Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Image search results - "electrum"

An 18 tray cabinet with doors. This was one of five cabinets I built for this collector to house his collection of ancient electrum and gold.

www.CabinetsByCraig.netcmcdon0923

1st Century CE, IRON AGE BRITAIN, Tribe: Iceni, AR Unit, Struck c.60 - 61 under Boudica (Boadicea)Obverse: No legend. Abstract Celtic style head with slit for eye and no ear facing right. Three pellets below head, branch emblem behind neck.
Reverse: No legend. Celtic style horse facing right, lozenge-shaped box with pellets on outer corners below horse. Section of large elaborate wheel-like object above horse, pellet below horse's tail.
Class: Icenian O
Diameter: 14mm | Weight: 0.9gms | Axis: 10
Spink: 434

The first known recorded example of this coin was made by William Stukely, an English antiquarian whose ideas influenced various antiquaries throughout the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Stukeley published over twenty books on archaeology and other subjects during his lifetime and he is regarded as an important forerunner of archaeology for his emphasis on methodically measuring and documenting ancient sites. He died of a stroke in early 1765.
The theory that this coinage was connected with Boudica was originally reported in 1987 and this was endorsed by R D Van Arsdell, an authority on the Celtic coinage of Britain, as Boudican in the 1990's. At the time though this was disputed by many in the numismatic community, some of whom continued to rely on older studies that lumped all "Face-Horse" coins together in a group dating before 20 CE.
However, John Talbot of the University of Oxford carried out research on these issues and, as his die-link and hoard work gradually progressed through the 1990's into the early twenty-first century, these coins were confirmed to be the final coinage of the Iceni. As Talbot's findings were only gradually revealed over a period of time, the accepted dating used in some dealer catalogues did not always keep up with the latest information. During his studies, Talbot discovered that coins from several die sets are only found in the Boudican Rebellion hoards. He also confirmed that these coins were struck in abnormally great numbers for any Icenian issue. But, because he was not certain that this was enough evidence to date the coins to 61 CE. he suggested only that they could have been struck any time after the Claudian Invasion of 43 CE.
Considering though that some die sets are known only from the Boudican Rebellion hoards, that it is still the case that these coins appear in uncirculated condition in the hoards, and that to date none of these coins have been found from secure contexts earlier than the time of the Boudican rebellion, it would appear that the 1987 report was essentially correct and these coins must have been struck nearer to the date of the Boudican Rebellion than earlier, possibly in connection with the financing of that rebellion. The conclusion now is that these coins can, with some confidence, be attributed to Boudica.

THE ICENI
The Iceni were a tribe located in eastern Britain during the Iron Age and the early Roman era. Their territory was bordered by the Corieltauvi to the west, and the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes to the south. In the Roman period, their capital was Venta Icenorum at modern-day Caistor St Edmund.
Julius Caesar did not mention the Iceni in his account of his invasions of Britain in 55 and 54 BC, though they may have been related to the Cenimagni, whom Caesar notes as living north of the River Thames at that time. The Iceni were a significant power in eastern Britain during Claudius I's conquest of Britain in AD 43, in which they allied with Rome. Increasing Roman influence on their affairs led to a revolt in AD 47, though they remained nominally independent under king Prasutagus up until his death around AD 60. Roman encroachment after Prasutagus' death led his wife Boudica to launch a major revolt from 60–61. Boudica's uprising seriously endangered Roman rule in Britain and resulted in the burning of Londinium and other cities. The Romans finally crushed the rebellion, and the Iceni were eventually incorporated into the Roman province.
Archaeological evidence of the Iceni includes torcs, which are heavy rings of gold, silver or electrum worn around the neck and shoulders. The Iceni began producing coins around 10 BC. Their coins were a distinctive adaptation of the Gallo-Belgic "face/horse" design, and in some early issues, most numerous near Norwich, the horse was replaced with a boar. Some coins are inscribed ECENI, making them the only coin-producing group to use their tribal name on coins. The earliest personal name to appear on coins is Antedios (about 10 BC), and other abbreviated names like AESU and SAEMU followed. The name of Prasutagus also appears on some coins as PRASTO.

QUEEN BOUDICA
Queen Boudica was married to Prasutagus, ruler of the Iceni people of East Anglia. When the Romans conquered southern England in AD 43, they allowed Prasutagus to continue to rule. However, when Prasutagus died he left a will dividing his lands between the Roman emperor and his family. The Romans decided to rule the Iceni directly and confiscated all the king's property. When this was contested they are said to have stripped and flogged Boudica and raped her daughters. These actions exacerbated the widespread resentment at Roman rule.
In 60 or 61 AD, while the Roman governor Gaius Suetonius Paullinus was leading a campaign in North Wales, the Iceni rebelled, other tribes joined them, and Boudica led a major uprising against the occupying Roman forces.
Boudica's warriors defeated the Roman Ninth Legion and destroyed the then capital of Roman Britain, Camulodunum (Colchester). They then went on to destroy Londinium (London) and Verulamium (St Albans) killing thousands in the process. Finally, Boudica was defeated by a Roman army led by Paulinus. A great number of her army were killed and, though Boudica's fate is unknown, she is alleged to have either died in battle or poisoned herself to avoid capture. The site of the battle which brought an end to her uprising is also unknown.
The photograph below is of the Victorian statue of Boudica (Boadicea) situated on the Thames embankment in London.

CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE THEM

3 comments*Alex

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

020 W. Asia Minor, Ioniia, c. 650 to 600 BCElectrum hekte, 10mm, 2.75g very early Phokaic standard, VF
Raised square with cross pattern / Rough quadripartite incuse square. Very grainy surfaces. Sear COA
cf. Rosen 314 & 319; Traite pl. IV, 1 (Paris and London)Lawrence W

030 Zeugitana, Carthage, 310-290 BCElectrum shekel-didrachm, 18.5mm, 7.43g, nice VF
Head of Tanit left, wreathed with corn; she wears necklace and triple-drop earring; dot before neck / Horse standing right on exergal line; three pellets under exergual line.
Certificate of Authenticity by David R. Sear, ACCS
Ex: Apollo Numismatics
Jenkins V, 282-2; Müller p. 84, 523 commentsLawrence W

100 Kingdom of Bosporus, Rhescuporis II (III), AD 211–226Electrum stater, 7.84g, nearly EF
Struck AD 215/6 at Panticapaeum
BACIΛEWC PHCKOVΠOPIΔOC, diademed and draped bust right; club before / Laureate and draped bust of bearded Caracalla right, BIΦ below.
Certificate of Authenticity by David R. Sear, ACCS
Ex; Freeman & Sear
MacDonald 555/2; Frolova 200, pl. 45, 14 (same dies); Sear GIC 5482v (date) 2 commentsLawrence W

1868-9 Japanese Electrum 2 BuJapan, Meiji (1867-1912), Electrum 2 Bu, Meiji ND (1868-9), Hartill EJC 8.32a, SCWC KM C21d, JNDA 09-29, JC 03-32, EF, cast in 22.3% gold and 77.7% silver, engraved by Mint Official, Gotō Shōzaburō Mitsutsugu, rectangular, plain edge, weight 3.0g (AGW 0.0215oz, ASW 0.0749oz), composition Electrum (0.223 Au, 0.777 Ag), diameter 19.0×11.0mm, thickness 1.2mm, die axis 0°, Kinza (Edo) mint, 1868-9; obverse Kiri crests top and bottom with upper inside fan-shaped hexagonal frame, 分-二 (2 Bu) across fields (read right to left), top right stroke of 分 straight, pearled border surrounding; reverse signature (kaō) 光次 (Mitsutsugu) downward for Mint Official, Gotō Shōzaburō Mitsutsugu, pearled border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Coincraft (4 Jul 2021); £115.00.Serendipity

1944 JOHN II BILLION TRACHY NOMISA IV DOC 10 Constantinople SBCV-1944
OBV IC XC in field
Bust of Christ bearded and nimbate, wearing tunic and kolobion, holds Gospels in l. hand. Pellet in each limb of nimbus cross.

REV Bust of emperor wearing stemma, divitision,collar piece and paneled loros of a simplified type; holds in r hand scepter cruciger and in l. gl.cr

Size 29.10

Weight 4.9gm

DOC lists 20 examples total with weights from 2.59gm to 5.00 gm and sizes from 28 to 30 mm. It has two variations A and B , both are equal in rarity , the difference is a stroke on shaft on type B.

This coin is very heavily silvered, it was part of a hoard that was once thought to be electrum, it is not, just very heavily silvered.Simon

1959 Manuel I Comnenus, 1143-1180. Aspron Trachy (Electrum, 31 mm, 4.28 g, 6 h), Constantinople, circa 1160-1164. ΙC - ΧC Christ Pantocrator, standing facing, nimbate and enrobed, raising right hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels with his left; in field to left and right, star. Rev. MA-NVHΛ - O/ ΘЄ/O/Δ/ω/PO/C Manuel and St. Theodore standing facing, both holding a sword in their outer hand, and holding a long patriarchal cross set on a globe between them. DOC 4b. SB 1959. Light polishing marks, otherwise, good very fine.

From the Trausnitz Collection, acquired prior to 2007.Simon

1974 Manuel I, Comnenus (1143-1180), electrum aspron trachy, Clipped and Hammered flat. Manuel I, Comnenus (1143-1180), electrum aspron trachy, Thessalonica, Virgin enthroned facing, holding before her, nimbate head of the infant Christ facing, rev., Manuel and St. Demetrius standing facing, holding labarum between them; 1.89g 29mm (DO 9.5; S. 1974), four minor flan cracks, very fine Ex European Ambassador Collection, formed in the 1950s and 1960s.Simon

Aegina (Circa 480-457 BC)AR Stater

20mm, 12.26g

Obverse: Sea turtle, (the ridge of its shell ornamented with a row of dots and two smaller additional dots at the front)

Reverse: Incuse square divided into five compartments.

Milbank pl. I, 13; Sear 2594

Aegina is a rocky and mountainous island in the Saronic Gulf located about 25 miles southeast of Athens. Because of its limited availability of cultivable land, the inhabitants needed to leverage the sea for their livelihood. They became expert merchants and tradesmen, dominating the shipping industry early in the sixth century BC. Their success and near-monopoly brought the island great wealth and power.

During their travels, the merchants encountered the developing early electrum ancient coins in Ionia and Lydia. They recognized the potential to not only store their considerable wealth in the form of portable ancient coins, but also to optimize trade through a global currency. Aegina therefore became the first of the Greek city-states to issue coined money, starting in the mid-sixth century BC.

Their status as the first international trade currency was aided by the consistency of their designs, and their coins spread far throughout the known world. Throughout Peloponnesus the coinage of Aegina was, down to the time of the Peloponnesian war, the only universally recognized medium of exchange.

