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Image search results - "Argos"
IMG_3706.jpeg

ARGOLIS.ARGOS.After 343 BC.AR.Tetrobol. ( 2.48g, 16.4mm, 3h )

Forepart of wolf left.
Reverse. I - E / P - Ω / ΝΟ -Σ , Large letter A , within limbs eagle standing right on thunderbolt, wings closed.
Ref:SNG Cop.42.
paul1888
DSC06620-horz.jpg
00 - 01 - Marco Junio BrutoMarcus Junius Brutus, al ser adoptado por su Tío toma el nombre de Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus

AR Denario 18,00 mm de 3,60 gr.

Anv: "BRVTVS", Busto a cabeza desnuda de Lucio Junio Bruto a der.
1er.Consul y fundador de la República Romana en el 509 A.C., luego de participar activamente en la conspiración para derrocar a Tarquino "El Soberbio", último Rey de Roma
Rev: "AHALA", Busto a cabeza desnuda de Cayo Servilio Ahala a der.
Magister Equitum (Maestro de caballos) en el 439 D.C., autor del magnicidio del Dictador Espurio Melio en defensa de la República auque muchos autores atribuyen este asesinato a su deseo de convertirse en Rey de Roma

Acuñada por, quizás, el mas famosos de los asesinos de Julio Cesar, unos 10 años antes y a la edad de 31 años cuando desempeñaba uno de sus primeros cargos públicos como Magistrado Monetario. A travéz de esta moneda se atribuye la descendencia paterna de Lucio Junio Bruto y Materna de Cayo Servilio Ahala, dos defensores de la República y magnicidas; además muestra su fuerte defensa de la Res Pública, oposición a la tiranía y convencimiento que existía el homicidio justificable, valores que pondría mas tarde en práctica.
También se cree que esta moneda es una advertencia a Pompeyo "El Grande", quien tenía intensiones de convertirse en Dictador.

Acuñada durante los años 54 A.C. (s/RRC) ó 59 A.C. (s/BMCRR)
Ceca: Roma.

Referencias: Craw.RRC 433/2 - Syd. CRR #907 - BMCRR Roma #3864 - RSC vol.I #Junia 30, p.56 y #Servilia 17, p.89 - Sear RCTV Vol.I #398, p.149 - Albert #1362 - Mabbott #4079 - Catalli #617, p.2001 - Vagi #82 - Harlan RRM #3-4, pag.20
mdelvalle
Craw_433_2_Denario_M__Junius_Brutus.jpg
00 - 01 - Marco Junio BrutoMarcus Junius Brutus, al ser adoptado por su Tío toma el nombre de Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus

AR Denario 18,00 mm de 3,60 gr.

Anv: "BRVTVS", Busto a cabeza desnuda de Lucio Junio Bruto a der.
1er.Consul y fundador de la República Romana en el 509 A.C., luego de participar activamente en la conspiración para derrocar a Tarquino "El Soberbio", último Rey de Roma
Rev: "AHALA", Busto a cabeza desnuda de Cayo Servilio Ahala a der.
Magister Equitum (Maestro de caballos) en el 439 D.C., autor del magnicidio del Dictador Espurio Melio en defensa de la República auque muchos autores atribuyen este asesinato a su deseo de convertirse en Rey de Roma

Acuñada por, quizás, el mas famosos de los asesinos de Julio Cesar, unos 10 años antes y a la edad de 31 años cuando desempeñaba uno de sus primeros cargos públicos como Magistrado Monetario. A travéz de esta moneda se atribuye la descendencia paterna de Lucio Junio Bruto y Materna de Cayo Servilio Ahala, dos defensores de la República y magnicidas; además muestra su fuerte defensa de la Res Pública, oposición a la tiranía y convencimiento que existía el homicidio justificable, valores que pondría mas tarde en práctica.
También se cree que esta moneda es una advertencia a Pompeyo "El Grande", quien tenía intensiones de convertirse en Dictador.

Acuñada durante los años 54 A.C. (s/RRC) ó 59 A.C. (s/BMCRR)
Ceca: Roma.

Referencias: Craw.RRC 433/2 - Syd. CRR #907 - BMCRR Roma #3864 - RSC vol.I #Junia 30, p.56 y #Servilia 17, p.89 - Sear RCTV Vol.I #398, p.149 - Albert #1362 - Mabbott #4079 - Catalli #617, p.2001 - Vagi #82 - Harlan RRM #3-4, pag.20
mdelvalle
Aigina_turtle.jpg
002a, Aigina, Islands off Attica, Greece, c. 510 - 490 B.C.Silver stater, S 1849, SNG Cop 503, F, 12.231g, 22.3mm, Aigina (Aegina) mint, c. 510 - 490 B.C.; Obverse: sea turtle (with row of dots down the middle); Reverse: incuse square of “Union Jack” pattern; banker's mark obverse. Ex FORVM.


Greek Turtles, by Gary T. Anderson

Turtles, the archaic currency of Aegina, are among the most sought after of all ancient coins. Their early history is somewhat of a mystery. At one time historians debated whether they or the issuances of Lydia were the world's earliest coins. The source of this idea comes indirectly from the writings of Heracleides of Pontus, a fourth century BC Greek scholar. In the treatise Etymologicum, Orion quotes Heracleides as claiming that King Pheidon of Argos, who died no later than 650 BC, was the first to strike coins at Aegina. However, archeological investigations date the earliest turtles to about 550 BC, and historians now believe that this is when the first of these intriguing coins were stamped.

Aegina is a small, mountainous island in the Saronikon Gulf, about midway between Attica and the Peloponnese. In the sixth century BC it was perhaps the foremost of the Greek maritime powers, with trade routes throughout the eastern half of the Mediterranean. It is through contacts with Greeks in Asia Minor that the idea of coinage was probably introduced to Aegina. Either the Lydians or Greeks along the coast of present day Turkey were most likely the first to produce coins, back in the late seventh century. These consisted of lumps of a metal called electrum (a mixture of gold and silver) stamped with an official impression to guarantee the coin was of a certain weight. Aegina picked up on this idea and improved upon it by stamping coins of (relatively) pure silver instead electrum, which contained varying proportions of gold and silver. The image stamped on the coin of the mighty sea power was that of a sea turtle, an animal that was plentiful in the Aegean Sea. While rival cities of Athens and Corinth would soon begin limited manufacture of coins, it is the turtle that became the dominant currency of southern Greece. The reason for this is the shear number of coins produced, estimated to be ten thousand yearly for nearly seventy years. The source for the metal came from the rich silver mines of Siphnos, an island in the Aegean. Although Aegina was a formidable trading nation, the coins seemed to have meant for local use, as few have been found outside the Cyclades and Crete. So powerful was their lure, however, that an old proverb states, "Courage and wisdom are overcome by Turtles."

