; rare; $90.00 (€84.60)
Apameia ad Maeandrum, Phrygia, c. 88 - 40 B.C.
Rome received Apameia with the Pergamene Kingdom in 133 B.C., but sold it to Mithridates V of Pontus, who held it till 120 BC. After the Mithridatic Wars it became a great center for trade, largely carried on by resident Italians and Jews. By order of Flaccus, nearly 45 kilograms of gold, intended by Jews for the Temple in Jerusalem was confiscated in Apamea in 62 B.C.GB112967. Bronze AE 24, HGC 7 670; cf. BMC Phrygia p. 77, 37 ff. (various magistrates), aVF, thick green patina, weight 8.340 g, maximum diameter 23.7 mm, die axis 0o, Phrygia, Apameia ad Maeandrum (Dinar, Turkey) mint, c. 88 - 40 B.C.; obverse bust of Athena right, wearing high-crested Corinthian helmet and aegis; reverse eagle alighting right from a basis ornamented with meander pattern, star above, basis flanked on each side by a star above a pileus, AΠAMEΩN above, magistrates name (obscure) below; $80.00 (€75.20)
Sala, Lydia, c. 98 - 117 A.D.
The town of Sala is identifiable with Tepecik in today's west Asiatic Turkey, but in antiquity was in the Roman province of Lydia in Asia Minor.RP113001. Bronze AE 19, RPC Online III 2438; BMC Lydia p. 228, 11; SNG Cop 422; SNG Leypold II 1178; Waddington 6435; Weber 6895; Lindgren I 797, VF, well centered, green patina, obv. flatly struck, light deposits, weight 5.132 g, maximum diameter 19.4 mm, die axis 30o, Lydia, Sala (Tepecik, Turkey) mint, c. 98 - 117 A.D.; obverse bust of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis; reverse CAΛHNΩN, Cybele seated left, kalathos on head, phiale in right hand, resting left arm on tympanum (drum), lion at feet on far side; $80.00 (€75.20)
Seleukid Kingdom, Antiochus VII Euergetes Sidetes, 138 - 129 B.C.
After his brother Demetrius was captured by the Parthians, Antiochus VII was made king. He married Demetrius' wife Cleopatra Thea. He defeated the usurper Tryphon at Dora and laid siege to Jerusalem in 134. According to Josephus, the Hasmonean king John Hyrcanus opened King David's sepulcher and removed three thousand talents, which he then paid Antiochus to spare the city. Sidetes then attacked the Parthians, supported by a body of Jews under Hyrcanus, and briefly took back Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Media before being ambushed and killed by Phraates II. His brother Demetrius II had by then been released, but the Seleucid realm was now restricted to Syria. Antiochus VII was the last Seleucid king of any stature.
After seeing a coin specimen with the ΓA monogram in the outer left field and a probable ΛΠ in the outer right, one wonders if these marks are regularly paired and are not often noticed simply because the flans for this coin issue are typically small in comparison to the dies used.GY113546. Bronze AE 16, cf. SNG Spaer 2113 ff., Houghton-Lorber II 2119.1 f., Houghton CSE 880, HGC 9 1102 (R1), F, chunky tight flan with a solid black patina and sandy dusting; small die break on reverse in left field, weight 3.101 g, maximum diameter 16.1 mm, die axis 0o, probably Ptolemais-Ake (Acre, Israel) mint, 136/5 or 135/4 B.C.; obverse bust of Athena in Corinthian helmet right; reverse BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ANTIOXOY (downwards on right) EYEPΓETOY (downwards on left), owl standing three-quarters right with head facing, ΓA monogram in outer left field, date (HOP or ΞOP - Seleukid era year 177 or 178) mostly off-flan in exergue; rare; $80.00 (€75.20)
Thessalian League, Greece, c. 146 - 100 B.C.