The earliest ancient coins types, like this coin, depict a sea turtle engraved in high relief with an incuse pattern on the reverse. The coin above is a Type II (of IV total), a period from 480-456 BC (based on hoard finds) when Aegina’s power was lessening and Athens was on the rise. Type II coins show a greater consistency and broadness of flan shape, the carapaces of the turtles’ shell decorated with pellets arranged in the form of a T, and a skew pattern on the reverse, which had become current in about 500BC but in a much more spacious form with thick bands separating the incuse elements of the design.

In 456 BC Aegina was made tributary to Athens; and in 431 BC the inhabitants were expelled en masse, and the island occupied by Athenian colonists.
1 commentsNathan P

Alyattes hemihekteKINGS of LYDIA. Alyattes. Circa 610-560 BC. EL Hemihekte – 1/12 Stater (7mm, 1.07 g). Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, chevron-style mane; sun on forehead / Incuse square punch. Weidauer group XV, 79-85.

Provenance: CNG el 247Caffaro

Alyattes triteLydian Kingdom, Alyattes II or Uncertain King Before Kroisos, c. 610 - 561 B.C.
Electrum trite, Weidauer Group XVI, 86-89 var; SNG von Aulock 2868, Rosen 655, aVF, Sardeis mint, weight 4.682g, maximum diameter 13.0mm, c. 610 - 561 B.C.; obverse head of roaring lion right, with knob and rays atop snout, 'V' style mane; reverse irregular divided rectangular incuse;1 commentsCaffaro

B 057 Nicephorus III. Botaniates (1078-1081 A.D.), SB 1881, AU-Electrum-histamenon(scyphate), Constantinopolis,B 057 Nicephorus III. Botaniates (1078-1081 A.D.), SB 1881, AU-Electrum-histamenon(scyphate), Constantinopolis,
avers: + NIKHF DEC TW ROTANIAT, Nicephorus standing facing on footstool, bearded, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum with X on shaft and cross on globe; double border.
reverse: IC-XC to upper left and right, Christ seated facing on throne without back, wearing nimbus cross, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in left; double border.
exergue:-/-//--, diameter: 27-33mm, weight: 4,27g, axis: 6h,
mint: Constantinopolis, date:, ref: SB-1881, p-372,
Q-001quadrans

Bithynia, Herakleia Pontika (re-attributed from Ionia, Erythrai) EL Hekte, Fischer-Bossert Plate CoinPlaceholder photo by Savoca, also used in Fischer-Bossert
Ancient Greek (Archaic). Bithynia, Herakleia-Pontika (re-attributed from Ionia, Erythrai). Electrum Hekete or 1/6 Stater (2.59g, 10mm, 6h?). Struck circa 530 BCE.
Obv: Archaic head of Herakles facing left, wearing lionskin headdress with Laschenohr (“handle- or tab-shaped ear”); neck truncation adorned by a row of dots. Rev: Quadratum incusum with four recessed squares.
Ref: Fischer-Bossert Group 2, No. 10 (V 5’’/R 9; this coin illustrated). See also (all citing Ertyhrai): SNG von Aulock 1942; SNG Kayhan 737-8; Boston MFA 1806-7; BMC Ionia Pl. III, No. 15; Babelon, Traité pl. 5, 18; Pozzi 2373-5.
Provenance: Ex-Artemide Aste Auction LII (San Marino, 26 October 2019), #102; Savoca Numsmatik 18th Silver Auction (Munich, 8 Oct 2017), Lot #153.
Published: Wolfgang Fischer-Bossert (2020) “Die Elektronhekten mit dem Herakleskopf,” Numismatische Zeitschrift 126: 15-164. Note: Only known example of its reverse die (R 9) and possibly the only example of its obverse die (V 5''), but possibly a re-engraved die.
Also featured in Youtube video by Classical Numismatics, "Ancient Coins: Gold Coins" (20 Oct 2020): LINK.1 commentsCurtis JJ

BYZANTINE, John II Comnenus, Electrum Aspron Trachy SBCV-1942John II Comnenus EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, AD 1118-1143. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing, holding Gospels and raising right hand; IC-XC across fields / John on left, and St. George on right, both standing facing and holding patriarchal cross on three steps between them; IѠ/ΔЄC/ΠO/TH to left; Θ/Ɔ[Γ]/P[Ѡ]/I[Γ] to right. DOC 8c; Sear 1942. 3.18g, 31mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine1 commentsSimon

BYZANTINE, John II, 1118 - 1143, Electrum Aspron TrachyElectrum aspron trachy, clipped, 1.512g, 24.6mm, 180o, Constantinople mint.
Obverse: Christ seated facing on throne without back, raising right hand in benediction, book of Gospels in left hand, IC right, XC left.
Reverse: + Iw DECPO / TH - Q / EG / RW [...], John (wearing crown, divitision and chlamys) and St. George (nimbate, in military dress, holding sword) standing facing, holding patriarchal cross with globus at base.
Sear 1941; DO 8b; Scarce.
ex Edward J. Waddell, appears slightly more golden in hand

Carthage Electrum Stater Obv: Head of Tanit to l. with grain ears in hair, triple-pendant earring and necklace. Dot in front.
Rev: Horse standing to r., dot underneath l. hind leg.
Year: 310-290 BC
Weight: 7.45g
Cat #: Jenkins 2982 commentsoa