The Aeginean turtle bore a close likeness to that of its live counterpart, with a series of dots running down the center of its shell. The reverse of the coin bore the imprint of the punch used to force the face of the coin into the obverse turtle die. Originally this consisted of an eight-pronged punch that produced a pattern of eight triangles. Later, other variations on this were tried. In 480 BC, the coin received its first major redesign. Two extra pellets were added to the shell near the head of the turtle, a design not seen in nature. Also, the reverse punch mark was given a lopsided design.

Although turtles were produced in great quantities from 550 - 480 BC, after this time production dramatically declines. This may be due to the exhaustion of the silver mines on Siphnos, or it may be related to another historical event. In 480 BC, Aegina's archrival Athens defeated Xerxes and his Persian armies at Marathon. After this, it was Athens that became the predominant power in the region. Aegina and Athens fought a series of wars until 457 BC, when Aegina was conquered by its foe and stripped of its maritime rights. At this time the coin of Aegina changed its image from that of the sea turtle to that of the land tortoise, symbolizing its change in fortunes.

The Turtle was an object of desire in ancient times and has become so once again. It was the first coin produced in Europe, and was produced in such great quantities that thousands of Turtles still exist today. Their historical importance and ready availability make them one of the most desirable items in any ancient coin enthusiast's collection.

(Greek Turtles, by Gary T. Anderson .
1 commentsCleisthenes
Denario_Vespasiano_Proa_RIC_941_Fourree.jpg
18-12 - VESPASIANO (69 - 79 D.C.)FALSIFICACIÓN ANCIANA
Denario Forrado 19 mm 2.6 gr.

Anv: " IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG" Leyenda en sentido anti-horario - Cabeza laureada viendo a derecha.
Rev: "COS – VIII" – Proa de galera hacia la derecha, gran estrella de ocho rayos largos y ocho cortos, arriba.
Este reverso es copia originalmente de la emisión triunviral de Marco Antonio acuñada en el 41/40 A.C. en conmemoración de su reconciliación con Ahenobarbus.

Acuñada Con posterioridad al 77-78 D.C.
Ceca: No oficial

Referencias: RIC Vol.II #108 Pag.26 – RIC2 #941 - Sear RCTV Vol.1 #2290 Pag.435 - BMCRE Vol.2 #210 - Cohen Vol.1 #136 Pag.377/8 - DVM #24/3 Pag.101 - CBN #187 - RSC Vol. II #136 Pag.42
mdelvalle
SNG_Cop_98_ARGOS_Septimio_Severo.jpg
46-66 - SEPTIMIO SEVERO (193 - 211 D.C.)ARGOS - Peloponeso - Grecia

AE Diassarion 25 mm 7.8 gr.

Anv: "AV KAI Λ CEΠ CEVHPOC ΠEP" – Cabeza laureada viendo a derecha.
Rev: "APΓE - IWN" – Hera sedente en trono a izquierda.

Acuñada: 193 - 211 D.C.

Referencias: SNG Cop #98 - BDC Peloponnesos #1212.5 - ANS 1944.100.39605
mdelvalle
Follis_Majencio_RIC_35.jpg
A117-16 - MAJENCIO (306 - 312 D.C.)AE Follis 25 mm 7.1 gr.
Hijo de Maximiano, causó la crisis del sistema de la Tetrarquía, siendo proclamado “Principe”, luego César, y mas tarde Augusto, e invitando él mismo a su padre a reasumir el Imperio. Fue derrocado por las fuerzas conjuntas de Constantino I y Licinio.

Anv: "IMP C M[A]XENTIVS PF AVG " – Cabeza laureada viendo a derecha.
Rev: "AETE-RNITAS - [AVG] N” – Los Dioscuri (Castor y Pollux) desnudos de pié uno frente al otro, portando cetros largos verticales, sobre sus hombros un manto corto (Chlamys) y reteniendo a sus caballos por los frenos. "MOSTP" en exergo.

Acuñada 309 – 312 D.C.
Ceca: Ostia – (Ostia Antica, viejo puerto de Roma) -Italia
Rareza: C2

Referencias: RIC Vol.VI (Ostia) 35 Pag.404 - DVM #14 Pag.284 - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #7656.a. Pag.89 – Cohen Vol.VII #5 Pag.166
mdelvalle
RIC_35_Follis_Numus_Majencio.jpg
A117-16 - MAJENCIO (306 - 312 D.C.)AE Follis 25 mm 7.1 gr.
Hijo de Maximiano, causó la crisis del sistema de la Tetrarquía, siendo proclamado “Principe”, luego César, y mas tarde Augusto, e invitando él mismo a su padre a reasumir el Imperio. Fue derrocado por las fuerzas conjuntas de Constantino I y Licinio.

Anv: "IMP C M[A]XENTIVS PF AVG " – Cabeza laureada viendo a derecha.
Rev: "AETE-RNITAS - [AVG] N” – Los Dioscuri (Castor y Pollux) desnudos de pié uno frente al otro, portando cetros largos verticales, sobre sus hombros un manto corto (Chlamys) y reteniendo a sus caballos por los frenos. "MOSTP" en exergo.

Acuñada 309 – 312 D.C.
Ceca: Ostia – (Ostia Antica, viejo puerto de Roma) -Italia
Rareza: C2

Referencias: RIC Vol.VI (Ostia) 35 Pag.404 - DVM #14 Pag.284 - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #7656.a. Pag.89 – Cohen Vol.VII #5 Pag.166 - Sear '88 #3776
mdelvalle
Argosal.jpg
ACHAIA, Achaean League, Argos. 175-168BC AR Hemidrachm (15mm, 2.4g). Laureate head of Zeus left / AX Monogram: Harpa above; Monogram below; all within wreath tied above. Agrinion 307; Benner-Argos-9.
Dino
argos1.jpg
Achaia, Achaean League, Argos. 195-188 BC.AR Triobol or Hemidrachm (15mm, 2.40 g, 6h).

Obv: Laureate head of Zeus left
Rev: AX monogram; TK monogram above; below, wolf’s head right; all within laurel wreath.

Benner 3; Clerk 141/5; BCD Peloponnesos 1130; HGC 5, 714.

From the BCD Collection (not in previous sales).

CNG e-auction 288, Lot: 156.
Dino
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Achaia, Achaean League, Argos. 196-146 BC.AR Hemidrachm. Laureate head of Zeus left / AX monogram, AKT monogram above, wolf head right below.Dino
argos221.jpg
ACHAIA, Achaean League, Argos. Circa 160-146 BC. AR Hemidrachm (16mm, 2.33 g, 11h). Laureate head of Zeus right / Monogram of the Achaian League; above, club right; to right, TK monogram; all within laurel wreath. Benner 16; BCD Peloponnesos 1137. VF, toned.