The Thessalian League was a loose confederacy of city-states and tribes in the Thessalian valley in N. Greece. Philip II of Macedon took control of Thessaly in 344 B.C and it remained under Macedonia until the Roman victory in 197 B.C. The league was reestablished in 196 B.C. but had little autonomy after Thessaly became part of the province of Macedonia in 146 B.C.
The catalogers of BCD Thessaly saw an 'A' in the obverse monogram on their coin (similar to ours). However, other coin specimens studied by this cataloger clearly show a ligated 'NY' only, possibly hinting at two versions of the same monogram.GS114361. Silver drachm, BCD Thessaly II 888.3; otherwise "not found in the consulted references" according to the catalogers; HGC 4 213 (for gen. type; S) , gF, rough, porous, tight oval flan cutting off top of Athena, weight 3.414 g, maximum diameter 19.4 mm, die axis 180o, probably Larissa mint, magistrates NY[...] & Phi[...], c. 150 - 101 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Apollo right, NY or NYA(?) monogram (magistrate's name) behind; reverse ΘEΣΣA/ΛΩN in two vertical lines, upward on left, then downward on right, Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear with right hand, shield on her left arm, Φ-I (magistrate's name) flanking her legs across lower inner field; scarce; $80.00 (€75.20)
Diocletian, 20 November 284 - 1 May 305 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt
Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice, and skill. Her usual attribute is the owl and Nike is her frequent companion.RX114200. Billon tetradrachm, RPC Online X U75951 (27 spec.), Dattari-Savio 5626, Emmett 4030; Geissen 3225, Milne 4811, Curtis 1961, SNG Cop 981, BMC Alexandria 2481, aVF, tight, ragged flan with superficial cracking, weight 7.550 g, maximum diameter 19.0 mm, die axis 0o, Alexandria mint, 29 Aug 286 - 28 Aug 287 A.D.; obverse A K Γ OYA ΔIOKΛHTIANOC CEB, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front; reverse Athena standing slightly right, head left, spear in right hand, resting left hand on grounded shield, LΓ (year 3) in left field; ex Priapus Numismatics e-auction 1 (5 Nov 2023), lot 651; scarce; $80.00 (€75.20)
Claudius, 25 January 41 - 13 October 54 A.D.
Minerva was ancient even to the Romans. She was of Italian or Etruscan origin and directly identified with the Greek Athena. Although a war goddess, she was also the patron of handicrafts and of wisdom. The latter is probably what made her attractive to Claudius who reportedly authored several histories, none of which, unfortunately, have survived.RB110690. Copper as, RIC I 100, Hunter I 62, BMCRE I 149, BnF II 179, Cohen I 84, SRCV I 1861, F, green patina, slightly off center, weight 10.011 g, maximum diameter 27.5 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 41 - 42 A.D.; obverse TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, bare head left; reverse Minerva striding right, brandishing javelin in right, shield on left arm, S - C (senatus consulto) flanking low across field; $70.00 (€65.80)
Domitian, 13 September 81 - 18 September 96 A.D., Side, Pamphylia
Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice, and skill. Her usual attribute is the owl and Nike is her frequent companion.RP112716. Bronze AE 18, RPC II 1528, SNG Pfälzer 625, SNGvA 4811 var. (ethnic divided across field), SNG Cop 415 var. (same), BMC Lycia -, F, dark patina, spots of corrosion, edge crack, weight 4.081 g, maximum diameter 17.7 mm, die axis 0o, Side (near Selimiye, Antalya Province, Turkey) mint, 13 Sep 81 - 18 Sep 96 A.D.; obverse ΔOMITIANOC KAICAP (counterclockwise from upper left), laureate head right; reverse CIΔHT (counterclockwise from upper left), Athena advancing left, wearing crested helmet, long chiton, and peplos, transverse spear and pomegranate in right hand, round shield in left hand, snake right at feet on left; scarce variant; $70.00 (€65.80)
Thyateira, Lydia, c. 218 - 235 A.D.
Thyateira (also Thyatira) is the ancient name of the modern Turkish city of Akhisar ("white castle"). In Revelation, Thyatira is the church that had a false prophetess (Revelation 2:20).