Carthage Electrum Stater #2Greek (Post-Classical, N. Africa). Zeugitania, Carthage EL Stater (19mm, 7.38g, 12h), struck c. 290-270 BCE.
Obv: Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain, triple-pendant earring and necklace with nine pendants. Border of dots (faint).
Rev: Horse standing right, ground line below. Border of dots (faint).
Ref: Jenkins & Lewis Group VI (314?).
Prov: Ex Artemide Aste LII (27 Oct 2019), Lot 107.
Notes: I haven't yet uploaded my "Carthage EL Stater #1" yet since I'm not happy with my photo, but also not quite ready to give up & use the photos from past auctions...
This coin featured in video by "Classical Numismatics" on Youtube: “Ancient Coins: Gold Coins Ep. 1 (7:50-8:25)” (20 Oct 2021) [LINK]2 commentsCurtis JJ

CELTIC, Gaul, Aulerci Eburovices electrum Hemistater (60-50 BC)o/ Stylized human head left, hair represented by three parallel lines; behind, a serie of dots and a little cross; below, a jewel; beaded cord around the cheek and a small boar upside down at the base of the neck
r/ Stylized horse leaping left, with the remains of the auriga above the horse, a boar left between the legs, a sort of Y before the horse's chest.
Titulature avers : Anépigraphe.
Description avers : Tête humaine stylisée à gauche, les cheveux figurés par trois lignes parallèles ; derrière, séries de globules et une croisette ; au-dessous, un fleuron ; cordon perlé entourant la joue ; un petit sanglier à l’envers à la base du cou.
Titulature revers : Anépigraphe.
Description revers : Cheval stylisé bondissant à gauche, avec les restes de l'aurige au-dessus du cheval ; un sanglier à chauche entre les jambes ; une sorte de Y devant le poitrail du cheval.
Extremely rare (horse left).
19mm. 2.79g
DT 24061 commentsAugustin Caron

France - Gévaudan - Banassac - Série Sigebertine à la tête 620/640Triens, électrum, 1,19 g.
A/ Tête diadémée à droite, rameau à trois branche sommé d'une croix devant. Tranche de cou perlé, point dessous.
R/ GAVALETANO, calice pointé à deux anses sur un trait perlé, BAH dessous.
Réfs : Belfort 741 ; D'Amécourtet De Moret, p. 111, pl. V, n° 10 ; Mirmand 2006, n° 150.Gabalor

France - Gévaudan - Banassac - Série Sigebertine à la tête 620/640Triens, argent ou électrum doré, 1,03 g.
A/ Tête diadémée à droite, rameau à trois branche devant. Tranche de cou perlé.
R/ GAVALETANO, calice pointé à deux anses sur un trait perlé, BAN dessous.
Réfs : Mirmand 2006, n° 150 var.Gabalor

France - Gévaudan - Banassac - Série Sigebertine à la tête 620/640Triens, or bas (électrum), 1,20 g
A/ Tête diadémée à droite ; diadème perlé et terminé par trois rubans ; tranche de cou perlée, rameau à trois baies devant, à sa base, une croix.
R/ CNVLE... (normalement GAVALETANO) ; calice à deux anses sur un trait perlé.
Type tardif très dégénéré.
Réfs : Mirmand 2006, n°180Gabalor

France - Gévaudan - Banassac - Série Sigebertine à la tête 620/640Triens, or bas (électrum), 1,15 g
A/ Tête diadémée à droite ; diadème perlé et terminé par deux rubans ; tranche de cou perlée, +PAX devant.
R/ GIIVTE... (normalement GAVALETANO) ; calice à deux anses sur un trait perlé.
Type tardif très dégénéré.
Réfs : Catalogue du Musée de Montagnac, p. 74, fig. 60, n°736 (1,17 g), trouvé à Sainte Eulalie (coins identiques) ; Cahiers E. B., p. 151, n° 34.183.2.Gabalor

GG, Carthage, c. 310-290 BCElectrum shekel, 18.8mm, 7.76g, choice VF
Head of Tanit left, wreathed with corn; she wears necklace and triple earring; pellet in lower left field / Horse standing right on double exergal line; pellet in lower right field. COA
Ex: Glenn Woods
Sear 6462; Jenkins V, 2492 commentsLawrence W

GG, Lesbos, c. 377-326 BCElectrum hekte, 11mm, 2.55g, VF
Struck c. 356 BC at Mytilene
Head of Dionysos right, hair wreathed with ivy / Head of Satyr facing within linear incuse square
Ex: Freeman & Sear
Bodenstedt 902 commentsLawrence W

GG, Lesbos, c. 377-326 BCElectrum hekte, 10mm, 2.55g, VF
Struck c. 332 BC at Mytilene
Laureate head of Apollo right / Head of Artemis right, hair in sphendone, serpent lower left, all within linear incuse square
Ex: Forum Ancient Coins
Bodenstedt 1001 commentsLawrence W

GREEK Lesbos Mytilene Bodenstedt 96LESBOS. Mytilene. EL Hekte (Circa 377-326 BC).
Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right.
Rev: Forepart of serpent right within linear smquare border.
Bodenstedt 96.
Weight: 2.54 g. Diameter: 11 mm.
Gitbud & Naumann Auction 37 lot 210, 2015.2 comments

GREEK Lesbos Mytilene Electrum Bodenstedt 35Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 454-427 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right; ΛE behind neck / Confronted bull's heads within incuse square. Bodenstedt 35; Boston MFA 1683 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 1695 (same dies). 2.54g, 10mm, 1h.
From the Kleines Meisterwerk Collection.
Roma Numismatics, Auction X lot 437, 2015.

GREEK Lesbos Mytilene Electrum Hekte Bodenstedt 10

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte (10.5mm, 2.57 g, 12h). Forepart of winged boar right / Incuse head of lion left; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt Em. 10; HGC 6, 935.
Triton XVIII, Lot: 593.