Ex BCD Collection (not in previous sales); Coin Galleries FPL (Winter 1981-1982), no. 51; CNG 221, lot 79
Dino
Argolis,_Argos,_Hemidrachm_.jpg
Achaian League, Argos, ca. 195-188 BC, AR Hemidrachm Laureate head of Zeus left.
Wreath surrounding AX monogram; TK monogram above and wolf’s head below.

HGC 5, 714 (this coin) (R1); BCD Peloponnesos 1130 (this coin); Agrinion 302 (b) (same dies); Clerk 141.

(15 mm, 2.43 g, 6h).
Kirk Davis Classical Numismatics Catalogue 50, Fall 2006, 46; ex-BCD Collection: LHS Numismatics 96, 8 May 2006, 1130; ex-Coin Galleries Winter FPL 1981/82, 52.
1 commentsn.igma
GR_AchaianLeague_Argos_Benner-18_.jpg
Achaian League. Hemidrachm of ArgosGreece. Achaian League. c. 228 BC. AR Triobol - Hemidrachm (2.41 gm, 15.5mm, 6h) of Argos. Laureate head of Zeus right, in dotted border. / Large AX league monogram; club above, ꝁ monogram to left, all within laurel wreath, tied at top. gVF CNG EA 452 #293. Rare variant. Benner 18; BCD Pelop. 1138 (same dies); Clerk #144 corr. (monogram 15) pl.VI #6 (same dies); HGC 5 #717. cf. BMC 90 (pl. I #23, monogram to r.); SNG Cop 3 (Phliasia-Laconia) #268 var. (Tk monogram l.).Anaximander
Argolis_Argos.jpg
ArgolisArgos
90-40 BC
AR Hemidracha
14mm, 2.17g
Samson L2
argolis_hemidrachme___forum.jpg
Argolis hemidrachmGreece, Argolis, Argos AR hemidrachm (c. 330-270 BC)
15mm; 2.39g; 0h;
o/ Forepart of a wolf left;
r/ Large A, A-P across upper fields, crescent below; all within incuse square.
HGC 5, 667 - BDC Peleponnesos 1094
1 commentsT.MooT
82000559.jpg
argos_bcd_res2.jpg
ARGOLIS, ARGOS120 - 80 BC
AR TRIOBOL 15.5 mm 2.33 g
O: WOLF FOREPART
R: LARGE A, EAGLE STANDING BELOW WITIN INCUSE SQUARE
ex BCD Collection, BCD Peloponnesos 1177
(Arkadia)
1 commentslaney
argos_bcd_BLKBres2.jpg
ARGOLIS, ARGOS120 - 80 BC
AR TRIOBOL 15.5 mm 2.33 g
O: WOLF FOREPART
R: LARGE A, EAGLE STANDING BELOW WITIN INCUSE SQUARE
ex BCD Collection, BCD Peloponnesos 1177
1 commentslaney
ARGOS.jpg
ARGOLIS, ARGOS AR HemidrachmOBVERSE: Forepart of a wolf left
REVERSE: Large "A", eagle below "I-E/P-W/NO-S" = Hieron (Magistrate)
Struck at Argos,90-40 BC
2.25g, 15.5mm
BCD Peloponnesos 1177
Ex Aegean Numismatics
1 commentsLegatus
Greek_AE-Q-001_1h_9x10mm_0,95ga-s.jpg
Argolis, Argos, (c.c. 400-375 B.C.), BCD Peloponnesos 1120 (Head of Hera left), AE-10, Wolf,Argolis, Argos, (c.c. 400-375 B.C.), BCD Peloponnesos 1120 (Head of Hera left), AE-10, Wolf,
avers:- Head of Hera right, wearing stephane.
revers:- Wolf head left.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 9-10mm, weight: 0,95g, axis: 1h,
mint: Argolis, Argos, date: c.c. 400-375 B.C., ref: Cf. BCD Peloponnesos 1120 (Head of Hera left). BMC-,
Q-001
quadrans
argos_triobol.jpg
Argolis, Argos, 260s-250s BC, AR Triobol Forepart of wolf at bay to left, Θ above.
Large A with Δ-E above and eagle standing on harpa below; all within incuse square.

HGC 5, 670 (S); BMC 61; Mycenae pl. 24-25; SNG Copenhagen 42; BCD Peloponnesos 1109-1110.

(15 mm, 2.58 g, 1h).
Pars Coins.
1 commentsn.igma
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Argolis, Argos, 440s, 430s-420s BCTriobol. Forepart of wolf at bay to left, both legs extended forward and with head held level. Sigma O below neck.
Rev. A within shallow incuse square, containing square incuses on the upper part, pellet below cross bar. BMC 14, BCD 1030. Very rare.
Dino
01025AB.jpg
ARGOLIS, ARGOS, 90-40 BCHemidrachm, 16mm, 2.14g
Hieronos, magistrate.

O. Forepart of wolf at bay left
R. Large A; magistrate’s name across field; below, eagle standing right; all within incuse square

BCD Peloponnesos 1177-8; HGC 5, 692
2 commentsrobertpe
Argos_AE.jpg
Argolis, Argos, ca. 280-260 BC, Æ DichalkonHead of Hera right wearing stephane inscribed with APΓEI.
Palladion of Athena standing left brandishing spear and shield.

HGC 5, 697 (S); BMC 106-108; BCD Peloponnesos 1100-1104; SNG Copenhagen 57-58.

(16 mm, 3.75 g, 5h).
Gorny & Mosch 216, 16 October 2013, 2440.

A rare example on which the inscription on the stephane is easily read.
n.igma
DSC05443.JPG
Argolis, Argos, late 2nd Century - 80s BC AE Dichalkon
Wolf's head right
Rev. Pillar Fountain between helmet over wolf's head left on left and heta above monogram APX on the right. Rare.
BCD 1147
Dino
2646119_1647268013.jpg
Argolis, Argos. Æ9 (Circa 400-375 BC).Obv: Head of Hera left, wearing stephane.
Rev: Head of wolf right.
BCD Peloponnesos 1120
ancientone
Argoswolf.jpg
ARGOLIS, Argos. Circa 90-50 BC.AR Triobol (15mm, 1.84 g, 11h). Xenophilos, magistrate. Forepart of wolf at bay right / Large A; XENO - F - I - L - OU around, facing head of Helios below crossbar; all within incuse square. BCD Peloponnesos 1179-81 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 51. VF, toned, a few deposits.