It is uncertain if Athena is holding a spear over her left shoulder on the obverse of our coin. That such a spear-less variety exists is suggested by both BMC Lydia 32 and 31 (whose reverse depicts Athena holding a patera in place of Nike), although neither coin has been seen by this cataloger. Also, contrary to the claim of RPC Online VI (as of 1 Feb. 2024), Dane Kurth did indeed record our type (assuming it has an obverse spear) under GRPC Lydia 82. Spear or no spear, hopefully the reader has understood the point of this commentary.GB113946. Bronze AE 19, cf. RPC Online VI T30620 (obv. spear); GRPC Lydia 82 (same); SNG Hunt 1362-1363 (same; leg. arr.); BMC Lydia p. 297, 32 (no obv. spear?; leg. arr.), F, slightly rough, bare metal surfaces, weight 3.557 g, maximum diameter 19.3 mm, die axis 180o, Thyatira (Akhisar, Turkey) mint, time of Elagablus-Sev. Alexander, 218 - 235 A.D.; obverse draped bust of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet and aegis partially fringed with snakes, spear(?) over left shoulder; reverse ΘYAT-E-IPHNΩN, Athena standing facing, helmeted head left, Nike in right hand, grounded shield and upright spear supported with her left hand; $70.00 (€65.80)
Herakleia, Lucania, Italy, c. 280 - 150 B.C.
Heraclea, also Heracleia or Herakleia, was an ancient Greek city on the Gulf of Taranto between the rivers Aciris (modern Agri) and Siris (modern Sinni). It was still a place of some importance under the Roman empire. The time and circumstances of its final extinction are wholly unknown, but the site is now desolate. The ruins are in the modern comune of Policoro in the Province of Matera, Basilicata, Italy.GB114018. Bronze AE 15, HN Italy 1448b, HGC 1 1019 (R2), F, dark patina, weight 2.075 g, maximum diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 0o, Lucania (Policoro, Italy) mint, c. 280 - 150 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet; reverse Herakles standing slightly left, head left, nude, patera in right hand, club upwards and lion's skin in left hand and arm, ͰHPAK-ΛEIΩN in two downward lines the first on the right, the second on the left; rare; $70.00 (€65.80)
Pergamon, Mysia, c. 2nd Century B.C.
Pergamon, Mysia was located to the northwest of the modern city of Bergama, Turkey, 16 miles (26 km) from the Aegean Sea on a promontory on the north side of the Caicus (Bakircay) River. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon under the Attalid dynasty, 281-133 B.C. Pergamon is cited in the book of Revelation as one of the seven churches of Asia.GB112986. Bronze AE 20, SNG BnF 1875; SNGvA 1374; SNG Cop 396; BMC Mysia p. 131, 172, VF, nice green patina, old scrapes, die damage, weight 8.689 g, maximum diameter 20.0 mm, die axis 0o, Pergamon (Bergama, Turkey) mint, c. 2nd century B.C.; obverse head of Athena right wearing crested Corinthian helmet; reverse trophy of captured arms, NIKHΦOPOY (Victorious) downward on left, AΘHNAΣ (Athena) downward on right, Pergamon monogram lower right; $65.00 (€61.10)
Phaselis, Lycia, c. 190 - 167 B.C.
Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. She was believed to lead soldiers into battle as the war goddess Athena Promachos. The Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis was dedicated to her, along with numerous other temples and monuments across Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. Her usual attribute is the owl and Nike is her frequent companion.GB111741. Bronze AE 21, Heipp-Tamer B55; SNG Cop 126; SNGvA 4439; BMC Lycia p. 82, 18; Mionnet III p. 443, 69, aF, Light earthen deposits, weight 4.059 g, maximum diameter 20.6 mm, die axis 330o, Phaselis (near Tekirova, Turkey) mint, c. 190 - 167 B.C.; obverse prow of war galley right, Nike flying right above crowning acrostolium with wreath; reverse Athena standing right, wearing long chiton and helmet, aegis on left arm, wielding thunderbolt in right hand, Φ - A flanking across field below center; $60.00 (€56.40)
Seleukid Kingdom, Antiochus I Soter, 280 - 261 B.C.