GREEK Lesbos Mytilene Electrum Hekte Bodenstedt 79LESBOS. Mytilene. EL Hekte (Circa 412-378 BC).
Obv: Head of muse right, hair in sakkos.
Rev: Lyre within linear square border.
Bodenstedt 79.
Weight: 2.53 g. Diameter: 10 mm.
Gitbud & Naumann Auction 27 Lot 218 Jan 2015.

GREEK Lydia Electrum HemihekteLYDIA. Time of Alyattes-Kroisos (Circa 610-546 BC). EL Hemihekte. Sardes. Obv: Head of roaring lion right; star on forehead. Rev: Incuse square punch.
Weidauer 90; Rosen 654; SNG Kayhan 1015.
Weight: 1.18 g. Diameter: 7 mm.
Gitbud & Naumann Auction 37 lot 290 2015.

GREEK Lydia Electrum HemihekteKINGS OF LYDIA. Time of Alyattes-Kroisos (Circa 610-546 BC). EL Hemihekte. Sardes.
Obv: Head of roaring lion right; star on forehead.
Rev: Incuse square punch.
Weidauer 90; Rosen 654; SNG Kayhan 1015. Some bankers' marks on the edge.
Weight: 1.20 g. Diameter: 7 mm.
Gitbud & Naumann Auction 38 lot 286 2015.

GREEK, Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Striated Type, Electrum hekte, 1/3 staterSH28071. Electrum hekte, 1/3 stater, Milesian standard; Weidauer 6, Traité I 12, SNGvA 1769, SNG Kayhan 680, Karwiese Artemision I.6, SNG Fitzwilliam -, Rosen -, Zhuyuetang -, VF, weight 2.373 g, maximum diameter 8.6 mm, Ionia, uncertain mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse flattened striated surface; reverse two rough approximately square incuse punches; rare and importantJoe Sermarini

GREEK, Ionia, Uncertain city. Electrum 1/48th stater. c. 650-600 BC. Ionia, Uncertain city. Electrum 1/48th stater. c. 650-600 BC. VF+, 0.296g, 5.1mm. Obv: plain globular surface. Rev: incuse square punch. Ref: SNG von Aulock 7764, Weidauer -, Traité I -, SNG Kayhan -. Rare

Among the earliest of coins, without even an obverse design.

Greek, Kyzikos, Mysia, c. 550 - 450 B.C., Electrum staterSH86217. Electrum stater, Von Fritze I (Nomisma VII) 104 & pl. 3, 23; Boston MFA 1433; SNG BnF 245; SNG Cop -; SNGvA -; BMC Mysia -, VF, tight flan, edge cracks, Kyzikos mint, weight 16.091g, maximum diameter 19.9mm, die axis 0o, c. 550 - 450 B.C.; obverse winged dog seated left, head turned back right, curved archaic wing, wearing collar, tunny fish below to left; reverse quadripartite incuse square; extremely rareJoe Sermarini

Greek, Lesbos Electrum HekteLesbos, Mytilene ELECTRUM Hekte.
c377-326 BC.
Laureate head of Apollo right /
Head of female within linear square.

GREEK, Lesbos, Electrum Hekte, c.412 - 378 B.C.Bodenstedt, in his detailed study of the Phocaean and Lesbian elctrum, dates this type with the uncertain identity with long flowing hair to the first decade of the 4th century B.C. Mytilene was the chief city of Lesbos and was located in the southeast of the island opposite the mainland.

Electrum hekte, Bodenstedt 70 (obv. f/rev. h?) and plate 55; Boston 1707 and pl. 82 (different dies) BMC 104 (same obv die), cf. S 4243-53, gVF/VF, 2.521g, 10.6mm, 225o, Mytilene mint, c. 412 - 378 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Apollo right; reverse female head right with long flowing hair, wearing necklace, within linear square in incuse square.
1 comments

GREEK, Lydia, Time of Alyattes II, late 7th century BC, Electrum Third StaterKINGS of LYDIA. Time of Alyattes II. Late 7th century BC. EL Third Stater - Trite (12mm, 4.76 g).
Obv:Head of roaring lion right, sun with four rays on forehead
Rev: Double incuse punch.
Weidauer 64; BMC Lydia p. 2, 2; Rosen 653. VF.

GREEK, Mysia, Kyzikos, Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater) c.550-500 BC.Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte - 1/12 Stater. Circa 550-500 BC.
Obv: Dolphin left; tunny fish to left below
Rev: Quadripartite incuse square.
Von Fritze I 53; Greenwell 157; SNG von Aulock -; SNG France -; BMC 11-2; Boston MFA -; Jameson -. 1.31g, 7mm.
Roma Numismatics esale 10 lot 359

A very rare type only known as hektes and hemihektes, of which two denominations the hemihekte is the more difficult to find. None of this denomination on cng archives and the only hekte of this type sold on cng went for $3500 in 2011!