CNG 198, lot 97.
6 commentsDino
Argolis_Argos_SNG-Cop54.jpg
Argolis, Argos. Wolf Head Obol.Greece. Argolis. 330-270 BC. AR Obol (0.85 gm, 12.0mm, 6h) of Argos on Attic standard. Wolf head left, Σ (retrograde) above. / Large A in shallow incuse square, 𐌲 - P above A, club left below. gVF. CNG 79 #292. Ex-Malter 55 (7 Nov. 1993) #182. Overstruck on uncertain type. SNG Cop 3 (Argolis-Aegean Islands) #54-55. BCD Pelop. 1080.3, 1090-1091; Babelon Traitė II/III #646 (pl.216 #18); BMC Pelop p.143 #94; HGC 5 #679; McClean II #6800 (pl.231 #26); SNG Lockett 2506.Anaximander
troizen_commodus_BCDpel1341_2.jpg
Argolis, Troizen, Commodus, BCD Peloponnesos 1341.2 (plate coin)Commodus, AD 177-192
AE 21mm, 9.61 g
obv. [M AVR KOMMO]DOC AV[G]
Laureate head right
rev. [TROI - ZHNIWN]
Hippolytus standing facing, head left, holding spear and ?; his dog at feet(?)
BCD Peloponnesos 1341.2 (this coin); NCP p.162, 7 (this coin) Thanks to BCD!
extremely rare, VF, black green patina with traces of lighter olive overtones, light roughness
Pedigree:
ex BCD coll.
ex A. Rhousopoulos coll.
ex LHS 96, 8./9. May 2006

A note from BCD: Troizen must have enjoyed a special status under Commodus, as did Aigion, Megara and Pagai. These cities and Epidauros are the only ones that issued non-Severan coins in the Peloponnesos, with the exception of the well-established mints of like Corinth, Patrai, Elis, Argos and Lakedaimon.

For more informations see the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
1 commentsJochen
argos_(1).JPG
Argolis. Argos Argolis. Argos AR Triobol / Wolf
Attribution: BCD Peloponnesos 1075
Date: 330-270 BC
Obverse: Forepart of wolf at bay left
Reverse: N - I flanking large A, club below, grapes to left, all in incuse square
Size: 14.02mm
Weight: 2.62 grams
7 commentsRandygeki(h2)
218073_l.jpg
Argolis. Argos (Circa 480-430 BC)Triobol AR

14 mm, 2.95 g

Obverse: Forepart of wolf at bay left

Reverse: Large A, two small incuse squares above, pellet below, all within shallow incuse square.

BCD Peloponnesos 1022-4; HGC 5, 663
Nathan P
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Argolis. Argos AR Hemidrachm / WolfAttribution: BCD Peloponnesos 1177
Date: 90-40BC
Obverse: Forepart of wolf left
Reverse: Large A, eagle standing right below
Size: 13.66 mm
Weight: 1.91 grams
Description: VF off center strike
3 commentsMark R1
Argolis_Argos_SNG_Cop29.jpg
Argolis. Wolf Hemidrachm of Argos.Greece. Argolis. 343 BC. AR Triobol or hemidrachm (2.42 gm, 9.3mm, 3h) of Argos. Forepart of wolf at bay, legs outstretched, left. / Large A over crescent in shallow incuse square, Α-Ρ above. aVF. Pegasi Numismatics Sale 125 #108. SNG Cop 3 (Argolis-Aegian Islands) #29; Babelon Traitė II/III #640 (pl.216 #6); BCD Pelop. #1094; BMC Pelop. p.141 #60; HGC 5 #667; McClean II #6813-6829 (pl.232 #3-6).Anaximander
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Argolis: AR Triobol.Argos 125-80 B.C. 2.64g - 14.4mm, Axis 6h.

Obv: Forepart of wolf right.

Rev: A-P - Large A; A-P across field; below, club left; all within incuse square.

Ref: BCD Peloponnesos 1140.1; SNG Copenhagen 37; BMC -.
Provenance: Ex Derek Glover. Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
Screenshot_2020-01-29_13_25_15.png
Argolis: Magistrate Hieron, AR Triobol.Argos 90-50 B.C. 2.37g - 15.1mm, Axis 10h.

Obv: Forepart of wolf at bay to left.

Rev: I-E / P-Ω/ NO-Σ - Large A; I-E/ P-Ω / NO-Σ in three lines across field; below, eagle standing right on a thunderbolt; all within incuse square.

Ref: BCD Peloponnesos 1177-8.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
Argos.jpg
Argos - AR triobol125-80 BC
forepart of dog
big A, trident below
Δ _ A / MAP
BCD Peloponnesos 1145; SNG Copenhagen 47-8
2,03g 15 mm
J. B.
argos_amphilochiko.jpg
Argos Amphilochikon. Circa 330-300 B.C. Hermes/ HoundAkarnania, Argos Amphilochikon. Circa 330-300 B.C. 4.317g, 19.3mm, 315o, Young head left (Hermes?)/ ARGEIWN. Hound standing right with raised head and tail, petasos in ex. BMC 172, 5. Imhoof-Blumer, A. 93, 46. Traité Tf. CCLXXX, 4. Ex FORVMPodiceps
argos_wolf.jpg
Argos AR Tetrobol. WolfArgolis, Argos AR Tetrobol. 2,5 g, 15 mm. After 343 BC. Forepart of wolf left / Large A in shallow incuse square, AP above, crescent below. SNGCop 29.Podiceps
greek21.jpg
Argos, AR triobol 2.6gmBCD 1177 var.bird r. / 80-50 BC
obv: forpart of wolf at bay
rev: large A, eagle std.r. on thunder bolt. small bird to r.
all within incuse square
1 commentshill132
ArgosWolf200.JPG
Argos, Argoliscirca 3rd century BC
AR Triobol (15mm, 2.25g)
O: Forepart of wolf left.
R: Large A, eagle standing right on thunderbolt beneath; IP-EΩ-NO-Σ (Hieronos, magistrate) in corners, all within shallow incuse square.
SNG Cop 42; BCD Peloponnesos 1177; SNG Delepierre 2273; Sear 2795v
ex Empire Coins

The origins of Argos are pre-Mycenaean, making it one of the most ancient cities in Greece.
Argos played a prominent role in The Iliad, being claimed by Hera as "one of the three cities dearest to Me". While they did supply ships and soldiers (including the hero Diomedes) for Agamemnon's war with Troy, Argos later remained neutral during the Graeco-Persian wars. And though ostensibly allied with Athens during her war with Sparta at the end of the 5th century BC, Argos was basically a non-participant.

Recent speculation dates this coin to the time of Cleopatra VII and may in fact have been issued by her. I remain skeptical, however it is an interesting theory.
5 commentsEnodia
067.JPG
Argos, Argolis100/90 - 50 B.C.
Bronze Dichalkon
3.69 gm, 17 mm
Obv.: Head of Hera right, wearing stephane
Rev.: Pillar fountain; monogram to left, wreath to right.
BMC 10, p. 147, 146
[BCD Peloponnesos 1158.3; SNG Copenhagen 76]
Jaimelai
DSC08137.jpg
Argos, Argolis 125-80 BC.AE 15MM, 2.55g. Dichalkon.
Laureate Head Apollo, right
Wolf standing at bay to right. APX monogram above.
BCD 1149.
ex BCD collection.
Dino
IMG_0001_2.JPG
ARGOS, Argolis. 343-280 BC.AR Obol.
obv: wolf l.
rev: crested helmet

Ex BCD with tag & photos. RARE type.
Dino
argos~0.jpg
Argos, Argolis. AR triobolObv: Forepart of wolf left.
Rev: A in shallow square incuse; below, pellet.
480-460 B.C.
BCD 1015
1 commentsancientone
arkanstater.jpg
Argos, Argos Amphilochicum. Circa 350-270 or later. AR Stater. Pegasos flying left, A below / Helmeted head of Athena left; AP behind, shield behind.