Antiochos' reign was marred by struggle against internal and external enemies, including the betrayal and revolt of his co-regent in the east, his eldest son, whom he was forced to execute. He earned the title savior (soter) of Asia by defeated roving bands of Galatians that had terrorized the cities for years. However, not long after, he lost southern and western Asia Minor to Ptolemy.GY114635. Bronze AE 14, Houghton-Lorber 315a; Newell WSM 1369; BMC Seleucid p. 13, 58; SNG Spaer 233; SNG Cop 77; SGCV II 6883; HGC 9 167 (R2), aVF, green patina, scratches, areas of light corrosion, weight 2.032 g, maximum diameter 14.4 mm, die axis 0o, Sardes (Sart, Turkey) mint, 280 - 261 B.C.; obverse bust of Athena facing, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet; reverse Nike walking left, raising wreath in right hand, long palm frond over left shoulder in left hand, BAΣIΛEΩΣ downward on right, ANTIOXOY downward on right, monogram in circle over line outer left (control); $60.00 (€56.40)
Thessalian League, Thessaly, Greece, 146 - 27 B.C.
The Thessalian League was a loose confederacy of city-states and tribes in the Thessalian valley in N. Greece. Philip II of Macedon took control of Thessaly in 344 B.C and it remained under Macedonia until the Roman victory in 197 B.C. The league was reestablished in 196 B.C. but had little autonomy after Thessaly became part of the province of Macedonia in 146 B.C.GB114917. Bronze dichalkon, cf. BMC Thessaly p. 5, 62 ff. (various magistrates on obv); SNG Cop 324 ff. (same); BCD Thessaly II 904 ff. (same), gF, tight flan cutting off inscriptions, areas of light corrosion, weight 4.559 g, maximum diameter 16.8 mm, die axis 0o, Larissa(?) mint, pseudo-autonomous, 196 - 27 B.C.; obverse helmeted head of Athena right, magistrate's name around (obscure); reverse ΘEΣ-Σ/A-ΛΩ-N, horse trotting right; ex Aphrodite auction XV (28 Oct 2023), lot 161; $60.00 (€56.40)
Persian Empire, Philistia (Gaza or Samaria), c. 375 - 333 B.C., Imitative of Athens
A Persian Period imitation of Athenian types from the Holy Land. In the past these coins were all attributed to Gaza, however, recent hoard finds indicate a mint at Ashkelon probably also struck this type. It is likely that at least several small mints struck these imitative types.JD97053. Silver obol, cf. Samaria Hoard pls. 45 - 50, SH269 ff.; Gitler-Tal 4.4.IX-X; SNG ANS 15 ff., aF, toned, squared flan (normal for the type), weight 0.738 g, maximum diameter 8.7 mm, die axis 90o, Gaza(?) mint, c. 375 - 333 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl, hair in parallel bands, eye in profile; reverse owl standing right, wings closed, head facing, olive spray with one olive between two leaves and a crescent behind, AΘE downward on right, all in incuse square, no Aramaic inscription; $50.00 (€47.00)
Sardes, Lydia, Late 2nd - 1st Century B.C.
| Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, one of the important cities of the Persian Empire, the seat of a proconsul under the Roman Empire, and the metropolis of the province Lydia in later Roman and Byzantine times. Its importance was due first to its military strength, secondly to its situation on an important highway leading from the interior to the Aegean coast, and thirdly to its commanding the wide and fertile plain of the Hermus. As one of the Seven churches of Asia, it was addressed by John, the author of the Book of Revelation in the Holy Bible, in terms which seem to imply that its population was notoriously soft and fainthearted. Remains including the Temple of Artemis, bath-gymnasium complex, synagogue and Byzantine shops are open to visitors year-round. |  |
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Miletopolis, Mysia
Miletopolis was in northern Mysia, at the confluence of the Macestus and the Rhyndacus, west of Lake Miletopolitis Limne. There seems to have been a tribe there, called Milatć, for whom Miletopolis was the chief town. Nothing is known of the history of Miletopolis except that its inhabitants colonized the city of Gargara.MA114908. Bronze AE 20, RPC III 1653, SNG BnF 1311, Weber 5129, weight 4.567 g, maximum diameter 19.8 mm, die axis 180o, obverse AYTO TΡAIA AΔΡIANOC (Imperator Traianus Hadrianus), laureate and cuirassed bust right; reverse MEIΛHTOΠOΛEITΩN, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Athena, right, wearing aegis; ex Rönesans Salzgitter blue auction 1 (27 Aug 2023), lot 624; $46.00 (€43.24)
Antoninus Pius, August 138 - 7 March 161 A.D., Iconium, Lycaonia
Iconium, Lycaonia, is modern Konya, Turkey.
Lycaonia was bounded on the west by Pisidia, on the north by Galatia, on the east by Cappadocia, and on the south by the mountainous country of Isauria or Cilicia Tracheia.RP97770. Bronze AE 17, RPC Online IV.3 T7259; vA Lykao 308; SNGvA 8648; SNG Hunterian I 2150; BMC Lycaonia p. 5, 7; Imhoof-Blumer KM p. 418, 7, VF, green patina, centered on a tight flan, porosity, scattered pits, edge flaw, weight 3.931 g, maximum diameter 19.3 mm, die axis 180o, Iconium (Konya, Turkey) mint, Aug 138 - 7 Mar 161 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVG PIVS, laureate and draped bust right; reverse COL ICO, helmeted head of Athena right; $45.00 (€42.30)
Nabataean Kingdom, Anonymous Issue, c. 272 - 72 B.C.
There has been much debate over the dating of this bronze type, imitative of the gold staters of Alexander. Great variation in style suggests a long period of striking and they are often overstruck on coins of Ptolemy I - III. They were most likely struck at the desert citadel of Petra before Aretas III lost Damascus to Tigranes II in 72 B.C., and then transferred his royal mint to Petra.GB110789. Bronze AE 17, Barkay CN 1, Meshorer Nabataea 1, Huth 44, HGC 10 671, F, green patina, light earthen deposits, scratches, porosity, traces of sprue cuts, weight 3.276 g, maximum diameter 16.6 mm, die axis 0o, Petra (Jordan) mint, c. 272 - 72 B.C.; obverse helmeted head of Athena right; reverse Nike advancing left, wreath in extended right hand, Λ in left field; scarce; $45.00 (€42.30)
Lysimacheia, Thrace, 196 - 190 B.C.
Lysimachia was built by Lysimachus in 309 B.C., when he was preparing for his last struggle with his rivals; for the new city, being situated on the isthmus, commanded the road from Sestos to the north and the mainland of Thrace. To obtain inhabitants for his new city, Lysimachus destroyed the neighboring town of Cardia, the birthplace of the historian Hieronymus, and settled the inhabitants of it and other Chersonese cities here. Lysimachus no doubt made Lysimachia the capital of his kingdom and it must have rapidly risen to great splendor and prosperity.MA113963. Bronze AE 16, SNG Cop 908; BMC Thrace, p. 196, 11; Lischine 1105; HGC 3.2 1501, gF, dark green patina, good centering for small flan, inscriptions weak, some minor pitting on rev., weight 3.452 g, maximum diameter 15.8 mm, die axis 0o, Lysimacheia (Eksemil, Turkey) mint, c. 196 - 190 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; reverse lion walking right, ΛYΣI/MAXEΩN above and below, ΠA monogram under belly, EP monogram upper right; $45.00 (€42.30)
Elaia, Aeolis, c. 340 - 275 B.C.