GREEK, Mytilene, Lesbos, c. 377 - 326 B.C.SH86299. Electrum hekte, Bodenstedt 100A; SNG Cop 317; SNGvA 1715; BMC Lesbos p. 165, 87; Boston MFA 1720; HGC 6 1026 (S), VF, attractive style, light scratches, weight 2.557 g, maximum diameter 10.6 mm, die axis 0o, Mytilene mint, c. 377 - 326 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Apollo right; reverse head of Artemis right, hair in sphendone, small coiled snake lower left, all within linear frame and incuse square; scarceJoe Sermarini

GREEK, Mytilene, Lesbos, c. 521 - 478 B.C.SH86292. Electrum hekte, Bodenstedt 13, SNGvA 1685, SNG Cop 301, Boston MFA 1679; BMC Lesbos p. 157, 20; HGC 6 938 (S), Choice EF, Mytilene mint, weight 2.547g, maximum diameter 10.3mm, die axis 0o, c. 521 - 478 B.C.; obverse roaring lion's head right; reverse incuse calf's head left1 commentsJoe Sermarini

GREEK, Phokaia, Ionia, c. 372 - 327 B.C.SH86298. Electrum hekte, Bodenstedt 97 (b/-); SNGvA 2123; BMC Ionia p. 208, 36; Boston MFA 1924 (identified as Pan); SNG Kayhan -, Rosen -, VF, attractive style, well centered and struck, mild die wear, bumps and scratches, weight 2.521 g, maximum diameter 10.2 mm, Phokaia (Foca, Turkey) mint, c. 364 B.C.; obverse head of Dionysos left, wreathed in ivy with berries, hair rolled, small seal (symbol of Phokaia) left below; reverse quadripartite incuse square; scarceJoe Sermarini

GREEK, Phokaia, Ionia, c. 521 - 478 B.C., Electrum hekteSH86213. Electrum hekte, Bodenstedt em. 32, 7 (d/γ); Weber III 5736 (= Bodenstedt 7); Boston MFA 1906, SNG Kayhan -; SNG Cop -, SNGvA -, BMC Ionia -, Rosen -, EF, superb archaic style, well struck, tight flan, Phokaia (Foca, Turkey) mint, weight 2.529g, maximum diameter 10.1mm, die axis 0o, c. 521 - 478 B.C.; obverse archaic style head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet, almond shaped eye, slight smile, long hair in rows of dots, dotted necklace, seal upward behind; reverse quadripartite incuse squareJoe Sermarini

GREEK, Phokaia, Ionia, c. 625 - 522 B.C., Electrum hekteSH86204. Electrum hekte, Triton XVI, lot 464; Bodenstedt - (cf. Em. 1), aEF, well centered and struck, small edge cracks, weight 2.575 g, maximum diameter 10.3 mm, die axis 0o, Phokaia (Foca, Turkey) mint, c. 625/0 - 522 B.C.; obverse forepart of seal right, dolphin swimming downward behind, annulet or ring below; reverse irregular incuse square punch; ex Numismatik Naumann auction 40, lot 270; extremely rare1 commentsJoe Sermarini

Greek, Sicily, Syracuse, Agathokles, 317 - 289 B.C., Electrum 50 LitraiSH86808. Electrum 50 litrai, Jenkins Group B (O4/R3); SNG ANS 621 (same obv. die); BMC Sicily p. 184, 263 (same); de Luynes 1267 (same); HGC 2 1294, VF, attractive style, centered on a tight flan, lightly toned, light marks, die crack on reverse, Syracuse mint, weight 3.587g, maximum diameter 15.3mm, die axis 270o, c. 306 - 305 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Apollo left, amphora behind; reverse ΣYPAKOΣIΩN (clockwise from upper right), ornamented tripod lebes, high ring handles; ex Classical Numismatic Group, e-auction 412, lot 38; ex John A. Seeger Collection; ex Classical Numismatic Group, auction 76 (12 Sep 2007), lot 30132 commentsJoe Sermarini

Greek, Western Anatolia, c. 620 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type Electrum HekteSH85577. Electrum hekte, Phokaic standard 1/6 stater; unpublished, EF, flan cracks, uncertain western Anatolia mint, weight 2.721g, maximum diameter 8.96mm, c. 620 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse one small incuse square punch; extremely rare

Unpublished! The majority of the earliest electrum issues were struck on the lighter Milesian weight standard, with hectes weighing approximately 2.35 grams. This example, however is on the heavier Phocaic standard that was used at mints such as Cyzicus, Mysia and Phocaea, Ionia.Joe Sermarini

Ionia - UncertainElectrum 1/24th stater
625-600 BC
O - Raised swastika
R - Incuse square quadripartite
SNG Turkey I 702mauseus

Ionia, Miletos EL 1/24 StaterIonia, Miletos EL 1/24 Stater
600-550 BC
Lion’s head facing / Rough incuse square
ATEC 210; SNG Kayhan 453-454; Klein 416
0.52g, 10mmMatteo

Ionia, Phokaia ELECTRUM 2.52 grElectrum is an aloe mix of gold and silver. Usually 50% gold and 50% silver.
Ob: Female's head left wearing Corinth helmet
Re: Quadripartite incuse square Antonivs Protti

Ionia, Phokaia ELECTRUM 2.52 gr Ionia, Phokaia ELECTRUM 2.52 gr
Electrum is an aloe mix of gold and silver. Usually 50% gold and 50% silver.
Ob: Female's head left wearing Corinth helmet
Re: Quadripartite incuse square
Antonivs Protti

Ionia, Phokaia SOLDFemale head to left; below neck, seal swimming left.

Quadripartite incuse square.

Hekte, Electrum 2.48g

Circa 478-387 BCE

Bodenstedt 90. Boston 1922. SNG von Aulock 2127

Ex-Calgary coin

A nicely centered late electrum piece

SOLD to ANE October 2023 (Torex)2 commentsJay GT4

Ionia, uncertainPeríod of the Artemisión found.
Late 7th century BC.
Electrum 1/24 Stater - 0.49g
Obv.: Convex globular surface.
Rev.: Rectangular incuse punch.