Pegasi II p. 530, 24.
4 commentsDino
Eleusis_AE.JPG
Athens, AtticaEleusinian Festival Coinage
340-335 BC
AE 16 (16mm, 3.65g)
O: Triptolemos seated left in winged chariot drawn by two serpents, holding grain ear in right hand.
R: Pig standing right on mystic staff; EΛEYΣI above, bucranium in ex.
SNG Cop 415; Agora 38h; Sear 2586v

The Sons of Dysaules
The story of Triptolemus being charged with bringing agriculture to man has been well told. That of his brother Eubouleus perhaps less so.
Eubouleus was a swineherd whose pigs were lost when the Earth gaped open to swallow up Persephone.
Pigs were sacrificed during the Eleusinian Rites in a women’s mystery ritual known as the Thesmophoria. The piglets would be washed in the sea during the Procession and then brought back to the Sanctuary and ritually slaughtered.
It is interesting to note that in ancient Greek religion pigs were thought to be able to absorb miasma from humans, making this an even more appropriate offering.


"It is said, then, that when Demeter came to Argos she was received by Pelasgos into his home, and that Khrysanthis, knowing about the rape of Kore, related the story to her. Afterwards Trokhilos, the priest of the mysteries, fled, they say, from Argos because of the enmity of Agenor, came to Attika and married a woman of Eleusis, by whom he had two children Eubouleos and Triptolemos. That is the account given by the Argives."
~ Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 14. 3
8 commentsEnodia
Hosidius_Geta~0.jpg
C. Hosidius C. f. Geta - AR denariusRome
²65 BC / ¹68 BC
diademed and draped bust of Diana, bow and quiver over shoulder
III VIR / GETA
attacked boar right, spear in shoulder, hound below
C HOSIDI C F
¹Crawford 407/2; Sydenham 903; Kestner 3317; BMCRR I Rome 3389; RSC I Hosidia 1, SRCV I 346
²Mark Passehl - Roman moneyer & coin type chronology, 150 – 50 BC
3,6g 16mm
ex Marc Walter

"Oineus, king of Kalydon in Aitolia, once had feasted the gods at an harvest festival but forgotten to butcher an animal for Artemis. The goddess was enraged and sent a big boar who wasted the fertile fields of the king. Oineus called for help and from all parts of Greece the heroes came to help him. There were the Curetes from Pleuron, the brothers of Althaia, the wife of Oineus. There were the Dioscurs Kastor and Polydeikes and their Messenian cousins Idas and Lynkeus. Theseus came from Athens, Iphikles, half-brother of Herakles, came from Thebens, Iason, Admetos, Peirithos, Peleus and Eurytion came from Thessalia, Telamon from Salamis, Amphiaraos from Argos, Ankaios and Atalante from Arcadia and much more. Herakles was prevented by his labours. On top of the heroes stood Meleagros, the son of Oineus and Althaia.
The hunt for the Calydonean boar ended very disastrous. Many heroes lost their lifes. Ankaios was the first killed by the boar. Peleus accidentally hit his father-in-law Eurytion with his spear. A second hunter too was killed by the boar.
The big catastrophe happened at the 6th day of the hunt. On this day Atalanta hit the boar with her arrow and Meleagros gave him the deathblow. Then he awarded head and skin of the boar to Atalante. But his uncles, brother of his mother Althaia, didn't tolerate that. They insisted on the rights of their clan. A dispute occured, they snatched the trophies from Atalante and then a fight began in which Meleagros slew his uncles. When Meleagros was born the fates predicted that he will live only as long as the log in the oven. Althaia pulled it out of the fire and hid it in a secret place. When she heard of the death of her brothers she enraged, got the log and threw it in the fire. When it was burnt Meleagros break down dead when he was dissecting the boar." - Jochen's Coins of mythological interest
J. B.
argos.jpg
C.Mamilius C. f. Limetanus & Argos + UlyssesRome, Republic, Denarius serratus, with letter M. C.Mamilius C. f. Limetanus, 82 BC. Dr. bust of Mercury right earing winged petasus, caduceus over shoulder, control letter behind. Rev: Ulysses walking right holding staff, his right hand extended toward Argos the dog, C MAMIL on left, LIMETAN (TA in monogram) on right. CRR 741. Sear RCV I: 282, RSC Mamilia 6, with countermarkPodiceps
Mamilia_6.JPG
Caius Mamilius C.f. LimetanusObv: Draped bust of Mercury facing right, wearing a winged petasus, caduceus over shoulder, control letter "F" behind.

Rev: Ulysses (Odysseus) walking right, holding a staff, his right hand is extended toward his dog, Argos, C MAMIL on left, LIMETAN on right.

Note: The reverse alludes to the moneyer's claim to be a descendent of Telegonus (Ulysses' son) and Circe, hence from Mercury.

Silver Denarius Serratus, Rome mint, 82 BC

3.7 grams, 20.2 mm, 270°

RSC Mamilia 6, S282

Ex: FORVM
3 commentsMatt Inglima
MamiliaTriens.jpg
Crawford 149/3a, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Mamilius, AE TriensRome, The Republic.
L. Mamilius, 189-180 BCE.
AE Triens (10.51g; 22mm; 1h).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Helmeted head of Minerva, facing right; ●●●● (mark-of-value) above.

Reverse: Ship’s prow, facing right; above, Ulysses with staff, flanked by [R]O-MA; ●●●● (mark-of-value) to right; [L·]MAMI[LI] below.

References: Crawford 149/3a; Sydenham 369b(R6); BMCRR ---; Mamilia 3.

Provenance: CNG eSale 473 (29 Jul 2020) Lot 233; Gitbud & Nauman Auction 23 (10 May 2014) Lot 641.