Herodotus describes the following story relevant to the olive wreath. Xerxes was interrogating some Arcadians after the Battle of Thermopylae. Asked why there were so few Greek men defending the Thermopylae, they answered, "All other men are participating in the Olympic Games." And when asked "What is the prize for the winner?", "An olive-wreath" came the answer. Then Tigranes, one of his generals uttered a most noble saying: "Good heavens! Mardonius, what kind of men are these against whom you have brought us to fight? Men who do not compete for possessions, but for honor."MA115024. Bronze AE 11, cf. SNG Cop 169; SNGvA 1605; SNG Munchen 386; SNG Tübingen 2685; BMC Troas p. 126, 11, aF, weight 1.569 g, maximum diameter 10.9 mm, Elaia (near Zeytindag, Turkey) mint, c. 340 - 275 B.C.; obverse head of Athena left in Corinthian helmet; reverse Ε - Λ either side of grain kernel, the whole within olive wreath; from Shawn Caza, former diplomat, author of A Handbook of Late Roman Coins (Spink, 2021), collection assembled during postings and international travel; ex Dorotheum (Vienna, Austria); $40.00 (€37.60)
Byzantion, Thrace, 2nd - 1st Century B.C., Restoration of Lysimachos' Type, Portrait of Alexander the Great
SH58093. Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 1140, Choice EF, weight 16.635 g, maximum diameter 33.0 mm, die axis 0o, Byzantium (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 250 - 100 B.C.; obverse diademed head of Alexander the Great right, wearing the horn of Ammon; reverse BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena enthroned left, rests arm on shield, transverse spear against right side, holds Nike crowning name in right, herm facing inner left, BY on throne, trident in exergue; uncleaned with hoard patina!; SOLD
Byzantion, Thrace, 2nd - 1st Century B.C., Restoration of Lysimachos' Type, Portrait of Alexander the Great
SH53582. Silver tetradrachm, Müller 200, SNG Cop 1141 var. (monogram), Choice gVF, weight 16.850 g, maximum diameter 33.8 mm, die axis 0o, Byzantium (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 2nd - 1st Centuries B.C.; obverse diademed head of Alexander the Great wearing the horn of Ammon; reverse BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena enthroned left, rests arm on shield, transverse spear against right side, holds Nike crowning name in right, monogram inner left, BY on throne, trident in exergue; uncleaned with dark hoard toning!; SOLD
Corinth, Corinthia, Greece, c. 345 - 307 B.C.
Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. She was believed to lead soldiers into battle as the war goddess Athena Promachos. The Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis was dedicated to her, along with numerous other temples and monuments across Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. Her usual attribute is the owl and Nike is her frequent companion.SH26890. Silver stater, Pegasi I 427, Ravel 1009, gVF, weight 8.512 g, maximum diameter 20.9 mm, die axis 270o, Corinth mint, c. 375 - 300 B.C.; obverse Pegasos flying left, koppa below; reverse laureate and helmeted head of Athena (or Aphrodite) left, aegis behind, A-P below; SOLD
Pergamene Kingdom, Eumenes I, 263 - 241 B.C.
Upon his succession, Eumenes, perhaps with the encouragement of Ptolemy II, who was at war with the Seleucids, revolted, defeating the Seleucid king Antiochus I near the Lydian capital of Sardis in 261 B.C. He was thus able to free Pergamon and greatly increase the territories under his control. Although he never took the title of king, Eumenes did exercise all of the powers of one. Since he had no surviving heir, Eumenes adopted his second cousin, Attalus I, who succeeded him as ruler of Pergamon.SH54018. Silver tetradrachm, Westermark group V (V.LXXXV), SNG BnF 1618, Meydancikkale 3041, VF, high relief portrait, weight 16.345 g, maximum diameter 28.7 mm, die axis 0o, Pergamon (Bergama, Turkey) mint, c. 263 - 241 B.C.; obverse Philetairos (founder of the Attalid dynasty) diademed head right; reverse Athena enthroned left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, crowning dynastic name with wreath in right hand, ΦIΛETAIPOY downward on left, spear leaning transverse on her far side, resting left arm on round shield leaning against throne, grape bunch to outer left, A to inner left, bow to right; rare; SOLD
Anaktorion, Akarnania, Greece, c. 350 - 300 B.C.