Other than the literary tradition ascribing the origin of coinage to the kings of Lydia, there is little evidence for a more exact chronology of early Greek coinage. The tradition, buttressed by limited archaeological studies, does confirm Asia Minor as the place of origin, most likely Lydia or Ionia, and a date somewhere around 650 BC. The alloy used, a mixture of gold and silver known to the Greeks as elektron was based on the natural ore found in nugget form in many river-beds in the region. The earliest coins were of a globular shape and without design in imitation of this natural form; later, simple striated and punched patterns of squares, rectangles and swastikas were included.EX.NVMMIS

Ionia??Unknow
Electrum??? Bronze???
Obverse:Hermes wearing petasos???
Reverse:Square punch

8.34mm 0.75gmaik

Ionian Shores500 B.C.
1/96th stater (electrum or silver)
0.10 gm, 4.5 mm
Obv.: Smooth surface, traces of lines
Rev.: six or seven round pellets in incuse

Identification tentative - any help appreciatedJaimelai

John II Electrum Aspron Trachy SBCV-1941Simon

John II, Electrum Aspron Trachy of Constantinopleobv: IC XC in field
Christ, bearded and nimbate wearing tunic and collobion seated upon throne without back; right hand raised in benediction, holds Gospels in left
Rev:
var. Ib
Full length figure of emperor on left and of Saint George beardless and nimbate on right, between them patriarchal cross on long shaft at the base is a small globe(worn on this coin) Emperor wears stemma, divitision and chlamys( in this coin var b there is a dot below the tab lion on chlamys); saint wears short military tunic, breast plate and sagion, holds sword in left hand.
Mint: Constantinople
Date: 1118-1143 CE
31mm 2.28g

wileyc

Kingdom of Lydia Alyattes II EL TriteKingdom of Lydia. Alyattes II EL Trite. 610-560 BC. Sardes mint, 4.67g, 13mm.
O: Confronted lion’s heads (only the right is visible); walwet (partially off flan) between.
R: Double incuse square punch. Weidauer 93.

The Kingdom of Lydia under the Mermnad dynasty may well have been the originator of coinage in the Mediterranean world. It possessed rich deposits of electrum, an alloy of gold and silver, which was the only metal used for coin production in its earliest stages. While most of these coins are anepigraphic, a small number of types bear either the the inscription walwet or kukalim in Lydian, the former thought to be the name of the Mermnad king known from Greek sources as Alyattes.

On trites such as this coin, the oversized die features two confronted lion's heads, with the inscription between them, although only the right or left lion is ever fully visible. It would seem the dies were initially produced for the striking of staters, although none survive.
Nemonater

Kuprilli Electrum HekteObv: Forepart of roaring lion right confronting forepart of stag left.
Rev: KO-PRL-LE - Trieskeles.
Weight: 2.20g
Ref: Help pleaseoa

macdonald557-2Rheskuporis II with Elagabalus
Electrum Stater, Bosporus

Obv: BACIΛEⲰC PHCKOYΠOPIΔOC, Diademed and draped bust of Rheskuporis II right; to right, trident.
Rev: ΔIΦ (Date: 514 = 16 May 218-end of 218). Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus right.
19 mm, 7.66 gms

MacDonald 557/2

From Nomos Obolos Web Auction 13, lot 512. From the collection of Pavlo Skoropadskyi.Charles M

macdonald558-4Rheskuporis II with Elagabalus
Electrum Stater, Bosporus

Obv: BACIΛEⲰC PHCKOYΠOPIΔOC, Diademed and draped bust of Rheskuporis II right.
Rev: EIΦ (Date: 515 = 218-219). Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus right, star to right.
19 mm, 7.65 gms

MacDonald 558/4

From Nomos Obolos Web Auction 13, lot 513. From the collection of Pavlo Skoropadskyi.1 commentsCharles M

Manuel I CommnenusElectrum Aspron Trachy, c.1167-1180
S. 1961; DO.6b (Type E, 5th coinage?)
4.3 gm, 32 mm

Manuel I Komnenus electrum aspron trachy SB1957Obverse: IC-XC OEMMANVOHA Facing bust of Christ, bearded facing pallium, colobium, Gospela in left.
Reverse: MANOYHA (delta) ECIII (or similar), Virgan Mary nimbate stdg on r. wears pallium and maphorium, crowns emperor with right hand, Manuel stdg on l. wears divitison, loros and chlamys, holds labarum and akakia
Date: 8 April 1143-24 Sept 1180 CE
Mint: Constantinople
Sear 1957
33mm 4.33gm EF cracked

ex Forum1 commentswileyc

Michael VII Electrum histamenon nomisma SB1868 Obverse: IC_XC barred, Bust of Christ facing wearing nimbus cr., pallium and colobium, and raising r., hand in benediction; in l. hand, book of Gospels, double border pellets.
Reverse: +MIXAHARACIA OA, Bust facing bearded, wearing crown and loros, and holding labarum and gl. cr.; double border.
Mint: Constantinople
Date: 1071-1078 CE
SB 1868 DOC III 2a
ex Forum
28mm, 4.33gwileyc

Miletos - 1/12th stater - lion's head - it's not a FAKE - I'll post new pics asapIONIA. Miletus. El 1/12 Stater, ca. 600-550 B.C.
Obv: Lions head right; Rev: Incuse punch containing Stellate pattern. Ref: Rosen 275.