This coin is rare, and it was missing from the British Museum collection when the BMCRR was published in 1910. The Mamilia gens claimed descent from Telegonus, the son of Ulysses and Circe, and so they depict Ulysses on their coins. The Mamilia moneyer of this Triens is otherwise unknown to history and did not produce any known silver coins. See Crawford 362/1 for later denarii of C. Mamilius Limetanus, 82 BCE, depicting Ulysses meeting his dog, Argos.
Carausius
EB0045b.JPG
EB0045 Forepart of wolf / Large AArgos, Argolis. Circa 3rd Century BC. AR Hemidrachm.
Obverse: Forepart of wolf left.
Reverse: Large A in incuse square; I-E-Ρ-Ω-NO-Σ, eagle standing right below.
References: SNG Cop 42; Grose 6549.
Diameter: 15mm, Weight: 2.477g.
1 commentsEB
EB0046b.JPG
EB0046 Forepart of wolf / Large AArgos, Argolis. 350-228 BC, AR Triobol (Hemidrachm?).
Obverse: Forepart of wolf left.
Reverse: A within incuse square, A-Ρ across upper fields, club below.
References: Grose 6549; BMC 57; Traité II-3, 639; Sear -.
Diameter: 15mm, Weight: 2.704g.
Note: On reverse, something outside of and below incuse square, perhaps vestiges of club and something else.
EB
loboargolis2.jpg
GREEKAR obol. Argos. (Argolis).260-250 BC. 0,78 grs. Head of wolf left. Θ above / Large A. Δ-E across upper field, thunderbolt below. All within incuse square.
BCD Peloponnesos 1107. BMC 90.
Ex Spink.
1 commentsbenito
Achaia,_Archean_League,_Argos_AR_Hemidrachm_-_CNG_160__Lot_43.jpg
GREEK, Achaean League, Argos, ca. 175-168 BC, AR Hemidrachm - Agrinion 308Laureate head of Zeus right. / Wreath surrounding AX monogram in centre; TK monogram above and Harpa right below.
BCD Peloponnesos 1136 (this coin); Clerk 147; Agrinion 308 (same dies).
(17 mm, 2.47 g, 12h)
ex- BCD Collection; LHS 96, Lot 1136 (8 May 2006); ex- Empire Coins Fixed Price List 76 (September 1995).

One of the more refined images of Zeus on this series of Achaian League emissions, complimented by the slightly oval flan.
3 comments
Argos_Argolis.JPG
GREEK, Argolis, Argos, AR Triobolcirca 3rd century BC
AR Triobol (15mm, 2.2g)
O: Forepart of wolf left.
R: Large A, eagle standing right on thunderbolt beneath; IP-EΩ-NO-Σ (Hieronos, magistrate) in corners, all within shallow incuse square.
SNG Cop 42; BCD Peloponnesos 1177; SNG Delepierre 2273 ; Sear 2795v
ex Empire Coins

"... one of the three cities dearest to Me"
~ Hera (Iliad)
1 commentsEnodia
argoswolf2.jpg
GREEK, ARGOLIS, Argos, AR Triobol, 330-275 B.C.ARGOLIS, Argos. Circa 330-275 BC. AR Triobol or Hemidrachm (15mm, 2.45 g, 12h).
Obv: Forepart of wolf left
Rev: Large A; crescent moon below; all within shallow incuse square.
BCD Peloponnesos ; BCD Peloponnesos II –; HGC 5, –.
Toned and porous surfaces, struck from a worn obverse die.
wolf.jpg
GREEK, Argolis, Argos, AR Triobol, 480-430 B.C.ARGOLIS, Argos. Circa 480/70-440/30 BC. AR Triobol or Hemidrachm (14mm, 2.88 g, 12h).
Obverse: Forepart of wolf at bay left
Reverse: Large A; two small incuse squares above; all within shallow square incuse.
BCD Peloponnesos 1025 (same obv. die); HGC 5, 663.
Rare without a pellet below A.
1 comments
Argos-moeda1.jpg
GREEK, Argos in Argolis aprox. 3rd century BC.AR Hemidrachm of the city Argos in Argolis aprox. 3rd century BC.
Weight: 2.2gr; Ø: 15mm
Obv: Fore part of lion left.
Rev: A in center, an eagle below, I-E-Π-Ω -NO-Σ around.
Minted by the Magistrate Hieron.

SNG Copenhagen 42 - Dewing 1926/27.
GG-CMamilMerc74__4[2]~1.jpg
MercuryAR Serrate Denarius, Rome mint, 82B.C. by C. Mamilius C.f.Limetanus

Obv: Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus, caduceus over shoulder, control letter M behind.
Rev: Ulysses walking right, holding staff and extending his right hand to his dog, Argos. C MAMIL on left, LIMENTAN (TA in monogram) on right.

Crawford 362/1 Sear RCV I 282 RSC Mamilia 6

Mercury was alleged to be the son of Jupiter and daughter of Maia, daughter of Atlas. It is thought that he was originally an Etruscan deity who was borrowed by the Romans. They later transferred all the myths and legends of the Greek god Hermes to Mercury. One of his main characteristics was his faithful attendance to Jupiter, to whom he acted as messenger. Among other occupations he was regarded as the patron of merchants and thus denoted by the winged hat (petasus) he wore. It was said that all business negotiations should be kept hidden under the hat and that the wings signified that the bargaining should be swiftly completed, like a bird flying through the air.
2 commentsnemesis
Olympia2C_Elis_Double_Struck_Ex_BCD_tag2C_Cohen2C_DGP_28JPG29.jpg
Olympia, Elis AE Dichalkon, Apollo/Zeus, Rare Flip-Over Double Strike (Ex BCD Collection, J. Cohen)Photo Source: Künker (edited) [LINK]
Greek (Hellenistic). Olympia, Elis AE Half Unit or Dichalkon (18mm, 4.26g, 6h), c. late 3rd - 192 BCE.
Obv: Laureate head of Apollo to right. (Overstrike visible: Partial rev. legend, F, & Zeus' throwing arm.)
Rev: Zeus holding eagle & hurling thunderbolt to right. F / HP (monogram) to left; A / ME (monogram) to right.
Ref: BCD Olympia 295 (for type).
Prov: Ex BCD Collection, acquired Jan 1975 for “50 d(rs?)" from “DGP,” ex “C.P.”; J. Cohen Collection (CNG EA 401 [2017], 731 [part]).

Numis. Notes: A rare & interesting "flip-over double strike"! Oliver Hoover (2011): “A rare variety of these errors is the flip-over double (or more) strike, where the flan flips over before it is struck again. In such a case, each side of the flan will have both obverse and reverse images present” (HGC 5: p. xvi.)

Prov. Notes: CNG EA 392 noted that Jonathan Cohen's (Imperial Numismatics, Perth, Australia) "collection of Peloponnesian coins was born from my personal interest in ancient Greek history and inspired primarily by the BCD sales" (my bold).
BCD bought multiple coins of "C.P." (Collection?) from DGP on this occasion (see, e.g., Forum GB74957 [LINK]; & from other collections via DGP on other occasions, always paid in Greek Drachmas (e.g. Forum GS74058 [LINK]: "'Argos' Coll., through DGP, Feb 74, 4000 drs.") Anyone happen to know who DGP or C.P. were? (Message me, please, not in comments, unless it's published info.)
Curtis JJ
144133.jpg
PAMPHYLIA, AspendosPAMPHYLIA, Aspendos. Circa 380-325 BC.