| Anaktorion (Anactorium) was a Corinthian colony, founded c. 630 B.C. on the south bank of the Ambracian Gulf, near modern Vonitsa. The location was favorable for trade and shipping but less so for farming. The residents engaged in trade, fishing and logging. Like the other cities of Acarnania, Anaktorion declined after the Battle of Actium when Augustus founded Nikopolis on the other side of the Ambracian Gulf and forced the its residents to move there. No archaeological excavations have yet been done at the site and few ruins remain visible above ground. |  |
Leukas, Akarnania, Greece, c. 435 - 400 B.C.
Lefkada (Leukas) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of Greece between the islands of Corfu and Cephalonia. According to myth, the Kefalines, who lived on Lefkada, participated in the Trojan War, under the command of Ulysses. Laertis, Ulysses' father, occupied the town of Niriko and offered the island to Icarius, father of Penelope, after her wedding to Ulysses. The town of Leukas was founded by the Corinthians in the 7th century B.C. and issued coins with Corinthian types.
During the period when this coin was struck, Leucas joined the Spartan Confederation opposing Athens in the Peloponnesian War.SH56866. Silver stater, Pegasi II p. 395, 27; BMC Corinth p. 126, 15; SNG Delepierre 1230 (all same dies); SNG Cop -, aVF, toned, graffiti, weight 8.521 g, maximum diameter 22.5 mm, die axis 180o, Leucas (Lefkada, Greece) mint, c. 435 - 400 B.C.; obverse Pegasus flying left, unbridled, curled archaic wings, Λ below; reverse head of Athena (or Aphrodite) left in Corinthian helmet over leather cap; Λ above, phiale behind; scarce; SOLD
Ambrakia, Epirus, Greece, c. 360 - 338 B.C.
Ambracia was founded as a Corinthian colony 650 - 625 B.C. It was besieged by Philip II and forced to accept a Macedonian garrison in 338. In 294, Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, made it his capital, and adorned it with palace, temples and theaters. It was captured and plundered by Rome in 189 B.C., after which it gradually fell into insignificance.GS54019. Silver stater, Pegasi II 89/2 (same dies), Ravel 138, aVF, weight 8.016 g, maximum diameter 24.0 mm, die axis 180o, Ambrakia (Arta, Greece) mint, c. 360 - 338 B.C.; obverse Pegasos with pointed wing walking right, A below; reverse head of Athena (or Aphrodite) left in Corinthian helmet over leather cap, head of Achelous right; SOLD
Ambrakia, Epirus, Greece, c. 360 - 338 B.C.
| Ambracia (modern Arta) was founded as a Corinthian colony 650 - 625 B.C. Its economy was based on farmlands, fishing, timber for shipbuilding, and the exporting the produce of Epirus. In 433, Ambracia fought with Corinth at the Battle of Sybota, against the rebellious Corinthian colony of Corcyra (modern Corfu). Ambracia was besieged by Philip II and forced to accept a Macedonian garrison in 338. In 294, after 43 years of semi-autonomy, Ambracia was given by the son of Cassander to Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, who made it his capital, and adorned it with palace, temples and theaters. In the wars of Philip V of Macedon and the Epirotes against the Aetolian league (220-205) it changed sides and ultimately joined the Aetolians. Against Rome, it stood a stubborn siege, including the first known use of poison gas, against Roman siege tunnels. It was captured and plundered by Marcus Fulvius Nobilior in 189 B.C., after which it gradually fell into insignificance. |  |
Kamarina, Sicily, 413 - 405 B.C.