Provenance: Ponterio, Bowers and MerenaCaffaro

Miletos - 1/24th stater - facing lion's headIONIA, Miletos. Circa 600-550 BC. EL 1/24 Stater (5 mm, 0.57 gm.)
Obv: Lion’s head facing. Rev: Incuse punch. Ref: Rosen 580 (for type) ?

Provenance: Vcoins, ANA
Caffaro

MYSIE - CYZIQUE Hémiobole, Groupe 1, 480-450 avant J.C.
Avers :
Anépigraphe. Protomé de sanglier bondissant à gauche.
Revers :
Anépigraphe. Tête de lion, la geule béante dans un carré creux ; au dessus étoile à 4 rais (milet?)

Références : Bmc 119. Gc 3850. Aulock 1213. SNG France 5386. Delepierre 2516
MYSIE - CYZIQUE
(VIe - Ve siècle avant J.-C.)
Cyzique, colonie de Milet fondée au VIIIe siècle avant J.-C., est située au bord la Propontide sur l'île d'Arktonnesos. Sa situation politique et économique était prépondérante entre le Pont-Euxin et la Mer Égée en contrôlant la Propontide au débouché de l'Hellespont. Le monnayage débuta à la fin du VIIe siècle avant J.-C. Un important monnayage d'électrum fut frappé entre 600 et 330 avant J.-C. avec le thon comme symbole.B*Numis

Namnètes. Quart de statère à l'hippophore (Ier siècle avant J.-C.)avers : Anépigraphe. Tête à droite, entourée de cordons perlés.
revers : Anépigraphe. Cheval androcéphale galopant à droite conduit par un aurige levant la main gauche et tenant les rênes de la droite; entre les jambes du cheval, hippophore.
19mm; 1.52g; 7h
Electrum. Région de Nantes.
DT.2197/98T.MooT

Nice Electrum HektePhokaia -- Electrum Hekte (2.6 g). c. 477-388 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing Attic hemet decorated with griffin. Reverse: Quadripart incuse. Bodenstedt 91. Head of Athena left, wearing Attic hemet decorated with griffin. Reverse: Quadripart incuse. Bodenstedt 91. 1 commentsfeatherz

Nicephorus III, Botaniates. 1078-1081 AD.
Electrum histamenon nomisma (trachy). Constantinople. IC-XC to left and right, Christ seated facing on throne with square back, wearing nimbus cross, holding book of Gospels; double border / + NIKHFR DEC P TW ROTANIATH, Nicephorus standing facing on footstool, bearded, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum with X on shaft and cross on globe; double border. DO 2. Sear 1882.Britanikus

PUNIC, Carthage, Zeugitana, c. 310 - 290 B.C., Electrum shekelSH21941. Electrum shekel, Jenkins and Lewis 247 - 250, SNG Cop 137, SGCV II 6462, Choice gVF, a gem, weight 7.575 g, maximum diameter 18.8 mm, die axis 0o, Carthage mint, obverse head of Tanit left, wreathed in grain, wearing necklace and triple-drop earring, dot border; reverse horse standing right on double exergual line, pellet lower right, border of dots; excellent strike with dies of finest style; scarce1 commentsJoe Sermarini

Sicily, Akragas, Punic Occupation, 213-211 BC, AR (or EL?) 1/4 Shekel Head of Triptolemos right, wearing barley wreath.
Horse galloping right, Punic letters H and T below.

Walker p. 284-7 (dies unlisted); Burnett 148-149 (same rev. die); Visona 56; SNG Copenhagen 379-380; Sear 6603 ( Hiempsal II, Numidian Kingdom).

(15 mm, 1.71 g, 10h).
Classical Numismatic Group.

This coin type is unrecorded in electrum although this appears to be the metal of the flan, imparting a light golden hue to the coin suggesting around 15% gold content. If so this is the only known example of this coin type struck on electrum.n.igma

SOLD! Mylasa, CariaCARIA. Mylasa

Forepart of a roaring lion to right, head turned back to left.

Bird standing left; pellets to lower left and upper right; all within incuse square.

Mylasa, Caria Circa 420-390 BC.

AR Tetartemorion

4-5mm; 0.21g

SNG Kayhan 940-43 (Caria uncertain); SNG Keckman I 926-7; SNG Tübingen 3001 (Miletos).

SOLD Torex Feb 2022
Gold toning makes it appear like electrum

Ex- NBS Web Auction 5, lot 145 (incorrectly weighed 0.1g)4 commentsJay GT4

Turkey, Sardis, "Mint of Croesus"This complex archaeological site includes the electrum refinery in Sardis, dating from the 6th century BC and the time of Croesus. Here, the natural electrum nuggets dredged from the river were smelted, and the gold and silver separated and refined separately. No evidence of actual coin striking at the site is known, though it seems most likely that the minting would have been done at the same location as the metal refining. Mixed up with the site are ruins of a Roman villa, and a Byzantine church.1 commentsSap

Uncertain, Ionia - [cf. CNG 72, lot 774 (hemihekte); CNG 81, lot 534 (hekte); CNG Coin Shop Inv. #765642 (hemihekte); CNG 51, lot 432 (trite); NAC 23, lot 1250 (trite) - All listed as unique or extremely rare. No rev. match w/ listed coin]Electrum Hemihekte, Samian-Euboeic standard, gVF, 1.190g, 7.3mm, c. 600 - 550 B.C.

Obv. - scarab beetle

Rev. - star shaped pattern in incuse square

Unpublished and unique with star incuse reverse.
___________

Purchased from Forum Ancient Coins

Ex. FORVM Dealer Photo

Sold 08May2015 via eBay
4 commentsrenegade3220

77 files on 1 page(s)