Greek ASPENDOS, modern BELKIS, ancient city of Pamphylia, now in southwestern Turkey. It is noted for its Roman ruins. A wide range of coinage from the 5th century BC onward attests to the city's wealth. Aspendus was occupied by Alexander the Great in 333 BC and later passed from Pergamene to Roman rule in 133 BC. According to Cicero, it was plundered of many of its artistic treasures by the provincial governor Verres. The hilltop ruins of the city include a basilica, an agora, and some rock-cut tombs of Phrygian design. A huge theatre, one of the finest in the world, is carved out of the northeast flank of the hill. It was designed by the Roman architect Zeno in honour of the emperor Marcus Aurelius (reigned AD 161-180)

The present-day Belkiz was once situated on the banks of the River Eurymedon, now known as the Kopru Cay. In ancient times it was navigable; in fact, according to Strabo, the Persians anchored their ships there in 468 B.C., before the epic battle against the Delian Confederation.

It is commonly believed that Aspendos was founded by colonists from Argos. One thing is certain: right from the beginning of the 5th century, Aspendos and Side were the only two towns to mint coins. An important river trading port, it was occupied by Alexander the Great in 333 B.C. because it refused to pay tribute to the Macedonian king. It became an ally of Rome after the Battle of Sipylum in 190 B.C. and entered the Roman Empire.

The town is built against two hills: on the "great hill" or Buyuk Tepe stood the acropolis, with the agora, basilica, nymphaeum and bouleuterion or "council chamber". Of all these buildings, which were the very hub of the town, only ruins remain. About one kilometer north of the town, one can still see the remains of the Roman aqueduct that supplied Aspendos with water, transporting it from a distance of over twenty kilometers, and which still maintains its original height.

Aspendos' theatre is the best preserved Roman theatre anywhere in Turkey. It was designed during the 2nd century A.D. by the architect Zeno, son of Theodore and originally from Aspendos. Its two benefactors— the brothers Curtius Crispinus and Curtius Auspicatus —dedicated it to the Imperial family as can be seen from certain engravings on the stones. Discovered in 1871 by Count Landskonski during one of his trips to the region, the theatre is in excellent condition thanks to the top quality of the calcareous stone and to the fact that the Seljuks turned it into a palace, reinforcing the entire north wing with bricks. Its thirty-nine tiers of steps—96 meters long—could seat about twenty thousand spectators. At the top, the elegant gallery and covered arcade sheltered spectators. One is immediately struck by the integrity and architectural distinction of the stage building, consisting of a Irons scacnae which opens with five doors onto the proscenium and scanned by two orders of windows which also project onto the outside wall. There is an amusing anecdote about the construction of this theatre—in which numerous plays are still held, given its formidable acoustics — and the aqueduct just outside the town: in ancient times, the King of Aspendos had a daughter of rare beauty named Semiramis, contended by two architects; the king decided to marry her off to the one who built an important public work in the shortest space of time. The two suitors thus got down to work and completed two public works at the same time: the theatre and the aquaduct. As the sovereign liked both buildings, he thought it right and just to divide his daughter in half. Whereas the designer of the aquaduct accepted the Solomonic division, the other preferred to grant the princess wholly to her rival. In this way, the sovereign understood that the designer of the theatre had not only built a magnificent theatre— which was the pride of the town—, but would also be an excellent husband to his daughter; consequently he granted him her hand in marriage

AR Stater (21mm, 10.76 g). Two wrestlers grappling; DA between / Slinger to right; triskeles in field. Tekin Series D; SNG France 87 (same reverse die). Ex-CNG B9FV15E
1 commentsecoli
Aspendos.jpg
Pamphylia, Aspendos AR StaterCirca 330/25-300/250 BC. (26mm, 10.58 g, 12h). Tekin Series 5; SNG von Aulock-4573; SNG France-115. Obverse: Two naked wrestlers grappling; monogram between. Reverse: Slinger in throwing stance right; EΣTFEΔIY to left; to right, triskeles over downward facing club; all within dotted circle border. Minor die break on obverse. Good VF, toned, well centered.

Ex CNG

The ancient city Aspendos was an important Greek colony and harbor city on the river Eurymedon located 7 miles off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. In the fifth century BCE, the city commenced minting coins based on the Persian standard, which was then common in Persian-ruled Asia Minor. The wrestler-type, began in the fourth century, probably refers to either pankration or pale (wrestling) victory in one of the Panhellenic games. The slinger on the reverse may be a punning reference to the city's name, since sphendone ("sling") sounds similar to Aspendos. The triskeles to the slinger's right might depict the city's badge. The ethnic on the reverse, Estwediu, corresponds to the Greek genitive case Aspendiou ("of the Aspendians"). It is interesting to note that the ethnic is spelled utilizing the then-archaic ancient Greek letter digamma F (pronounced “w”). Other known coinages which used the digamma letter were Elis in the Peloponnesos and Lydian “Walwet” coins. The Aspendians also liked to stress out that their city had been established by the Argives. The club of the Argive hero Herakles on the reverse may refer to the event when Argos bestowed honorary Argive citizenship to all Aspendians in a decree dated around 330-300 B.C. that was set up in Nemea, the site of the Nemean games. (Part of commentary extracted from HFMA Coin Catalogue).


2 commentsJason T
Argos.jpg
Peloponnese, Argolis, Argos, WolfArgos
AR-Obol, 330-270 v.Chr
Obv.: Av: Head of wolf right
Rev: Large A; Π-P across upper field, club right below; all within incuse square.
BCD Peloponnesos 1085, SNG Copenhagen -; BMC Peloponnesus pg. 143, 93.
shanxi
argos2a.jpg
Peloponnesos. Argolis, Argos, AE17 Dichalkon.Obv: Head of Hera right, wearing ornamented stephan.
Rev: Pillar fountain; helmet to left, archaic heta to right.
BCD Pelop. 1124–1126
Late 3rd-early 2nd centuries BC.
ancientone
troizen_commodus_BCDpel1341_2+.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, Argolis, Troizen, Commodus, BCD Peloponnesos 1341.2 (plate coin)Commodus, AD 177-192
AE 21mm, 9.61 g
obv. [M AVR KOMMO]DOC AV[G]
Laureate head right
rev. [TROI - ZHNIWN]
Hippolytus standing facing, head left, holding spear and ?; his dog at feet(?)
ref. BCD Peloponnesos 1341.2 (this coin); NCP p.162, 7 (this coin) Thanks to BCD!
extremely rare, VF, black green patina with traces of lighter olive overtones, light roughness
Pedigree:
ex BCD coll.
ex A. Rhousopoulos coll.
ex LHS 96, 8./9. May 2006

A note from BCD: Troizen must have enjoyed a special status under Commodus, as did Aigion, Megara and Pagai. These cities and Epidauros are the only ones that issued non-Severan coins in the Peloponnesos, with the exception of the well-established mints of like Corinth, Patrai, Elis, Argos and Lakedaimon.
Jochen
GG-CMamilMerc74__4[2].jpg
ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Mamilius C.f.LimetanusAR Serrate Denarius, Rome mint, 82B.C.