Kamarina was suffering a plague. A marsh north of the city was the suspected source. The town oracle advised them not to drain the marsh, but in 405 B.C., the leaders ignored the advice. Once the marsh was dry, there was nothing to stop the Carthaginian army. They marched across the newly drained marsh, razed the city, and killed every last inhabitant.GI76938. Bronze tetras, Westermark-Jenkins 200; Calciati III pp. 63 - 65, 33; BMC Sicily p. 40; 40; SNG Munchen 415; SNG ANS 1228; SNG Cop 169; HGC 2 548, gVF, nice green patina, tight flan, weight 3.242 g, maximum diameter 14.5 mm, die axis 90o, Kamarina (near Scoglitti, Sicily, Italy) mint, 413 - 405 B.C.; obverse head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with wing, dot border; reverse KAMA (downward on right), owl standing left on left leg, head facing, lizard in right talon, three pellets (mark of value) in exergue; SOLD
Indo-Greek Kingdom, Menander, c. 155 - 130 B.C.
SH32811. Silver tetradrachm, SGCV II 7600, SNG ANS 764, VF, weight 9.743 g, maximum diameter 24.7 mm, die axis 0o, obverse BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ MENANΔPOY, diademed and draped bust of King right; reverse Kharosthi legend around, Athena standing left, brandishing thunderbolt in right hand, shield on left arm, monograms in fields; SOLD
Koinon of Macedonia, Reign of Severus Alexander, c. 231 - 235 A.D., Portrait of Alexander the Great
The Macedonian Koinon (community) was the political organization governing the autonomous Roman province of Macedonia and was responsible for issuing coinage. The individual cities, as members of the Koinon, sent representatives to participate in popular assembly several times each year. The high point of the year was celebrations and matches in honor of Alexander the Great and the Roman emperor held in Beroea (modern Verria) located about 75 km west of Thessaloniki. This was the provincial center of the emperor cult, with the appropriate temple and privileges, first granted to the Koinon by Nerva. The title Neokoros, or "temple guardians" was highly prized and thus advertised on coins. Under Elagabalus, the Koinon received a second neokorie, indicated by B (the Greek number two) or rarely DIC (double in Greek). The title was rescinded but later restored by Severus Alexander, probably in 231 A.D.SH66818. Bronze AE 28, AMNG III 511; cf. BMC Macedonia p. 24, 113 (1 Nekorie); SNG Cop 1353 (NE not ligate, no star); SNG Hunterian 742 (same, time of Gordian III), VF, excellent centering and strike, weight 12.080 g, maximum diameter 27.9 mm, die axis 225o, Beroea (Verria, Greece) mint, c. 231 - 235 A.D.; obverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, diademed head of Alexander the Great right; reverse KOINON MAKEΔONΩN B NE (NE ligate), Athena seated left, helmeted, Nike in right hand, spear in left hand, resting left arm on shield behind, star right; ex Gitbud - Naumann Auction 4, lot 231; rare; SOLD
Macrinus and Diadumenian, 11 April 217 - 8 June 218 A.D., Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior
Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice, and skill. Her usual attribute is the owl and Nike is her frequent companion.RP48225. Bronze pentassarion, Varbanov I 1144 cor (says transverse spear but pl. shows inverted), AMNG I/I -, BMC Thrace -, gVF, cleaning scratches, weight 10.222 g, maximum diameter 26.7 mm, die axis 0o, Markianopolis (Devnya, Bulgaria) mint, consular legate Marcus Agrippa, 217 - 218 A.D.; obverse AYT K OΠEΛ CEY MAKPKEINOC K M OΠEΛ ANTΩNEINOC, laureate head of Macrinus right confronted with bare-head of Diadumenian left; reverse YΠ AΓPIΠΠOY MAPKIANOΠOΛEITΩN, Athena standing left, patera in right hand, inverted spear in left hand, E (mark of value) in right field; very rare (R7); SOLD
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FROM THIS CATEGORY - FORVM's PRIOR SALES
REFERENCES|
Page created in 3.578 seconds.