Obv: Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus, caduceus over shoulder, control letter M behind.
Rev: Ulysses walking right, holding staff and extending his right hand to his dog, Argos. C MAMIL on left, LIMENTAN (TA in monogram) on right.

Crawford 362/1 Sear RCV I 282 RSC Mamilia 6
nemesis
GG-CMamilMerc74__4[2]~0.jpg
ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Mamilius C.f.LimetanusAR Serrate Denarius, Rome mint, 82B.C.

Obv: Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus, caduceus over shoulder, control letter M behind.
Rev: Ulysses walking right, holding staff and extending his right hand to his dog, Argos. C MAMIL on left, LIMENTAN (TA in monogram) on right.

Crawford 362/1 Sear RCV I 282 RSC Mamilia 6
nemesis
LimitaneusDogCoin.jpeg
Roman Republic, C. Mamilius Limetanus82 BC
AR serratus denarius, 19mm, 3.69 g, 90°
Rome mint

O: Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus, caduceus at shoulder; I to left

R: C•MAMIL-LIMETAN (TA ligate), Ulysses walking right, staff in left hand, extending hand to greet his dog Argos

Ref: Crawford 362/1. Sydenham 741. RSC Mamilia 6.

Notes: This is one of my holy grail coins, the saddest part of my favorite book, Homer's Odyssey, where the disguised Odysseus meets his old dog, Argos, who recognizes him and then dies. The Mercury obverse is also stunning.

Ex-Jean Elsen Auction 155, Lot 828, June 2023, ex-Casa d'Aste Thesaurus, San Marino, with tag
7 commentsVirgil H
Limetan.jpg
Roman Republic, C. Mamilius Limetanus Denarius Serratus - Odysseus and his dog Argos (Crawf. 362/1)AR Denarius Serratus
Rome, 82 BC
4.09g

Obv: Draped bust of Mercury (R) wearing winged petasos hat, Caduceus behind. "A" control mark.

Rev: Odysseus walking right, holding staff and disguised as beggar, extends left hand to his dog Argos below.
C. MAMIL LIMETAN

Crawford 362/1, Mamilia 6, Sydenham 741

Ex Gorny & Mosch Auction 253, Lot 375
Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Liste 546, August 1991, Nr. 44.
7 commentsOptimo Principi
Pyrrhus.jpg
Sicily, Syracuse. Pyrrhus (Circa 278-275 BC)AE 23mm, 11.43 g

Obverse: Head of Heracles l., wearing lion's headdress; in r. field, cornucopiae.

Rev. Athena Promachos standing r., holding spear and shield; in l. field, thunderbolt.

SNG Copenhagen 811. Calciati 177.

Pyrrhus was king of the Greek tribe of Molossians (west coast of Greece) and later became king of Epirus. One of the greatest military commanders of the ancient world, Pyrrhus took a large army to southern Italy at the behest of the Greek colony of Tarentum in their war against Rome. With his superior cavalry, deadly phalanx, and 20 elephants, Pyrrhus defeated the Romans in a succession of battles but at great cost. After a victory at Apulia (279 BC) where Pyrrhus lost 3,500 men including many officers, he famously commented that, "If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined." It is from this semi-legendary event that the term Pyrrhic victory originates.

In 278 BC, the Greek cities in Sicily asked Pyrrhus to help drive out Carthage, which along with Rome was one of the two great powers of the Western Mediterranean. While successful, his request for manpower and money from the Sicilians for a fleet to blockade Carthage’s final stronghold was met with resistance, forcing Pyrrhus to proclaim a military dictatorship of Sicily and install military garrisons in Sicilian cities. These actions were deeply unpopular and with Sicily growing increasingly hostile to Pyrrhus, he abandoned Sicily and returned to Italy to fight another inconclusive battle against the Romans. Pyrrhus soon ended his campaign in Italy and returned to Epirus.

In 274 BC he captured the Macedonian throne in a battle against Antigonus Gonatus II. But two years later while storming the city of Argos, Pyrrhus was killed in a confused battle at night in the narrow city streets. While fighting an Argive soldier, the soldier's mother, who was watching from a rooftop, threw a tile which knocked Pyrrhus from his horse and broke part of his spine, paralyzing him. His death was assured after a soldier beheaded his motionless body.

Athena Promachos ("Athena who fights in the front line") was a colossal bronze statue of Athena. Erected around 456 BC in Athens, the Athena Promachos likely memorialized the Persian Wars. The very first specific archaistic Athena Promachos coin image was depicted on coins that were issued by Alexander the Great in 326 BC. Ten years later, the Athena Promachos appeared on coins issued by Ptolemy in Alexandria. Pyrrhus' alliance with Ptolemy (I and II) and admiration of Alexander the Great (they were second cousins) undoubtedly inspired the design of this coin with Heracles on obverse (like Alexander's coins) and Athena Promachos on the reverse.
2 commentsNathan P
Timoleon1.jpg
Argolis_Triobol_Wolf_Forepart.jpeg
Wolf Forepart, Eagle On Harpa, Large AArgos, Argolis (Peloponnese Peninsula)

Obv: forepart of wolf1 facing l., 𝝝 [a circle with a dot inside] above.
Rev: large A in shallow incuse square; 𝚪 to l. of top of A, Υ to r. of top of A, below an eagle with closed wings standing r. on harpa.
Denomination: silver triobol2; Mint: Argos; Date: c. 322 - 229 BC3; Weight: 2.5g; Diameter: 15mm; Die axis: 120º; References, for example: BMC Peloponnese p. 142 no. 79 and 80; Traité III, p. 470, no. 640, pl. CCXVI no. 114; McClean II p. 457 no. 6835; BCD Peloponnesos 1111 and 1112.

Notes:
1According to Head in Historia Numorum "[t]he wolf is the well known symbol of Apollo Lykios, whose worship at Argos dates from very remote times."
2McClean states "Nos. 6801 seq. are more conveniently regarded as Attic tetrobols than Aeginetic triobols or hemidrachms." (p. 455).
3This is the date given in Head Historia Numorum and McClean.
4Interestingly there is no mention of the device, circle with the dot inside, above the wolf but it is clearly visible when looking at no. 11 on plate CCXVI.

Provenance: Harlan J. Berk June 10, 2020

Photo Credits: Harlan J. Berk

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2 commentsTracy Aiello
   
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